FESTIVAL ARCHIVE
1999 Lineup
- Return to Past Performers
- Allakomi - is made up of Seydou Zon, and his seven children. Since their arrival in Canada in 1995 the group has performed the music of their homeland Burkina Faso and other West African countries.
- Altan - is one of Ireland's finest traditional groups. Altan's propulsive twin fiddles are fleshed out by accordian, guitars and bouzouki and are the perfect complement for the pure voice of Mairead ni Mhaonaigh.
- Joan Armatrading - Jazz tinged or reggae-flavoured, elegantly orchestrated or simply arranged, Joan Armatrading's songs are in the truest sense Soul Music.
- Joan Baez - We have been waiting for twenty years to host the singer who for many symbolises the folk revival. A very special Thursday evening show.
- Waldemar Bastos - is a singer songwriter who is called the "Voice of Angola". Waldemar will bring his band and his songs of peace and optimism for a much anticipated Folk debut.
- Jennifer Berezan - Alberta born and California resident Jennifer returns to the EFMF with brilliant guitarist Nina Gerber as accompanist.
- Dan Bern - doesn't write tidy couplets. Loaded words, tangential logic and surreal imagery flow out of him and there is substance beneath the surface shock.
- Rory Block - performs intense Delta blues, passionate folk and gripping originals. She is the 1998 winner of the WC Handy award for best acoustic blues artist.
- Bill Bourne - Juno Award winner, workshop host and EFMF favourite Bill Bourne is in effect the "house singer/songwriter" of the EFMF
- Greg Brown & Bo Ramsey - Roll out songs from the music they love - old country, blues, folk, gospel; songs that draw from the craziness and beauty around them.
- Boozoo Chavis - has been playing dance music on the Lousiana/East Texas "Crawfish Circuit" for four decades. Boozoo is a one of a kind originator, a living treasure that is the link between today's funk driven zydeco and the Creole music of an earlier era.
- Jimmy Cliff - is the most successful reggae artist after Bob Marley. He has written and sung Reggae's most enduring hits like "Many Rivers to Cross", "Sitting in Limbo" "The Harder they Come", as well as starred in cult movies.
- J.P. Cormier - Juno nominee and East Coast Music Award Winner J.P. Cormier sings and plays eight instruments with a virtuosity that seems impossible for one man to possess.
- Iris DeMent - Great songwriting and resonant vocals are the hallmarks of Iris DeMent's work. She is able to touch the heart and engage the mind as she dissects the deeply flawed structure of the contemporary world.
- Alpha Yaya Diallo - is an artist of rare musical ability. This Juno award winner is a composer, band leader and guitarist extraordinaire.
- Floyd Dixon - plays piano and sings in the "jump" style of early rhythm and blues. Floyd is a WC Handy Award Winner and has been dubbed "Mr Magnificant" for "his impeccable piano technique, fabulous timing and his voice like a foghorn."
- Drummers of Burundi - The extraordinary intensity and vitality of their performance is an emotional experience few western audiences will have ever encountered. A very special treat brought to us by W.O.M.A.D. and "OneReel" in Seattle.
- Maria Dunn Trio - Edmonton's own Celtic influenced singer/songwriter returns to the EFMF with Shannon Johnson and Gary Koliger.
- Fred Eaglesmith - He is joined by Juno winner Willie P. Bennet, Ralph Schipper, and Hank Fisher.
- Alejandro Escovedo - has been described as a "roots-rock renaissance man." The Austin singer/songwriter's music ranges from blazing guitar-driven roots to folk style emotional explorations, from aching country and western to gripping real-life essays.
- Stephen Fearing - is one of Canada's premiere singer/songwriters. Drawing on numerous musical influences including contemporary and traditional folk, country blues, gospel and jazz, he creates music that crosses genres.
- Ferron - sings her songs in a style that combines the hard edge of life with the tenderness of unbounded love. A welcome return for one of the best singer/songwriters in the world of folk music.
