2012 American Folk Festival Program by Bangor Daily News

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Our Mission: The American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront (produced by the Bangor Folk Festival) engages people in traditional arts from around the world. Featuring music, dance, crafts, food, and storytelling, the festival provides a culturally meaningful celebration of multiple artistic traditions and education about the traditional arts for all ages.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THOMAS MAUPIN, WHOSE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE IS ON PAGE 20.

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2012/13 PERFORMANCE SEASON

COLLINS CENTER FOR THE ARTS Philharmonia Quartett Berlin Sunday, October 14 at 3:00 pm

Afiara Quartet Sunday, September 16 at 3:00 pm Asphalt Orchestra Wednesday, September 19 at 7:00 pm

Bach and Beyond Jennifer Koh, violin Sunday, February 24 at 3:00 pm

The Price is Right – LIVE Wednesday, October 17 at 7:00 pm Voltaire and Frederick A Life in Letters Tuesday, October 30 at 7:00 pm Hauck Auditorium

Music of the Sun with Ethel and Robert Mirabal Friday, February 1 at 8:00 pm

Jonathan Biss, piano Sunday, March 10 at 3:00 pm Rock of Ages National Broadway Tour Friday, March 29 at 8:00 pm Sponsored by

Hair National Broadway Tour Thursday, April 25 at 7:00 pm and Friday, April 26 at 8:00 pm

Spirituals to Funk Dr. John and The Blind Boys of Alabama Wednesday, November 7 at 7:00 pm

A Chorus Line National Broadway Tour Monday, February 11 at 7:00 pm Sponsored by

THE MET LIVE IN HD AT THE COLLINS CENTER Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore October 13 at 12:55 pm Verdi’s Otello October 27 at 12:55 pm Adès’ The Tempest November 10 at 12:55 pm Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito December 1 at 12:55 pm

Celtic Nights Thursday, March 14 at 7:00 pm

Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera December 22 at 12:55 pm

Steve Lippia’s Simply Sinatra with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra Saturday, March 23 at 8:00 pm

Verdi’s Aida December 29 at 12:55 pm Berlioz’s Les Troyens January 5 at 12:00 noon

Midtown Men

Shaolin Warriors Tuesday, November 27 at 7:00 pm

Mnozil Brass Sunday, April 28 at 3:00 pm

Bowfire’s Holiday Heart Strings Tuesday, December 4 at 7:00 pm

Garrison Keillor Thursday, May 23 at 7:00 pm

The Danish String Quartet Sunday, January 20 at 3:00 pm

Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda January 19 at 12:55 pm Verdi’s Rigoletto February 23 at 12:55 pm Wagner’s Parsifal March 9 at 12:00 noon Zandonai’s Francesca da Rimini March 16 at 12:00 noon Handel’s Giulio Cesare April 27 at 12:00 noon

GALA Ben Vereen Saturday, September 29 at 8:00 pm Sponsored by PROUD SPONSOR OF THE 2012/13 PERFORMANCE SEASON with support from

For tickets or more information, call (207) 581-1755 or 800-622-TIXX.

Buy tickets 24 hours a day online at

CollinsCenterfortheArts.com. One of Maine’s public universities

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■ WELCOME

WELCOME TO THE FOLK FESTIVAL Welcome to the 2012 American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront! As we prepare to embark on our second decade of bringing music, crafts, food and art from around the world to Eastern Maine, we are excited to welcome newcomers to the festival as well as the many thousands of repeat visitors who have joined us in previous years. Throughout the year, we spend countless hours talking with people who have enjoyed the American Folk Festival. Everybody has their favorite part of the festival, whether it’s a particular type of music, a favorite food, a craft vendor they visit on an annual basis, a favorite stage, or a favorite day — something will inevitably resonate with festival-goers as the most memorable take-away from a visit to the American Folk Festival. In those same conversations, however, there is almost always a part of the festival that visitors either had not experienced or were not aware of. With so much activity in a short period of time, that is understandable. This year, we encourage you to not only take in your favorite part of the festival, but we would also invite you to seek out new opportunities to try something at the festival you haven’t experienced in years past. That new opportunity could be a different style of music that you haven’t heard before. This year’s American Folk Festival offers 17 different musical acts performing on four different stages. That new opportunity could be to visit the Children’s Village with the young person in your life. You’ll see the excitement on youngsters’ faces as they experience activities and crafts from one of the five communities and cultures represented in this kid-friendly, interactive area. That new opportunity could be to stop at the Maine Folklife Center stage where this year’s theme is Maine’s Great Outdoors. You will enjoy presentations by Maine Guides and Maine Game Wardens, including demonstrations on snowshoe making, fly-tying, Maine songs and stories, and more. Plus, if you are there at the right time, you might see the world-famous L.L. Bean boot up close and personal! That new opportunity could be to experience a showcase, a feature at the American Folk Festival that you will not see anywhere else. This year’s showcases will feature fiddles, guitar traditions, harmony traditions, banjo, percussion, and vocal song traditions in a truly unique setting. Or, that new opportunity could be as simple as mixing in a new type of food that you have not tried in years past, or challenging yourself to dance more at the Dance Pavilion. Whatever you decide to do — whether it is seeking out a new opportunity, or sticking with the tried-and-true favorites you have enjoyed year after year — we are happy that you are here. Don’t forget to be on the lookout for the always-entertaining Bucket Brigade, which invites you to kick in the suggested donation of $10 a day, or $20 for the family, to ensure the American Folk Festival continues to provide top-notch entertainment in a family-friendly setting year after year after year. Enjoy the weekend, enjoy the festival, and enjoy all that Eastern Maine has to offer. We look forward to hearing about your new favorite parts of the festival later in the year! BDN MAINE FILE PHOTO BY DAVID M. FITZPATRICK

Sincerely,

John Rohman, Chair

Irish dancer Kevin Doyle wows the crowd at the Railroad Stage while fiddler Seamus Connolly, accordionist Damien Connolly, and Felix Dolan on piano give him plenty of dancing music in 2011.

Heather McCarthy, Executive Director

INDEX

Official Program produced and published by the Bangor Daily News

04 Welcome

26 Food

05 Information

28 Marketplace

06 Performers

30 Kids

21 Sponsors

32 Demonstrations

22 Map

36 How to help

25 New

38 Showcases

Publisher Richard J. Warren Advertising Director Towle Tompkins Editors Aimee Thibodeau, Brian Swartz Writers Debra Bell, David M. Fitzpatrick, Dale McGarrigle Photographers Bridgit Brown, David M. Fitzpatrick Sales Beth Grant, Brian Cotlar, Jeff Orcutt, Linda Hayes, Bronson Swazey, Peter Small Creative Services Bridgit Cayer, John Koladish, Kristin Hurd, Heidi Martin, Michele Prentice Layout Design Bridgit Cayer Cover Design Michele Prentice, Eric Zelz Special Thanks to Heather McCarthy, American Folk Festival Exec. Director Bangor Daily News, 491 Main St., Bangor, Maine 04401

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INFORMATION ■ FESTIVAL ADMISSION There is no admission fee to attend any of the festival’s programs, including performances, demonstrations, and children’s activities. However, presenting the festival free-of-charge costs nearly $1 million, and we need your help to cover these production costs. The suggested donation is $10 per day per person or $20 per day per family. When you see the donation buckets, please, consider a gift to support the event!

BUCKET VOLUNTEERS

The volunteers who make up the Bucket Brigade and the Donation Stations are a happy corps of community volunteers who encourage festival-goers to support the American Folk Festival. The Donation Stations are at the two main festival entrances (at Railroad and Washington streets). The Bucket Brigade travels throughout the festival site. Please, drop your contribution (suggested donation: $10 per person per day) in the bucket to help cover the cost of the festival.

FESTIVAL PARKING

People familiar with downtown Bangor are invited to park in any street-side parking, surface lots, or the Pickering Square Parking Garage. Or you may want to use the convenient parking at the Bass Park complex off Buck Street. Parking fees are $8 per vehicle per day, or $20 per vehicle for a threeday parking pass. The Folk Festival is pleased to be working with the Anah Shrine to facilitate parking at Bass Park. One hundred percent of your parking fee supports these two Bangor area nonprofit organizations: the Second Section of Anah Shrine and the American Folk Festival. Free shuttle service will transport people from Bass Park to the festival site on the Penobscot River waterfront.

BICYCLES

Free bicycle parking will be available on the Folk Festival site in a special bicycle parking area overseen by Folk Festival

volunteers. Remember that Maine law requires a headlight and rear red reflectors visible from at least 500 feet when riding at night. Flashing taillights and light-colored and/or reflective clothing are highly recommended. The law requires helmets for anyone under 16, but everyone should wear a helmet to prevent head injury.

PETS

Please, DO NOT bring pets (other than service animals) to the American Folk Festival. The large crowds — with many people seated on the ground — will appreciate your animals staying at home. Your pets will be more comfortable at home than in the midst of the festival crowds.

INFORMATION BOOTHS, FESTIVAL SCHEDULES

General festival information, the schedule of performances, and area information will be available at four information booths: near the Dance Tent, near the Railroad Stage portal, near the Main Food Court, and near the Children’s Village.

WHAT TO BRING

You may want to bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses. A credit card may come in handy to buy festival memorabilia and CDs of performing artists. Collapsible chairs and a blanket might make your trip more comfortable. Some stages will have seating, but others, such as the Railroad Stage, require that you bring your seating. Don’t forget your prescription medications and, just in case, bring your insurance and Medicare cards.

