Author Archive

FAI Folk Radio Charts – July 2021

Diana Jones, an American singer-songwriter, had the top album (Song to a Refugee) and was the most-played artist on folk radio during July 2021, while Canadian singer-songwriter Murray McLaughlin’s “Pandemic Blues” was the month’s most-played song. 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 this article and view the monthly charts that are posted on AcousticMusicScene.com with permission.]

2021 Celtic Roots Virtual Festival Streams Online, Aug. 6 & 7

For more than a quarter of a century, lovers of Celtic music, crafts and culture have gathered each August at a park along the shores of Lake Huron in Goderich, Ontario for the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival. Like a number of other music festivals forced to cancel or postpone over the past 17 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival’s organizers have arranged an online festival in its place. Featuring pre-recorded musical performances and live hosts, the 2021 Celtic Roots Virtual Festival will stream on Friday, August 6 from 7-11 p.m. EDT and on Saturday, August 7, from 1-5 p.m. EDT. [Click on the headline to continue reading about this virtual festival and a few workshops that precede it.]

Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Goes Hybrid for a Day – July 31

After going completely virtual last year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival has adopted a hybrid model for its 33rd year and will be considerably shorter than in previous years. A one-day only festival with full pandemic precautions and both socially distanced in-person and livestream options is set for Saturday, July 31, 2021 at the Goshen Fairgrounds in Goshen, Connecticut. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]

IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards Nominees Named

Nominees for the 32nd Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards were announced July 20 in Nashville, Tennessee. In the running for the coveted Entertainer of the Year award are Balsam Range, Billy Strings, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Del McCoury Band, and The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys. McCoury and Lawson are Bluegrass Hall of Fame members, while McCoury and Balsam Range are past winners of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s top award. [Click on the headline to continue to read this article and view the complete list of nominees, as well as this year's inductees into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Distinguished Achievement Award recipients.]

Huntington Folk Festival Set for July 17, 2021

Long Island-based Americana band Quarter Horse headlines the 15th annual Huntington Folk Festival on Saturday, July 17, at Heckscher Park, located off Main Street (Route 25A) and Prime Avenue, in Huntington, New York. Opening for the group on the park’s [Harry] Chapin Rainbow Stage at 8 p.m. that evening will be The Honey Dewdrops, a husband-and-wife Americana duo. Extending from 1-10 p.m EDT., with a dinner break from 6-7:30 p.m., the free event is co-presented by the Folk Music Society of Huntington and the Huntington Arts Council as part of the 56th Huntington Summer Arts Festival. The evening concert will also be livestreamed. [Click on the headline to continue reading this festival preview and to view the complete schedule.]

FAI Folk Radio Charts – June 2021

Multi-instrumentalists Mark Schatz and Bryan McDowell had the top album (Grit & Polish) and were the most-played artists on folk radio during June 2021, while singer-songwriter Jackson Browne’s “My Cleveland Heart” was the month’s most-played song. 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 this article and to view the top albums, songs and albums charts that are posted with permission.]

Byron Berline, Acclaimed Fiddler, 1944-2021

Byron Berline, a three-time national fiddle champion and a leading figure on the contemporary bluegrass music scene, died July 10, 2021 – just a few days after turning 77. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article that also includes video links.]

Long Island Artists Pay Tribute to Harry Chapin in Concert to be Streamed on July 12, 2021

Nearly three dozen of Long Island’s top musicians and songwriters will take to the stage at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, New York to perform the music of Harry Chapin, the late Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and social activist who lived in Huntington with his family, on Monday night, July 12 at 8 p.m. EDT. The concert will also be streamed on the ‘Just Wild About Harry’ (The Harry Chapin Tribute Show) Facebook page and available for later viewing. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]

Virtual Old Songs Festival Set for June 25-27

Old Songs, a three-day festival celebrating traditional music and dance, is usually held at the Altamont Fairgrounds in upstate New York on the last weekend in June. However, it is going virtual for a second consecutive year. Set for Friday-Sunday, June 25-27, the 2021 Virtual Old Songs Festival will feature more than 90 online concerts, workshops, dances, family events, and learn hows. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]

Folk Community Mourns the Passing of Two Stalwarts: Clark Weissman and Reba Heyman

Last week, the folk community lost two seminal figures: Clark Weissman, co-founder of Folk Alliance International (along with his late wife Elaine, 2005), and Reba Heyman, an omnipresent supporter (along with her late husband Vic, 2009). Aengus Finnan, executive director of Folk Alliance International, remembers them and reflects on their contributions. [Click on the headline to read this remembrance piece.]

Clearwater’s Virtual Great Hudson River Revival Streams June 19

For a second consecutive year, Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival, a festival celebrating environmental activism and education, traditionally held over the Father’s Day weekend won’t be taking place at Croton Point Park in Croton-On-Hudson in New York’s Hudson Valley due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, you can enjoy music by many talented artists from the comfort of your own home on Saturday, June 19, 2021 when Clearwater presents the Great Hudson River Revival Livestream. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article and to view the complete festival schedule.]
Winners Named in 2021 Kerrville New Folk Competition

Winners Named in 2021 Kerrville New Folk Competition

Six singer-songwriters were named as winners in the 2021 Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Competition for Emerging Songwriters during the Kerrville Folk Festival’s Virtual Celebration on May 29. They were chosen by a panel of judges from among 24 finalists who performed two songs each during the New Folk Concerts that streamed online May 22 and 23 on the festival’s website, Facebook page and YouTube channel. [To continue reading this short article and see the names of the winners, click on the headline.]