Here is my entry to the contest.
Calgary Folk Festival – A metal head’s prospective
Growing up outside Calgary in the suburb known as Okotoks, I was like every other kid into rock than rap followed by punk then to metal in all its glorious forms. So when I was invited to the Folk Festival ’09 I was torn one side said no too lame and too many “hippies” while the other side said so what? A little beer some warm weather what could be the harm? I don’t have to tell you the latter won.
So my journey into the bands that would be playing began. I have always been a huge Bob Dylan fan so folk music wasn’t foreign to me, however the things that can be considered folk or indie music were. Im not aware of a genre where in so many styles are represented yet still fly under the one flag.
Anyway I had become intimate with The Decembrists developed a massive crush on Emily Wells. (Which Im still not over I mean she shook my hand!!!!!) As well as journeyed through the layers that are Bell Orchestre so I was ready. Thursday came and while waiting in line at Prince’s Island Park I was awash with a feeling of comfort a place I belonged. I could also tell the people around me all felt the same, every last one of us was there to relax and listen to some kick ass music.
I can honestly say now this feeling never left me throughout the entire four days of what would become a major highlight of my life. You see what I think makes Folk Festival unique is that it’s impossible to pigeonhole into one thing. Yes it’s a music festival but it’s also a four-day community where you notice a complete metamorphosis of our city. Gone are the stereotypes of oil guzzling cowboys that only care for Nickleback or Country music, and are replaced by a gathering of people who become one and it goes from music festival to a celebration of life. While trying to sneak a cigarette in the beer gardens I met a man who recently arrived from Turkey, who told me he had left his country to avoid mandatory military service, and he was just amazed that we had the freedom to even attend something as simple as a music festival. Here is where the light bulb clicked on and I realized this festival is truly special and one of the greatest parts of calling Calgary home.
So whether it’s the running of the tarps. (Which Im still amazed there were no injuries) The amazing food, the quaint little market place, or just wasting a day lounging by the Bow river. The Calgary Folk Music Festival is a must attend for all Calgarians and anyone else looking for a perfect weekend to close July, so grab a blanket and go in 2010 I know I will.
