Crafts are an integral part of the Folk Festival
 |
| Phyllis Alden returns to the folk festival this year with her palmcats, feline portraits painted on smooth stones. |
by Laurie Summers
A 30- to 45-year career as an artisan has given Bryon Williams many rewards. He makes baskets and gourds, combining his talents with nature’s gifts.
His love of basketry began with an Easter basket he made for his son. With his creativity unleashed, Williams began experimenting with different styles. For a while, he made pottery, and then he decided to focus on baskets. Because many basket makers were also making gourds, Williams decided to try that as well. Over time, his work with both mediums evolved into two rewarding art forms, reflecting elements of nature through a wonderful mix of innovative design and creative genius.
Read more... |
The New Grove Stage is set in concrete.
Photo by Emmett Adler.
Tell me that it's evolution...!
Young performers to rock the 2008 Takoma Park Folk Festival
Middle School students Ben Miller and Michael Untereiner—both formerly of blahblahblah—will be rocking the festival with their new group, High Definition. Photo by Sue Katz-Miller.
When the Takoma Park Folk Festival started 31 years ago, the Grassy Nook Stage was established as a family stage. “But,” says Kevin Adler, Chair of the Festival, “there’s been an evolution. We’ve always had the aim to entertain kids, but now we’re showcasing kids as entertainers.”
Read more...
Takoma Park to host an eclectic line-up
Lea returns to the Takoma Park Folk Festival with brand new songs (and plenty of old favorites). Photo by Julie Wiatt.
by Kevin Adler
Organizers of the Takoma Park Folk Festival like to say that it’s the “festival of the folk of Takoma Park.” It’s a true statement, and it’s at the heart of the Festival’s special appeal. After all, there are many wonderful cultural events throughout the year; Montgomery County and the greater DC area is blessed with an immeasurable variety of musicians, dancers, artists, and artisans. But few events are embraced as deeply by performers, volunteers, participants, and visitors.
“I think of the Folk Festival as a giant block party,” said Robbi Kimball, a local Realtor and member of the Folk Festival Committee. “It’s a community event with a genuine homegrown flavor. Plus, I see just about everyone I know in Takoma Park.”
Read more...
Check back for more Folk Festival articles and interviews.
Updated weekly! |
Folk Festival builds new Grove Stage
Visitors to this year's Takoma Park Folk Festival will see an unfamiliar sight at a familiar location. Performances at the very popular Grove Stage will be on a permanent concrete structure instead of a plywood platform.
The Folk Festival will be held on Sunday, Sept. 14, at the 31st annual Folk Festival. Performances begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 6 p.m.
"The Grove Stage is a great venue for our audience because the hill that faces the stage is a natural amphitheater," said Kevin Adler, Festival chair. "We wanted to make the most of that opportunity for the audience and the performers. Over time, we hope that more trees are planted on the top of the hillside to add more shade during the the afternoon of the Festival."
Takoma Park Middle School teachers will be encouraged by the Principal Renay Johnson to use the 12' x 16' platform for their classes during the year.
"We appreciate the way that the school’s staff has welcomed the Festival for many years, and we felt this was a nice way to give back to them," said Adler.
The project was partially funded by a grant from the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County. Design services were donated by Landis Construction, a member of the Old Town Takoma Business Association. Construction services were provided at a significant discount by Concreto Plus.
Adler said that numerous staff members in the City of Takoma Park provided advice and assistance, as the platform is built on a city right-of-way.
|
