More than 100 people packed into the Jasper Legion May 24, to watch as musicians from Jasper and beyond battled it out for a chance to perform at this year’s Jasper Folk Music Festival.
The Battle Royale was hosted by the festival committee, and featured seven acts competing for two spots in this year’s festival. Five of them duked it out in the single/duo category, while two groups went head-to-head in the band category.
The competition was stiff, and the judges—a crew of past folk fest performers including Emma Acorn, Randal Riddell, members of Some Irish Pirates, as well as the Legion’s own Sean McGrath—had a tough task picking just two winners from the slew of top-notch acts.
The band category came at the end of the night, and featured two acts going head-to-head for the judges’ approval. After two energetic sets, it was local bluegrass five-piece 100 Miles Across that edged out its competition, getting the crowd on its feet with a solid set of tunes, punctuated by Monika Schaefer’s lively fiddle, a steady bass line and some slamming slide guitar.
The remaining five acts played off in the solo/duo category, and it was troubadour Doug MacNearney and his soulful banjo tunes that won out over a strong and diverse pack of challengers.
Along with a ton of great music, the Battle Royale also had a silent auction, featuring ski passes, gift baskets and a swath of unique liquor selections. Money raised from the auction, and the $5 cover charge for the night, went back into the committee’s coffers.
MacNearney and 100 Miles Across are two of the final additions to this year’s lineup, which committee member Simon Chisotti said is very strong.
After reviving the event last year, Chisotti said this year the committee is expecting to double its ticket sales. He and other organizers have completely redesigned the layout of the festival grounds, tightened up the floor plan and re-positioned the stages, and have brought in some new surprises that he is sure festival-goers will enjoy.
The Jasper Folk Music Festival will run from Sept. 12–14 this year, in Jasper’s Centennial Park. Check back soon for details on the full lineup.
Trevor Nichols
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