OFF Artists: Always New Favourites

The great thing about the Ottawa Folk Festival is that you will always discover new artists that will soon become your favourites.

Thursday, I came to Hog’s Back Park with the intention of only watching Hawksley Workman’s performance. Having grown up in the same hometown, I have been listening to his great body of work since I was old enough to craftily steal my sister’s CDs without her noticing (or so I thought).

Although I probably shouldn’t admit it for fear of destroying my folky reputation, other than Hawksley Workman (who delivered a ridiculously amazing show, by the way), I was unfamiliar with the remainder of the performers that evening. However, by the end of the night, all of the performers had gained at least one more fan in me. 

The evening kicked off with a performance by Megan Jerome. Her personal style and spot-on vocals absolutely blew me away. She sang about local subjects and themes, which made the concert even more endearing. By the end of her performance, I called my sister and exclaimed that I had found a new favourite! I was going to buy her CD!

After Hawksley Workman, I moved over to the Falls Stage and caught Justin Townes Earle’s show. He made playing the guitar look as easy as breathing. His harmonies and accompanying vocals were practically perfect, and anything with a string bass makes me weak in the knees. I turned to my friend and declared that this was my new obsession! I needed to buy his CD!

After Justin, we wandered down to the RavenLaw Stage to watch the Punch Brothers round off their set. Hearing their tight string performances, their effortless time-changes, and flawless vocals, I thought, “These guys are amazing! I need to get their CD!”

And this was only after the first night of shows. I can only imagine the damage that I’m about to do in the General Store and Merch Tent tonight.

Now I’m in the market for some inexpensive CD storage. Any suggestions?


Michelle N.