Spring Benefit Concert 2024 for the Woodstock Folk Festival
The Spring Benefit Concert 2024 for the Woodstock Folk Festival comes up Sunday afternoon, April 21, 2024. Please join us at 2:00 pm at Unity Spiritual Center, 225 West Calhoun Street (corner of Tryon), just two blocks southwest of the historic Square in Woodstock, Illinois. There is a parking lot across the street and ample street parking.
The Spring Benefit Concert 2024 Theme
Yes, our popular themes spring concert is back — in person!! This is our first in-person themed concert since 2019.
This year’s theme is “What’s Your Story?” Performers will share stories and songs. Some may be love stories, others about families who came from other parts of this country or the world. Some may share humorous or meaningful incidents from their lives.
Since the following day is Earth Day, you may also hear songs and stories related to that.
With a variety of performers telling their stories through different styles of music interspersed with spoken word stories and poems by members of our community, we will see the uniqueness in each person but also our connection through stories.
During the intermission, you can enjoy snacks related to our story theme. We’ll provide an opportunity for attendees to contribute brief stories! During the second half of the program, we’ll share some of those stories.
Thank yous …
We are grateful to Unity Spiritul Center, particularly Rev. Marypatriece Wendt, for their hospitality. We also thank Off Square Music for help with sound, Leslie Cook for help with our website, Sonia Calles Mesa for help with emails, and Kathy Wentz for help with credit card and CD sales.
The Festival is possible in part thanks to Radio Partners WDCB/90.9FM, WFMT/98.7FB, and WNUR/89.2FM, the City of Woodstock, and Real Woodstock.
Requested Donation for the Concert …
We request a $20 donation for this concert. Proceeds benefit this year’s summer Festival, Sunday, July 21, 2024, noon to 6:00 pm on the Woodstock Square.
Donations of any amount to the Festival are welcome throughout the year. Just use the yellow “Donate” button on the right side of each page of the website, woodstockfolkfestival.org.
The Woodstock Folk Festival is an Illinois 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is entirely volunteer-run.
Friends of the Festival (donations of $100-499) receive mention in the Festival program. Sponsors (individuals, companies, or organizations who make donations of $400 or more) are listed in the Festival program, press releases, and on the Festival website. If desired, they may also have a small banner on each part of our site that links back to their own site.
We realize that not everyone can donate at the Friend or Sponsor level. Please know that donations of any amount are greatly appreciated!
Spring Benefit Concert 2024 Performer Details
Details about performers for the Spring Benefit Concert and the Woodstock Folk Festival 2024 post to our website, woodstockfolkfestival.org, as they are confirmed — so stay tuned!
Everyone on our email list will also receive monthly updates. If you have not yet subscribed to our email list, please do that now via the form on the right side of every page of this website.
The 39th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival comes to the Square July 21, 2024
The 39th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival is on the way Sunday, July 21, 2024. We’ll gather from noon to 6:00 pm on the historic Square in Woodstock, Illinois, 47 miles northwest of Chicago.
About the Festival
Each year, the Woodstock Folk Festival delights young and old with outstanding performers on its Main Stage on the Square. Additional events include:
an Open Mic Stage across the street at Stage Left Cafe
a music Workshop
the Festival’s hallmark All-Sing Finale to end the day
In 2024, for our 39th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival co-hosts are Chuck VanderVennet and Marilyn Rea Beyer. Connie Kaldor will receive the Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award and Annie Capps its “Woody” Award.
Connie Kaldor, Our 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
Folk icon Connie Kaldor is a Canadian singer-songwriter, entertainer, tv personality, and women’s music pioneer who celebrates 45 years in show business with her 18th recording titled, “Keep Going!” And Connie certainly does keep going with tours around the world since the 1980s and numerous online shows during the pandemic.
Connie’s enormous stage presence, her unforgettable melodies, and her emotional depth as a songwriter established her as a headline act on the festival circuit and in concert halls over decades. The Boston Globe described Connie as “a masterful performer, wildly funny one moment, deeply personal the next.”
An Illustrious Music Career
Connie received three Juno Awards, the Canadian equivalent of the Grammy Awards in the U.S. She also won a Parents Choice Award for Lullaby Berceuse; received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal; was made a Member of the Order of Canada; and hosted the very first Canadian Folk Music Awards.
Originally from Regina, Saskatchewan, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the University of Regina, an Alumni Association Honor Award from the University of Alberta, and was the first songwriter to receive the Western Literature Association Distinguished Achievement Award.
