Legendary folk musician Bruce Cockburn receives key to the city at Winnipeg Folk Festival

Bruce Cockburn, Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham and Winnipeg Folk Festival executive director Valerie Shantz pose together at the Winnipeg Folk Festival on July 12, 2025. (City of Winnipeg)

Legendary folk musician Bruce Cockburn received the City of Winnipeg’s highest honour.

On Saturday, Mayor Scott Gillingham presented Cockburn with a key to the city at the 50th edition of the Winnipeg Folk Festival.

Cockburn is known for helping to shape the Canadian music scene with his sound that blends folk, jazz and blues, and his classic songs like “Lovers in a Dangerous Time.”

“Bruce Cockburn’s music has long been a part of the Winnipeg Folk Festival,” said Gillingham in a news release.

“He is one of Canada’s most influential artists and decorated artists with a career spanning over five decades. It is an honour to present him with the Key to the City during the festival’s 50th anniversary.”

Cockburn is an officer of the Order of Canada, recipient of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, inductee to the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and 13-time Juno Award winner.

The Canadian singer has performed at Winnipeg Folk Fest many times over the years, including at the first event in 1974.

“Bruce has been such an important part of the history of the festival - he was there at the first in 1974 and has come back many times since,” said Valerie Shantz, executive director of the Winnipeg Folk Festival.

“We are happy to have him recognized for his artistry, his influence on Canadian folk music, and his special relationship with the Winnipeg Folk Festival.”

The key to the city recognizes the significant contributions of dignitaries visiting the city.

This is the second time Gillingham has awarded this honour.