Woodstock Folk Festival, Woodstock IL

36th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival | Sunday, July 18, 2021

Posted on June 29, 2021 by wff

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:

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.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

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:

Who’s Performing for the 36th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival 2021?

Performers (with links to their Woodstock Wednesdays performances on this site) include:

Ashley & Simpson
Meghan Cary
Cielito Lindo Family Band
Fendrick & Peck (link is to their own website)
Joe Jencks
Pete Morton
Jon Shain & FJ Ventre (FJ Ventre link is to his own website)

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.

Posted in Festival, Folk Music, Online Events | Comments Off

Sones de México Ensemble Celebrates Cinco de Mayo, May 5, 7pm/CDT

Posted on April 29, 2021 by wff

Sones de México Ensemble premieres May 5, 7pm/CDT. Here’s your LINK to the show.

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 Store to 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 . . .

Sones de México Ensemble’s Mexican Music School offers 5 levels of guitar classes grounded in Mexican culture and Repertoire for all ages.

Music classes video DEMO : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TsfeRWUdUEbh5tbssQtL895yk1rsF-Cv/view?usp=sharing

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!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.

Posted in Online Events, Woodstock Wednesdays | Tagged Cinco de Mayo, Mexican Music School, Sones de Mexico | Comments Off

Jon Shain | Woodstock Wednesdays | Premieres April 28, 7pm/CDT

Posted on April 22, 2021 by wff

Veteran singer-songwriter Jon Shain specializes in improvised piedmont blues with bluegrass, swing, and ragtime. Jon premieres April 28, 7pm/CDT for Woodstock Wednesdays.

Jon Shain premieres April 28 – HERE’s your LINK!

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 Shain: Our Featured Performer for April 28

From Jon’s website, www.jonshain.com.

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

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.

Watch the video of Jon’s winning performance at 2019 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, and read the News & Observer’s feature.

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

You can also find Jon on Facebook and Twitter.

For more music, visit Jon’s YouTube page.

Enjoy Jon Shain’s Woodstock Wednesdays performance!

Posted in Online Events, Woodstock Wednesdays | Tagged bluegrass, folk music, Jon Shain, ragtime, swing | Comments Off

Magpie Premieres April 21, 7pm/CDT | Woodstock Wednesdays

Posted on April 14, 2021 by wff

Magpie premieres HERE on April 21, 7pm/CDT

Magpie, the duo of Terry Leonino and Greg Artzner, is “…simply, absolutely, unequivocally wonderful. They’ll thrill you to boots, melt your heart. The controlled beauty of Terry’s singing is what hits you first, but she also plays a mean harp. Greg’s relaxed accompaniment compliments her perfectly…” ~ (Colin Irwin, “Melody Maker,” Norwich Folk Festival, Norwich, England)

Want to explore more Magpie music and learn about their interests and special talents? Then read the Featured Performers or More Resources sections below.

Support Our Performers

Performers greatly appreciate your support! Visit their websites, shop in their online stores, donate. Click HERE to find out how you can support Magpie with cash or item donations, become a sponsor or help fundraise for them.

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 be sure to 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.

Love folk music? The Woodstock Folk Festival brings you quality folk music and storytelling through the year.

Magpie: Our Featured Performers for April 21

In celebration of Earth Day, Magpie’s songs will focus on our planet and the environment. This longer video continues the Woodstock Folk Festival’s tradition of a spring concert in a new way.

Terry and Greg started out in Kent, Ohio, in September of 1973. They moved to Washington, D.C., the following year. After spending 34 years as regular stalwarts of the folk music scene there, they moved to upstate New York where they live now.

With a career spanning more than 40 years, Magpie travels the globe, bringing its unique sound and breathtaking versatility to audiences everywhere. From traditional songs to vintage blues, swing and country to folk classics to contemporary and stirring original compositions, they cover a lot of musical ground.

With their powerful voices and harmonies and their excellent instrumental arrangements on guitars, mandolin, harmonica, dulcimer, and concertina, their sound is much bigger than just two people. Award-winning recording artists, songwriters, musical historians, and social activists, Terry and Greg always promise a presentation that is highly entertaining as well as provocative and deeply moving.

MAGPIE Presents EIGHT Great School Programs

https://magpiemusic.com/school-programs.html

Magpie brings eight different programs to audiences of all ages, including schools. Avid environmentalists, they developed these two programs:

Icthyomusicology, the study of music and songs about fish and marine life, and
Living Planet, featuring songs about the Earth.

