Folk music has held a special place in American musical enthusiasts ever since its mid-century revival. Greenwich Village coffeehouses of that period provided shelter to innovators like Pete Seeger and Odetta, while simultaneously giving rise to new generations of talent who would go on to become musical icons themselves.
Folk music thrives across a range of venues today; here are a few where you can experience folk music near me this weekend!
Red Hook Community Music Center
Red Hook’s Community Music Center provides an inclusive space for families to experience and learn music together. Offering workshops as well as live performances by both local and touring musicians, guests can also enjoy refreshments and games during events held here. As an integral part of Red Hook culture and fosterr sense of community it should not be taken for granted.
Red Hook boasts an active arts and culture scene, boasting some of the finest musicians around. Many perform at coffeehouses or other small venues throughout Red Hook; others even host house concerts that allow audiences to see and hear them up close – an intimate way of experiencing folk music in New York!
Martha Redbone is an award-winning singer-composer-educator known for her signature blend of folk, blues and gospel from Harlan County fused with Brooklyn’s eclectic sound. With powerful yet emotive vocals and lyrics that connect deeply to audiences worldwide – including Bonnie Raitt, George Clinton, Judy Collins and Joan Osborne among many more – Redbone has performed alongside some of music’s greats including Bonnie Raitt, George Clinton and Judy Collins to name just a few.
Sam Shackleton, also known by his Gaelic moniker Sorley the Bard, is a Scottish singer-songwriter and folk artist. Drawing upon inspiration from Scotland and Ireland’s rich musical oral traditions for inspiration, Sorley blends traditional folk sounds with modern American influences to form his unique sound.
The Ebony Hillbillies, based out of Brooklyn, are a blues, soul, and folk band with over 15 years of performance experience. Performing at iconic venues worldwide and participating in international music workshops/festivals/exhibitions. Assembled visual artists to exhibit works at museums. Hosted guest school programs. Their goal is to break barriers through music while strengthening communities with their contributions to society.
Cadence, the experimental folk project led by California native Alix Baker and now living in Ireland’s western shores, showcases two vast seascapes; California where Baker grew up and the windswept shores of western Ireland where she now calls home. The album balances heavy lyrics with expansive sounds like Cormac MacDiarmada from Lankum playing electric guitar trance-electric and strings.
Hancock Park Music in the Park Series
Hancock Park hosts its free Music in the Park series every summer to provide family-friendly fun for an evening, featuring performances by various local musicians. You can bring a blanket or chair for comfortable listening or take your chances dancing to beats on the lawn! Located one block north of Hancock Center and easily reached via public transit (B or D Line to Westlake/MacArthur Park Station), there’s sure to be something perfect to tune out to here.
This month, you can catch acoustic psychedelic rock group The Grass Roots (Aug. 5) and indie folk singer-songwriter Lucy Hale (Aug. 12). Both acts will have you singing along to their melodies! On September 1, Black History blends West African storytelling traditions with golden age influences from rap music for what they refer to as Griot Soul music – with Grammy nominated artist Rocky Dawuni also providing feel-good reggae music that bridges cultures and connects generations!
Art Laboe was an important figure during the Great Depression who used art to counter racism, sexism, and poverty through paintings, sculptures, photographs and videos that depict his legacy as an important figure of American art. Now his descendants are bringing his works to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; visitors will gain a better understanding of Art’s legacy at this show that features paintings, sculptures, photographs and videos by him and his descendants.
At the GRAMMY Museum, visitors can also view an exhibit featuring 40 pieces from Shakira’s personal archive. Ranging from Super Bowl outfits to crystal-embellished guitars, this display provides a comprehensive view of her career while featuring many iconic looks.
