Folk Fest: MBF brings the local heat

Photo courtesy EMI. Michael Bernard Fitzgerald will likely play many more songs than last year Folk Fest — where he played a single track as winner of the most promising songwriter title during the Ship & Anchor Songwriting contest. This year he is slated to perform three of the four days.
Artists from around the world have journeyed to the 30th annual Folk Fest, but one of this year’s gems hails from right here in Calgary.
Michael Bernard Fitzgerald has been making a name for himself in his hometown for the last few years, and will now be stepping up to the stage at Folk Fest.
Just as pleasant to speak to as he is to listen to, Fitzgerald took the time to discuss his enthusiasm towards the upcoming event.
“I’ve just been so excited. I’ve actually been so excited I’m almost to the point of being nervous,” he said, adding that the nerves will keep him on his toes during the four-day festival.
After winning the 2008 title of most promising songwriter during the Ship and Anchor Songwriting contest, Fitzgerald was able to play one song at last year’s festival.
That is not the case this year, however, as he was picked to perform during three of the four days, playing a full set each day.
“I think it will be a really great opportunity for me”
Folk Fest Spotlight
Michael Bernard Fitzgerald
Shows: Saturday 1:50 p.m. Stage 6 (with PAPAGROOVE, Jason Wilson, Dragon Fli Empire) Sunday 10:30 a.m. Stage 6 and 3:10 p.m. Stage 3 (with Mark Berube, Carolyn Mark, Justin Rutledge)
For Fitzgerald’s website click here
Fitzgerald said he is particularly honoured to be chosen as one of the 62 artists performing because he knows how particular the Folk Fest coordinators are when it comes to picking the best of the best.
In addition to being selected to perform, Fitzgerald will be dishing up some tunes from his recently released album The MBF Love LP.
“I’m really proud of the new CD,” he explained, “I would say it’s continuing in this progression of what I’ve been trying to do.”