Photo by Anthony Stonechild.
There is something awfully special and sweet about Amistat, but I’ll have to get to them later, because I discovered them late in the day.
I was up early today because i wanted to proof my copy before i submitted it this morning. Even at that I left the house shortly after 10, which would have been fine for settling in and finding a spot on the lawn, except I forgot about the line to get in. Bags need to be checked. We can’t all just sail through. No alcohol, no weapons (And yet I was let in despite suggesting that the pen is mightier than the sword…), the usual common-sense precautions. This year I was planning on sailing past the Rise Up and Sing workshop to see another earlier Sunday show. As much as I am always impressed by the barnstorming celebration of faith that defines the early Sunday show, I have to admit, I myself am not a man of any religious conviction. I respect it, but largely due to the pastiche of an upbringing I had, faith in one system of belief is not for me. So I was going into one of the further stages. I got as far as halfway across the field when host Billy Bragg caused me to pause.
Billy is a jovial storyteller. In the end, it was the laughter. That’s what stopped me.
Valerie June amused us with a story of inspiration striking when she was cooking. Apparently she had to turn off the stove lest she burn the onions and garlic. And she shared with us the killer song she wrote in that moment.
Ruby Singh and the Future Ancestors brought us back to the revival with a smooth rendition of “Lean On Me.”
Lindi Ortega cracked me up again with a rousing version of “Your Own Personal Jesus” by Depeche Mode. Not a song i associate with spiritual revival, more profound physical and emotional awakening. With this line up it works.
Ken Pomeroy spoke of cicadas. And feeling old at 24. Hilarious. I think Billy was staring at her thinking “My career is older than you are. ” “Cicadas” is a lovely song though. Gentle and nostalgic.
Billy Bragg sang “Join a Union” and brought us face to face with his working-class roots. He had the whole audience clapping in rhythm and solidarity.
Valerie June brought the bluegrass gospel to life
Ruby Singh spoke of his confusion being told by the members of the Bible Belt he grew up in that he was going to hell for what he believed in. His belief? That God is a part of everything.
Honestly i’d be confused too. Their rousing verion of “Good God!” Had me willing to believe as they believe.
And once again, the hilarious Lindi Ortega with the totally appropriate “Chocolate Cheesus.” Really, I want to be a friend to this artist. All this laughter can’t be bad for me!
Ken Poneroy again. She explained that she doesn’t have any songs about religion, but she is a spiritual person. She then sang a beautiful soaring song that certainly convinced me. Her faith is contained in her own definition.
“There is a Town in North Ontario.”
Billy Bragg led us out with a classic and was joined by the collective. Neil Young’s “Helpless” never sounded better to me.
So, not the churchy, stomping bible revival I was expecting, and a great way to start a Sunday.
I stuck around to hear John Smith again. What a mellow dreamy voice he has. He started soft and slow, stitching stories together with his baritone voice and acoustic guitar. Stories of being on the road, of mistakes made in the past and lessons learned. Here on the south stage, after the Rise Up and Sing crowd had cleared out, the feeling of intimacy is even more pronounced than when he was on the mainstage Friday night. He’s one of those troubadours who has a story with every song.
I am not going to make it on time for the start of the next show on my roster. And that’s okay. I’ll arrive late, soul nourished by a performance that will stay with me for a while.
“Nothing says Folk Festival like Surf Music!”
I had managed to make my way to the Rock Out workshop. Hosted by Cousin Harley (whose lead singer shouted that bit of absurdity) they had just played a Shadows inspired surf instrumental. Tami Neilson took over with a Rockabilly anthem, and by the time I got settled front and centre Surf Hat was playing “Chasing the Sun” (at night time).
“Mystery Train” by Elvis brought Cousin Harley and Surf Hat jamming together.
It was easy to find a space to lay out my blanket and sit down because so much of the audience was off to the side doing their best Rockabilly Boogie.
Tami took to the stage to let us know she was the voice of SandyCheeks from Spongebob Squarepants. Then she busted out a song from the upcoming movie.
Surf Hat brought us back to the 3D world with “Shakin’ All Over.”
And who knew BB King did surf music? Cousin Harley gave us “A Bad Case of Love.” Jesse Cahill on drums. Awesome man!
Tami did a spot on Patsy Cline. “Two Cigarettes.”
