Calgary Folk Fest lineup announced, The Roots among those set to headline

While spring hasn't necessarily sprung yet in the city, the full lineup for the 45th annual Calgary Folk Music Festival has been announced, which means summer is closer than it feels.

There are 72 acts booked to play this summer — and this festival isn't limited to folk music. A range of styles are represented, from funk to jazz, soul, hip-hop, indie and more.

Some of the main-stage headliners include three-time Grammy award-winning group The Roots, plus names like KT Tunstall, Cowboy Junkies, James Vincent McMorrow and Booker T. Presents: A Stax Revue.

The four-day festival will feature local talent, international performers and everything in between.

Kerry Clarke, artistic and marketing director for the folk festival, says this year's lineup showcases a contrast between up-and-coming performers and artists whose careers span decades.

"It's a festival of discovery."

There's never a lack of artists to choose from when building the lineup, Clarke told CBC News. 

She says the programming tells a story about the festival's "deep roots, but also looking toward the future."

Festival-goers will have eight stages to choose from, plus people will get the chance to watch unique collaborative sessions between different artists.

This year's lineup also features plenty of Albertan representation.

Artists like Wyatt C. Louis, Kue Varo and The Only Hopes, Arlo Maverick, L'Omelette and K-Riz are just a few of the local names slated to perform.

And, as always, the event is family friendly, aimed at live music lovers of all ages. 

"I think [people] can expect a very welcoming weekend," said Clarke.

The 2024 Calgary Folk Music Festival runs July 25-28 at Prince's Island Park. Passes and tickets are available now through the festival website.