The Best of Utah Folk Music

A blog dedicated to the best of Utah’s folk music scene, featuring album reviews, interviews, and show announcements.

What is Utah Folk Music?

In the most general terms, folk music can be defined as music by and for the common people. It is often passed down through the generations by word of mouth, and it encompasses the traditions of a wide range of cultures. Folk music is usually rooted in the music of a particular region or country, and it often expresses the values and beliefs of the people who create it.

Utah is home to a rich tradition of folk music, and many of the state’s residents take great pride in their musical heritage. The Utah Folk Music Society was founded in 1971 with the goal of preserving and promoting the state’s folk music tradition. In addition to promoting folk music through educational programs and performances, the Society also sponsors an annual folk music festival.

The Utah Folk Music Society is just one of many organizations that help to keep Utah’s folk music tradition alive. If you’re interested in learning more about Utah’s folk music scene, there are plenty of resources available online and in local libraries.

The History of Utah Folk Music

Utah is a state with a rich and diverse musical history. From the early Mormon pioneers who brought their folk music with them from Europe to the cowboys who settled the West, Utah has always had a strong tradition of folk music.

The Utah Folk Festival was founded in 1949 and is one of the oldest and most well-respected folk festivals in the country. The festival celebrates the state’s musical heritage with performances by some of the best folk musicians in Utah.

If you’re interested in learning more about Utah’s Folk music history, there are plenty of resources available. The Utah Folklife Center is a great place to start your research. They have an extensive collection of recordings, photographs, and other materials documenting the state’s musical heritage.

The Different Types of Utah Folk Music

There are many different types of folk music in Utah. Each type has its own distinct style and history. Here are some of the most popular types of Utah folk music:

-MormonMusic: This type of music is typically very religious in nature and is often performed by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). MormonMusic is typically very positive and upbeat, often featuring themes of love, family, and patriotism.

-Pioneer Music: This type of music is typically about the lives and experiences of early settlers in Utah. Pioneer music is often quite sentimental, as it reflects on the hard work and challenges faced by early settlers.

-Native American Music: This type of music is typically about the unique culture and history of Native Americans in Utah. Native American music often has a spiritual or ceremonial quality to it, as it reflects on the deep connection between Native Americans and the land.

The Best Utah Folk Music Artists

The following is a list of some of the best folk music artists from Utah. These artists have all made significant contributions to the genre and have helped to shape the sound of Utah folk music.

Dave Douglas – A renowned banjo player and singer-songwriter, Dave Douglas is one of the most influential figures in Utah folk music. His unique style combines elements of traditional folk music with a contemporary sensibility, and his songs often reflect his love of the state of Utah and its people.

Nicci Canada – A gifted singer-songwriter and guitarist, Nicci Canada has been a leading voice in the Utah folk music scene for many years. Her warm, beautiful voice and touching lyrics have won her a wide following, and she is considered one of the most important Utah folk musicians of her generation.

Linda Smith – One of the most respected figures in Utah folk music, Linda Smith is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and fiddle player who has been performing for over 30 years. Her deeply personal songs often deal with topics such as love, loss, and hope, and her powerful live performances have earned her a loyal following among Utah folk fans.

The Best Utah Folk Music Albums

There is a rich tradition of folk music in Utah, dating back to the early pioneers who settled in the state. Over the years, Utah folk musicians have continued to create beautiful and timeless music that captures the spirit of the state.

If you’re looking for the best of Utah folk music, here are some albums you should check out:

1. “Red House” by Kate MacLeod and Kat Eggleston – This album features traditional and original songs about love, loss, and hope. It’s a beautifully crafted collection of music that will stay with you long after you’ve listened to it.

2. “In Good Company” by The Greenbriar Boys – This album is a collection of traditional and contemporary folk songs performed by one of Utah’s most popular folk bands. The songs are all rooted in the traditions of Utah folklore, and they’ll give you a great taste of what Utah’s folk music scene has to offer.

3. “Songs from the Mountain” by The Osmonds – This album features several classic Utah folk songs performed by one of the state’s most iconic bands. If you’re looking for some classic Utah Folk music, this is a great place to start.

The Best Utah Folk Music Songs

When you think of folk music, you might think of Bob Dylan or Woody Guthrie. But did you know that Utah has its own rich folk music history?

From ballads about Butch Cassidy to Mormon pioneer songs, there is a wealth of folk music to be found in Utah. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best Utah folk music songs.

