In late July, we'll be there… In the Adirondacks, burning every candle at both ends. Hell… just toss them in the bonfire. Take in every stage possible all day long, kick up our heels at the dance tent, roam the campgrounds late, hoping to catch those seminal songwriter moments around a campfire… Then, before the dew burns off the meadows, while the dawn steals over the hills, stand at the edge of the mainstage among the other early risers, with a tarp, waiting for the signal that starts the daily land rush to snare a spot up front. Tension builds as the countdown reaches the end. The signal is given and the human tidal wave breaks. Everyone moves at warp speed. The tarps cover the grass like a movie running in fast forward. Once the spot is secured, we can relax. Afterward, while the caffeine works its sinister magic, we'll start the whole thing over again. The ritual is repeated by folkies everywhere, as the summer bursts at its seams with fiddle and twang… Oh the joy that is the festival season… Let the revelry begin!
5th Annual Susquehanna Music & Arts Festival May 12-14 Ramblewood Campground, Darlington, Maryland mywebpages.comcast.net/smaf2003/smaf.html • Jonathan Byrd • Aztec Two Step • We're About 9 • Spirit Wing • Sean Altman • Caroline Aiken • Grandsons • Terri Allard • Wishing Chair • David Morreale • Tret Fure • Kathy Moser • Mustards Retreat • Ed Snodderly • Sloan Wainwright • Kim and Reggie • Bet Williams • Malvinas • Chris Chandler • Cris Williamson • disappear fear • The Dreamsicles • Modern Man • Andy and Denise • Amilia K Spicer • Zoe Mulford • Elena Higgins • Pat Wictor • Iain Campbell Smith Susquehanna boasts a wealth of original talent. Aztec Two-Step and Jonathan Byrd are perfect examples of a continuing lineage. Then there's We're About 9. An acquaintance of ours, unfamiliar with the singer/songwriter genre heard a brief snippet of WA9's robust harmonies and remarked. "Very 'Mighty Wind." Uhh…NO. No one in that parody was capable of composing, "What's the gun for? …" "To get me to Canada…" "I've got fifty dollars says, you'll never make it to Albany…" and lots more within and beyond that auspicious beginning. They're badder than your average folksinger, badder than you think. Warwick Valley Winery Bluegrass Festival May 20-21 114 Little York Road, Warwick, NY 845-258-4858 www.wvwinery.com 12-5pm Admission $15 Saturday: McMule, Straight Drive, Tin Roof, Mike Burns and North Country, Steve Lutke and Appalachian uprising Sunday: Tin Roof, Wickers Creek, Jams Reams and the Barnstormers, Straight Drive, Steve Toth and Rippling River
Tribute to Bob Dylan May 27, 28, 29 Admission $12 door / $10 Adv (12-5pm) Saturday: Steve Forbert, Peter Spink, Sloan Wainwright, Dave's True Story, Taplinger, John Sheehan, Marty Koppel and Mike Baglione, Kevin Craig, Bobby Barton and Kyle Hancharick Sunday: Terence Martin, The Kennedys, Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams, Project Mercury, Mike Baglione and Suzy Arnowitz, Joe McKay, Kyle Hancharick Monday: Bill Perry, Free Range, Rod McDonald, Larry Amato, Peter Karp, Chrissy Roberts, Paul Siegel, Chrissie Santoni
At The Warwick Winery, we have both a Bluegrass Festival and a Dylan Tribute… Steve Forbert doing Dylan? A must-see. Steve is a walking encyclopedia of songs. In touch with the history of roots and rock, he's more plugged-in than anyone. His animated live performance is a joy to behold. Dave's True Story is another revelation. They have their own Dylan tribute album out, Simple Twist of Fate: DTS Does Dylan, and their renditions are refreshingly, intriguingly different. As a representative of the Dylan spirit, there's no surpassing Rod MacDonald. His prolific song output and brilliant expression of topical themes cannot be matched. While it's not of huge import, it still bears mentioning that although there are some wicked harp solos in Dylan's repertoire, Rod plays a better rack-held harmonica than Bob ever did. If you've never seen Rod MacDonald live, this might be a good setting to start catching up.
Strawberry Park Bluegrass Festival June 1 - 4 Strawberry Park, 42 Pierce Road, Preston, CT (860) 886-1944, Toll-free: (888) 794-7944 www.strawberrypark.net • Rhonda Vincent • The Grascals • Peter Rowan • Mountain Heart • Tim O'Brien • Gibson Brothers • April Verch • The Kruger Brothers • Dry Branch Fire Squad • King Wilkie • Blue Highway • Dale Ann Bradley • Cherryholmes • Nothin' Fancy • The Bluegrass Gospel Project Speaking of catching up, we've not featured any of the Strawberry Park festivals before, and, for the first time, we're drawing attention to three. The first of these, the Strawberry Park Bluegrass Festival has bluegrass heartthrob, Rhonda Vincent to dazzle the audience with both looks and talent. This award-winning mandolinist continues to show that she's not just another pretty face. Tim O'Brien's presence is another reason to show up. A virtuoso multi-instrumentalist and interpreter of songs in many genres, he also possesses a dry wit that endears him to concert-goers, particularly this author.
Appel Farm Arts & Music Festival Saturday, June 3 Appel Farm, Elmer, New Jersey 11:30am - 8pm www.appelfarm.org/festival • Richard Thompson • Fountains of Wayne • Toad the Wet Sprocket • Duncan Sheik • Janis Ian • Danielia Cotton • Slo-Mo • James Hunter • Crooked Still • David Jacobs-Strain • Birdie Busch • Cabin Dogs Appel Farm Arts and Music Festival continues to draw major talent. This year, Richard Thompson brings his major-league guitar chops and that vicious, biting humor in both his stage repartee and lyrics. Duncan Sheik is there to offer some competition in the run up the fretboard. Our money's on Richard. James Hunter, England's current answer to James Brown, a critics' wet dream, is touring on the strength of his "People Gonna Talk" CD breakthrough and makes a stop at Appel. Roots on the River June 8-11 The Seventh Annual Fred Eaglesmith Weekend I-91, Exit 6, Bellows Falls, Vermont Info: 866-484-3669, www.rootsontheriver.com Tickets: $10-$39; Weekend Passes: $89-$124. Under 12yrs: 1/2 price at door. Infants: free. • Fred Eaglesmith • James McMurtry • Ray Wylie Hubbard • Syd Straw • Crooked Still • Trish Murphy • Gurf Morlix • Frog Holler • Sam Baker • Willie P. Bennett • Anais Mitchell • Corb Lund Band • Dan Whitley • Roger Marin Band • Mike Plume, Ingrid's Ruse • Joe Gee & Friends, others Another festival new to us is Roots on the River, in Bellows Falls, Vermont. The first three artists listed are a festival in themselves. Since it's the 7th annual Fred Eaglesmith Weekend, there's Fred himself. Then we encounter the progeny of novelist Larry McMurtry ("Last Picture Show," "Lonesome Dove") -- his son James. James McMurtry puts entire novels into single songs. "Rachel's Song" gives us chills every time…
"Must be a cold front comin' …I saw the eastbound C & O… The coal cars were dusted with a half-inch of snow… I wrecked the El Camino… Would've been DWI…"
His recent ascerbic take on the sorry state of the working man in the U.S. "Can't Make it Here Anymore," crosses all state lines, be they red or blue. Ray Wylie Hubbard is a Texan who can be softly reflective or rough-and-tumble. His buzz-saw rocker, "Screw You, We're from Texas" takes us all down into the dirt and we're lovin' it. The grit of Ray's albums can be at least partially attributed to producer Gurf Morlix, and well, look… Gurf's here too! In case the testosterone level gets too high, Anais Mitchell will bring her estrogen laser cutter to dissect current affairs. This is gonna be one hell of a party.10th Annual Strawberry Park Cajun/Zydeco Festival June 8 - 11 Strawberry Park Campground 42 Pierce Road, Preston, Conn Phone: (860) 886-1944, Toll-free: (888) 794-7944 www.strawberrypark.net • Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie • Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys • Keith Frank & The Soileau Zydeco Band • Chris Ardoin • The Iguanas • Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble • The Creole Cowboys • Jesse Lege & Bayou Brew • Li'l Anne & Hot Cayenne • Kevin Naquin & The Ossun Playboys • Jamie Bergeron & The Kickin' Cajuns • The Hot Tamale Brass Band The next Strawberry shindig is the 10th Annual Cajun/Zydeco Festival. It boasts Geno Delafose and French Rockin' Boogie, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys and Little Anne and Hot Cayenne. As we recall, Chris Ardoin, also, is no slouch when it comes to setting up a groove. They're ready to mesmerize the dance-floor denizens into a hip-grinding trance. And let's face it, folks… In case you haven't figured it out yet, that's really why we're all here!
Kerrville Folk Festival May 25 - June 11 Quiet Valley Ranch/Kerrville, TX 830/257-3600] www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com • Charlie A'Court • Peter Alsop • Matt Andersen • Asylum Street Spankers • Austin Lounge Lizards • Tom Ball & Kenny Sultan • Thad Beckman • Rick Beresford • Ray Bonneville • Guy Clark • Slaid Cleaves • Dana Cooper • Kevin Danzig • The Dreamsicles • James Durst • Kye Fleming • John Flynn • Sue Foley • Ruthie Foster • Michael Fracasso • Bob Franke • Stefan George • Susan Gibson • Vance Gilbert • Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen • Jon Dee Graham • Groovelily • Nathan Hamilton • Butch Hancock • Bill Hearne Trio • Terri Hendrix • Carolyn Hester • The Hudsons • David Jacobs-Strain • Johnsmith • Billy Jonas • Limeliters • Bob Livingston • Los Texmaniacs • Lucky Tomblin Band • Anais Mitchell • Northern Lights • Pat Pattison • Gary Primich Band • Joel Rafael • Red Dirt Rangers • The Resentments • Slim Richey & Kat's Meow • Don Sanders • Steve Seskin • Darden Smith • SONiA & Disappear Fear • South Austin Jug Band • Amilia K Spicer • Bill Staines • Taxi Chain • Dulcie Taylor • Eric Taylor • Texas FlatLINEers • Trout Fishing in America • Michael Troy • Django Walker • Annie Wenz • Jack Williams • Dar Williams • Beth Wood • Work O' The Weavers • Peter Yarrow & Noel Paul Stookey OK… it's the big one, again. The Kerrville Folk Festival is the biggest singer/songwriter throwdown on the planet. All the fast guns will be drawing their lines in the dirt around the campfire. Guy Clark rubbing elbows with Slaid Cleaves. We like the Taylors, Dulcie and Eric. We see that our old favorite, Vance Gilbert will be there. He'll probably blister a few eardrums with both his vocal range and his stage repartee. Ray Bonneville, a Canadian, has spent a bunch of time in New Orleans, does gritty blues as well as any Southerner, and is another great man with the rack-held harp. Michael Arnone's 17th Annual Crawfish Fest June 3 & 4 SussexCounty Fairgrounds in Augusta ,NJ, www.crawfishfest.com Gates open at 10:30am Music: noon till 6:30 pm Friday Dance Hall June 2 (Limited to camping ticket holders only 6-7:30pm Creole Cowboys / 8-10pm Chris Ardoin New - Kids Stage • Charivari • The Bluerunners • Chris Ardoin • Creole Cowboys • Rebirth Brass Brand • Marcia Ball • The Radiators • Steve Riley and The Mamou Playboys • Funk 'N' Gumbo • The Bluerunners • Papa Mali • Henry Butler & Corey Harris • Little Feat • Corey Harris and 5 x 5 At Michael Arnone's Annual Crawfish Fest, Steve Riley will be paying a visit, so all's right with this corner of the Cajun world. However, things get kicked up a notch when "long, tall" Marcia Ball strides onstage and hammers out some down-home boogie-woogie. Corey Harris was featured in Scorsese's Documentary "The Blues," and was seen exploring its African roots. He's been to Mali and back and it shows in his powerful grasp of the blues' essence. The Clearwater Festival Great Hudson River Revival June 17 & 18
Croton Point Park, Croton-on-Hudson Westchester County, New York www.clearwaterfestival.org Toll Free: 800-67-SLOOP Phone: 845-454-7673 • Pete Seeger • Lucy Kaplansky • Sharon Katz • Guy Davis • Bonga & Vodou Jazz Ensemble • Dan Bern • Holly Near • Black 47 • Jay Mankita • Anais Mitchell • John Gorka • Janis Ian • Bar Scott • Greg Artzner • Kat Mills • Vance Gilbert • Brady Rymer • Tish Hinojosa • Laurie McIntosh • Matt Turk • Andy Revkin • Ruth Ungar