Others include:

Battle Cry of Freedom about the Civil War era,
A Mighty Hard Road, the life and music of Woody Guthrie,
Put the Sun Back in the Sky, songs of the 1930s,
Spoon River, in which the unforgettable characters of Edgar Lee Masters’ poetic masterpiece come alive,
All the News That’s Fit to Sing, topic and political news of the 1960s,
Working My Life Away, which introduces students to songs about the struggles of working people, and
Harriet Was Here, an example of MAGPIE”S songwriting residency work.

A Zoom Experiment

Last year was the seventh in a row Terry and Greg led a songwriting residency with fourth grade students at Genesee Elementary School in Auburn, NY. As Harriet Tubman’s hometown, it was the perfect spot for Harriet Was Here.

Because of COVID-19, they had to try something a little different. In prior years, the new song served as the closing performance in two concerts that were open to the public. Parents and community people always showed up as Auburn bcame a home-away-from-home for the duo.

In 2020, the residency was conducted through ZOOM meetings, two each day, Monday through Friday, for two weeks. The song was recorded on both video and audio with each of the kids recorded singing on their own as well as singing along with the video/audio of Terry and Greg singing it.

Although the final edited video showed up at a point in time, it wouldn’t have been ready for Juneteenth when they wanted to present it, so they performed it in another Zoom session attended by parents, teachers, school board members, community leaders, organizers of the project, and Terry and Greg’s friend, Kate Clifford Larsen, author of the excellent biography, Tubman, Bound for the Promised Land. In their words, “The kids sang it beautifully, and we think it’s a fine song.

“Hope you enjoy it, and feel free to share it with anyone.” ~ Terry and Greg, Magpie

A Year for Dedications: George Perry Floyd and All Front-Line Healthcare Workers

The students decided to dedicate their song that year to George Perry Floyd and to all the front-line healthcare workers. They wrote a letter to George Perry Floyd’s family, which you can read HERE.

“I was moved to tears when I read the letter that the students wrote to the family of George Floyd.” ~ Mary Sherman, former elementary teacher

Terry and Greg, Magpie, are available also to work with whomever to design programs that fit whatever they want to teach through music. For booking information contact: Terry Leonino, 245 Brooky Hollow Rd., Middleburgh, NY 12122 (301) 775-6043, gtmagpie@midtel.net

More Resources

You’ll find Magpie at https://magpiemusic.com/. Check out their Discography or their 45th Anniversary CD, pictured on the left.

And there are lots more videos HERE.

Visit and “Like” them on Facebook.

Enjoy the music of Magpie!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Posted in Online Events, Woodstock Wednesdays | Tagged Earthday, Magpie, Terry Leonino and Greg Artzner | Comments Off

Windborne Premieres April 14 for Woodstock Wednesdays

Posted on April 7, 2021 by wff

Windborne performs for Woodstock Wednesdays, a program of the Woodstock Folk Festival, April 14, 7pm/CDT.

Windborne premieres April 14 – ‎Click HERE for the show

Filled with the vocal agility and authentic sound for which they are known, Windborne concerts include songs from Corsica, the Republic of Georgia, Bulgaria, Quebec, and Basque country, as well as traditional and original American folk music.

Want to explore more Windborne music and learn about their interests and special talents? Then read the Featured Performers or More Resources sections below. Find out about their upcoming album release? Special Projects and a New Album Alert.

Performers greatly appreciate your support! Visit their websites, shop in their online stores, donate. Support Windborne through their Patreon page, or purchase CDs and contribute to their Tip Jar at https://sott.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders.

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.

Love folk music? The Woodstock Folk Festival brings you quality folk music and storytelling through the year.

Windborne: Our Featured Performers April 14

Special for National Dance Week, April 16-25, Windborne’s Woodstock Wednesdays performance features foot percussion.

Windborne at Green Note in Camden Town/London England

“The best musical discovery of the year…Stunningly powerful vocal harmony…Windborne sets a new bar for folk harmony singing today” ~ Brian O’Donovan, NPR

Excited reviews like these are routine for Windborne, singers who grew up immersed in the traditional song and dance communities of New England. Read more reviews in the next section, What Folks Say.

Windborne crafted their unique style and honed their skills by seeking out and studying masters of traditional singing styles in the U.S. and around the world. Now they bring their authentic music and vocal agility not only to communities in their own New England area but to a global community, energized by a belief that music can change hearts. With each step, teaching, learning and experiencing the joy of music and dance. Specializing in close harmony singing, the quartet has a vibrant energy and a strong connection, evident in their engaging performance.

