Remembering Jean Ritchie, 1922-2015
Jean Ritchie, the Kentucky-born folksinger, songwriter and song collector who helped to popularize hundreds of traditional Appalachian ballads and spur the so-called folk revival of the mid-20th century in the U.S., died June 1, 2015 at her home in Berea, KY. Ritchie, 92, was surrounded by members of her family, who sang at her bedside during her last hours.
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Folk Alliance International Hosts Conference, Releases White Paper on Copyright & Royalties
Folk Alliance International (FAI) has released a white paper entitled Understanding Copyright, Royalties and Practical Applications in Folk Music. Prepared by the FAI board of directors’ advocacy committee and staff, and aimed at helping to foster understanding of this complex issue among the nonprofit organization’s membership, the paper will be presented on Friday, February 20, during the 27th Annual International Folk Alliance Conference in Kansas City, Missouri.
To continue reading this article -- which also includes a preview of the conference, winter music camp and music fair -- click on the headline.
50 Years with Peter, Paul and Mary Airs on PBS
Peter, Paul and Mary’s music and social activism helped to shape a generation. Through the years, the seminal folk trio has touched the hearts and consciences of millions of people worldwide, won five Grammy Awards, received eight gold and five platinum records, had 13 top 40 hits, and been the subject of five PBS documentaries. A new one entitled 50 Years with Peter, Paul and Mary has begun airing on PBS television stations throughout the U.S.
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AcousticMusicScene.com Hosts Song Swaps at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival
AcousticMusicScene.com hosts a series of late-night song swaps during the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, July 31-August 3, in partnership with Pirate Camp, which was informally launched by Stuart Kabak and the late Jack Hardy more than a decade ago to provide a warm and welcoming haven for sharing music, food and camaraderie.
[To continue reading this festival preview and see the schedule for the AcousticMusicScene.com tent, click on the headline.]
Quick Q & A with Mark Erelli
Mark Erelli is a New England-based singer-songwriter who has been a winner in both the Kerrville New Folk Competition and the International Songwriting Competition. He’s played venues ranging from intimate coffeehouses and house concerts to the main stage at the Newport Folk Festival. As a multi-instrumentalist sideman, he has accompanied such artists as Paula Cole, Mary Gauthier, Lori McKenna and Josh Ritter. Kathy Sands-Boehmer posed some questions to him recently.
[To read Kathy's Quick Q & A with Mark Erelli, click on the headline.]
Q & A with Susan Werner
Susan Werner has never been one to adhere to just one musical style. A gifted singer-songwriter, who accompanies herself on both guitar and piano, she is known for her musical versatility and for her witty repartee during live performances. The Iowa native, who now calls Chicago home, has been delighting concert and festival audiences for two decades. Kathy Sands-Boehmer recently spoke with the classically-trained artist about her latest CD, Hayseed, and more.
[To read Kathy's Quick Q & A with Susan Werner, click on the headline.]
Jesse Winchester, 1944-2014
Singer-songwriter Jesse Winchester lost his battle with cancer on April 11, 2014, just over a month shy of his 70th birthday. He died at his home in Charlottesville, Virginia. A songwriter’s songwriter, Jesse Winchester was revered and widely covered by other artists.
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Q & A with Dan Navarro
Singer-songwriter Dan Navarro spent more than 20 years as part of the acclaimed acoustic duo Lowen and Navarro; has penned songs covered by other notable artists (including the Grammy-nominated “We Belong” as sung by Pat Benatar); has been a singer and voice actor in numerous movies, television series and commercials; and is an ardent champion of songwriters’ and performers’ rights. Since the 2009 retirement of his late musical partner Eric Lowen, he’s been touring widely as a solo artist. Kathy Sands-Boehmer spoke with Navarro recently. To read her Q & A with him, click on the headline.
Q & A with Nerissa and Katryna Nields
Nerissa and Katryna Nields have been making, performing and recording their special brand of music and quirky and emotive songs for more than two decades. Kathy Sands-Boehmer recently spoke with them about their latest album, The Full Catastrophe, and more.
[To read Kathy’s Q & A with the sisters, click on the headline.]
Everything’s Up to “Folk” in Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri may be better known for jazz, blues, barbecue chefs and the football Chiefs. However, more than 2,000 people are expected to converge on this midwestern U.S. metropolis Feb. 19-23, 2014, for the 26th Annual International Folk Alliance Conference and a new Winter Music Camp that will run concurrently with it.
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Nickel Creek Reunites, Sets Spring Tour
Nickel Creek, the popular progressive acoustic trio that went on a self-described “indefinite hiatus” in 2007, is reuniting. To mark its 25th anniversary, the Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum-selling band will embark on a U.S. tour this spring and summer and is at work on a new album.
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Reflecting on Pete Seeger, 1919-2014
Pete Seeger, the inspirational American folk music icon, political activist, environmentalist and humanitarian, whose songs helped provide a musical backdrop for many of the historical movements of the past 50-plus years, died on Jan.. 27. He was 94 and had been preceded in death last year by his wife and soulmate of nearly 70 years, Toshi.
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