In Memory of Cris Derksen

On behalf of the board and staff of VFMF, we send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and global music community of Cris Derksen, who tragically lost their life this past weekend in a car accident enroute from their father’s funeral–making the loss a double tragedy.

Cris’s history at our festival goes back to 2005 and their last appearance this past summer marked exactly 20 years after their debut. Cris Derksen embodied the spirit of all great artists who are naturally inquisitive and fearless. A classically trained brilliant cellist, Cris mixed a classical background with Indigenous roots and created beautiful, genre-defying music that united and inspired their musical community as well as their devoted fanbase.

“I was beyond thrilled when Cris said yes to performing at VFMF 2025, commented Fiona Black, VFMF’s Artistic Director. “I knew they would be an exceptional host for whatever workshop I chose for them and Cris rose to the occasion with grace, enthusiasm and a sincere love for
collaboration with their fellow musicians. The workshop was entitled ‘Groove Will Keep Us Together’ and featured along with Cris and their band, Vancouver’s Island’s Blue Moon Marquee and from Tanzania, The Zawose Queens. I saw a small portion of the workshop and I could instantly feel the positive synergistic vibe that Cris had created with the groove in full force and the audience digging every note. It’s a memory that I’ll
cherish forever as we’ve lost one of the most unique, creative talents in our country not to mention the kind, generous human who touched so many lives.”

Our thoughts are with their wife, Rebecca, who was critically injured in the crash and will need the love and support of their friends and family to help her heal through this terrible time.