Susquehanna Folk Music Society – Bringing Folk Music to Life

The Susquehanna Folk Music Society is dedicated to bringing folk music to life in Central Pennsylvania and beyond through performance, education, and community outreach.

Introducing Susquehanna Folk Music Society

Susquehanna Folk Music Society (SFMS) is a non-profit, membership organization devoted to the preservation and enjoyment of traditional and contemporary folk music and related forms of musical expression. In addition to our three public concerts each season, SFMS presents dances, workshops, and other special events throughout the year.

What is folk music?

Folk music is a type of traditional music that is typically passed down from one generation to the next. It is usually associated with the music of a particular region or culture. Folk music often reflects the traditions and beliefs of the people who create it.

Much of folk music has been handed down orally, and so it is often hard to determine its origins. The term “folk music” was first used in the mid-19th century, but it only became widely used after the rise of popular performers like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger in the early 20th century. Folk music can be found all over the world, and it has been a major influence on many different genres of music, including country, blues, rock, and even pop.

What is the Susquehanna Folk Music Society?

The Susquehanna Folk Music Society is a volunteer-run, non-profit arts organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the musical traditions of our region and the world. We present concerts and dances featuring traditional, ethnic and contemporary folk music and dance, provide educational opportunities and nurture emerging performers.

We hold our events in the Midtown Scholar Bookstore in Harrisburg, PA. The Scholar is located in downtown Harrisburg at 1302 North 3rd Street (just north of Market Street). Click here for directions. We also have a mailing address: P.O. Box 1117, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1117.

The History of Folk Music

Folk music has its roots in the music of the people who make it. It’s music that’s been passed down from generation to generation, often within families and communities. Folk music is often about the everyday lives of the people who create it. It can be about love, loss, work, play, or any other aspect of life.

What are the origins of folk music?

Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down from generation to generation within a culture, and it often has roots in the traditions and values of that culture. Folk music may be songs that are sung during religious ceremonies or folktales that are passed down to entertain later generations. In some cases, folk music may even be used as a form of protest against social injustice or other issues.

The origins of folk music are often difficult to trace, as many traditional cultures do not have a written history. However, some scholars believe that folk music may have its roots in the healing and ceremonial songs of ancient cultures. Others believe that folk music may have emerged from the work songs and ballads of medieval Europe. still others believe that folk music is a more recent phenomenon, arising from the traditions of 18th- and 19th-century oral storytellers.

No matter its origins, folk music has played an important role in the lives of people around the world. Folk music has been used to express joy and sorrow, to tell stories, and to preserve history and culture. In recent years, folk music has also been used as a tool for social change, with artists using their songs to raise awareness about issues such as racism, poverty, and war.

How has folk music evolved over time?

Folk music has evolved over time to keep pace with the ever-changing world around us. Through generations of oral tradition, folk songs have been passed down from one singer to the next, often changing along the way to reflect the times and cultures in which they were sung.

Some of the earliest known folk songs date back to the medieval era, when troubadours and jongleurs traveled from town to town, performing songs about love, loss, and other aspects of daily life. As the world began to modernize, folk music changed as well, taking on new forms and styles.

In the United States, folk music was originally brought over by immigrants from Europe who brought with them their traditional songs and instruments. Over time, American musicians began to adapt these songs to their own style, creating a uniquely American flavor of folk music. This process continued as different groups of people from all over the world came to America and added their own influences to the melting pot of American culture.

Today, there are countless different types of folk music being performed all over the world. From traditional ballads sung in pubs to modern protest songs played at political rallies, folk music continues to evolve and change as we move into the future.

The Importance of Folk Music

Folk music has been around for centuries, and it’s a vital part of our cultural heritage. Folk music is a reflection of our history and our values. It’s a way for us to connect with our past and with our community. Folk music is also a great way to learn about other cultures.

Why is folk music important?

Folk music is the original music of the people who created it. It is passed down through the generations by word of mouth, and as such, it is a part of our shared heritage. Folk music reflects the values and traditions of the culture that created it, and it helps to keep those traditions alive.

Folk music is also an important part of our musical history. Many of the songs we sing today started out as folk songs, and they have been passed down to us by the people who created them. Folk music has helped to shape the course of our musical development, and it continues to influence the music we make today.

Folk music is important because it is a part of our shared heritage and because it helps to keep our traditions alive. It is also an important part of our musical history, and it continues to influence the music we make today.

What are the benefits of listening to folk music?

Folk music has a number of benefits that can be enjoyed by listeners of all ages. This type of music is often passed down through generations, and as such, it can be a great way to connect with your heritage. In addition, folk music is typically very wholesome and uplifting, making it a great choice for those who want to avoid negative or explicit lyrics. Finally, folk music is often very catchy and easy to sing along to, making it a fun option for a wide range of listeners.

The Susquehanna Folk Music Society – Bringing Folk Music to Life

The Susquehanna Folk Music Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting folk music in central Pennsylvania. The Society presents a year-round concert series, an annual music festival, and a wide variety of educational programs. The Susquehanna Folk Music Society is committed to bringing the joy of folk music to life for everyone.

What does the Susquehanna Folk Music Society do?

The Susquehanna Folk Music Society is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional, contemporary and international folk music and dance. We sponsor events that entertain, educate and expand the appreciation of this rich heritage. We present concerts, dances, workshops, contra dances and children’s events throughout central Pennsylvania.

What are some of the Susquehanna Folk Music Society’s upcoming events?

The Susquehanna Folk Music Society is a volunteer-based, membership organization promoting traditional music and dance. We have a year-round calendar of events, including Concerts, Dances, Workshops, Open Stages, Jams and more. We also sponsor the annual Harrisburg FolkFest.