Kiran Ahluwalia (Canada) comes to Edmonton following her 2012 Juno Award for the World Music Album of the Year. Kiran is an innovator who looks beyond her Indian heritage to create a musical world outside geographical boundaries. www.kiranmusic.com
Amadou & Mariam (Mali) are one of the most successful bands in the history of African Music. Their music is possibly the most joyful sound in roots music today. www.amadou-mariam.com
Arrested Development (USA) are a two-time Grammy award winning hip hop group who brings substance and fresh sounds to the genre. These trail blazers were a huge hit at our 2009 festival. www.arresteddevelopmentmusic.com
Bahamas (Canada) Afie Jurvanen has played our festival several times in the past, most notably with Feist. Now this Finnish-Canadian brings his own great music to the EFMF. bahamasmusic.net
The Barr Brothers (Canada) Brad and Andrew Barr moved from the USA to Montreal. There, they joined up with multi-instrumentalist Andres Vial and classically trained harpist Sarah Page. A unique sound was born. thebarrbrothers.com
Kim Beggs and TNile (Canada) Two of Canada’s leading young songwriters will collaborate with their bandmates for some special shows at our festival. www.kimbeggs.com www.tnile.com
Geoff Berner (Canada) has built a cult following with insightful humour, politically inflammatory compositions and his showmanship. “I want to make original Klezmer music that’s drunk, dirty, political and passionate,” says Geoff. geoffberner.com
Rory Block (USA) is widely regarded as a top interpreter and authority on traditional country blues. “Rory has been an inspiration to me since we started out years ago.” (Bonnie Raitt) www.roryblock.com
Blue Highway (USA) is one of the most esteemed acts in contemporary Bluegrass. Their hallmark is an unwavering commitment to the ensemble even though it has five gifted writers in its ranks. bluehighwayband.com
La Bottine Souriante (Canada) is a living legend of French North American Folk Music. The band pays homage to traditional Quebec Folk music and successfully allies folk music with a dash of Salsa and Jazz. www.bottinesouriante.com
David Bromberg (USA) He’s played with everyone, he’s toured everywhere, he can lead a raucous big band or hold an audience silent with solo acoustic blues. He also makes, sells and repairs high quality violins. He’s a true legend. www.davidbromberg.net
Calypso Rose (Tobago, West Indes) started singing at the age of 15, and for over fifty years she has been the reigning Queen of Calypso. www.calypsorosediva.com
Mary Chapin Carpenter (USA) By combining folk, country and blues, she has proven herself to be an artist for whom the conventional boundaries disappear, and her career has led to 12 studio albums and five Grammy awards. www.marychapincarpenter.com
The Johnny Clegg Band (South Africa) Johnny is a dancer, anthropologist, singer, songwriter, academic, activist and French knight. He has campaigned against apartheid and is one of South Africa’s greatest musical ambassadors. www.johnnyclegg.com
Scott Cook (Canada) Alberta’s own Prairie balladeer is a tirelessly travelling songwriter who brings honesty, humour, and a deep love of humanity to his storytelling. www.scottcook.net
Rose Cousins (Canada) You feel as though Rose sings for you, about your life and it is that sincerity that leads to comparisons with Canada’s most beloved songwriters. rosecousins.com
Rodney Crowell (USA) In 1975, Rodney joined Emmylou Harris’ hot band as a guitarist. He has since gained widespread recognition as a leader of the new traditionalist movement. Simply put, he is one of America’s foremost singer songwriters. www.rodneycrowell.com
Jim Cuddy Band (Canada) “When I write songs for my solo material, the songs tend to be a lot more personal.” Jim has three solo albums to his credit including the critically acclaimed 2011 release Skyscraper Soul. www.jimcuddy.com
David Wax Museum (USA) fuses traditional Mexican folk with American roots to create an utterly unique sound. Combining Latin rhythms, call and response hollering and donkey jawbone rattling, they have electrified audiences around the continent. www.davidwaxmuseum.com
Dry Bones (Canada) Leonard Podolak, JD Edwards and Nathan Rogers make up one of Canada’s most exciting new bands. These three exceptional talents came together in summer of 2011 and are going from strength to strength.
The Dunwells (England) Brothers Joe and Dave Dunwell, along with Jonny Lamb, David Hanson and Lee Dawson are ready to take their well crafted “New Folk” songs to Canada this summer. thedunwells.com
Steve Forbert (USA) can mesmerize a crowd with his distinctive voice, an acoustic guitar and his trusty harmonica slung around his neck. He writes timeless songs sweetened by a poetic sensibility. www.steveforbert.com
Lennie Gallant (Canada) Lennie’s intense delivery reaches down to the very soul of his audience, moving effortlessly through stirring narratives, comic observations and hard driving rhythms. www.lenniegallant.com
Amos Garrett and the Festival House Band (Canada) The festival band returns once again with Amos Garrett (guitar), Kit Johnson (bass), Michelle Josef (drums), Ron Casat (keys), Rusty Reed (harmonica) and Dave Babcock (horns).
