So, what can we expect from a digital festival?
In true Calgary Folk Fest style, there are multiple stages to watch and enjoy artists from around the world. If you choose to purchase a pay-what-you-can ticket for the virtual ATB Mainstage, you get an exclusive Zoom access code to watch artists like Damien Jurado, Lisa Hannigan and Cris Derksen. But the festival experience is more than just watching a concert on your screen. When you tune in, you get the opportunity to engage with the whole folk family and cheer for your favourite artists in a unique interactive experience.
If you want to show up for the local acts like Lorrie Matheson, Robert Adam and The Lovebullies, access is free via Calgary Folk Fest’s Facebook page or YouTube channel. Don’t forget to show some love for our community by hitting those like buttons and posting your cheers in the comments! You might be surprised at how much these little acts make a big difference to artists and live performers.
Beyond the music, two panel talks are coming to your screens: Calgary Folk Fest favourite Richard Flohil will host War Stories, sharing experiences of being on the road as a musician. And Black Art: A Conversation brings together Black artists from multiple disciplines for a conversation about art, creativity and activism.
This year, the festival is also partnering with Chinook Blast and Inglewood to bring an augmented reality window painting to Festival Hall from February 20 to March 31. Through the magic of your phone, Tank Standing Buffalo’s vision will come to life with music from Ghostkeeper. The display will be in honour of friend Amy Willier, the Cree artist, Knowledge Keeper, educator, Indigenous advocate and co-owner of Moonstone Creations who suddenly passed away in January.
Watch for more ways to interact with Calgary Folk Fest artists and find some surprise content on the festival’s Instagram page. Or just give Calgary Folk Fest a shoutout from your couch and share the ways you are making the most of this year’s virtual Block Heater.
You can find the full lineup and more information at calgaryfolkfest.com
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