Buffy Sainte-Marie coming to Mission

Apart from the obvious enjoyment of the music, there is a cross-cultural component which enriches our worldview.

As Gwen Kallio of Mission Folk Festival puts it: "Artists this year come from nearly a dozen countries and from widely different parts of the world - Africa, Europe, Hawaii, Cuba and all across North America - and it's a very good thing! In these times of ours, it's just great to bring all these talented artists together in a beautiful park to hear the music they bring us, to learn a little bit about their lives and cultures, and to share a bit of our own."

If you're looking for particularly tuneful summer fun, here are some of the main events to watch out for.

Mission

• Mission Folk Music Festival
July 27 - 29

This event celebrates its 20th year with perhaps its most eclectic range of performers so far. From Tucson to Tibet, China to Scotland, Montreal to Madeira Park - more than 20 groups (and more than 100 artists) from across the country and around the world will gather in Mission's Fraser River Heritage Park.

Some of the more notable performers include the much-acclaimed aboriginal singer/songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie, and South African icon Hugh Masekela.

The venue is a picturesque hour's drive out of Vancouver, just east of Mission. Prices are very reasonable, for either single days or the whole weekend, and the performance setting is intimate. missionfolkmusicfestivafrica

Chilliwack

• Back to the Blues
July 27 - 29

Promoted as "the best little gospel blues festival west of Chicago," this family-oriented event takes place at the Threshermen's Village, beside the Chilliwack Heritage Park at Lickman Road and Luckakuck Way, in Chilliwack. This year features veteran American singer Russ Taff; and Wes 'The Bluesman' Mackey.

Other artists include Breaking the Bondage Blues Band from New Jersey, Danny Brooks from Ontario, Darrell Mansfield from California, and Surrender from Yarrow. back2blues.com

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Wes Mackey - Back to the Blues

• Vancouver Folk Festival
July 13 - 15

Staged, as usual, in Jericho Beach Park, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival marks its 30th year.

An impressive lineup from the traditional and contemporary folk and roots music scene includes Martyn Joseph (to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable), Jim Byrnes (whose gospel-based House of Refuge impressed so many last year), Bhangra Authenticy, sailed M, Mihirangi, The Wailin' Jennys, Utah Phillips and the Be Good Tanyas.

With eight stages and more than 70 hours of music, the costs are reasonable. Sunday morning features the event's traditional Gospel workshop. thefestival.bc.ca

Washington

• Creationfest
July 25 Ð 28

This is the 10th annual Creationfest, held in the dramatic Gorge Amphithe- atre in Washington state. Carved in high basalt cliffs overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, the offers a magnificent view and outstanding acoustics. With multiple stages, this event attracts thousands to hear some of the most popular Christian acts in the world. This yearÕs main performers include:Relient K, Toby Mac, Newsboys, David Crowder, Jars of Clay, Chris Tomlin, Kutless, Barlow Girl, Sanc- tus Real, Starfield and Downhere. The fringe stage will feature up and comers such as Everyday Sunday, House of Heroes, Fireflight and Day of Fire. creationfest.com

Vancouver Island

• Alive Inside
August 4

Held on the grounds of the Cowichan River Bible Camp near Duncan on Vancouver Island, this event began in 2002. Sponsored by Oasis Church, it provides a variety of entertainment Ð including a Wild West BBQ, and a mechanical bull. But the main attraction is the music, and this year features Thousand Foot Krutch, FridayÕs Cry, Manafest, The Tim Byron Band, Venere, Bondless and Momentum Generation. aliveinside.ca

July 2007