Mandolin Orange Added to the 60th Anniversary Lineup

Mandolin Orange Added to the 60th Anniversary Lineup

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Mariposa Folk Festival has announced the addition of Mandolin Orange to the 60th anniversary artistic lineup.

This Americana roots duo has helped to redefine the genre for a younger generation, blending storytelling with acoustic elements of bluegrass, folk and country, and amassing an impressive fan base through live shows and online streaming.

Festival Artistic Director, Liz Scott, says she “…first saw Mandolin Orange at the Ann Arbor Folk Festival five years ago when the husband and wife team was in their mid-twenties, and fell in love with their intimate harmonies and sweet-toned folk and bluegrass-tinged vibes.”

Scott added, “Now their songs are at the top of playlists everywhere and they’re loved by audiences of all ages, and they’re bringing their full band to Mariposa.”

Mariposa Folk Festival previously announced that John Prine and Mavis Staples will perform on the festival Main Stage, and has, so far, unveiled about 2/3 of the artists that will perform at the 60th anniversary festival. More exciting lineup announcements will be made in the coming weeks.

The three-day Mariposa Folk Festival takes place July 3-5, 2020, in Orillia, Ontario, on more than ten stages, and features top folk-roots music presentation, along with presentations of story, dance and craft.

All ticket categories are on sale. Kids 12 & under are admitted free. The festival has special pricing for youth and young adults. Onsite RV and tent camping is available.

Union Duke: A Mariposa Showcase Story

Union Duke: A Mariposa Showcase Story

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On April 15th, 2018, 1:00-4:00 p.m., at the Best Western Plus Mariposa Inn & Conference Centre, 400 Memorial Ave in Orillia., the Mariposa Folk Festival is hosting its annual Mariposa Showcase, this year with eight emerging bands and performers auditioning for three performance spots at the summer Festival.

Mariposa Showcase has been a launching pad for some great talent. This includes Union Duke, a Toronto based folk quintet that melds indie rock vibes with the absolute best parts of bluegrass and country. In 2014, they ‘showcased’ and ended up on a Mariposa stage. It was a great opportunity for exposure and a chance to perform for one of the best and biggest crowds you can find!

Union Duke recently wrote to Mariposa Folk Festival to say that Mariposa Showcase changed their careers, calling it a “huge milestone”. Mariposa was the biggest venue they had ever played. Their booking agent, Jim McDonald, who was in the audience says, “In a way we owe it to Mariposa for setting up years of work for us.”

According to McDonald, following their first moment in the Mariposa spotlight Union Duke has maintained a positive and ongoing relationship with the Festival. This allowed them to return to the Mariposa stage, bigger and more popular than ever! McDonald went on to explain that auditioning live at Mariposa Showcase was a blessing because the band’s energy and charm shines through in their live performances.

Union Duke has a jam-packed touring schedule across Canada this summer. Check out their show listings at unionduke.com.

Here’s to hoping that more artists like Union Duke get their careers launched at Mariposa Showcase 2018!

Byline: Jaina Kelley, guest blogger and Lakehead University student

Alan Doyle Joins Our Stellar Lineup

Alan Doyle Joins Our Stellar Lineup

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Orillia, Ontario, Canada – Mariposa Folk Festival organizers announced today that Alan Doyle, former lead singer for the legendary Canadian band Great Big Sea, has been added to the stellar festival lineup. Known for exciting shows backed by a band of top-notch musicians, Doyle says, “I always want people to have the greatest night of their life when the house lights go down”.
Mariposa Folk Festival takes place July 6th, 7th and 8th, 2018, in beautiful Tudhope Park in Orillia, Ontario, Canada, on the shores of scenic Lake Couchiching.

A musician extraordinaire, actor in film, television and stage, and author of books, Alan Doyle is an entertainment business triple threat. He is also a Member of the Order of Canada “for his contributions to the musical traditions of his home province and for his commitment to numerous local charitable initiatives.”

According to Artistic Director, Liz Scott, “Alan Doyle is bringing us his rousing, toe-tapping traditional kitchen party experience fused with pop, rock and country. It’s going to be a powerful, entertaining show for the whole family”.

