Every year, the Talk Tent provides a change of pace and entertainment outside of music, adding to the diversity of programming available at the Calgary Folk Music Festival. There are different events each year, and 2024 showcased some interesting local talents.

CAOS in the Park 

Kyle Hinton, also known as Simulations, is a multi-talented artist with a passion for sound, puppetry, and computer programming. His involvement with the Calgary Animated Objects Society (CAOS) at the Calgary Folk Music Festival includes thoughtful performances that blend music and puppetry, such as a music and mask collaboration with composer James Watson. Kyle, alongside fellow puppeteers, also led a workshop where participants could create and design their own masks.

On July 27th, 2024, CJSW had the pleasure of speaking with Kyle about his journey as a puppeteer and his experiences at Folk Fest. With over a decade of experience with CAOS, Kyle has evolved from an intern building stilts and theater props to a seasoned puppeteer. He emphasizes that his shows offer much more than just puppetry.

The Tribe Arts Society 

The Tribe Arts Society is an Indigenous run Hip Hop and arts organization. Their mission is to encourage individuals to access their artistic side by providing access to indigenous friendly artistic spaces, education, coaching and mentorship. Their Folk Fest 2024 workshops included cyphers hosted by Real Nasty Medicine alongside MC and DJ GoodMedicine. This inclusive space involved Djing, MCing, singing, rapping and breaking. This welcoming cypher encourages every skill level to jump into the middle of the circle and show their singing or dance moves.

On July 27, 2024, CJSW spoke to two of the members of the Society Luke Littlechief and Redfoot. Both are core members of the group and MCees who contribute to facilitating and creating a safe sober space for artists and hip hop.