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| 24th Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, July 27-29 In Hillsdale NY Since its birth in 1988, this New England gathering has grown from a regional summertime celebration to a Mecca for the folk community. From the beginning, the fest had a life of its own, not JUST an event but a state of mind one could return to again and again. Campers and day-trippers alike come together for this once a year recharging of the psyche's batteries on the Dodds Farm in Hillsdale, NY this July 27, 28 and 29. The fest community was shaped around the music, though in recent years many attend solely for the exquisite international food, others for the equally international juried crafts or to dance the day & night away on the largest outdoor floor of its kind. There is something for everyone, be it food expo, craft fair, dance-a-thon or family event. Each of the 4 stages is a micro universe, the campgrounds another world altogether. Throngs of youngsters populate the Activities 4 Kids Tent, late night song circles abound and the never idle dance floor starts with wake up yoga and goes until 2AM Friday and Saturday. Consumables to satisfy every palate line the midway, from vegan curries to Thai noodles, portobello wraps & spinach-feta quesadillas to freshly cut, fried potato chips. Fruit smoothies, chocolate confections and hand-roasted coffees are very popular as is clothing, fabrics, jewelry, literature, toys, pottery, hand blown glass, musical instruments, herbals and other wares, much of it either handmade or fair trade, emphasis on eco-friendly. 2012 musical highlights include 70's folk luminary and activist Holly Near, a 2005 Nobel Peace prize nominee and one of the first women to create an indie record label. Fest faves the Grand Slambovians, Clayfoot Strutters, Eddie From Ohio, Girlyman and Tracy Grammer return. Newcomers, Jubal's Kin bring their "Appalachia-infused Cosmic Americana" embracing both a strong roots tradition and fresh indie folk perspective. Greenwich Village folk legend Rod MacDonald makes his FRFF debut. Celebrating their 40th year in music, Aztec Two-Step, oft described as the bridge between the Beat Generation and the Summer of Love, close out main stage Sunday evening at 5PM. Performers run the gamut from Cajun to Celtic to Folk-Rock, Blues, Bluegrass & Swing with the fest's trademark singer/songwriters and Contra dance bands at the center. Artists from Virginia, Montana, North Carolina, Atlanta and closer to home are featured. Kids of all ages are welcome at the fun filled Family Stage. Workshops include The Blues is Still the News, Sweet Harmony and Rolling In the Aisles. All 3 day with & without camping and single day tickets are available. Admission is free for kids 12 and under plus discounts for seniors, students and teens. Falcon Ridge is handicap accessible and ASL-interpreted. write your comments about the article :: © 2012 Jazz News :: home page |