WHAT IF IT RAINS?

Tents cover many festival stages and presentations. If the weather appears

threatening, bring an umbrella. The show will go on, rain or shine, unless there is a concern for public safety.

For public safety reasons, the festival is no longer able to provide golf cart transportation to festival-goers.

SMOKE-FREE, PLEASE

BABY-CHANGING STATION

You can help everyone enjoy the Folk Festival even more this year by helping to keep the air smoke-free. By not lighting up, you’ll be giving children and those with breathing difficulties a break, and you’ll be helping everyone breathe easier, including yourself. Smoking is prohibited under any festival tent, and in the food courts and picnic areas. Throughout other areas of the festival, please, be courteous and refrain from smoking when in a crowd of people.

MEDICAL AND EMERGENCY SERVICES

Minor medical emergencies will be treated at the First Aid Center, located on the road that leads to the Dance Tent. Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems sponsors and coordinates the First Aid Center.

LOST PEOPLE

Children who lose track of their caretakers should find a festival volunteer or staff member, who will contact security escort them to the First Aid Center (on the road leading to the Dance Tent). All lost people will be directed to the First Aid Center unless their parties have made arrangements to meet elsewhere.

RESTROOMS

Portable restroom facilities and handwashing stations are located at numerous spots throughout the festival site. See the map for the facilities closest to you.

HANDICAPPED ACCOMMODATIONS

Handicapped parking facilities will be available at Bass Park. Several stage performances and demonstrations will be translated in American Sign Language. See page 22 of this program or check at an information booth.

The Festival’s baby-changing station is located near the Harbormaster’s Building.

RETURNABLES

For your convenience, there are bins for returnable bottles and cans (and other recyclables) placed throughout the festival.

WEBSITE

For more information about American Folk Festival performers, vendors, sponsors, how to donate, and even a kickoff countdown, visit http://www.americanfolkfestival.com.

DIGITAL APP

Android smart phone users rejoice! The American Folk Festival 2012 application will help you navigate the festival, explore the acts, get performance times and locate the performance stages. To find it, search for American Folk Festival App.

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Programs and performances were accurate at press time, but could change. Check at information booths for performance and scheduling updates.

RADIO BROADCAST

WERU at 89.9 FM in Blue Hill and 99.9 FM in Bangor will be broadcasting on Saturday and Sunday from the Penobscot Stage, as the station has done for years. It will also stream content on its website at www.WERU.org. “We’re very excited to be able to bring the amazing music and culture of the Festival to people who, for one reason or another, can’t make it to some or all of the weekend,” said WERU General Manager Matt Murphy. “Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the diverse music of the American Folk Festival. And for those who are there, please stop by for a visit.”

This year’s American Folk Festival features 17 performing groups for your entertainment. Enjoy...

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■ PERFORMERS

Anah Highlanders

FRI | 6:45PM | FROM CHILDREN’S VILLAGE TO RAILROAD STAGE SAT | 7:00PM | FROM CHILDREN’S VILLAGE TO RAILROAD STAGE

Scottish Pipe and Drum BY DAVID M. FITZPATRICK, BDN MAINE

he Anah Highlanders, a Bangorbased pipe and drum marching band, make their return to the Bangor Waterfront after eight years. The Highlanders appeared at the 66th National Folk Festival, during the third and final year of the NFF on the Bangor Waterfront. On opening night, the Highlanders marched, in rows of three and in perfect time, wearing MacIntosh Tartan kilts and feathered caps. As they approached the Railroad Stage, the wail of bagpipes grew louder and the mob behind them swelled. It wasn’t exactly “Braveheart,” wrote BDN staffer Kristen Andresen at the time, but it looked as though they were leading troops into battle.

“We parade so others may walk.” “This is unbelievable,” said John Rohman, the festival’s chairman at the time, over the strains of “God Bless America” from the Highlanders. “There are times when I look out over this crowd and literally the hairs on the back of my head stand up.” Formed in 1976, the Highlanders are Anah Shrine’s premier unit. The Highlanders placed seventh among the Shrine Pipe and Drum bands at the Imperial session in Toronto and are five time Northeast Shrine Pipe and Drum Champions. The Highlanders have played for President George H.W. Bush, and

escorted governors and other dignitaries. They have played the changing of the guards at the Citadel in Halifax, Nova Scotia and the opening Parade Of The Clans at the North American Pipe Band Championships at the Glengarry Highland Games in Maxville, Ontario, Canada. Two band members — one current, one emeritus — have composed tunes the band currently performs: two 6/8 marches, and a lament for the band’s founder. Herschel MacIntosh founded the group 36 years ago, and it’s for him that the band’s tartan pattern is named for: the MacIntosh Tartan.

The Highlanders have played in parades, concerts, and college graduation and dedication ceremonies throughout Maine, New England and Canada. The Highlanders will teach those who want to learn to play pipes or drums and recommend that beginners be diligent and not get discouraged. With hard work and dedication they will succeed. The group raises money for Shrine Charities, which the Highlanders describe as “a wonderful undertaking… but to do it in authentic Highland regalia, while marching to the skirl of the mighty Scottish Bagpipes and Highland drums, is a most noble and rewarding experience.” The Highlanders’ motto is “We Parade So Others May Walk.”

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PERFORMERS ■

Akwaaba Ghanian Dance

SUN | 1:00PM | RAILROAD STAGE SUN | 2:45PM | PENOBSCOT STAGE ~ WORLD PERCUSSION SHOWCASE DISCUSSION & DEMONSTRATION SUN | 5:45PM | PENOBSCOT STAGE

BY DAVID M. FITZPATRICK, BDN MAINE

nergized drumming and dancing blended with Highlife music of Ghana makes Akwaaba unique. The Akwaaba Traditional African Drum and Dance Ensemble was formed by Theo Nii Martey during a tour with Brekete Ensemble in London. It brings together a group of friends who have been drumming and dancing together for many years in Ghana and the United Kingdom. The group includes past members of the National Dance Ensemble, Brekete Ensemble and the Shidaa cultural troupe.

The Akwaaba Ensemble’s energetic and engaging performances are a reflection of their name, which means “welcome” in the Twi language of the Ashanti tribe of Ghana. At each performance, Akwaaba brings Highlife music, West African drumming and dance to life.

At each performance, Akwaaba brings Highlife music, West African drumming and dance to life. Audiences agree that their performances are, “overwhelmingly positive. Once you hear their music, you can’t resist to move.” Each Ensemble member teaches and leads workshops. Together, they have connected with students at dozens of schools around the globe. Parents and teachers praise their work: “These guys are energetic, enthusiastic. They’re really knowledgeable about what they are doing, and they seem to really enjoy working with kids.” For the past 10 years, Akwaaba has toured internationally and performed on many stages in the United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, Ireland and the United States. Akwaaba performs at theaters,

fairs, festivals, churches, weddings, school settings, and drumming and dancing workshops in the community. The ensemble also often collaborates with other musicians. The group’s goal is to produce extraordinary music and great performances that enlighten the audience about African culture and music. They dubbed their first album “Akwaaba Welcome Home” in 2008, and they are working on their new album, “Jei Elaaje Wo,” which will be released in April 2012. This isn’t Akwaaba’s first time in Maine. In 2009, the ensemble appeared in the Bethel area. “Theo and the Akwaaba Ensemble gave a

performance that warmed up the audience despite a blinding snowstorm in Bethel,” said Mahoosuc Arts Council’s then-Interim Director Linda Gamble in a testimonial for the group. “Akwaaba gives the audience a unique look into the world of music and dance of Ghana that is both enlightening and energetic.” While in Bethel for its public performance, Akwaaba visited four area schools to lead lectures and demonstrations, question-and-answer sessions, and workshops. Akwaaba’s appearance at the American Folk Festival is funded in part by the New England States Touring program of the New England Foundation for the Arts, made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts Regional Touring Program and the six New England state arts agencies.

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■ PERFORMERS

Aubrey Ghent Sacred Steel Guitar

SAT SAT SAT SUN

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PENOBSCOT STAGE ~ AMERICAN GUITAR TRADITIONS SHOWCASE DISCUSSION & DEMONSTRATION RAILROAD STAGE PENOBSCOT STAGE RAILROAD STAGE

BY DAVID M. FITZPATRICK, BDN MAINE

fter 38 years of playing the Lap Steel Guitar, Aubrey Ghent is a legend and master artist in his own right. At the age of 6, Ghent developed a great passion for the lap steel. His first guitar was a “true tone” rhythm and he used a true tone amplifier, which was a great combination, but Ghent wasn’t satisfied. He decided to use a No. 16 nail under the stings to raise their height (as he had seen someone else do) in order to use a steel bar and play the guitar as a steel.

