History
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 like 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.
The Festival has been held every Winter since 1961, and we
will be celebrating our 50th festival from February 12th to
14th, 2010. 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.
As we prepare for our 50th festival, check back here for some
documents from our archives to get an inside look at how the
early years of the festival took shape. If you were at any of
the early festivals and have any memories you'd like to share
as we prepare for our big anniversary, let us know by e-mailing us.
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