Quick Q & A with Annie Sumi
Annie Sumi is an ethereal folk artist from Canada, whose intimate and expansive music invites listeners into a familiar otherworld. Inspired by the mirrored relationship between physical and emotional landscapes, the young, Ontario-based singer-songwriter’s music speaks of human experience through the language of the senses. She has toured across Canada, parts of the U.S. and Europe, and released three albums since 2015. Kathy Sands-Boehmer, chief innovator and merry-maker at Harbortown Music, recently asked Annie Sumi some questions about her music -- including her latest recording, Solastagia, which was released last fall.
[Click on the headline to read the Q & A.] Annie Sumi (Photo: Jake Jacobson)
Reba Heyman Tribute Concert & Livestream Set for March 19
Fourteen artists/acts will help celebrate the life and legacy of Reba Heyman, a stalwart supporter of the folk music community who was widely viewed as a ‘folk angel’ or ‘folk mom,’ on Saturday, March 19, 2022. Co-sponsored by Focus Music, Uptown Concerts, World Folk Music Association (WFMA), Songwriters’ Association of Washington (SAW), and Institute of Musical Traditions, the concert takes place at the Olney Theatre in Olney, Maryland and will also be live streamed.
[Click on the headline to continue reading this article, which includes reflections from several of the participating artists.]
Applications Open for IBMA World of Bluegrass
Artists interested in showcasing their talents during the 2022 IBMA World of Bluegrass that is slated for September 27-October 1 in Raleigh, North Carolina can now submit applications. Proposals for business conference sessions from artists, educators and industry professionals are also now being accepted, while conference registration opens in April.
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FAI Folk Radio Charts – January 2022
Singer-Songwriter Janis Ian had the #1 album (Light at the End of the Line), four of the top 10 songs, and was the most-played artist on folk radio during January 2022. Buffalo Rose, a modern folk-Americana ensemble, joined by Tom Paxton, had the month’s most-played song (Paxton’s “I Give You the Morning”). So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio.
[Click on the headline to continue reading the article and to view the monthly charts that are posted with permission.]
Virtual Winterfolk Blues & Roots Festival Set for Feb. 18-20
Winterfolk, Toronto, Ontario’s annual blues and roots festival, will be streamed online, February 18-20, 2022 from 7-10 p.m. EST all three nights. As was the case last year, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted festival organizers to pivot to an online event. The scaled-back virtual edition of the popular festival, now in its 20th year, will feature primarily Canadian artists.
[Click on the headline to continue reading this article, which includes comments from several of the free festival's featured artists.]
Mike P. Ryan Wins 38th Mid-Atlantic Song Contest
Mike P. Ryan has been named the grand prize winner of the 38th annual Mid-Atlantic Song Contest presented by the Songwriters’ Association of Washington. The Clifton, Virginia-based contemporary folk-Americana singer-songwriter was recognized for his song “Between Heaven and the Ground,” which was also the first place (Gold) winner in the contest’s Folk-Acoustic category.
[Click on the headline to continue reading this article, which includes extensive comments from Ryan and a link to hear his winning song.]
Entries Sought in Performing Songwriter Contests
Several performing songwriter competitions are currently accepting entries. Although the Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest, Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Competition, and Songwriter Serenade take place in Texas, they are not solely for songwriters based in the Lone Star State.
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Virtual Tribute to Bill Staines Premieres February 6
The Woodstock Folk Festival will present a virtual tribute to Bill Staines, the revered New Hampshire-based traveling troubadour and prolific songwriter, on what would have been his 75th birthday -- Sunday, February 6, 2022 at 1 p.m. CST/2 p.m. EST via the festival’s website (woodstockfolkfestival.org). Featuring words and music in pre-recorded performances of his songs, the tribute will also be available to view on demand after the premiere.
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Norma Waterson, British Folksinger, 1939-2022
Norma Waterson, a leading voice in British folk music, died January 30, 2022 at age 82. Waterson -- who performed and recorded with her siblings Mike and Lal, her husband Martin Carthy, and their daughter Eliza Carthy -- had recently been hospitalized with pneumonia.
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Tony Barrand, 1945-2022
Tony Barrand, a traditional folk and sea chantey singer, folklorist, and Morris & clog dancer died on January 29, 2022. Barrand, 76, was half of the musical duo Roberts and Barrand, and also performed and recorded with Nowell Sing We Clear. Folk Music Notebook will honor his life and work today (January 30).
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St. Brigid’s Day Concert Livestreams on Feb. 1
A wide array of female Irish musicians will participate in a free, online St. Brigid’s Day Concert on February 1, 2022 at 8 p.m. EST, in celebration of the Irish patron saint and Celtic goddess. Presented by the Association of Irish & Celtic Festivals, with support from the Embassy and Consulates of Ireland in the U.S., the concert will be co-hosted by noted artists Eileen Ivers and Joanie Madden.
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