In addition to their vocal virtuosity, Windborne members are seasoned teachers and song-leaders, delighting groups of all ages and musical experience. Their instruction is ‘enthusiastic, clear, and nuanced.’ And Windborne brings more than musical instruction to their teaching. It’s not just about the notes of a song but about varied vocal styles, pronunciation and cultural contexts of musical styles.

Some Windborne History

This a cappella quartet based in Massachusetts performed at our 2019 Festival. They set a record for CD sales!

During its 10+ year history, Windborne was first a duo, then a trio, and now a vocal quartet. Today Windborne is Lynn Mahoney Rowan, Will Thomas Rowan, Lauren Breunig and Jeremy Carter-Gordon.

The group in its various forms has traveled extensively in the U.S. and around the world, studying, performing and leading workshops. The music masters with whom they studied include:

Corsican music scholar and composer Jean-Etienne Langianni
Georgian singers and members of Zedashe
Shergil Pirtskhelani and Ketevan Mindorashvili
Director of the London Bulgarian Choir Dessislava Stefanova
Matlakala Bopape, who leads the Polokwane Choir in South Africa
Closer to home, folk music legends Tony Barrand, the Amidon family, Don Jamison, Neely Bruce, Val Mindel, and Suzannah Park

Their collective five decades of performing and teaching experience perfected their ability to switch effortlessly between drastically different styles of singing within the same concert. Their performances delight audiences with carefully crafted arrangements and vocal energy.

As award-winning musicians, they have appeared at many festivals in the U.S. and taught master classes at Keene State College. In January 2014, AMA (American Music Association) sent Windborne on a month-long tour to Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Angola performing and teaching as musical ambassadors for the U.S.!

Locally, they’ve been on the Woodstock Folk Festival stage, receiving an enthusiastic standing ovation from our audience. Zoe Mulford appeared that year as well. And not so surprisingly, Windborne has collaborated with Zoe. You’ll learn about that when you see their Woodstock Wednesdays video.

What Folks Say About Windborne

Specializing in close harmony singing, the quartet has a vibrant energy and a strong connection, evident in their engaging performance.

“A quartet the likes of which I’ve not seen since…Coope, Boyes and Simpson, the Watersons, or The Voice Squad. Just absolutely phenomenal!” ~ BBC Traveling Folk

Mary DesRosiers, folk musicologist for the Monadnock Folklore Society, acclaims Windborne for “the purity of their voices, strength of their material, and attention to detail in their arrangements.”

“The singers of Windborne have a deep understanding, both musically and culturally, of the traditions from which they draw much of their repertoire. Their singing is a feast of a cappella harmony.” ~ Peter Amidon, www.amidonmusic.com

More Resources

Visit Windborne’s Website.
Be sure to read more of Windborne’s history.
Visit Windborne’s Facebook Page to learn more about their music, performances and workshops.
You can also visit Windborne on Instagram.
Check out Instagram & TikTok: @WindborneSingers
And there’s Spotify: http://Sptfy.com/Windborne
Find more music on Windborne’s YouTube channel.
Still can’t get enough of this quartet’s awesome vocals? Try Soundcloud.

Special Projects and a New Album Alert . . .

Not idled by the current situation, Windborne has looked for additional ways to express themselves. This includes recording and creatively adding to a 1640s protest anthem, The Diggers’ Song. Here are the last lines of the song, added and composed by them…

Against the hate and fear, stand up now, stand up now,
Against the hate and fear, stand up now.
The press have closed their eyes, they spread the tyrants’ lies
They’ll tell you with their cries, who to love and to despise
Stand up now, Diggers all.

And then there’s this, from Windborne: “NEW ALBUM ALERT! Friends, we are so excited to announce the launch of our next album, Of Hard Times & Harmony.

“Support our Indiegogo fundraising campaign and pre-order your copy (IGG.me/at/WinborneHT). Thank you for believing in our music and message! In song and solidarity, Will, Lauren, Lynn, and Jeremy.”

