The Best Folk Music Festivals of 2012

Looking for a great folk music festival to attend this year? Check out our list of the best folk music festivals of 2012!

Introduction

The term “folk music” can mean different things to different people. For the purposes of this guide, we’ve defined it as music that is traditionally rooted and steeped in the culture of a specific region or country. This could be everything from old-timey mountain music to Celtic jigs, Cajun two-steps, mariachi ballads, Appalachian fiddle tunes, Bahamian spirituals, or Breton dances. In other words, if it’s acoustic and handmade (no electric guitars or auto-tuned voices here), and you can imagine it being played around a campfire or in a small village square, then it probably falls under the “folk” umbrella.

With that in mind, we’ve scoured the globe for 2012’s best folk festivals—events that celebrate traditional music and dance from a wide range of cultures. Whether you feel like stomping your feet to fiddle tunes in Brittany or clapping along to Celtic music in Ireland, there’s sure to be a festival on this list that will appeal to you. So grab your dancing shoes and get ready to join the fun—these are the world’s best folk festivals in 2012.

What is Folk Music?

Folk music is a genre of music that traditionally uses tunings and modes that are particular to the music of a specific people or region. It is often passed down orally within families or communities. Folk music has been around for centuries, and has undergone many changes over time.

There are many different types of folk music, and it can be difficult to define. Some people consider anything that is not classical or pop to be folk music. Others believe that folk music must be traditional, and must have been passed down orally.

Folk music festivals are a great way to experience different types of folk music from all over the world. Many of these festivals also offer workshops, so you can learn more about the history and tradition of folk music.

The following is a list of some of the best folk music festivals taking place in 2012:

-The Cambridge Folk Festival (Cambridge, UK)
-The Tønder Festival (Tønder, Denmark)
-The Fajr International Music Festival (Tehran, Iran)
-The Vancouver Folk Music Festival (Vancouver, Canada)
-The Philadelphia Folk Festival (Philadelphia, USA)

The Best Folk Music Festivals of 2012

If you’re a fan of folk music, then you’ll want to check out some of the best folk music festivals happening around the world in 2012. From Scotland to the United States, there are plenty of great festivals to choose from. Let’s take a look at some of the best ones.

The Newport Folk Festival

The Newport Folk Festival is an American annual folk-oriented music festival in Newport, Rhode Island, which began in July 1959 as a counterpart to the previously established Newport Jazz Festival. The festival is often considered one of the first modern music festivals in America and remains a focal point in the ever-expanding genre of Americana or roots music. Many of the festival’s most famous performers, including Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Richie Havens, Peter Paul and Mary, and Simon & Garfunkel first achieved commercial success after appearing at Newport Folk.

The Philadelphia Folk Festival

The Philadelphia Folk Festival is an annual music festival that takes place in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania. It is one of the oldest and largest continually-running folk music festivals in the United States. The first festival was held in 1962, and has been held every year since (with the exception of 1963). The 2012 festival will take place from August 16th-19th.

Over the years, the Philadelphia Folk Festival has featured some of the biggest names in folk music, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, Loreena McKennitt, and Emmylou Harris. In recent years, the festival has expanded its musical offerings to include alternative folk, bluegrass, world music, and even rock performers like The Decemberists and Richard Thompson.

If you’re a fan of folk music (or just good music in general), the Philadelphia Folk Festival is definitely worth checking out.

The Chicago Folk Festival

The Chicago Folk Festival is one of the most highly anticipated folk music festivals of 2012. The festival will feature a wide range of Folk artists, including some of the genre’s most celebrated names. This year’s lineup includes headliners such as Emmylou Harris, Ralph Stanley, and John Prine. With over fifty acts performing on seven different stages, the Chicago Folk Festival is sure to be a can’t-miss event for any fan of Folk music.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best folk music festivals of 2012 are:

-The Newport Folk Festival in Newport, Rhode Island
-The Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Telluride, Colorado
-The RockyGrass Festival in Lyons, Colorado
-The Voormalig Valkhof Festival in Nijmegen, Netherlands
-The Celtic Colours International Festival in Cape Breton Island, Canada