Folk Music in Orlando: A Guide

This guide provides an overview of the folk music scene in Orlando, Florida, with information on venues, performers, and events.

Introduction

Orlando has a thriving and vibrant folk music scene, with concerts and events happening all year round. If you’re a fan of folk music, or just curious to see what it’s all about, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about enjoying folk music in Orlando.

Concerts and Events
The Orlando Folk Music Society hosts regular concerts and events featuring local, regional, and national acts. OFMS members get discounts on tickets and access to a members-only seating area at concerts. You can find out more about becoming a member on the OFMS website.

Festivals
Orlando is home to several festivals throughout the year that celebrate folk music, including the Annual Central Florida Folk Festival, held each January. The festival features three days of concerts, workshops, jam sessions, and more. You can find out more on the CF Folk Festival website.

Venues
There are many great venues in Orlando where you can see folk music performances year-round. Some of our favorites include Will’s Pub, Lil Indies, and Timucua Arts White House.

What is Folk Music?

Folk music is a type of music that is passed down from generation to generation. It is usually associated with a certain region or culture. Folk music often has a strong connection to the land, and it is often used to tell stories about the people who live there. Folk music is usually played on acoustic instruments, such as guitars, banjos, and fiddles. Orlando has a rich folk music scene, with many venues and festivals that showcase this type of music.

The History of Folk Music in Orlando

Folk music in Orlando has a long and storied history, going back to the city’s founding in the mid-19th century. Orlando’s first folk musicians were slaves who played a mix of African and European music on instruments like the banjo, fiddle, and drums. After the Civil War, these traditions were continued by African-American freedmen who added their own twist to the music. In the early 20th century, white Southerners began to embrace folk music as well, and Orlando soon became a hotbed for this new form of expression. Music venues like Whiskey Row and Church Street Station became breeding grounds for up-and-coming folk musicians, many of whom would go on to find success on a national level. The 1970s saw a renewed interest in folk music thanks to the popularity of artists like Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson, and Orlando continued to be at the forefront of this movement. Today, there are dozens of folk music venues in Orlando, and the city is home to one of the largest folk festivals in the country, The Florida Folk Festival. If you’re looking to experience some of Orlando’s rich folk music heritage, be sure to check out one of these great venues.

The Orlando Folk Music Scene Today

Folk music is enjoying a resurgence in popularity in Orlando and the surrounding areas. If you’re a fan of this genre of music, there are plenty of places to hear it performed live. Below are some of the most popular venues for folk music in the Orlando area.

The Will’s Pub is one of the most popular places to see folk music performances in Orlando. This intimate venue has a capacity of only 200 people, making it the perfect place to see up-and-coming folk acts. Past performers at Will’s Pub have included such big names as Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie.

Another great place to catch a folk music performance is at The Space station 65. This venue is slightly larger than Will’s Pub, with a capacity of 400 people. The Space station 65 is also home to a number of other genres of live music, so you’re sure to find something to your taste no matter when you visit.

If you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, try visiting one of Orlando’s many coffeehouses that feature live music. Foxtail Coffee Co., KahVE, and Dante’s Fresh Italian Market all host regular folk music performances. These coffeehouses are also great places to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and relax while listening to some great tunes.

The Future of Folk Music in Orlando

The future of folk music in Orlando looks bright. With the recent addition of the Central Florida Folk Festival, and the expansion of the Will McLean Music Festival, the city is quickly becoming a hot bed for folk music. In addition, many local clubs and venues are beginning to host folk music events on a regular basis.

As the city continues to grow, so too will the folk music scene. Orlando is quickly becoming a destination for folk musicians from all over the country, and it is only a matter of time before the city becomes known as one of the premier folk music destinations in the United States.

Conclusion

Folk music in Orlando is a unique and special experience. There are many talented musicians in the area who perform a variety of genres, from traditional folk to contemporary folk. If you’re looking for a truly authentic Orlando experience, be sure to check out the local folk music scene.