Mariposa Folk Festival Recap

— by Hillary Handy

If you are fortunate enough to be able to attend Mariposa Folk Festival, then you are fortunate indeed. It is an incredible gathering of creative and talented minds, amidst those who appreciate the arts. I enjoy hearing some new artists to expand my own musical repertoire. 

This year, I was thrilled to hear Canadian singer-songwriter Rachel Bobbitt for the first time. She was captivating to watch and listen to at the Estelle Klein Stage. She also participated in a workshop called If You Can Read My Mind. She serenaded the crowd with her electric guitar in a light rain. It was picturesque. It was Mariposa.

Her sound is smooth, but has grit. Her range is incredible. Her songs remind me of the soundtrack of life and would be perfect to pair with the playback of our lives, if caught on film. I was, and still am, digging her sound and vibe.

She recently released a companion EP to her debut album. This 3-song EP is called Where Do You Want To Be? Naturally, I was pumped to be able to hear more of Rachel in the off-festival season. She has an assortment of music videos on YouTube and you can listen on Spotify as well. The title song in this latest EP has heart radiating within it.

“This is a song about love,” Bobbitt explains. “I always say I wish I could put everyone I love in a bubble and shield them from any harm the world will inevitably bring them.”

Written after a difficult conversation with a close friend navigating a challenging chapter in life, the song reflects the helplessness many feel when someone they care about is hurting. Rather than offering solutions, Bobbitt embraces the power of simply being present.

“Although I know I can’t save the people I love from the pains of life, I can offer them a place to be that is hopefully understanding and loving.”

Bobbitt’s journey to this point has been anything but conventional. Raised in Nova Scotia’s picturesque Annapolis Valley, she first gained widespread attention during Vine’s heyday, sharing covers and original songs with hundreds of thousands of followers. The viral success earned her Shorty Award nominations and recognition from BuzzFeed as one of the platform’s standout musical talents.

Rather than chasing internet fame, however, Bobbitt stepped away from the spotlight, choosing instead to focus on developing her artistry away from the constant scrutiny of social media.

After studying Jazz and Vocal Pedagogy at Toronto’s Humber College, she spent years honing her craft on the road, touring alongside acclaimed artists including Men I Trust, Indigo de Souza, and Blonde Redhead.