The 3-day Mariposa Folk Festival features the best folk-roots music on the North American scene as well as story, dance and craft on more than ten stages. All categories of ticket are now on sale. Hot ticket pricing is offered to youth and young adults. Kids 12 & under are admitted free. Tent and RV camping is available on site. Many more artistic announcements will be made in the coming weeks and months.

Russell deCarle Bringing Country Roots to Mariposa

Russell deCarle Bringing Country Roots to Mariposa

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russelldeCarleLead singer and founding member of platinum-selling Prairie Oyster, Russell deCarle has earned many awards over the course of an illustrious musical career.

His love and appreciation for the roots of honky tonk and pure country music, as well as the classic country vocalists, is evident in his celebrated song writing and performance style.

To the thrill of fans, and after a decades-long wait, in 2010 deCarle officially launched a solo career with the release of his album, Under The Big Big Sky.

Since then, he has appeared on the CBC Songwriters’ Circle series, gone on tour with Merle Haggard, and appeared many times as a special guest vocalist.

https://youtu.be/vXXxj0t6j48

The Most Loyal Making Their Way To Mariposa

The Most Loyal Making Their Way To Mariposa

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mostLoyalFolk-rock group, The Most Loyal, is Sarah Davignon and a collection of her musical friends.

They have been performing together for the past few years, earning an ever-growing following with every gig.

With one full-length self-titled recording (2013) and an EP, Royal Family (2011), under their belts, now they’re busy recording a follow-up.

Relying on an easy performance style and strong stage presence, these folks put on great live shows.

Their music is grounded in folk, but verges on country and rock.

Combining strong vocals with accomplished playing of piano and organ, bass, nylon strings, drums, and electric guitar, they produce a rich, and very pleasing sound.

Birds of Chicago are a Must See!

Birds of Chicago are a Must See!

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birdsChicagoBirds of Chicago is one of the most compelling duos on the Americana music scene.

A fractured country-soul voice wrapped in silver and gold tones, the sound they produce is compelling and honest.

With echoes of mountain gospel, dollops of street corner doo-wop, and the cool vibe of classic soul, their music goes straight to the heart of things.

Almost any night of the year you can find them at some festival, theatre, pub, VFW hall, living room, or roller rink, dovetailing their voices, and singing songs of hope, despair, love, electric seahorses, honey bee apocalypses, and ice cream.

It’s wonderful, original stuff. They’re a must see!

Check out our Birds of Chicago story board on Pinterest. While you’re there, click on Follow Board to get updates.

The Carper Family to Swing Through Mariposa

The Carper Family to Swing Through Mariposa

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carperFamilyCrystalline harmonies, swinging melodies, bopping rhythms and sheer musical fun. These are just some of the descriptors for The Carper Family, an Austin Texas based trio that’s generating critical praise and a lot of attention wherever they perform. With immaculately blending voices, warm, enticing songs, an upright bass, a fiddle and a guitar, The Carper Family has a sound that’s new – 50 years ago. Their original tunes range from deeply-moving to profoundly quirky, and their catalogue of lesser known country titles is equally rich. They are dedicated to preserving the fertile and sprawling history of American country music through bluegrass, old-time, country and swing tunes that honour American musical traditions at every step. If bringing joy to audiences is the ticket to success, it’s a sure bet that these three will be playing their new-old music to lucky folks for many many years to come. See them live at Mariposa Folk Festival 2014.

See more photos, videos and information about The Carper Family on our Pinterest Board and our website. Got your tickets yet? Don’t wait, get them today!

Rough and Rowdy Union Duke Hitting Mariposa Stages

Rough and Rowdy Union Duke Hitting Mariposa Stages

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roughRowdyThis dynamic folk act bridges the gap from big city rock to country bluegrass with entwining, rambling banjos, soaring vocal harmonies, plucking electric guitars, and a fast, heel stompin’ beat. Their rough and rowdy dynamic, strong stage presence, and great tunes make them a real crowd pleaser at clubs and festivals. You have to see these five guys live, with their truckload of stirring folk rock, to understand how really very good they are. Their two well-received albums, Bandits & Bridges (2013) and One and Two (2012), also drive that point home. This is one band you don’t want to miss.