Cambridge Now!

Cambridge, Ontario. Inspired by European traditional folk music and dance events, the Mill Race Festival of Traditional Folk Music in downtown Cambridge is back this year with a new twist: there’s a showcase of youth talent in the mix.

 

 

 

 

The much anticipated free festival brings to the stage local and internationally renowned performers who are selected by the Mill Race Folk Society events committee to reflect a most diverse and entertaining mixture of musical cultures. Last year more than 10,000 people attended the event.

 

 

 

 

Slated for Friday July 30th to Sunday August 1st, the festival offers entertainment on several outdoor stages in the downtown Galt area. There’s a variety of opportunities for the community to enjoy the folk music extravaganza on Friday from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Saturday from 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

 

 

 

 

Themed around traditional forms of folk music and dance, the festival emphasizes various cultures present in Cambridge and the surrounding area. Arts, crafts, and an excellent choice of food and refreshments are also available onsite. 

 

 

 

 

“There will be a special reserved area for children this year, with its own unique program of music, dance, clowns, crafts and other fun things that make it a must see,” says The Mill Race Folk Society Committee Chair Brad McEwen. “The new feature Youth Showcase offers young musicians an opportunity to gain performance experience.” McEwen commends the 100 volunteers who help make the experience a success.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday July 30th, concerts at Mill Race (corner of Park Hill Road and Water Street N. in the amphitheatre ) and Civic Square (50 Dickson Street) stages 7:00 -11:00 pm. Additionally, concerts will happen at Café 13 ( 13 Main Street ) in the second floor Galt Room from 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm.

 

 

 

 

Concert performers include: Zorba, Orchid Ensemble, Leigh Cline Pontic Music Group, Rallion, Richard Grainger, The Runes, Enoch Kent , Malinky, Norm Tellier & Tom Nunn, Ian Bell & Geoff Somers, and Cairdeas.

 

 

 

 

Saturday July 31st, there will be workshops at Mill Race Park (corner of Park Hill Road and Water Street N. ) and Civic Square ( 50 Dickson Street ) stages from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm and concerts will be offered between 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm.  

 

 

 

 

At the Children's Stage at Water Street (corner of Park Hill Road and Water Street N. adjacent to the park in the parking area) entertainment runs from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm. An Acoustic Tent will happen in Market Plaza ( 40 Dickson Street ) from 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

 

 

 

 

Following this, the Youth Showcase & Open Stage performances are slated for 6:00 pm - 7:30pm; and the Breton Dance (a lively traditional folk dance with its roots from Brittany ) happens at 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm.

 

 

 

 

There are also concerts at Main Street Stage (corner of Ainslie and Main Streets) from 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm, and at Café 13 ( 13 Main Street ) in the second floor Galt Room from 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm. Singaraounds will take place at Euphoria Café (20 Dickson) from 1:00 – 7:00 pm.

 

 

 

 

Evening concert performers include: Norm Tellier & Tom Nunn, The Runes, Enoch Kent, LightofEast, Richard Grainger, Mailinky, Ian Bell & Geoff Somers, Dave Ruch, Chris Coole & Arnie Naiman, Anima Fado, Cairdeas, Finest Kind, and Tethera.

 

 

 

 

Sunday August 1st, look forward to workshops in Mill Race (corner of Park Hill Road and Water Street N. ) and Civic Square ( 50 Dickson Street ) stages from 1:00 – 5:00 pm, concerts from 4:00 – 11:00 pm This wraps up at 10:00 pm at the Civic Square stage.

 

 

 

 

Pub Sessions at the Golden Kiwi Pub ( 47 Dickson Street ) from 1:00 pm – 11:00 pm, and listen or participate in Singarounds at Café 13 ( 13 Main Street ) in the second floor Galt Room from 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm, concerts from 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm.


 

 

The Children’s Stage (corner of Park Hill Road and Water Street N. adjacent to the park in the parking area) will offer entertainment from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm. An Acoustic Tent will happen in Market Plaza ( 40 Dickson Street ) from 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

 

 

 

 

Evening Concert Performers include: Anima Fado, Finest Kind, Dave Ruch, Cairdeas, Tethera, Ad Vielle Que Pourra, Malinky, Leigh Cline Pontic Music Group, LightofEast, Orchid Ensemble, Rallion, Richard Grainger, The Runes, and Zorba.

 

 

 

 

Please note that Dickson Street will be closed to traffic between Ainslie and Wellington Streets as of 12 noon on Friday July 30th, and will reopen on Monday August 2nd. Main Street will be closed between Ainslie and Water Streets from 6:00 am – 11:00 pm on Saturday July 31st.

 

 

 

 

 

The Mill Race Folk Society www.millracefolksociety.com is a part of the Grand River Folk Community.