Day 2 of Vancouver Folk Music Festival Offers Global Musical Experiences

• Day 2 of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival opened under a cloudy sky and cool breeze.
• The festival is hosted on the ancestral territories of local First Nations peoples.
• Shooglenifty brought Scottish traditional music alive with their vibrant performance.
• Steve Dawson’s Neil Young tribute had guest artists performing a mix of songs.
• Ocie Elliott’s gentle melodies contrasted with the dynamic performances before them.
• Bab L’Bluz electrified the stage with their punk-infused Moroccan rock.

Vancouver Folk Music Festival Embraces Cultural Heritage

Day 2 of the 48th annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival kicked off under a thick cover of clouds, with a cool breeze refreshing those who shied away from the heat. As the day wore on, the sun finally emerged, shedding the clouds and offering up perfect weather—sunny but not overwhelmingly hot. The festival, held on traditional and unceded lands of the x?m??k??y??m (Musqueam), s?wx?wú7mesh (Squamish), and sel?íl?witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, opened with a warm welcome from representatives of the s?lilw?ta? First Nation, setting a respectful tone for the day’s festivities.

Shooglenifty Ignites the Crowd with Scottish Beats

Kicking off the musical performances was Shooglenifty, a band known for their fusion of Scottish traditional music, electronica, and alternative rock since 1990. Their lively beat drew in the crowd right away, with the fiddle and mandolin dancing atop a distinctly Scottish groove that got dancers moving quickly. Though my only complaint was that I wished they were scheduled to perform in a later time slot when more festival-goers were present, their performance was, as always, electric and engaging. Next, we experienced a military twist to the evening as the Snowbirds, the aerobatics team of the Royal Canadian Air Force, took to the skies as part of the Festival of Light, all while the band humorously claimed responsibility for the aerial display.

A Tribute to Neil Young Shifts Plans

Moving forward, Steve Dawson presented his imaginative reinterpretation of Neil Young’s classic album, On the Beach. However, an unexpected shift in plans had guest artists choosing their favorite Neil Young tunes to perform instead. Quality of the renditions varied—Rich Hope’s heartfelt delivery of “Cinnamon Girl” contrasted with Marcus Mosley’s less successful attempt to transform “Tonight’s the Night” into a soulful ballad. Soon, participation increased, leading to a collaborative performance of “Helpless” where all joined in—albeit a bit haphazardly. The tribute quality of the performance was undeniable, but it left one wondering if it was the best use of a prime festival slot.

Ocie Elliott Brings a Gentle Vibe

Among the quieter acts was Ocie Elliott from Victoria, BC, featuring the harmonious singing duo of Jon Middleton and Sierra Lundy. Their soft, soothing sounds paired well with their minimalistic instrumentation, which included acoustic guitar, bass, and keyboard. The duo’s ethereal vocals felt a bit subdued for the time of night, and perhaps they would have benefited from a later spot in the lineup, but nonetheless, they offered a lovely moment of musical tranquility.

Bab L’Bluz Combines Rock and Moroccan Culture

Finalizing the night, Bab L’Bluz, a Moroccan-French band from Marrakesh, took to the stage. Their unique blend of contemporary rock with Moroccan elements created a high-energy, immersive performance. Lead vocalist Yousra Mansour captivated the crowd, urging them to join in through clapping and vocal participation. Their punk rock essence coupled with dedication to their cultural roots was electric. As the band rocked into their groove, Mansour’s electrifying shredding solos brought an expansive sound that reverberated against the festival atmosphere, coinciding perfectly with the explosions of fireworks from the Festival of Light.

Saturday night at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival was vibrant, showcasing a multitude of global influences from Scottish traditions to Moroccan sounds. While there were notable performances, particularly from Shooglenifty and Bab L’Bluz, moments of sequencing and content could have been adjusted for a smoother experience. With a unique blend of culture and music, the festival captured a wide-ranging audience, even as some aspects could clearly see improvement.