that conflicted with the festival. The controversy was resolved when Marshall's promoters offered a special promotional pass that enabled ticketholders to attend both events. Nevertheless, attendance at the festival fell below expectations, leaving a deficit. The following year, the festival recovered by offering a smaller program. In 2017, the festival expanded its three-day schedule with a Thursday night performance devoted exclusively to Indigenous music. In 2020-21, the festival was cancelled for the first time in its history due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. The festival celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022. Festival artistic directors have included Scott Merrifield, Vickie McGauley, John Closs, Claude Faucon, Paul Loewenberg, and Max Merrifield. Awards The Jackie Washington Award is presented each year for distinguished contribution to Northern Ontario's cultural life. Past recipients have included Robert Paquette, Ken Whiteley, Daniel Bédard, Paul Dunn and Charlie Angus. The award is named for Jackie Washington, a blues musician who appeared at the festival 25 times between the festival's inauguration in 1972 and Washington's death in 2009. Also awarded annually is the Bernie Melanson Volunteer Award, named after one of the festival's founding members and given to individuals or groups for longstanding or exceptional service to the festival. Performers 1980 CANO, Tom Rush, Stan Rogers 1983 Scott Merritt, Lauri Conger and Lorraine Segato, The Nylons, The Bop Cats, Joe Hall, Nancy White, Eritage, Shirley Eikhard, Richard Séguin, Robert Paquette, CANO, Paul Dunn, Daisy DeBolt, Jacko Chartrand 1990 James Keelaghan, Oscar Lopez, Tom Paxton, Josephine, Loreena McKennitt 1995 Ashley MacIsaac, Kashtin, Nadjiwan, The Wailing Aztecs, The Shuffle Demons, Stephen Fearing, Eric Nagler 1997 Blue Rodeo, Bob Wiseman, Universal Honey, Change of Heart, The Pursuit of Happiness, Bob Snider, Fred Eaglesmith, Pacande, The Wailing Aztecs, Nadjiwan, Les Chaizes Muzikales 1998 Bruce Cockburn, Natalie MacMaster, Rheostatics 1999 Mackeel, Buckwheat Zydeco, Grievous Angels, Kim Stockwood 2000 The Arrogant Worms, Rita Chiarelli, The Corndogs, Alun Piggins, Carlos del Junco, Konflit Dramatik, Ruby Craig, The Rockin' Highliners, Debbie Danbrook, Hank Engel and the Hoosier Daddies, No Reservations, Darlene 2004 The Arrogant Worms, BeeBop Cowboys, Broche à Foin, Kevin Closs, Sarah Craig, Véronic DiCaire, Brian Dunn, Fred Eaglesmith, Grievous Angels, The Havocs, Colin James, Kingpins, Konflit Dramatik, Corb Lund, Kate Maki, Matapat, Mondo Idols, Ox, Pilate, Andy Stochansky, Sweetwater, The Wailin' Jennys, Verge 2007 Ron Sexsmith, Leahy, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Peter Case, Les Breastfeeders, Oh Susanna, Peter Elkas, Ox, Kim Barlow, Torngat