Emmanuel Jal by Lili Okuyama
The music played – and we cheered, danced & sang along, (even tho the sun was denied entry)!
Ukuleles and washboards were strummed, conga lines were formed – and the 34th Annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival came to a close Sunday night amidst the sizzlin’ sounds of salsa, beats, banjos and songs of peace and hope.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CAME OUT TO SHARE THE WEEKEND WITH US!
To the artists, especially those playing with missing members, you made three days in the park feel like a visit to a very happy, inspiring and tuneful planet. It will take us a few days to return to earth.
To our team of volunteers & crews: you who greeted audiences & artists, paroled the perimeter, sorted compost, battled traffic, shot photos & video, bandaged cuts, sold CDs & raffle tix, served brews, parked bikes, collected stories, gave backrubs, painted faces, schlepped equipment, made our festival more accessible, delivered amazing sound and generally made this beautiful beast run – THANKS!
Thanks to the media – print, web, radio & TV – for your interest and coverage of the festival.
To our sponsors and funders: you support us in so many ways, and it is so appreciated.
AND TO ALL OF THOSE WHO CAME OUT IN THE RAIN, CLOUDS & THE OCCASIONAL HINT OF SUN TO LISTEN TO THE AMAZING ARTISTS – WHO SUPPORTED THEM AND THE FESTIVAL – THANK YOU!
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Click here to see 2011 Raffle Winners
Friday night opened brilliantly – have a look.
CBC Story about artist visa issues
Update on Border Issues
Despite a Friday night trip to the border by festival officials, only two of the four members of another group were allowed into Canada to perform at the festival. And then on Sunday, two members of Ricardo Lemvo’s band were denied entry into Canada.
A message from Tinariwen
The members of Tinariwen deeply regret the cancellation of our performances at the Vancouver and Winnipeg Folk Festivals due to the refusal of our applications for Canadian visas.
These were the two largest shows on our current North American tour and we had been very much looking forward to them. The loss of these opportunities is catastrophic for us, both personally and professionally.
We have received visas to enter Canada almost every year since 2004. We are continuing our petition for visas for another tour in November and are doing our best to identify and resolve any issues preventing a successful outcome.
The musicians, crew and management of Tinariwin extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our friends in Canada for their support, especially the presenters of both festivals and the several Members of Parliament who have spoken out on our behalf.
