Folk music is a type of musical expression that draws upon traditional forms and patterns of communication, transmission, and performance. Its primary traits include being predominantly oral, socially engaged, and participatory in nature.
Folk music is a diverse genre that exists both within communities and countries, often sounding more similar to popular music than art music or more sophisticated pieces created by an elite few in cities, courts or urbanized cultures. While folk music can range widely from person to person, its musical traditions tend to remain consistent over time.
Lee Boys
The Lee Boys from Perrine, Florida are one of the premier sacred steel ensembles on the circuit. They draw inspiration from an obscure African American gospel music tradition that includes lap and pedal steel guitars played with a bar or slide called a “steel.”
This captivating style of music fuses gospel, soul, rhythm and blues, jazz, rock and funk. They have won over audiences around the world and can be an excellent fit for any event that incorporates spiritual music.
They have performed at many major festivals such as New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Memphis in May, Bonnaroo and High Sierra. Their ability to blend multiple genres is their forte – combining folk, soul, funk, blues and Gospel into upbeat steel guitar-led performances that encourage both secular and sacred revelry.
Their musical influences range from Bob Dylan and Ray Charles, to Gram Parsons, The Grateful Dead, Los Lobos, Michelle Shocked, Gov’t Mule and Derek Trucks Band with Susan Tedeschi. Additionally they’ve toured with Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Toubab Krewe and Victor Wooten.
These Florida musicians have had a profound effect on the folk music scene in Jacksonville. Their songs reflect both their individual experiences and Florida’s vibrant heritage of culture, art and nature.
Their songs have been inspired by artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Elvis Presley while also paying homage to Florida’s diverse cultural offerings: from swamp music in Deep South Florida to juke joint blues along Tampa Bay’s shoreline and country and western music from throughout the Sunshine State.
As the Lee Boys have matured, their music has developed to reflect their current age. With added guitars and basses as well as an expanded selection of instruments and vocal styles, the Lee Boys now reflect a timeless aesthetic.
In addition to their original material, The Lee Boys perform classic gospel and country tunes that will have you tapping your feet and singing along. They have earned a reputation for being one of the most entertaining bands on stage, always creating an enjoyable experience for their audience members.
Firewater Tent Revival
The Firewater Tent Revival are an old punk rock band gone rogue that plays music that defies classification. Not quite Bluegrass, Punk Rock or Folk, this high energy string band will have you on the dance floor in no time with their toe tapping melody and infectious solos.
They began in Mayport, Florida a small fishing village outside of Jacksonville and have since become a regular feature at live venues throughout Jacksonville including Fly’s Tie Irish Pub and Bold City Brewery. With powerful performances of Americana-inspired covers that span across genres and several infectious original songs that make you want to dance, this band has quickly made its way to the top of Jacksonville’s list for best live shows. Experience a true throwback to simpler times at the Official Billy Strings Afterparty w/ Firewater Tent Revival at James Weldon Johnson Park this Saturday, June 19 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. This event includes live music performances by Ft Pierce’s Uproot Hootenanny, Cain’t Never Could, and The Firewater Tent Revival from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Tory Voodoo
Tory Voodoo Band is one of Jacksonville’s newest and oldest bands, founded in 1992 and still going strong. Front man Lee Hunter and guitarist Arvid Smith have had great success so far with two well-received albums released to date. The group is renowned for their energetic performances, which always generate a lot of hype when they take the stage. It’s no wonder why they have become such a hit in San Marco’s club scene; they frequently headline shows at Jack Rabbits San Marco. Additionally, the band was recently honored with a citywide prize at the Musicians of Orange County awards ceremony. This recognition is an honour and acknowledges their contributions to Jacksonville’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Tom Shed
Tom Shed is a Florida-based folk musician renowned for writing songs that explore history, humor and the human condition. For over 35 years he has performed at venues across North America, Canada, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand.
Shed’s musical style draws on influences such as country, bluegrass, folk and even rock music; however his lyrics and stories make his songs stand out from the competition. He has toured extensively with performances at major folk festivals across America and received significant commercial and public radio airplay throughout the US.
Shed has performed at numerous festivals and events throughout Florida, such as the Florida Folk Festival, Gamble Rogers, Will McLean and Ravine Gardens; plus numerous concerts and private engagements. With a passion for Florida folk music culture and its legacy, Shed strives to share it with audiences both inside and outside of Florida.
This Memorial Day weekend, the 61st Florida Folk Festival takes place at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs. It offers an array of performances, dances, storytelling, crafts and food – perfect for kids to participate in activities while meeting their favorite performers!
Tom Shed has been a staple at the Florida Folk Festival for years and will be performing four times this year. A guitarist, banjo player and mandolinist by trade, his talents have taken him around the globe. On Friday at 8 p.m. he’ll present his concert “History, Humor & the Human Condition,” an exploration into history, humor and human condition through performance art.
His show will place a strong focus on Florida and its natural resources, as well as protecting the water in this state – something which Shed is passionate about. Additionally, Shed’s songs are inspired by true stories and experiences.
Shed will be performing at the Thomas Center on Friday, May 24th at 8pm for $10 tickets.
He will be promoting the Florida Folk Festival with a regional tour that takes him all over Florida over the next few weeks. He’ll visit schools and libraries as well as be featured on TV. With years of experience playing and working with Florida folk musicians such as Don Grooms, Shed has performed alongside Gabe Valla and Ray Valla, among others.