Madagascar Slim, born Randriamananjara Radofa Besata Jean Longin, taught himself to play music on his older brother’s guitar when he was just a child. His music, inspired by recordings of BB King, Jimi Hendrix, and the traditional songs of Madagascar, mix ... more

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 ... more

Michael Franti puts the active in activist. In addition to a steady diet of touring, he plays countless benefits and free shows for everyone from Brazilian favela kids to US Iraq war veterans. He produces the annual Power to the Peaceful free music and ar ... more

Music by the composers and musical visitors to the 17th century Mantuan court, featuring songs, instrumental pieces and dances as well as excerpts from early operas of the time, including Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo. Ellen Hargis, soprano with La Cetra, direct ... more

The Benavides brothers join with three Vancouver friends to bring you a soulful, sultry blend of rhythmic Latin jazz, roots and pop. ... more

A solo performance by renowned Canada soprano Donna Brown or guitar virtuoso Andrew Mah is a treat in itself. Put these two fine artists together in a program that reveals their passionate interest in Brazilian music, and you have something very special. ... more

Sara Davis Buechner has been celebrated as a pianist of noteworthy accomplishment, virtuosic mastery, artistic sensitivity and extraordinary versatility. A prizewinner of many of the world's most prestigious international piano competitions, she establish ... more

Choral Connections has become one of the Festival’s most popular series, and this year there are another four great reasons why it’s sure to remain so. It begins with one of South America’s best vocal ensembles, Grupo de Canto Coral, with a diverse progra ... more

“.. Charlap approaches a song the way a lover approaches his beloved. When he sits down to play, the result is an embrace, an act of possession.” Time Magazine The Festival’s 2008 spotlight is on Music of the Americas so we’re delighted to welcome the fo ... more

Free live performance featuring a world class BC prize winning pipe ensemble. ... more