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This summer, k.d. lang (here in London) and her band will sing in Winnipeg. (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images) |
Festivals rooted in all things folk
Sometimes you can experience a world of different sounds in just one setting. These festivals spotlight the best in roots music from the United States and beyond.
WINNIPEG FOLK FESTIVAL
WHERE: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
WHEN: July 6-10
WHO: k.d. lang and the Siss Boom Bang, Tegan & Sara, Dawes, Frazey Ford, The Del McCoury Band with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, the Jayhawks
WHAT: Some of Canada’s finest acts are the big draw at the 38th edition of this revered folk and world music festival. On the road behind a spectacular new album, lang will be performing with her new band. There’s also the intriguing jazz-bluegrass fusion of the Del McCoury Band with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band; Ford’s spectral brand of folk-soul; and the alt-country Jayhawks.
HOW: Five-day pass (early-bird prices) $189; youth and seniors $112; ages 5-14 $12. One-day pass (early-bird prices) $47-$65; youth and seniors $36-$48; 5-14 $5-$7. www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca
WOODY GUTHRIE FOLK FESTIVAL
WHERE: Okemah, Okla.
WHEN: July 13-17
WHO: David Crosby, Graham Nash, Ellis Paul, Gretchen Peters, Jimmy LaFave, Slaid Cleaves
WHAT: Arguably the reason we even have folk festivals, Woody Guthrie (1912-1967) is the man of honor at this annual event celebrating the troubadour’s rich contributions to American music. Hosted in Guthrie’s hometown, about 70 miles east of Oklahoma City, this festival kicks off in Tulsa on July 13 with a ticketed concert by Crosby and Nash. The rest of the events are free.
HOW: Free. www.woodyguthrie.com
NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL
WHERE: Newport, R.I.
WHEN: July 30-31
WHO: Emmylou Harris, the Decemberists, Elvis Costello, Mavis Staples, Earl Scruggs, the Civil Wars
WHAT: No other folk festival has a legacy that looms so large in the minds of its performers quite like this one. You hear it every year, especially in the cross-generational collaborations. This year’s programming is a strong showing of heritage artists (Scruggs, Harris, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott) and younger artists (Decemberists, Gillian Welch, Justin Townes Earle) who grew up admiring them.
HOW: Two-day pass $125. One-day pass $69; ages 3-15 $15; 3 and under free. www.newportfolkfest.net
AMERICAN FOLK FESTIVAL
WHERE: Bangor, Maine
WHEN: Aug. 26-28
WHO: Bing Xia, Leroy Thomas, Hot Club of Cowtown, Samba Ngo, Pedrito Martinez, the Stooges Brass Band
WHAT: Any serious fan will tell you this is what a celebration of folk arts from around the world should be. With more artists to be announced later, so far the lineup continues the three-day extravaganza’s commitment to eclectic music and dance. Joining zydeco singer Thomas are Cuban-born bandleader and percussionist Martinez, New Orleans’ festive Stooges Brass Band, and the Western swing trio Hot Club of Cowtown.
HOW: Suggested $10 daily donation. www.americanfolkfestival.com
JAMES REED 
© Copyright 2011 Globe Newspaper Company.
