Judging by the warmer weather, people might think the coldsnap is over, but fortunately for music lovers, the festival of the same name continues until Saturday.
The music festival entertains and inspires with mainstage performances showcasing an eclectic blend of musicians while workshops bring issues like inclusion and embracing multiculturalism to the forefront.
Two musicians who performed at the '05 summer Folk Festival return for the aptly-named FolkFest Reunion Wednesday at Art Space, 1685 Third Avenue. Western Canadian singer songwriters, Gordie Tentrees and John Wort Hannam, bring their strong storytelling talents to the stage at 8 p.m.
Hannam and Tentrees lead Warm Up With Northern Folk, a workshop on Thursday at the Connaught Youth Centre, 1491-17th Avenue from 10 a.m. to noon. Everyone is welcome to attend this session, with a special invitation going out to the ESL students at the Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society.
The session focuses on the unique perspective of living in the north. Come for food and northern dialogue.
C.R. Avery heads up Poets & Tunesmiths Thursday at 8 p.m. at the Ramada Hotel. Avery will entertain with powerful beatbox poetry, harmonica and piano riffs while Hey Ocean offers a lively show to keep the audience on their feet.
Avery leads the Spoken Word Caf at Youth Around Prince, 1160 Seventh Avenue Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. where participants are encouraged to speak their mind about inclusion, diversity and multiculturalism.
Workshop participants have the option to present their inspired creations at Books and Co. at a later date, yet to be announced.
Sherman Downey and the Silver Lining are hot off an Australian tour and bring their buoyant groove, upbeat lyrics and infectious energy to the Prince George Playhouse for the Past, Present & Future Friday at 8 p.m. Nathan Rogers also brings his powerful songs and brilliant arrangements to the audience.
The Come In From the Cold 2 workshop series finale is Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Native Friendship Centre, 1600 Third Avenue. Downey and Rogers will lead the session while the Street Spirits Forum Theatre performers present a show.
The last night of Coldsnap Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Ramada features a Tribute to the Mississippi Sheiks with award-winning Steve Dawson and his band performing with Del Ray and Jim Byrnes.
The show offers the best in traditional and contemporary blues.
Tickets to shows are available at Books & Co., 1685 Third Avenue and at Studio 2880, 2880-15th Avenue or by calling 250-563-2880. The workshops are free.
