Ruth Jones McVeigh, one of the founders of the Mariposa Folk Festival in Canada, has passed away at the age of 99 in Ottawa. She was instrumental in establishing the enduring and community-focused annual music event, which has become one of the longest-running folk festivals in North America, attracting renowned artists such as Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, and Bob Dylan over the years.
Michael Hill, a former artistic director of the festival, credited Jones McVeigh for the festival’s cultural significance and widespread recognition. Born in Halifax, she began her career in journalism in Nova Scotia before moving to Ontario, where she played a pivotal role in launching the festival in Orillia in 1961.
Jones McVeigh’s passion for folk music and her vision for creating a social gathering centered around music led to the festival’s inception. Despite facing challenges like changing locations and financial difficulties, she remained dedicated to promoting Mariposa through various media channels.
Throughout the festival’s history, it has featured a diverse lineup of artists, ranging from Canadian folk legends like Ian & Sylvia and Gordon Lightfoot to international stars such as Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, and Emmylou Harris. The festival has also showcased Indigenous performers and emerging talents like Serena Ryder, Barenaked Ladies, and Tegan & Sara in recent years.
Jones McVeigh’s commitment to nurturing young talent was evident in her support for artists like Samantha Windover, whom she discovered at the festival. Windover, now a successful singer-songwriter, credited Jones McVeigh for inspiring her and providing ongoing encouragement.
In recognition of her contributions, Jones McVeigh was inducted into the Mariposa Folk Festival Hall of Fame in 2005. Her legacy lives on through the festival’s continued success and the online archive at York University dedicated to preserving its history.
Jones McVeigh’s impact on the folk music scene and her dedication to the Mariposa Folk Festival will be remembered by her family, friends, and the music community she influenced.
