Singer-Songwriter Jim Post, 1939-2022
Jim Post, a singer-songwriter who was a fixture on the folk music scene in Chicago for more than 50 years, died on September 14, 2022 following a long illness.
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FARM, SWRFA Select Official Showcase Artists
Folk Alliance Region Midwest (FARM) and Southwest Regional Folk Alliance (SWRFA), two regional affiliates of Folk Alliance International, have selected artists/acts to participate in juried official showcases during their respective annual conferences this fall. Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) will do so in August.
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Michael Cleveland Named NEA National Heritage Fellow
Virtuosic, Grammy Award-winning fiddler Michael Cleveland is among the recipients of 2022 NEA National Heritage Fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts. Created in 1982, the one-time only fellowships are presented annually to nine-13 individuals (“national living treasures”) in recognition of lifetime achievement, artistic excellence and contributions to the United States’ cultural heritage. The fellowships are the nation’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts.
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Paul Siebel, Singer-Songwriter, 1937-2022
Paul Siebel, a folk-country singer-songwriter whose songs have been covered by a number of better-known artists, died on April 5, 2022. He was 84.
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Grammy Award Winners Named in American Roots Music Field
Winners in the 64th annual Grammy Awards’ American Roots Music Field were recognized during a premiere ceremony that took place prior to the Recording Academy’s televised awards show on Sunday, April 3, 2022 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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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.]
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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J.D. Crowe, Pioneering Bluegrass Banjo Player, 1937-2021
J.D. Crowe, an influential and visionary bluegrass banjo player, who plied his craft for more than 60 years, died on Dec. 24. The Lexington, Kentucky native and Grammy Award-winning artist was 84.
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In Memoriam: Scott Alarik, Bill Staines & Joe Virga
Scott Alarik, Bill Staines and Joe Virga — each of whom made important contributions to the folk music community in the U.S. — passed away in early December 2021 and will be greatly missed. Ethan Baird, executive director of Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA), pays tribute to them below.
[Click on the headline to read Ethan's reflections and an extended editor's note with more information about Scott, Bill and Joe -- along with video links.]
Grammy Nominees Named in American Roots Music Field
Nominees in 86 categories have been named for the 64th annual Grammy Awards to be presented by the Recording Academy on Monday, January 31, 2022. Allison Russell leads the nominees in the American Roots Music Field with three nominations, while Jon Batiste, Béla Fleck, Rhiannon Giddens, Billy Strings, and Yola each received two.
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Music Festival Impresario George Wein, 1925-2021
Music festival impresario George Wein, founder of the Newport Folk & Jazz Festivals and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, died September 13 in his New York City apartment. The noted pianist, producer and promoter was 95.
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Remembering Nanci Griffith, 1953-2021
Nanci Griffith, a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, whose music straddled the line between folk and country, died on August 13, 2021 at age 68.
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