The Best Folk Music Festivals for Summer 2012
Contents
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy some great folk music festivals. Check out our list of the best festivals to attend this summer.
Introduction
Folk music is one of the most unique and beautiful genres of music. It is often passed down through generations, and each region has its own distinct style. If you’re a fan of folk music, there are many great festivals across the country that showcase the best in folk music. Here are some of the best folk music festivals for summer 2012.
What is Folk Music?
Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down orally from one generation to the next. It is often about the everyday lives of regular people and usually has a strong connection to the land and the culture it comes from. Folk music has been around for centuries and can be found in cultures all over the world.
The Best Folk Music Festivals for Summer 2012
Summertime is the perfect season to enjoy some outdoor music festivals. And what better type of music to enjoy outdoors than folk music? Folk music is the perfect Summer soundtrack – it’s upbeat, catchy, and often tells a story. If you’re looking for some great folk festivals to check out this Summer, here are some of the best.
Newport Folk Festival
The Newport Folk Festival is an annual music festival held in Newport, Rhode Island. The festival was founded in 1959 by George Wein, who also founded the world-renowned jazz festival that still bears his name. The folk festival features a wide variety of musical acts from all over the world, with a focus on American folk music.
The Newport Folk Festival has been held every year since its inception, with the exception of 1963, when it was canceled due to bad weather. The festival was also canceled in 1971, due to financial problems. Despite these setbacks, the festival has continued to be one of the most highly respected and well-attended folk festivals in the United States.
In recent years, the Newport Folk Festival has featured such notable performers as Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, John Prine, Bonnie Raitt, and many others. The 2012 lineup includes such diverse acts as Feist, Jack White, and Mumford & Sons. With its mix of established legends and up-and-coming new talent, the Newport Folk Festival is sure to please any fan of folk music.
RockyGrass
RockyGrass is a three-day music festival that takes place in Lyons, Colorado. The festival features a wide range of folk, bluegrass, and Americana musicians. Some of the past performers include Alison Krauss, The Dixie Chicks, Emmylou Harris, and Steve Martin. RockyGrass takes place in late July.
Old Settler’s Music Festival
The Old Settler’s Music Festival is a four-day music festival featuring more than 60 bands on seven stages. The lineup includes a mix of legendary musicians and up-and-coming talents, representing genres such as Americana, bluegrass, rock, jazz, and more. The festival takes place in April in Austin, Texas.
Conclusion
If you’re a folk music lover, there’s no better way to enjoy the summer than by attending one (or more!) of the many folk festivals around the country. Here are just a few of the best ones to check out in 2012.
The Clearwater Festival: This two-day event takes place in Croton-on-Hudson, NY, and features performances by some of the biggest names in the folk world, including Pete Seeger, Judy Collins, Arlo Guthrie, and many others.
The Newport Folk Festival: One of the most iconic folk festivals in the country, this Rhode Island event has been going strong since 1959. This year’s lineup includes Mumford & Sons, Conor Oberst, and The Avett Brothers.
The Philadelphia Folk Festival: Now in its 52nd year, this Pennsylvania festival is one of the longest-running folk events in the country. This year’s lineup includes Joan Baez, John Prine, and Ani DiFranco.
The Falcon Ridge Folk Festival: This smaller festival in Hillsdale, NY is a great option for those looking for a more intimate event. This year’s lineup includes The Nields, Dar Williams, and Catie Curtis.
