A Message from Board President and Festival Producer Carol Obertubbesing
The 37th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival returned to our historic and beloved Woodstock Town Square in 2022!
After delighting music lovers on Sunday, July 17, 2022, from noon to 6 pm, the music in this one-hour sampler will now become part of the music archive on our website. We hope you enjoy these great memories of a wonderful day.
Did you miss this year’s Woodstock Folk Festival? Would you like to see your favorite performers again or recapture the spirit of that day? If so, then watch highlights of the Festival right here (above) or go to the Video Gallery.
To read more about this year’s Festival, visit THIS POST. To read the long list of folks who made this year’s event possible, many participating year after year, visit THIS POST.
Please Consider a Donation to the Festival. If you enjoy this video, please donate via the “Donate” button on our website or send a check to Woodstock Folk Festival, P.O. Box 1628, Woodstock, IL 60098.
The Festival is an Illinois 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your donations are ESSENTIAL to keep the Festival going. If you already gave at the Festival, we thank you for your support. All proceeds will go toward next year’s Festival on Sunday, July 16, 2023. We need your support to bring you more great music next year.
Mark your calendars now and join us IN PERSON on beautiful historic Woodstock Square next year. Third Sunday in July — see you there.
We’re excited to bring you one of the first area appearances by Grace Morrison at this Spring Concert on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 2 p.m./CDT at Stage Left Cafe in Woodstock, Illinois. Grace will be accompanied by Radoslav Lorkovic. This concert unites one of the folk world’s most popular emerging artists with one of the most revered performers and collaborators in the music community. Local favorites Cheryl Niemo & the Down Home Boys will open the concert.
Tickets purchased in advance via the Woodstock Opera House are $20/per person plus a $2 handling fee; check the Woodstock Opera House site for more information and the Etix link to purchase tickets. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door on the day of the concert for $25/per person. Seating is limited, so order now!
Cape Cod-basedGrace Morrison is a young singer-songwriter who burst on the scene with official showcases at Folk Alliance International regional conferences and as Most Wanted Emerging Artist at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. She was the Grand Prize Winner in the 2016 New England Music Songwriting Contest and a finalist in many other contests. In addition to her singing and songwriting skills, she also plays piano, banjo, and synthesizer.
Born in Croatia, Radoslav Lorkovic is a classically trained folk and blues musician known for his flair on the piano and accordion. In addition to his critically acclaimed solo performances and recordings, he has also accompanied many other artists including Odetta, Jimmy LaFave, Greg Brown, Ellis Paul, and Ronny Cox. His 30-year touring career has led him from the taverns of the upper Mississippi River to the castles of Italy.
Plus, you’ll hear Cheryl Niemo & the Down Home Boys; Cheryl, Pete Jonsson, Marty Brunkalla, and Jim Seidel perform Americana and Roots music.
Don’t miss this great afternoon of music on Sunday, April 16. For more information about the performers, visit gracemorrison.com and radoslavlorkovic.com. For info on Cheryl Niemo & the Down Home Boys check out their Facebook page.
The Woodstock Folk Festival will present its first in-person spring concert since 2019on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 2 p.m./CDT at Stage Left Cafe, 125 W. Van Buren St., next to the Woodstock Opera House on the historic Square in Woodstock, Illinois, about 50 miles northwest of Chicago. The concert will feature Grace Morrison and Radoslav Lorkovic. In addition, local favorites Cheryl Niemo & the Down Home Boys will open the concert.
Grace Morrison
This concert unites one of the folk world’s most popular emerging artists with one of the most revered performers and collaborators in the music community. Cape Cod-based Grace Morrison is a young singer-songwriter. She burst on the scene with official showcases at Folk Alliance International regional conferences and as Most Wanted Emerging Artist at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. She was the Grand Prize Winner in the 2016 New England Music Songwriting Contest and a finalist in many other contests. In addition to her singing and songwriting skills, she also plays piano, banjo, and synthesizer.
Radoslav Lorkovic
Equally exciting, born in Croatia, Rad is a classically trained folk and blues musician known for his flair on the piano and accordion. In addition to his critically acclaimed solo performances and recordings, he has also accompanied many other artists including Odetta, Jimmy LaFave, Greg Brown, Ellis Paul, and Ronny Cox. His 30-year touring career has led him from the taverns of the upper Mississippi River to the castles of Italy.
Cheryl Niemo & the Down Home Boys
In addition, opening the show you’ll hear Cheryl Niemo & the Down Home Boys; Cheryl. Pete Jonsson, Marty Brunkalla, and Jim Seidel perform Americana and Roots music.
Don’t miss this great afternoon of music on Sunday, April 16.
Tickets purchased in advance via the Woodstock Opera House are $20/per person plus a $2 handling fee; call the box office at 815-338-5300 or go to woodstockoperahouse.com to purchase your tickets. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door on the day of the concert for $25/per person.
The 37th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival RETURNED TO THE HISTORIC WOODSTOCK SQUARE on the third Sunday in July. The All-Sing resounded across the Square. Rich Prezioso & Jacquie Manning in front.
A Message from Board President and Festival Producer Carol Obertubbesing
The 37th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival RETURNED TO WOODSTOCK SQUARE on Sunday, July 17, 2022 from Noon to 6:00 p.m. What a day it was!
We are very glad that we presented two virtual Festivals, a virtual concert, a virtual tribute to Bill Staines, and 10 months of our weekly short performance series Woodstock Wednesdays. BUT it was a thrill to be back in person and see so many smiling faces! Your presence made organizing this Festival worthwhile.
Your ongoing donations allow us to continue to provide the extraordinary performers you heard on July 17. We appreciate your generosity. It will help fund next yearʼs Festival.
The 37th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival — did you miss it? Or want more?
You can check out who was there and the schedule of events HERE. You will also find links to all the performers’ own websites.
And watch for news of a one-hour sampler that will soon be available in the Video Gallery on our website.
And now…many thanks to all those who helped with the 37th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival
Thank you to Amy Beth and the late Melodee Ladd for co-founding this Festival in 1986 and to all who have served on its Board over the years.
Thank you to our current hard-working board members:
Dorothy Biris
Julie Roberts
Jim Young
Thank you to these former Board members for their ongoing assistance:
Andy Andrick
Betsy Ducote
Mary Lewis
Sandra South
Kathy Wentz
Thank you to all our performers who gave us such a memorable afternoon of music. Review the complete list with program and additional information HERE:
Wattle & Daub (Tim and Susan Mocarski – featured at the Stage Left Open Mic)
Thank you to our Performer Coordinator, Bekah Levin.
We’re especially thankful to Jim Gary, who did a CD featuring the songs of Michael Peter Smith, for joining us to lead “The Dutchman” today.
A special thank you to Tricia Alexander who did such a marvelous job organizing and coordinating the All-Sing, hallmark of our Festival. She also introduced each song and the musicians who led them. There is no one I know who brings together music, healing, community, and love as well as Tricia Alexander. Tricia, thank you for all you have do for the Festival and what you do throughout the year for our music community. You are one of Woodstock’s treasures.
Thank you to The City of Woodstock for allowing us to use this beautiful Square and for a City grant that helped us advertise the Festival and the other weekend events.
Mayor Turner, City Manager
Roscoe Stelford III
Members of the City Council, and City Hall staff including
Jane Howie
Betsy Cosgray
Terry Willcockson
Thank you to so many for your roles in producing this wonderful day of music:
Everyone at the Woodstock Opera House (Daniel Campbell, Joe McCormack, Betsy Cosgray and other Opera House staff)
Stage Left Cafe
Real Woodstock
The City of Woodstock
The Arts & Culture for Woodstock Fund
Read Between the Lynes bookstore for inviting Tia McGraff to do a reading and book signing yesterday
Off Square Music (Andy Andrick, Kent Fishburn, Don Humbertson, Keith Johnson, Laurel Palma, Joe Pesz, Rich Prezioso, and Jeremy Simon) for sound, video, and other assistance in producing the Festival and other activities through the year
Chuck Vandervennet and Rich Warren for co-hosting at the Main Stage
Mark Lyons and Gloria Burchfield for co-hosting the Stage Left Open Mic Stage and the volunteers there
Kathy and Patrick Wentz for managing CD sales
Thank you to those who helped promote the Festival in various ways:
Denice Beck for designing our Festival flyers and postcards
Sonia Callas Mesa for managing our monthly emails
Chuck and Rich
Radio Partners
Lilli Kuzma at WDCB/ 90.9FM
Marilyn Rea Beyer and Rich Warren at WFMT/98.7FM
Sue Kessell, Ron Lewis, and Kathy Kelly at WNUR/ 89.3
WNIJ
Folk Music Notebook
The Woodstock Independent for their coverage throughout the year
Copy Express for their assistance throughout the year
Thank you to these artisans for their contributions:
Kim Brix for creating our glass Lifetime Achievement Award
Tom Mark for creating the wooden plaque for our “Woody” Award
Thank you to all our supporters, especially:
Sponsors
Steve and Margaret Mikus
Friends of the Festival
Gloria Anderson
David Child and Carol Ganzer
Nancy Clark
Antonia Faia
Joan and Parker Foley
Judith Freeman
Lilli Kuzma
Barbara Lewis
Sandra Ligh
Bruce Rosenberg
Debbie Solomon
Annemarie Serra
Jeremy Simon
The Lake County Folk Club
All others who donated at the Festival or online. Your ongoing contributions are important for funding next year’s Festival.
Thank you also to those who helped out during the 2020 and 2021 years:
Mike Breen
Leslie Cook
Steve Mikus
Rich Prezioso
Mary Sherman
Joel Simpson
Thank you to these restaurants and other businesses that remained open today:
Expressly Leslie Vegetarian Specialities
Double Yolk
La Placita
Millie’s Michoacana
Ethereal Confections
DC Cobbs
Read Between the Lynes Bookstore
Warp Corps
Artisans on Main (the Old Court House Art Gallery is closed during building renovation)
Material Things Artisan and Gift Shop
Last but definitely not least, thanks to Pitel Brothers for supplying the portapotty.
We remembered these…
This year we dedicated the All-Sing to some of the members of our music community who passed since our last in-person Festival in 2019. This list is by no means comprehensive.
First and foremost, two of our previous Lifetime Achievement Award recipients:
Michael Peter Smith
Bill Staines.
Also, those who were part of our Illinois folk community or had strong ties to it:
Barbara Barrow
Dennis Cahill
Karl Matzen
Mighty Joe
Ethel Polk
John Prine
Jim Schwall
Chris Strong
Ed Trickett
We honored these…
Woody Award
First, a thank you to Tom Mark of Rockford Woodcrafts for making the plaque for our “Woody” Award.
The Woody Award, awarded this year to Keith Johnson. The Woody Award is presented to those who have made significant contributions to the music community outside the performance area. In some cases, such as this year, they are also musicians, but their major contributions have been outside the performance area.
Keith also served as Director of the Woodstock Farmers Market, and in that capacity ,he greatly expanded the size, variety, and reputation of this award-winning Market. He initiated Music at the Market, and on the day before the Festival, we were treated to performances by Suzy Schwartz and Cheryl & the Down Home Boys. Former WFF Board member Mike Breen, Sharon Arnold who has performed at Festival concerts, and Dave Martin were there the following Tuesday morning. The Saturday after the Festival featured Mark & Jean (Mark Lyons co-hosted the Festival Open Mic) as well as the Kishwaukee Ramblers.
Through Off Square Music, Keith also was involved with starting the Sunday evening concerts on the Square. He is also a major force behind Woodstock’s Harvest Fest, particularly the music contests and performances.
Whether it’s organizing events, doing sound, speaking out on behalf of the arts in our community, or encouraging both new and seasoned performers, Keith is truly “THE man about town.” We recognized Keith’s wife Nancy Johnson, also at the Festival.
19th Annual Lifetime Achievement Award
Again, first a thank you to Kim Brix for creating a beautiful glass award.
The Annual Lifetime Achievement Award, given this year to Megon McDonough, was to have gone to her first in 2020, then in 2021. Now we can finally do this in person today.
Megon was part of our 2020 virtual Festival and participated in the Zoom part of last year’s Festival. The first time I heard Megon was at a concert at the Chicago Cultural Center, and I knew we needed to present her here. She has performed at the Festival and the Opera House several times since then.
Of course, Megon is known across the country as a founding member of the Four Bitchin’ Babes and as a solo artist. She grew up in Crystal Lake and has even written a song about her travel between there and Woodstock.
Her eclectic repertoire includes folk, country, cabaret, and jazz. She also starred in the play, Always, Patsy Cline, and this past week she did a musical memoir at the Skokie Theatre.
The 30th Anniversary of Small Potatoes
Small Potatoes is the duo of Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso. From Celtic to Cowboy, these singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists have taken us on a musical journey as they too have traveled in this country and overseas. Rich is also active as a solo performer and performed with The Leftovers for many years. He has edited our virtual Festivals, 2020 concert, and Bill Staines virtual tribute. In addition to honoring Bill in that video, he and Jacquie will lead us in Bill Staines’ song “River” during the All-Sing Finale.
Because their garden is a source of joy for them, we have a gift certificate from Countryside Nursery for Rich and Jacquie.
Music, a path to healing and community
Music is a way of healing, and with so much divisiveness and strife in our own country and around the world, we hope it is also a way to build community.
In spite of our differences, singing brings us together and can be a very powerful force in building bridges among people, cultures, and countries.
Again, our heartfelt thanks to each and every person who helped to make the 37th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival such a beautiful return to the Woodstock Square.
The 37th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival RETURNS TO THE HISTORIC WOODSTOCK SQUARE!
A Message from Board President and Festival Producer Carol Obertubbesing
The 37th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival RETURNS TO WOODSTOCK SQUARE! After virtual Festivals in 2020 and 2021, the Woodstock Folk Festival will return to the historic Square in Woodstock, Illinois on Sunday, July 17, 2022, from Noon to 6 p.m.
We hope to have a one-hour sampler available on the Gallery Page of our website afterward, but our main focus will be on the in-person Festival. We look forward to seeing your many smiling faces!
Read on to check out Performers and The Schedule.
How can you help make this one the BEST Festival ever?
The suggested donation for the all-day Sunday Festival is $25 for individuals and $35 for families. There is no pre-registration.
Donations to the Festival are welcome at any time. Please use the Donations tab in the right column of every page of this website to contribute to the success of this year’s Festival. You can also contribute by sending a check made out to Woodstock Folk Festival to P.O. Box 1628, Woodstock, IL 60098.
You can also help by joining us in promoting the Festival. Please direct others who may be interested to woodstockfolkfestival.org, and spread the word on social media.
Here’s one more thing you can do to make this year’s Festival the best ever:
Click on this link or on the picture at the left for a .pdf flyer you can print and distribute to organizations and people near you — libraries, religious organizations, businesses, friends.
We greatly appreciate your interest and support!
The 37th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival…here’s what’s up
Once again the Festival will feature local, national, and international artists performing in a variety of musical styles. Long-time Festival MC Chuck VanderVennet and award-winning radio host Rich Warren will co-host the Festival.
The Festival will present its Lifetime Achievement Award to Megan McDonough and its “Woody Award” to Keith Johnson. Tricia Alexander will open the Festival and lead the All-Sing Finale. Wattle & Daub will be the Featured Performers at the Open Mic at Stage Left Cafe.
In case of rain, the Festival will move across the street to the historic 1889 Woodstock Opera House.
Due to continued uncertainty and concern about Covid, there will not be a Workshop or Children’s Area this year, but the Festival hopes to bring them back next year.
A little about our stellar group of performers
North Carolina-based Rod Abernethy is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, professor, and composer whose music has been used by Universal, Paramount, Disney, and others. He is known for his Southern folk and frenetic guitar instrumentals.
Woodstock-based Tricia Alexander (accompanied by Alpha Stewart Jr.), Woodstock Folk Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner, is a healing artist, singer-songwriter, guitarist, percussionist, and harmonica player. She presents jazz, blues, folk, and spoken word in her performances. Because of her skill in bringing people together and encouraging them to sing, Tricia will lead the All-Sing Finale.
Ontario, Canada-basedTia McGraff and Tommy Parham are known for Americana and country music and have been described as “the modern day Johnny and June” (Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash).
Tia is an inspirational singer and children’s book author and is accompanied by her life and musical partner Colorado native Tommy Parham, whom she met in Nashville. Tia’s Scottish and Transylvanian roots shine through in her songs.
