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Mariposa wows the crowd — and performers — on opening day (17 photos)

'The Mariposa Folk Festival is more of an institution than a gathering,' says performer Tom Wilson

Many of those who attend the Mariposa Folk Festival view it as much more than an event.

Many artists do, too.

“The Mariposa Folk Festival is more of an institution than a gathering,” said Tom Wilson, who performed Friday as LeE HARVeY OsMOND, his latest project. “It means a lot to me to be here.”

Wilson, a veteran of the Canadian music scene whose projects have included Junkhouse as well as Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, hadn’t been to the festival in 13 years. A lot has changed since then.

“When I got on stage to perform, I had a lot of Mohawks that were in my family; I just didn’t know I was part of that culture,” said Wilson, who learned in his 50s that his biological mother was Mohawk.

Thirteen years ago, in front of a Mariposa audience, he railed against the injustices faced by Indigenous people. After discovering his own Mohawk roots, his brand of activism via art continues, but in a different way.

“I speak now and I encourage love and understanding. I don’t get on stage and point fingers. We’re one in the universe,” said Wilson, whose musical performance Friday night on the main stage incorporated readings from his 2017 memoir, Beautiful Scars. “We are nothing without identity. Now that I have identity, I feel more focused.”

During the era of truth and reconciliation, Wilson sees music as playing an important role but said there’s still a long way to go.

“We’re just starting,” he said. “I don’t expect it to be finished in my lifetime.”

His performance was one of many that drew praise Friday.

An enthusiastic audience came out in force to Tudhope Park Friday night to support Birds of Chicago, Hawksley Workman, Ralph, Steve Poltz and, the night’s headliner, Half Moon Run.

“The place is full,” observed festival president Pam Carter, who was impressed the crowd hung around through a brief but intense downpour. “That tells me they’re major Mariposa supporters. They stuck it out.”

One of the Day 1 highlights for Carter was Birds of Chicago, the band that opened the main stage.

“Their performance was amazing," she said, "and they’re so happy to be here.”

The festival runs Saturday and Sunday. Day passes are still available and can be purchased at the gate.

Find out more at mariposafolk.com.