Michigan Folk Music Festivals 2012
Contents
Check out Michigan’s top Folk Music Festivals of 2012!
What is Folk Music?
Contrary to popular belief, folk music is not simply old music. Rather, it is a genre that encompasses a wide variety of musical traditions, both old and new. Folk music can be traditional music that has been passed down from generation to generation, or it can be modern music that has been inspired by folk traditions. It is often roots-based, meaning that it is based on the musical traditions of a particular region or culture.
Folk music is typically acoustic, meaning that it is played without the use of electric instruments. This does not mean, however, that folk music cannot be loud or energetic; some folk songs are quite lively and upbeat. Many folk songs are also very simple in terms of their musical structure, making them easy to remember and sing along to.
Folk music often tells stories or describes the everyday life of the people who play and sing it. As such, it can be a great way to learn about other cultures and about the history of the people who live in them. Folk music can also be very personal; singer-songwriters often use folk music as a way to share their own stories and experiences with the world.
The Ann Arbor Folk Festival
The Ann Arbor Folk Festival is a three-day event held every January in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The festival features more than 40 artists performing on four stages over the course of the weekend. In addition to the music, the festival also offers food and drink from local vendors, merchandise from local artisans, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
The Traverse City Winter Folk Festival
The Traverse City Winter Folk Festival is a three-day festival held in January in downtown Traverse City, Michigan. The festival features over fifty performers playing a variety of folk music styles on more than fifteen stages throughout the city.
The Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival
The Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival is a family-friendly event that celebrates the music and dance of Michigan’s Polish and Slovak heritages. The festival features continuous music on two stages, traditional food, dancing, children’s activities, and more. This year’s festival will be held on July 14-15, 2012 at the Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club in Manistee, Michigan. For more information, please visit the festival website at http://www.hiawathamusicfestival.org/.
