Folk Festival: Ante Up

Richmond's successful staging of the National Folk Festival led to the locally produced Richmond Folk Festival. This evening at 6 the celebration begins.

To many, "folk music" implies Joan Baez, Bob Dylan (during the best phase of his career), the Limelighters, the Chad Mitchell Trio, the Weavers, Pete Seeger, Taj Mahal, Buffy Sainte-Marie, as well as Peter, Paul, and Mary (may Mary Travers rest in peace). As the Folk Festival's lineup suggests, the genre includes those and much more. Folk music embraces national and ethnic traditions and styles.

The event also offers tasty eats and numerous opportunities for conviviality. The setting on Brown's Island and along the banks of the James enhances the performances. No other urban area can match it. The river is Richmond's gift.

The Richmond Folk Festival is "free" -- except nothing really is. Party-goers will not be charged admission, yet the Bucket Brigade will welcome donations. Buckets placed throughout the site will accept coins and paper bills. Previous festivals drew impressive crowds, yet the buckets did not always receive what they should have. The more money donated this weekend, the better future shows will be. Every attendee should contribute at least $1. We cannot think of a better bargain. Ante up!