Calvin Bakelaar is the Peterborough Folk Festival Emerging Artist of the Year for 2024!
Calvin Bakelaar
Calvin Bakelaar is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter based in Peterborough, Ontario. He is the voice behind indie folk act VANCAMP. Originally a drummer, Calvin challenged himself to play guitar and write songs in 2020. His focus on VANCAMP has led to the release of 2 EPs, 523 (2022) and Camper Van (2023), with a debut album set to release in September 2024. His self-taught background brings a raw and authentic feel to his music, characterized by a deep understanding of each instrument's role in creating a cohesive sound. As a lyricist, Calvin was recognized by the Don Skuce Memorial Music Collective for his song ‘November’ in 2021.
VANCAMP blends lively indie grit with sentimental acoustic charm, crafting an emotional, nostalgic, and authentic sound. Through mindful lyricism and dynamic performances, his music is shaped by his life experience as a twenty-something. His music combines elements of indie folk, alt-country, and folk pop. Over the past two years he has shared the stage with artists like Mariel Buckley, Field Guide, Dom Louis, Sister Ray, and Texas King.
ABOUT PFF EMERGING ARTIST
Peterborough Folk Festival believes in investing in young and emerging local performers to encourage and support their careers. To that end, PFF created an annual award in 2001 to recognize emerging local talent that we think deserves the attention and support of the community. Judging by the careers of the past recipients, the PFF Emerging Artist Award is a step on the road to a life-long career in music.
Recipients of the PFF Emerging Artist award are given showcase performance spots at the festival and receive a trip to the Folk Music Ontario Conference, where they have the opportunity to interact with many people from the music industry including artistic directors, agents. promoters and other musicians.
The Emerging Artist Award is selected by a committee who assess applicants on skill, dedication and artistic merit. Applicants may be solo artists, groups or bands and must live in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, including Hiawatha, Curve Lake and Alderville First Nations, and either be under the age of 30 or could otherwise be considered emerging (e.g., starting a musical career after pursuing other matters like education, work or family). The award recognizes and supports artists who not only demonstrate artistic merit, but are really making a go of a musical career - e.g., regularly writing, recording, performing and touring.
Past Recipients:
2023 - Irish Millie / Nicholas Campbell (two awards)
2022 - Nathan Truax
2021 - Lauryn Macfarlane
2019 - Paper Shakers
2018 - Hillary Dumoulin
2017 - Mary-Kate Edwards
2016 - Nick Procyshyn
2015 - Evangeline Gentle
2014 - The Lonely Parade
2013 - Dylan Ireland
2012 - Jos Fortin
2011- Melissa Payne
2010 - Kate LeDeuce
2009 - Missy Knott
2008 - Sean Conway
2007 - Dave Simard & Kelly McMichael
2006 - Drea Nasager
2005 - Benj Rowland
2004 - Beau Dixon
2003 - Jill Staveley
2002 - James McKenty
2001 - Serena Ryder
2025 EMERGING ARTIST APPLICATION
Emerging Artist submissions are now closed, and will open in early 2025.
The winner will be announced in June 2025.