Now go, enjoy the Windborne performance!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Posted in Woodstock Wednesdays | Tagged a cappella, folk harmony, National Dance Week, Windborne | Comments Off

Zachary Stevenson Tribute to Phil Ochs Premieres April 7, 7pm/CDT

Posted on March 31, 2021 by wff

“Zachary Stevenson doesn’t portray Phil Ochs. He is Phil Ochs. The complex, mercurial personality; the songs […] Stevenson nails it all.” ~ *Patrick Langston, Ottawa Citize*n

With Zachary Stevenson on board for Woodstock Wednesdays, April 7, 7pm/CDT, we’re in for a special event! On April 7, the Woodstock Folk Festival commemorates the 45th Anniversary of Phil Ochs’ passing (April 9) AND celebrates Sonny Ochs’ birthday.

For Zach’s Woodstock Wednesdays concert, he will sing Phil Ochs’ Changes, There But For Fortune, Power and the Glory, I Ain’t Marching Any More, and When I’m Gone. You’ll hear which of Phil Ochs’ songs galvanized Zach’s admiration and adoration.

Want to explore more Phil Ochs’ music and learn more about his life and legacy? Then read on. We’ll point you to resources.

Performers greatly appreciate your support! Visit their websites, shop in their online stores, donate.

You’ll find Zachary Stevenson at https://zacharystevenson.com/ where you can buy tickets, book Zachary, or become a Patron. Check out his online store, https://zacharystevenson.com/store. Zachary has proudly raised over $10,000 for MSF (Doctors Without Borders) through CD sales. Want to take guitar lessons? Then go to Live Virtual Guitar Lessons with Zach to learn.

HERE’s your LINK to Zachary Stevenson‘s show premiering April 7.

Zachary Stevenson: Featured Woodstock Wednesdays Performer

Originally from Vancouver Island, Canada, Zachary was coined a “dead ringer for dead singers” by the Victoria Times Colonist for his portrayals of Phil Ochs, Buddy Holly, Hank Williams and roles based on Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis. Then in 2018, Zachary won the Jeff Award in Chicago for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Musical) for the Buddy Holly Story. That’s a role he’s honed in more than a dozen productions across Canada and the United States. Other acting highlights include Hair, Urinetown, Assassins, and Company. Zach is currently writing a new one-man show based on the life of Phil Ochs entitled Louder Than the Guns.

What Folks Say About Zachary Stevenson

“I’m so glad to hear that you’re having Zach. He does a remarkable tribute to Phil. Sounds so much like him that it freaked out Tom Paxton – whom I happened to be standing next to at the time. He turned to me and said, ‘That’s Phil!'” ~ Greg Greenway

“Zachary Stevenson… is the epitome of effortless cool with a gorgeous voice and a star-quality stage presence. ” ~ Mark Robbins, Vancouver Presents

How Zachary deepened his connection to Phil Ochs

Zach mostly played and sang Phil Ochs songs after college. One day someone advised him to get in touch with Sonny Ochs, Phil’s sister. After meeting with Sonny in her home, a lasting friendship began and blossomed. Sonny shared Phil’s recordings, writings, and his FBI file with Zach. Through Phil Ochs Song Nights, her radio show, and other activities, Sonny kept Phil’s music and legacy alive. Over the years, she nurtured many young performers and introduced them to songs about social justice.

Zachary said this about Sonny Ochs . . .

Sonny and Phil at Old Town School of Folk Music 2002

“Sonny is generous, honest, loyal and easy to be around. She is a champion of any musician who wants to use their voice for change, always making me feel welcome and supported. Like instant family. Through her, I’ve met many marvelous musicians that share the spirit of Phil Ochs: John Flynn, Pat Humphries, Greg Greenway, Sonia (Disappear Fear), Reggie Harris, and Carolyn Hester just to name a few. Sonny has had an impact on me that will last my lifetime. And I’m grateful to know her and call her a friend.” ~ Zachary Stevenson

What Reggie Harris says about Sonny Ochs

“Sonny Ochs has been a deeply connective force for good in my life and in the folk music community with her passionate support of artists, her advocacy for the music of her brother Phil, and her selfless and generous spirit for music of social change. Her tireless efforts to host Phil Ochs Song Nights have spread the importance of topical songs around the world, and she has contributed volumes of information through her radio shows and through interviews. Sonny has also been at the forefront of encouraging young writers to focus their efforts on songs that address issues that our world needs to hear. I have been very fortunate to know her as collaborator, concert promoter and friend.