After about six months his grandfathers, Bishop W.L. Nelson and Elder Eugene Ghent, got together and bought his first steel guitar and amplifier. It was a red Supro and a small, used, tweed Fender Deluxe amp. After three years of much practice, he began playing for church services at age 9. His skills were so amazing that local churches and other events began inviting him to play for services and venues. It wasn’t long before he began to travel to other cities and states playing his steel. As a teenage deacon, Aubrey began to preach and was called, “the preaching deacon.” At age 20, he fully accepted the call and began evangelizing through word and music. His preaching ministry and church positions became increasingly demanding and took precedence over his music, so he played less. After several years Ghent realized that his purpose and destiny was to fulfill both ministries and

he began devoting equal time and attention to them both. In 1992, while playing tunes in a music store in Miami, an employee told him that he knew of a man who would love to hear him play: Robert Stone of the Florida Folklife Department. After Stone heard him play, Ghent, who had been playing at concerts throughout Florida and other states, began playing at festivals and events nationally and internationally with Stone’s help. In 1994, Ghent performed at the Smithsonian Folk Masters Concert at the Barns of Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA where his music was recorded and placed in the Institute’s archives. Later that year he was named and awarded Master Artist of the state of Florida. He gained national attention by being on National Public Radio on numerous occasions. He soon signed with Arhoolie Records, and his group, Aubrey Ghent & Friends, released its first CD, “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus.” The record was a huge success and continues to be in high demand. That was only the beginning. Ghent’s wife, Lori, also plays with the band. Aubrey Ghent is a virtuoso instrumental soloist, Aubrey and Lori are an acoustic duo, and they have a five-piece, soulful band. Their repertoire is also versatile and fits in several genres such as gospel, traditional gospel, contemporary gospel, gospel blues, folk, and bluegrass.

Cheick Hamala Diabate Malian

BY DAVID M. FITZPATRICK, BDN MAINE

heick Hamala Diabate, a griot (historian) from West Africa, will bring traditional Malian music, dance, and storytelling to Bangor. But Hamala reminds us that not every song has words, because not every performance needs them. “Some music, we don’t need to talk,” said Hamala. “The music tells you about your life, tells you about your ancestors, tells you to be good, to respect your life, to respect yourself, to respect people.” Griot is the name the French gave these Malian storytellers; the Malians call them djeli, and hold them in the highest regard. The djeli are cultural epicenters responsible not only for storytelling but for counseling and advice to all. People from all walks of life consult griot for guidance — from the poorest citizens to great political leaders. Griots live and breathe their culture — the stories, history, songs, and music — with a mission to preserve it. And a griot cannot learn these things in school; instead, he’s the

child of a griot who passes these traditions down from the time he’s born. “We don’t go to school to learn stories,” Hamala said. “We learn from our father, grandfather, ancestor.” The West African tradition of the griot dates back 800 years, and their skills and duties are many. They’re storytellers and praise singers. They’re poets and musicians. They relate gossip, engage in satire, and offer political commentary. They’re living libraries of culture and tradition, which they relate through oral tradition. Diabate is world-renowned griot as a performer, lecturer, storyteller, and choreographer who has appeared across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. He is a master of the ngoni, a traditional Malian lute similar to the American banjo (which itself has its ancestry in African lutes). Hamala was very young when he learned to play guitar, courtesy of his uncle Djelimady Tounkara, widely considered one

FRI SAT SAT SUN

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9:15PM 5:15PM 9:30PM 2:30PM

DANCE PAVILION DANCE PAVILION RAILROAD STAGE TWO RIVERS STAGE ~ MASTERS OF THE BANJO SHOWCASE DISCUSSION & DEMONSTRATION SUN | 5:00PM | RAILROAD STAGE

of Mali’s foremost guitarists, active since the 1960s. At 12, Hamala was invited to the National Institute of Arts in Mail’s capital city, Bamako, where he studied cinema, graphic arts, literature, music, and theater. After graduating, he began performing worldwide, playing and learning from many Mali musical greats, such as Slif Keita, Oumoi Sangare, Ali Farka Toure, and his first cousin Toumani Diabate. Hamala came to the U.S. in 1995, when he began touring the country. When he discovered the similarities between his ngoni and the American banjo, he learned to play it and shared tunings and picking styles with banjo players. He has been called a virtuoso with the banjo and has collaborated with many banjoists, including 13-time Grammy winner Béla Fleck and oldtime banjoist Bob Carlin. Hamala’s album of banjo duets with Carlin, “From Mali to America,” was nominated for a Grammy

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in 2008 for Best Traditional World Music Album. He’s returned to Mali many times. His family and friends there are very pleased with his success, and how he has taken their culture and stories around the world. “They are very, very happy,” Hamala said, but notes that while he lives here, Mali is still his homeland. “I’m in America, but I don’t forget what I am, and I don’t forget myself.” Hamala is eager for his first visit to Maine. “I’m so happy. I have toured America, many places, but I’ve never been to Maine,” he said. “But I’m excited to be there. I hope a lot of people come out to see me. My music is dance music, it’s very good for the festival. If a lot of people come, I will be more happy. It will be a good festival there, good music.” He looks forward to meeting everyone at the festival. “Enshallah,” he said. “That means ‘God willing.’”

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PERFORMERS ■

D.L. Menard and Friends Cajun

SAT SAT SAT SUN SUN SUN

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NOON 2:00PM 4:15PM NOON 3:00PM 4:30PM

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PENOBSCOT STAGE ~ AMERICAN GUITAR TRADITIONS SHOWCASE DISCUSSION & DEMONSTRATION WITH TERRY DUVAL DANCE PAVILION RAILROAD STAGE TWO RIVERS STAGE ~ SONG TRADITIONS SHOWCASE DISCUSSION & DEMONSTRATION WITH D.L. MENARD RAILROAD STAGE DANCE PAVILION

BY DAVID M. FITZPATRICK, BDN MAINE

.L. Menard, a man many have called the “Cajun Hank Williams” because of the countrytinged sound of his voice, will bring his Cajun style to the American Folk Festival. Dubbed one of the most important songwriters and performers in Cajun music, Doris Leon Menard was born in Erath, La., the only child of Ophy Menard and Helena Primeaux Menard, a Cajun farming family. Menard began playing guitar at 16 and playing dances in Louisiana clubs at 17. One of his strongest influences came from meeting Hank Williams at the Teche Club in 1951, shortly before Williams’ death. Since then, Menard has performed in more than 30 countries as a goodwill ambassador for Cajun culture. Menard is known for his tinny voice and his strumming style, which uses bass runs on chord changes and incorporates upstrokes along with downstrokes. Menard modeled his strumming style after David Bromberg, whom he met in 1973. Menard’s song “La Porte En Arrière” (“The Back Door”) is perhaps his bestknown song, selling 500,000 copies in 1962 alone. Menard composed the song, which he says is modeled after Williams’ “Honky Tonk Blues,” in under an hour while working at a service station. Despite its humble beginnings, the song is one that Cajun folklorist Barry Jean Ancelet has called the most played and recorded Cajun song. Dozens of Cajun, zydeco, and other Francophone recording artists have covered it, including Kate and Anna McGarrigle. In 1993, Menard’s album “Le Trio Cadien” was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Traditional Folk Album category. The following year, the National Endowment for the Arts awarded Menard a National Heritage Fellowship Award. In 2009, Menard was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, along with Jo-El Sonnier, Doug Kershaw, and Jimmy C. Newman. And in 2010, his album “Happy Go Lucky” was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Zydeco

or Cajun Music Album category. Menard’s influence has affected many, including country star Ricky Skaggs. In 1984, Skaggs wrote of a 42,000-mile around-the-world tour, “I’ll never forget the first time I heard D.L. Menard. It was a foggy night at Point Bonita in the Margin Headlands across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. A package tour was assembling for a 42,000 mile around-theworld tour. The people on the tour were

Menard is known for his tinny voice and his strumming style, which uses bass runs on chord changes and incorporates upstrokes along with downstrokes. John Jackson, a great bluesman from Virginia; D.L. Menard’s Louisiana Aces Cajun Band; and my favorite family band, The Whites. Someone had decided that all of us should do a song or two together at the end of the show and we were there to practice, eyeing each other, wondering what to try first. Kathy James had organized the tour and she had a good suggestion. ‘D.L., how about a Hank Williams song?’ D.L. sang ‘House of Gold’ and when Buck, Sharon and Cheryl White joined in on the first chorus I got some chill bumps and went hunting my fiddle.” Menard and his late wife, Louella, have seven children, 17 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He still lives in Erath, and when he isn’t making music, he crafts handmade ash-wood chairs at his one-man factory.

D.L. Menard has been called the “Cajun Hank Williams” because of the country-tinged sound of his voice and music. TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID SIMPSON VIA WIKIPEDIA

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■ PERFORMERS

Dallas Chief Eagle, Jr.

SAT | NOON | TWO RIVERS STAGE SUN | 1:00PM | PENOBSCOT STAGE SUN | 3:30PM | TWO RIVERS STAGE

Lakota hoop dancer BY DALE MCGARRIGLE, BDN MAINE

t starts with a simple circle, made of wood or plastic piping. It’s what Dallas Chief Eagle does with these small hoops that makes them magical. Hoop dance is a form of storytelling dance incorporating anywhere from one to 30 hoops as props, which are used to create both static and dynamic shapes, or formations, representing various animals, symbols, and storytelling elements. During the dance, hoops are joined into shapes in storytelling ritual such as the butterfly, the eagle, the snake, and the coyote, with the hoop symbolizing the neverending circle of life. The 61-year-old Chief Eagle, a member of the Rosebud Sioux tribe in South Dakota, has become a master of the hoop dance over the past 40 years. He became interested in the art form after watching his grandparents, Jim and Alice Black Horse, and he became the young dancer who traveled with

During the dance, hoops are joined into shapes in storytelling ritual such as the butterfly, the eagle, the snake, and the coyote, with the hoop symbolizing the never-ending circle of life. their show. Now he’s out telling his stories through hoop dance every week. Among the highlights of his career, Dallas Chief Eagle was a First Place Winner in the Reno Red Cloud Memorial Hoop Dance Contest, Oglala Fair in 1997, and in 1996 he took First Place in the Senior Division of the World Hoop Dance Contest in Phoenix, Ariz. Currently, he is an Artist-InSchools participant with the Utah Arts Council. Dallas Chief Eagle is also a storyteller, touring artist and director of the Hoop Dance Academy

at the Pine Ridge Reservation of South Dakota, teaching future generations He’s helping his people in other ways, as well. In l983 Chief Eagle earned a bachelor of science degree in Art Education from the University of South Dakota and received his master of arts degree at the same university in Counseling, Guidance and Personnel Services. He holds membership in the American Association of Counseling and Development, the National Art Therapy Association, the South Dakota Indian Counselors’ Association (of which he was president for two terms);

and the Medicine Wheel Association, Big Horn Mountains. Chief Eagle said that the hoop dance has much to offer his people. “The circle of life has been broken, and we’re attempting to mend that hoop,” he explained. “How we take care of our own personal hoops is necessary to mend our relationship with nature. Our people have had a broken hoop since before the Battle of Little Big Horn. Since then, seven generations have been suffering from emotional poverty, and have stopped trusting each other. Part of my job is mending the hoop one tribe at a time, getting them to trust each other.” Chief Eagle will be joined at the American Folk Festival by his 18-yearold daughter, Star. He’s also bringing along 150 hoops, so the audience can take part in the hoop dance as well. “When you see all those hoops coming together, that’s the way life is supposed to be,” Chief Eagle said.

