Seattle Folklore Society is planning a free, all-day festival for its 50th anniversary from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sept. 17 at the Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N. But it needs a lot of volunteers to help out.
Seattle Folklore Society will commemorate 50 years of promoting music, dance, and traditional arts in Seattle this Fall! From the very first concert (Nov. 15, 1966 – when founding members John Ullman, Irene Namkung and Phil and Vivian Williams presented blues players Mississippi Fred McDowell and Mance Lipscomb at the University Friends Center) to the many dances, concerts, songcircles, and camps that continue to happen year round, we have a lot to celebrate!
On Saturday, September 17th, there will be a whole day of music, dancing, singing, and workshops, for all ages at the Phinney Neighborhood Center, followed by a special evening Showcase Concert.
Volunteers are needed all day, from set-up in the morning, to help festival goers find workshop, dance or performance rooms during the day, or concert crew and clean-up in the evening. Many hands make short shifts and a good chance for everyone to enjoy the activities!
To get involved or find out more, e-mail [email protected] or leave a message at 206-923-8923.
From 11AM – 5PM, the emphasis is on participation. Bring your instrument and join a jam, or try a free workshop. There will be 6 hours of participatory dance (a Family Dance especially for ages 2-10 with friends and family, New England Contra dance, old-time squares, Skandinavian couple dance, English & Scottish Country, workshops in Morris Dancing, Appalachian clogging, and more). There will be hosted jams in many genres, from an inclusive traditional Irish session to Brazilian choro. (There will even be a special beginner-friendly session, following music teacher Betsy Alexander’s “Fiddling-from-scratch” workshop, with both adult and child-sized violins available to borrow.) Participatory song sessions include Show Tunes, Sea Shanties, and all kinds of harmony singing.
Daytime listening spaces include acoustic music organized by Far West Folk Alliance, and a story telling session curated by “Auntmama” (KBCS DJ and Seattle Storytellers Guild president Mary Ann Moorman).
From 7-10PM, there will be a 4-act Showcase Concert. The wonderful duo, Squirrel Butter has been confirmed – watch the SFS website for additions! In additon, there will be a couple of rooms open for jamming and more singing.
Follow the event website from www.seafolklore.org for updates and more info.