North Carolina-based Katie Oates (accompanied by Parker Foley) is classically trained in opera and now performs classical, folk, blues, jazz, and Americana. In addition to her original songs, she has also arranged songs by her mentor Si Kahn.
The trio South for Winter includes Dani Cichon from Colorado, Nick Stone from New Zealand, and Alex Stradal from Michigan. Now based in Nashville, they perform folk, blues, and jazz with delicate harmonies and music on guitar, cello, mandolin, tambourine, and stomp box.
Woodstock-basedCassandra Vohs-Demann is a musician, performer, coach, composer, and producer who also founded and serves as Artistic Director of the Woodstock Community Choir. From folk to country to rock, she offers music that brings people together.
Rene Avila Quartet – Rene Avila is a Chicago-area-based educator, basketball coach, bass player, host of WDCB’s “Mambo Inn,” and band leader. The Quartet plays Afro-Cuban music.
Wattle & Daubwill be the Featured Performers at the Open Mic at Stage Left Cafe. Grayslake, Illinois-based Tim and SusanMocarski have toured the East Coast and are “Gold Star Open Stage Members” and official buskers at the Newport Folk Festival. Their well-chosen interpretations of songs by others along with their original songs have made them crowd favorites in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.
And our award-winners…
The Festival will present its Lifetime Achievement Award to Megon McDonough and its “Woody” Award to Keith Johnson.
There will also be a celebration of the 30th anniversary of Cary-based, internationally touring duo Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso, known as Small Potatoes.
Megon and Small Potatoes will perform after the Awards presentation. Illinois- and Minnesota-based Megon McDonough is a folk/cabaret singer-songwriter who grew up in Crystal Lake, Illinois. She has performed solo and was a founding member of Four Bitchin’ Babes; her eclectic repertoire includes folk, country, cabaret, and jazz. She also starred in the play, Always, Patsy Cline.
Keith Johnson will be honored for his many contributions to the Woodstock music community and beyond. As co-founder and director of Off Square Music, Keith hosts concerts and open mics where he champions both seasoned and new performers. He also serves as the Director of the Woodstock Farmers Market.
While building the Market into one of Illinois’ best, he initiated Music at the Market. He runs Harvest Fest as well and is a singer and guitarist.
The Cary, Illinois-based Small Potatoes received the WFF Lifetime Achievement Award and performed at the Festival numerous times. Singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso celebrate 30 years of a touring career that includes performances across North America and in Ireland featuring an eclectic mix of musical styles described as “Celtic to Cowboy.”
The 37th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival – Schedule for the Day
Featuring local, national, and international artists performing in a variety of styles: Afro-Cuban, Americana, blues, cabaret, contemporary and traditional folk, country, and jazz.
ON THE MAIN STAGE
Co-Hosted by Chuck VanderVennet and WFMT’s Rich Warren
12:00pm
Tricia Alexander accompanied by Alpha Stewart, Jr.
12:30pm
Rene Avila Quartet
1:15pm
Cassandra Vohs-Demann
2:00pm
South for Winter (Dani Cichon, Nick Stone, and Alex Stradal)
2:45pm
Katie Oates accompanied by Parker Foley
3:30pm
Tia McGraff and Tommy Parham
4:15pm
Rod Abernethy
5:00pm
Presentation of Lifetime Achievement Award to Megon McDonough and “Woody” Award to Keith Johnson, celebration of 30th anniversary of Small Potatoes, performances by Megon McDonough and Small Potatoes
5:40pm
All-Sing Finale – Led by Tricia Alexander
MORE FESTIVAL FAVORITES
12:05pm
Stage Left Cafe Open Mic Stage Sign-up starts
1:30-2:00pm
Featured Performer at Open Mic Stage – Wattle & Daub (Susan and Tim Mocarski)
Located about 50 miles northwest of Chicago, Woodstock is easily accessible via Routes i-90, 14, and 120, as well as by the Union Pacific/Northwest Metra train line that runs between Chicago and Harvard with many stops in between.
The Woodstock train station is only one block from Woodstock Square. Handicapped accessible facilities are available.
A few tips to make your Festival visit a great success
Pets are not allowed in the Park, only on the streets on the periphery. Please do not leave pets in hot cars. Festivalgoers should bring a chair or blanket to sit on.
Festival merchandise and performer CDs, books, and other merchandise can be purchased at the Festival.
We encourage you to come for the weekend so you can enjoy music and food at the Woodstock Farmers Market on Saturday morning and a performance by Wishbone Ash at the Woodstock Opera House on Saturday night. Lodging information is on this website.
Virtual Tribute to Bill Staines hosted by Woodstock Folk Festival, Sunday, February 6,1pm/CST
A Virtual Tribute to Bill Staines hosted by the Woodstock Folk Festival premieres Sunday afternoon, February 6, at 1pm/CST. February 6 would have been Bill’s 75th birthday.
Through words and music, our virtual tribute honors America’s quintessential troubadour, Bill Staines, who passed away on December 5, 2021.
Bill Staines received the Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 and also performed at a couple of Festival concerts. His songs have been sung by many others and are often used in schools, camps, and song manuals. His children’s book received a Parents’ Choice Award.
From his early years playing at coffeehouses in the Boston-Cambridge area in the 1960s to his millions of miles touring and playing at venues throughout the country, Bill wrote and sang songs about the places he visited, the people he met, and the things he encountered. He sang about the diversity of our natural and human worlds, always with appreciation and respect, through songs such as “River,” “A Place in the Choir/All God’s Critters,” “Sweet Wyoming Home,” “Old Pen,” “Rodeo Rose,” and “Roseville Fair.”