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Dale Ann Bradley Bluegrass

BY DAVID M. FITZPATRICK, BDN MAINE

ou’ve heard the story: A poor Kentucky coal miner’s daughter discovers music, learns the guitar, and becomes a star. Loretta Lynn, right? Yes, but it’s also Dale Ann Bradley, who grew up in a tar-paper shack in southeastern Kentucky, the daughter of an aspiring preacher who came to the area to study the ministry and married a local girl. Bradley was raised in a religious household devoid of music, but eventually became a bluegrass performer. “I would call it America’s music,” she said. “And it covers all kinds of … experience. It tells the truth. Stories about murder, mayhem, love, broken hearts, Mom and Daddy — and it’s very entailed in human emotion.” The family didn’t have electricity or running water until she was a senior in high school, when her father, who worked construction jobs

when available, landed a position at a local coal mine. Through those years, she grew up in the Primitive Baptist Church, a strict adherence to biblical traditions; women were subservient, and girls couldn’t play sports. The only allowed music was singing in church, without instrumentation or even music notation for the hymns. “There wasn’t a whole lot of musicians around here,” she said. “It was a very strict religion.” The first movie Bradley ever saw was “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” the biopic about Loretta Lynn’s rise from Kentucky poverty to stardom. That really hit home. “It was so familiar,” Bradley recalled. “At the time, I was still living like that. [And] I always wanted to sing.” She did, occasionally, at home, and when she finally got a guitar, she often played with a local boy. By the time she was in high

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9:00PM 2:15PM 5:15PM 7:30PM 2:30PM 4:00PM

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PENOBSCOT STAGE PENOBSCOT STAGE PENOBSCOT STAGE ~ MASTERS OF HARMONY SHOWCASE DISCUSSION & DEMONSTRATION RAILROAD STAGE TWO RIVERS STAGE ~ MASTERS OF THE BANJO SHOWCASE DISCUSSION & DEMONSTRATION RAILROAD STAGE

school, she was on course to be a performer. When the family moved to Renfro Valley, where Bradley’s father was pastor at a church, she found the same rural Kentucky life — but music was accepted. “People liked music,” she said. “They had it in their church. There was a lot less restriction in the religious area.” Thanks to an uncle who gave her an 8-track player and stacks of tapes, her musical exposure grew. And when she began playing, she played mostly country, but she listened to everything. While she loved it all, bluegrass won her heart. “I loved country music, I loved folk music, I loved rock music,” Bradley said. “The thing about bluegrass was the banjo … I fell in love with that instrument.” She never mastered playing the banjo, but perfected her acoustic guitar and her bluegrass style. Today she plays traditional

“Music transcends religions, transcends everything. It’s the best communicator and storyteller, and the best way to show emotions that I know of.” DALE ANN BRADLEY

bluegrass tunes and plenty of original work, but she’s apt to play bluegrass versions of songs from other genres, if the lyrics have grabbed her. She does Janis Joplin’s “Me and Bobby McGee,” Stealers Wheel’s “Stuck in the Middle With You,” and Seals and Crofts’ “Summer Breeze.” “If there’s [a song] that moves me for

years, [I’ll do it],” she said. This isn’t Bradley’s first visit to Maine, but her first to Bangor. And she’s eager to get here. “The seafood’s great, people love bluegrass — there’s everything to love about it,” she said. “I’m truly honored, to be invited to be part of the festival. I know

there’s a lot of bluegrass fans in Maine.” Bradley will play several shows on various stages, but promises a song that perfectly fits with her Railroad Stage show on Sunday. “The L&N Don’t Stop Here Anymore” refers to the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, which hauled a lot of coal out of the Kentucky mountains in its day. That’s just some of the bluegrass schooling festival-goers will enjoy. “They’ll get some culture from Appalachia,” she said. “And we’ll have conversations, and everybody can enjoy themselves, and hopefully walk away with new friends. That’s another part of bluegrass: [meeting] people that you’ll know for the rest of your life. “Music transcends religions, transcends everything,” Bradley said. “It’s the best communicator and storyteller, and the best way to show emotions that I know of.”

Proud sponsor and fan of the American Folk Festival. We’ll see you there. Member FDIC

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Grupo Rebolú Colombian

SAT SUN SUN SUN SUN

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RAILROAD STAGE TWO RIVERS STAGE ~ SONG TRADITIONS SHOWCASE DISCUSSION & DEMONSTRATION PENOBSCOT STAGE PENOBSCOT STAGE ~ WORLD PERCUSSION SHOWCASE DISCUSSION & DEMONSTRATION TWO RIVERS STAGE

BY DAVID M. FITZPATRICK, BDN MAINE

rupo Rebolú, of New York City, is an Afro-Colombian musical ensemble comprised of some of the finest Colombian musicians in the United States. The group was created from the desire of Ronald Polo (vocalist/composer/gaitero) and Morris Canate (master folkloric percussionist) to promote the rich musical traditions of their ancestors, the Afro descendants of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. It is their belief that these folkloric traditions should continually evolve over time and with the ideas of new generations of folklorists. This belief is reflected in their music, which features Afro-Colombian rhythms such as Gaita, Tambora, Chalupa, and Bullerengue. Polo and Cañate grew up together in Barranquilla, Colombia. These childhood friends enrolled together in the Escuela de Música de Barranquilla, Carlos Franco. Cañate, who comes from a family of traditional musicians and dancers, enrolled thanks to the encouragement of his aunt, who was an instructor there. Polo’s brother encouraged him to join, and he soon decided that music would be his life. The friends began as dancers at the school. After winning their category at Barranquilla’s annual carnival, they continued broadening their artistic skills. By age 17, they had recorded their first CD, and the school recommended their group to travel internationally. A group of 30 performed Colombia’s traditional music — and some of Polo’s original music — in France, Spain, Portugal, China, and Japan. This helped shape the young men’s lives, and when they arrived in the U.S. years later, they planned and launched their new group, Grupo Rebolú, which included vocalist Johanna Castañeda. With their belief of folklore always

evolving, Polo’s compositions have remained tied to their music’s Colombian roots while introducing new perspectives on it. Grupo Rebolú is said to be North America’s most original and danceable Colombian music experience. Their original compositions and arrangements of classic Afro-Colombian music create a modern cultural event rooted in the Carnaval de Barranquilla — soulful yet joyous dance music guaranteed to keep

you moving. From traditional songs to original compositions, Grupo Rebolú’s repertoire is loaded with energy, history and danceability. Their unique reinterpretations of traditional Afro-Colombian rhythms such as Gaita, Tambora, Chalupa and Bullerengue, among others, make it extremely well suited not only for festivals and cultural events but also for nightclubs.

Grupo Rebolú’s members include: Ronald Polo (lead vocals, arranger, gaita), Morris Cañate (percussionist [tambor alegre]), Juan Pablo Calvo (drums), Luis Guzman (bass), Juan Pablo Uribe (saxophone), and Johanna Castaneda (minor percussion/vocals), Albert J. Leusink (trumpet), Alejandro Florez (guitar and tiple [Colombian guitar]), and Farid L. Suarez (maraca and llamador drum).

Grupo Rebolú is said to be North America’s most original and danceable Colombian music experience.

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Franco Fiddle Traditions: Michael Doucet, Daniel Boucher, Don Roy North American Fiddle Styles SAT SAT SAT SUN SUN

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1:45PM 4:45PM 8:45PM NOON 3:45PM

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TWO RIVERS STAGE TWO RIVERS STAGE ~ FIDDLE TRADITIONS SHOWCASE DISCUSSION & DEMONSTRATION WITH DON ROY PENOBSCOT STAGE TWO RIVERS STAGE ~ SONG TRADITIONS SHOWCASE DISCUSSION & DEMONSTRATION WITH MICHAEL DOUCET PENOBSCOT STAGE

BY DAVID M. FITZPATRICK, BDN MAINE Michael Doucet is a Cajun fiddler, singer and songwriter who founded the Cajun band BeauSoleil from Lafayette, La. Doucet received Grammy Awards in both 1998 and 2009 for work with Beausoleil. He learned to play the banjo by age 6 and the guitar by age 8, and researched Cajun music as a college student. In his youth, he performed as part of a duo at a music festival in France where he was exposed to centuries-old French music, which he identified with the Cajun music of French Louisiana. Doucet’s individual style incorporated elements of Western swing, 1930’s string band and Creole music, into traditional Cajun music. Doucet learned late 19th century and 20th century tunes passed on by McGee. He revived many the old Cajun songs that had not been recorded and whose musicians of that era were gone.