Phil Ochs during a 1967 Vietnam protest outside the United Nations in New York. (Photo by Michael Ochs)

She is the reason that I came to know Phil’s music which has changed both my writing and incited my passion for songs of social change. It’s clear that Phil was one of our most passionate and iconic writers of that. And it’s striking that many of the issues that he addressed are still part of our present world conflict. I am one among many who owe a great thank you to Sonny for bringing that music into my ears and my heart.” ~ Reggie Harris

What Greg Greenway says about Sonny Ochs

“When I first got to know Sonny, it was through Phil Ochs Song Nights. My managers hornswoggled her into including me. At that point, it was clear that Sonny would go far and wide to present a Phil night. She personalized each evening with a reading of a newspaper article, or simply things she remembered. Our gauge has been that if we do our job properly, Sonny will have tears in her eyes after “When I’m Gone.” Her loyalty and admiration for Phil the singer/song-writer is inexhaustible, but as I have come to know her, her love for a brother, both brilliant and troubled, is for me the deeper story. I try to never forget that for us, we are celebrating the work of a prolific and important artist, but for Sonny it is a family story, full of resplendent moments and times of heartbreak. She is giving us a gift with her generosity and openness. I have come to know that Sonny has helped so many in Folk music, me included, in so many different ways. That you are having Zach perform couldn’t be more perfect.

Singing in a Phil Ochs Song Night will make it clear how Phil’s relevancy hasn’t waned. The words to so many of his songs could have been written today. (Phil was one of the first Folk singers to write about race.) He wanted to be in the vanguard, where the action was. And to this day, people all across the country show up, and celebrate every word with us. It is a powerful and fitting tribute.” ~ Greg Greenway

Thank you, Sonny!

The Woodstock Folk Festival wishes Sonny Ochs a Happy Birthday!

Learn more about Phil Ochs – here are some resources

Sonny Ochs Official Website On Sonny’s website you will find many links, including the link to the celebration of Phil’s 80th birthday with a special Phil Ochs song night. You can also search for Celebrating Phil Ochs 80th Birthday With a Special Phil Ochs Song Night at the Woodie Guthrie Center.
Washington Post,Why Phil Ochs is the obscure ’60s folk singer America needs in 2017 and why Lady Gaga should sing one of his songs at the Super Bowl. In this interview, the writer spoke with Zachary Stevenson, the featured performer of this tribute to Phil Ochs.
Washington Post,‘Phil Ochs: There but for Fortune’ to debut on PBS
“A Turbulent Time Birthed a Turbulent Talent, The Life And Music Of Phil Ochs Continues To Resonate Today” by Dan Robinson, Wisconsin Public Radio (NPR)
The Allen Ginsberg Project, Remembering Phil Ochs, April 9, 2019

While you’re on the Woodstock Folk Festival website . . .

Would you like to enjoy the show again or share it with others? Then visit our Video Gallery anytime. While there, check out past performers’ shows such as Hawktail with Brittany Haas or Mara Levine.

How about receiving email updates each Monday from us? Just Subscribe in the right column of any page of the Festival site (woodstockfolkfestival.org).

Want to encourage our Annual Woodstock Folk Festival and music online? Great! Then press the Donate Button above the email subscription form.

Love folk music? The Woodstock Folk Festival brings you quality folk music and storytelling through the year.

Enjoy the music of Phil Ochs admiringly performed by Zachary Stevenson!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.

Posted in Online Events, Woodstock Wednesdays | Tagged Phil Ochs, Sonny Ochs, Zachary Stevenson | Comments Off

Hawktail | Premieres March 31, 7pm/CDT | Woodstock Wednesdays

Posted on March 26, 2021 by 8 Mile

Hawktail with Brittany Haas premieres March 31, 7pm/CDT, for Woodstock Wednesdays. Check back here for a link when it's available. — Hawktail premieres March 31, 7pm/CDT, for Woodstock Wednesdays.

Hawktail spreads their wings on Woodstock Wednesday.

Known collectively as Hawktail, each time they play, fiddler Brittany Haas, bassist Paul Kowert, guitarist Jordan Tice, and mandolinist Dominick Leslie combine their monstrous compositional and instrumental forces to the delight of their audiences.

We’re very pleased to have this vibrant group join Woodstock Wednesdays. Can’t wait right?

Here’s your LINK to Hawktail’s show premiering on March 31.

All Performers donate their time and performance for our Wednesday enjoyment. The performers would greatly appreciate your support! Where to donate for Hawktail? Here’s their DONATE URL: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=HM4G67XGWFAR8

Hawktail: Our Featured Performers

What the WFF? A riddle.

