Folk Festival...try it...you'll like it! Not just campfire sing-a-longs, protest songs, hairy (women's) legs & pot smokers...

...Hope I haven't disappointed anyone...

Just in case there are still those out there with any of the above (or similar) images jangling around in their heads, give it a big LONG WEEKEND shake & air it out before you go & BUY YOUR TICKETS!

OK, check out this link to the Calgary "Folk" Music Festival: http://www.calgaryfolkfest.com/users/folder.asp?FolderID=1755

Take a good look all the way down the list...recognize everyone...anyone??

Chances are you WON'T recognize everyone on the list, but when you go out to a movie you've usually never seen it before. You're probably just trusting other people's opinion.

Chances are also good that you WILL recognize SOMEONE...

Sam Roberts maybe?? Sam is a favourite son these days. Rockin' out of Montreal - yup, ROCKIN'!

Do ya listen to "Night Moves"? If not, you should! If you do, you've probably heard JOSH RITTER, THE DUHKS, & BLUE RODEO. If you're tuning in between now & the festival - July 24-27 - you'll probably catch a smattering of Sam Baker, Calexico, Be Good Tanyas, Great Lake Swimmers, & MAYBE even a little Ani Difranco (NO...she's NOT from the DeFranco family).

While you're checking out http://www.calgaryfolkfest.com/users/folder.asp?FolderID=1755 click on their Tickets link & see what a great value this festival is. If you've been to hockey games or have bought tickets for any of the gigs coming up this summer at the 'dome, just do the math...

If you buy an Early Bird pass now for $130 & divide it by (rounded down) 60...yes 60 acts...you'll realize that you spent more on your morning Starbucks than you would on checking out ONE festival act! Does this put it in perspective or what?

So I can guarantee that:

1. You'll see some hairy legs...yes, on women.

2. You MAY catch the occasional aroma of herbs drifting through the air. Chances are they'll be into sharing.

3. Somewhere along the way you'll be asked to participate in a chorus. If this freaks you out so much, GO BACK TO 2!

4. You will hear AT LEAST 3 acts that you've never heard before that will BLOW YOU AWAY.

5. These 3 acts will probably all be of different musical genres.

6. These 3 acts will probably have music available in the Merch Tent. Go directly to the Merch Tent. Do not pass the food concessions...until later.

7. You will be back at work Monday bragging to your buddies (who didn't go) about your latest musical finds.

8. You'll also be bragging about what a GREAT festival it was. Well organized. GREAT location. Great people. Good food. EXCELLENT value for money. Sing-a-longs were actually fun.

9. Your (possibly) jaded concept of "FOLK" music (also known in some circles as The "F" word) has been tossed WAY out the window.

10. You'll owe me a beer in the Beer Garden if you go because of this blog entry, & enjoy it as much as I think you will.

Just think "MUSIC"!