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The Edmonton Folk Music Festival, set against the picturesque backdrop of Gallagher Park from August 7–10, 2025, is a celebration of musical diversity, community, and raw talent. Among the stellar lineup, Cedric Burnside, a Grammy-winning torchbearer of Hill Country Blues, promises to deliver an electrifying performance that captures the soul of Mississippi’s hills. Known for his hypnotic rhythms, heartfelt lyrics, and dynamic stage presence, Burnside’s set at the festival is a must-see for blues enthusiasts and music lovers alike. In this blog, we dive into the anticipated energy of his live performance, reveal the setlist for his 2025 Edmonton show, and explore the legacy that makes Cedric Burnside a force in the music world.
Cedric Burnside’s Tickets
The Magic of Cedric Burnside Live
Cedric Burnside’s live performances are a visceral experience, blending the raw, pulsating rhythms of Hill Country Blues with a modern edge that resonates with audiences worldwide. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Chulahoma, Mississippi, Burnside grew up steeped in the blues, learning from his grandfather, the legendary R.L. Burnside, and his father, drummer Calvin Jackson. His music is a continuation of a family legacy that pulses with authenticity, grit, and emotion.
At the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Cedric is set to take the stage on August 9, 2025, as part of a diverse lineup featuring artists like The Roots, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, and Mt. Joy. His performance will bring the distinctive sound of Hill Country Blues—characterized by driving, repetitive rhythms and raw, unpolished energy—to Gallagher Park’s natural amphitheater. Fans can expect a show that’s both a nod to tradition and a showcase of Cedric’s evolution as a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and drummer. His ability to connect with audiences, as noted in reviews from past shows on Bandsintown, is unparalleled, with fans describing his performances as “blistering,” “soulful,” and “truly amazing.”
Just weeks before the festival, on July 17, 2025, Cedric will perform at The Magic Bag in Ferndale, Michigan, a warm-up that promises to fine-tune his set for Edmonton. This momentum ensures that his Gallagher Park performance will be a high-energy affair, filled with the passion and sincerity that define his artistry.
The Setlist: A Journey Through Hill Country Blues
Cedric Burnside’s setlist for the Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2025, as shared in festival-related sources, is a carefully curated blend of originals from his recent albums and a tribute to his family’s legacy. Here’s the setlist that will ignite Gallagher Park:
- Hill Country Love – The title track from his 2024 album, this song sets the tone with its driving rhythm and introspective lyrics, showcasing Cedric’s growth as a songwriter tackling themes of love and resilience.
- Thank You – A soulful expression of gratitude, this track from I Be Trying (2021) highlights Cedric’s ability to weave personal emotion into universal themes.
- Closer – A deeply spiritual song from Hill Country Love, reflecting Cedric’s journey toward redemption and connection with his audience.
- We Made It – A fan favorite, performed at 17 shows as per setlist.fm, this track celebrates perseverance with an infectious groove.
- I’m Hurtin – A raw, emotional ballad performed 14 times in past concerts, capturing the pain and vulnerability that define Burnside’s storytelling.
- Please Tell Me Baby – Another frequently performed song (17 shows), this track pulses with the hypnotic energy of Hill Country Blues.
- What Makes Me Think – A reflective piece that showcases Cedric’s lyrical depth and minimalist instrumentation.
- Poor Black Mattie (R.L. Burnside cover) – A tribute to his grandfather, this cover (performed 13 times) channels R.L. Burnside’s raw energy and keeps the family legacy alive.
- Toll on They Life – A powerful closer from Hill Country Love, addressing life’s struggles with a message of endurance and hope.
This setlist, drawn from Cedric’s recent albums and past performances, balances tradition with innovation. Tracks like “Hill Country Love” and “Closer” reflect his modern take on the genre, while “Poor Black Mattie” pays homage to the roots that shaped him. The set is designed to take listeners on a journey—through pain, triumph, and the unrelenting spirit of Hill Country Blues.
Cedric Burnside’s Musical Legacy
Cedric Burnside’s performance at Edmonton is more than a concert; it’s a continuation of a cultural legacy. As the grandson of R.L. Burnside, Cedric was raised in the heart of North Mississippi’s Hill Country, where juke joints and house parties were his musical education. By age 13, he was touring as a drummer with his grandfather’s band, absorbing the hypnotic, drone-like rhythms that set Hill Country Blues apart from its Delta cousin. His father, Calvin Jackson, and uncles, Garry and Duwayne Burnside, further enriched his musical upbringing.
Cedric’s career spans decades, from his early days as a drummer for blues legends like Jessie Mae Hemphill and T-Model Ford to his emergence as a frontman. His discography, including Descendants of Hill Country (2015), Benton County Relic (2018), and the Grammy-winning I Be Trying (2021), showcases his evolution. His latest album, Hill Country Love (2024), recorded in a rustic Tippah County studio, is a testament to his ability to honor tradition while pushing boundaries. The album’s 14 tracks, completed in just two days, capture the raw energy of his live performances.
Cedric’s accolades include a 2022 Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album, three consecutive Blues Music Awards for Instrumentalist – Drums, and a 2021 National Heritage Fellowship, recognizing his role in preserving Hill Country Blues. His collaborations with artists like Lightnin’ Malcolm, Bernard Allison, and even mainstream acts like Jimmy Buffett and Widespread Panic highlight his versatility and influence.
Why Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2025?
The Edmonton Folk Music Festival, held annually on the second weekend of August, is renowned for its diverse lineups and vibrant community atmosphere. In 2025, the festival features nearly 60 acts, including newcomers like Serena Ryder and Stephen Wilson Jr., alongside veterans like Taj Mahal. Cedric’s inclusion in this lineup underscores his growing prominence, as noted by festival producer Terry Wickham, who praised his “electrified blues guitar and drumming” as a must-see.
Gallagher Park’s open-air setting, with its natural amphitheater, is the perfect venue for Cedric’s performance. The festival’s commitment to affordable, world-class music aligns with his ethos of accessibility and authenticity. Fans can expect an intimate yet powerful experience, with Cedric’s raw vocals and rhythmic grooves reverberating through the park.
The Impact of Cedric’s Performance
Cedric Burnside’s live shows are more than musical events; they’re cultural moments. Reviews from past performances highlight his ability to create “magic” and “sincere heart and soul” on stage. At Edmonton, his setlist will bridge generations, blending his grandfather’s influence with his own voice. Songs like “I’m Hurtin” and “Toll on They Life” address universal struggles, while “Poor Black Mattie” connects audiences to the roots of Hill Country Blues.
His performance will also resonate with the festival’s diverse audience, from blues purists to younger fans drawn to his modern sound. As a Grammy winner and National Heritage Fellow, Cedric brings credibility and passion, ensuring a set that’s both a celebration and a preservation of his heritage.
Conclusion
Cedric Burnside’s performance at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival on August 9, 2025, promises to be a highlight of the four-day event. With a setlist that spans his Grammy-winning catalog and pays tribute to his family legacy, Cedric will bring the soul of Mississippi’s Hill Country to Gallagher Park. From the driving rhythms of “Hill Country Love” to the emotional depth of “Closer,” his set will captivate and inspire. As a blues musician, drummer, songwriter, and heir to the Burnside legacy, Cedric embodies the spirit of authenticity and resilience. Don’t miss the chance to feel the magic of his live performance—secure your tickets at edmontonfolkfest.frontgatetickets.com and prepare for an unforgettable night on the hill.
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