May!? Already? There’s a ton of stuff going on this weekend (Honestly, there’s probably a MayDay festival located within driving distance from just about anywhere!) But here’s a sampling of some fests of note! But before we begin, a reminder: … Continue reading →
Earl JJ Pionke, owner of Earl of Old Town folk club, has passed away. He was 80 years old, and had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Earl was known for his dedication to the music he loved, and was adamant … Continue reading →
This is Chapter 4 of Stagolee: A Digital Compendium. See also Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, and Chapter 5 Introduction Our online compendium celebrating the great American folk song and tale “Stagolee” has grown now and, though I’m not … Continue reading →
Country music legend George Jones, also known as “The Possum” has reportedly passed away today. This comes after reports came last week of Jones suffering from a fever and irregular blood pressure. Jones, 81, was in the midst of a … Continue reading →
Dave Van Ronk, Joan Baez, Leonard Cohen, Judy Collins, and Chad Mitchell(this photo looks a little off to me, I can’t vouch for its authenticity) As I mentioned in the first post this week, my friend, Cayce, put me up … Continue reading →
Bob Brozman, the steel-guitar innovator and ethnomusicologist who got his start playing on the streets of Santa Cruz, has died. Details have not yet been confirmed, but he was discovered at home yesterday (April 24th). He was 59. Bob was … Continue reading →
It’s that time of the week again. The weekly festival update of what’s going on around you this weekend. Sing Out! provides an international listing of folk music festivals and camps, which can be found at https://www.singout.org/fests.html. But here’s a … Continue reading →
Ian & Sylvia Tyson In this week’s second post, we’re going to give a relatively quick listen to “Katy Dear.” It’s in the same song family as “Silver Dagger,” although with a different focus and a more gruesome end. The … Continue reading →
One of folk music’s most iconic interpreters, the man who captivated a generation with his extended improvised performance of “Freedom” to open the Woodstock Music Festival in 1969, has passed away at the age of 72. Richie Havens died of … Continue reading →
Morning Sun by Edward Hopper (1952) When I meet new people, it’s just a matter of time–sometimes more, sometimes less–before I mention this murder ballad hobby of mine. I recently started a new job. (You may have inferred as much from … Continue reading →
