Wildfire impacts, security committee, parole denied, 50th folk fest underway
In pictures: Fifty years of Folk Fest
The Winnipeg Folk Festival celebrates its 50th year running in 2025, and the Free Press has been there since Day 1. Here are a collection of photos from the earliest days to today, commemorating the past five decades of festivities at Birds Hill Park and the community that resulted. Read More
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Legendary folk musician Bruce Cockburn receives key to the city at Winnipeg Folk Festival
Bruce Cockburn, Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham and Winnipeg Folk Festival executive director Valerie Shantz pose together at the Winnipeg Folk Festival on July 12, 2025. (City of Winnipeg) Legendary folk musician Bruce Cockburn received the City of Winnipeg's highest honour. On Saturday, Mayor Scott Gillingham presented Cockburn with a key to the city at the 50th edition of the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Cockburn is known for helping to shape the Canadian music scene with his sound that blends folk, jazz and blues, and his classic songs like 'Lovers in a Dangerous Time.' 'Bruce Cockburn's music has long been a part of the Winnipeg Folk Festival,' said Gillingham in a news release. 'He is one of Canada's most influential artists and decorated artists with a career spanning over five decades. It is an honour to present him with the Key to the City during the festival's 50th anniversary.' Cockburn is an officer of the Order of Canada, recipient of the Governor General's Performing Arts Award, inductee to the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and 13-time Juno Award winner. The Canadian singer has performed at Winnipeg Folk Fest many times over the years, including at the first event in 1974. 'Bruce has been such an important part of the history of the festival - he was there at the first in 1974 and has come back many times since,' said Valerie Shantz, executive director of the Winnipeg Folk Festival. 'We are happy to have him recognized for his artistry, his influence on Canadian folk music, and his special relationship with the Winnipeg Folk Festival.' The key to the city recognizes the significant contributions of dignitaries visiting the city. This is the second time Gillingham has awarded this honour.
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Wildfire impacts, security committee, parole denied, 50th folk fest underway
Photography by the Winnipeg Free Press: In pictures: Fifty years of Folk Fest The Winnipeg Folk Festival celebrates its 50th year running in 2025, and the Free Press has been there since Day 1. Here are a collection of photos from the earliest days to today, commemorating the past five decades of festivities at Birds Hill Park and the community that resulted. Read More
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Hazy shade of summer
Wildfire smoke didn't deter attendees or performers at the 50th Winnipeg Folk Festival, which saw sold-out crowds at Birds Hill Park July 10-13. Audiences were treated to the first ever local performance by roots favourites Gillian Welch and David Rawlins, as well as a host of acts from across North America and the world. Weekly A weekly look at what's happening in Winnipeg's arts and entertainment scene. Legacy performers from the first years of the fest included folk icon Bruce Cockburn, bluegrass duo Cathy Fink & Marcy Marx, guitarist David Essig and spoken-word artist Peter Paul Van Camp. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Fred Penner opens the 50th Winnipeg Folk Festival at Birds Hill Park on Thursday. The weekend wrapped up with Winnipeg diva Begonia, R&B legend Mavis Staples and acclaimed soul-pop outfit Lake Street Dive. JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS Folk fans soak up the sun on Sunday afternoon. JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS British indie-rock duo Supalung performs at Big Bluestem stage on Sunday afternoon. JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS The smoky air doesn't stop most audience members from shaking their tailfeathers. JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS The Green Ash stage is packed on Sunday. JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS Stephen Fearing (left) and Tom Wilson of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS Jake Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys played the Snowberry Field stage Sunday. JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS Stephen Fearing (left) and Tom Wilson of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings
