The purpose of Common Ground is to explore the cultural connections between our local performers, and artists who live and work in other parts of Canada or the world. In the morning workshops and on the main stage, the artists will do what comes naturally! Play music, and chat about how their traditions and music are alike, how they differ, and how they strive to keep them alive in their respective parts of the country.  This year's theme is "Over the Border" which highlights the influence of American folk music genres (including blues, country, jazz, bluegrass, old timey and gospel) on the development of the folk arts both in Newfoundland and Labrador as well as Canada.

Featured mainland artists whose repertoires reflect such connections will include:

The Québécois band of fiddler extraordinaire, Claude Méthé and Dana Whittle, a powerful singer-rhythm guitarist, representing musical traditions from country music and ‘downeast’ New England, as well as Quebec.

Dyad, a sensational trio from British Columbia who have studied Southern Appalachian instrumental and singing traditions through direct fieldwork in the region.

Little Miss Higgins, the exciting acoustic blues duo of Foy Taylor (guitar) and Miss Higgins (guitar and vocals), from Nokomis Saskatchewan, whose music reflects the vaudeville blues tradition of the blues queens.

In-province representatives of US musical influence will include:

Crooked Stovepipe, Newfoundland’s premier bluegrass band for over thirty years along with fiddler Charlie Cook.

The country influenced duo of Sherry Ryan and Mark Bragg;

Soloist Sean Panting, whose well-known original songs are often indebted to rock.