A Comprehensive Guide to Folk Music Festivals in 2015

This comprehensive guide covers all the best folk music festivals happening in 2015. Find out which ones are happening near you and make sure to add them to your calendar!

Introduction

Folk music is a genre of music that typically uses simple, acoustic instruments and often tells stories of the every day lives of common people. Folk music has been around for centuries and has been passed down through generations by way of oral tradition. Due to its down-to-earth and relatable nature, folk music has always had a strong following. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in popularity of folk music, with more and more people attending folk music festivals each year.

Folk music festivals are the perfect place to experience this genre of music. Not only will you be able to hear some great folk musicians, but you’ll also be able to participate in workshops, jam sessions, and other activities. These festivals are usually very relaxed and laid-back, making them the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

If you’re interested in attending a folk music festival this year, check out our comprehensive guide below. We’ve put together a list of some of the best folk music festivals taking place in the United States in 2015. So whether you’re looking for a festival close to home or you’re willing to travel for a truly unique experience, there’s sure to be a festival on this list that’s perfect for you.

What is Folk Music?

Folk music is a type of traditional music that is usually passed down from generation to generation. It is often about the everyday lives of the people who created it and is usually performed by acoustic instruments. Folk music festivals are a great way to experience this type of music.

Origins of Folk Music

Folk music is a genre of music that typically uses acoustic instruments and often features songs with simple, traditional lyrics. Folk music has been around for centuries, and it has undergone a number of changes over time.

One of the earliest forms of folk music was known as ballads. Ballads were originally oral storytelling pieces that were passed down from generation to generation. They often told stories of love, loss, and adventure, and they were typically accompanied by simple melodies that could be easily remembered.

As folk music evolved, new styles began to emerge. Celtic music, for example, is a type of folk music that originated in Ireland and Scotland. Celtic music often features intricate melodies and harmonies, and it often tells stories about the Celtic culture and history.

Bluegrass is another type of folk music that originated in the United States. Bluegrass is typically characterized by fast-paced instrumentals and high-pitched vocals. Like Celtic music, bluegrass often tells stories about the culture and history of its region.

Folk music continues to evolve today, and there are now dozens of different subgenres within the genre. Some of the most popular subgenres include contemporary folk, world folk, and alternative folk.

Characteristics of Folk Music

Most folk music is based around the use of acoustic instruments, with the guitar and harmonica being two of the most widely used. The banjo, fiddle, mandolin and accordion are also popular choices in many folk bands. The use of traditional instruments is one of the defining characteristics of folk music, although some modern bands do incorporate electric instruments into their sound.

The subject matter of folk songs is often based on real life events and told from the perspective of common people. The songs often deal with topics such as love, loss, drinking, working and fighting. Folk music has its roots in the oral tradition, which means that many of the songs were not written down but were instead passed down through generations by word of mouth.

Folk music often has a strong sense of community and is closely associated with certain geographical areas. In the United States, for example, there is Appalachian folk music and Cajun folk music. In Ireland, there is Celtic folk music, while in England there is both Anglo-American folk music and British Isles folklore.

One of the most popular festivals in America is the Newport Folk Festival, which was founded in 1959 by musician George Wein. The festival takes place every summer in Rhode Island and has featured some of the biggest names in folk music over the years, including Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Pete Seeger.

Folk Music Festivals

Folk music festivals are a great way to support local and emerging artists, as well as enjoy a wide variety of music from all over the world. With so many different festivals to choose from, there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for you. This guide will help you find the perfect festival for you, as well as provide you with all the information you need to know about each festival.

List of Folk Music Festivals

If you love folk music, then you’ll want to check out this list of folk music festivals taking place in 2015. From the Old Timey Music Festival in Kentucky to the Folk Festivals West in Oregon, there’s sure to be a festival that’s perfect for you.

-Old Timey Music Festival: This festival takes place in July in Kentucky and features a wide variety of traditional folk music.

-Folk Festivals West: This festival takes place in August in Oregon and features a wide variety of folk music from around the world.

-Folk Festivals East: This festival takes place in September in Maine and features a wide variety of folk music from around the world.

What to Expect at a Folk Music Festival

Folk music festivals are a great way to experience different cultures and enjoy a wide variety of music. Here are some tips on what to expect and how to make the most of your festival experience.

Most folk music festivals take place outdoors, so be prepared for weather conditions. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes. Many festivals also have camping options, so you can bring a tent and spend the weekend.

The music at folk festivals is usually acoustic and features traditional instruments. There will likely be a mix of singing and dancing, and you may hear music in multiple languages. The focus is on enjoying the music and community, so don’t be shy about joining in the fun.

Food is another important part of the folk festival experience. Street food vendors will be on hand to sell traditional dishes from their cultures. You can also find craft beer and other drinks at many festivals.

Folk music festivals are generally family-friendly events. There will be activities for kids, and you’ll see people of all ages enjoying the music. Most importantly, have fun and immerse yourself in the culture!

Conclusion

Folk music festivals are becoming increasingly popular, with events being held all over the world. If you love folk music, then make sure to attend one of these festivals in 2015!