Bill’s Final Concert Was At Club Passim with the Passim All-Stars
Among those you will hear at this Tribute is the Passim All-Stars, a “supergroup” of some of the most popular performers at the legendary Club Passim in Cambridge, Massachusetts. These Massachusetts-based artists all began performing at Club Passim in the 1970s, and their November 21, 2021 concert at Club Passim was Bill’s final concert.
The All-Stars include Mason Daring and Jeanie Stahl, who perform throughout New England. Mason is a musician and composer who has written many scores for tv and film, including the music for most of John Sayles’ films. Jeanie’s vocals are featured on the soundtrack of many films and tv shows. Their song “Marblehead Morning,” which Mason wrote, is a classic. – www.jeaniestahl.com, www.daringandstahl.com, masondaring.com
The Woodstock Folk Festival thanks Judi Jaeger and Bob Reid (Jaeger & Reid) for inviting us to share their presentation of Bill Staines’ “Bridges” in conjunction with our Tribute to Bill Staines.
Other Performers for this Tribute to Bill Staines
Billy Novick is a well-known sax and clarinet player who is on the soundtrack to numerous films. He composed a piece specifically for this tribute. In addition to his own playing and composition, he often performs with the New Black Eagle Jazz Band and with Guy Van Duser. – billynovick.com
Guy Van Duser is known for his finger-style guitar playing and frequent appearances on “A Prairie Home Companion”; he teaches at Berklee College of Music.
Stuart Schulman plays numerous instruments in a variety of styles and often accompanied Bill on violin on his albums and with the All-Stars; he also plays with Jonathan Edwards and is on the soundtrack to John Sayles’ Passion Fish.
New York-based Priscilla Herdman is best known for her compelling interpretations of songs by other songwriters including Bill Staines. She was also part of the Herdman, Hills, and Mangsen Trio, which included Anne Hills and Cindy Mangsen. – priscillaherdman.com
Illinois-based award-winning singer-songwriter Joe Jencksperforms throughout the United States and overseas. His songs such as “Lady of the Harbor” are now part of the folk music lexicon. He was also a founding member of the Brother Sun trio and has performed at the Festival several times. – joejencks.com
New Jersey-based Mara Levine, an outstanding interpreter of songs including those of Bill Staines will be joined by Long Island, New York-based Gathering Time (Stuart Markus and Hillary Foxsong). Since 2006 Gathering Time has been performing originals and songs by others at festivals and other folk venues around the country. They all performed at the 2018 Woodstock Folk Festival. Mara is also a jewelry designer. – maralevine.com, gathering-time.com
Portland, Oregon-based Tom May is the founder and host of the nationally syndicated radio show “River City Folk.” For over 35 years he has interviewed and performed with his guests, including Bill Staines. He also writes songs, performs around the world, and runs a benefit concert for Sisters of the Road in Portland. – tommayfolk.com
Illinois-based but internationally touring singer-songwriters Small Potatoes (Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso) celebrate 30 years of playing and singing together this year. They play a variety of instruments in styles ranging from Celtic to Cowboy. They have traveled and performed with Bill Staines, including at the 2016 Festival. Rich is also editing this tribute. – smallpotatoesmusic.com
Please consider a donation in honor of Bill Staines
Donations in honor of Bill Staines may be made to The Staines Family Trust; these funds will be used to cover final expenses and any additional monies will be used to re-press Bill’s out-of-stock CDs. Please send checks to The Staines Family Trust, Box 292, Dover, NH 03821 or use PayPal to Karen Staines or Venmo@Karen-Staines.
Donations may also be sent to Learning Skills Academy, 1247 Washington Rd #3, Rye, NH 03870.
Show your support to our performers
The Festival also encourages you to support the performers who gave their time and talent in this tribute. Please visit their websites for information about their upcoming concerts, CDs, and Patreon or other platforms for donations.
Watch the Virtual Tribute, Read the Festival’s Tribute, Get More Donation Information
A Tribute to Bill Staines, information about where to send donations in Bill’s honor, and links to performer websites are posted with the video on this site. Use the button in the right column to access the video and the information posted with it, or go to the Video Gallery (menu tab, top of the page) and select the Concerts album.
Mark your calendars for the 37th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival
Mark your calendars for the 37th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival on Sunday, July 17, 2022. The All-Sing Finale will include a tribute to Bill Staines.
The Festival is an entirely volunteer-run 501(c)(3) Illinois non-profit organization, made possible in part by Radio Partners WDCB, WFMT, and WNUR, the City of Woodstock, and Real Woodstock (www.realwoodstock.com).
For more information about this year’s Festival and future events
Posted inConcerts, Online Events|Comments Off on A Virtual Tribute to Bill Staines | Hosted by the Woodstock Folk Festival | Premieres Sunday, February 6, 1 pm/CST
See the Woodstock Folk Festival 2021 HERE or click on the picture below. Share with your friends and family. Have a watch party!
Donations are welcome any time. Just use the Donate Button on the right, or send a check to Woodstock Folk Festival, P.O. Box 1628, Woodstock, IL 60098. Your support is essential for us to bring you next year’s Festival.
See the Woodstock Folk Festival 2021 HERE by clicking on the picture.
What a great event — this year’s Virtual Annual Woodstock Folk Festival
This year’s Virtual Woodstock Folk Festival was extraordinary. Performers (links are to their Woodstock Wednesdays performances on this site) included:
This year, the Festival presented its Lifetime Achievement Award to Megan McDonough. Its “Woody Award” went to Ray Beth, Lilli Kuzma and Chuck VanderVennet.
