Corbin Murdoch steps in as Vancouver Folk Music Festival executive director

The musician, cultural programmer, and producer is set to work alongside artistic director Fiona Black

WELL-KNOWN LOCAL musician, cultural programmer, and producer Corbin Murdoch has just been announced as the new executive director at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival.

Over the past two decades, Murdoch has worked for organizations across the country, including The Cultch, Theatre Replacement, the Vancouver Fringe Festival, and The River Clyde Pageant. Most recently, Murdoch served as the artistic and executive director of the Dawson City Music Festival.

Murdoch was chosen after an extensive search and will work alongside Folk Fest artistic director Fiona Black on planning for the 49th Vancouver Folk Music Festival, set to take place July 17 to 19, 2026 at ʔəy̓alməxʷ / Iy̓ál̓mexw Jericho Beach Park.

The organization is also working toward its golden anniversary celebration the following year, as well as longterm strategic planning and financial stability after pulling itself out of postpandemic financial challenges.

The Vancouver-born and -raised artist’s flagship project, the folk-roots band The Nautical Miles, has toured across Canada and Europe and has performed at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival itself.

Murdoch completed a master of fine arts in interdisciplinary studies at SFU in 2014.

“I am honoured to lead VFMF as it embarks on its next chapter and prepares for its 49th festival,” Murdoch said in the press announcement today. “My goal is to carry forward its legacy as a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable cultural hub to present folk and roots music for years to come.”

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Janet Smith

Janet Smith is founding partner and editorial director of Stir. She is an award-winning arts journalist who has spent more than two decades immersed in Vancouver’s dance, screen, design, theatre, music, opera, and gallery scenes. She sits on the Vancouver Film Critics’ Circle.

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