We're expecting The Clearwater Great Hudson River Revival to be rocking this year. Pete Seeger is getting more of the props he deserves and it should bring many new admirers to the festival. Pete was featured in the April 17th New Yorker magazine article "The Protest Singer." The description of his cool poise in the face of the McCarthy witch hunt was eye-opening. Just when we thought we knew all about backbone, we see that there's more to learn. The article tells of his facing down the House on Un-American Activies Committee as well as Klansmen throwing rocks through the windows of his car. Additionally, Bruce Springsteen's new CD and tour for "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions" will be helping more people learn what Pete is about. The Clearwater Festival is a living monument to what he stands for. The average U.S. citizen cannot comprehend standing up to the corporate machine. Every year, activism blossoms at Clearwater in both booth displays and music. It's a feast of education and exhilaration. We are especially excited to see Dan Bern in attendance this year. If there's anyone carrying on Pete's legacy, it's Dan. It's also gratifying to see socially aware old friends Janis Ian, Holly Near and Sharon Katz joining the fray. Old Songs Festival of Traditional Music & Dance June 23, 24 & 25 Altamont Fairgrounds Altamont, NY www.oldsongs.org 518/765-2815 • Peter & Mary Alice Amidon • Annie & the Hedonists • Byrne & Barrett • Michael Cooney • Finest Kind • Beppe Gambetta • Paul Geremia • Greenfield Dance Band • Groovemama • Kim & Reggie Harris • Joe Hickerson • Ivy Vine Players • Alan Jabbour & Ken Perlman • William Jackson & Grainne Hambly • Enoch Kent • Llan de Cubel • Jay Mankita • Matapat • Margaret MacArthur • Debby McClatchy • Brian Peters • The Raisin Pickers string band • Roger the Jester • Peggy Seeger • Shetland's Heritage Fiddlers • David Smukler, David Kaynor • Jody Stecher & Kate Brislin • Téada • Jake Thomas • Karen Tweed • Jane Voss & Hoyle Osborne • Jeff Warner • The Wild Band of Snee • Cris Williamson • Matthew Wojcik • The Zillionaires At Old Songs Festival, we're impressed with the appearance of two brilliant guitarists, Paul Geremia and Beppe Gambetta. Paul is a master of fingerstyle blues, while Beppe is an accomplished flatpicker. Gambetta has joked in years past that he has had dreams of winning every flatpicking contest in Italy, because "I am the only flatpicker in Italy!" We're sure that's not the case, if only for the inspiration he's given his countrymen. Greater New Bedford Summerfest July 1 & 2 New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park New Bedford, Mass. 508/997-5231 www.barrel-of-music.com • Scott Alarik • Greg Anderson & Sara Milonovich • Rani Arbo & daisy mahem • Beaucoup Blue • Howie Bursen • Liz Carlisle • The Cottars • Ronny Cox • Craobh Rua • Joe Crookston • Jeff Davis • Cliff Eberhardt • Bob Franke • John Gorka • Michele Greene • Kim and Reggie Harris • Anne Hills • The Kennedys • Le Vent du Nord • Lori McKenna • Pete Morton • Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams • Mustard's Retreat • Roberts & Barrand • Livingston Taylor • Art Tebbetts • Steve Tilston • Michael Troy • Karen Tweed • April Verch • Sloan Wainwright • Pat Wictor The New Bedford Summerfest also has its share of great pickers. There's fingerstyler Steve Tilston, multi-styled Cliff Eberhardt and slide disciple Pat Wictor. In addition, the father and son team, David and Adrian Mowry of Beaucoup Blue bring their virtuoso double-barrelled attack, employing both resonator and acoustic guitar spanning several genres -- country blues, swing and vintage pop. "Stompin' At The Savoy" and "Rainy Night in Georgia" will never be the same again. We're also thrilled to be seeing Lori McKenna again. She brings a raft of infectious, memorable songs and a voice that's impossible to ignore. It's a good thing that CDs don't wear out grooves. Her "One Kiss Goodnight" would be worn out by now. Mariposa Folk Festival July 7, 8, 9 Tudhope Park/Orillia, Ontario, Canada www.mariposafolk.com 705/329-2333 • Feist • Ron Hynes • Joe Grass • The Audreys • Wendell Ferguson • Spiral Beach • Michael Brennan • Jane Hawley and Andy White • Colin James • Lynn Miles • Al Simmons • Tom Wilson • Stephen Fearing • Danny Michel • Lennie Gallant • The Arrogant Worms • The Marigolds • Autorickshaw • Roxanne Potvin While we're not as familiar with the bulk of the Canadian artists at the Mariposa Festival, we remember the driving force of the Colin James Band and we're jealous of the appearance of Lynn Miles. In a perfect world, Lynn would be appearing at a slew of festivals in the U.S. We notice a few on her tour schedule, but it's nowhere enough for fans of this brilliant, passionate songwriter. Heartache never felt so good. Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival July 13-16 Rothvoss Farm/Ancramdale, NY 888-946-8495 www.greyfoxbluegrass.com • Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder • Del McCoury Band • Steve Earle & The Bluegrass Dukes • The Jerry Douglas Band • Tim O'Brien & Cornbread Nation • Austin Lounge Lizards • Seldom Scene • Tim & Mollie O'Brien • John Cowan, Darrell Scott & Pat Flynn • The Grascals • Danny Paisley & Southern Grass • King Wilkie • Uncle Earl • Crooked Still • Mountain Heart • Abigail Washburn • Railroad Earth • Larry Sparks • The Lovell Sisters • The Stringdusters • Red Stick Ramblers • Chatham County Line • Hot Buttered Rum • Cadillac Sky • Hit and Run Bluegrass Band • Pete Wernick's Bluegrass Jam Campers • Li'l Anne & Hot Cayenne • Girl Howdy • Magnolia • Fiddlestyx • John Kirk & Trish Miller • Jim Christensen • Michelle Kaminsky • Grey Fox Academy for Kids We're excited to see Steve Earle paying a visit to Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival. Steve has demonstrated a command of numerous genres, most noticably on El Corazon. His foray into bluegrass with Del McCoury on The Mountain was audacious. Del's here with his boys, as usual, and everyone's the richer for it. This festival always gets the best… Tim O'Brien, Jerry Douglas, Ricky Skaggs… bluegrass royalty. We're not sure how well known The Red Stick Ramblers are, but after hearing them at Clearwater last year, they're one of our newer favorites. When they get those twin fiddles going, it's breathtaking. Oh, and look… Crooked Still is here! Aoife has one of those classic bluegrass-style voices and we wonder if Rushad's guerilla cello attack blows the minds of the bluegrass audiences the way it does with the folk crowd. There seems to be a rash of "kid" academies at many festivals for the youngsters to learn how to play in an ensemble and then put on a performance and showcase their skills. Grey Fox was the first in the Northeast, that we know of, to provide this feature. Falcon Ridge Folk Festival July 20 - 23 Dodds Farm, Hillsdale, NY. 860 364-0366 www.FalconRidgeFolk.com •Airdance • Buskin & Batteau • Crooked Still • Cheryl Wheeler • Chris & Meredith Thompson • Chris Pureka • Christine Lavin • Dan Bern • David Massengill • disappear fear • Eddie From Ohio • Eliza Gilkyson • Eric Schwartz • Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams • George Marshall with Wild Asparagus • Greg Greenway • Jason Spooner Trio • John Gorka • Kym Tuvim • Lowen & Navarro • Modern Man • Nerissa & Katryna Nields • Nightingale • Shawn Colvin • Susan Werner • Taxi Chain • The Clayfoot Strutters • The Rowan Brothers • Chris & Lorin • Vikki True • Winterpills There will be an activist tinge at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival this year, with both Dan Bern and Eliza Gilkyson making appearances. In trying to raise the awareness of a sleepwalking U.S. citizenry, they gave it their best shot during the 2004 elections; Dan with "Bush Must be Defeated," and Eliza with "Highway 9." Eliza continued with "Man of God" ("That ain't the teachin' of a man of god") on Paradise Hotel. This author is happy to have a chance to see Shawn Colvin again after not catching up to her for a few years. We're sure glad to see Eddie from Ohio back in the groove after illness took lead singer Julie Murphy Wells out of action for a while. We hope that Crooked Still plans to make singer/songwriter heaven, Falcon Ridge a tradition while it continues to conquer the bluegrass world. After all, we believe this is where they got their first big following. Acoustic Live plans to showcase a bunch of artists in front of its booth again this year. Stop by to see some burgeoning talent! 