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41ST WASHINGTON FOLK FESTIVALGLEN ECHO PARK, MD ยท JUNE 3rd - 4TH 2023 |
ABOUT WASHINGTON FOLK FESTIVAL 2023 |
We are excited to announce that the Washington Folk Festival is nearly upon us! For more than four decades, this beloved annual event has presented a diverse array of music, myriad styles of dancing, captivating storytellers, and artisans in a marketplace of beautiful crafts — all by people who live in the Washington region. Please note that the offsite parking location has moved to Bethesda - see event details below. You’ll experience a variety of American music styles like bluegrass, honkytonk, blues, swing jazz, old-timey, rockabilly, skiffle, and gospel. From abroad, savor offerings from the British Isles, Mexico, North India, Scandinavia, Afghanistan, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, Paraguay, Spain, the Balkans, and more. Prepare to move with dances including English country, contra, klezmer, bal folk, waltz, tango, Cajun, Middle Eastern, Bulgarian, and swing, with fantastic bands and expert callers who know their stuff. Besides music performances and dance demonstrations, no fewer than 20 storytellers on a dedicated stage will be regaling us with yarns of mischief and adventure, fairy tales, originals, and a joke swap! |
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As usual, there will be several showcases: one telling us about the craft of songwriting, another presenting percussion styles, and another showcasing ballads. There will also be a tribute to Lisa Null, our treasured and much missed Folklore Society pillar, celebrated folk singer, longtime programmer of the festival and board member of FSGW, and beloved partner of Charlie Baum. We will also be honoring Pete Kraemer at this festival, a long-time member of FSGW, talented musician, and an engaging emcee on the Palisades stage for many years. Both Lisa and Peter left us too soon. Bring the whole family! Besides the playground and historic Dentzel Carousel, everyone can revel in the picnic area jam sessions, indulge in ice cream treats, and enjoy the food and beverages provided by the Praline Bakery. They can also meet the artists-in-residence around the park. Watch out for the Morris Dancers, who will be performing spontaneously on the walkways! The festival is presented by the Folklore Society of Greater Washington; the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, in cooperation with the National Park Service; and with support from the Richmond Folk Festival, donors, and volunteers. WOWD-LP Takoma Park Radio is the official media sponsor of the Washington Folk Festival 2023. Learn more about the festival and this year's artists! |
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PERFORMING ARTISTS at a glance |
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Check back here for the release of the complete 2023 schedule, coming soon! |
EVENT DETAILS |
... we welcome donations! | WHERE: Glen Echo Park, MD More info on directions and parking here WHEN: June 3rd - 4th, 12 PM - 7:00 PM FOOD: Provided by Praline Bakery ACCESSIBILITY: All venues are accessible PARKING: Parking on-site is limited, so please take advantage of the festival shuttle from the free satellite parking at the Waverly parking lot located at 7400 Waverly Street, Bethesda, MD 20814, one block from the Bethesda Metro station on the Red Line. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS YEARS. Shuttle busses will run from 8am to 8pm. |
GET INVOLVED |
We need volunteers! This is an all-volunteer event: everyone, including the performers, planners, technicians, and sound engineers, EVERYONE donates their services. We Need You! Let us know of your talents and we will find a place for you. Help is needed the month prior and during the festival. Fill out the application on the left, or email wffvolunteers@fsgw.org. |
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