The 42st Kent State Folk Festival

Welcome!

2008-10-14T14:45:00.001-04:00

I'm resurrecting the blog for this year's folk festival!
It's the 42nd Kent State Folk Festival, and here's the schedule of events:

'Round Townies!

2007-11-16T19:42:00.000-05:00

Folk Alley 'Round Town was last night! I'm having some technical difficulties with the blog, i.e. the pictures aren't uploading, but be sure to check back for a photo-soaked entry later today! Also, check out any of the free workshops today on the third floor of the Kent State Student Center, and of course Dr. John, David Bromberg and the Angel Band at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the Kent State Ballroom.

- leslie

Honkey Tonk Night!

2007-11-16T13:14:00.000-05:00

Joey Allcorn strikes a chord.

Don Helms! This guy rocked. He played with Hank Williams! And check out his sweet bolo tie!

Wayne "the train" Hancock.

photos by leslie cusano.

Mountain Heart!

2007-11-12T08:28:00.000-05:00

We don't usually have Sunday night Folk Fest concerts. The worry is that most people don't really want to venture out for a show the night before they have to go back to work on Monday. But, Mountain Heart and Tim O'Brien were available, Monday is a holiday for many - so we went for it. And so did many of you, because the Kent Stage was hopping last night.

And the music was hot! Even though Tim O'Brien is the Grammy winner and probably has higher name recognition, he was the late addition to the bill and opened the show. He told me before the show that he has a new CD in the works (it's a solo CD, without a backing band). O'Brien is so versatile, playing old and new songs, moving between Celtic, folk, blue and newgrass. He sold most of his CD stack out during the interval.

Mountain Heart was an exciting surprise. One of their first trips to the area meant that most of the audience was discovering their live show. These guys are so good (and energetic and young)! Clay is a flatpicking guitar genius, you have to see Barry play banjo to believe it, Adam Steffey is a multiple winner for IBMA mandolin player, Jim VanCleve is a rising fiddle player, Josh played a sweet standing bass solo, and Josh adds real variety (from blues to bluegrass to rock) to the band's vocals. High energy and hot - who could ask for more?

-photos by leslie cusano

Dan Hicks Salutes the Folk Years Tonight

2007-11-09T18:19:00.000-05:00

Dan Hick and the Hot Licks have visited Northeast Ohio fairly often over the last few years, and they alway put on a great concert. Great music, dry wit, and the feeling they really know how to put on a show. Tonight's concert at the Kent Stage will be a different treat. Hicks has put together a special tribute to the early folk musicians who got his attention. Folks such as The Kingston Trio, the Limelighters,Bob Dylan and Peter, Paul & Mary.

But tonight's show will include some Hicks favorites. And speaking of faves - it's hard to top "I Scare Myself."

Induct Melanie into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

2007-11-08T20:54:00.000-05:00

Melanie is about to go onstage and we're waiting for the intermission onslaught. They're handing out slips of paper that give a web address for people to sign an online petition to put Melanie on the ballot for the Rock Hall. She was at Woodstock, so why not? Click http://www.PetitionOnline.com/mssrrhot/petition.com for details. Go Melanie!

And, Here We Go!

2007-11-08T20:16:00.000-05:00

Jim Blum has just introduced the first act of the 41st Kent State Folk Festival - Steve Forbert. We have our T-shirt table sandwiched in between the merchandise tables for Steve and Melanie, tonight's headliner. Ashley from Continental Airlines (one of the sponsors for this year's festival) is here having people sign up for the OnePass club. We really value our sponsors, without them, it would be much more difficult to do what we do.

The 41st Kent State Folk Festvial Begins Tonight!

2007-11-08T14:32:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe it's Folk Fest time again. It all starts tonight at the Kent Stage, with Melanie and Steve Forbert. Good seats will be available at the door.

