The 41st Regina Folk Festival kicked off this afternoon with a noon hour preview performance from Emily Wells, a typcial, but eloquent speech from Executive Director Sandra Butel and a visit from the lovely Sarah Harmer at the Scarth Street stage.

The Folk Festival promises greatness with performers like John Prine, Patrick Watson, Mr. Something Something, Arrested Develoment and Calexico. Saturday and Sunday feature free work shops at various side stages in Victoria Park, enough vendor booths to get all your Christmas shopping done and Folk Festival after parties at the German club that run well into the wee hours.

Tons of great bands you’ve never heard of are playing too.  As an indication, Emily Wells sings like a California angel ought to sing – worth checking out! Check the dog blog all weekend for updates, reviews, interviews and more Regina Folk Festival awesomeness.

“It’s really nice to have a festival right downtown. People can walk to it, the city looks so beautiful. It’s great, there is a a lot of pride in yearly festivals like this. It’s nice to be invited,” said Harmer.

Get down to Victoria Park this weekend!

Photo by Kim Jay.