With a roster that includes double-billing, champion instrumentation and all samplings of the genre spectrum, the 2013-14 Cochrane Valley Folk Club (CVFC) line-up has been unveiled and president and artistic director, Brian Fitzgerald, is certain this season is poised for success.
“What’s interesting about the season coming up is that it’s taking traditional music in a different direction,” explained Fitzgerald, adding that the level of musicianship is premier this year and that this will be the third season that the CVFC is hosting its shows at the Alliance Church.
“Things are going very well there…we’re really grateful for the Alliance Church and the people there, who are all so nice,” he said, adding that the average increase in attendance rose from 206 to 290 between the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons; this is in big part thanks to the increase in season ticket holders.
This year’s season tickets are on sale for $150 for the seven-concert monthly series. Tickets are available at cochranefolkclub.com; single show tickets will be available in June.
Kicking the season off this year will be the indelible Bruce Cockburn, who will be making the Alliance Church a stop on Aug. 9, along his summer tour.
The folk-rock guitarist, singer-songwriter and humanitarian is currently celebrating his 31st album, Small Sources of Comfort, which is mainly an acoustic recording featuring Cockburn’s signature blend of genres.
“The thing people don’t realize about Bruce is that he’s a really great guitarist,” said Fitzgerald, adding that while Cockburn is best known for his philanthropic and songwriting contributions, these talents have overshadowed what he is capable of as a guitarist.
The acts to follow include James Hill (ukulele) and Anne Janelle (cello) on Oct. 12; The Bills (folk-roots five piece) on Nov. 15; John Wort Hannam (folk-roots singer/songwriter) double-billed with PEAR (country-folk duo) on Dec. 7; Del Barber (folk-rock-Americana singer-songwriter) is doubled-billed with Rose Cousins (folk-pop) on Feb. 15; The Kruger Brothers (bluegrass-folk trio) arrive for a March 8 performance; New Country Rehab (alt-country four-piece) close out the season March 29.
Opening acts (often local artists) for each headliner are yet to be announced.
Fitzgerald said he is personally excited to see the instrumentation of Hill & Janelle, as well as The Kruger Brothers — who he refers to as, “currently, the premier bluegrass band…from dueling banjos to Mozart.”
“We’re about bringing in different musical acts — music you can’t always see in Calgary,” explained Fitzgerald.