Check out some of the great press on the Festival:
The Plain Dealer
The Akron Beacon Journal
Canton Repository - Steve Forbert
Canton Repository- Mountain Heart
Cleveland Free Times

In honor of tonight's concert - here is a great video of Melanie doing "Brand New Key." I don't know the year - but it must be from around the time the song was a hit.

Legends: Tom Paxton, Loudon Wainwright III, Odetta

2006-11-19T19:22:00.000-05:00

--leslie

Bearfoot / Abigail Washburn & The Sparrow Quartet

2006-11-18T13:02:00.000-05:00

Bearfoot:Alaska's hottest new bluegrass phenoms wowed the audience (and Abigail Washburn) in the newly renovated Kent State Ballroom last night.

The Folk Festival was one of the first concerts in the States for The Sparrow Quartet since their 28 day tour in China. The concert was broadcast live at FolkAlley.com, and was watched by more than 100 viewers all over the world. Check FolkAlley.com over the next few days for an archive of the concert webcast.

--leslie

The Avett Bros.

2006-11-16T23:10:00.000-05:00

Need I say more?

Donna the Buffalo and Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams

2006-11-15T23:52:00.000-05:00

Donna the Buffalo played at the Kent Stage Wednesday night. The crowd got up out of their seats and watched the show from in front of the stage. There was a lot of dancing and I smelled like patchouli oil after I left.

Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams opened, their performance garnered a standing ovation, impressive for an opener. There were 13 people at their last performance at the Kent Stage, said the band's drummer. At the end of that show the band had a photo taken with the audience, all 13 of them.

Stuff I overlooked or forgot about.

2006-11-15T16:20:00.000-05:00

Dave Marchione of the Warren Henry Trio play at Mangiamo during Folk Alley 'Round town. Tonight is Donna the Buffalo, by the way. Check back here for more photos of that tonight. I'll be there shooting and I'll post live from the venue.

Stacy Mitchhart and Blues-U-Can-Use really tore it up. Mitchhart even walked into the crowd at the Kent Stage and used his tounge to illustrate a rather sexual song about his mother in-law. I won't elaborate, but this photo was taken right after he played some "hot licks" so to speak.

Like I mentioned earlier, I'll be at the Kent Stage tonight for Donna the Buffalo and tomorrow for the Avett Brothers. I really think the Avett Bros. will put on a great show and anybody from the punk / hardcore scene would do well to see these guys. Think if Wilco had three baby boys with Converge and they were raised on the mean streets of West Virginia. Keep checking it out.

-Pat Jarrett

Asleep at the Wheel at The Kent Stage

2006-11-13T15:19:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday night, Corinne West and Asleep at the Wheel played to a near-packed Kent Stage.

Corinne West likes playing with local mando players, and when our own Jim Blum discovered this, he introduced her to Kent's David Mayfield. Corinne liked David's style so much that he's now touring with her. The two complement each other extremely well; they lit up the stage with original tunes and a cover of Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues."

Asleep at the Wheel played for hours--everything from a slightly tweaked "Ain't Misbehavin'" to Christmas tunes like "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "Mele Kalikimaka." Folks were dancing in the aisles into the wee hours of the evening.

--leslie

Speedbumps and Shiva Zoo at the Firefly

2006-11-13T12:27:00.000-05:00

The Speedbumps played a really mellow set at the Firefly late. Shiva Zoo played after that, and they brought dancers!

Monday morning memories

2006-11-13T12:17:00.000-05:00

Chuck Keiper was at the Bistro on Main, he played one helluva version of Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay.

'Round Town Wrap-Up

2006-11-11T10:56:00.000-05:00

Alex Bevan clearly has a devoted following in Kent; Mike's Place was packed with appreciative fans:

I stopped in at the Outpost since I was out that way and saw Rachel Roberts, Ryan Beck, and Zach... I had a Zach attack!

