Folk music encompasses an expansive genre – spanning traditional songs to swampy rock and clever acoustic pop. If you want to experience this genre firsthand, why not attend a house concert held in private homes? House concerts offer an ideal way to meet local artists.
This welcoming, straightforward recording serves as the companion piece to a book with over 300 popular contra dance tunes. George Penk’s fiddle playing shows his years of experience propelling dancers across the floor while Susan Songer’s piano creativity allows her to perform without getting in anyone’s way.
Fox & Bones
The band’s sound is rooted in traditional folk music, yet has also been heavily influenced by rock and country genres. Their latest album, Long Time Honey, has received worldwide acclaim; its heartfelt songs earning praise from music blogs and magazines around the globe such as Zona Emergente, Naga Mag, Americana Highways. Furthermore, they are known for their vibrant live performances which tour internationally.
They have made waves around the country and in Portland alike with performances at venues all across the nation and a strong fanbase there. Expect high energy music with great storytelling. These friends who are passionate about music want to share it with everyone they can; thus establishing themselves on the Portland music scene and earning numerous awards and nominations along the way.
Folk music originated in Europe and was brought over by early settlers. Over time, its tradition was passed down orally through word-of-mouth transmission and new variants developed as conditions changed. These songs became part of everyday life; used at social gatherings, religious celebrations, and personal commemorations; secular or sacred tunes may even be performed by amateur singers!
Mid-20th-century, a unique form of folk music emerged, prompting an unprecedented revival in traditional tunes known as folk revival and peaking during the 1960s. At that time, musicians started performing their own versions of traditional folk tunes in performance venues across North America – an evolution which would later come to be known as contemporary folk music.
Modern folk music covers a broad spectrum of genres and styles spanning rock, punk, bluegrass and Americana music – as well as Celtic folk and American folk rock fusion. Additionally, electronic folk has also seen increasing interest.
Modern folk music has had an enormous effect on the music industry and is one of the most prevalent forms of music today. Social media has played an instrumental role in spreading its reach further, increasing exposure of independent musicians’ works while expanding reach further afield. Its influence is widely felt and anticipated to grow even further over time.
Michael Hurley
Michael Hurley is one of the pioneers of freak folk. Often described as someone who follows their own musical and personal desires without worrying too much about societal norms, Michael is an inspiration to numerous musicians such as Cat Power and Wilco’s Spencer Tweedy.
Since recording his debut album for Folkways in the early 1960s, he has released over 30 albums and been featured in multiple movies. His songs have been covered by artists as diverse as Devendra Banhart to Byron Coley; additionally he wrote and published “Freak Folk”, his book about folk music published 2021; his latest offering entitled “Time of the Foxgloves”, can be purchased on Amazon.
Hurley’s music can be described as a blend of blues, country, and rock and roll, featuring dark yet humorous or surreal lyrics often delivered accompanied by acoustic instruments like guitar, violin, banjo – while being heavily influenced by artists such as Lightnin’ Hopkins and Woody Guthrie.
Though his musical journey was challenging, he persevered and created an innovative folk style. Additionally, his influence can be found among numerous young folk musicians including those of Southern Culture on the Skids band.
The members of this ensemble have been performing together for more than three decades and remain passionate about their craft. Traveling worldwide to perform for audiences of all sizes, they have also been featured on various television programs and magazines. Their eclectic musical blend has encouraged audiences to venture outside their comfort zones and discover new genres.
The Portland Folk Music Society (PFMS) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to presenting traditional folk music in and around Portland. Through song circles, concerts, workshops, retreats and singer-songwriter support services; as well as helping local singer-songwriters get their music heard; it seeks to bring people together in community spirit while celebrating diversity within folk music itself by hosting various events from traditional folk tunes to old time ballads and sea shanties.
Myshkin
Myshkin lived an itinerant childhood alongside her brother Mike in a tepee, traveling in caravans and playing beat-up bars before eventually settling in New Orleans where Myshkin developed various musical identities. Rosebud Bullets from 2002 was her farewell to New Orleans as it showcased bewitching torch songs, Celtic influences, gypsy music and earned a place on top ten lists for both Village Voice and Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate; following an emotional breakup she released That Diamond Lust from 2012 where Myshkin could now reside permanently in Portland.
The self-described “gypsy torch punk chanteuse” boasts an unparalleled voice. She sings with restless, caterwauling freedom that both haunts and seduces audiences, while her songwriting transcends regional limitations to deliver lyrics with confidence from an artist who knows exactly what she is talking about.
On Corvidae, Myshkin expands her sound, mixing jazz, blues and folk together with social and political messages into her signature blend of jazz, blues and folk – as well as her impressive backing band including bassist Sailor Banks, guitarists Scott Magee and John Lutz, piano/organ player Michael Martens, seesawing violinist Helen Gillet.
At Laurelthirst, Myshkin and her band performed two sets from their new album along with some older tunes. While attendance may have been modest, Myshkin made sure it felt like an eventful celebration with her powerful yet fragile stage presence.
The first set showcased songs from Myshkin’s new album and included jazzier versions of Bob Dylan classics “Tryin’ to Keep Up” and “I Never Will Marry You,” while Myshkin played solo acoustic guitar for her second set.
Myshkin closed her show with an impressive cover of “Rosie.” Her powerful rendition left an impactful impression despite an underwhelming audience. After performing, Myshkin expressed her pleasure at being in Portland as well as working musician here, adding that she’s looking forward to Waterfront Park Folk Festival happening this September.
Red Yarn
Red Yarn draws upon folk, rock-n-roll, country and blues music for inspiration when creating his playful family performances with big hearts. His high-energy music videos and interactive shows reinvigorate American roots music traditions for children of all ages to enjoy. Red’s band utilizes acoustic guitar, vocals and puppetry in addition to puppetry in order to provide audiences with songs they will enjoy singing along to.
Portland-based singer/songwriter Andy Furgeson creates an immersive experience for his audience by drawing upon his expertise in theater and storytelling. His eclectic sound blends folk, rock and roll with acoustic instruments such as banjo and harmonica; additionally he has perfected live looping to produce an expansive yet intimate soundscape.
Onstage known as “Red Yarn”, this artist has won multiple awards for their work, such as a Parent’s Choice Gold Award and NAPPA/Fids & Kamily Music Awards. They have performed for thousands of children all across America and abroad and been featured on SiriusXM Kids Place Live.
Red Yarn has amassed an extensive catalog over his two decade long career, having released nine studio albums and two live recordings. Most recently, Deep Woods Revival features traditional folk music as well as new original material written specifically for it; collaborations were also featured across the country on this release.
Red Yarn began performing folk music at local coffeehouses during the early ’90s. By 22, he had found his own unique style and built up an impressive following among Portland musicians. Since then, Red has performed over 1000 shows, including appearances at legendary McMenamin’s White Eagle venue.
Red Yarn has become one of the most beloved folk musicians in Oregon with his deep voice and acoustic guitar, his songs often telling tales from life in rural northwest areas. His fans remain committed to him and his message; many even traveling considerable distances just to witness him perform live.