Before starting a full-time music career in 1979, Connie performed with various theatre groups. She started a full-time music career in 1979 and continues to write and perform. In 1980 the Winnipeg Folk Festival selected her to be part of The Travelling Goodtime Medicine Show with Sylvia Tyson, Stan Rogers, and Jim Post (the late Jim Post received the Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007). She played with the legendary Stan Roger several other times including at a Canadian Workshop at the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas in June 1973. Stan tragically passed away in a plane crash while returning home from that Festival. She was featured in the Woodstock Folk Festival’s Woodstock Wednesdays series.
Connie also wrote and recorded children’s CD books and recently published a cookbook. She often performs with her husband and two sons, and we hope they will join her at the Woodstock Folk Festival this summer.
The Lifetime Achievement Award
We honor Connie for her songwriting and performance skills, her ability to touch both children and adults with her songs, and her leadership as a woman in the international folk music community for almost half a century.
The Woodstock Folk Festival’s “Woody” Award generally honors someone who may be a musician but whose major contributions have been outside the performance area.
Annie has done it all, though, so she will also perform at the Festival along with her husband Rod and their mandolin player Jason Dennie.
Musical and Other Achievements
While touring regularly in Michigan, this group also toured nationally from California to Maine and recorded many albums. Annie is a singer-songwriter performing folk, musical theater, and even hard rock. In the 80s and 90s, she and Rod split their time between original projects and cover bands, including “Foolish Mortals,” who performed extensively in the Detroit area.
Annie’s most recent album was Folk Radio’s #3 album in January 2023. Melissa Clarke of Americana Highways said, “Annie Capps’ vocals shine with the energy befitting a Broadway musical, and the acoustic compositions are enchanting, all the while the lyrical tales make the best of the human experience.”
In addition to her songwriting and performances, Annie also presented a concert series. Perhaps her biggest impact, though, comes through her service as Conference Director and President of the Folk Alliance Region Midwest (FARM). Through her work with FARM, she not only elevated the status of the organization, but her work also benefitted countless musicians from the Midwest and beyond. During the pandemic, she was the guiding force behind weekly virtual networking meetings, online Tech Talks, and online performances sponsored by FARM. She continues to be active in the organization.
The Woody Award
We honor Annie for her musical talent, her organizational skills, and her ability to not only bring people together but to elevate them individually and as a group.
In the coming months, we will announce more performers in our monthly emails and on Facebook. If you do not already receive our emails, please subscribe using the short form on the right side of every page of our website, woodstockfolkfestival.org.
The Woodstock Folk Festival Thanks …
Radio Partners WDCB/90.9FM, WFMT/98.7FM, and WNUR/89.3FM, the City of Woodstock, and Real Woodstock made this year’s Festival possible in part.
Donations
Donations of any amount to the Woodstock Folk Festival are welcome throughout the year. Just use the yellow “Donate” button on the right side of each page of the website woodstockfolkfestival.org.
Friends of the Festival (donations of $100-499) receive mention in the Festival program. Sponsors (individuals, companies, or organizations who make donations of $500 or more) are listed in the Festival program, press releases, and on the Festival website. If desired, they may also have a small banner on each part of our site that links back to their own site. We realize that not everyone can donate at the Friend or Sponsor level, so please know we greatly appreciate donations of any amount!
The Festival is an Illinois 501(c)(3) non-profit, all-volunteer organization.
A Few More Facts Of Interest
The Festival was founded in 1986. It brings quality folk music — local, national, and international — to Northern Illinois and in the process builds community through music. It occurs each year on the third Sunday of July.
The Festival also presents periodic concerts, including one coming up on Sunday, April 21, 2024 (details elsewhere at woodstockfolfestival.org).
The Festival is on the land where the Ho Chunk, Illini, Miami, and Potawatomi Peoples lived. Woodstock is one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Distinctive Destinations. It was the film location for the movie, “Groundhog Day”.
The 38th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival will meet you on the Woodstock Square Sunday, July 16
Your guide to a great day of music at the 38th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival
The 38th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival is coming to town, Sunday, July 16. As in past years, we gather on the historic Square in Woodstock, Illinois, about 50 miles northwest of Chicago. Mark your calendars now for Noon to 6 p.m.
The rain location on that day is Unity Spiritual Center of Woodstock, 225 W. Calhoun St, corner of Tryon, 2 blocks southwest of the Square.
As in past years, we will present local and national musicians who perform in a variety of styles: traditional and contemporary folk, Americana, roots, soul, and blues
And we will honor Jack Williams with our Lifetime Achievement Award and Delmark Records, which celebrates its 70th Anniversary this year, with our “Woody” Award.
