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Few artists possess the ability to transform a jam packed arena in Ottawa into the cozy ambiance of a wood-paneled living room tucked away in a quaint Vermont village. Noah Kahan certainly has that ability.

Contre vents et marées, le Sherbrooke & Folk a maintenu une programmation pendant la pandémie au grand bonheur des participants. Mais cette année était la première édition post-restrictions et on sentait la ferveur de la foule.

Alan Doyle is a cut above the rest in terms of charm and commitment to a light-hearted, feel good performance.

The Islands Folk Festival in Duncan, BC was set on a picturesque farm outside of town.

Logan Staats Islands Folk Festival Duncan BC Photo: Jeremy Mac Knott

Small popups danced across the grounds with festival goers shopping items and clothing that matched the easygoing, flowing vibe of the festival.

As sound check started with Logan Staats, most recently featured on the Launch, the audience settled into the their politely tiered seating while young ones ran and danced in front of the open air stage.

Logan Staats Islands Folk Festival Duncan BC Photo: Jeremy Mac Knott

Despite his recent mainstream presence, Logan has been a part of folk scene for the past decade and it showed with his comfort and crowd interaction from the stage. As Logan’s set progressed his story telling ability became very apparent as he shared a new untitled song written while recently in Nashville that highlighted his reflective nature as he was inspired by a series of interactions in his youth that put meaning to what the lasting quality of love is for those left behind. The simple narrative followed by the moving performance left the audience in tears.

With each passing song Logan shared his story with the crowd, one that he described to feature all but two sad songs. One of the happy ones he shared written in mear minutes on the side of a hotel bed, inspired by his current partner. As the sunset, the open air stage became more and more reflective of Logan’s soulful writing and powerful voice. It truly was a an emotional experience respected and enjoyed by festival goers.

Photos by Jeremy Mac Knott

Review by Haley Campbell

Now I have to admit, while I like the Arkells, I never jumped on the buzz-worthy bandwagon that a lot of my peers seem to have. Arkells are solid. They bring energy to every show. They even get political sometimes, and their “Ode to the Whistleblower” is a pretty powerful tune. And much like Glorious Sons (who are coming to the K-Rock Centre in February 2018), the commercial radio/university campus buzz/Canadian indie support for them is not only noticeable but frankly hard to miss.

The Hamilton based husband and wife duo Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland, better known as Whitehorse, are known for their passionate performances on stage, and it was no different on Tuesday night at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.

James Keelaghan is a Canadian songwriter of the finest caliber.

My first experience listening to James was celtic styled folk tune, “Henry’s Downfall”. I positively expected he was from Canada’s East coast, but as it turns out, he originally hails from Calgary, Alberta.

Folk on the Rocks is an incredible music festival that takes place in gorgeous Yellowknife. It has an amazing schedule spanning two full days and five stages. It is an incredible opportunity to discover new music and to visit another part of Canada’s beautiful landscape.

My mother had quite the collection of vinyl records and there was always a variety of music playing at our house ever since I was a baby, anywhere from blues to jazz to classical, from rocknroll to punk to folk music.

The 37^th edition of the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival from June 22 to July 2 showcases the headlining Concerts Under the Stars series at 8:30 pm (one concert at 9:30 pm) on the TekSavvy Main Stage.