
10 Acts You Can See At The American Folk Festival
The American Folk Festival is just days away, so here's a preview of 10 of the acts that will be performing so you can plan your weekend's schedule.
There's so much going on at the American Folk Festival every year, that it's a good idea to do some planning ahead. Is there an act that you absolutely don't want to miss? Then you'll want to know which stages they're performing on and at what times. Or maybe there's an act on the schedule that you're not sure about whether you'll like the music. Well, that's where we can help!
We have a brief explanation of 10 of the acts that will appear on the Bangor Waterfront this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. And be sure to click the link in each segment to watch a video sample of their music. For the complete weekend schedule, log onto the American Folk Festival's website.
And remember, these acts don't come for free. We hope you'll consider donating to the festival, either by paying the suggested $10 per day entry fee, and/or by dropping some money with the Bucket Brigade.
- YouTube/ThreeTimesThrough
YouTube/ThreeTimesThrough 1Ben Miller & Anita MacDonald
These two Celtic artists weave Gaelic song with the traditional sounds of the Cape Breton fiddle and the fiery edge of the Scottish Border pipes. Their beautiful music will put you in mind of the cliffs and green pastures of the Maritimes. Ben Miller and Anita MacDonald have been called 'one of the most important folk acts on the island of Cape Breton today,' by the CBC.
- YouTube/PRSRECORDS
YouTube/PRSRECORDS 2Doug Moreland
What do you get when you combine Texas swing, Armadillos, and chainsaw carving? Doug Moreland, of course! While traveling the country as the leader of the Flying Armadillos and performing Western swing music, Doug also finds time for his hobby. You guessed it - making wood carvings with his chainsaw. The whole band is coming to Bangor. No word on whether we'll see carvings!
- YouTube/magicfiddle
YouTube/magicfiddle 3Rhythm Future Quartet
There's something special about acoustic jazz. And when you add in the word 'gypsy,' you know it's going to be amazing. The Rhythm Future Quartet performs dynamic and lyrical arrangements of both Gypsy jazz standards and their original compositions. Named for a Django Reinhardt tune, the group delivers diverse international rhythms.
- YouTube/ifilmlivemusic
YouTube/ifilmlivemusic 4Culture
You know a group is incredible when Rolling Stone Magazine dubs one of their albums as #25 on the list of 'coolest records of all time.' Culture was born in the 1970's, won Reggae Album of the Year in 1977, and is reggae's preeminent harmony group. Led by founder Joseph Hill's son Kenyatta, the group is touring to celebrate the 40th anniversary of that award-winning album, 'Two Sevens Clash.'
- YouTube/RAM Haiti
YouTube/RAM Haiti 5RAM
We dare you to keep your feet still when you hear RAM, a Haitian group based in the city of Port-au-Prince that calls it's music 'Vodou rock 'n roots.' One of the prominent bands in the mizik rasin music movement, the band incorporates traditional Vodou lyrics and music styles with more modern genres. The band performs in Haitian, Creole, French, and English.And their music is infectious!
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YouTube/blue man 6Selwyn Birchwood
Winner of the 2013 International Blues Challenge, Selwyn Birchwood is a commanding force in the world of blues. Only 32 years old, he's already made a name for himself, with his unique voice and amazing guitar talents. Birchwood has 4 albums under his belt, including his latest, titled 'Poison.' Blues lovers won't want to miss this guy!
- YouTube/804MusicGroup
YouTube/804MusicGroup 7Cora Harvey Armstrong
Cora Harvey Armstrong is a favorite at festivals and, once you hear her beautiful soaring voice, you'll know why. She started playing gospel piano at the age of five and has been singing nearly as long. It's a family affair, with Cora being joined by her sisters and nieces for some foot-tapping gospel that will warm your heart.
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YouTube/Les Poules a Colin 8Les Poules a Colin
Quebecois has been a favorite at the American Folk Festival, and Les Poules a Colin will delight fans of the genre. This five piece group combines Quebecois traditions with a blend of jazz, pop, and more contemporary styles.
- YouTube/MoeJoeVision
YouTube/MoeJoeVision 9C. J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band
It's a long name for a group that you'll want to listen to for even longer. C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band sounds exactly like the name suggests. Red hot Zydeco, led by Clayton Joseph Chenier. C.J. is the son of zydeco great Clifton Chenier, and says that when you hear his music, you have to kick off your shoes and dance!
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YouTube/mediasanctuary 10Las Cafeteras
Hailing from East Los Angeles, California, this group will capture your attention and leave you wanting more. Las Cafeteras blends Afro-Mexican beats, rhythms, and rhymes to paint pictures of the struggles growing up in the concrete jungle that is L.A. There's some punk, hip-hop, beat music, cumbia, and rock that's sure to please everyone who makes the time to hear Las Cafeteras.