| Madison Violet has been deemed one of the best female duos to come out of Canada. The singer-songwriter team of Lisa MacIsaac and Brenley MacEachern continues to woo audiences and critics alike with their engaging performances and brilliant musicianship.
And now they are coming to the ninth annual Blue Sky Folk Festival, a gem of an event that brings musicians and folk music fans from all over Northeast Ohio to Willoughby for a day of concerts, jamming, and learning.
On Saturday, August 17, 2019 the Blue Sky Folk Festival comes to its new location at The Fine Arts Association, 38660 Mentor Avenue (Route 20), Willoughby, Ohio 44094.
This year the Blue Sky presents two separate events on August 17, a daytime program and an evening concert.
Evening Concert with Madison Violet
 With six studio albums after nearly two decades together, the award-winning Madison Violet from Toronto moves effortlessly from folk to pop to electronic to Americana.
The evening concert program fills out with original and traditional folk music performances by two creative tunesters.
Emcee/musician Matt Watroba was recently named to the Folk Alliance International D.J. Hall of Fame after a career as the voice of folk music in hosting public radio programs in Michigan, Ohio and at Folk Alley. He sings and writes songs of compassion, inner strength, humor, and everyday living.
 You will remember Charlie Mosbrook when you hear his inventive lyrics and beautiful bass voice. Charlie’s song “Remember Who We Are” earned him 2nd place in the 2018 Woody Guthrie Folk Festival Songwriting contest in Okemah, Oklahoma.
Evening Concert admission $20 online, $25 at the door while tickets last. Doors open 7 p.m., presale tickets holders 6:45 p.m., concert 7:30 p.m.
Daytime Program
 During the Day Program under separate admission, enjoy more than 45 music workshops, jams and concerts on two stages. Performances feature such popular and creative musicians as Hal Walker & Friends (right, from Kent, Ohio), Sheela Das, Bob and Lenora Yocum, Don Landies and Family Dog, and banjo legend Doug Unger.
This year for the first time the Blue Sky Folk Festival will offer a day-long track of contra dance workshops and dances, led by callers Carol Kopp, Bill O’Connor and Kenny Wilson.
There are scheduled jams in Old-Time, Slow Old-Time, Western Swing and Old-Time Banjo led by professional musicians, plus popup jamming all over, all day, indoors and out.
For Irish and dulcimer enthusiasts, a trial tent is set up for jamming with no schedule and no leaders. We’ll see what happens!
Matt Watroba will emcee the daytime concerts as well as lead a community sing workshop.
Daytime Program admission $10 online or at the gate, under 13 free. Jammers bring your instrument for $2 off at the gate. Gates open 11 a.m., day program noon – 5 p.m.
Dinner Break
Stick around after the Day Program and enjoy a dinner break from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. before the evening concert. Head to the shops and restaurants in Historic Downtown Willoughby, a 16-minute walk (three minutes by car) – or stay at the Fine Arts Association for more jamming, whether you play or just like to watch. There will be food vendors, plus beer and wine available. This is our first year for this format, who knows what will happen? |
We’re a family friendly affair. What better way to spend the day, surrounded by music, community and sunshine. Children are welcome at the Blue Sky concerts, workshops and jams as well as planned kids activities. They are our future musicians!
