The Folk Music Ontario conference, which happens this year in London between Oct. 12 and 15, has typically been a pretty insular affair.
While it has often been technically possible for non-conference delegates to buy wristbands for the hotel showcases, it wasn’t something the conference typically advertised. It was more a courtesty to allow showcase artists to invite their own V.I.P.s.
But this year, FMO is throwing open the gates, so to speak.
No, the conference is not free.
But a select series of performances will be.
FMO is presenting the FMO Community Folk Fest, which runs parallel to the conference from Oct. 12-14 and features a dozen great acts performing at Market Lane & The Good Foundation Inc. Theatre at Fanshawe College.
There is some pretty amaze-balls talent on this list, including the electic folk-soul band King Cardiac; sea shanty singers Press Gang Mutiny; contemporary Celtic-folk singer-songwriter (and Leahy offspring) Emily Jean Flack and Balfolk quartet Vinta, featuring Oliver Schroer protegé Emilyn Stam.
So hopefully you can join us there.
Here’s the full line-up:
Oct 12, 7:30 p.m.
Presenter: London UNESCO City of Music
- Oh, Berlin (London)
- Charm of Finches (Australia)
- Ronja Maltzahn (Germany)
- Anddre Mafra & The Reflections (London)
Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m.
Presenter:TD Sunfest
- The Pairs (London)
- Kazdoura (Toronto)
- Shauit (Montréal)
- King Cardiac (Toronto)
Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m.
Presenter: Cuckoo’s Nest Folk Club
- Pressgang Mutiny (Toronto)
- Emily Jean Flack (London)
- Onion Honey (Kitchener)
- Vinta (Toronto)