Clockwise from top: Michael Doucet, Don Roy, Daniel Boucher TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID SIMPSON VIA WIKIPEDIA

Daniel Boucher is a dynamic young musician from Bristol, Conn., who plays French Canadian fiddle tunes that he has absorbed from family and community in southern New England and Quebec. Also a fine singer and composer of traditionalstyle songs, Boucher has revitalized French Canadian folk music in his home state by organizing very popular soirées, dance parties, and seasonal celebrations such as his annual Maple Sugar Party. Boucher has performed with New England-based French Canadian music groups such as Chanterelle and the Beaudoin Family, and with singer Josée Vachon. Performances include the Quebec 400 celebrations in Quebec City in 2008; dance parties at Le Foyer in Pawtucket, R.I.; the Blackstone River Theater also in Pawtucket, R.I.; French Day at the State Capitol in Hartford; and folk festivals in Lowell, Mass. and Bangor, Maine. Boucher’s concerts invite audiences to participate in dancing, call and response singing, or playing the spoons. Don Roy is a Franco-American ace fiddler who has been called the dean of Franco-American fiddling in Maine. Roy, who also plays guitar, mandolin and banjo, has been playing since age 6. His uncle, Norman Mathieu, taught him to play guitar, and he then accompanied another uncle, Lucien Mathieu, who taught him to play fiddle at age 15. While growing up in Rockland, he was influenced by fiddlers such as Ben Guillemette, Joe and Gerry Robichaud, and Graham Townsend. The sounds of Quebec, Ireland, Ontario and the Maritime Provinces blend in his style of playing. Roy learns most of his tunes by ear, although he occasionally thumbs through collections of fiddle tunes. In keeping with Acadian tradition, Roy has been passing along his fiddling heritage to a few private students, as well as a larger workshop at the Center for Cultural Exchange, in Portland. In 2003, Roy and an apprentice won a Traditional Arts Apprenticeship grant from the Maine Arts Commission, receiving two traditional arts fellowships for excellence in traditional music. With pianist/step dancer Cindy Roy and bassist Jay Young, they perform throughout the Eastern states as the Don Roy Trio. In his spare time, Don custom crafts violins and violas.

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La Excelencia Salsa Dura

FRI | 9:45PM | RAILROAD STAGE SAT | 3:45PM | DANCE PAVILION SAT | 9:10PM | DANCE PAVILION

BY DEBRA BELL, BDN MAINE

ust off your dancing shoes because you won’t be able to sit still when La Excelencia takes the stage with its sexy sounds of salsa. Salsa’s musical roots are in Cuban, Dominican, and Puerto Rican culture, but the style of music represents a wild musical experience making it perfect for dancing. La Excelencia provides a modern twist to the genre, especially to “salsa dura,” or “hard” salsa. Think of it like the Energizer Bunny of salsa styles: It keeps going and going with a passionate beat, strong instrumentals and a taste of Latin America.If you’re a Zumba fanatic when it comes to exercise, you’ll recognize La Excelencia’s songs and musical style. The popular fitness program utilizes some of their music in its workout soundtrack. Grammy-winning producer Aaron Levinson, says it best: “La Excelencia represents something very significant, a return not just to the classic formula of

salsa but to the virtues of it. They are going back to the more eclectic period when salsa was street music, playing with spirit and integrity and writing socially relevant music again.” The group, based out of Bronx, N.Y., has been serving up salsa for the masses since 2005. Founded by percussionists José Vázquez-Cofresí and Julián Silva, the group comprises an 11-piece orchestra. They have released three CDs: “Salsa Con Conciencia,” “Mi Tumbao Social,” and “Ecos Del Barrio,” appeared live in a BBC special at London’s Barbican, on the cover of Latin Beat Magazine, in The New York Times, as well as on FOX reality show “So You Think You Can Dance,” “Zumba Fitness,” and in salsa/world music compilations, motion pictures, instructional DVDs, and on radio stations and satellite radio worldwide. The kudos are well-deserved, as festivalgoers will discover when they experience a foot-tapping case of salsa fever.

Larry Chance & The Earls Doo-Wop

SAT | 1:15PM | RAILROAD STAGE SAT | 5:15PM | PENOBSCOT STAGE ~MASTERS OF HARMONY SHOWCASE DISCUSSION & DEMONSTRATION

SAT | 8:30PM | RAILROAD STAGE

BY DAVID M. FITZPATRICK, BDN MAINE

panning from the late 50s into the new millennium, Larry Chance & the Earls have pleased audiences with their flawless harmonies, ceaseless vitality and endearing dedication to their fans. The group represents the music that helped define rock and roll, the original doo-wop era that put the street-corner society onto the national charts. Larry Chance was born in Philadelphia, raised in a neighborhood noted for its showbusiness roots that spawned such talents as Fabian, Frankie Avalon, Chubby Checker, Mario Lanza, Danny & the Juniors, Joey Bishop, David Brenner, and many more. It was here that Chance began his love affair with show business. When his family moved to the Bronx, N.Y., in 1955, Chance discovered that vocal groups were found on almost every street corner. He developed one of his own in 1957 with five friends, The High-Hatters. By 1960 the group had evolved into “the Earls.” Through the years, the original members moved on to other things. Bobby “T” Tribuzio is such a gifted drummer that one wonders if the “T”

The group represents the music that helped define rock and roll, the original doo-wop era that put the street-corner society onto the national charts.

stands for “talented.” Born and raised in Little Italy in the Bronx, Tribuzio was born with a drumstick in his hand. He spent most of his childhood listening to jazz and jazz drummers; Gene Krupa was a huge influence and is still his idol. Tribuzio backed up Dion at neighborhood functions. Nightclubs were next on the agenda, when at 16 he joined a rock-and-roll group called “Richie and the Perfections.” Tribuzio joined the Earls in 1963. Never really liking the rock and roll he played before, he loved working with Chance. Tribuzio has backed up such luminaries as Chuck Berry, Bo Diddly, Little Anthony and

the Imperials, Ruby and the Romantics, The Shirelles, Chubby Checker, The Flamingos, The Drifters, and Patti La Belle. Bobby Coleman joined the Earls more recently on bass, guitar, keyboards, and vocals. Coleman is also a fine songwriter and has teamed with Chance for many compositions on recent Earls albums. Earlier in his career, Coleman also worked with the Belmonts and the Regents. Chuck Mearizo (guitar and vocals) is a fine sound engineer and has his own recording studio in Rutherford, N.J. In fact, two of the most recent Earls albums, “Back On the Streets of the Bronx” and

“Moonlight Kiss,” were recorded at his studio. Vitto Garcia is the most recent addition to the Earls. Garcia does bass, keyboards, guitar, drums, trombone, vocals, and more. He’s also a music instructor, arranger and composer. The group has placed many songs on the charts, including “Life Is But a Dream,” “Never, I Believe,” and the classic “Remember Then.” They’ve recorded many other classics including “Looking For My Baby,” “Eyes,” “Kissin’,” and “Cry, Cry, Cry.” An Earls performance features audience participation and comedy. Chance’s comedy talents were featured on the Imus in the Morning show, where he performed, memorably, character voices for 10 years. Larry Chance & the Earls were very honored to be inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame on June 21, 2008, joining such notables as Colin Powell, Regis Philbin, Danny Aiello, Red Buttons, Rita Moreno, Bobby Darin and Luther Vandross. This is the highest honor the borough bestows. Larry Chance & the Earls were also very honored to be inducted into the Wildwood, New Jersey Walk of Fame in 2008.

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Marquise Knox Blues

FRI SAT SAT SAT SUN

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7:30PM NOON 5:15PM 7:30PM 3:00PM

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RAILROAD STAGE PENOBSCOT STAGE ~ AMERICAN GUITAR TRADITIONS SHOWCASE DISCUSSION & DEMONSTRATION RAILROAD STAGE DANCE PAVILION DANCE PAVILION

BY DAVID M. FITZPATRICK, BDN MAINE

arquise Knox was born in 1991 in St. Louis while his mother was visiting family. They returned to Granada, Miss., but relocated to St. Louis a couple of years later. Knox still resides there, but spends much time in Grenada. Knox hails from a musical family deeply entrenched in the blues. He learned to play guitar from his grandmother, whose family were sharecroppers and whose great-greatgrandparents were slaves. He also played with his Uncle Clifford, a major influence in his life. For Knox, blues is his heritage and way of life. He spent his early teenage years in St. Louis mentoring under the late great blues legend, National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellowship recipient and Grammy Award winner Henry James Townsend. Knox’s talents have earned him performing rights with some of America’s most notable blues performers such as blues legend and Grammy winners B.B. King, Pinetop Perkins and David “Honeyboy” Edwards. He has also performed at dozens of festivals, has toured Germany, and has played the Baden Blues Festival in Switzerland. Knox met Sam Lay during a visit to Clarksdale, Miss. Like other blues statesmen, Sam took an immediate liking to Knox and took it upon himself to help give Knox’s career a boost by insisting that Chad Kassem bring Knox to the celebrated Blues series “Bluesmasters at the Crossroads”, which has showcased a virtual who-who

of the Blues at Blue Heaven Studios in Salina, Kan. Knox was an immediate crowd favorite, and was adopted by all of the elders of the Blues in attendance that year. His obvious talent along with his deep knowledge of the Blues and vast respect for his elders made it clear Knox had something special, and Kassem signed him to a three album deal. Knox’s debut album, “Manchild,” was nominated for a Blues Music Award for Best New Artist Debut. The album was recorded when he was 16 years old, in two nights, during an ice storm in a church with the world renowned Michael Burks and his band. There is even a song called “Ice Storm” on the album. The release received worldwide acclaim, including Living Blues’ Best Debut Artist Award and a Blues Music Award nomination for Best Debut Artist. Knox then recorded a directto-disc album while in town for the next year’s Crossroads. Knox recently released his third album, “Here I Am,” once again recorded at the legendary Blue Heaven Studios in Salina, Kan. It features Knox and his band, with a little help from Wayne Sharp of Michael Burk’s band sitting in on B-3 and piano. It features nine originals, plus three reverent covers of Knox’s favorite Muddy Waters tunes. Living Blues magazine called Knox, “… already poised, confident, and brandishing an arsenal of powerful, no-nonsense vocal and guitar skills that projected not only way beyond his years, but way back to the spirits of the blues masters of yore.”

