MISSION FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL
World Wide Music - Small Town Heart!

A FIVE MEMBER group called The Outside Track met in Limerick in 2005, and developed a cutting edge traditional music that's a unique fusion of harp, guitar and accordion coupled with an intricate interplay between fiddle, flute and rich harmony.

With a mix of music that includes everything from traditional Celtic sounds to an extraordinary singer from the Faroe Islands to one of folk music's iconic voices, the Mission Folk Music Festival offers audiences a stunning diversity of music in a setting that's known for its easy-going, friendly ambiance.

The festival takes place from July 24-26 at Mission's Fraser River Heritage Park.

This year's lineup features the return of a favourite of the Lower Mainland's Celtic music scene: vocalist and flutist Norah Rendell brings her new band of award-winning young musicians from Ireland and Scotland back to her old stomping grounds.

The group's five members - called The Outside Track - met in Limerick in 2005, and developed a cutting edge traditional music that's a unique fusion of harp, guitar and accordion coupled with an intricate interplay between fiddle, flute and rich harmony. They've been called "joyously exuberant and original" - a welcome breath of fresh air.

There's something truly special about the voice and music of Eivør, the Faroe Island's leading female vocal artist. Deeply rooted in her North Atlantic homeland's rich traditions of epic ballads and quarter-note a cappella church music, Eivør composes and performs modern songs in four different languages: Faroese, Icelandic, Swedish and English. Her distinctive style and stage presence is sure to make her one of the festival's great discoveries.

Tom Paxton's songbook, which includes songs like What Did You Learn In School Today?, The Last Thing On My Mind, Ramblin' Boy, Bottle Of Wine and The Marvelous Toy among many others, have become the soundtrack to more than one generation of listeners.

His songs address issues of injustice, lay bare the absurdities of modern culture and celebrate the tender bonds of family, friends and community. A folk music legend, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award-winner (2009), author and inspiring songwriter and singer with a 40-year career - Paxton's visit to the Mission festival offers an opportunity to see a bit of folk music tradition in the flesh.

For the full lineup of over 20 groups and artists, and to purchase tickets, go to www.missionfolkmusicfestival.ca or call (604) 826-5937 or 1-866-494-FOLK (3655).

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