Folk Music Festivals in New England

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy some of the best folk music festivals in New England. Check out our list of festivals and start planning your trip today!

Introduction

The New England Folk Music Traditions Sampler CD set and companion book are part of a public folk arts education project sponsored by the Massachusetts Traditional Arts Program, the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, and the Vermont Folklife Center. The Sampler CD set features thirty-five tracks of music, dance, and song from over two dozen traditional performers representing cultural communities from throughout New England. The tracks were recorded at festivals, dances, concerts, workshops, and other events between 1995 and 1998.

What is Folk Music?

Folk music is a broad category of music which includes traditional songs, instrumental pieces, and dances from various cultures. It is often passed down orally from generation to generation, and often has a strong connection to the history and culture of its people. Folk music festivals are a great way to experience this type of music first-hand, and there are many to choose from in New England.

Some common folk instruments you might see at a festival include the fiddle, banjo, accordion, mandolin, penny whistle, bagpipes, and drums. The music itself ranges from upbeat and energetic to slow and haunting. There are also many different styles of folk dances, including square dancing, Morris dancing, step dancing, and clogging.

If you’re interested in attending a folk music festival in New England, be sure to check out the list below. With so many different festivals to choose from, there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for you.

-The Newport Folk Festival (Newport, Rhode Island)
-The Hilltown Spring Fling (Western Massachusetts)
-Theassy Folk Festival (Asheville, North Carolina)
-The Lowell Folk Festival (Lowell, Massachusetts)
-The Philadelphia Folk Festival (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Origins of Folk Music

Folk music has its roots in the traditional music of the people who live in a particular region or country. In the United States, folk music includes the music of immigrants and their descendants, as well as the music of native-born Americans.

Folk music was brought to the United States by immigrants from many different countries. The Irish, for example, brought their traditional songs and dances with them when they came to America. African Americans brought the musical traditions of Africa with them when they were forced to come to America as slaves. And, later, immigrants from Mexico and other Latin American countries brought their traditional music to the United States.

Over time, these various forms of folk music began to mix together, and a new form of American folk music began to develop. This new form of folk music was influenced by the popular songs of the day, as well as by blues and jazz.

Types of Folk Music

Folk music is a genre of music that typically uses acoustic instruments and focuses on traditional songs with simple, repeated melodic structures. Folk music has its roots in the oral traditions of cultures around the world, and has been passed down through generations by songwriters and performers.

There are many different types of folk music, each with its own history and traditions. Some common types of folk music include Celtic folk music, American folk music, British folk music, and Scandinavian folk music.

Celtic folk music is a type of folk music that originated in Ireland and Scotland. Celtic folk music is known for its use of traditional Irish and Scottish instruments, such as the tin whistle, the fiddle, and the bagpipe. Celticfolk songs often tell stories of Irish and Scottish history and mythology.

American folk music is a type of folk music that originated in the United States. American folk music includes a wide variety of genres, including bluegrass, country, gospel, blues, and more. American folk songs often tell stories about the American experience, ranging from tales of pioneers to stories about modern life.

Britishfolk music is a type of folksong that originating in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. British folksongs often tell stories about traditional British life, such as love affairs gone wrong or battles lost and won. British folk musicians have also been influenced by American Folk Music over the years. Some popular British folksongs include “She Moves Through The Fair” “The Leaving Of Liverpool” ,and “Danny Boy” . However there are many more obscure British folksongs that are only known in certain regions or among certain groups of people.
Scandinavianfolk music is a type offolk song that originated in Norway , Sweden , Denmark ,and Iceland . Scandinavian folksongs often focus on nature , love ,and loss . They are often very melodic and make use of traditional Scandinavian instruments such as the Hardingfele ( Norwegian fiddle ) . Some well known Scandinavian folksongs include “ Bjørnen sover” ( The Bears Are Sleeping ) , “ Olav Tryggvasons Komme” ( Olav Tryggvason’s Arrival ) ,and “ Fjallkonan” ( The Mountain Woman ).

Folk Music Festivals

Folk music festivals are a great way to enjoy traditional music while supporting the artists who play it. These festivals typically feature a wide variety of acts, from local musicians to nationally-recognized performers. Many of the festivals listed below also offer workshops, jam sessions, and other events that allow attendees to get involved in the music.

Folk Music Festivals in New England:
-Green River Festival: This three-day event takes place in Greenfield, Massachusetts and features a mix of traditional and contemporary folk acts from all over the Northeast.
-Old Songs Festival: This festival, held in Altamont, New York, focuses on traditional song and dance from around the world. Workshops and jam sessions are also available for attendees who want to get involved.
-Newport Folk Festival: One of the most well-known folk music festivals in the country, this event takes place every summer in Newport, Rhode Island. It features a mix of established and up-and-coming performers, making it a great place to discover new music.
-Worcester Folk Festival: This annual festival in Worcester, Massachusetts is a great place to experience traditional folk music from New England and beyond.

New England Folk Music Festivals

Folk music festivals are a great way to experience the traditional music of New England. From small, intimate gatherings to large-scale events, there is a folk music festival for everyone.

Folk music has been an integral part of the New England cultural landscape for centuries. The region is home to a wealth of traditional songs and tunes, many of which have been passed down through the generations. Folk music festivals are a great way to experience this rich musical heritage.

There are dozens of folk music festivals held throughout New England each year. Here are just a few of the most popular events:

The Newport Folk Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious folk music events in the world. Held annually in Newport, Rhode Island, the festival features a wide range of local, national, and international performers.

The Boston Folk Festival is one of the largest folk music festivals in New England. Held each year in late August or early September, the festival features more than 100 performers on 10 stages.

The Green River Festival is held annually in Greenfield, Massachusetts. The festival features three days of live music on five stages, as well as food and craft vendors, family-friendly activities, and more.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many different types of folk music festivals in New England. Each one offers something unique and special. Whether you are looking for a traditional experience or something more modern, there is a festival for you. Be sure to check out the different options and find the perfect event for your next vacation.