FESTIVAL ARCHIVE
Performers 2002
Brief bios follow. For further information, check the performer's web site (linked to name):
- Terry Allen (USA) is a Lubbock-raised songwriter, artist and playwright. Wry, sardonic, irreverent and satirical, Terry Allen's songs are like short stories with Twilight Zone-like twists to them.
- Dave Alvin & The Guilty Men (USA)- Grammy award winner (Best Traditional Folk Album of 2001), Dave is equally comfortable and adept playing his acoustic guitar and blazing on his well-worn Stratocaster. He will demonstrate both sides at our festival.
- Amadou et Mariam (Mali) met at the Institute for the Young Blind of Mali, in Bamako. Their story is touching and uncommon. They have overcome great obstacles to bring their music to the world. They will be joined by a full band for their Festival debut.
- B'Net Marrakech (The Women of Marrakech) (Morocco) play the music of both Arabs and Berbers, the original people of Morocco. Lush instrumentation, plaintive vocals and sharp syncopated rhythms are all part of this mesmerising experience.
- Long John Baldry with Andreas Schuld - (BC) Long John is a legend and one of the fathers of the British rock scene. This visit, he will perform songs from his recent album Remembering Leadbelly.
- Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys (USA) wow audiences with their rockabilly boogie sounds. Their musicianship and longevity have made them a touchstone in the roots music scene in the US.
- La Bottine Souriante (QC)- With 26 years together, eleven albums and more than two thousand shows under their belt, Best Live Band in the World, (BBC radio awards) show no sign of slowing down.
- Bowser and Blue (QC) are musical satirists from Montreal. Performing together since 1978 in pubs, theatres and on radio and television, they bring humour to their role as MCs on mainstage.
- Chuck Brodsky (USA) has a down-to-earth presence. His touching storytelling and dry, barb-witted social commentary bring both tears and laughter to the listener. Chuck combines arresting songwriting, groove-oriented guitar playing and a soulful, compassionate voice.
- Paul Bromley - (AB) Paul's eclectic finger-style guitar-driven writing, coupled with a quirky sense of humour and genuine concern for the human condition make him a must see at this year's Festival.
- Greg Brown (USA) uses music and words to paint powerful yet deceptively simple images upon a canvas of gospel, blues, country and jazz. You will experience the humour, warmth, insights and spirit of his legendary, live performances.
- Michael Jerome Browne (QC) is a multi-instrumentalist and interpreter of blues music tradition. He was awarded Acoustic Artist of the Year at the 2001 Maple Blues awards.
- Guy Clark (USA) is a craftsman. His tools are pen, paper and guitar. His inspiration comes from life's little dramas and what he creates are songs that last. Verlon Thompson will accompany Guy on guitar.
- Kevin Cook (AB) has roots deep in the country and blues traditions, creating the foundation for his strong narrative songwriting style. His latest recording Trouble Light demonstrates his soulful singing, accomplished finger-style guitar work and his off-beat sense of humour.
- J.P. Cormier (NS) is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and award winner. His stage presence combined with his razor sharp wit makes him an instant success with every audience. Hilda Chiasson-Cormier joins on piano, step dancing and harmony vocals.
- Doug Cox (BC) - Doug's live performances include his own songs as well as traditional material in the blues, bluegrass, and other roots styles played on guitar, weissenborn, and dobro.
- D'Gary (Madagascar) is a dizzying and graceful guitarist. For his Edmonton debut singer Ratazanina and percussionist Xavier-Martial Francois will join him.
- Danú (Ireland) - Multi-award winners Danú perform Irish traditional music with a skill and sizzle that have captured the imagination and loyalty of fans worldwide. George Bernard Shaw was wrong-youth isn't wasted on the young.
- Olu Dara (USA) is a band leader, composer and multi-instrumentalist who effortlessly blends Mississippi blues, modern funk and a wealth of African styles into a sound that is utterly American and pure Olu. He will bring along his four-piece band.
- Alpha Yaya Diallo (BC) has earned a great reputation for the excellence of his musicianship and the excitement of his live shows. His dextrous acoustic and electric guitar playing, wonderful original arrangements and his strong voice have placed him in the front ranks of African performers.
- Maria Dunn (AB) - Juno award nominee, Maria, is a captivating singer/songwriter. She brings characters from the past and the present to life in original music that pays homage to her Celtic roots and Canadian upbringing.
- Entourloupe (QC) are skilled musicians of the highest order, bringing traditional Quebec music that is compelling, accessible and lots of fun.
- Festival House Band (AB/ON) - Following a one year absence, Amos Garrett (guitar) returns to lead our house band with Kit Johnson (bass), Michelle Josef (drums), Rusty Reed (harmonica), Dave Babcock (horns) and Ron Casat (keyboards).
- Ruthie Foster (USA)- Ruthie's native Texas roots are evident in her songs with their blues, gospel, country and folk influences. Cyd Cassone's percussion and background vocals add perfect texture to Ruthie's strong soulful vocal performances.
