The Canadian Folk Music Awards are set to transform Calgary into the nation's folk music epicenter next week, with a four-day celebration that combines award ceremonies with live performances. This marks the third time the awards have been hosted in Calgary, following previous events in 2013 and 2018.
A Return to Calgary's Vibrant Folk Scene
Graham Lindsey, a spokesman for the awards, expressed enthusiasm about returning to Calgary. "It's a big thing for us to come back to Calgary," he says. "There's so much support for folk music in the music community. There are so many folk clubs and venues and festivals in town, but also within a fairly short drive outside. It's a beautiful thing for us to go back to."
Four Days of Festivities and Performances
The festivities will run from April 9 to April 12, with each day featuring a unique event at a different venue. All four events will include both award presentations and concerts showcasing nominees, offering a rich blend of recognition and entertainment.
April 9: Songs and Stories at the Westin Calgary Ballroom
This evening celebrates storytelling with performances by Amanda Rheaume, Claire Morrison, Guillaume Arsenault, Robert Thomas & the Sessionmen, Terra Spencer, and Calgary's own Wyatt C. Louis. Awards to be presented include Contemporary Singer, English Songwriter, French Songwriter, New/Emerging Artist, Stan Rogers Traditional Singer, and Vocal Group.
April 10: Folk Forward at the Bella Concert Hall
This event features performances by the Calgary-Montreal collective Calgareal, AHI, Aysanabee, Boreal, Duane Andrews, and Yves Marchand. Awards will be handed out for Album Artwork, Contemporary Album, Indigenous Songwriter, Instrumental Solo Artist, Single of the Year, Solo Artist, and Oliver Schroer Pushing the Boundaries.
April 11: Traditional and Global Roots at the Bella Concert Hall
A concert with Cassie and Maggie, Garcons a Marier, Joaquin Núñez & Habana Safari, Kazdoura, Sacred Wolf Singers with Simon Wall, and Scott Duncan & Luka Hall. Awards for Ensemble, Global Roots Album, Instrumental Composer, Instrumental Group, Traditional Album, and Producer will be presented.
April 12: Folk for Families at the National Music Centre
A morning event with performances by Ginalina, James Culleton, Max Francis, and Oh Clementine, while awards for Children's Album and Young Performer will be handed out.
Notable Nominees and Awards
A total of 21 awards will be presented this year. Key nominees include:
- AHI, a Toronto singer-songwriter, with five nominations.
- Nova Scotia siblings Cassie and Maggie, also with five nominations.
- Max Francis, a 14-year-old fiddler from Victoria, with four nominations.
- Ontario trio Boreal and Jessica Pearson and the East Wind, each with three nominations.
Calgary's Wyatt C. Louis is nominated for New Artist of the Year and Indigenous Songwriter of the Year, while Kyle McKearney is up for Contemporary Singer of the Year.
This event underscores Calgary's role as a hub for folk music, bringing together artists and fans for a celebration of Canada's rich musical heritage.