Something new in the Woodstock Folk Festival 2021
This year’s Woodstock Folk Festival featured some new segments that were entertaining, thought-provoking and informative. The Walking Tour of Woodstock was accompanied by a historical narrative that showcased the charming Woodstock Square as well as Woodstock’s deep musical roots. A Performers’ Question & Answer brought out thoughtful, sometimes humorous, sometimes moving or revealing responses from the performers.
So if you missed the Festival this year, no problem! Visit our Video Gallery on the site at any time or CLICK HERE.
Here are your BONUS three videos
You’ll find in the Gallery three additional videos, excerpts from the Festival. They are integral to the Festival, but you can also enjoy them as stand-alone performances. We hope you’ll enjoy this popular new tradition.
A post-Festival message from Carol Obertubbesing, Woodstock Folk Festival President
The Woodstock Folk Festival 2021 thanks all who participated in, watched, and supported this wonderful annual event. We greatly appreciate your interest and continued support.
If you haven’t yet enjoyed this year’s memorable event, we hope you will see it now and support next year’s Festival.
Thank you to our wonderful performers, mentioned above.
And thank you to our amazing editor Rich Prezioso.
Thanks to Meghan Cary for coordinating our All-Sing opening song “Raise Your Voice” and Joe Jencks for coordinating “Somos El Barco.”
Meghan Cary wrote the rousing opening song and Lorre Wyatt wrote the beautiful closing song. We thank them for allowing us to use those songs.
We appreciated the performers’ answers – sometimes humorous, sometimes moving, sometimes profound – to the questions we posed to them. You heard some of the responses during the Festival, but we couldn’t include all of their remarks, so those too are now a stand-alone in the Video Gallery.
Thanks to everyone who participated in our Post-Festival Zoom conversation, including our Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Megon McDonough, who sang her most recent song and a couple others, and to David Roth, who also sang us one of his songs.
We’re glad Christine Lavin joined us to celebrate her friend and collaborator Megon. These surprises capped off an afternoon of musical delights.
Congratulations to Megon on her Lifetime Achievement Award and to Ray Beth, Lilli Kuzma, and Chuck VanderVennet on their “Woody” Awards. If you have suggestions for next year’s awards, please email info@woodstockfolkfestival.org. A complete list of past recipients is on the website.
Thanks to current and former Board members and to our volunteers Sonia Calles Mesa, Leslie Cook, Paul Klonowski, Steve Mikus, Annemarie Serra, Joel Simpson, and Kathy Wentz. Thanks also to the City of Woodstock, the Woodstock Opera House, and Real Woodstock.
Other ways to support the Festival and our musicians
Festival masks ($15 each) are available for purchase at WarpCorps and Read Between the Lynes, both located on Woodstock Square; contact us at info@woodstockfolkfestival.org if you want us to ship one to you ($15 + shipping and handling). Proceeds bring you next year’s Festival.
Be sure to mark your calendar now for next year’s 37th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival on Sunday, July 17, 2022. Check out this website periodically and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates.
Remember to support performers by purchasing tickets to their live and virtual concerts, donating to them via their websites, buying their CDs, and joining their Patreon platforms.
Katherine Rondeau couldn’t participate in this year’s Festival for health reasons. She is featured in one of our Woodstock Wednesdays, though. She is scheduled to perform at St. Tim’s Coffeehouse (Skokie) virtual concert on October 9. We will try to update you on other performers as we hear of their activities.
Keep the music coming
In the meantime, be sure to check out the folk music programs offered by our Radio Partners WDCB, WFMT, and WNUR and 24/7 online music services Acoustic Outpost and Folk Music Notebook.
Most of all, remember that music is a source of joy, healing, and community; keep the power of song in your heart and take it with you wherever you go.
The 36th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival, 2021 is HERE (or click on the picture below)!
Presented by Woodstock Folk Festival, this virtual event will delight folk music lovers everywhere. The video will remain in the Gallery afterward, so if you missed it, stop in any time — and share with your friends and family:
The 36th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival – Sunday, July 18, 1pm/CDT. The video will remain in the Gallery afterward, so if you missed it, stop in any time — and share with your friends and family
Please Consider a Donation to the Festival
There is a suggested donation of $25 for the Festival. No reservations are necessary for the Festival itself, just the post-Festival Zoom Conversation. To reserve your space and receive a link, email info@woodstockfolkfestival.org.
The proceeds from this year’s Festival benefit this year’s performers AND enable us to present next year’s Festival. To donate at any time in any amount, just press the Donate Button above the email subscription form.
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Sunday, July 18, 2021, 1pm/CDT
For the Premiere of this Virtual 36th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival, click on the link below or the picture:
The 2021 36th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival video will remain in the Gallery after our July 18 event, so if you missed it, come later — and share with your friends and family
There’s More After the Main Event!
Enjoy THREE more Festival videos in the Gallery. They are in the Festival folder in the Video Gallery — https://woodstockfolkfestival.org/video-category/festival/. You can also use the menu tab for the Video Gallery to check out these and many other wonderful videos — or you can use the direct links below:
This year, the Festival presents its Lifetime Achievement Award to Megan McDonough. Its “Woody Award” goes to Ray Beth, Lilli Kuzma and Chuck VanderVennet.
Our 36th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival 2021 Program
The program also includes a Virtual Walking Tour of Woodstock and All-Sing opening and closing songs.
