Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Cream Calendar Nashville Is Host City for National Folk Festival From 2011-2013
Posted by Tracy Moore on Wed, Mar 10, 2010 at 3:27 PM
You may have heard that today Mayor Karl Dean was going to announce "a new, free music and arts event starting summer 2011 that will highlight and celebrate Nashville's unique mix of musical talent and genres." Well, he did. It's the National Folk Festival, an outdoor, location-jumping festival -- currently being held in Butte -- that claims it's the longest-running such event in the country. The festival also boasts providing the first national stage for the blues, Cajun music, a polka band, and more. Nashville competed against roughly 40 cities and won. We will play host for three years, the last of which culminates in the festival's 75th anniversary. The event will be free and held downtown over six stages. Fun fact: Apparently, the festival came here once before in the '50s. Any Cream readers remember that? Heh. Press release excerpts after the jumperino.
The National Folk Festival effort in Nashville will involve the entire community and bring together many diverse groups to work toward the common goal of building the festival. An estimated 800 volunteers will work with festival planners, city employees and community leaders, creating an event that will bring the region numerous benefits
The festival is expected to draw upwards of 80,000 attendees in its first year, increasing to over 150,000 by year three and is expected to have an estimated $10-15 million in economic impact per year. The National's stay is also intended to lay the groundwork for a new annual festival that will continue in Nashville after the National moves on in 2014.
With downtown Nashville as the backdrop, audiences can expect a diverse array of continuous music and dance performances by the finest traditional artists from all parts of the Nation, a Tennessee Folklife Area with craft demonstrations, exhibits and stage presentations focused on the heritage of the region and state, a Family Area, regional and ethnic food courts, and a festival marketplace offering fine handmade regional crafts.
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Yes please.
And LOL moment of the day. Link on their website says "BUTTE AMERICA."
I've attended the festival in Butte (rhymes with cute) the past 2 years and will attend again this year. It has been fantastic! If Nashville comes anywhere close to what Butte, Montana has put together the last 3 years it will be something you won't want to miss. I've never been so entertained for a whole weekend like that in my life. Just one good thing after another. Can't wait to see what Nashville puts together.
went to the Butte one 2 of the 3 years, and it was great, cannot wait to visit Nashville for such a great thing as this!
attended butte 2010 what a great festival//ton and tons of people//since I'm original from the east coast it was great to hear bands from NY, VA and PA the eastern style polka's by " Stanky and the Calminer" brought back many memories from my childhood when I would dance with my grandparents. It was a great week-end. Thanks and I hope the town learned all you can teach them to keep this a yearly event. hope to see you in Nashville I'm hooked on this<<<< Thx for a great tiime
KAYA, a premier folk rock fusion band from India will be touring USA during October this year. They will perform in Nashville on Friday, Oct 15.
Vote here for best Band of the Week
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