I wanted to hit up the Zephyr to shoot Pat Sweany, but the so-and-sos at the door wouldn't let me in without an ID. Bummer. However, I DID bat my eyelashes and weasel my way in to the Loft to shoot Silent Lion (see Julie's post):

After a quick blog stop at the Kent Stage, Ryan and I went over to the Europe Gyro and saw Nicholas Megalis:

At the end of the evening, the entire WKSU crew met up at the Firefly hookah lounge to listen to Erik Urycki's band, The Speedbumps. A lovely, relaxing ending to a great night 'round town.

Tonight, I'll be shooting Corinne West and Asleep at the Wheel (the best big Texas swing band around, according to Jim Blum) at the Kent Stage at 8 p.m., so expect those photos later this evening.

Cheers!
--leslie

Stacy Mitchhart and Blues-U-Can-Use band

2006-11-11T02:17:00.000-05:00

Stacy Mitchhart had the Kent Stage rockin' Friday night. Though it was not part of the 'Round Town concert series (it was not free) it was almost a full house at the venue. I love the name of his band, it is so utilitarian. I think I'm going to use the blues to clean the grout in my bathroom tile, or change the oil in my car. All kidding (and womanizing) aside, this guy knows a thing or two about guitar.
-Pat Jarrett

2006-11-11T00:39:00.000-05:00

So..........here I am....at a hookah bar.........at the 40th Kent State Folk Festival. Listening to all sorts of music with great friends....life couldn't be better!!!!

Chrizzz Borozzz

My night with Jim Blum

2006-11-11T00:15:00.001-05:00

That sounds raunchier than it really is. This Folk Alley 'Round Town event involved bopping around Kent with the Blumer, gathering sound, hitting up people on the street for interviews, and pushing his car in reverse up hills.

Despite Blum's innate knack for making engaging radio, the man lacks some of the amenties of finer living. Such as a car that goes in reverse. Jim's ramshackle '90 Honda Civic, for only the last year, has been without the ability to go backwards. As such, parking head-in on flat surfaces at some venues caused us some troubles.

Such as at the McKay Bricker Gallery, where we saw Pete Morton. The hill he parked on turned out to be much less hilly than it seemed when we pulled in (damned physics) and we were forced to kick ourselves, much in a Flintstone-like fashion, out of the space.

Much worse was when we parked on Franklin Street to visit the Venice Cafe for Rio Neon's set. Jim had the idea of backing in to park. A noble endevour, decidedly, but one that required us to exit his vehicle and push, amidst glaring headlights from backed-up traffic, it backward into the space, narrowly missing the car parked to the left.

Sure, we had great memories all over town this fine evening, met some great people along the way, experienced some wonderful folk music. These are things that will not leave me anytime soon. But my presiding memory, the thing that will stay with me long after I have moved on from WKSU, will be the strain and pull of calves and shoulders as Folk Host Jim Blum and I heaved his car around Kent, OH for a night.

--Ryan deBiase

Twistoffs

2006-11-11T00:15:00.000-05:00

The Twistoffs (remember them?!) played an unplugged set at The Water Street Taverm (a.k.a. Glory Days. Good set, place was packed.
-Pat Jarrett

Brian Henke

2006-11-11T00:12:00.000-05:00

Brian Henke, who unnaturally resembles a lion, played some finger-style guitar at Riverside Wine and imports. I have a photo from the first Folk Fest I covered back in '02 or so somewhere in my archives and I keep running across it lately.

