FOLK FEST REVIEW: Hozier gets hosed, hardy fans party to Church in the rain
At the first night of the 2019 Edmonton Folk Music Festival on Thursday, almost everyone had one thing on their mind: the weather. Organizers especially had their eyes on the weekend’s forecast – and they weren’t happy.
Fortunately, the heavens held their gates closed (mostly) on Night One for an incredible variety of surprises from different musical genres and parts of the world.
Closing Thursday evening was Ireland’s Andrew Hozier-Byrne, better known simply as Hozier. His songs are deeply lyrical and delve into personal commentary about life and love, with an intense delivery and unique guitar stylings. Folk Festers were eager to experience that intensity themselves, given the reaction when Hozier and his band finally took to the stage. Unfortunately, his performance wasn’t the only thing that was intense. Lightning started to dance in the sky shortly before his set, and eventually forced him off of the stage. Fortunately, the delay was temporary, but the rain fell – and those brave enough to stick it out until the end got to see him do Take Me to Church, the song that made Hozier an international star.
First up on the main stage was Digging Roots. Duo Shoshona Kish and Raven Kanatakta have been together since 2004 and during this time have earned an Aboriginal Music Award and a Juno for Aboriginal Album of the Year. Backed by a full band, their music is a mix of traditional and contemporary sounds and themes, with lyrics that alternate between (and combines) themes of politics and love.
Tramped By Turtles (above, right) was next – a bluegrass band from Duluth, Minnesota known for its fast sound, utilizing guitar, banjo, bass, fiddle, and mandolin. Reunited after a brief hiatus, the band sounded stronger than ever, much to the approval of the dancing, clapping, cheering hill, which was quickly growing in numbers.
Then came the mind-blowing soul sounds of St. Paul and the Broken Bones from Birmingham, Alabama. The musicians made their entrance, looking cool in their suits and beginning to play their instruments – and then lead singer Paul Janeway (below) made his grand entrance wearing a cape that looked like a sequined shower curtain. Then he opened his mouth – and people were nearly blown over backwards. This man has the voice of an old-time blues singer. He sang his heart out while making suggestive dance moves, his cape flapping wildly. It was blues and soul meets modern rock meets horn-and guitar-fueled passionate performance that had the audience captivated.
In between the main acts, several up-and-coming young performers under the tutelage of Rhea March and her School of Song played short sets. These performers will also be sharing the workshop stages at various times throughout the weekend, as well as their own feature concert. Edmonton’s Jay Gilday also did an interstitial set, followed by what has become the folk fest’s traditional Indigenous welcome. We’re on Treaty 6 Land!
Overall, it was an exciting and eclectic start to the four-day festival, which promises more sounds from around the world and range of musical styles.
Brandi Carlile and Jason Isbell play the mainstage on Friday night; Blue Rodeo and Bruce Cockburn headline Saturday; and The War and Treaty, with the Waifs, Dan Mangan and more play the mainstage Sunday.
Just remember to bring your rain gear just in case Mother Nature decides to sit in again.
