5 artists to check out at the Calgary Folk Music Festival

Alvvays

The double-V band (pronounced “always”) brings their surf indie pop back to Calgary after playing to sold-out crowds across Europe last year.

Thursday, July 26 at Mainstage, 9:10-10:20 p.m.

Joe Jackson

The New Wave pop artist hit the charts with “Is She Really Going Out with Him?” and “Steppin’ Out” in 1979 and 1982. He’s also a willing cover artist, including Television’s “See No Evil” on his latest album, Fast Forward.

Friday, July 27 at Mainstage, 9:45-11:30 p.m.

Blackalicious

The complex, tongue-twisting lyrics of rapper Gift of Gab (half of Blackalicious with DJ/producer Chief Xcel) have become a challenge meme. Daniel Radcliffe wowed the crowd by reciting “Alphabet Aerobics” on Jimmy Fallon.

Friday, July 27 at National Stage 4, 9-10:15 p.m.

Sudan Archives

Given the Folk Fest’s stellar history of bringing in world musicians, you might guess where the Sudan Archives come from. But the genre-bending violinist and vocalist Brittney Parks was only inspired by Sudanese fiddlers; she grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Friday, July 27 at National Stage 4, 6:15-7:10 p.m.

Destroyer

Dan Bejar, the main man behind Destroyer, had a simple goal when making his Cure-referencing album ken: “How could a decrepit-sounding voice sing in a dark, New Romantic world?”

Saturday, July 28 at National Stage 4, 7:40-8:45 p.m.

Calgary Folk Music Festival, Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 29. Four-day passes, $135 – $195; Single-day tickets, $35 – $80.
Tickets and info: calgaryfolkfest.com.

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