We ask: What is 286 inches long?

You say: Don’t know – another hint please.

We hint: Part of it is a Tiger.

Then, you say: Don’t know – another hint please.

We hint: it usually has 4 smiles.

Now, you guess: (because this is a post about Hawktail) ‘oh, Hawktail, 4 members, average height 5’11½ ”, Brittany is a grad of Princeton (the Princeton Tigers) and 4 smiles?—besides delivering great folk music, that’s what they do. Got it!’

Winning smiles and winning music!

Hawktail has responded to COVID in all sorts of creative ways. Check out their website https://hawktail.bandcamp.com. Or checkout their visit to Woodstock Wednesday, premiering on March 31, 2021.

Hey, where can we find Hawktail besides on Woodstock Wednesday? If you head to YouTube, you can subscribe to their YouTube channel for their recorded performances: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSezL0crjvvNX58iwjx7lQg

What about CDs? Currently, they have two albums: Unless (premiere album); Formations (sophomore album).

*Hawktail – “Annbjørg”* For some, one might hear hints of Irish and jazz(?)

While You’re On Our 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 such as Mara Levine or Trillium.

How about receiving email updates each Monday from us? Just Subscribe in the right column of any page of the Festival site (woodstockfolkfestival.org).

Want to encourage our Annual Woodstock Folk Festival and music online? Great! Then press the Donate Button above the email subscription form.

Love folk music? The Woodstock Folk Festival brings you quality folk music and storytelling through the year. Watch for more from us!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.

Posted in Online Events, Woodstock Wednesdays | Tagged Hawktail | Comments Off

Mara Levine | Woodstock Wednesdays | Premieres March 24, 7pm/CDT

Posted on March 17, 2021 by woodstockfolkfestival

Watch Mara Levine's premiere for Woodstock Wednesdays March 24, 7pm/CDT - with a bow to the themes of Passover, beginning the evening of March 27. — Watch Mara Levine’s premiere for Woodstock Wednesdays March 24, 7pm/CDT – with a bow to the themes of Spring, beginning March 20 and of Passover, beginning the evening of March 27.

Mara Levine appeared at the Woodstock Folk Festival in 2018 as a Special Guest with Gathering Time. She premieres for Woodstock Wednesdays March 24, 7pm/CDT.

With songs of social conscience and themes of taking a stand, making a difference, considering the treatment of others and becoming a better person, her performance connects thematically to Passover, beginning March 27.

Want to show your support and appreciation for this Woodstock Wednesdays performer? Then visit her website at https://maralevine.com/. You can purchase her albums or donate to her Tip Jar. Contact her at marablevine@gmail.com for a jewelry catalog.

Click HERE to watch Mara Levine’s show premiering March 24.

Mara Levine: Featured Performer March 24

Some people, like the one described in Leonard Cohen’s classic song, are born with a Golden Voice. Mara Levine is one of those gifted few who fit that definition. Hearing her sing makes you stop whatever you are doing and LISTEN!

Known for her warmth, sincerity and impeccable natural musicality, she makes us all listen more intently, and celebrate the beauty that she brings to every song she sings and inspires us to do better ourselves, in whatever field we work. Thank you Mara for making us all remember the poetry of lyricism.” ~ David Amram, Composer, Conductor, Multi Instrumentalist

Called “one of the best singers of her generation” by Christine Lavin, folksinger and jewelry designer Mara Levine, like a skilled gem cutter, selects songs with inherent beauty, examines them carefully, then crafts and polishes them to a glittering brilliance. According to folksinger and activist Si Kahn, “Layering harmony line on top of harmony line, Levine creates rich tapestries of sound and emotion.”

Facets of Folk ~ Mara Levine’s Third Album

With her third album, FACETS OF FOLK, Mara Levine has found her true voice.

With her third album, FACETS OF FOLK, Levine has found her true voice. It rings clearly and powerfully like a bell or chime, reminiscent of her inspirations Judy Collins and Joan Baez, as she explores some of the different faces of the folk genre. Most songs on the project are filled with Levine’s lush harmony arrangements and invite the listener to sing along.

“As I was selecting material for my third” CD said Levine, “I was inspired by the…political and social challenges facing us today, and thought a great deal about the importance of speaking out against injustice, both societal, and for people in our lives who are being wronged.”

Mara encourages us to speak up!