- Festival House Band - Amos Garrett (guitar) returns with Kit Johnson (bass), Ron Casat (keys), Rusty Reed (harmonica), Michelle Josef (drums), and Dave Babcock (horns).
- Archie Fisher - is making an EFMF debut. Britain's Folk Roots magazine has dubbed Archie Fisher both the "James Dean and the Frank Sinatra" of folk music. He is a seminal figure in the Scottish folk revival.
- Dick Gaughan - long and distinguished musical career has brought wide international attention and acclaim. Known for his guitar wizardry, his velvet voice and his thought-provoking songwriting, Dick is considered by many as Scotland's premier singer/songwriter.
- Jimmie Dale Gilmore - Grammy Award Winner Jimmie Dale Gilmore makes a welcome return to the EFMF. His music is a special brand of folk, rockabilly, and honky-tonk.
- Nanci Griffith - One of the top singer/songwriters in the world of folk music will grace our stage for her first show in Canada since 1990.
- Maura Hagen - brings her stunning, pure Celtic voice to our 20th Anniversary. An EFMF debut.
- Inti-Illimani - For three decades Inti-Illimani's music has intoxicated audiences from around the globe. Wedded in traditional Latin American roots and playing on more than 30 wind, string and percussion instruments, the group's compositions are a treasure for the human spirit.
- Gordie Johnson / Kelly Hoppe - A special Friday night acoustic performance from leading members of Big Sugar.
- Kavana, McNeill, Lynch, Lupari - EFMF favourite Ron Kavana returns with fantastic fiddler/songwriter Brian McNeill, ex Four Men and a Dog frontman Gino Lupari (bodhran/vocals) and uileann piper/songwriter Tomas Lynch. A gael force 10 sound.
- Habib Koite and Bamada - Every year a CD from an unknown artist arrives in our office and knocks us out. Habib is simply brilliant and further proof that Mali is a hothouse of roots music.
- Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies - Jez's songs of Northern England are among the most widely sung on the British scene. Jez is joined by Billy Surgeoner, Simon Haworth, and Judy Dinning.
- Donal Lunny's Coolfin (with Sharon Shannon) - For over 30 years, Donal Lunny has been the great innovator in Irish Music whether with Planxty, the Bothy Band or Moving Hearts. Donal's new band features the cream of Irish folk musicians.
- Madagascar Slim - plays blues and increasingly, the music of his homeland Madagascar. Well known on the Toronto scene, Slim is making his Edmonton debut.
- Kate and Anna McGarrigle - Since their debut album in 1976, their distinctive harmonies and songs have given their music a world stage. This is their first EFMF since 1992 and follows the success of "The McGarrigle Hour."
- Rory McLeod & Aimee Leonard - Festival favourite Rory is joined by bodhran master and lead singer of Anam, Aimee Leonard. Rory is a one man soul band, poet, and storyteller.
- Ralph McTell - is a folk music legend with "Clare to Here" and "Streets of London" among his many classic songs.
- Terry Morrison - Strong acoustic guitar combined with a unique sense of phrasing, melody, and rhythm from the backdrop for insightful, well crafted songs imaginatively delivered with Terry Morrison's deep, rich voice.
- Mortal Coil - Vancouver's stilt walkers return with their special brand of magic and their brilliant costumes.
- Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits "Tuku" to his fans, has a career spanning 20 years and 35 albums and is a super star in his native Zimbabwe. His EFMF debut promises to be a highlight.
- Geoff Muldaur - is back. His 1998 album "The Secret Handshake" won universal critical acclaim. "One of my favorite singers." (Bonnie Raitt)
- The Paperboys - high energy shows have made them a favorite wherever they play. Combining blistering reels, cajun and pop tunes they pack the dance floors and win over fans and critics.
- Graham Parker - Singer/songwriter and critic's favorite makes his first appearance at the EFMF.
- Ron Pearson - Edmonton magician and comedian will host stage 7 on Saturday.
- iKelly Joe Phelps - plays acoustic country blues as if he had lived 80 years in the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta and yet he comes across as a true original.
- Steve Pineo - Calgary's own prolific singer/songwriter as well as one fine guitarist makes a return to our festival.
