The question I've been asked most recently is, what music should we look out for this year? It's hard to single people out as there is such a variety but here are a few tips:
Always top of my list are the sessions in the campsite and around the arena - ordinary members of the audience who contribute so much towards Cambridge's unique atmosphere. They really deserve our appreciation. You can stumble across some really inspiring sessions or people busking and these are moments to be cherished.
We've all got high expectations of bigger names who've delighted in the past such as Joan Baez, Nanci Griffith, Kate Rusby and Steve Earle - I'm sure they won't disapoint. There are also a lot of names who might be big in other styles of music, but who will be new to Cambridge ears. Fanfare Ciorcalia are an amazing Romanian brass band and they have to be seen to be believed. Toumani Diabate is such an amazing musician that I'm sure he's going to be a real hit. I
'm sure Seasick Steve will be amazing. There's a few Cambridge debuts from quite established names - Ricky Skaggs for a start and also Bruce Cockburn - both long overdue. The Ukele Orchestra of Great Britain are such fun - that'll be a great set. We've also got a few album launches Rachel Unthank, Martin Simpson spring to mind - so they're bound to pull out all the stops.
Then there are the showcases in the Club Tent, I'm looking forward most to Lisa Knapp and Jackie Oates. I've left so much good stuff out, but I could enthuse all night...and in any case, each and everyone will have their own favourite come next Monday.
Enjoy the Festival!!
Eddie Barcan
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About Me
- The Co-operative Cambridge Folk Festival
- The Cambridge Folk Festival is one of the premier music events in Europe and one of the longest running and most famous folk festivals in the world. It has become hugely popular and a regular sell out attracting ten thousand people, many of whom return year after year. The Festival is renowned for its eclectic mix of music and a wide definition of what might be considered folk. The best traditional folk artists from the UK and Ireland rub shoulders with more contemporary acts, the finest American country, blues and roots artists, acclaimed singer songwriters and even the odd pop star. Bluegrass, gospel, cajun, zydeco, jazz, world, klezmer and a ceilidh are also regular features. The line up has reflected the many changes in the music scene from the 60s to the present and is always a hotbed mix of the old and the new. The list of performers who have appeared reads like a who’s who and the Festival has been a launching pad for many now well known artists.
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