Author Archive

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.]
FAI Folk Radio Charts - April 2021

FAI Folk Radio Charts – April 2021

Peggy Seeger was the most-played artist and had the top album (First Farewell) on folk radio during April 2021, edging out Reggie Harris in both categories. Darryl Purpose’s rendition of Dave Carter’s “Gentle Arms of Eden” 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. [The monthly top albums, songs and artists charts are posted on AcousticMusic Scene.com with permission. Click on the headline to view them.]
SERFA Hosts a Virtual Gathering, May 20-22

SERFA Hosts a Virtual Gathering, May 20-22

Although health and safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic prevent the Southeast Regional Folk Alliance from holding its annual in-person conference this spring, it has slated SERFA In Session: A Virtual Gathering in its place, May 20-22, 2021. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]

IBMA Names a New Executive Director

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has selected Pat Morris as its new executive director. Morris succeeds Paul Schiminger, who is retiring after nearly six years at the helm of the Nashville, Tennessee-based nonprofit professional music organization that connects, educates and empowers bluegrass professionals and enthusiasts, honoring tradition and encouraging innovation in the bluegrass community worldwide. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]

Kerrville Folk Festival Virtual Celebration Set; 24 New Folk Finalists Named

Although the annual 18-day-long Kerrville Folk Festival won’t be taking place in late May-June 2021 on the Quiet Valley Ranch in the Texas Hill Country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a KFF Virtual Celebration is set to stream live from there on Saturday, May 29. Meanwhile, 24 songwriters have been named as finalists in the 2021 Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Competition for Emerging Songwriters and will showcase their talents online during Finalist Concerts beginning at 7 p.m. CT, May 22 and 23. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]

Chris Austin Songwriting Contest Opens for Entries

Submissions are now being sought in the 29th annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. Hosted by MerleFest, the contest affords aspiring writers an opportunity to have their original songs heard and judged by a volunteer panel of Nashville music industry professionals chaired by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Jim Lauderdale. [Click on the headline to continue reading this article.]