- The Rankins - Five Juno Awards, over a dozen East Coast Music Awards and two million album sales have made the Rankins a driving force in the Canadian music scene.
- Lionel Rault - Singer/songwriter, guitarist and CKUA presenter, Lionel is a mainstay of Edmonton's roots scene.
- Kimmie Rhodes - We fell in love with her album West Texas Heaven with guests Joe Ely, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson. Her voice and songs are simply extraordinary.
- The Rockin' Highliners - play jump, swing, blues with a style and energy unlike any of the band's counterparts in this country.
- Roy Rogers & Shana Morrison - The reigning master of bottleneck slide guitar joins forces with a singer known for her soaring melodic lines and sophisticated use of dynamics. An EFMF debut.
- Tom Russell - Tom Russell has been called "one of the great undiscovered writers of "Gothic-western music." He will be joined by Andrew Hardin on guitar.
- Laura Smith - Spun from moonlit nights and cool, crashing waves, Smith's music is direct and honest. Fiddles, and guitar lilt and carry her spirited vocals, while her melodies and careful poetry dig deep.
- Ben Spencer - This young, dynamic songwriter blends traditional roots influences with a fresh intensity that ensure an engaging performance.
- Jane Siberry - is one of Canada's leading singer/songwriters. A very special solo performance.
- Ben Sures - Fluid acoustic guitar, quirky songwriting and relaxed command of the stage are qualities that Ben will bring to he EFMF debut.
- Irma Thomas & the Professionals - In any style of music only a few great voices may transcend their specific genre and Irma Thomas's voice is one such voice. Prepare for a treat from the Soul Queen of New Orleans on her EFMF debut.
- Ulali - features Pura Fe (Tuscarora), Soni (Mayan, Apache, Yaqui) and Jennifer (Toscarora). Founded in 1987, Ulali is the first Native women's group to create their own sound from thier strong traditional roots and personal contemporary styles.
- Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble - embraces the classical and folk tradtions of China and each member is a hightly accomplished instrumentalist. Together they combine technical mastery with a passionate approach to music.
- Aditya Verma - Although he grew up in Canada, Aditya has spent most of the past eleven years in India learning the sorode. He will add tabla and tan pura for his Edmonton debut.
- Loudon Wainwright III - His razor like humour and wry introspection have grown sharper with time. His fatalistic wit is in full working order.
- Martha Wainwright - splits her time between Montreal and New York. Blessed with a wonderful voice, Martha's songs are direct and accessible with a nod towards Cole Porter.
- Rufus Wainwright - Great voice combined with clever songwriting and a cabaret approach to performing make Rufus Wainwright a truly unique artist.
- Diamond Joe White - Born in the Alberta oil patch of Turner Valley, Joe has had a long and colorful career in Canadian music. His rough-shod sound along with his personality make for a complete package on stage.
- Andy White - Belfast singer/songwriter, Andy White is best known as Northern Ireland's leading political incubator. An EFMF debut.
- Tim Williams - His skill on guitar, slide guitar, mandolin, and six string banjo are at home anywhere, from the largest festival stage to the smallest club.
- Willie and Lobo - You'll hear Salsa, Scottish/Appalachian reels, Middle Eastern chants, Irish jigs, zydeco, Jimi Hendrix and Tex-Mex - sometimes in the same song. A very welcome return.
- Bob Wiseman - has travelled hundreds of thousands of kilometers, performing his emotional and libelous confrontation songs about ... MacDonalds, Pepsi, the CIA, Union Carbide, Richard Nixon and others ... you get the idea.
- Richard Wood - is a fiddling dynamo from PEI. The 1998 East Coast Music Award Winner has been wowing audiences for over a decade. Prepare to be wowed.
- Jennifer and Hazel Wrigley - Jennifer's flair for writing memorable tunes and her expressive fiddling and Hazel's artfully rhythmic accompaniments on guitar and piano make these twin sisters from the Orkney Islands a must see.
~ line-up subject to change without notice.
