Oh Winnipeg, you and your weather.
Yup, the crowd got soaked as the homegrown Wailin’ Jennys took the stage. But wail they did, in their ever so lovely way.
And still a heartbreaker in her 60s, Emmylou Harris really is ageless. I’m pretty sure many parents have a few of her dusty old records packed away in their basements, but even now, her voice is timeless, as is her sense of style.
But the show-stealer of the night was definitely Jimmy Cliff. I’m sure everyone came wanting to hear his iconic version of “I can see clearly now,” but left with a much deeper appreciation of Cliff’s passion and politics. He moved the crowd to its collective feet, with anti-war messages and an eco-conscious song. Cliff also captured many hearts with his rendition of Cat Stevens’ Wild World.
Wow, opening night at Folk Fest, and already souls are satisfied. It doesn’t get much better than that.
