The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Lake Erie Folk Fest spotlights cultures
Fourth annual musical celebration offers workshops, performances at Shore Cultural Centre
Music fans unite Lake Erie Folk Fest is back.
The annual event, in its fourth year, celebrates and showcases a diverse array of traditional music and dance styles from a large variety of cultures, while also providing free instructional workshops for all ages and skill sets.
The event, held at the Shore Cultural Centre, 291 E. 222nd St. in Euclid, encourages the preservation of and participation in the traditional arts, attracting performers and troupes from all over the world.
The fete kicks off at 10 a.m. Feb. 22 with an educational program featuring the Chardon Polka Band for local grade school students.
Later that evening, all are welcome to attend a community square dance at 7:30 p.m. featuring the Saints and Opossums and caller Kenny Wilson. All dances will be taught and no experience is necessary.
In addition to the workshops, attendees are invited to participate in LEFF’s free dances, jam sessions and mini-concerts from 1 to 6 p.m. Feb. 23.
The event will conclude with a 7:30 p.m. concert featuring the Americana duo Richie and Rosie.
Other featured performers include:
• Journeywork – traditional Irish music featuring flute, whistle, uilleann pipes and guitar
• Jim Volk – progressive roots guitarist
• Shri Kalaa Mandir – classical Indian music and dance • The Chardon Polka Band During the fest, the drumline of the Euclid High School Marching Band will also be showcased.
All Feb. 23 afternoon workshops, mini-concerts and dances are free and open to the public.
Tickets for the evening concert are $10 in advance and $15 day of show, with children 12 and under free.
This festival is a collaborative arrangement between Shore and the North East Ohio Musical Heritage Association.
Laura Lewis, Lake Erie Folk Fest’s artistic director, is excited the event continues to bring people of all musical interests together.
“The first year we didn’t know what to expect in terms of attendance,” she said. “After three successful years, we know people look forward to the festival, and there are more people who discover it each year. This gives us the confidence to introduce new artists and cultures, (and) it provides a base from which to recruit more volunteers to help run the festival. In years past, we’ve featured artists from Canada, Michigan and Tuva (Siberia, Russia).
“The festival brings together Northeast Ohio’s folk music community, Euclid residents and fans of the Shore Cultural Arts Centre. It’s is an amazing opportunity for people to come together and explore music in a friendly and celebratory atmosphere. We like to think that the festival is ‘by the people and for the people.’ ”