Hal Walker

2006-11-10T23:13:00.000-05:00

Hal Walker played at the Universalist Unitarian Church in Kent. The guy played a kaen, how much cooler can you get?
-Pat Jarrett

2006-11-10T22:53:00.000-05:00

This is my first ever blog! Leslie swiped the wifi from Spinmore's(but she said she got permission.)
The KSFF has encouraged her to do some other illicit things. Um. Under 21 in the Loft!!
Just for photos - we promise! Here's Pat Jarrett. Now I'm in the presence of WKSU's two crack photogs.
We're sitting outside the Kent Stage between sets of the Stacey Mitchart - I've heard Al loves this guy!
A few members of the Twistoffs had some of Kent's yoga contingent shakin' it at the Water Street Tavern.
Before that the Venice had an interesting half pool hall/ half band set up and lots of people for Rio Neon.
WKSU's (former) favorite reporter Mark Urycki showed up at Rays - and we're hoping he knows about his nephew
Erik's band the Speedbumps at the Firefly late night. Check it out! Or Pat Sweaney at the Zeph.
Julie

Pete Morton, Ashley Brooke Toussant, Rio Neon

2006-11-10T21:40:00.000-05:00

Pete Morton was so cute (if I may reiterate Miss VerWiebe's post below) And I again bumped into Mr. Gunderman:

Ashley Brooke Toussant was angelic:

The Venice Cafe was positively hopping to Rio Neon... it was literally standing room only:

I'm off to the Outpost and Mike's place...

--leslie

2006-11-10T21:35:00.000-05:00

I started the evening at the Pete Morton show at McKay Bricker Gallery - and it was hopping (see Leslie's photos). McKay Bricker is new to the Folk Alley 'Round Town family and it made me happy that there were so many people seeing a really great show (Pete Morton is so cute). Now, I'm set up at the Kent Stage where I'm dancing to Stacy Mitchhart (no one else is yet - but they will, believe me - the Kent Stage sells beer). And Stacy is so sexy. So far, I'm two for two for the night.

Ann VerWiebe

Brian Lisik, ThunderWalk Quartet, David Ullman

2006-11-10T20:01:00.000-05:00

Brian Lisik was the epitome of coffee house cool:

ThunderWalk Quartetperformed a version of "Summertime" like you've never heard:

WKSU's own Joe Gunderman was in the audience for David Ullman's soulful performance, which included a gorgeous cover of Damien Rice's "The Blower's Daughter." Joe's comment: "Tasty--very tasty."

--leslie

Charley Brown at the Puffer Belly

2006-11-10T19:28:00.000-05:00

And without the yellow shirt with the zig-zag black stripe! This was an interesting venue, waitresses and bar platters whizzed by as Brown played some really interesting solo stuff. I think this guy is more than just dinner music.
-Pat Jarrett

Work In Progress at The Venice Cafe

2006-11-10T19:26:00.000-05:00

I love the Venice, but I've never seen a concert there. They set the band up in the middle of the building, perpendicular to the bar. It seemed to work well, the sound was great.
-Pat Jarrett

2006-11-10T19:04:00.001-05:00

Greetings, fellow folk aficionados!
Folk Alley 'Round Town has arrived! Pat and I will be photo blogging throughout the evening.
This afternoon, Jason Bawson and Jon Mosey gave two lunchtime performances at the Wild Goats Cafe and Franklin Square Deli, respectively.
Here's the first group of 'rounders:

Cheers!
-leslie

Anne E. DeChant

2006-11-10T19:04:00.000-05:00

Anne E. DeChant was at Mug's. The place was standing room only and she said she felt like a celebrity with all the photographers taking photos of her. She might also feel like a celebrity because of the amazing set of pipes she was wailing on, but that's just my opinion.
-Pat Jarrett

2006-11-10T15:08:00.000-05:00

Tonight is Folk Alley 'Round Town day in Kent - with free music at venues all over the city - bars, restuarants, coffeeshops, galleries, and more. Come in to Kent for an early dinner - and then enjoy the music.

A couple of 'Round Town updates: The ECC (Electric Cafe Co.) has closed its doors. The artists scheduled to play there (Ryan Wilkens, Woodshed Mercy, and Country Death) have been moved to the Robin Hood Inn. The Jack Fords had to cancel, and for a very good reason. Roger Hoover and The Whiskyhounds canceled yesterday - and I think the less said about that the better.