The Performance Schedule and other information is below. We will update here as things change. But first…
Before the Festival
“In Old Chicago” by Jamie O’Reilly and Ensemble
Leading up to the Festival, on Friday evening, July 7, the Woodstock Folk Festival joins Off Square Music in presenting Jamie O’Reilly in her acclaimed “In Old Chicago” show.
Presented as an Off Square On Air concert/interview, the event begins at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) at Stage Left Cafe, 125 W Van Buren Street, on the historic Square in Woodstock, Illinois.
Part memoir, part concert, “In Old Chicago” features songs from the front parlor to the music hall sung in Jamie’s lush, signature style.
In stories and poetry, Jamie & Co. relate the rich history of her Irish American ancestors who were a vital part of Chicago’s cultural and political landscape as a great city came of age.
Jamie will be joined by John Erickson on piano as well as Judi Cogan Heikes, Christopher O’Reilly, and Victor Holstein.
Then the following weekend, Sunday, July 16, join us for more great music at the 38th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival.
More information as well as in-person and hybrid tickets are available on the Off Square Music website.
The 38th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival…here’s the lineup
Once again the Festival features local, national, and international artists performing in a variety of musical styles.
This year’s Main Stage Co-Hosts are CWFMT Folk DJ Marilyn Rea Beyer, WNUR Folk DJ Sue Kessell and our long-time Festival MC Chuck VanderVennet.
Our 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient is Jack Williams, pictured below.
This year’s “Woody” Award goes to Delmark Records on their 70th Anniversary Julia Miller accepting the award for Delmark Records. Blues artist Jimmy Burns will perform as part of the tribute to Delmark.
Mark Dvorak will open the Festival and lead the All-Sing Finale.
Jack Williams
Festival Schedule
Performer profiles are below the Schedule.
12:00pm
Mark Dvorak (Chicago) “Chicago’s official troubadour” WFF Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Leads this year’s All-Sing Finale
12:30pm
Nina Ricci (Nashville, TN) Modern Folk, Singer-Songwriter & Guitarist. Berklee-educated.
1:15pm
Dean Milano (Chicago) & Julianne Macarus (Ohio) Singer-Songwriter-Musician-Author (Dean) teaming up with Singer-Songwriter (Julianne) in the latest of 40 years of collaboration.
2:00pm
Buffalo Rose (Pittsburgh, PA) Modern Folk / Americana Band
2:45pm
Elexa Dawson (Oklahoma Native, Kansas-based from the Potawatomi Nation) Sultry Soul meets Rural Roots
3:30pm
Deidre McCalla (Georgia) Contemporary Folk, Singer-Songwriter, National Women’s Music Festival Performer
4:15pm
Presentation of Lifetime Achievement Award to Jack Williams (Arkansas) Singer-Songwriter, Musician (guitar and trumpet) & Workshop Leader. Jack has played Folk, Rock, Jazz, R&B, Classical & Pop music of the 30s, 40s & 50s for over 61 years. Performance follows award.
5:00pm
Presentation of “Woody” Award to Delmark Records on their 70th Anniversary Julia Miller accepting award for Delmark Records; Jimmy Burns (Chicago, IL) Performing Soul, Blues Guitarist, Singer-Songwriter from Delmark Records
Open Mic Featured Performer: Performance & Workshop with Culture, Arts & Music featuring the music of Harry Belafonte performed on steelpan, a Tribute to Harry Belafonte.
Performer profiles
Buffalo Rose
Pittsburgh-based Buffalo Rose performs modern folk and Americana. This charismatic six person group includes singers Lucy Clabby, Margot Jezerc, and Shane McLaughlin, Malcolm “Mac” Inglis on dobro, Bryce Rabideau on mandolin, and Jason Rafalak on upright bass.
The group takes the singer-songwriter tradition to a new level by crafting original songs which are emotive, meticulously arranged, and inspired by a world of idiosyncratic influences that never let a dull or predictable moment creep in.
They have collaborated with Grammy and WFF Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Tom Paxton. They gleefully combine genres to move acoustic music forward to a new place while never losing sight of its roots.
Buffalo Rose will appear live on “Folkstage” on WFMT/98.7FM/wfmt.com on Saturday night, July 15 from 8-9 p.m./CDT – buffalorosemusic.com/
Jimmy Burns
Chicago-based Jimmy Burns will perform as we celebrate Delmark Records 70th Anniversary.
Founded by Bob Koester in St. Louis in 1953 as Delmar Records, they moved to Chicago in 1958. Koester opened the Jazz Record Mart and moved the company to its basement, renaming it Delmark Records.