Join the conversation! At 4pm/CDT, we will host a Zoom Conversation with audience members and some performers. If you would like to participate in the Zoom Conversation, then please reserve by July 15. Email info@woodstockfolkfestival.org with your reservation request. When we receive your email, we will send you the Zoom link.
More About This Year’s Performers
Illinois-based Ashley & Simpson (ashleyandsimpson.com), the duo of Jennifer Ashley and Joel Simpson, offers traditional and contemporary songs with beautiful vocal harmonies.
Pennsylvania-based singer-songwriter Meghan Cary (meghancary.com), accompanied by her husband Peter Farrell, engages the audience with songs that are healing, inspiring, and joyful.
Featured on Nickelodeon, WGN, Univision, and public tv, Illinois-based Cielito Lindo Family Band (cielitolindo.co) is a modern mariachi band featuring members of the Lucero family. They draw from their Mexican musical heritage.
Wisconsin-based Fendrick & Peck (fendrickandpeck.com), the duo of Madeline Fendrick and Brian Peck, offers string, strum, and song as they muse on connection, compassion, and personal growth.
Illinois-based Joe Jencks (joejencks.com) is an award-winning international touring performer, songwriter, entertainer, and educator known for his performances of musical beauty, social consciousness, and spiritual exploration. He was also a co-founder of the trio Brother Sun.
UK-based singer-songwriter Pete Morton (petemorton.com) has been bringing his traditional and contemporary songs to audiences around the world for over 30 years.
North Carolina-based Jon Shain (jonshain.com) is a singer-songwriter, musician, producer, and teacher, who won the 2019 International Blues Challenge. FJ Ventre (reverbnation.com/fjventre) joins Jon on bass and vocals; he also has a studio and graphic design firm.
While You’re On the Festival Site . . .
Would you like to enjoy this year’s Festival again or share it with others? Then be sure to visit our Video Gallery anytime. While you’re there, check out our 2020 Woodstock Folk Festival or our gallery of Woodstock Wednesdays performers.
How about receiving email updates from us? Then Subscribe in the right column of any page of the Festival site (woodstockfolkfestival.org).
We hope you will support our Annual Woodstock Folk Festival and more music online. To do that, just press the Donate Button above the email subscription form.
If you love what you hear in this year’s Festival or other videos on the site, watch our own Calendar of Folk Music Events for upcoming performances online and in real time for all our music friends. And remember: you can always browse our Video Gallery, a wonderful folk music community resource.
About Woodstock Folk Festival
The Festival is a 501(c)3 Illinois non-profit organization, made possible in part by Radio Partners WDCB, WFMT, and WNUR, the City of Woodstock, Real Woodstock (www.realwoodstock.com), sponsors, and donors. For more information about this year’s Festival and future events, return here to www.woodstockfolkfestival.org.
Sones de México Ensemble celebrates Cinco de Mayo with the Woodstock Folk Festival community at our May 5 Woodstock Wednesdays performance! Savor a carry-out meal from a local Mexican restaurant, and share it at home while you enjoy the concert.
Support our Performers
Performers greatly appreciate your support! Visit their websites, shop in their online stores, donate. Support Sones de Mexico with a Donation or by becoming a Sponsor. Visit their Music Storeto purchase an album.
Our Featured Performers: Sones de Mexico
Sones de México Ensemble formed up in Chicago’s historic Pilsen neighborhood in 1994. Their purpose was to keep the tradition of Mexican ‘son’ alive in its many regional forms. As performers and recording artists, the ensemble developed and popularized many original arrangements of Mexican traditional tunes through touring the United States and internationally. Tours included such prestigious venues as the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, Carnegie Hall in New York, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
The organization offers a number of educational and outreach programs, including music lessons, elementary and college residencies, children’s programs, workshops, lectures and songwriting classes. The group interweaves Mexican culture and heritage into every performance and program.
Sones de México Ensemble Present Beyond the Music: A Musical Geography of Mexico – Cinco de Mayo Edition
Sones de México Ensemble is the country’s premier folk music organization specializing in Mexican ‘son’, including the regional styles of huapango, gustos, chilenas, son jarocho, and more.
Join us for this Cinco de Mayo special edition of Sones de Mexico Ensemble’s guided musical tour of Mexico. Mexico’s folk music and dance styles are very diverse and largely unknown outside their local regions. There is son jarocho, son huasteco, gusto, son istmeño, chilenas, and over thirty other styles. Different regions of the country have unique instruments, repertoire and techniques rarely heard outside these regions.
Relax, and take a virtual musical tour of Mexico. Let the GRAMMY™ nominated Sones de México Ensemble, specialists in these regional styles, be your guide in this special demo of Mexico’s musical geography. They will speak about what to listen for in the major regional styles. Who knows? They may inspire your future travels!
This program is sponsored in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and by donations from people like you. Please support this group’s mission and make a tax deductible contribution at https://sonesdemexico.com/donate/
Explore Sones de México Ensemble’s Mexican Music School . . .
Outreach programs for schools: Sones de México Ensemble offers a diverse range of educational programs for children and adults that they bring to schools, community organizations, libraries, and cultural centers. Learn more here: https://sonesdemexico.com/outreach/
Sones de México Ensemble has been the winner of the Best Latin Entertainer in the Chicago Music Awards for four consecutive years: 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Their children’s album “Fiesta Mexicana” also won a Parents’ Choice™ Award.
While You’re On the Festival Site . . .
Would you like to enjoy the show again or share it with others? Then be sure to visit our Video Gallery anytime. While you’re there, check out past performers’ shows.
How about receiving email updates each Monday from us? Then Subscribe in the right column of any page of the Festival site (woodstockfolkfestival.org).
