Abigail Washburn and The Sparrow Quartet featuring Bela Flec
Vancouver Folk Music Festival presents: Abigail Washburns
Abigail Washburn’s plan to be a lawyer got derailed by a love of Chinese culture and the banjo. Her love affair with China began in 1996 when she went there as a student and discovered her knack for the language and love for the people. Following repeat visits to China, Washburn returned to the US determined to explore her own culture. Picking up the clawhammer banjo brought her to the world of Appalachian music. She now composes songs in both Mandarin and English and found three extraordinary companions to accompany her on her journey of musical exploration.
The Sparrow Quartet has been called “a gathering of superlative musicians with adventure on their minds.” Widely recognized as one of the finest banjo players in the world, Béla Fleck’s musical adventures include playing with New Grass Revival, touring steadily since 2001 with the Flecktones, and countless other collaborations, earning him 10 Grammys along the way. Casey Driessen is a fast and inventive fiddler who translates his passion for tradition and improvisation into new American music. Cellist and singer-songwriter Ben Sollee’s soulful voice and unique style of playing reflect his deep connection to roots music.
