Edmonton Folk Music Festival
Gallagher Park, 9411 - 97 Avenue NW, T6C 3W1 Edmonton Directions
Fri 07.08.2026 18:00
Performers
-
Arrested DevelopmentARRESTED DEVELOPMENT Speaks thru music to the world. Speech one of the vocalist for this collective says, "people have been through so much turmoil and strife. We get on stage every night with the mission to broaden the perspectives and give inspiration to rise up." Unsurprisingly, then, the Grammy award winning group Arrested Development has been devoted to nudging folks in the direction of freedom and spiritual evolution for over 23 years. The group describes their sound as "Life Music." A.D. respects women, and promotes family, spirituality and "male responsibility." They are dancers, vocalists, turntableist, and drummers. Arrested Development is a communal music force. Current members are: Speech, 1 Love, JJ Boogie, Za, Tasha LaRae & Fareedah Aleem. Former members are: Montsho Eshe, Rasa Don, Aerle Taree, Baba Oje, Ajile Axam, Dj Kemit, Nadirah Shakoor & Nicha Hillard. Others that have contributed to AD's kaleidoscope of sound are: Dionne Farris, Laurnea, Paulette, & Muwakana. AD's debut album 3 years, 5 months and 2 days in the life of...(EMI) referred to the amount of time passed between the start of the group and the signing of their first record deal. Singles like "Tennessee", is an open letter to God, which, not unlike Billie Holidays "Strange Fruit," gives new meaning to the term "Family tree." The song won an MTV music award for best rap single 1992. "People Everyday" another of their hits is a super funky treatment of the immortal Sly Stone anthem "Everyday People", also won them an MTV video award for best music video 1992. "Mr. Wendal" humanizes the "bums" on our streets. AD donated half of all the royalties to the National Coalition for the Homeless. AD has sold over 5 million albums to date. They've won 2 Grammy awards for best new artist and best rap single 1993. They were the first African - American artists to donate money to Nelson Mandela and the ANC in South Africa. AD has collaborated with director Spike Lee, on the Universal motion picture "X", Boomerang, among other movies. AD tours Australia, Asia, Europe, Canada, Africa and of course the U.S. to standing room-only crowds. They've shared stages with legends worldwide. In 2005, AD performed and won as audience favorite on NBC's, "Hit me Baby 1 more time". For that show they donated $20,000 to UNICEF for relief in Sudan, Africa. They are excited about their new projects and albums available at: www.ADtheBand.com #ADtheBand
-
Ásgeir in Mengi
As one of Iceland’s most successful exports, singer-songwriter Ásgeir has always pushed the boundaries of his thoughtful brand of folk-pop. His debut album, ‘Dýrð í dauðaþögn’, became the best-selling debut in Icelandic history, leading to the English-language version ‘In The Silence’ in 2014.
He continued to refine his sound with ‘Afterglow’ in 2017, ‘Bury The Moon’ in 2020, and ‘Time On My Hands’ in 2022’, earning praise from press and radio worldwide, including the likes of The Independent, MOJO, NME, The Line Of Best Fit, Clash Magazine, BBC 6 Music and Radio X. In recent years, Ásgeir has embraced solo performances, playing nearly 70 intimate shows across Europe, the Nordics, and Iceland, including a UK tour with Icelandic singer GDRN.
He also performed with the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and recorded a live session for Arte TV in Berlin.
His passion for live music has taken him to unique venues, including small churches, deepening his connection with audiences.
He wrote a song for a Kafkaesque play that was hosted at The Reykjavik City Theatre called Sýslumaður Dauðans.
Ásgeir is now back with his next album, focusing on songwriting with a fresh approach; prioritizing melody and personal storytelling, exploring themes of relationships, aging, hope, and nostalgia.
His influences range from Leonard Cohen and Daniel Lanois to contemporary artists like Adrianne Lenker and Dina Ögon.