1st Annual Huntington Folk Festival August 12 Hechscher Park, Huntington, NY fmshny.org Free all day festival - workshops, jams, kids stage, etc. Children's music on main stage starts at 1:00pm thru 2:30pm • Janice Buckner • Paul Helou • Mike Soloway Live music continues on main stage 2:30pm thru 5:30pm • Judith Zweiman • Michelle Monte • Steve Chizmadia • Jim Tepe • Martha Trachtenberg & Tom Griffith Workshops start at 1:00pm • Folk dancing • Songwriting • Blues guitar Evening concert: • John Hammond w/ opener • Red Molly Our friends out on Long Island at the Folk Music Society of Huntington have organized the First Annual Huntington Folk Festival. Acoustic Live has been offered a vendor spot and to do some more talent showcasing. John Hammond headlines a slate of local talent, which includes the fast-rising Red Molly, opening for John. We go back to our Fast Folk Cafe days with Judith Zweiman, Mike Soloway and Martha Tractenberg and will be delighted to see them again. 45th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival August 18-19-20 Old Poole Farm Schwenksville, PA www.folkfest.org • Arrogant Worms • Avett Brothers • Boris Garcia • Jackson Browne • The Duhks • Fiddlers' Bid • Gandalf Murphy & Slambovian Circus of Dreams • Dennis Hangey • Terri Hendrix • Horse Flies • Hot Tuna • Huun Huur Tu • Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion • Pipe Line • Joel Rafael • Ribbon of Highway Endless Skyway • The Roches (Terre, Suzzy, & Maggie) • Ronstadt Ramirez Santa Cruz River Band • Gene Shay • David Jacobs- Strain • Annie Wenz Our trek down the Jersey Pike to Philly is always a joyous one. We love the atmosphere at this foreunner to Woodstock. The Philadelphia Folk Festival campground has a 60's feel to it. The decorative themes offer something new every year. We know that a lot of the campers don't even attend the concerts; They just play music and party! However, we're sure that many will come out to hear what fiery message Jackson Browne will bring. Jackson has been adding his voice to the expanding choir of protest singers. It's great to see that the Roches are performing together after a number of years of solo or in partial combinations.We're eager to hear that unique three-part harmony and quirky lyricism. The recently college-graduated David Jacobs-Strain is here to continue to amaze audiences with his youthful yet masterful command of the blues. Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion are here to carry on Sara Lee's father's and grandfather's legacy. 3rd Annual Shelter Valley Folk Festival Sept 1-3 Grafton, Ontario Arne and Tracy Henkle Farm (one hour east of Toronto) www.sheltervalley.com 2006 Performer list unavailable at press time Check festival web site for updates 35th Annual Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival Sept 1-3 Salem County Fair Grounds US 40, Woodstown, New Jersey (7 miles east of Delaware Memorial Bridge) http://www.brandywinefriends.org/dvbgf (302) 475-3454 E-mail: bfotm@dca.net • Del McCoury Band • Riders In The Sky • Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-press • Larry Sparks & The Lonesome Ramblers • Mountain Heart • Marty Raybon & Full Circle • Claire Lynch • Dry Branch Fire Squad • Chris Stuart & Backcountry • Dan Paisley & The Southern Grass • Red Stick Ramblers • Melonie Cannon • Troublesome Creek • Lilly Drumeva • Ivan Sexton & Friends • BanjerDan • Justin Weber (Yo-Yo Champ) • Chris Capehart (Magician) • John & June Gallagher The ubiquitous Del McCoury will make sure that the twang at the Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival also pops and crackles as he rolls through the bluegrass festival route. We didn't notice the Dry Branch Fire Squad listed among the artists at Gray Fox where they're normally a cornerstone, but they're showing up here. It's nice to see the Red Stick Ramblers getting around. Here they are again! 