Tag: jazz

Bruce Cockburn Joins the Mariposa Lineup

Bruce Cockburn Joins the Mariposa Lineup

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For Immediate Release
December 8th, 2016

BRUCE COCKBURN JOINS THE MARIPOSA LINEUP

Orillia, Ontario, Canada – Mariposa Folk Festival is proud to announce that one of Canada’s finest artists, Bruce Cockburn, is returning to Mariposa after a long absence. The renowned singer-songwriter and revered guitarist was a regular performer at Mariposa Folk Festival during its Toronto Island years, making six appearances during that period following his 1968 Mariposa debut.

Bruce Cockburn’s artistry is deeply influenced by politics, spirituality, and musical diversity. His music transcends folk, jazz, rock, and worldbeat, and his memorable songs are inspired by personal observations and experiences in places like Guatemala, Mali, Mozambique, and Nepal. Cockburn has earned many awards during his career, from Officer of the Order of Canada, honourary degrees, and humanitarian awards, to twelve Junos.

According to Artistic Director, Mike Hill, “Bruce Cockburn is an artistic director’s dream. He is a highly respected, much loved, very talented artist whose work is consistently original, relevant and of the highest integrity. He’s also a fantastic performer. It just doesn’t get any better than that.”

Mariposa Folk Festival takes place July 7th, 8th and 9th, in beautiful Tudhope Park in Orillia, Ontario, Canada, on the shores of scenic Lake Couchiching. The 3-day festival features the best folk-roots music on the North American scene on twelve stages, as well as story, dance and craft. All categories of tickets are now on sale at the best available price. Kids 12 & under are admitted free. Tent and RV camping is available at the festival site.

Mariposa organizers previously announced that Matt Andersen is on the artistic roster for this year’s festival. Another big name artist will be announced in the coming days.


James Hill – Mariposa Talks Interview

James Hill – Mariposa Talks Interview

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In this interview for the Mariposa Talks series, ukulele maestro James Hill tells us why he chose the ukulele over the violin (it was more fun), talks about some exciting new directions he’s taken in his latest album, and addresses the question of whether the name of his instrument should be pronounced “yuke-a-laylee” or “ook-oo-laylee.”

 

Here’s some live performance videos of James Hill for your enjoyment:

Voodoo Child (Hendrix Ukulele Cover)
Billie Jean (Michael Jackson Cover)

Ariko Making Their Mariposa Return

Ariko Making Their Mariposa Return

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arikoSmiles ignite, toes tap and hips swivel when Franco-Ontarian sister group, Ariko, reaches into its quiver of tunes.

Their fiddle-based music takes you on a journey through canadiana, jazz, gypsy swing and Celtic, with a repertoire that is energetic, rich in harmonies, and spiced with a mix of bilingual, traditional and original material.

Ariko has made numerous appearances at Festival du loup and other festivals, various Métis Nation events, and at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, performing music inspired by influences ranging from La Bottine Souriante and Natalie McMaster, to Stéphane Grappelli.

They’re making a return to our Mariposa stages this summer following a well-received debut performance last year

RUNA – Bringing a Mystical, Lyrical, Exciting Sound to Mariposa

RUNA – Bringing a Mystical, Lyrical, Exciting Sound to Mariposa

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runaRecognized as one of Irish music’s new super-groups, RUNA has been enchanting audiences by pushing the boundaries of Irish folk music.

Interweaving the haunting melodies and exuberant tunes of Ireland and Scotland with the lush harmonies and intoxicating rhythms of bluegrass, flamenco, blues, and jazz, they offer a thrilling and redefining take on traditional music.

The group has been honoured internationally, winning Top Group and Top Traditional Group in the Irish Music Awards and an Independent Music Award for Best World/Traditional Song.

They combine vocals, step-dancing, guitar, percussion, mandolin, bodhrán, and fiddle for a sound that is at once mystical, lyrical, unique and exciting.

Turbo Street Funk’s Infectious Sounds Make You Move and Groove!

Turbo Street Funk’s Infectious Sounds Make You Move and Groove!

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turbostreetfunkWhether they’re playing a festival, pub, concert hall, or even on a busy corner, the infectious sounds of Turbo Street Funk get people moving and grooving.

Discovered by jazz legend, Richard Underhill, they have grown from a street savvy busking crew to a collection of dynamic showmen.

With a performance style rooted in the New Orleans horn band tradition, this collection of musical talents draws inspiration from R&B, disco, jazz, funk, rock, Colombian porro, electronica and even classical, arranging every piece for a fun-loving ‘street jazz’ sound.

These guys are exuberant, highly entertaining and loads of fun. You don’t want to miss them.

Ariko Swinging Through Mariposa

Ariko Swinging Through Mariposa

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ariko1Smiles ignite, toes tap and hips swivel when Franco-Ontarian sister group, Ariko, reaches into its quiver of tunes.

Their fiddle-based music takes you on a journey through canadiana, jazz, gypsy swing and Celtic, with a repertoire that is energetic, rich in harmonies, and spiced with a mix of bilingual, traditional and original material.

Ariko has made numerous appearances at Festival du loup and other festivals, various Métis Nation events, and at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, performing music inspired by their influences ranging from La bottine souriante and Natalie McMaster, to Stéphane Grappelli.

Their album, La première récolte, provides excellent listening.

