singer songwriter Archives | Mariposa Folk Festival and Foundation

John Prine Coming to Mariposa

Posted on November 7, 2019

Mariposa Folk Festival is kicking-off the announcements for this summer’s lineup with a very big bang.

The rare talent, true original and revered songwriter, John Prine, has signed-on to help celebrate the 60th anniversary of Mariposa Folk Festival taking place July 3-5, 2020.

Prine is one of the most often requested artists by festival attendees and has been high on Mariposa’s artistic wish list for many years.

Artistic Director, Liz Scott, exclaimed, “Few artists have achieved the significance of this rare talent and true original, and his fans are absolutely devout. I am thrilled to welcome John Prine to the Mariposa Main Stage this year, on the heels of another award-winning, highly-acclaimed album.”

Mariposa Folk Foundation President and Festival Chair, Pam Carter, stated, “It’s our 60th anniversary festival, and presenting music icon John Prine is a wonderful way proclaim Mariposa’s storied past”. Carter added, “Our programming will also reflect Mariposa’s importance on Canada’s music scene as a contemporary folk festival”.

The three-day Mariposa Folk Festival features more than ten stages of top folk-roots music, along with presentations of story, dance and craft. All ticket categories are on sale. Kids 12 & under are admitted free. The festival has special pricing for youth and young adults. Onsite RV and tent camping is available.

James Hill – Mariposa Talks Interview

Posted on November 14, 2016

In this interview for the Mariposa Talks series, ukulele maestro James Hill tells us why he chose the ukulele over the violin (it was more fun), talks about some exciting new directions he’s taken in his latest album, and addresses the question of whether the name of his instrument should be pronounced “yuke-a-laylee” or “ook-oo-laylee.”

Here’s some live performance videos of James Hill for your enjoyment:

Voodoo Child (Hendrix Ukulele Cover)
Billie Jean (Michael Jackson Cover)

Voice Alchemist, Carolle Bertrand, Making a Stop at Mariposa

Posted on May 27, 2014

carolleBertrand For singer-songwriter, visual artist and writer, Carolle Bertrand, singing is the art at the foundation of all other forms of expression.

A voice alchemist in constant search of truth, her artistic expression is born and reborn, driven by the heart and soul.

Carolle’s songs transpose into drawings, then into compositions, improvised music, dance and stories.

As a child, she sang in church.

As a young adult, guitar in hand, she made the rounds on the coffee house circuit from Vancouver to France.

As a dynamic mature artist, she is a veritable well-spring of creative output on the Quebec scene.

Elton John’s Lyricist and Songwriting Partner Sings the Praises of Ariana Gillis

Posted on May 5, 2014

arianaGillis Making a live appearance to launch an album on the Sirius FM show hosted by celebrated American rock writer, Dave Marsh, is a coup for any singer-songwriter.

Bigger still is the response from one Bernie Taupin, Elton John’s lyricist and song writing partner. He said he was “staggered”.

In their lifetimes, few artists will write such profound and quirky tunes, but Ariana Gillis began doing it right out of the gate.

Her gift was evident from her first Mariposa appearance in 2009.

Now, she’s returning with one of the world’s most renowned song lyricists singing her praises.

It doesn’t get much better than that!

https://youtu.be/C4Ph12i9cy0?list=PLE6A5C3DA3BCF60E4

Labour Songs Have Never Sounded Better: Maria Dunn Joins The Mariposa Line-Up

Posted on April 9, 2014

mariaDunn Often compared to Woody Guthrie for her keen social awareness and unvarnished tunes about the lives of working people, Maria Dunn draws deeply on the folk tradition of storytelling through song.

Melding North American roots music with her Scottish-Irish heritage, her music celebrates the resilience and grace of regular folk.

Her recordings have been received with high critical praise including Piece by Piece (2012), a collection of songs about the resilience and grace of immigrant women working at a Canadian clothing factory over its 93-year history.

Labour songs have a special place in folk music, and this gifted singer-songwriter, guitarist and accordionist, does the genre great justice.

Check out our Maria Dunn story board on Pinterest. While you’re there, click on Follow Board to get updates.

Zachary Lucky is Mariposa Bound

Posted on April 8, 2014

zacharyLucky Hearing Zachary Lucky’s songs, it would seem impossible to separate the singer-songwriter from his prairie origins.

Before finding folk music, this grandson of country music artist Smilin’ Johnny Lucky, was a member of two pop bands.

Still only in his mid 20s, Zachary Lucky already has six releases to his credit. On his latest release, The Ballad Of Losing You, there is an inherent shift. As the album title suggests, Lucky has constructed an earnest and personal narrative about the uncertainty of loss and of transformation.

According to No Depression, “Lucky’s songs have lived lifetimes. They sit you down, tell you their stories and heighten your senses to the wonders of nature, love and self”.

His voice is authentic and rich, with a rustic timbre. His guitar playing is easy and natural. It’s a perfect pairing for the particular brand of folk of this artist who is established, yet emerging as a true original.

Check out our Zachary Lucky story board on Pinterest. While you’re there, click on Follow Board to get updates.

Dar Williams Making Her Way To Mariposa

Posted on February 4, 2014

darWilliams A poet of confessional songs, pop-folk artist, Dar Williams, has been described in The New Yorker as one of America’s very best singer-songwriters. She writes from personal experience, many of her songs based on people she grew up with, and she keeps her feet to the fire with subject matter that is sometimes risky but always topical. Recurring themes include religion, adolescence, gender, commercialism, loss, humor, mythology, power and other stimulating motifs.

Dar is also an exemplary citizen, as the many groups she has supported – environmental, feminist, and social-justice – would attest.

Joan Baez was an early fan, taking her out on the road and recording several of her songs. Dar is also associated with Nerissa and Katryna Nields (The Nields), Max Cohen, Gideon Freudmann, John Prine, and Cliff Eberhardt, formed the group Cry Cry Cry with Lucy Kaplansky and Richard Shindell, and has toured with many of the biggest names in folk-roots music.

Mariposa Folk Festival is very pleased to welcome Dar Williams to our stage!

Check out our Dar Williams story board on Pinterest. While you’re there, click on Follow Board to get updates.