Arlo Guthrie–Guthrie Family Reunion (USA ) Celebrating Woody’s 100th, the performance will feature Arlo, Abe, Cathy, Annie and Sara Lee Guthrie along with Johnny Irion. This promises to be a very special performance. www.arlo.net
Emmylou Harris (USA) Already celebrated as a discoverer and interpreter of songs, 12 time Grammy Award winner Emmylou has, in the last decade, gained admiration for her eloquently straightforward songwriting including 11 originals on her album Hard Bargain. www.emmylouharris.com
Joe Henry (USA) Three time Grammy Award winner Joe is a “Critics Darling” as a singer/songwriter and as a producer. He has worked with Salif Keita, Solomon Burke, Ani DiFranco, Rodney Crowell and Bonnie Raitt. He will be in good company in Edmonton. www.joehenrylovesyoumadly.com
Hills To Hollers (USA) Bluegrass legend Laurie Lewis, soul icon Linda Tillery and multi-instrumentalist Barbara Higbie have created a new vocal trio that is an instant sensation as they explore the intertwined roots of American Music. www.lindatillery.com, www.laurielewis.com, www.barbarahigbie.com
Andrea House (Canada) Andrea’s songwriting is full of melody and romance, floating somewhere between Patsy Cline and Billie Holliday. www.andreahouse.com
Emmanuel Jal (Sudan) was swept up into the Sudanese Rebel Army at the age of seven. Escaping with 400 soldiers only 16 of whom survived, and rescued by an Aid worker, he has become an international hip hop star, author and activist for children in war zones. http://www.we-want-peace.com/
Martyn Joseph (Wales) His songs are pictures and stories and feelings, all put to music by a master craftsman and as he often tells his audiences, “you keep turning up and so will I.” www.martynjoseph.net
George Kahumoku Jr. and the Masters of Hawaiian Music (Hawaii/USA) George is a Grammy and Hoku award winning master slack key guitarist, songwriter, high school and college teacher, sculptor, storyteller and taro farmer. He will be joined by Richard Ho’opi, Keoki Haumoku and Bobby Ingano. http://www.pasifika-artists.com/
Ladysmith Black Mambazo (South Africa) For over 40 years they have married the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African traditions to gospel music. From Paul Simon’s Graceland to Grammy awards and the Lion King, they have been on quite a journey and that journey now takes them to the EFMF. www.mambazo.com
Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three (USA) Their creative blend of early jazz, string ragtime, country blues and western swing rings true and fine, making them among the most innovative of all the purists performing early American roots music. www.pokeylafarge.net
Jimmy LaFave (USA) Although living in Texas, Jimmy has strong musical ties to the state of Oklahoma and what he often refers to as its “red dirt music.” In this landscape he began to define his sound and soak up a combination of his experiences among authentic songwriters from the tradition of Woody Guthrie. http://www.jimmylafave.com
Jim Lauderdale (USA) is among the A list of Nashville songwriters. With over 20 albums and two Grammy awards to his credit, Jim makes his EFMF debut along with his band. www.jimlauderdale.com
David Lindley (USA) is a long time champion of world music. You can expect to hear Hawaiian lap steel guitar, Turkish saz, middle eastern oud and Irish bouzouki. Add in his sartorial splendor and demented sense of humour, and you have the unique Mr. Dave. www.davidlindley.com
Oscar Lopez (Canada) lets the passion and fire within his soul loose through his fingertips and onto the guitar strings. Oscar easily incorporates many styles into his impassioned playing style. www.oscarlopez.com
Corb Lund (Canada) Juno award winner and seven time CCMA Roots Artist of the Year, Corb is at heart an unparalleled Prairie storyteller. http://corblund.com/
Dougie MacLean (Scotland) is one of Scotland’s most successful, respected and popular musicians. He is also a fine guitarist and fiddle player. www.dougiemaclean.com
Paul McKenna Band (Scotland) Possibly the most exciting band to emerge recently from the Scottish traditional scene, their sound is created through outstanding vocals, driving guitar and bouzouki, intense fiddle playing along with flute, bodhran and percussion. www.paulmckennaband.com
Lori McKenna (USA) started performing her songs in public at the age of 27. The songs of this extraordinary writer have been recorded by Faith Hill, Alison Krauss and Carrie Underwood. This hard working mother of five has released her sixth album Lorraine, a tribute to the mother she lost at seven years old. http://lorimckenna.com/
James Vincent McMorrow (Ireland) is known for his dense lyricism, compelling melodies, and mesmerizing voice. His debut CD Early in the Morning has been receiving rave reviews in Europe. http://www.jamesvmcmorrow.com
MonkeyJunk (Canada) With a generous helping of swamp rhythm and blues, soul boogie and funk, Ottawa’s MonkeyJunk are the hottest Canadian blues band around. http://monkeyjunkband.com
Mortal Coil (Canada) returns once again with a brilliant, colourful and graceful presence. They have been wowing crowds with their stunning visuals at festivals across Canada and the US for well over a decade. www.mortalcoil.bc.ca
Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits (Zimbabwe) From his debut in 1975 to this day – 57 albums on – Oliver Mtukudzi has written and performed some of the most heart rending music against hatred and violence. www.tukumusik.com
New Country Rehab (Canada) cuts through the clutter with a high voltage, alt country sound. Their powerful music is full of love, loss, longing and joy. http://www.newcountryrehab.com
Mairtín O’Connor Band (Ireland) Mairtín (accordion) is one of the most respected and best loved musicians in traditional Irish Music. He is joined by Cathal Hayden on fiddle (Four Men and a Dog) and Seamie O’Dowd on guitar (ex-member of Dervish). www.mairtinoconnorband.com
Lindi Ortega (Canada) Her arresting vocals combine brilliantly with a catalogue of songs that speak to the desperado in all of us. lindiortega.ca
The Parachute Club (Canada) Riding exuberant, world music rhythms The Parachute Club emerged in 1983 with the smash hit Rise Up. Lorraine Segato will lead a reunited band at Gallagher Park.