The "Round Town line-up is filled with great artists - but I would like to suggest you drop by the McKay Bricker galery some time between 6 p.m. and 9p.m. to see British guitarist and songwriter Pete Morton. He stoppped by the the WKSU studios today, and he's a real talent. Funny, too.

In addition to all the free stuff - Stacy Mitchhart and Blues-U-Can-Use play the Kent Stage tonight beginning at 9. Cover is $10, but it is well worth it. Stacy is a killer blues guitarist and vocalist - and his horn-driven band plays a great mix of blues, soul, R&B, and more. The cover drops to only 5 bucks after the second set starts (around 10:30 p.m.)

See you 'Round Town!
Bob

'round towners

2006-11-10T14:19:00.000-05:00

After nearly two hours of deliberating, Jim Blum and I have finalized our schedule for the Folk Alley 'Round Town festivities this evening. Jim will be interviewing the artists and passersby on the street. I will be recording the bands.

We're attempting to remain ominpresent throughout the night, to somehow touch all points of Kent at once. Jim is more responsible for this than I. He berated me, during the scheduling process, to "wear some comfortable sneakers," as we will be running in and out of bars, coffeshops, delicatessans, outhouses, and art galleries all night.

The full list of shows for the 'Round Town event can be found on the Folk Festival page.

As for Jim's recordings, WKSU will be airing the footage throughout the night. Jeff St. Clair is hosting folk music tonight, as Jim will be hitting the streets. If anyone would like to get his or her voice on the air, track us down. Here is our tentative recording schedule:

7:45 - Venice Cafe - Rio Neon performs

8:45 - The Loft - Silent Lion performs

9:00 - Kent Stage - Stacy Mitchart performs

9:45 - Riverside Wine - Brian Henke performs

If you can't find us there, just keep your eyes peeled around Kent. Expect Jim to be darting in and out of doorways while I chase behind with a microphone and tape deck.

Look for Folk Alley photographers Pat Jarrett and Leslie Cusano throughout the night as well. They'll be running around taking pictures. You might just make it on this blog!

Special thanks are extended to Sarah Brazofsky for dilligently running our tapes back to the staton; thanks also to Chris Boros for mixing our footage to air; and, of course, thanks to Jeff St. Clair for running the folk program while we are out having fun.

The whole Folk Alley crew is hoping to end the evening at the Firefly Lounge for the Speedbumps or the Zephyr Pub for the Patrick Sweany Band.

We're sure to be pretty parched by the end of the evening so buy us all a round. Kidding, of course!

--Ryan deBiase

David Wilcox and VA dare

2006-11-08T22:04:00.000-05:00

Jim Blum and David Wilcox ham it up before Wilcox went on Wednesday night.

VA dare opened for Wilcox, Victoria Fliegel, right, and Alexis Antes are two thirds of the Lillith Fair veterans Odd Girl Out. A good start to the 40th annual Folk Fest.

-Pat Jarrett

We're on our way!

2006-11-08T17:46:00.000-05:00

First, I'm going to get a burrito - then I'm going to the Kent Stage to set up T-shirt sales for the David Wilcox show. I'm selling shirts most nights. The short sleeve shirts are blue (and we have girly shirts this year), the long sleeve are natural. Do I sound obsessed with T-shirts? Oh yeah! Yesterday, I was obsessed with the Folk Alley Chat, tomorrow it will be the next Folk Fest newsletter and the WKSU newsletter for December.

But, tonight, I'm all about those singer/songwriters. And T-shirts.

Peace! Ann

In the beginning . . .

2006-11-08T16:38:00.000-05:00

There were T-shirts. Folk Alley employee Sarah Brazofsky folds some of the new Folk Fest shirts at the WKSU studio. Check back later tonight for some photos from the Kent State Folk Fest kickoff concert at the Kent Stage. Tonight David Wilcox perfoms at 8, hope to see you there.
-Pat Jarrett