From Scotland to Morocco: A Global Groove on Day 2 of Vancouver Folk Fest

• Day 2 of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival started with marine clouds and a fresh breeze.
• Shooglenifty delivered a lively performance blending Scottish traditional music with contemporary elements.
• Steve Dawson reimagined Neil Young’s songs, with mixed results from his guest performers.
• Ocie Elliott showcased soft harmonies that were well-received, despite being low-energy for the time slot.
• Bab L’ Bluz brought Moroccan influences and high energy, engaging the audience through participatory music.

Vancouver Folk Fest Day 2 Begins with Traditional Welcome

Day 2 of the 48th annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival began under a thick layer of marine cloud. The brisk breeze, well-suited for those who prefer to avoid the heat, was perhaps less welcomed by sun lovers. However, as the day progressed, the sun triumphantly broke through the clouds, providing perfect festival weather, sunny but comfortably warm.

Traditional Sounds Blend with Modern Influences

The main stage opened with a welcoming address from representatives of the s?lilw?ta? (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nation, acknowledging the festival’s setting on the traditional and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Coast Salish peoples. The atmosphere intensified as Shooglenifty took to the stage, a band known for their unique blend of Scottish traditional music with contemporary sounds since 1990. Their performance got the crowd moving, sparking joy among dancers, fueled by lively fiddle and mandolin pieces over upbeat Scottish melodies.

Reimagining Neil Young Unfolds on Stage

As the evening progressed, there was a change in the scheduling for Steve Dawson’s tribute to Neil Young, where the guests chose songs from his rich catalog rather than focusing solely on one album. Some performances were highlights while others missed the mark – for instance, Rich Hope’s take on “Cinnamon Girl” stood out, but Marcus Mosley’s attempt on “Tonight’s the Night” felt off-key. Despite some shaky performances, the crowd was treated to powerful renditions like Sue Foley’s “This Note’s for You,” showcasing her impressive guitar skills, and Julian Taylor’s energetic “Southern Man.”

Soothing Harmonies Transition to Energetic Rock

Next up, Ocie Elliott, a duo hailing from Victoria, BC, offered an array of soft, harmonious tunes – their gentle melodies accompanied by understated instrumentation consisting of bass, keyboard, and acoustic guitar. While their mellow vibe might have been better suited for a different time slot, the audience appreciated their soothing sounds. Following this, Bab L’ Bluz took the stage, a Moroccan-French band that skillfully merged contemporary rock with traditional Moroccan influences, igniting passionate energy into the crowd.

Moroccan-French Rock Fuels Energy and Love

Lead singer Yousra Mansour captivated the audience with her dynamic performance, fueled by her fiery spirit and political message centered on peace and love. The band interacted with the audience seamlessly, bringing joy through participatory rhythms. Notable was Brice Bottin’s electric gimbri, which emulated the bass guitar’s role, all while accompanied by a solid drummer and percussionist. With some explosive musical arrangements, Mansour’s solos ignited the infectious energy of the evening, culminating in fireworks that complemented their electrifying performance.

Reflecting on an Enjoyable Yet Improvable Evening

As Saturday night drew to a close at the main stage, attendees enjoyed a memorable evening. The festival atmosphere came alive in parts, although a few adjustments in the sequencing of performances could have really elevated the experience overall. Timing is everything at a festival, and while the night was undeniably fun, minor tweaks could have vastly improved audience engagement and flow.

In summary, Day 2 of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival succeeded in uniting diverse musical styles from around the globe. From the Scottish infused rhythms of Shooglenifty to the fiery performances by Bab L’ Bluz, the festival captured a wide array of cultural soundscapes. However, a few adjustments in the performance lineup might enhance future events, allowing every artist to shine their brightest in the festival atmosphere.