Are you yearning for post-punk nostalgia? Huntington Beach may have just the event for you: the Huntington Beach Festival offers food, drinks and live performance from The New Breed’s funk band for an unforgettable night out. Dancing away any sorrow to New Order, Tears for Fears, Echo & Bunnymen Devo and other 80s new wave and punk legends such as New Order Tears For Fears Echo Bunnymen Devo and more…and don’t forget drum machines! The festival marks 10 years of existence with an eclectic and varied line up that is as diverse as Huntington Beach itself! Don’t miss this celebration as Huntington Beach marks 10 years worth of celebration with something truly memorable! This year marks their 10th year Anniversary with a lineup that is as eclectic and diverse as its host city itself: Huntington Beach celebrates it.
House Concerts
House concerts have quickly become a popular venue option for top quality acoustic musicians. Hosts typically provide a spacious indoor or outdoor venue (living room, basement or backyard) for seating and offer food/drink. Admission fee usually ranges from $20-$35 with guests asked for donations in return; these experiences can be rewarding both for artists and audiences. Many musicians see symbiotic relationships between hosts and fans as essential to their success.
House concerts provide folk musicians a much-needed reprieve from touring life. Not only are there no venue fees or overhead costs to worry about; their intimate setting creates an ideal setting for listening and engaging with music.
Concerts usually consist of two 45-minute sets with brief intermission, but this may differ depending on the host and artist. There will usually be some form of socializing time from 30 – 60 minutes for attendees as people arrive and socialize before the show, typically featuring drinks or snacks as well as potluck dinner. Many hosts will also give an introduction of both artist and their music by providing brief information about both.
House concerts by touring musicians may sometimes be done for a flat fee, but most artists utilize this as an opportunity to ask for donations from their audience. With PayPal and Venmo making contributions easy and accessible for people around the world, these methods often prove most suitable.
Other than financial gains, touring artists often find the experience rewarding in more ways than one. There have been stories of lasting friendships formed and insightful conversations had between performers and listeners; plus for musicians it can provide an excellent way to meet fans face to face.
Host a house concert by providing yourself with a large indoor space, some comfortable seating such as chairs and blankets, merch (CDs, T-shirts and mailing list), sound system if desired and enthusiastic promotional efforts via posters and social media posts about your event.
Coffeehouses
Are you searching for an intimate setting to relax or catch live music performances, then a coffeehouse could be just what’s needed. These social venues typically serve a selection of non-alcoholic drinks as well as offering snacks and desserts, creating an inviting and relaxed environment where live music, poetry readings and board game tournaments take place in a casual yet relaxing environment. Some coffeehouses specialize in particular drinks while others feature more varieties.
Modern coffeehouses may seem like ideal spots for gathering with friends and enjoying a tasty cup of joe, but these venues have long histories behind them. Coffeehouses were particularly popular during England and other parts of Europe’s 17th and 18th centuries as spaces where people from different walks of life could meet and socialize; although their taste wasn’t particularly enjoyable at the time, their stimulating effects could help people stay awake for extended periods and focus on what needed doing without falling asleep!
These socialization venues shaped the creation of several key institutions. They were used as forums for polite debate on topics including politics, science and philosophy, literature and poetry, commerce and religion; meeting places for various groups like merchants and stockbrokers conducting business transactions or Freemasons who often met in coffeehouses to plan activities.
Modern coffeehouses often fall under large chains’ jurisdiction, like Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts. Yet independent cafes exist with an emphasis on artisanal and small-batch roasts from knowledgeable baristas; typically located in hip areas, these independently owned cafes also provide tea-related products and smoothies to round out their offerings.
Folk musicians and singer-songwriters play an invaluable role in our communities, providing a common ground through music to diverse audiences. Brian Dolphin is both a Thomas J Watson Fellow and Fulbright recipient at CUNY Graduate Center who studies ethnomusicology while actively performing Ukrainian and American folk music on tour as both an ensemble performer as well as songleader with both Ukrainian Village Voices and Dolphin & You Community Sing groups he leads – using music to connect with a wide audience while uniting diverse communities through song.