As always, the program was diverse in style and cultural influences. This year, notably, there were several bands that combined electronic and analogue sounds in contemporary expressions of identity and community.
World Music & Arts Festival
Rum Ragged
Formed by Aaron Collis and Mark Manning, Rum Ragged takes a bold approach to the distinct folk music of their home, the Eastern Canadian island of Newfoundland. Boasting bouzouki, fiddle, bodhran, banjo, guitar and button accordion, these new champions of East Coast music enliven and enlighten audiences with both songs and tune sets which they deliver with an honest swagger that is far beyond their years. With reverence for their roots and a creative, contemporary edge, this young band have quickly become known as the finest purveyors of their great living musical tradition. Rum Ragged is not your run-of-the-mill folk band, they are the genuine article.
The Paperboys
Mexican Son Jarocho mixed in with Irish Jigs and Reels and a good dose of Country and Bluegrass. It has healthy servings of Ska, Soca and African Highlife and we’ve been known to throw in a little White Boy Reggae.
Roy Forbes
Roy Forbes is one of Canada’s best loved songwriters and performing artists. He’s been at it for over fifty years now and has picked up some tokens of appreciation from his peers along the way.
How It All Works
Here’s a quick breakdown of what we have to offer and how it all works. We have a different kind of festival then your typical 3-4 day, gated event with all things included on one site. We spread out across the town and stretch over 10 days. Most things are free, some you need to pay for tickets, and it can be confusing especially if you’ve never been before. We hope the following explainer blog post will help ease that confusion.
