The next month promises to be a busy one for fans of folk music. Great concerts, great radio (okay, I’m, biased here!), and some great television!

Let me get the shameless self-promotion out of the way. I will be appearing on XM Radio’s Channel 15 (The Village) this Tuesday January 29th at noon, with a repeat broadcast on Friday night February 1st at midnight (I guess technically that would be Saturday morning!). I am this month’s guest on the folk channel’s Village Liberation program. I’m really excited about the opportunity – and I hope those of you who subscribe to this marvelous service will tune in. Mary Sue Twohy, Robert Davis and Elana See are doing a spectacular job of promoting the diverse world of folk music – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I truly believe that folk music needs a national voice, and XM 15 has the opportunity to become the focal point of our community. Please support it! XM offers an online “trial” – go to www.xmradio.com for details.

Speaking of radio – February is fund drive month at WFDU-FM. I hope we can count on your support. WFDU-FM, the non-commercial radio station is a true gem, and I am proud to have been a part of this station since 1975. As radio changes in the 21st century, stations like WFDU-FM are more important than ever. WFDU continues to offer a variety of programs that serve the interests of communities that do not have a voice elsewhere. Go to our website at http://www.wfdu.fm/ and make your pledge today! Your support is greatly appreciated.

Now on to some other events coming up:

This Saturday night, February 2nd, at 8:00pm, the Hurdy Gurdy Folk Music Club at the Fair Lawn Community Center will present the Dave Rowe Trio with special guest Caroline Doctorow.

With all the SuperBowl hype, presidential primary madness, and the onset of cabin fever effecting many of us, I can’t think of a better to escape then to be in Fair Lawn on Saturday night! The Dave Rowe Trio will mesmerize you with their infectious blend of folk, celtic, a little bluegrass and country, and a great deal of humor! They made their NJ debut a few years ago at the Hurdy Gurdy, and their energetic set has become a fond memory for those lucky enough to be in attendance that evening. I’ve received so many requests to have them back, and I can’t wait to see them on our new stage in Fair Lawn! Don’t miss out – get your tickets online at http://www.hurdygurdyfolk.org/ or call 201 384-1325 for details!

By the way, scientists have proven that a gift of concert tickets are more effective than a box of chocolates on Valentine’s Day. (I have the research somewhere, but I can’t seem to find it at the moment!!!) Show someone you really do care!!! It would be great to see a lot of couples at the concert this Saturday!!

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, Sanctuary Concerts has a great alternative to the usual overpriced Valentines Day dinner and a box of chocolates. On the big day (Feb. 14th in case you have blocked it out), Sanctuary Concerts in Chatham, NJ will present a funny Vaentine’s Day Concert and Chocolate Festival with Christine Lavin and special guests Small Potatoes. During intermission Sanctuary Concerts will offer a chocolate festival. What a sweet deal! Check it out at http://www.sanctuaryconcerts.org/

The Folk Alliance will present their annual conference in Memphis February 20th through the 24th. The Folk Alliance is an organization of over 2500 members in the U.S. and Canada and the purpose is to help promote and perpetuate folk music and dance . They have done some wonderful work in helping the community and offering benefits to members.

The annual conference is a wall-to-wall showcase of talent and a great opportunity to discover new trends in our diverse world of music. The Folk Alliance offers opportunities and education for members and is fastly approaching 20 years of existence.

You can catch a sample of the goings on at XM Radio Channel 15. They will broadcast the annual awards ceremony at 6:30pm on Feb.20th. Now in its third year, the Folk Alliance Awards feature performances and awards for oincluding the Elaine Weissman Lifetime Achievement Awards (this year honoring Mavis Staples, Tommy Jarrell, and Rounder Records). The event will be hosted by Folk Alliance Board President, Dan Navarro with appearances from Kathy Mattea, Tom Russell, Eilen Jewell, Twilight Hotel, and Anthony DaCosta (note- Anthony will be my Traditions guest on March 30) as well as a keynote speech from former Attorney General Janet Reno. I have been nominated in the Broadcaster catagory along with Rich Warren, John Platt, Susan Forbes Hansen and Mike Regenstrief.

Last but certainly not least, make sure your schedule is clear for Wednesday February 27th at 9:00pm when the PBS series “American Masters” will broadcast the premiere of Jim Brown’s documentary “Pete Seeger: The Power of Song“. This incredible documentary offers an insight to a man that has helped change the world we live in, using his voice and banjo as his primary tool. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the documentary and I strongly recommend it to everyone who has interest in folk music as well as those who wish to learn more about our country and this amazingman.

There is more to come! Be sure to check out the Folk Music Notebook every day for more news, information and fun!!!

Ron Olesko