Medicine Hat's Tongue on the Post Folk Music Festival is returning for its 17th year Jan. 23-28.-- PHOTO CREDIT LYLE REBBECK
kking@medicinehatnews.com
Folk musicians from across Canada will soon gather in Medicine Hat, as the Tongue on the Post Folk Music Festival returns for its 17th year.
Running Jan. 23-28, the festival is a one-of-a-kind celebration which combines folk music, community and tradition, and features an array of artists both established and rising.
“We’ve heard for years the that value this festival has for both the community and for the artists is phenomenal,” Rob Pape, executive director of the Medicine Hat Folk Music Club and festival organizer, told the News.
“In (the winter) there isn’t, generally, a lot of events and shows going on. And so, artists don’t have a lot of opportunity to make income. (Community members) are looking for opportunities to get out and socialize a little bit. So this festival is something that we’ve always found has been needed and well received.”
Pape and other festival organizers are looking forward to the upcoming festival, especially as it is the first to be held in person since the beginning of the pandemic.
“We can’t wait,” he said. “The entire board and team of volunteers are super excited to see everyone and be back among the people and live music.”
The festival kicks off at 6 p.m. Jan. 23 with a Supper and Song event held at Rosewood Bistro, which features musicians Gordie Tentrees and Jaxon Haldane.
Then on Jan. 24, festivities move to Medalta’s historic brick beehive kilns, where the Ladies of the Folk Music Club will share with audiences original songs and stories.
Kiln shows continue Jan. 25 when Alberta musician Jay Bowcott and Medicine Hat’s own Derek Hintz perform their newest songs, and Jan. 26 when Canadian musician and former CBC host Don Hill and wife Anne host a participatory throat singing workshop.
On Jan. 27, performances move to Medalta’s main reception gallery for the locally-focused Singer Songwriter Night, which features an array of Medicine Hat musicians. The event is free to the public, however a recommended donation of $5 is welcomed by organizers.
Daytime and evening events are planned for the festival’s Jan. 28 finale.
Daytime performances begin around noon and include Ryan Langlois, Madeleine Rogers, Brett Nelson, Mike Todd, Carter Felker, Don Hill and more. Headliners Misery Mountain Boys, TAYLR and Kyle McKearney take the stage in the evening.
All kiln shows and evening shows begin at 7 p.m.
With different events and artists scheduled each day of the festival, Pape says there is something for everyone.
“We really need the support of the community and we really can’t wait to see everybody,” he said.
Tickets and multi-event passes can be purchased online at eventbrite.ca.
