Looking forward to seeing you today at this sold out event!
As a courtesy to the restaurant, if you discover you can no longer attend, please let us know by email to treasurer@fsgw.org. There is no longer a wait list.
There will be a cash bar, but everything else - food, soft drinks, and tip - are included.
COME JOIN US TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE AND CAREER OF MARY CLIFF!
As a voice on radio, as a promoter of traditional music, as a long-time President of the Folklore Society of Greater Washington, and as a founding member of the international Folk Alliance, MARY CLIFF has been an unmatched leader of the folk community, not only in the Washington D.C. area, but nationally. In short, no one has contributed more to promoting folk music in the DMV than Mary Cliff.
This event is co-sponsored by FSGW and the World Folk Music Association
Mary’s career dates back to the 1960s when she met DJ DICK CERRI at Georgetown’s Cellar Door and soon after became his assistant. Mary soon moved from assisting radio programming to become an on-air presence. After stints at WAVA and pre-progressive WHFS, Mary moved to WETA-FM shortly its founding in 1970. Assigned to its folk music show in 1973, her radio show, “Traditions,” became a staple of public radio, and usually introduced or followed the nationally syndicated “Prairie Home Companion.” When WETA adopted an all-classical format, both these shows found a new home on WAMU-FM. When Mary left WAMU-FM, she became a volunteer on the air at Arlington Community Radio, WERA-LP.
Mary promoted folk music -“and things you can see from here” - by playing music on “Traditions.” In so doing, she helped discover and promote many performers who went on to great things, including MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER, EMMYLOU HARRIS, NANCY GRIFFITH, GARNET ROGERS, MAGPIE, MARY BLACK, and many, many others. And she also championed local performers through ”Who’s Where,” her bulletin board on “Traditions,” which alerted listeners to performers and venues that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.
Mary also lent her skills to the FSGW, first as a Board member, and later as President. Her calm demeanor shepherded the Board through many contentious issues. And the respect she had earned in the Washington community opened doors for the FSGW and the performers it sponsored. And every year, she emceed the program at the Cuddle Up stage at the FSGW Folk Festival.
In addition, Mary played an important role behind the scenes in the Smithsonian’s annual Festival of American Folklife. Recognizing an unfulfilled need, with the help of volunteers, every evening Mary organized food, drink, and hospitality for the performers appearing at the festival and the staff. In so doing, Mary strengthened the bonds between performers and the festival and helped them create bonds with each other.
Join us on Sunday, September 15 at 1:00 P.M. at Ireland’s Four Provinces, located at 105 Broad Street in Falls Church, Virginia, to celebrate Mary’s life and career. You must register by Wednesday, September 4. Some of Mary’s friends and admirers will talk about that life. And several of Mary’s favorite performers will lend their talents, too. You can expect great food at “The 4 P’s” in a 3-course lunch with multiple choices (including vegetarian). While there will be a cash bar, everything else - food, soft drinks, and tip - will be included in the $50 ticket price. It will be a great afternoon, not soon to be forgotten.