Folk-Pop-Electro-Jazz, Ukelele-Playing, Singer-Songwriter, JoJo Worthington

Folk-Pop-Electro-Jazz, Ukelele-Playing, Singer-Songwriter, JoJo Worthington

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jojoWorthingtonIndependent artist, JoJo Worthington, is a folk-pop-electro-jazz singer-songwriter who’s making a big impression with her original, catchy tunes.

Best known for singing and playing ukulele, she’s accomplished on the glockenspiel, melodica and other instruments too.

She started writing on guitar at the age of 14, then formed a band so her songs could be heard. By the time she was 16 she had gone solo.

JoJo has performed in Canada, the U.K., and even Hawaii, where she closed for legendary jazz saxophonist, Tom Scott, and ukulele virtuoso, Brittni Paiva.

Two songs on her most recent album have received substantial air play.

https://youtu.be/uncjDRz4-rs

Elephant Revival: Bound to Take Mariposa By Storm

Elephant Revival: Bound to Take Mariposa By Storm

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elephantRevivalEvery once in a while, a truly original, fantastic-sounding group comes along and creates excitement on the Americana music scene.

Meet Elephant Revival!

Transcendental folk is perhaps the best way to describe their exciting musical stylings.

They are a troupe of accomplished players and vocalists, composers and songwriters that incorporates elements of Scottish/Celtic fiddle tunes, original folk pieces, traditional ballads, bluegrass, gypsy, psychedelic country, indie rock, reggae, jazz and an occasional hip-hop beat into a pleasing sonic mélange.

Individually and collectively, they have performed with or opened for a wide range of celebrated performers from Bela Fleck and Little Feat to George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic – how cool is that?

Five simple words represent the ethos of this unique grouping of talent that shares a commitment to responsible environmental stewardship, “Where words fail… music speaks.”

Mariposa Folk Festival is very pleased to welcome Elephant Revival to our stage. Once you see them perform live, we are pretty sure that you will be pleased too!

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

Indie Trailblazer Ani Difranco Making a Long-Awaited Return

Indie Trailblazer Ani Difranco Making a Long-Awaited Return

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aniDifrancoThe influence of Ani DiFranco on fellow musicians, activists, and indie-minded people the world over is huge. She proudly identifies as a folksinger, but her repertoire is spirited medley of soul, funk, hip-hop, jazz, spoken word and other musical genres.

Over the course of more than 20 albums, Ani has never stopped evolving, experimenting, and testing the limits of what can be said and sung. Her tribe of co-conspirators includes everyone from Pete Seeger and the late Utah Phillips to a new generation of twenty-something artists who grew up with her songs and shows. Of course, there’s also the motley crew of folks like Prince, Maceo Parker, Andrew Bird, Dr. John, Arto Lindsay, Bruce Springsteen, Chuck D, the Buffalo Philharmonic, Gillian Welch, Cyndi Lauper, and even Burmese activist and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, with whom she has crossed paths in myriad ways.

Early in her career, Ani made a choice that was considered brazen at the time – to say no to every record label deal that came her way, and yes to being her own boss. But it is another choice she made early in life – to use her voice and her guitar as honestly and unflinchingly as she could, writing and playing songs that come straight from her own experience, her boundless imagination, her sharp wit, and her ever-more-nuanced understanding of how the world works – that has brought sold-out crowds to her shows around the world, fans debating every nuance of her lyrics, and fellow performers clamouring to work with her.

Ani’s songs deal with contemporary social issues ranging from racism, sexism, sexual abuse, homophobia, and reproductive rights, to poverty and war. Her vocal activism is matched by her actions, whether it’s performing at rallies and protests, or working with her foundation to support grassroots cultural and political organizations on matters ranging from abortion rights to gay visibility.

A diverse, eclectic, authentic and exciting artist, Ani is, above all, an honest-to-goodness folksinger.

Check out our Ani Difranco storey board on Pinterest. While you’re there, click on Follow Board to get updates.

Balancing Fervour and Trance, Acoustic and Electric, MAZ is Coming to Mariposa

Balancing Fervour and Trance, Acoustic and Electric, MAZ is Coming to Mariposa

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MAZThis exciting quartet has bridged the space between electric jazz and French Canadian folk with brilliant results. They describe themselves as a bold assertion of Quebec’s traditional identity with a modern edge but, to their audience, they’re pure spirit-moving, fun-loving, aural magic. Their debut album, Telescope (2011), garnered a Juno nomination for Instrumental Album of the Year plus three nominations at the Canadian Folk Music Awards. In their dynamic live performances, the band pulls off a daring balance between fervour and trance, and acoustic and electric, on tenor banjo, violin, electric guitar, mandolin, keyboards, bass and podorythmie (footwork like step dancing or flat footing while sitting in a chair).

Man with a Marmalade Voice – Jory Nash Passing Through Mariposa

Man with a Marmalade Voice – Jory Nash Passing Through Mariposa

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joryNashA singer-songwriter and story teller described as having a marmalade voice, Jory Nash is the quintessential folk minstrel. His music weaves together elements of folk, jazz, blues, pop & soul. With thoughtful lyrics and intricate melodies, he draws the audience close. With easy humour, engaging banter and colourful stories, he wins them over. A man of many hats, Jory has served on the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals Board, as Artistic Director of the Shelter Valley Folk Festival, and produced the Gordon Lightfoot tribute show, The Way We Feel. Among many other musical credits are six albums, many tours, numerous awards and lots of airplay.

For more information about Jory Nash at Mariposa Folk Festival, click here.