Marshall Ford Swing Band Western Swing BY DAVID M. FITZPATRICK, BDN MAINE

he living room clock of Marshall Ford Swing Band songwriterguitarist Greg Harkins has the 3 and 9 switched. The clock runs counter-clockwise, but Harkins sees no problem with it. In fact, the clock’s irregularity fits perfectly into the makeup of the Austin swing band’s aesthetic. “We’re heading into the past, man,” Harkins says with a smirk. Harkins and his bandmates have been evoking that past since 2008. They pride themselves on playing Western swing music the way the legendary Johnny Gimble — MFSB singer-pianist Emily Gimble’s grandfather — plays, the way Bob Wills and Hank Thompson used to when they ruled the Texas scene.

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DANCE PAVILION PENOBSCOT STAGE ~ AMERICAN GUITAR TRADITIONS SHOWCASE DISCUSSION & DEMONSTRATION WITH GREG HARKINS RAILROAD STAGE TWO RIVERS STAGE ~ FIDDLE TRADITIONS SHOWCASE DISCUSSION & DEMONSTRATION WITH DANNY LEVIN

SUN | NOON | TWO RIVERS STAGE ~ SONG TRADITIONS SHOWCASE DISCUSSION & DEMONSTRATION WITH EMILY GIMBLE SUN | 1:45PM | DANCE PAVILION They’re unique in their modern execution of the antiquated art. “It’s fun to play,” Harkins says of Texas swing music. “It’s got hip changes. You can’t help but tap your feet and snap your fingers to it.” Named for the predecessor of Lake Travis’ Mansfield Dam, the band’s roots were planted in 2003 by Harkins. Raised on Willie Nelson’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and Bob Wills’ “For the Last Time,” the band’s interest in swing music took them to Johnny Gimble’s swing camp in Taos, N.M., where they met

Emily Gimble and knew they had to start playing with her regularly. They persuaded her to move from Waco to Austin and brought in bassist Kristopher Wade and drummer James Gwyn to complete the quartet. Since then, it’s been delighting fans with its upbeat swing and guitar magic in Austin and beyond. The band often plays with different pairings depending on the gig. Fans of the Marshall Ford Swing Band will get a heavy dose of Gimble’s sultry vocals, Harkins’ playful guitar phrasings, and wade

“We’re heading into the past, man.” GREG HARKINS and Gwyn’s tight rhythm section on this year’s “It’s About Dam Time,” the band’s first full-length studio album. Recorded at Austin’s famed Tequila Mockingbird Studios and produced by Danny Levin, the album showcases the band’s healthy dose of original tracks — each member contributed at least one song — along with some of Western swing’s most beloved standards. Altogether, the album proves to be a welcome introduction to members of Marshall Ford Swing Band, modern day carriers of western swing’s torch. “A lot of people I know will play swing music,” says Emily, “but it’s not the same as with these guys. We pull off Western swing very well. It’s special.”

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Mary Jane Lamond and Wendy MacIsaac

FRI SAT SAT SAT SUN SUN

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8:30PM 2:45PM 4:45PM 9:45PM NOON 2:00PM

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RAILROAD STAGE TWO RIVERS STAGE TWO RIVERS STAGE ~ FIDDLE TRADITIONS SHOWCASE DISCUSSION & DEMONSTRATION WITH WENDY MACISAAC PENOBSCOT STAGE TWO RIVERS STAGE ~ SONG TRADITIONS SHOWCASE DISCUSSION & DEMONSTRATION WITH MARY JANE LAMOND RAILROAD STAGE

Cape Breton Music

BY DEBRA BELL, BDN MAINE

aelic and fiddle tunes have been an important part of the American Folk Festival. Their upbeat, sometimes mournful, melodies are crowd pleasers. Maine’s neighbor to the north is once again proudly representing itself with performances by singer Mary Jane Lamond and fiddler, pianist and dancer Wendy MacIsaac. The women, who have performed together for more than 17 years, will share the stage performing traditional Gaelic music, as well as tunes hailing from Scotland and Cape Breton. As Festival veterans, Lamond and MacIsaac are excited to return and perform together. “We loved the [National and American Folk Festivals] because they are truly ‘folk’ festivals,” Lamond said. “We do this because we feel passionate about it and it really comes through in the performance.” That passion and love is reciprocated by the audience. “People are really there to learn,” she said. Lamond has roots in Scottish Gaelic culture through her father’s parents. She grew up immersed in its traditions and music. Today,

Mary Jane Lamond and Wendy MacIsaac are generously supported by Bangor HydroElectric/Emera.

Old Bay Céilí Band Irish Dance Band BY DAVID M. FITZPATRICK, BDN MAINE

he Old Bay Céilí Band plays traditional Irish dance music. Inspired by the golden era of Irish-American dance halls, the Old Bay Céilí Band infuses that tradition with vibrant new energy. Comprised of some of the best traditional musicians from the Baltimore, Md. and Washington, D.C. area, the band’s strong rhythmic pulse and soaring melody can lift dancers across the floor or bring audiences to their feet. The group has performed across the U.S. and Ireland, and in 2008 and 2009 competed in the senior céilí band competition at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world competition of Irish traditional music. The band has excited audiences at festivals around the country including the Dublin Irish Festival, the Maryland Irish festival and the Richmond Folk Festival.

Sean McComiskey (button

accordion): is among the most innovative young performers on the button accordion, with a unique harmonic style that has earned him a spot in the pantheon of Irish accordionists. As the son of legendary button accordion player Billy McComiskey, Sean has been surrounded by Irish Traditional music his entire life and has developed a deep appreciation for the rich tradition of which he is a part.

Sean Clohessy (fiddle) is from the parish of Fedamore in Ireland’s County Limerick. He has been playing fiddle for more than 20 years, and his early influences were musicians in his native Limerick and the neighboring County Clare. His music is heavily influenced by the Clare fiddle player Brendan Mulkere, and his style incorporates elements of the rich musical traditions characteristic to his home. Sean has lived in London, New York and now Boston. He has won several All-Ireland

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with more than two decades of experience, her music offers modern arrangements that continue to honor tradition. She is an award-winning performer, and has five studio albums to her credit. Lamond will be joined onstage by MacIsaac, a fiddler, pianist, and stepdancer. The women’s collaborations span 17 years, and their performances leave toes tapping. Also appearing will be Seph Peters on guitar and Cathy Porter on percussion/ accordian and piano. Hailing from Creignish, Cape Breton, MacIsaac also has Gaelic music in her blood. She began stepdancing at age 5. Seven years later she took up the fiddle and by the time she was 15 years old, she was in demand throughout Cape Breton. MacIsaac has recorded three albums on her own, one with her current band, Beolach, and has been featured in Lamond’s recordings. As returning favorites, the women will be near the home they love, but also among the people they love to perform for. That’s one of the many reasons the duo is glad to be back, Lamond said. “We [perform] for the love of making music,” she said.

DANCE PAVILION PENOBSCOT STAGE TWO RIVERS STAGE ~ FIDDLE TRADITIONS SHOWCASE DISCUSSION & DEMONSTRATION DANCE PAVILION TWO RIVERS STAGE ~ MASTERS OF THE BANJO SHOWCASE DISCUSSION & DEMONSTRATION WITH BOB SMITH PENOBSCOT STAGE

titles and currently performs throughout Boston and New York.

Laura Byrne (flute) is highly regarded for her proficiency in the Irish traditional style of flute playing on both sides of the Atlantic. She moved from her native Vermont to attend the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore. In 1999 Laura won the U.S. Eastern Fleadh championship in New York and since then has played at countless festivals, ceilis and concerts in the U.S. and Ireland. Josh Dukes (drums) learned the art of ancient rudimental drumming studying with Dominick Cuccia who is a widely respected instructor/performer in the fife and drum community. In 1997 he enlisted in the Army and has since earned the rank of Master Sergeant as well as being selected as one of three Drum Majors for the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps “The official escort to

the President,” the only military unit of its kind. Josh also plays the guitar, bouzouki, bodhran, flute and tin whistle.

