Lucinda Williams at the 2012 Vancouver Folk Music Festival. Christopher Edmonstone photo
Photos–opening night of the Vancouver Folk Festival 2012 at Jericho Beach Park, July 13
– by Andrew Bee/photos by Christopher Edmonstone
Those who attended the opening night of the 35th Vancouver Folk Music Festival this Friday the 13th were lucky indeed.
Vancouver likes to play outdoors and so do musicians, and the festival opened with a sensationally sunny day. Magical music emanated from multiple stages as fantastic folks gathered in Jericho Park by the sea.
On the Main Stage, Serena Ryder‘s soulful voice fought with distorted speakers, yet her sincerity shown through and she entranced with a mesmerizing set. Pedigreed performer Lucinda Williams seemed soaked but strutted it at 150 per cent proof, delivering a vast range of songs that reminded us of the legend that she is.
Dan Mangan represented the Vancouver Folk Festival spirit best, first by revving up the rock engine and then lulling the folkfesters with two sing-a-longs in a row. Hearts were open as voices rang in unison. By the end of the evening everyone was swaying like blissed-out zombies and leaving the grounds quietly and respectfully. [Editor’s note: more photos of Serena Ryder, Lucinda Williams and Dan Mangan at the 2012 Vancouver Folk Music Festival coming soon!]
Dan Mangan at Vancouver Folk Music Festival July 13 2012. Christopher Edmonstone photo
The Vancouver Folk Festival offers a myriad of experiences: stunning stage performers, awesome artisans, a multicultural food court, variety of vendors, plenty of picnic and hula-hoop space, fast beer lines, short bathroom line ups, vivacious volunteers, and a majestic mountain backdrop. Recommendations for the rest of the festival include Royal Wood and K’NAAN (Saturday) and Ani DiFranco and the Wood Brothers (Sunday).
