Archie Fisher
An avid horseman and master guitarist, singer and songwriter Archie Fisher is Scotland’s foremost Folk music troubadour. He is known in his homeland for a 27-year tenure as the host of BBC Radio Scotland’s award-winning “Traveling Folk” show. Recognized for his contributions to Scottish folk music, he was inducted into the Scots Traditional Music Hall of Fame and in 2006 was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire), a prestigious honor nominated by his peers and bestowed by Queen Elizabeth.
James Keelaghan
Called Canada’s finest singer-songwriter by one of the most respected and lauded music journalists of the last 50 years, James Keelaghan is an artist who has proven to be a man for all seasons. As the calendar pages have turned, for almost a quarter of a century now, this poet laureate of the folk and roots music world has gone about his work with a combination of passion, intent and intensity, and curiosity.
Fusing his insatiable appetite for finding the next unique storyline Keelaghan also forges his pieces with brilliantly defined craftsmanship and a monogrammed artistic vision, making him one of the most distinctive and readily identifiable voices of not only the Canadian scene, but as a member of the international singer-songwriter community.
Armed with a songbook that has enlightened and enthralled, and been embraced, by audiences around the world, Keelaghan’s life as an artist is one that is a perpetual journey on so many levels.
Jez Lowe
Jez Lowe has built an enviable reputation as a songwriter and performer in the world of acoustic music, and as a recognised musical ambassador for his native North East England, with more than a dozen albums and countless live performances around the world over the last twenty years.
Among those who have recorded their own versions of Lowe’s songs, are Fairport Convention, The Dubliners, The Tannahill Weavers, Cherish The Ladies, Gordon Bok, The Black Brothers, Liam Clancy and literally hundreds of others. Songs like BACK IN DURHAM GAOL, THE BERGEN, GREEK LIGHTNING and THESE COAL TOWN DAYS have generated scores of cover versions around the globe, and are now classics of their kind.
He has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, both solo and with the Bad Pennies, including the main stages at Edmonton Festival (Canada), Tonder Festival (Denmark), The Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian (US), Port Fairy and Byron Bay Festivals (Australia) and at concerts and festivals in New Zealand, Hong Kong, Ireland, Holland, Germany and Spain.
Patty Larkin redefines the boundaries of folk-urban pop music with her inventive guitar wizardry and uncompromising vocals and lyrics. Acoustic Guitar hails her “soundscape experiments” while Rolling Stone praises her “evocative and sonic shading.” She has been described as “riveting” (Chicago Tribune), “hypnotic” (Entertainment Weekly) and a “drop-dead brilliant” performer (Performing Songwriter).
“Larkin’s shows are celebrations of song, guitar and voice coming together in perfect unison with a perfect blend of skill and humility. Patty Larkin would never tell you that she’s a great guitarist, but she’ll show you all night long.”_CityBeat
Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion
“Moves seamlessly from Beck-meets-Beatles rock to soundscapes, folk-roots and Beach Boys summertime rock… [with] a sincerity that is undeniable.” (RELIX) “baroque folk with a quietist edge” (Nashville Scene)
Tumbling Bones
Tumbling Bones is a trio of young men inspired by old music. They play a mix of original compositions and traditional material drawing on bluegrass, pre-war folk, and a bit of the contemporary rock ‘n’ roll the guys were reared on.
“Take one listen to Loving a Fool and you’ll feel like you’re front and center at the Grand Ole Opry. Yes, they’re that good.”
– Kathy Sands-Boehmer, (No Depression)
FOLK New England
Founded by Betsy Siggins in 2009, FOLK New England’s mission is to document, preserve, interpret and present the ongoing cultural legacy of folk music in all its forms, with emphasis on New England’s contribution to the enrichment of North American life.
FOLK New England creates a dialogue between the history of folk music and the future of folk, through robust collections development, multi-disciplinary education, and engaging entertainment programs for the public.
Produced by Last Dance Productions.
Hosted by the City of New Bedford, the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts and the New Bedford Economic Development Council, the New Bedford Folk Festival offers an exciting atmosphere with great music, beautiful arts and crafts and fun activities for the whole family.
The Lowell Folk Festival. There’s so much to eat, play and discover at this year’s 29th Annual Lowell Folk Festival! This year’s festival features five stages of traditional music, authentic crafts demonstrations, ethnic foods, art and children’s activities.
The Festival is always the last full weekend in July. We look forward to seeing you July 24-26, 2015 in downtown Lowell!
Join us in New Bedford, America’s largest commercial fishing port, to learn about the men and women who harvest the North Atlantic.
Walk the decks of a scalloper, dine on fresh seafood, see fishermen’s contests, and watch a cooking demonstrations. Experience the workings of the industry which brings seafood from the ocean to your plate.
The Working Waterfront Festival presents performances of music, dance and poetry; demonstrations and contests of industry skills; tours of workboats; documentary films and footage at sea; cooking demonstrations; author readings; children’s activities; U.S. Coast Guard demos; Tug Boat Muster; whaleboat races, and more!