- Patty Griffin (USA) is a passionate singer-songwriter from Old Town, Maine. Her intimate and insightful lyrics are displayed in her highly acclaimed third release 1000 Kisses. She will make her Festival debut on Friday evening.
- Bruce Guthro (NS) is an honest storyteller with a striking voice. Winner of five categories at the 1998 East Coast Music Awards, Bruce is becoming well known across Canada and in Europe where he is the singer for Scotland's Runrig.
- Joe Hall (ON) - After 32 years of performing and nine albums, Joe is primarily known for his comic writing and manic live shows. Sure there's the funny stuff, but there is also great craftsmanship, thoughtfulness and poignancy in his work.
- Sarah Harmer (ON) - Formerly of Weeping Tile, Sarah's intelligent, honest lyrics and catchy, finely crafted melodies soar with finesse. "Harmer is mesmerizing," writes Billboard magazine.
- Corey Harris and the 5 X 5 (USA) - Corey uses his acoustic blues as a blasting off point, making up-to-date, original music that crosses all boundaries. "He's a wonderfully tasteful guitar player with terrific slide technique, but above all he is simply a great singer." Bruce Iglauer, Alligator
Records
- Ron Hynes (NF) is an award-winning songwriter who has been performing and writing wonderful songs for over 30 years. His most famous song, Sonny's Dream has been recorded by Christy Moore, Mary Black and Emmylou Harris.
- Janis Ian (USA) - After four decades in the music business, Janis is still doing what she does best, writing great songs. She is currently touring with her 17th album God and the FBI.
- Indigo Girls (USA) - Folk music's favourite duo, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers will close out the mainstage on Sunday night with a special acoustic show. Touring on the strength of their critically acclaimed new release Become You, they will provide a very special finale for the Festival.
- Andy Irvine (Ireland) was a founding member of supergroups Planxty and Patrick Street and recorded excellent collaborations with Paul Brady and Dick Gaughan. He is a troubadour of unquestionable integrity who has been singing about the heroism of the common man for over 30 years.
- Martyn Joseph (UK) is a charismatic and electrifying performer. Q magazine praises his "thoughtful lyrics, lungpower aplenty and a heart full of breathless emotions."
- The Laws (BC) are Michelle and John, a songwriting duo, performing original music that crosses the boundaries of country, bluegrass and folk. With John on guitar and mandolin, Michelle on rhythm guitar, their instrumental work is flawless and inventive.
- Los Lobos - Following release of their 11th album Good Morning Aztlan, three time Grammy winners Los Lobos return to the festival with their distinctive blend of rock & roll, Latin, and soul.
- Nick Lowe (UK) is a respected songwriter, vocalist, musician, producer and much more. As a producer he has worked with Elvis Costello, John Hiatt and the Pretenders. He recently released his 11th album, The Convincer.
- Corb Lund Band (AB) - Their brand of old style country music captures the vibe of the Canadian prairies and mixes it with a young and indie perspective with the toe tappin' sounds of acoustic guitar, stand-up bass and stripped down drums.
- Celso Machado and Qiu Xia He (BC) - The blending of a Chinese pipa player and a Brazilian guitarist might seem an odd cultural mix, until you listen to their magic on Celso's CD Jonga Le.
- Stewart MacDougall (AB) moved to Edmonton from New Brunswick in 1980. He played with k.d. lang, Ian Tyson and The Great Western Orchestra and has recorded two solo albums Gathering Time and Heresay.
- Ashley MacIsaac (NS)- Ashley is a Canadian fiddle superstar whose parents' Cape Breton home is stuffed with Juno, Gemini and East Coast Music Awards. He will perform solo and in a very special East Coast fiddle extravaganza on Sunday's mainstage.
- Buddy MacMaster/Jerry Holland (NS) are two fiddle legends strongly rooted in Cape Breton's traditions. They will participate in the Sunday night East Coast fiddle extravaganza.
- Harry Manx (BC) - In 1990, Harry became a student of VM Bhatt and remained with him for five years. In the spring of 2000, he returned to Canada, releasing his first CD, Dog My Cat, to great acclaim. Harry has a one-man band sound with lap slide guitar, blues harp and vocals.
- Kate & Anna McGarrigle (QC)- Since their debut album in 1976, their distinctive harmonies and songs have given their music a world stage. Growing up in a Laurentian Mountains village, Kate and Anna absorbed a rich musical heritage including ballads, blues, French Canadian folk songs and contemporary
singer/songwriters.
- Mernie! (QC/ON) draws on their years of performance and study of a myriad of popular and traditional music from North America, the Arab world and India. Led by Maryem and Ernie Tollar, this is music without borders.
- Tony Michael (AB) has been playing fiddle and mandolin and singing for over two decades. His passion for music extends to bluegrass, celtic, folk, blues and country styles.