Matt Mulqueen (piano) was born into a family steeped in traditional Irish music. His older brothers played button accordion and fiddle, and his sister became a champion step-dancer. This environment instilled in Matt an irresistible desire to learn and play Irish music. His first music instruction came in the second grade when he joined the boys’ choir at his elementary school. At age nine, Matt asked his parents if he could learn to play the piano. He began with group piano lessons at a local community college. From there, he progressed to private lessons in Irish and classical music. Danny Noveck (fiddle) plays traditional Irish music on fiddle, guitar, and tenor banjo. He has performed and recorded

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PERFORMERS ■ with an eclectic mix of artists, from the genre-busting American Cafe Orchestra and contradance bands such as Fresh Fish and Wild Asparagus, to well known Irish musicians such as John Whelan, Liz Carroll, and Randal Bays. He is also a noted composer whose tunes have been played and recorded in both Ireland and the United States. He appears most recently on releases

by Boston fiddler Eric Merrill, banjoist Sam Bartlett, and New York flute player and piper Christopher Layer.

Brendan Bell (flute) and his music are deeply rooted in the traditions of South Sligo and East Galway. He has been fortunate enough to learn from flute players such as Damien Stenson, Harry Bradley,

pat’s bike shop 116470

Kevin Crawford, Laura MacKenzie, and many others. A former Scottish highland bagpiper, Brendan finally made the smart choice to play an indoor instrument.

events in the mid-Atlantic region. He formed his own group in 1987, the Wild Geese, with fiddler Donna Long, flutist Frank Claudy and guitarist Andy Thurston.

Bob Smith (banjo) has been involved in traditional Irish music in the WashingtonBaltimore area, for more than 20 years, performing at festivals, céilís and other

Jim Keenan, renowned Irish dance caller will join the band at the Dance Stage to offer lessons in Irish Dance before the group takes the stage.

Est. 1921

www.wsemerson.com - 1-800-789-6120

Digital Printing • Screen Printing Embroidery • Laser Applique • Promotional Products 15 Acme Rd. Brewer, ME 04412

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■ PERFORMERS

Otrov

Tamburitza

FRI SAT SAT SAT SUN

| | | | |

7:45PM 1:15PM 3:45PM 5:15PM 1:15PM

| | | | |

PENOBSCOT STAGE PENOBSCOT STAGE TWO RIVERS STAGE PENOBSCOT STAGE ~ MASTERS OF HARMONY SHOWCASE DISCUSSION & DEMONSTRATION TWO RIVERS STAGE

BY DALE MCGARRIGLE, BDN MAINE

hen listening to the infectious sound of Otrov’s brand of tamburica (a kind of Croatian folk music), it’s hard to believe that it has anything to do with poison. Yet Otrov means “poison” in Croatian. The story behind such as odd choice for the sextet’s name goes back a decade. Otrov was founded in 2002 when most of its members were either at or had recently graduated from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Early on, the members were having difficulty coming up with a band name. After one long night of rehearsal, they sat around talking while drinking some sljivovica (plum brandy) which their then singer had gotten from Croatia. The next day they woke up hung over. “We asked each other, ‘What was that we drank? Poison?,’ “ recalled Peter Kosovec, one of the group’s founding members.

Otrov means “poison” in Croatian. The story behind such as odd choice for the sextet’s name goes back a decade. And Otrov was born. The group’s current lineup features Vjeko Dimter on bugarija and guitar; Marko Dreher, brac and violin; John Huckle, brac; David Kosovec, berda; Peter Kosovec, prim and brac (the two Kosovecs are cousins); and Kruno Špišic, brac and guitar. (Spisic will be in Croatia during the American Folk Festival, and Ryan Werner will be filling in for him.) Otrov began to evolve when Dimter and Dreher joined in 2003, when Peter Kosovec and Dimter began writing original songs for the band.

Thomas Maupin

For the next three years, Otrov immersed themselves in the tamburica tradition, performing at the acclaimed Zlatne Žice Slavonije festival in Požega, Croatia, from 2003 to 2005, while playing at festivals and private functions in the United States. (That included stints at the National Folk Festivals held in Butte, Mont., and Richmond, Va.) The band now has three albums, the first composed of cover songs and the next two of originals. The members of Otrov are busy with other group and solo projects, as well. This cross-fertilization has been beneficial for the

with Daniel Rothwell and Jay Bland Old-Time Buck Dance

SAT | 12:45PM | TWO RIVERS STAGE SAT | 7:45PM | PENOBSCOT STAGE SUN | NOON | PENOBSCOT STAGE SUN | 2:30PM | TWO RIVERS STAGE ~ MASTERS OF THE BANJO SHOWCASE DISCUSSION & DEMONSTRATION

SUN | 2:45PM | TWO RIVERS STAGE ~ WORLD PERCUSSION SHOWCASE DISCUSSION & DEMONSTRATION

SUN | 5:15PM | TWO RIVERS STAGE

BY DALE MCGARRIGLE, BDN MAINE homas Maupin of Murfreesboro, Tenn. is is one of America’s best known buck dancers. His many accomplishments can hardly be listed in one article. He is a recipient of the Tennessee State Governor’s Folklife Heritage Award, Old-Time Herald Heritage Award and the Uncle Dave Macon Days Trailblazer Award. Thomas has won more than 60 first place titles including the National Championship which he has won six times, as well as state championships in Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama, just to name a few. Maupin, 73, began buck dancing at a very young age in Eagleville, Tenn., when he learned from his grandmother, who as an old lady danced barefoot on the wooden floor at home. He learned by trying to emulate her sound. Like any buck dancer, Maupin learned one step at a time and improvised to add or change steps to create new dances. Music has long been in Maupin’s family. His father’s family often danced at weekend hoedowns or barn dances. And while his mother didn’t dance, according to Maupin she had rhythm thanks to a

band, Peter Kosovec said. “Marko plays brac, but we also incorporate his violin for a variety of sound,” he explained. “David and myself are in the Gypsy Strings, so we bring some of that flavor into Otrov. Kruno’s skilled on Gypsy jazz guitar, so we incorporate that alongside the tamburica instruments.” With its musicians based in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Chicago, and David Kosovec about to move to Toronto, Otrov is a logistical challenge. “Most of us are parents now, so it’s hard to find time to practice,” Peter Kosovec admitted. “We’re playing fewer gigs now, but they’re generally for larger audiences.” This includes the 11th American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront, Otrov’s first trip into the Northeast. “I’ve never been to Maine, but I’m very excited to go,” Peter Kosovec said. “My wife comes from Connecticut and has told me how beautiful it is up there.”

Buck dancing is an old-time solo dance style relying heavily on the balls and heels of the foot. family of dancers. “You play the tune with your feet,” Maupin told a reporter in 2009 when he won the Uncle Dave Macon Trailblazer Award. “When I am dancing I become a part of that tune. I become an instrument.” Buck dancing is an old-time solo dance style relying heavily on the balls and heels of the foot. While it can be taught, Maupin says the style is very individualistic. It’s similar to clogging, except where cloggers involve aerobic moves and high kicks, buck dancers keep their feet low to the ground. It’s all about the ball and heel, and there are only so many moves; it’s all how the dancer keeps in time with the music and moves from one dance to the next.

Jay Bland, champion dancer, will

dance with Maupin. Bland “represents the best and brightest of a new generation of traditional old-time musicians and dancers who are proudly reviving early American history.” Bland travels all year long throughout the U.S. leading and teaching dance demonstrations. Years of practice and learning from great folk masters have garnered him prestigious titles and first-place awards presented at national and regional championships spanning more than a decade of his tremendously successful career. His feet are a musical instrument and are a popular part in reviving America’s history in the old-time folk dance scene today.

Daniel Rothwell will play a rambunctious, clawhammer-style banjo.

Rothwell was first introduced to the clawhammer style at age 2, and was enamored with the banjo from there on. Maupin, his grandfather, took him to oldtime and bluegrass festivals when he was a boy, and he began playing the banjo at age 11. He’s self-taught, but has learned pointers from some of the best.

Danny Rothwell, Daniel’s dad, backs the group on guitar. He’s played since the 70s, and after putting his music career on hold to raise his family, he’s returned. Danny mostly plays rhythm and occasionally sings. Jackie Case rounds out the group on bass. He’s also played since the 70s and has become a familiar face at bluegrass festivals. Like Danny, he took a break from music to raise his family, but he’s back in the business. He’s one of the few bass players who use the percussive “slap” technique. He’s played with everyone from The Rolin Holler Bluegrass Boys to The Summertime Bluegrass Reunion Band, and played many venues, including the Grand Ole Opry.

