IN MEMORY OF MITCH PODOLAK (1947 – 2019)
The VFMF lost one of its founders last month, and a truly remarkable human whose passion for music never ended. Mitch was key in creating the Canadian folk festival model and creating the fabulous Winnipeg Folk Music Festival, along with helping start many others, including Vancouver’s.
The following is a tribute written by his son Leonard, a notable musician who has played VFMF in the past with his band the Duhks. Our sincere condolences to his family and many friends.
Look for a special workshop in his honour at the Festival this summer.
“It is with extreme sadness that I announce that my father Mitch Podolak, has passed away.
He was my hero, and he uplifted anyone who had an idea, good or bad, if they were passionate about it.
Creating festivals was his way of starting the Revolution. And what a revolution it has been.
Our family is grateful to the staff of St Boniface Hospital ICU who truly busted their butts to make him comfortable.
Thank you to everyone who shared stories on the Friends of Mitch Page, and to everyone who came to visit.
We will have a private burial in short order, but we will have a memorial befitting my father’s contribution, in the time it takes to prepare.”