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| Brandon Folk Festival The Sheepdogs, folk singer Ferron and singer-songwrinter Dan Bern will top off a weekend of great music at the Brandon Folk, Music and Art Festival's 27th annual event July 21 to 24. Saskatoon throwback rockers the Sheepdogs, shown in a handout photo, have made the finals of a Rolling Stone competition that will give the shaggy-haired group a coveted spot on the main stage at the Bonnaroo music festival and a shot at a deal with Atlantic Records. Oh, and if the rockers win they'll also become the first unsigned act ever to grace Rolling Stone's cover. Somewhere in there, they'll also be playing in Brandon. (CP) The festival repeats last year's format with a solid line-up of amazing music Friday and Saturday nights, presenting musicians from British Columbia to Quebec. Brandon's urban forest comes alive with the sights and sounds generated by musicians and artists from across Canada. From the "gypsy-ska" sounds of The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra, Latin American performance theatrics of Mariachi Ghost, to heartbreakin' blues from the Romi Mayes Electric Trio, the contemporary bluegrass as performed by BC's dynamic Fish and Bird, the frenetic Alt-country stylings of the Magnificant 7's and the Klezmer-Pop of Quebec's The Burning Hell, there will be undoubtedly something for everyone to discover. "We've been lucky enough to work with the legendary Mitch Podolak who told me - daytime is about folk, night time is all showbiz. That's what we've set out to do again this year, " acting artistic director Shandra MacNeill said in a press release. Wrapping up the festival is a stellar Sunday night concert featuring festival headliners The Sheepdogs, legendary folk singer Ferron, along with critically acclaimed American singer-songwriter Dan Bern. Saskatoon heroes The Sheepdogs are generating huge public recognition by making the final two in Rolling Stone's Choose The Cover competition that sees the winner receive the cover of the venerable music publication (voting widget below). "We're extremely excited to bring The Sheepdogs back to Brandon after their recent success" MacNeill said. "Tight harmonies and a laid back classic rock feel are a perfect fit for Brandon." Ferron may be a unfamiliar name to younger music audiences but they will know the artists that count the Canadian Music Pioneer as an influence. Ani DiFranco, Tracey Chapman, Tori Amos and Indigo Girls have played on her albums and covered her songs. Music fans will love this rare opportunity to see one of folk music's greatest songwriters, who's lyrics have been compared to Leonard Cohen and Bruce Springsteen by Rolling Stone magazine. There is already a similar buzz of excitement among those in the know about veteran performer Dan Bern. A brilliant and cutting lyricist, he is dryly comedic and has experienced viral internet success with songs like 'Tiger Woods' and 'President'. Visual Artists, word@folkfest Literary Retreat, Dance and Emerging Artist Program participants will be announced in the coming weeks. Limited discounted advance tickets are now on sale in Brandon, Winnipeg and Onanole. A limited number of Campground passes with also be on sale this year. Please see attached sheet for Full Musical Line-up. write your comments about the article :: © 2011 Jazz News :: home page |