CT Folk showcases local talent in virtual concert
VIRTUAL CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS HOMEGROWN MUSICIANS
Vaccines offer hope of a brighter and less socially distanced future, but while people are still hunkered down at home CT Folk will hold a virtual concert to promote Connecticut’s musical talent.
CT Folk is a nonprofit organization that works “to engage, entertain and inspire a diverse audience through music and conversation, and to help create a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable community.”
Its website explains that it works to support emerging and established musicians and offer educational programming surrounding folk music.
On March 6, CT Folk will hold its virtual Homegrown Folk concert to promote Connecticut-grown musical talent that will be live-streamed from The State House in New Haven.
“This concert is a perfect opportunity to support our independent music venues, our hard-working Connecticut-based musicians and to shine a light on the city where our nonprofit roots remain strong,” said Nicole Mikula, CT Folk event director.
New Haven musician and activist Ro Godwynn has performed with Phat A$tronaut and also has a solo EP. Joining Godwynn on CT Folk’s virtual stage is New Haven-based band The Moon Shells.
Mikula said The Moon Shells’ music draws from the traditional music of Appalachia, Louisiana, West Africa and elsewhere to create a new sound.
Bridgeport’s Caravan of Thieves will bring its folk-, jazz- and swing-inspired tunes to concert. Connecticut’s own Stephen Kellogg will also take the stage with special guest Eric Donnelly from the Connecticut-based band The Alternate Routes.
“While CT Folk misses the artistic beauty and camaraderie that live music experiences provide, we have been gratified with the high quality and eclectic mix of musicians that have graced our virtual stage this past year, and in a manner that has allowed us to grow our viewing audience,” Lisa Kaston, CT Folk board president, said.
Mikula said when coordinating the virtual concert that CT Folk wanted to spotlight Connecticut musicians while ensuring the safety of all those involved in it.
“We will be live-streaming from The State House in New Haven, and in order to keep the ethos welcoming but safe, we felt it important to limit band size and stage changeovers,” she said.
“Two of the acts are duos, one act is a trio, while the other is a solo. The artists are all very mindful of the need to work safely, while their enthusiasm in returning to a live stage is very evident.”
When asked what the concert’s virtual attendees can expect from Homegrown Folk, Mikula promised “excellent”
music.
“They can expect a bit of magic from watching The State House turn on their lights for the first time in months so that artists can come together, once again, to create and share inspired music.
“They can expect that CT Folk is doing their part to continue to pivot and create alongside our partner organizations, music venues and artists,” she said.
“We can’t say it enough: Support this donation-based show, support your local musicians, your local venues, buy your favorite band merch, etc. We are all in this together, and live music WILL continue to thrive.”
Homegrown Folk will stream March 6 from 4 to 9:30 p.m. The concert is sponsored by Grassy Hill Entertainment. There is a $20 suggested donation for the concert and tickets are available at CTFolk.org.