Cybergrass Bluegrass Music News: Falcon Ridge Time Again July 23-26 as Falcon Ridge Turns 21

BMNN wrote: on Jun. 20, 2009:
Since it's humble beginnings in 1988, Falcon Ridge has grown from a simple gathering of the tribes to a 4-day Mecca for the folk community, accommodating campers and day-trippers alike. Many attend solely for the sumptuous International smorgasbord, others for the eclectic Craft Village, others just to dance on the largest outdoor floor of its kind. Voted Best Folk Fest in 2008 by the International Folk Music & Dance Alliance, Falcon Ridge returns to the Dodds Farm in Hillsdale, NY July 23-26.

The 4-stage event has something for everyone. There is a bustling Activities 4 Kids Area, all-night song circles, a huge dance floor and an array of consumables to satisfy every palate from gourmet sautéed mushrooms on crostini to Caribbean curries, Middle Eastern, Thai & Mexican fare to good ole American burgers, veggie & regular, NY Cheesecake, death by chocolate and more. There's a village market with clothing, fabrics, jewelry, art, literature, toys, pottery, musical instruments, hand blown glass, herbals and other goods lining the midway. The Friday afternoon Emerging Artist Showcase is renowned for its discovery of new talent. Falcon Ridge is handicap accessible and ASL-interpreted.

Musical highlights include country queen Kathy Mattea, Boston's chamber grass ensemble, the Folk Arts Quartet, fest faves Nerissa & Katryna Nields, bluesman Bob Malone and the Afro-Celtic fusion of Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul. Lisa Haley & the Zydekats make their Falcon Ridge debut. Folk icons Susan Werner, Ellis Paul and Cliff Eberhardt join forces with folk legend Janis Ian for the Friday Night Summer's Eve Song Swap.

Performers run the style gamut from Cajun to Celtic to World to Blues to Bluegrass with the fest's trademark singer/songwriters at the epicenter. Artists from Texas, Vermont, Nashville, Atlanta, Chicago, LA and closer to home are featured. Some of the hottest buzz bands on the acoustic circuit, Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams, Girlyman, the Refugees, Stonehoney and the Ryan Montbleau Band join the festivities.

The Dance Tent fires up Thursday with entry level Contra, Squares and Swing. Dancing continues all weekend. Kids of all ages sing, boogie, drum, play air guitar and share stories at the Family Stage. Workshop stage offerings include Blues is Still the News, It Just Takes Two and Our Roots are Showing.

Last year's milestone 20th anniversary was marked (marred?) by what could only be called a small tornado! No plans for meteorological mayhem this time, but you never know what excitement is in store at Falcon Ridge. The fest kicks off Thursday July 23 at 1PM with its Music Biz School where attendees can learn about promotion, booking, hosting house concerts, touring, performing and songcraft. For info and tickets go to www.FalconRidgeFolk.com or 860 364-0366.

Seed Newsvine

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