“By My Silence” is a provocative warning about the perils of remaining passive in the face of injustice. Award-winning Florida singer-songwriters Ellen Bukstel and Nick Annis wrote this song. This powerful song reached #1 on the Folk DJ Chart when it was released as a single in September 2017. Mara relates this song to Passover which begins the evening of March 27 and ends the evening of April 4.

Jewelry Designed by Mara Levine To Support Her Folk Music Habit!

View Mara’s beautiful jewelry creations on her Woodstock Wednesdays video. Next, request her catalog, available at marablevine@gmail.com. Mara’s jewelry is not shown on her website.

One More Thing . . .

Mara recently performed in the “Any Sunday Songwriters Showcase” hosted by Jan Seides, in-the-round with Jan and Jim Bizer. That performance is still available on YouTube at www.youtube.com/janseides

While You’re On Our 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 such as Trillium, Ordinary Elephant, or John Flynn.

How about receiving email updates each Monday from us? Just Subscribe in the right column of any page of the Festival site (woodstockfolkfestival.org).

Want to encourage our Annual Woodstock Folk Festival and music online? Great! Then press the Donate Button above the email subscription form.

Love folk music? The Woodstock Folk Festival brings you quality folk music and storytelling through the year.

~ ~ ~ ~

Posted in Online Events, Woodstock Wednesdays | Tagged Folk DJ Chart, folk music, jewelry, Mara Levine | Comments Off

St. Patty’s Day Celebration with Trillium | Woodstock Folk Festival | March 17, 7pm/CDT

Posted on March 8, 2021 by 8 Mile

**St. Patty’s Day Celebration with Trillium – Woodstock Wednesdays – March 17**

St. Patty’s Day Celebration with Trillium — our next Woodstock Wednesdays performer — coming right up. Trillium, with current members Mim Eichmann and Doug Lofstrom, performed at the Woodstock Folk Festival in 2009.

Performers greatly appreciate your support!

Be sure to check out Trillium's CDs, The Rattlin' Bog, Crossing the Stream, The Moody Leprechaun, Over the Waterfall. — **Check out Trillium’s CDs, The Rattlin’ Bog, Crossing the Stream, The Moody Leprechaun, Over the Waterfall.**

You can find Trillium at their website: https://www.trilliumtheband.com (The most recent of the 4 CDs that Trillium offers is “The Rattlin’ Bog”.)

Click HERE to watch the video for Trillium on March 17

While You’re On Our 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 such as Ordinary Elephant or Katherine Rondeau.

Love folk music? The Woodstock Folk Festival brings you quality folk music and storytelling through the year.

How about receiving email updates each Monday from us? Just Subscribe in the right column of any page of the Festival site (woodstockfolkfestival.org).

Want to encourage our Annual Woodstock Folk Festival and music online? Great! Then press the Donate Button above the email subscription form.

Trillium: Our Featured Performers for this St. Patrick’s Day

On their site Trillium explains: “Why the name Trillium? If you’ve ever seen a Grandiflora trillium, which is a Midwest wildflower or herb, I’m sure that you’ll agree that it’s a very unique wildflower – quite different from the rest of the wildflowers dotting the woodlands — and it has always seemed to be an excellent fit for us!”

Mim Eichmann

Turning from a past focus on dance, Mim Eichmann’s intensely involved as a musician and singer/songwriter.

Besides Trillium, with bandmate Doug Lofstrom, she’s written and released two original children’s CDs: Wander Down Beyond the Rainbow and Why Do Ducks Ducks Have Webby Toes? She’s also created a live children’s show called “Miss Mim & Friends – Music & Movement.” Performed throughout the Chicago area, the show includes many songs from her CDs.

Although hammered dulcimer playing styles are quite unique to every individual, Mim’s HD style is influenced by Bill Robinson, Dona Benkert, Kendra Ward and Tony Elman. Her primary vocal inspirations include Alison Krause, Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh, Loreena McKennitt, Eva Cassidy, Julie Andrews and Enya.

Mim has recently published two historical fiction novels: A Sparrow Alone and Muskrat Ramble. For more information, visit her author site at: www.mimeichmann.com.

Doug Lofstrom

Doug Lofstrom has played bass forever in just about every possible genre imaginable! He’s an experienced composer and arranger, helping the group conjure new material for the band’s eclectic repertoire.