Over the years Delmark has released albums by Donald Byrd, Junior Wells, Sleepy John Estes, Buddy Guy, Roosevelt Sykes, and many more including Jimmy Burns.
Koester retired in 1918 and sold the company to musicians Julia A. Miller, President and CEO, and Elbio Barilari, VP and Artistic Director, who will join us to receive this year’s “Woody” Award.
Burns was born in the Mississippi Delta, but has lived most of his life in Chicago. This legendary blues musician who turned 80 this year has also performed doo-wop, R&B, and folk. He also ran a BBQ spot on the West Side of Chicago. delmark.com – jimmyburnsband on Facebook
Elexa Dawson
Kansas-based Oklahoma Native Elexa Dawson (from the Potawatomi Nation) creates community-focused Americana music where sultry soul meets rural roots.
Her debut album Music is Medicine brings her storytelling to life through transcendent melodies connecting land-based musical programming to folk stages. This award-winning songwriter wants you to “Join me on my creative exploration of what it means to be Neshnabe, the Potawatomi’s name for ourselves, meaning originally human, original, created, connected, elemental.”
Elexa also teaches and serves on the Board of Directors of Folk Alliance Region Midwest (FARM). Elexa will also perform at Two Way Street Coffee House (twowaystreet.org) in Downers Grove, IL on Friday night, July 14 at 8 p.m. – elexadawson.com
Mark Dvorak
Chicago-based Mark Dvorak became interested in folk music after reading a biography of Bob Dylan in high school. He purchased his first acoustic guitar while working in a xylophone factory in LaGrange, IL and enrolled in classes at the Old Town School of Folk Music where he has now taught for over 35 years.
This singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has performed solo and in various other groups including Weavermania!
Dubbed “Chicago’s official troubadour” by WFMT’s Rich Warren, Mark has received the WFF Lifetime Achievement Award and FARM’s Lantern Bearer Award.
In addition to his many CDs, he has also published essays and poems. Performing over 200 dates each year, he has woven the disparate threads of touring musician, educator, and community builder. – markdvorak.com
Deidre McCalla
Georgia-based singer-songwriter Deidre McCalla performs songs that embody hope and
celebration, struggle, loss, and longing — sometimes all in one song!
A Black woman, mother, lesbian, feminist, Deidre has long been in the forefront of Black musicians redefining the understanding of how Black folk do folk.
Her most recent album Endless Grace was the #1 album on Folk Radio Charts in June of last year. In 2023 her song “Shoulder To The Wheel” won the 19th Annual International Acoustic Music Award for Best Folk/Americana/Roots song.
She received a SERFA Award from the Southeast Regional Folk Alliance and her album Don’t Doubt It is included in the LGBT Collection at the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of American History and listed by Ms Magazine as one of 25 Classic Women’s Music Albums.
The weekend prior to the Festival Deidre will be at the National Women’s Music Festival (nwmf.info) in Madison, Wisconsin. – deidremccalla.com
Dean Milano and Julianne Macarus
With over 40 years of making music together, Chicago-area-based Dean Milano and Ohio-based Julianne Macarus are back again.
Julianne began playing violin at the age of six and became the concert mistress of the school orchestra at that time. Throughout her life she’s juggled acting, singing, playing her instruments, directing plays, and writing poetry and songs.
She’s played at many venues from The Earl of Old Town to The Kennedy Center, from The Fox Valley Folk Festival to The Bluebird Cafe. She continues to write, teach, and perform whenever possible.
Dean Milano has been making music in Chicago since 1966, playing bass and singing in numerous bands and shows. He’s played in all genres, but likes to play folk songs whenever he has the opportunity.
He is on the Hall of Fame Committee for the Illinois Museum of Rock & Roll and the Selection Committee for the Model Car Hall of Fame; he is the author of Chicago Music Scene: 1960s & 1970s.
Julianne and Dean will appear on WDCB/90.9FM/wdcb.org’s “Folk Festival” show hosted by Lilli Kuzma on Tuesday night, July 11, probably beginning around 8:15 p.m./CDT. They’ll perform at Cafe Carpe (cafecarpe.com) in Fort Atkinson, WI on Festival Eve.
Dean’s website is www.toys-n-cars.com. Julianne’s website is pending and will be littleimperialpublishing.bandcamp.com
Nina Ricci
Nashville-born and bred Nina Ricci was trained at Berklee College of Music in Boston.
In addition to singing and songwriting, she also plays finger-style guitar. One of the new guard of the American folk revival, she heralds songs of the 1960s folk movement and writes a new chapter with her own songwriter’s voice.
