August 3rd, 2018 was an amazing show of Newfoundland folk-lovers, pushing back against natural forces.

The festival started with rain pouring onto a building audience of umbrellas, and raincoats. Each person having hope that the rain, rain would go away, and their carefully selected seats would be secured for a grand viewing of the TD Main Stage, and on-time for the “Ode to Newfoundland,” sung by the young and bold, Matilda Goldie. Other festival-goers huddled into the first ever Bigger Better Quidi Vidi Brewery Beer Tent, snuggled up to the very first Folk’d Up, Limited Edition Pale Ale brewed specifically for the festival. Another group tucked under the NL Craft Council Craft Tent to see local artists at work on their talents.

Mother Nature treated the adamant audience when a clear sky broke through not long after the opening ceremonies. Mark Critch called upon Sherry Ryan, Janet Cull, and Andrea Monro to pay tribute to “Newfoundland’s First Lady of Song,” Joan Morrissey. Bud Davidge, followed by The Ennis Sisters, then the Masterless Men turned out a show as the crowd grew larger and lager with signs of an open sky!

Just before the last performers came to the stage, Dave Penny loosened everyone up with an impromptu performance of “Island Baking.” Finally, Buddywasisname and the Other Fellers stepped on stage for their very first NL Folk Festival performance. A performance that was long overdue, by the sounds of the crowd. They played “The Chocolate Song,” they played “Sarah,” and of course, they played “Saltwater Joys.” We drank, we ate, we danced, we laughed, and we cried.

When the night seemed like it was coming to an end for some, others who had a kick left in their step sauntered down to The Ship Pub for Renders, straight from the Landfall Trust Artist Retreat, and Ouroboros, to add a little funk into a folk-filled evening! The weekend had only just begun.

Thank you to all of the artists, the volunteers, the board members and staff, community partners, sponsors, and of course to each and every one of the folkies who will show up rain or shine – all for the love of music.

Check out photos from the NLFolk42 Presented by Equinor here: Gallery