Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2023 - August 10-13

Here are a few of the great artists that were in Edmonton recently for 2023 rendition the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. Photos and burbs by John Weed and Kylee Thompson​

James Keelaghan

Long time festival favourite whose stories about the songs are as entertaining as the relatable troubadour songs themselves. (John Weed)

Maria Dunn

Local favourite and Juno award winner Maria Dunn was joined onstage by members of local folk stalwarts the McDades. A fine blend of North American Folk and traditional Celtic Folk music. (John Weed)

Jill Barber

Three time Juno Award nominated singer songwriter from East Van mixes folk, jazz & pop with plenty of humour thrown in. (John Weed)

Le Vent Du Nord

Probably my favourite band of the weekend, Quebec’s Le Vent Du Nord play irresistibly danceable Quebecois folk music with excellent and educational storytelling between songs. (John Weed)

Greensky Bluegrass

Direct from Kalamazoo Mi. (I’ve always wanted to type that), this fine quintet, play some mighty fine bluegrass (the hint is in the name I guess) with incredible jams thrown in the mix. (John Weed)

Margo Price

Calls her music “Psychedelic Country” and performs it with pure Rock’n’Roll enthusiasm. Great live set. A highlight of the weekend. (John Weed)

Gregory Alan Isakov

Born in South Africa and raised in the states, Grammy Award nominated Gregory splits his time between creating music and farming in Colorado. (John Weed)

Dakha Brakha

Had a large number of supporters in the crowd. Name means “To Give” and “To Take”. Not afraid to show their proud Ukrainian heritage (Kylee Thompson)

​Watchhouse

Formerly known as Mandolin Orange. This duo has story driven song writing that all generations can enjoy. (Kylee Thompson)

​Vieux Farka Toure

Had a wonderful mix of sound from reggae to blues. He had the audience dancing in their seats to the music. (Kylee Thompson)

Brasstactics

A band I have had the pleasure of hearing and photographing a few times. They are bound to play a few songs you may know, but it’s very cool to hear those songs played on brass instruments. (Kylee Thompson)

​Jeremie Albino

A great mix of Folk and Rock ’n’ Roll. Had the crowd stomping along to his tunes. Stage two was so packed to see him, I think he easily could’ve been on the main stage. (Kylee Thompson)

​Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway

Molly was one of the artists I was recommend to check out and she was fantastic. The entire band had great chemistry on stage and they were a pleasure to hear and photograph. (Kylee Thompson)

​Valerie June

She has so much emotion when she sings. she wore a wonderful bright coloured outfit while she was on stage. Her music covers so many genres. To say she’s talented is an understatement. She’s outstanding! (Kylee Thompson)