She performs both traditional and original folk songs, entertaining the audience through history and humor, sharing the stories behind the songs and from her experiences on the road as a traveling musician. She has performed at various folk festivals including the North Georgia Folk Festival, the South Florida Folk Festival, the Kansas City Folk Festival, and the Sertoma Bluegrass Festival as well as at Dollywood and in Branson.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Arkansas-based Jack Williams is a singersongwriter-guitarist who has been playing professionally for 65 years.
Early in his career Jack was influenced by and even played Folk, Rock, Jazz, R&B, Classical & Pop music of the 30s, 40s, and 50s; these influences helped him create original songs over the past 45 years.
His South Carolina roots come through in his vivid songs with a strong sense of place and his storytelling in an old Southern tradition enhanced by his extraordinary guitar skills.
He plays everywhere from house concerts to music halls, city arts and cultural centers to major festivals such as Newport, Philadelphia, Kerrville, and Ontario.
In addition to leading numerous workshops as he tours the country, he has been on the staff of The Swannanoa Gathering in NC, The Augusta Heritage Center in WV, and WUMB’s Summer Acoustic Music Week in NH; he also co-hosts a semi-annual Music Workshop Weekend near his home in the Ozarks.
He has 10 CDs of original music, a DVD collection of his on-stage performances, and a CD collection of cover songs reflecting major influences on his musical development. He has produced all of his own recordings plus CDs by Mickey Newbury, Ronny Cox, Eric Schwartz, and others. Jack’s songs have been recorded by artists ranging from Tom Jones to David Clayton-Thomas to Lowen & Navarro.
In addition to his solo career, he has accompanied such luminaries as Tom Paxton, Peter Yarrow, and Harry Nilsson. Early in his career, his bands accompanied performers such as John Lee Hooker, Jerry Butler, and the Shirelles. Jack Williams’ music, enriched from these varied influences, is a truly All-American Southern music. – jackwilliamsmusic.com
Come for the weekend…
Enjoy the Off Square Music Open Mic on Saturday night July 15 at Stage Left Cafe — as well as Music at the Market (Woodstock Farmers Market) on Saturday morning. Watch the Off Square Music website for details on these bonus music events that weekend.
Gavers Community Cancer Foundation’s Annual Barndance takes place on Saturday night, July 15, from 5 p.m. to Midnight in Emricson Park, 1313 Kishwaukee Valley Rd., Woodstock. For more information go to gavers.org.
From Friday, July 14 through Sunday, July 16, the Woodstock Children’s Summer Theatre will present The SpongeBob Musical – Youth Edition at the Woodstock Opera House on the Square. For more information, go to woodstockoperahouse.com.
How can you help make this one the BEST Festival ever?
The suggested donation for the all-day Sunday Festival is $30 for individuals and $40 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.
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.
We greatly appreciate your interest and support!
Tips to make your Festival visit a great success
Remember to bring a chair or blanket to sit on!
Pets are not allowed on the Square, only on the perimeter. Please do not leave pets in hot cars.
Rain Location: Unity Spiritual Center of Woodstock, 225 W. Calhoun (at Tryon, a couple blocks SW of the Square)
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.
Want to know more about the Woodstock Folk Festival?
The Woodstock Folk Festival began as a one-time event in 1986 and quickly became an annual event held on the third Sunday of July on the Woodstock Square.
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.
A Message from Board President and Festival Producer Carol Obertubbesing
The 37th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival Revisited in a one hour sampler brings you a taste of the 2022 Festival. That was the year we returned to our historic and beloved Woodstock Town Square!
After delighting music lovers on Sunday, July 17, 2022 from noon to 6 pm, the music in this one-hour sampler now becomes 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 or the Festival YouTube page.
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.
We’d like to say a special thank you to Rich Prezioso for the outstanding work he did editing and publishing this video.
Show your appreciation to the 37th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival and consider a donation to support future Festivals
If you enjoy this video, The 37th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival Revisited, please donate via the “Donate” button on our website. You can also send a check to Woodstock Folk Festival, P.O. Box 1628, Woodstock, IL 60098.Â
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 go toward next year’s Festival, occurring Sunday, July 16, 2023. We need your support to bring you more great music next year.Â
Mark your calendars now and join us IN PERSON on the beautiful historic Woodstock Square next year. The third Sunday in July — see you there.
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 yearĘĽs 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.
![](https://woodstockfolkfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MUSTARDS-RETREAT-GALLERY-PHOTO.jpg "MUSTARD\")
