Saturday, July 13th, 32nd Annual Black Hawk Folk Society Music Festival. Black Hawk Folk Society invites everyone to its 32nd annual folk music festival Saturday, July 13 in Mt. Morris Town Park on County Highway G in Mount Morris. The morning begins with an open mic from 10:30 – 11:45. Musicians of all flavors are invited to tune up their stringed instruments, polish their harmonicas, spoons, or other instrument of choice to share a few favorite tunes. Please contact Guy at 715-228-3662 or gk500@yahoo.com for more information about the open mic or to be added to the roster. Eric Lewis will take the stage at noon for an hour-long set. Eric, who hangs his hat in Memphis is a talented session musician who has mastered many stringed instruments. His focus includes folk, blues, and mountain music. Next up: Cris and Ann Plata at 1:10. Expect a musical serving of Tex-Mex—Tex for the Texas singer-songwriter influence that Cris grew up with and Mex for Mexican roots music. Ann adds bass and vocals. Mecan River Ramblers will take over at 2:20. You’ll love the energy and the sound these five acoustic bluegrass loving musicians will add to your afternoon. Chicago-based singer-songwriter Michael Peter Smith is next up at 3:30. Michael’s been writing songs and performing for delighted audiences for close to sixty years. Rolling Stone Magazine called him one of the greatest songwriters in the English language. You’re likely to agree. Claudia Russell & Bruce Kaplan will tune up at 4:40. These very fine musicians perform from coast to coast for audiences of all sizes, serving up blues, folk, country, and vocals backed by mandolin and guitar. Wrapping the festival up: Escaping Pavement, from 5:50 – 7:00. This Detroit-based duo integrates folk, roots, and Americana via acoustic guitar, mandolin, and swoon-for harmonies. Emily Burns and Aaron Markovitz are the escapees, cruising the nation in their vintage RV from concert site to concert site. Additional info and links to music by all these artists can be found on Black Hawk’s FB page or the artists’ web sites. Once again, Bill Kehl returns as emcee. If you’ve attended previous festivals you will remember that Bill is a talented musician who adds much to the event, sharing his vast knowledge of music from many cultures woven through and through with great wit and humor. Festival tickets may be purchased in advance by contacting Tom at 920-358-4565 or tomstraydog@aim.com; or Joanne at 920-293-4455 or sewwhat1@centurytel.net . Tickets may also be purchased day of festival at the gate. Advance prices: Adults, $18; 13 – 18 years, $13; 12 & under, free. At the gate: $20, $15, and free, respectively. Picnicking is welcome and concessions will be available thanks to the Mt. Morris Pioneers 4-H Club. The festival hosts an arts and craft fair. If you are an artisan or crafter, please visit blackhawkfolk.org to review and download a registration form; or contact Judy at 608-586-4317 or locustview@maqs.net for information. A $36 registration fee includes festival admission for two adults. The festival is an outdoor event--blankets or lawn chairs, sunscreen, hats, and insect repellant are suggested. (Sorry, pets are not allowed.) Mt. Morris Park features playground equipment and a swimming beach—making this a wonderful family event! Parking is free and on site; the park is handicap friendly. (Rain site is Mountain View Community Center, located at N3137 21st Lane, at the intersection of 21st Lane and Highway 152, just south of Mt. Morris and six miles northeast of Wautoma.) Black Hawk Folk Society is a volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to bringing quality music to central Wisconsin. Speaking of volunteers, if you are available to help at this event, please contact Betty at 920-295-2030 or click on the “volunteer” button on Black Hawk Folk Society’s website. Black Hawk thanks all donors and these sponsors who help make this festival and other events, including educational outreach programs possible: Louise Coumbe; The Frey Family Foundation; Patricia Grant; Paul & Betty Hagan; Conners/Barrett & Company LLC; Janet Scalpone; the Dick Hansen Family; and the Mt. Morris Mill Coffee Shop. For more information about this festival, to learn how to become a sponsor or how you can support Black Hawk in other ways, please visit blackhawkfolk.org, or like and follow Black Hawk's Facebook page, www.facebook.com/BlackHawkFolk.
