ROOTS MUSIC
Albuquerque Folk Festival celebrates 20 years
Twenty years.
That’s the milestone that the Albuquerque Folk Festival is celebrating this year.
The event continues to draw in more attendees as well as broaden its reach within folk music.
“It’s a great achievement,” says Rose Day, publicity director for the festival. “The community continues to embrace the event.”
This year’s festival takes place at the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum and runs for three days, beginning tonight.
There will be three stages — Sandia, Jemez and Bosque — where more than two dozen performers will take the spotlight.
Headliners include Seattle roots and blues duo Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons, Grammy winner Mollie O’Brien & her guitarist husband, Rich Moore, performing their own tunes, plus Americana and bluegrass, and Winfield Showcase Winners Espresso! playing Gypsy Jazz and American Swing.
Other New Mexico and regional performers include award-winning band Adobe Brothers and Lone Piñon.
Day says the festival is designed to be fully participatory and family-oriented, and it attracts up to 4,000 attendees who will have many opportunities to learn how to sing, dance, and play instruments, to jam with other musicians, and to simply enjoy the extensive variety of entertainment offerings.
“Planet Music, which provides instruments from around the world for children and others to play and participatory workshops in song, play, dance, and storytelling offer a full day for the entire family,” Day says.
There will also be a free instrument check room, free bike valet, band scramble, and air-conditioned spaces to cool off.
Day says the event is organized with the support and assistance of more than 600 presenters and volunteer staff.
“We want to provide an opportunity for the public to experience and participate in folk music, song, dance, and storytelling through educational workshops, kids’ workshops and activities, demonstrations and performances,” she says. “Folk activities enhance community expression and the continuance of cultural traditions.”