Folk music has increasingly become accessible over time, as evidenced by two Broadway musicals featuring folk traditions as well as Coen Brothers’ 2013 film “Inside Llewyn Davis.”
Kansas City is home to an exceptional folk musician community; some have become nationally-acclaimed performers while others have played alongside well-known rock artists.
1. The Vanguard
The Vanguard Folk Music Club in downtown Kansas City has seen some of the greatest musical acts ever. In particular, during the 1980s local folk rock acts such as The Pedaljets, Season to Risk, Arthur Dodge & Horsefeathers & Grass Roots performed alongside out-of-state acts like Neil Young / Dinosaur Jr / Nirvana among others.
Folk, alternative and punk musicians typically incorporate political lyrics with danceable beats in their music. Some protest songs focus on war or racial injustice while others address environmental damage, corporate greed or the loss of traditional cultures.
Folk music fans frequently argue over what constitutes “folk.” Some consider any kind of music that tells a tale from human experience to be folk; other think it primarily refers to traditional American folk styles; while purists believe only true folk is a cappella and acoustic with lyrics that resonate emotionally.
Folk music is an eclectic form that owes much of its identity to migrations; its roots lie in America but are shaped by influences from many other countries, languages, and traditions. A more expansive definition of folk would include bluegrass, gospel music, protest songs/anthems/cowboy tunes/Irish songs/shanties – among many other genres – as well as sea shanties.
Kansas City’s music reflects its diverse inhabitants. There is an array of musical venues, university programs (such as UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance) and music education programs that cater to its inhabitants – not to mention an active music scene that draws upon all these resources. Kansas City also plays host to an annual Folk Alliance International conference. Laura Spencer interviewed local musicians Connie Dover and Gerald Trimble ahead of this year’s conference; they discussed why folk music remains relevant today and their experience as members of Kansas City’s folk community.
2. The Brick
Recent years have seen several high-profile folk musicians in New York. Connie Dover and Gerald Trimble both achieved international recording artist success; Oscar Isaac made his mark as an iconic Greenwich Village folk singer Dave Van Ronk by portraying him in “Inside Llewyn Davis”, featuring by Coen brothers’ film of 2013. However, folk music remains widely perceived as niche with many genre-specific clubs and venues disinviting its practitioners.
The Brick at 1727 McGee Street remains one of the few remaining venues where folk musicians can be heard live. Its long-running Monday dinnertime residency, Rural Grit, has helped build up a vibrant local folk scene and was instrumental in bringing Folk Alliance International conference to town. Furthermore, The Brick has played host to various musicians ranging from hobbyists to those with international reputations.
This year’s FAI event offers a diverse showcase roster from artists worldwide. One standout act is Australian singer-songwriter Mikhail Laxton, known for blending soulful folk music with electronica, hip hop, and rock sounds. Other must-see acts include Nat Myers’ gristly blues which is timeless yet deeply emotional; as well as Betse Ellis who strives to explore all possible avenues within folk formats.
Old Sound is a veteran trio from North Carolina combining acoustic compositions with imagery-filled lyrics and inviting three-part harmonies, seamlessly transitioning between lighthearted and gut-wrenching songs for audiences of any kind. New Hampshire duo Good Morning Bedlam don’t shy away from getting heavy and raw; their performance combines both acoustic instruments and electric guitars for an impactful and emotional performance.
3. The Folklore Center
Kansas City has long been known as a mecca for jazz lovers, yet also enjoys celebrating folk music. Last week thousands of musicians converged at Crown Center for the world’s largest folk music conference and shared a sampling of their musical offerings as well as personal tales behind each piece they performed. Here’s a sampler of their music!
Folk Alliance International brings musicians and fans together for five days of concerts, workshops and networking events that make up this year’s conference. According to organizers, it is the “largest gathering of folk music industry and community.” KCUR’s Hannah Copeland interviewed local musician Bob Trimble about FAI; Bob plays viola de gamba with Jambaroque and has performed at previous FAI events.
Izzy Young established the Folklore Center in 1957. This store quickly became a central point for Greenwich Village folk music culture during this era; Bob Dylan spent much of his time there listening to records and perusing books.
The Folklore Center is a research and documentation organization that serves the public through archives, publications, educational programs and exhibitions. Their collections feature folk music recordings by Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, Pete Seeger as well as oral histories of immigrants and people of color; civil rights movement songs; historical Native American traditions; various regional/immigrant song traditions as well as works by artist Bernice Johnson Reagon.
Smithsonian Folkways Recordings provides access to the center’s archives through Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, an organization dedicated to the preservation and spread of cultural traditions around the world. As an educational tool for both students and teachers alike through textbooks, teacher’s guides, folklore journals as well as its robust digital presence which offers resources on many different subjects – as well as its weekly radio show called Soundscapes – it also serves as a source for teacher education.
4. The Kansas City Irish Festival
On Labor Day weekend, Crown Center will come alive with green as one of the country’s largest Irish festivals honors Kansas City’s strong Celtic roots. Featuring seven stages with traditional Irish and Celtic rock from international, national and local bands as well as comedians, heritage displays and workshops, shopping, ethnic cuisine, a massive children’s area called The Snug and finally Kansas City’s largest outdoor Catholic Mass on Sunday morning – this festival offers something for everyone to celebrate their Irish roots!
The Kansas City Irish Fest has been an annual tradition since 1999, celebrating Irish culture, music, history and cuisine as well as Kansas City’s Irish American community. Many families make an event out of it each year – it serves as an excuse to reconnect with family roots while enjoying live music performances and delicious cuisine – as well as storytellers and puppet shows for kids!
Folk music covers an enormous spectrum in the world and its definition often covers styles like bluegrass, gospel, protest songs, work songs, cowboy songs and songs from Britain and Ireland. Additionally, this genre encompasses numerous instruments – including banjos which originated as African instruments played by slave workers in America.
The Kansas City Irish Festival takes place during Labor Day weekend in Kansas City and features some of the best folk musicians from around the world. It is supported by the Irish Government through their Emigrant Support Programme; some artists performing this year at this year’s Festival have received funding under this scheme, such as Irish singer-songwriter Siomha who will make her US debut and The Elders who formed after two musicians returned home after time spent living and performing in Los Angeles.
5. The Country Music Hall of Fame
The Country Music Hall of Fame is a museum that documents and celebrates country music’s rich history and evolution, featuring sound recordings, videos, prints, documents, books manuscripts three-dimensional artifacts three dimensional artifacts as well as historic photos films plus educational community programs.
The museum is a popular tourist attraction. It features a rotunda featuring a large painting depicting musical and cultural contributors to country music tradition, including gospel choir members, mountain dulcimer players, fiddlers accompanying dancers and Black banjoists using cotton sacks as banjo strings – all elements common themes and rural imagery found within country songs – that all come together within this painting which encircled by words from Carter Family’s song, Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”
In addition to paintings, the museum contains an abundance of informational material about country music and its pioneers. Furthermore, rotating and permanent exhibitions take place regularly at this institution – along with a gift shop. As part of Nashville culture, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum plays a vital role.
The Country Music Hall of Fame pays its dues by honoring talented musicians who were responsible for some of country music’s biggest hits, known as “behind-the-scenes stars.” As the only museum worldwide to do so, this includes musicians like Nashville A-Team members, Wrecking Crew members, Tennessee Two musicians, Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section musicians and Garth Brooks’ studio musicians – to name but a few! For more information about this incredible museum you can visit its official site which also hosts all sorts of exhibits plus you can book tours of Studio B!