If you have been around the dedicated folk music realm, you may have noticed, as I have, the seasons that this type of music goes through. I have always been interested in finding new, unique artists to adjust to whatever mood I might be in at the time and that is exactly what folk music is about: personal expression of thoughts and interpretations. This also seems to be the case of seasonal emotions. In the summertime everyone wants a carefree environment where he or she can be outdoors and appreciate nature. During the holiday season, family, friends and warmth are common threads that tie all human beings together, no matter what religion or beliefs. Just as this cycle runs through our minds, so it does through the themes and festivals related to the folk music scene.
Spring is a time of growth and change and fresh ideas and most people think of new artists and new series beginning around this time, as well as gearing up for the events that will surely come in the summer. It is in the heat of summer that the true essence of traditional music flows freely. Concerts and festivals bring hundreds or even thousands of fans together to celebrate the musicians and enjoy food and activities as well. Last summer I attended a folk music festival in Colorado and made some very close friends there and even got to know some of the local artists that I never would have heard of without this intimate environment. If you are only mildly interested in this type of music, I still highly encourage you to attend one of these events as a social gathering to get a better feel for the music and the potential it has. And if anyone has any suggestions for great concerts or festivals, I am always open and would love to go to some new places and explore all new scenery! This is what it’s all about, engaging with real life experiences and noticing the beauty and joy in it all.
When the weather gets a bit cooler and the outdoor events cease for the winter season, people are soothed by warm sounds and voices that have made folk music so popular throughout the generations. The holidays are prime for artists to reach listeners in a personal way and make connections based on memories. I once attended a winter gathering that was not so much a concert as it was a sort of company holiday party. Everyone had a warm drink in there hand and the venue was just small enough that I could see everyone there. Some people sat on blankets on the floor and there was a quiet amongst them that seemed to signal a unified respect for the music. These memories are the ones that songwriters and musicians want to create for their fans to establish a bond that larger, corporate artists don’t focus on nearly enough.
