Alberta artists excited to perform during Tongue on the Post folk festival

The singer-songwriter from Edmonton is not new to virtual concerts over the last year.

Though singing for an online audience has been a new experience.

“I miss performing a lot and being able to connect with audiences and even though it’s in a different way it’s really nice to see the comments in and seeing people tuning in,” she said.

This is Doty’s first time performing at Tongue on the Post.

And says the last year has been different, but it was a time to focus on creative work, like getting ready for her new album.

“It is nice to have more time at home to work on music and work on writing which I don’t always have time to do so that’s been good too,” she told Chat News.

For local Medicine Hat artist Kyle Church, the 2020 edition of Tongue on the Post was his last big performance before COVID-19 restrictions began.

The singer-songwriter is a familiar face at the festival.

Church says music is a communal experience, and the live performances are missed.

“As much as it’s cool to listen to on the radio or through Spotify, there’s nothing quite like sitting next to someone, maybe it’s a stranger but taking in the music and being able to participate and sing with them and hum along to the tune.”

Church adds the last year has been a waiting game for music and he’s looking forward to playing at the local festival.

“Music is multi-faceted and the business of music, especially because there are so many ways you can get yourself out there and so it’s been a year of learning to explore other avenues and see what’s possible,” he said.

Even if the shows are virtual, the artists say it’s a step in the right direction to be able to perform and share their talents with an audience again.

“I think probably after COVID it might stay like we’ll have a combination of streaming and live audience so that people can tune in or if you’re not feeling well and can’t go to a concert there’s still a way for us to connect so I think that’s brought some good things as well,” according to Doty.

The folk festival features all Alberta musicians, with a ‘pay what you can’ model this year.

Performances can be viewed on Medicine Hat Folk Music Club’s website.

Executive Director of the club Rob Pape says, “It’s been phenomenal for us to be able to have the opportunity to showcase Alberta artists, it has been a real benefit.”

by Chantal Wagner

Alberta artists excited to perform during Tongue on the Post folk festival

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