rock Archives | Mariposa Folk Festival

Union Duke: A Mariposa Showcase Story

Posted on March 28, 2018

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

Posted on March 6, 2018

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.

Bruce Cockburn Joins the Mariposa Lineup

Posted on December 8, 2016

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.

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

Posted on May 12, 2015

turbostreetfunk Whether 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.

Charlie A’Court – Planted at the Crossroads of Roots and Soul

Posted on May 11, 2015

charlieacourt Planted at the crossroads of roots and soul, the mighty voice, fierce guitar work and contemporary song writing of Charlie A’Court connect with people, one emotion at a time.

He’s a country boy raised on classic R&B, soul, blues, rock and folk ranging from The Band and John Prine to Otis Redding and B.B. King.

Charlie is well known for his emotional delivery and strong stage presence, and for fearlessly bridging genres and challenging stylistic conventions.

He has toured extensively internationally both as a headlining performer or sharing the stage with greats like James Cotton, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, George Thorogood, Harry Manx, Martin Sexton, Delbert McClinton, Colin James and Dan Aykroyd.

Kunle Basks His Audience in Beautiful Gentleness and Optimism

Posted on April 25, 2015

Kunle Nigerian-born singer songwriter, Kunle, launched his musical career in Ghana, spent time on the open seas as a marine engineer, and made his way to Toronto where he is currently based.

His music employs guitar tapping, harmonica, talking drum, and rich vocals to animate traditional and contemporary songs that guide audiences into a musical place where there are no boundaries, and where traditions from Celtic to blues to rock to African folk meld together.

Whether singing in Yoruba, English, Pidgin or German, his sensitivity and kindness come out through his songs and generous performances, leaving his audience basking in beautiful gentleness and optimism.

Thursday, 19 March 2015 Farrucas Duo Paint an Exotic Musical Portrait

Posted on March 19, 2015

FarrucasWord The stirring rhythms, Latin sounds, and intricate instrumentation of Farrucas Duo paint an exotic musical portrait.

The group is a fusion of two musical traditions – Mediterranean and Ecuadorian – brought together through Laura Spada and Jorge Cuamacás, and spiced up by elements of other genres through Arab, Cumbia, rumba, flamenco, salsa and rock influences.

Two talents that shine equally well in the recording studio and on stage, this duo has been performing together for twenty years.

With stunning performances, a variety of instruments, homage to diverse cultures and nationalities, three albums, and legions of fans, this is a musical journey you need to experience.

AroarA bringing their Avant-Garde Sound to Mariposa

Posted on May 24, 2014

Montreal-based AroarA is a creative duo that amplifies cigar box guitars, uses a 404 sampler to trigger mellotrons and black sabbath bells, blends voices, and plays twin guitar lines.

Their album, In The Pines, is based on the work by the same title of American poet Alice Notley.

It interprets a depression era tableaux laced with quotations from the folk, blues and gospel music of that period.

According to nightlife.ca, the music of this former member of Broken Social Scene/Apostle of Hustle paired with a member of Land of Kush is a lovely stroll through minimal pop, loose rock, and world bits.

The Barr Brothers

Posted on May 8, 2014

barrBrothers After a decade of criss-crossing North America with their Boston-based improvisational rock trio, a fire in a Montréal club proved providential, leading Andrew and Brad Barr in a new musical direction.

On the street with what they could carry, they made friends with a waitress who would become their manager.

Then, after relocating to ‘La Métropole’, they linked-up musically with their new neighbour, harpist Sarah Page, and with multi-instrumentalist and composer, Andres Vial.

The Barr Brothers were formed.

A unique folk sound was also born, one that relies on interwoven string arrangements, wide open spaces, and a multitude of musical traditions.

Now they’re playing fantastic shows and making big waves on the music scene!

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

The Most Loyal Making Their Way To Mariposa

Posted on April 14, 2014

mostLoyal Folk-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.

Rough and Rowdy Union Duke Hitting Mariposa Stages

Posted on May 15, 2013

roughRowdy This 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.