MUSIC REVIEW
From February 20-24, THE FOLK ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE took over the Delta Chelsea Hotel in downtown Toronto for five days of celebration, education and entertainment for the music industry.
IT WAS REALLY ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC!
Opening Night ceremonies got to a good start with Canadian music industry legend, Bernie Finkelstein as keynote speaker. Lifetime Achievement Award recipients went to The Weavers and Mike Seeger, and a Folk Alliance Spirit of Folk Award honoured Bernie Finkelstein, Sylvia Tyson, Tam Kearney, Enoch Kent and Holmes Hooke for their past, present and future contributions to the world of folk. An outstanding list of 60 artists on nine stages entertained the audience for one great night of music.
The variety and the number of artists performing over this five-day event is mind-boggling to say the least. You can attempt to see half a show in the performance alley showcases on the Main floor if you to take in two performances in an hour, but it is impossible to continue this multi-tasking for very long. The day never ends, with private showcases featured from 10:30 pm until 3:30 am, located on three floors of rooms converted into small clubs, and people wandering in hallways trying to decide what gig they should go and listen to. A few hours of sleep and I’m back at it the next day, sleep deprived, especially if one wants to participate in panels, workshops or special events in the morning.
David Berkeley
Some of the highlights of the Conference included:
Dar Williams, one of the most respected singer-songwriters of her generation entertained in a special one-hour performance. She is considered one of rock’s reigning onstage wits and has been a leading figure in the folk-rock world for 20 years. She was enchanting and captivated the crowded room with her collection of songs and stories. The love that went back to her from the audience was heartwarming.
Tania Elizabeth
Judy Collins entertained a full house, and thrilled her fans with her incredible voice, wit and charm. At 71, she is still writing and performing at 80 to 100 dates a year around the country. Her beautiful and angelic voice has not changed after an impressive career that has spanned more than 50 years.
Showcase Scotland, a full night of Scottish music which included, Karine Polwart, “one of the finest singer-songwriter in Britain” The Guardian, Joy Dunlop, “long established as one of the finest Gaelic singers on the circuit”, Rachel Sermanni “a Folk Noir Gem” The Times, Kilmarnock Edition, “6-piece Scottish supergroup”, Breabach, one of Scotland’s most dynamic and inspirational bands. A reception followed for the standing room only crowded room and Scotland’s Glenfeddich whiskey was served to add to the ambience.
Next year’s International Folk Alliance Conference is held at the Westin Crown Center in Kansas City. This is a one-of-a-kind show. If you missed it this year, plan to attend the event for an enjoyable week of unbelievable and enriching entertainment!
 Lenka Lichtenber |
 Treasa Levasseur and Ken Whiteley |
 Joy Dunlap |
Review and Photos by Jacqueline Kyrion
