Free Folk Festival University of Chicago
When: February 12-13, 2021
Where: Folklore Society, c/o University of Chicago, 5706 S University Ave, Chicago, IL 60637 Virtual
The annual Folk Festival is presented by the Folklore Society at the University of Chicago. The concerts are free, and there is no need to pre-register. You can watch the livestream on their Facebook and YouTube pages
Friday, February 12 7pm CST
- Bruce Greene Old-Time Fiddle & Banjo
- Cedric Watson & Friends Traditional Cajun & Creole
- Gorrión Serrano Pan–Mexican Folk
- Germaine Traditional Quebécóis Vocal Music
Saturday, February 13, 2021 7pm CST
- Dromeno Greek & Balkan Folk Music
- Kevin Henderson Shetland Fiddle
- Hubby Jenkins Country Blues & Old-Time
- Brìghde Chaimbeul Scottish Smallpipes
- David Davis & the Warrior River Boys Classic Bluegrass
Free Folk Festival University of Chicago
The University of Chicago Folklore Society formed in the early 1950s and put on its first Folk Festival in 1961. Featuring such greats as Ralph and Carter Stanley, The New Lost City Ramblers, Elizabeth Cotton, Roscoe Holcomb and Willie Dixon.
The Festival was a huge success, and over the next decade, exposed many great traditional musicians to a much wider audience. Legends such as Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys, Frank Profitt, Hobart Smith, The Staples Singers, Nathan Abshire, Dewey Balfa, Doc Watson, Clarence “Tom” Ashley, Muddy Waters and Little Walter, and many more graced the Mandel Hall stage in the early years. It is no exaggeration to say that the U of C Folk Fest had a lasting impact on the national folk music scene.
Through the years, we’ve maintained our commitment to bringing the University and surrounding community the very best in traditional music from around the country and around the world. We are also committed to providing free and fun workshops for everyone, during the day on the Saturday and Sunday of the festival.
