Artists Announced for Main Stage Showdown 2026
We are thrilled to announce the performers selected for the Main Stage Showdown!
Performers will compete in sets of 10 minutes for a chance at the ultimate prize: $500, artist passes to 2026 Folk On The Rocks, and a slot on the Main Stage during the festival weekend! Once again, it promises to be another incredible evening of new talent to discover!
The Main Stage Showdown is a celebration of local talent and a chance for audiences to be part of the experience, helping choose who will take that next big step onto the FOTR stage.
Turtle & Guests
Anica
Olivia Mater: Olivia is an emerging singer-songwriter currently living in Yellowknife. Her music is a blend of acoustic Indie-folk that draws on some vocal traditions of her Celtic ancestry. Her songs rise out of time spent paddling wild rivers and navigating the waters of heartache and belonging. They are mending songs, mourning songs, empowerment songs, and songs for the heart.
Sami Blanco (sunaïra / temple volant): Sami Blanco creates atmospheric environmental worlds of sounds as sunaïra, opening stargates as entranced ceremonial celebrations bio morphing to a dream dance floor crafted by electronic artefacts (temple volant).A celestial sanctuary for multimedia storytelling with sky gazing orchestral frequencies crystallized into fairy tales as a sonic bloom quest for world magic.
Lil Vogel: An Indigenous music artist from Yellowknife, who makes music by writing lyrics and adding vocals to instrumentals, so people can dance or vibe.
Rob Elo: Rob Elo is an alternative R&B/soul singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based out of Yellowknife, NT, and initially from Vancouver Island, BC. “Think Death Cab For Cutie meets Tom Misch”, says Elo of his recent releases. “Darker lyrics, smooth vocals, and heavy pocket.”
Jenna Blanchard: Jenna Blanchard is a singer/songwriter, proud to call the North home for the past ten years. Born on Prince Edward Island, her music is grounded by her small town roots, connections to community and, life as a Nurse. Her love for the Land, and lived experiences are deeply felt in the songs she shares.
Travina Lynn
Georges C: “A mix bag of stuff on a bluesy canvas - Something like that.” - Georges
Evie from Earth: evie from earth is an alternative-folk singer-songwriter born and based in North Vancouver, British Columbia. Her music explores atmospheric and acoustic soundscapes, blending grit with softness through emotionally resonant, thought-provoking lyricism. Through her work, she creates vivid worlds that invite listeners to co-exist with the full complexity of the human experience.
Sun Starved: Sun Starved is Yellowknife’s premier metalcore band trying to make up for the lack of sunshine by being aggressively loud about it. The five-piece unit played their first show in 2025, and with surprising groove and reliable shred, they’re already gunning for the title of heaviest band in the North.
The judges for the Main Stage Showdown will consist of one Board member, media partners, and other community members.
Date: June 6, 2026
Location: The Explorer Hotel, Yellowknife, NT
Doors Open: 6:00pm
