Stan Rogers Folk Festival to celebrate 30 years of music this summer

A Stanfest sign is pictured at the Stan Rogers Folk Festival in Canso, N.S. (Source: Stan Rogers Folk Festival/JYazer)

The Stan Rogers Folk Festival is celebrating 30 years of music this summer.

Named after one of Canada’s most prolific songwriters, Stan Rogers, the festival features a variety of genres such as folk, country, blues, soul, gospel, pop, rock, bluegrass and world music.

Leading up to the main festival, the Stanfest Roadshow series will present 10 concerts across seven communities in Guysborough County. The roadshow will feature performances by artists such as Dave Gunning, Garrett Mason, Beth Rogers, Kristen Martell, and the Irish Descendants.

Then, on July 23, the Kickoff Concert will take place on the festival main stage in Canso.

“While we considered several ideas for Thursday’s Kickoff Concert, it became clear that the best way to honour 30 years of Stanfest was to celebrate Stan himself,” says artistic director Steve MacIntyre. “His life and the spirit of his music have guided this festival since the beginning, and we’re proud to recognize and honour that legacy.”

The tribute show will feature appearances by Stan’s wife Ariel Rogers and son Nathan Rogers, Lennie Gallant, Lisa Richard, The Barra MacNeils, Matt Anderson, and more. The Stan Rogers Folk Festival will take place in Canso, N.S., from July 20 – 26 and tickets are available now.

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