Tom Power (Canada) is a musician, broadcaster and writer well known as the host of Deep Roots on CBC Radio.
Bonnie Raitt (USA) is a nine time Grammy winner, brilliant guitarist, expressive singer, social activist and an accomplished songwriter. Bonnie has become an institution in American music. www.bonnieraitt.com
School of Song (Canada) Founded by Rhea March (U22) we will present Bardic Form, The Doll Sisters, Painting with Ella and Micah Turchet. marchmusic.ca
Joanne Shenandoah (USA) is a Grammy winner and holder of a record 13 Native American Music Awards, “she weaves you into a trance with her beautiful Iroquois chants (Robbie Robertson). www.joanneshenandoah.com/
J.R. Shore (Canada) is making a name for himself on the Alberta music scene with song subjects that vary from retired bee keepers to tales of the youth of the Navajo nation. www.jrshore.com
Martin Simpson (England) Widely acknowledged as one of the finest acoustic guitarists in the world of folk music, Martin successfully combines elements of British, Afro American and old-timey music. http://www.martinsimpson.com
Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder (USA) By age 21, Ricky was already considered a “recognized master” of the Bluegrass tradition. It’s been 53 years since Ricky struck his first chord on a mandolin and he can look back on a career of popularity and success along with 12 Grammy Awards. www.rickyskaggs.com
Emily Smith (Scotland) is a leading singer in the Scottish folk scene who is equally adept at presenting evocative interpretations of traditional songs or writing her own contemporary songs. Jamie McClennan joins her on fiddle and guitar. http://www.emilysmith.org
Mavis Staples (USA) is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and she has a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. She sings about the world today—poverty, welfare and jobs and making it feel better through songs. http://www.mavisstaples.com/
Jayme Stone (Canada) makes music inspired by folk traditions from around the world. The Edmonton Journal has called Jayme “one of the most adventurous banjo players out there.” jaymestone.com
Street Performers (Canada) will once again be at the festival. Watch for the Privy People, Silver Elvis and more…
Sidi Toure (Mali) Sidi’s music comes from Gao, a city in the north of Mali. It draws on inspiration from traditional music and is also informed by blues, rock and the culture of Mali.
Trampled by Turtles (USA) started to learn traditional folk songs and fiddle tunes as a break from their own rock bands. They had the time of their lives and switched to folk music full time. We are very happy they did. trampledbyturtles.com
Treme (USA) is a New Orleans extravaganza featuring Dr. John and the Lower 911, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Big Chief Monk and Mardi Gras Indians along with Cyril Neville. Be sure to taste this musical Gumbo at Stage 1 on Sunday afternoon.
Valdy (Canada)Waldemar Horsdal was born in Ottawa and has been part of the fabric of Canadian folk music for over 35 years. He says, “I’m really a lucky man.” www.valdy.com
Suzie Vinnick and Rick Fines (Canada) Not surprisingly, the spotlight is often on Suzie’s voice as she is blessed with a huge range. Joined by Rick Fines, expect a stripped down exploration of the blues. www.suzievinnick.com rickfines.com
Royal Wood (Canada) delivers honest tales of love, loss and life. He was nominated for Songwriter of the Year at the Junos. His star is on the rise. www.royalwood.ca/
Wool on Wolves (Canada) This Edmonton band is not here to distract you with flashing lights or smoke machines. They’re musicians, music fans, roommates, and friends above all else, who hold a genuine belief that music has the ability to move beyond speakers and headphones to truly encapsulate the human experience. www.woolonwolves.com