Doug’s been musical director for Chicago’s Free Street Theatre and composer-in-residence for the Evanston’s Symphony of the Shores. He teaches bass, music composition and music theory at Columbia College Chicago. His group, Doug Lofstrom and The New Quartet perform extensively in the Chicago area. They recently released their newest CD entitled “One Voice”. Visit his web site at: www.DougLofstrom.com

Jon Ball

Jon Ball brings his many talents to Trillium with spirited guitar and vocal stylings.

A multi-instrumentalist, Jon comes at music from all angles. He started playing guitar at the age of nine and formally trained as a trombonist and brass specialist. Retiring after 35 years as a school band director and award-winning teacher, Jon’s now a full-time singer and guitar/bass/banjo/ukulele player. Yes, and more!

In addition to his playing and singing with various folk groups, he’s also on staff as the contemporary worship leader at his church.

Last But Not Least . . .

Finally, a tip of the hat and a big thank you to Tobias Music where Trillium taped their video. https://www.tobiasmusic.com/

Enjoy Trillium’s St. Patty’s Day Celebration!

~ ~ ~ ~

Posted in Online Events, Woodstock Wednesdays | Tagged Celebrate, Children's music CDs, folk music, Have a Party, Historical fiction, St. Patty's Day, Tobias Music, Trillium, Woodstock Folk Festival, Woodstock Wednesdays | Comments Off

Ordinary Elephant | Woodstock Wednesdays | Premieres March 10, 7pm/CST

Posted on March 4, 2021 by wff

2017 Artist of the Year, International Folk Music Awards.The Associated Press says of Ordinary Elephant, "...one of the best Americana albums of the year." — 2017 Artist of the Year, International Folk Music Awards. The Associated Press says of Ordinary Elephant, “…one of the best Americana albums of the year.”

Ordinary Elephant, International Folk Music Awards 2017 Artist of the Year, delights with music and poetry.

Want to show your support and appreciation for these Woodstock Wednesdays performers? Then visit their online store at www.ordinaryelephant.net/store. There you can purchase CDs, poetry books, shirts, bags and handwritten lyrics/poetry.

In addition, you can subscribe on their Patreon platform at www.patreon.com/ordinaryelephant.

Click HERE to watch the video for Ordinary Elephant.

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 such as Katherine Rondeau or Rev. Robert Jones and Matt Watroba.

Love folk music? The Woodstock Folk Festival brings you quality folk music and storytelling through the year.

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.

Featured Performers: Ordinary Elephant

The collaboration of husband and wife Pete and Crystal Damore, their connection, and their influences (such as Gillian Welch, Guy Clark, Anais Mitchell) all meet on stage. ~ Photo by Bobby Villarreal — The collaboration of husband and wife Pete and Crystal Damore, their connection, and their influences (such as Gillian Welch, Guy Clark, Anais Mitchell) all meet on stage.

International Folk Music Awards 2017 Artist of the Year Ordinary Elephant captivates audiences with their emotionally powerful and vulnerable songs. Their music lets the listener know that they are not alone in this world.

The collaboration of husband and wife Pete and Crystal Damore, their connection, and their influences (Gillian Welch, Guy Clark, Anais Mitchell) all meet on stage. “Two become one, in song. Hand-in-glove harmonies surprise the listener with focused intensity and musical mastery,” says Mary Gauthier. The Associated Press calls their latest album, Honest, “one of the best Americana albums of the year.”

What others are saying

“There is nothing at all ordinary with this elephant. They are smack dab in the tradition that I have always loved but have both (all four?) feet in the 21st Century. This is rich ground. Listen!” ~ Tom Paxton

“I’m a big fan…intimate songs, weaving harmonies, and stories that draw you in as if you were gathered around an enchanted campfire.” ~ Eliza Gilkyson

Upcoming Events

These events are listed in the Folk Music Calendar on the Woodstock Folk Festival site:

A full concert livestream for Bugle Boy – Saturday, March 20 at 7:00pm/CDT. Watch the show here: https://thebugleboy.org/event/ordinary-elephant/

A Songwriting Workshop (on Zoom) – Sunday, March 21st at 1:00pm/CDT. For more information and to register: https://www.ownyourownuniverse.org/oyou-online-workshops#cc-m-10816139271.

Full concert & interview livestream for Me & Thee Coffeehouse – Friday, March 12 at 7:00pm CENTRAL https://meandthee.org/concerts/ordinary-elephant/

Ordinary Elephant performed at the 2018 Woodstock Folk Festival. We look forward to a day in the future when we can see and hear them in person again. In the meantime, enjoy watching their videos on https://www.ordinaryelephant.net/videos.