Surf Hat gave us an original sing along “The Kid’s on a Roll.”
Cousin Harley launched into Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.” Tami belted out the second verse and Cousin Harley’s Paul Pigat brought us home.
I really considered running back to the South stage to catch the end of the hilarious Lindi Ortega’s set but honestly, hunger won out. I made my way over to the east side food court instead and got a jerk chicken wrap from MJ’s food cart. They were discussing colonialism (it was a slow moment: no line up) so I chatted with them about my experience as a 60s scoop survivor while they cooked my food.
It was so good, it was so good, it was so good.
I guess i really was hungry. But honestly, their food is great. Check ‘em out.
I hadn’t hit my music’d out point yet, but I did think it would be a good idea to check out some of the little shop kiosks. There’s quite a variety of stuff on offer. The obvious: tie died clothing from hats to overalls and t-shirts, to the surprising: Costco memberships for example. I bought a jerk chicken sauce made from pears based on a sample provided. It was delicious, and I can’t wait to make a dinner with it. I saw bracelets and other jewelry fashioned from materials used to make bombs (not quite swords into ploughshares, but similar idea I guess)
And as I was close to the East stage i decided to head over and catch Ruby Singh & the Future Ancestors on a solo stage. I’m glad i can handle direct sunlight in the afternoons. It makes it easy to find a free spot directly in front of the stage to spread out my blanket and settle down.
Arthur Flowers opened on the handpan: percussion and poetry well practised and adjusted on the spot. His admission that he’s getting carried away elicited a genuine laugh from a rapt audience. Then the rest of the collective launched into music that was part rap, Part lyric melody.
Second song “Good God.”
They skipped over Brer Rabbit and jumped right into their third song. “Coming Home.”
Their theme of universality and interconnectedness is woven through all of their music. Arthur Flowers took over again with the Handpan and lyrics that seem made up on the fly. Arthur Flowers is magic.
I can understand now why their sound check was so intricate. Every performer had their specific needs sound-wise.
I drifted over to the South stage to catch Amistat. I was so glad I did, even though I was late, arriving 10 minutes after they started. Twins Josef and Jan Prasil have spent a lifetime creating, working together, perfecting their harmonies and it shows. They have also spent the time bickering and getting each other’s space, but what shows the most is their love for one another.
Almost, but not quite exactly like Simon & Garfunkel. Beautiful harmonies tightly woven together. These brothers weave a supple web with their voices. Two tenor voices lifting each other with experience that comes from a lifetime of brotherhood. Even onstage that intimacy is on clear display. They will move together to share a stool while they play piano together. Or they lean in together to share a mic while one of them plays guitar. They tease each other and cut each other off when a story becomes too personal.
Back to the sales tent I go.
When Amistat finished their set, the mainstage was just sparking up. I sat down at a picnic table beside a refreshment stand while I organized my notes. A lovely woman asked if she could share the table with me (Of course, sit down!). she asked me to watch her bag for her and offered to buy me a drink. I declined the drink, and I was happy to watch over her stuff. When she returned, we fell into a conversation that was as intimate and honest as it was far reaching. We spoke of the nature of reality, and the possibility of the divine. We spoke of history both ancient and recent. How privileged we are to be able to have such honest and free ranging talks and enjoy such stellar talent. She is a therapist who specializes in clients both on the neurodivergent spectrum and the LGBTQ spectrum.
And I thought to myself that only at a festival like this could two strangers fall into such a generous conversation, expecting nothing from each other except honesty and respect.
By the time we wrapped up our talk more than an hour had passed by. Maruja Limon, Ken Pomeroy and Valerie June had been the soundtrack of our talk, and the stage was resetting. Luke Wallace was about to perform at the corner of the stage while the tech crew got everything in place for BIM (Benin International Musical) to take over. I found myself a spot near the front of the stage and watched once again one of my favourite performers at this year’s festival. Luke did not disappoint, effortlessly controlling the huge main stage crowd with call-to-action anthems.
The sun was setting in earnest by the time BIM took to the stage. Bright and colourful, wearing costumes that made me think of The Jacksons during their Torture era. And they had the power and talent to pull it off. Their sound was tight, brilliant and energetic enough to get everyone on their feet. What a great way to close out the 2026 Vancouver Folk Music Festival.
I will be back next year. The 50th should be a major party.
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