9th Annual Rhythm & Roots Festival Sept 1, 2, 3 Ninigret Park, 4813 Old Post Rd, Rt 1 Charlestown, RI www.rhythmandroots.com 888/855-6940 Fri: 5 pm-midnight, Sat & Sun: noon-midnight • Savoy Family Cajun Band • Dr. John • Los Lobos • Marcia Ball • David Bromberg and The Angel Band • Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys • Spanish Harlem Orchestra • Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas • Tim O'Brien Band • John Jorgenson Band • The Horseflies • James Hunter • Red Stick Ramblers • Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble • Hot Tamale Brass Band • Magnolia • L'il Anne and Hot Cayenne We're happy to take note that since we can't catch James Hunter at Appel Farm, we're going to get a chance to see him here at the 9th Annual Rhythm and Roots Festival. The annual Labor Day weekend party is looking bodacious with Los Lobos coming in to shake things up; also joining the party are aforementioned favorites Tim O'Brien, Marcia Ball, The Red Stick Ramblers and Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys. Dr. John will make sure that the spirit of New Orleans stays alive. It goes wherever he does. We saw David Bromberg twice last year and we're ecstatic to see that his appearance here will continue our lucky streak. 1st Annual Strawberry Folk Music Festival Sept 14 - 17 Strawberry Park, 42 Pierce Road, Preston, CT Tel: (860) 886-1944, Toll-free: (888) 794-7944 www.strawberrypark.net Tickets: By 9/10: $15-$85; After 9/10: $20-$105 Children 13-17: half price; 12 and under: free • Eddie From Ohio • Richie Havens • Asleep at the Wheel • Janis Ian • The Kennedys • Slaid Cleaves • Crooked Still • Jonathan Edwards • Big Bandemonium • April Verch • Lucy Kaplansky …And many more! The First Annual Strawberry Folk Music Fesival is off to a fine running start. Divas Lucy Kaplansky and Janis Ian establish quality from the get-go. Richie Havens and Jonathan Edwards are inspired choices to maintain touch with still-burning fires from years past. Crooked Still is jumping in, making sure they don't leave this stone unturned. Boston Folk Festival Sept 16 & 17 Umass Boston Morrissey Boulevard, South Boston/Dorchester (617) 287- 6911 www.bostonfolkfestival.org Saturday: • Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul • Scott Ainslie • Jake Armerding Band • Liz Carlisle • Chuck Hall • Richie Havens • Tish Hinojosa • Jennifer Kimball • A Phil Ochs Tribute w/ Kim & Reggie Harris, Emma's Revolution (Pat Humphries & Sandy O) and Greg Greenway • Pierce Pettis Sunday: • Bruce Cockburn • Tony Bird • City of Roses • The Cottars • Eliza Gilkyson • The Kennedys • Red Molly • Michael Troy This year's Boston Folk Festival is one we'll not want to miss. Bruce Cockburn sweeps down from Canada to remind us of just how great socially-aware songwriting can get. Tony Bird is in from South Africa to do the same. Eliza Gilkyson makes sure that Austin, Texas doesn't go unrepresented. We almost forgot to mention her support for Cindy Sheehan as she sang at the peace encampment in Crawford, Texas. Scott Ainslie's presence add more fuel to the fire. He does more than sing a great blues song. His songs of protest are among the most eloquent we've heard. "Don't Obey" is a classic. The Phil Ochs Tribute fits in perfectly here on the edge of the Boston Tea soireé. www.freeconcertsnyc.com There are many free festivals in New York City, too numerous to list here, We'd especially like to list the performers at The Roots of American Music during week 4 of the Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival, but the Lincoln Center web site does not have that information this early. To stay informed about the myriad of musical offerings in the New York City area we recommend surfing over to http://www.freeconcertsnyc.com There, you'll be able to link to the sites for Central Park SummerStage, Celebrate Brooklyn, River to River Festival, the aforementioned Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival, and many others. Acoustic Live is figuratively pawing the dirt in its eagerness to get this festival season in gear. We hope to see you out there on the campgrounds. Hey! Move that tarp!