One of the many highlights of the weekend’s schedule include David Francey and his Storytelling project. / Beth Girdler photo

One of the many highlights of the weekend’s schedule include David Francey and his Storytelling project. / Beth Girdler photo

Mission Folk Music Festival returns for 31st year

The musical party kicks off Friday, July 20, with the festival's Community Night

The Mission Folk Music Festival will celebrate 31 years of music making at Fraser River Heritage River Park, July 20-22.

The musical party kicks off Friday, July 20, with the festival’s Community Night, with a pay-what-you-can admission. Opening night festivities feature local and regional favourites The Kwerks and Early Spirit and close out with roots rockers The Matinee.

Highlights of the weekend’s schedule include Canadian folk and roots artists James Keelaghan, Pharis and Jason Romero, Small Glories, and David Francey and his Storytelling project.

Old songs will meet new traditions with Matt Gordon (IRE) and Leonard Podolak (MB), Vancouver’s Early Spirit and Viper Central, and the youth-focused Bad to the Bow Fiddle Ensemble.

The world comes to Mission with Noreum Machi (Korea), Elage Diouf (Senegal/QC), and the percussive fun of Boris Sichon.

The blues takes centre stage with Mainstreet Muze featuring Babe Gurr; Doug Cox and Sam Hurrie; and Edmonton’s Celeigh Cardinal.

A modern take on folk music will be found in The Matinee, Twin Bandit, and Braden Gates. The youth showcase brings new voices to an established art form.

The Wee Folk area returns this year featuring hands-on activities, crafts, and kid-focused performances. Workshops include the Festival Choir, slide guitar, blues mandolin, and percussive dance, among others. Enjoy the beautifully curated artisan market, food vendors, camping, bistro, and community booths.

The full lineup can be found at missionfolkmusicfestival.ca along with information about ticket prices, day passes and camping passes.

Tickets are on sale now at missionfolkmusicfestival.brownpapertickets.com/.

Follow the festival online at missionfolkmusicfestival.ca or on Facebook for news and updates.

Mission City Record