- Lynn Miles (ON) - Lynn's songs are tender and subtle, full of thought-provoking lyrics and gentle melodies. With a beautiful singing style, she is never afraid to explore the more melancholy sides of life. Lynn creates powerful and truthful music.
- Keb' Mo' (USA) Multiple Grammy and W.C. Handy award winner, Keb's voice transforms from urgency to tenderness, while the groove is blues-based and burnished with a contemporary edge. He is a writer and singer who communicates heart to heart.
- Terry Morrison (AB) - A strong acoustic guitar player, Terry combines unique melodies, phrasing and rhythm to create her own brand of contemporary roots music with songs that both soothe and cut to the quick.
- Mortal Coil (BC) has been thrilling crowds with their stunning visuals at festivals across Canada and the U.S. for over ten years.
- The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (USA) - The original "Dirt Band" has reunited just as their watershed album Will the Circle Be Unbroken is re-released on CD. This group bridged the gaps separating traditional country and bluegrass from its rebellious country-rock counterpart. "O' Brother, meet your
Daddy." (Washington Post)
- Tim O'Brien (USA) will be joined by Casey Driessen (fiddle), Bryan Sutton (guitar) and Dirk Powell (accordion). Tim is a singer of unusual clarity and originality, a multi-instrumentalist of rare ability and an incisive songwriter.
- Old Reliable (AB) blends Americana music with rock and roll and modern effects. The band is known for its varying musical personas, intelligent lyrics and mesmerizing live shows.
- Tom Phillips and the Men of Constant Sorrow (AB) play honest honky-tonk music laced with twangy lead guitar, steel guitar and accordion. Tom's songs delve into timeless country music themes with humour and pathos.
- Paul Reddick and the Sidemen (ON) - Nominated for nine citations at the 2001 Maple Blues Awards, this unique group has been forging a brand of hard and steady blues for over a decade. They are Canada's hottest blues band.
- Karen Savoca with Pete Heitzman (USA) - Playing conga and hand percussion, Karen infuses her music with a love of soul, R&B and world rhythms. She and guitarist Pete have been described as a mini-band with an elusive mix of melody, funk and spontaneity.
- Ron Sexsmith (ON)- Ron's ability to conjure images, characters, plot or just plain emotion has earned him praise from Elvis Costello and Paul McCartney among others. Ron will make his Festival debut touring with his fourth album Blue Boy.
- Sharon Shannon (Ireland) is internationally known in the folk world for her accordion and fiddle playing, ground breaking solo albums and her many collaborations. She will be joined by Jim Murray (guitar), Mary Shannon (banjo and mandolin) and Pauline Scanlon (vocals).
- Six Nations Women Singers (ON) represent the Onondaga, Cayuga and Seneca Nations and includes four members that have been singing together for over thirty years. Through their performances, they raise cultural awareness and funds to contribute to their community.
- Todd Snider (USA) veers from a hilariously insightful worldview to moments of tender beauty. This acoustic guitar-slinging songwriter weaves a vulnerability that draws his listener in. He brings a wry voice with an eye for inherent conflict and sardonic presence to this year's Festival.
- Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir (USA) - Linda has tapped the diverse resources of African-American music, and the deeper she pursues her roots, the more her artistry blossoms. "It is this music, particularly the spirituals, which has kept black people alive through slavery, night riders and
segregation." Linda Tillery
- Rokia Traoré (Mali) - Her second album, Wanita, was voted #1 Album of the Year by fRoots magazine (London). Mentored by Ali FarkeToure, Rokia's music is steeped in tradition and thoroughly integrated into a contemporary sound.
- Rhonda Vincent and the Rage (USA) - Voted the 2001 Female Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association, Rhonda will be joined by The Rage, a group of top-notch bluegrass pickers for a very special performance.
- The Waifs (Australia) - In 1992, Donna and Vikki Simpson arrived back in Albany (Australia) homeless and dishevelled after a six-month tour. Josh Cunningham joined and they became known as The Waifs. A huge hit at our 2001 Festival, they will light up Thursday's mainstage.
- Cheryl Wheeler (USA) is a poet, comic, a militant trend-defier and a savagely funny social critic. She is the writer of some of the prettiest and most intelligent ballads on the modern folk scene.
- Tim Williams (AB) settled in Canada in 1970. His skills on guitar, slide guitar, mandolin and six-string banjo are at home anywhere, from the largest festival stage to the smallest club.
- Richard Wood (PE) has won countless championships as a step dancer and fiddler. He continues to work on an innovative approach to traditional Celtic jigs, reels and strathspeys. Tempering the mix are sweet airs and lively polkas.
- Warren Zevon, an acclaimed singer-songwriter making his Edmonton Folk Festival debut, is best known for hits Werewolves in London and Poor Poor Pitiful Me.
- Zubot & Dawson (BC) - Guitar, dobro, Hawaiian guitar, fiddle and mandolin combine to make music they call strang music. They offer equal parts back porch spirit and cutting edge craftsmanship. Their musicianship is amazing.