Would you like to support our Annual Woodstock Folk Festival and more music online? Great! Then press the Donate Button above the email subscription form.
If you love what you heard here this evening, watch our own Calendar of Folk Music Events for upcoming performances online and in real time for all our music friends. And remember: you can always browse our Video Gallery, a wonderful folk music community resource.
Enjoy Sones de México Ensemble and celebrate Cinco de Mayo!
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Views expressed by performers and others who appear at Woodstock Festival events or on the website are solely the views of these individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Festival or its Board members.
Veteran singer-songwriter Jon Shain specializes in improvised piedmont blues with bluegrass, swing, and ragtime. Jon premieres April 28, 7pm/CDT for Woodstock Wednesdays.
Veteran singer-songwriter Jon Shain has turned heads for years with his words, his fiery acoustic guitar work, and his evolved musical style. He combines improvised piedmont blues with bluegrass, swing, and ragtime.
Shain’s most recent solo disc, Gettin’ Handy with the Blues: A Tribute to the Legacy of WC Handy, was released in January, 2018.
The 2019 winner of the International Blues Challenge in the solo/duo category, Jon is scheduled to appear at the Woodstock Folk Festival this year. Shain’s most recent solo disc, Gettin’ Handy with the Blues: A Tribute to the Legacy of WC Handy, was released in January, 2018. Shain’s last release is the gorgeous roots album, Tomorrow Will Be Yesterday Soon, recorded along with long-time collaborator FJ Ventre. They have a new album, Never Found Way to Tame the Blues, due for release in 2021.
Want to explore more aabout Jon Shain? Then read the Featured Performer or More Resources sections below.
Support Our Performers
Performers greatly appreciate your support! Visit their websites, shop in their online stores, donate.
Want to show your support and appreciation for this Woodstock Wednesdays performer? Then visit Jon at his website: www.jonshain.com. You can tip him via Paypal to flyinrex@jonshain.com or through Venmo to @Jon_Shain.
While You’re On the Site . . .
Would you like to enjoy the show again or share it with others? Then be sure to visit our Video Gallery anytime. While you’re there, check out past performers’ shows.
Want to receive email updates each Monday from us? Then Subscribe in the right column of every page of the Festival site (woodstockfolkfestival.org).
Want to encourage our Annual Woodstock Folk Festival and music online? Great! Then press the Donate Button just above the subscription form.
Love folk music? The Woodstock Folk Festival brings you quality folk music and storytelling through the year.
Jon grew up in Haverhill, Massachusetts, a Merrimack River mill-town that had already seen its better days by the time he was a child in the 1970s. His family’s business was a small textile dyeing company, and he worked in the factory during the summers throughout his teens. At the same time, Shain began to discover his love of American roots music and songwriting, specifically drawn to the narratives about regular people and themes of social justice.
Shain headed south to North Carolina in 1986, to study American History at Duke University and to continue his musical journey, as well. In addition to studying with jazz professor Paul Jeffrey, he also had the good fortune to learn the piedmont blues tradition firsthand by playing in Big Boy Henry’s backing band. It was at this time that Shain also got to meet and play with John Dee Holeman and a number of the great older NC blues players. Shain’s classes in school were heavily concentrated in southern history, English, and world religions. That mixture of the academic environment and the real-world blues music is what has most informed his musical direction.
Jon’s First Band
Shain cut his touring teeth from 1989-1998 founding the Chapel Hill, NC folk-rock group, Flyin’ Mice and their spin-off group, WAKE. The band performed with acts such as David Grisman, Tony Rice Unit, Hot Tuna, and the Dixie Dregs, released four CDs, and played clubs, schools, and festivals up and down the East Coast, building a legion of fans. After his band’s breakup, Shain went solo, returning to his roots in the folk and blues circuit.
Albums, Guest Artist Performances, Instrumentals
In addition to the album with Joe Newberry and a live album with Jon Shain Trio, Jon has released eight studio albums, working with studio luminaries such as Dave Mattacks, Tom Dube, and Chris Stamey, along the way. As a guest artist, Jon has recorded with Jim Avett, Greg Humphreys, Dana Kletter, and many others. His instrumental music has been placed in several documentary films and commercials, as well as on shows on the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet.
Currently…
The last few years have seen Shain headlining listening rooms on the East Coast, in the Midwest, and in Europe, as well as opening shows for John Hiatt, Keb’ Mo’, Little Feat, and others. When Shain is not recording, producing other artists, or performing, he stays busy giving private instruction in Piedmont blues fingerstyle guitar, and teaching group workshops in songwriting and blues guitar.
More Resources
FJ Ventre & Jon Shain
Visit HERE for information about “Jon’s musical buddies who perform with him frequently and are featured in his recordings.” These buddies include FJ Ventre, Allyn Love, and Joe Newberry.
FJ Ventre is scheduled to perform with Jon at the Woodstock Folk Festival on July 18, 2021.
Read about Jon as a teacher. See rave reviews from those who learn from him, like this one: “A brilliant player, he is also an accomplished teacher who can unlock a student’s Rosetta Stone and give them the tools to be the musician they want to be.” ~ Joe Newberry, Raleigh, NC
Enjoy Jon Shain’s Woodstock Wednesdays performance!
If you love what you heard here this evening, watch our own Calendar of Folk Music Events for upcoming performances online and in real time for all our music friends. And remember: you can always browse our Video Gallery, a wonderful folk music community resource.
Views expressed by performers and others who appear at Woodstock Festival events or on the website are solely the views of these individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Festival or its Board members.