Summer Folk Music in Vancouver, BC
Live Musical Entertainment Happens Every July at Jericho Beach Park
Vancouverites look forward to July every year when the Vancouver Folk Music Festival takes over Jericho Beach. Bands from all over the world come to play in the gorgeous Kitsilano park.
Ozomatli
One of the most anticipated headliners this year was Ozomatli. The culturally diverse group calls Los Angeles their home, but has a global following. With a mix of hip hop, rock, cumbia, salsa and funk, spun with Jamaican, Asian and Middle Eastern influences, the crowd was on its feet dancing in no time during Friday night’s concert.
Ulises Bella, Wil-Dog Abers, Raul Pacheco, Justin Porée, Asdru Sierra, Jiro Yamaguchi, Jabu Smith-Freeman, Mario Calire and Shef Bruton rocked the night away as they closed the first evening of the Folk Festival. Their one-hour set seemed too short when the music had to stop at 11:00pm, but it ended with their familiar parlay into the audience for more dancing.
Kobo Town and Hayley Sales
From opposite ends of the world came Kobo Town and Hayley Sales. Kobo Town came from Ontario, but originated in Trinidad. Their funky blend of calypso, reggae and dub was refreshingly hip.
21-year-old Hayley Sales shared the stage with them, talking about surfing and living on a Vancouver Island blueberry farm with her dad. Her voice soared through the open park and was often joined melodiously by Kobo Town’s instrumentals.
Vancouver Rhythm and Dance
A special treat was the Vancouver Rhythm and Dance tent. Three times a day the folks hanging out there would break out in music and dance.
The drum circles were fun, as the group lent out drums and other instruments to the gathering crowd. Then, Ron Stelting conducted them, along with other members of the group, on fantastic rhythms that drew people four-thick around the tent.
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
The eclectic mix of music types like folk, world, blues, reggae, hip hop and bluegrass, and the safe setting of Jericho Beach make the Folk Music Festival a great event to travel to Vancouver for. This year, children under 12 got in for free and the kid’s programming was increased, infusing a youthful spirit near the park entrance.
What To Eat
One of the joys of the Folk Music Festival is the food. Stands sell a cultural mix of eats from Thailand and China to Jamaica and North Africa, without the grease of usual outdoor events; although, you can still find plenty of treats. The chocolate-dipped strawberries and bananas, Mario’s Gelati and crêpes are all popular desserts.
Getting To Jericho Beach
Parking is horrendous during the festival, so it’s best to walk, cycle or take public transit (and it’s better for the environment, too!). The #84 express bus will take you three blocks from the main festival gate (but only runs until 9:40pm on Sundays), while the #4 and #7 go right to the entrance and run late.
Taxis are a quick way to get around, especially if the buses are full, which is likely after the evening concerts end at 11:00pm. If you must drive, there’s a parking lot just west of the park entrance; otherwise it’s scattered street parking. Note the residents-only areas.
Tickets to the Folk Music Festival
Weekend passes are sold cheaper to early birds ($115.00 CDN), and are $165.00 CDN at the gate. Single day tickets are also available and discounts are given to students, youth, elders and not-for-profit organizations.
Check the Vancouver Folk Music Festival website (or call toll free 1-800-883-3655) to check current prices, as they may change from year to year.
Where to Stay in Vancouver
Click here for the top hotels in Vancouver, BC.
Ozomatli, Vancouver Folk Music Festival, Vancouver
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Kobo Town & Hayley Sales, Vancouver Folk Festival
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Vancouver Rhythm and Dance Tent, Folk Festival
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What to Eat at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival
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Relaxing at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, BC
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