Storytellers, musicians spin yarns at Geneva folk fest
How would you like to spend your Labor Day weekend watching and learning clogging and traditional dances? How about expanding your vocal abilities at a singing workshop? Or maybe you'd like to lay on the grass and listen to some of the best live folk music in the country.
If you like music, stories, friends, food and the great outdoors, come enjoy a Labor Day weekend vacation at the 32nd annual Fox Valley Folk Music & Storytelling Festival in Geneva. This popular event holds a wide variety of entertainment and fun for all ages.
"This year, we're basically trying to recreate 'floodfest,' because we got flooded out last year," said fest organizer Juel Ulven. "Most everybody (scheduled for last year) wanted to come back. We always have a good mix of folks and of styles."
The main music stage, just one of eight performance stages, presents traditional and contemporary folk music performed by many of the finest folk singers in the Midwest and beyond.
New performers this year include Matt Watroba from Eastern Michigan. This full-time performer, who refers to himself as a "folk jukebox," is a songwriter and plays guitar.
"He's just the most engaging person," said Ulven, who personally checks out all the acts before booking them for the festival.
Danny Santos, a songwriter who embraces many different styles of music, is coming for the first time from Texas, as is Chris Vallillo, an accomplished slide guitar player from downstate Illinois, who is bringing his blues and original music to Geneva.
Popular folk musicians returning this year include: Mike Anderson Cooper, Nelson and Early, Ellie and Leela Grace, Joel Mabus, Lee Murdock, and more.
Five workshop areas throughout the park will feature instrument, vocal, dance and topical song workshops, including many hands-on teaching sessions. You can even learn to make European hand style puppets, play spoons, learn to yodel or get some tips on writing a song. Several activities particularly for children will also be offered throughout the two-day fest.
Musicians of all abilities are encouraged to bring their own instruments so they can participate in the workshops and sit in on the many jam sessions that go on all over the island.
If the spoken word is more your thing, check out the main storytelling stage, where professional storytellers will tell tales of lands from far and wide.
Feature tellers, including Mike Anderson and Yvonne Healy will grace the stage, as well as members of Fox Valley Folklore Society's Storytelling Guild. A new session this year will include a "Story Slam" where the audience interacts with the teller.
Stroll through the vendor area where you will find hand -built musical instruments, weaving, stained glass, tinware, and pottery. This area also offers records and tapes by many of the musicians performing as well as a large general selection of folk music recordings.
Check the Web site www.foxfalleyfolk.com for a full listing of events, including the Old-Time Community Barn Dance and the Ghost Stories on Sunday night. A preview of the festival can be heard on the annual Midnight Special Festival Concert on WFMT Radio 98.7 FM, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30. Featured will be participating performers Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer.
The event, which began in 1977, typically draws thousands of people from 12 to 15 states each year, making it the largest folk music festival in Illinois, all organized and presented by volunteer staff.
The Folk Fest runs rain or shine, and offers a large tent to sit under, in case of inclement weather. Meals and light refreshments will be available or feel free to bring a picnic of your own.
There is a suggested festival admission of $15 per day for adults, and $10 for teens and seniors. Children under 12 are free.
Island Park is located on an island in the Fox River in downtown Geneva. The north entrance to the park is at Route 38 (Roosevelt Road), and the Fox River, one block west of Route 25. The south entrance is from the west bank of the Fox, via the walking and cycling bridge under the Metra railroad trestle. Parking is available at the Kane County Government Center at 719 S. Batavia Ave, (Route 31) and in the commuter railway parking areas nearby.
Speaking of the railway, why drive when you can ride? Trains from Northwestern station in Chicago stop within four blocks of the festival with several trains each day.
A special $5 Metra weekend and holiday pass allows an adult and up to 3 children unlimited train travel all of Labor Day weekend.
If you go
What: The 32nd annual Fox Valley Folk Music & Storytelling Festival
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and Monday (Labor Day)
Plus: Old-Time Community Barn Dance from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, followed by Ghost stories from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Where: Island Park in Geneva
Sponsored by: The Fox Valley Folklore Society and the Geneva Park District.
More info: www.FoxValleyFolk.com; (630) 897-3655