The Last Waltz LIVE is a re-creation of the Band’s classic concert film featuring The Rev Tor Band as The Band (accompanied by a full horn section) and one dozen or more local, regional, and national artists as special guests.
Not a tribute show, but rather a powerful community event, each LWL concert features a local lineup of guest artists making it a unique, all-star experience.
Tickets here:
http://
or call (781) 646-4849
Most of the profits from the Last Waltz LIVE will be donated to Mended Little Hearts of Boston
Info on Mended Little Hearts of Boston Here:
http://
Did you know that about 1 in 110 babies are born with a congenital heart defect each year?
Mended Little Hearts, a nonprofit organization, works nationally and in communities to empower children with congenital heart defects and their families through support, education and awareness.
Special guest artists for this performance will be announced soon.
“I lack the language to express the simply fantastic music, the awesome spirit, the camaraderie of the musicians, the MAGIC of last night’s Last Waltz LIVE production!! Some things are felt in the heart and in the soul, and this evening was one of those moments for me! Thank you all so very much for a Night of Magic!!” – Helen S., Last Waltz LIVE audience member
http://
or call (781) 646-4849
Presented by Last Dance Productions
The Working Waterfront Festival presents performances of music, dance and poetry. Experience demonstrations and contests of industry skills; tours of workboats; documentary films and footage at sea. There will be cooking demonstrations; author readings; children’s activities; tug boat muster; whaleboat races, and more!
The largest fishing port in the US!
Join us in New Bedford, America’s largest commercial fishing port, to learn about the men and women who harvest the North Atlantic. Walk the decks of a fishing vessel, dine on fresh seafood, see fishermen’s contests, and watch a cooking demonstrations. Experience the workings of the industry which brings seafood from the ocean to your plate.
The New Bedford Folk Festival
New Bedford Folk Festival brings together over 70 renowned and emerging performers and 90 plus juried arts and crafts vendors in New Bedford’s authentic historic district in July. In 2018, we celebrated the 23rd New Bedford Folk Festival on July 7 & 8. In 2019 the festival will be held on July 6 & 7.
The two-day family-oriented festival offers continuous folk music from 11 AM to 9 PM on seven sound stages in and around the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park ranging from the majestic 1200 seat Zeiterion Performing Arts Theater to the intimacy of the National Park Garden Stage.
The Artisans’ Marketplace showcases the handcrafted work of many local artists, as well as artisans from Maine to California and the International Bazaar, offers high-quality, imported handcrafts, many of them Fair Trade, from around the globe.
Food is also a great part of the festival. From street carts to the food court to the restaurants in and around the festival you can sample some of the tasty cuisines the area has to offer.
Presented by the Zeiterion Performing Arts Theater and hosted by the City of New Bedford, the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and the New Bedford Whaling Museum the New Bedford Folk Festival offers an exciting atmosphere with great music, beautiful arts and crafts and fun activities for the whole family.
Check out the crafts and commercial vendors
New Bedford Folk Festival – Vendors
33rd Lowell Folk Festival
The Lowell Folk Festival continues to provide the finest in traditional music, craft, foodways and more in downtown Lowell. This annual celebration is the best in traditional folk music, artisan crafts and ethnic foods, and will be returning to downtown Lowell with a full lineup beginning with the traditional parade of nations from Lowell’s City Hall Plaza to Boarding House Park. The free festival offers something for people of all ages all within the heart of Lowell National Historical Park.
The Jim Kweskin Extravaganza is a live concert that will honor and celebrate Jim’s legacy and his contributions to the music industry over the past 60-plus years.
Jim Kweskin is the founder of the legendary 1960s Jim Kweskin Jug Band with Fritz Richmond, Geoff Muldaur, Maria Muldaur, Mel Lyman, and Bruno Wolfe. During the five years they were together, they successfully transformed the sounds of pre-World War II rural music into a springboard for their good-humored performances. Their imitators were legion, including a San Francisco jug band that became the Grateful Dead, a Los Angeles jug band that became the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and a New York jug band that became the Lovin’ Spoonful. No other group attained their unique blend of youthful energy and antiquarian expertise, tight musicianship, loose camaraderie, and infectious swing.
The concert will feature songs from Jim’s soon-to-be-released recording on StorySound Records, Never Too Late: Jim Kweskin, Duets with My Friends, which will be released on Friday, January 26, 2024. The show will also feature artists and songs from Jim’s storied career, including the renowned and influential Jim Kweskin Jug Band.
Scheduled to appear along with Jim Kweskin, are Maria Muldaur, Geoff Muldaur, Samoa Wilson, Annie Raines, Paul Rishell, Juli Crockett, Suzy Thompson, and Matthew Berlin. Additional artists appearing will be announced soon.
More Last Dance Productions events here.