“Butch Cassidy” by Arlo Guthrie is a ballad about the famous outlaw’s time inUtah. The song paints a picture of Cassidy as a sympathetic figure, and it is one of Guthrie’s most popular songs.

“Mormon Pioneer” by Pete Seeger is a song about the Mormon pioneers who settled in Utah. The song celebrates the pioneers’ courage and determination in the face of adversity.

“Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver is a love song to the state of Colorado, but it also mentions Utah’s Rocky Mountains. The song is an ode to the beauty of the Rocky Mountain region and its outdoor activities.

“Utah Blues” by W.C. Handy is a blues song about a man who is homesick for Utah. The man in the song misses the mountains and valleys of his home state and longs to return there someday.

The Best Utah Folk Music Festivals

There are plenty of reasons to love Utah, including its vibrant folk music scene. If you’re a folk music fan, you’ll want to check out these fiveUtah folk music festivals.

1. The Strawberry Music Festival
Held every summer in Heber City, the Strawberry Music Festival is one of the largest and most well-known Utahfolk music festivals. The festival features two stages with a wide variety of music, including bluegrass, Americana, country, and more. There are also plenty of food and drink vendors on-site, so you can refuel while you enjoy the tunes.

2. The Park City Folk Festival
The Park City Folk Festival is a free event that takes place every September in historic Park City. The festival features local and regional artists performing a variety of genres, including folk, bluegrass, Irish step dancing, and more. You can also enjoy food from local vendors, participate in workshops and jam sessions, and browse the wares of local artisans.

3. Mid-Mountain Music Festival
The Mid-Mountain Music Festival is held every July in the scenic Wasatch Mountains near Kamas. The festival features three days of live music from both local and national acts, as well as food trucks, craft beer vendors, and more. camping is available on-site for a truly immersive experience.

4. Moab Music Festival
The Moab Music Festival takes place every September in Moab, Utah—one of the most gorgeous places in the state. The festival features a wide range of musical genres performed by world-renowned musicians, set against the stunning backdrop of red rock cliffs and canyons. You can also enjoy gourmet food from local chefs at the on-site dining pavilion or picnic in one of the nearby parks.

The Best Utah Folk Music Venues

Though not as widely known as other states for its folk music scene, Utah actually has a lot to offer fans of this genre. From intimate coffeehouses to lively festivals, there are plenty of great venues to enjoy Utah folk music. Here are some of the best.

The Coffee Garden
With its warm and cozy atmosphere, The Coffee Garden is the perfect place to enjoy some live Utah folk music. This popular coffeehouse in Salt Lake City often has local musicians playing everything from traditional folk songs to modern ballads.

The Bluebird Cafe
Another great option in Salt Lake City is The Bluebird Cafe. This intimate venue is known for its excellent acoustics, making it a great place to enjoy live music. The Bluebird Cafe also has a great selection of food and drink, making it the perfect spot to spend an evening enjoying some Utah folk music.

Folk FestUtah
For a more festive atmosphere, check out Folk FestUtah. This annual event takes place in Sandy, Utah and features a wide variety of folk musicians from across the state. Folk FestUtah is the perfect place to enjoy some live music and dance the night away.

The Best Utah Folk Music Radio Shows

The best Utah folk music radio shows showcase the state’s rich musical heritage. From traditional ballads to modern folk songs, these programs offer a glimpse into the soul of Utah.

For generations, folk music has been an important part of UT culture. The state is home to a number of iconic folk artists, including Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. Folk music has also been an integral part of the state’s history, telling the stories of Utah’s pioneers and documenting its unique culture.

Today, there are a number of excellent Utah folk music radio shows that offer listeners a chance to hear this rich musical tradition. From traditional ballads to modern folk songs, these programs offer a glimpse into the soul of Utah.

The Best Utah Folk Music Websites

There are a wealth of websites documenting and celebrating the folk music of Utah. Here are some of the best:

-The Utah Folk Music website is a rich source of information on the history and current state of folk music in Utah. The site includes a calendar of events, a directory of folk venues and organizations, and a wealth of articles on the subject.

-The website for the Utah Folklife Center is another great resource for those interested in Utah’s folk music scene. The site includes a calendar of events, information on the center’s educational programs, and a wealth of articles and audio recordings documenting the state’s rich folk music heritage.

-TheUtah Traditional Music Societyis another great organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the state’s traditional music. The UTMS website includes a calendar of events, information on membership and upcoming concerts, and a library of audio recordings featuring some of the state’s most talented traditional musicians.