The 49th annual Winnipeg Folk Festival was a marathon to complete. Weather closing in on a humid 35 degrees, rain and lighting popped in and out to remind us of its powerful existence, constantly altered the energy of the festival. But the climate was no match for the passion and true love Winnipeggers have for this festival. Every year, between 50,000 and 70,000 people gather for four days in Birds Hill Provincial Park to see some of the biggest names in music and catch performances by up-and-coming locals.
Entering his sticky, whiplashing fray was Elisapie, a storyteller unlike any other. She told many stories during her Friday evening set, accessing her deeply powerful voice and sonic aptitude to demonstrate her attachment to her territory, family and language. By using her intensely autobiographical deportment, she was able to turn music, even the songs from her covers album Inuktitut, into profound personal ruminations on life, death, love, language and how everything we interact with changes us and vice versa.
The leading momentum killer of her set was in no way her fault. The Main Stage booking — which she undoubtedly deserved — might have proved to be a bit too much. The lack of intimacy didn't complement the intense humanity and intentionality of her songs.
Nevertheless, her ethereal version of Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" brought all the festival's eyes to her, which should've been impossible considering her dinnertime show and the exodus to the food trucks. When she had the crowd's attention, she was gripping and played with more heart than anyone else at the festival.