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American Folk Festival 2012 21

SPONSORS ■

SPONSORS

◄ FROM PAGE 21

Celebrate Maine

Canadian Folk Music Awards 2012 St. John Eastern Maine Community College Husson University Maine Beaches Association New England School of Communications University of Maine University of Maine Augusta-Bangor

Producers’ Circle

Anonymous Peter Arabadjis & Lisa Buck Bill & Sally Arata Maria Baeza Larry & Barbara Beauregard Mona & Sandy Blitz Beth Bohnet Frank & Jane Bragg Al & Esther Bushway Susan & David Carlisle Rachel & Dana Clark Dan & Nancy Coffey Elizabeth Downing & Dennis Cox Doug & Nichi Farnham Sheri & Marvin Glazier Andy & Patty Hamilton Paul & Jane Hannigan Jennifer & Aram Khavari Vern & Janelle Leeman Keith & Kristin Martin Tom & Mary Martz Alan & Donna Miller Norman Minsky Ron & Nima Moghaddas-Morgan Susan Ortiz & Alexander Kagan Tim & Roxanne Reynolds John & Lyndy Rohman Deb & Jeff Stanford Katie & Allen Schaffer Evelyn & Warren Silver Penelope Shar Kathryn Slott Ruth & Lee Souweine James S. Stanley Bob & Kristen Strong Prudence Taylor Ann & Mike Trainor Leith & Donna Wadleigh Tim G. Ward Kathy & Carlo White Margaret Wiken Mary & George Wright

Bass

Allen/Freeman/McDonnell Agency Bangor Frameworks Bangor Letter Shop John & Theresa Bragg Eric Brown and Jean Camuso Creative Print Services Daigle & Houghton Dysarts Truck Stop & Restaurant Kay and Clif Eames Eaton Peabody Epic Sports ERA Dawson Bradford Realtors Fessenden Geo-Environmental Services Foster Imaging, Inc. Rick and Renee Fournier Fund for Performing Arts in Maine Greenway Equipment

Griffin & Jordan, LLC Hartt Transportation Systems Cindy Mitchell and Ron Hidu Richard and Sue Jagels Jeff ’s Catering Thomas & Patricia Johnston Katahdin Trust Company Kohl’s MacDermott Valuation & Consulting, LLC Maine Community Foundation Helen and Bill Munsey Olive Garden Barbara Owen Bucky and Sue Owen Parker K. Bailey Total Moving Solutions Penobscot Cleaning Services Penobscot Job Corps Quality Cash Register Realty of Maine Schooners Seafood & Steakhouse Seacoast Scaffolding Paul and Suzanne Svendsen Kate and Walter Tisdale Unifirst Corporation W.S. Emerson Company, Inc. WBRC Architects David and Mary Warner Michael and Laura Wittmann Woodard and Curran

Contributor

Walmart Foundation Evan Richert, AICP Bangor Real Estate Debra Rice and Michael Grenier The Grosjean Family Deb Lawrence & Bruce Hunt; Jan Hill & Bob Smith Kate Dickerson and John, Conor & Claire Thompson Lisa and Jeff Wahlstrom Judy Horan and Joe Howard Richard and Joan Andren Jim and Ann Acheson Bob and Marybeth Allen Jane Baron Charlie & Judy Boothby Daniel and Dina Cassidy Robert & Marjory Chase Lee & Ann Chick Peter & Susan Daigle Shaun N. Dowd Richard A. Eustis Ray Fort Jr. Rod & Kathy Gillespie Janet P. Godfrey Susan and Robert Goodwin John & Carol Gregory Rod and Judy Hanscom Joe Howard and Judy Horan The Hwalek Family Bettty & Greg Jamison Shawn, Wende, & Maggie Mahaney Stuart and Gianna Marrs Laforest E. Mathews Edwana Meisner and James McCleave Modern Screenprint Inc. Nancy Fishwick & Marc Moss Lesa & Martin O’Connell Kathryn J. Olmstead Christian Rafford Dianne & Ken Rowell Brent and Michelle Slater Gary and Barbara Smith Peter & Lynn Soucy Mr. & Mrs. Norman Stern

Donald and Barbara Verault Ellen Grant Young

Donor

Maine Energy Inc. Roberta and Peter Downey Fritz & Caroline Oldenburg Denise and David Rocker Elsa Sanborn Bruce Hunt & Deb Lawrence, Rob Smith & Ian Hill Terry Huntington and Marlene Reali Hammond Lumber Al & Judy Faust Arthur and Betty Comstock Roger Carpentter & Alice Rohman Alan and Sheila Hess Gerald and Mary Maclean Jim and Marti McCarthy Ralph and Kathleen Pino Robin and Ursula Pritham Louise and Michael Rolnick Steve and Penny Sargent Town of Dedham Bob and Ellie Davids Joe & Kathy Tiso Robert and Ellen Beekman Frederic Hirsch Alfred C Haskell Water Wells, Inc. Andy Anderson The Yardley Family James Aucoin Dottie Baron Paul & Cathleen Bauschatz Jeff and Holly Beers Diane Berlew and Robert Williams John Rubino and Kath Bodkin Ray and Lynn Bolduc Dan and Sara Boss John and Marjorie Bradford Mel & Barbara Braverman Brogue Financial Services, Inc. Cal and Nancy Bubar Richard and Arline Caron Todd and Angel Caron Brigitte Cassidy Donna Chase Roger and Greta Choquet David Clark and Elizabeth Allen Jane Clayton & Nancy Harrison Stephanie Cotsirilos Shirley L. Curry Edward Curtis Gerry and Benita Deschaine Norman Dinerman and Sandra Spiller Geraldine T. Dorsey Herb and Lynda Duplissea Robert J. Duran Mark Eggleton & Janet Berkel Frank and Dare Farrington Gary Fessler, DDS The Forrest Family of Brewer David P. Frasz, MD Debbie, Mark, Bekah, and Hannah Friedman Mike & Crystal Friedman Maria Fuentes & Jeff Romano Rex & Renee Garrett Arnold & Susan Garson Emil & Rebecca Genest Goodwin O. Gilman The Maine Center for Functional Medicine Michael Gilmore, DO Don & Pam Gow Mike Grondin and Kyle Tardy Charlie and Sue Grosjean

Dr. and Mrs. R.L. Hale Barb Hamilton Mike and Jacquie Haney John R. Hanson Audrey and Leon Higgins Woody and JoAnn Higgins Linwood and Debbie Hinkley Bill and Hazel Hiscock Janet W. Hooke Ellie and Stan Israel Karen Boucias and George Jacobson Sam and Connie Jenkins Lynne Josselyn and Larry Conrad Don and Nancy King Ken and Louise Krikland Andrew and Lynn Lackoff Kristin Langellier & Eric Peterson Edie and Roger Leach Stephanie Leonard Tom and Nancy Lever Rosalind Lewis Dennis and Jayne Libbey Walter and Elaine Littlefield Jerry & Kathy London James and Carolyn Mahon Richard A. Maietta Joanne Marian Karen Marley Daniel and Constance McCarthy Jerry McCarthy Mike & Norma McInnis Ivan and Susan McPike Nancy Murray, O.D. Philip Newbury and Danielle Curtis James W. Nichols Nate and Nancy Nickerson Northeast Occupational Exchange Gerald and Evelyn Palmer Clare and Lew Payne Raymond J. Pelletier The Pittis Family Gregory and Eileen Smith Porter Ken Proctor and Sandy Sigmon Drs. Charles and Ester Rauch Sara Lindsay, Paul Rawson and Family John and Gail Reeves Don & Ellen Roffey Roberta M. Scott Phyllis Scribner Richard R. Shaw Evie Smith Steve Spencer Win and Pat Stevens Andrew Stewart & Debbie Giguere Dr. Martha Stewart 304 Stilllwater Avenue Furniture Lovern Stockwell Richard and Kay Storch Jeremy Strater Robert and Nina Jerome Sutcliffe David & Rosemary Tonini Michael and Ann Trainor Bourk and Ester Trask Jim & Mary Turner Bob and Ingrid Tyler Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor Jim and Tricia VanKirk Philip and Janet Villiotte Robin and Alice Walls Patrick & Cynthia Whalen Jerry and Cyndi Whalen Alan and Lucinda White Donald and Janice White Dale Wilkes Mark Dog Wallace

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American Folk Festival 2012 25

NEW ■

NEW! THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTLIGHTS

A chance to hear festival artists perform at some of Bangor’s Downtown venues. “We wanted an opportunity to bring the AFF to Bangor audiences in a new way, so we worked with some of the businesses and venues that people think of for presenting live music in Bangor. Together we came up with an exciting ‘pre-festival’ showcase of the weekend to come,” said Executive Director Heather McCarthy. “Now, in addition to the outdoor stages on the Bangor Waterfront, the festival will come right into Downtown Bangor and Main Street, starting the celebration a day early.” The Thursday night lineup is a full schedule of music, beginning at 6 p.m. with the Marshall Ford Swing Band at the

Cool Sounds Concert Series in Pickering Square, followed at 9 p.m. when blues artist Marquise Knox takes the stage at Hollywood Casino. At 9:30 p.m., Mary Jane Lamond and Wendy MacIsaac bring their signature Cape Breton music to Paddy Murphy’s. And, as with the festival, there is no admission fee to any of the Thursday night concerts. The Thursday Night Footlights concert lineup is presented with the generous support of Mexicali Blues, Vacationland Inn, Bangor Hydro Electric Co., and the many generous sponsors that bring the American Folk Festival to Bangor each year.

MARSHALL FORD SWING BAND THU | 6:00PM | PICKERING SQUARE

“We have a Celtic act playing at our Irish pub, and we think it’s a great fit for us. The folk festival is a great thing for the town. It brings in a lot of business.” ANDY DAY, MANAGER AT PADDY MURPHY’S. MARSHALL FORD SWING BAND’S PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE IS ON PAGE 17.

MARQUIS KNOX THU | 9:00PM | HOLLYWOOD CASINO

MARY JANE LAMOND AND WENDY MACISAAC THU | 9:30PM | PADDY MURPHY’S

MARQUIS KNOX’S PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE IS ON PAGE 17.

MARY JANE LAMOND’S PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE IS ON PAGE 18.

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■ FOOD

FOLK FOOD CHILDREN’S VILLAGE

CC’s Spiral Potatoes Sarastoa, Fla.

MAIN FOOD COURT

First Congregational Church Brewer

St. John’s Episcopal Chuch Bangor

Sweet-potato chips, chips, New England clam chowder, corn dogs, fried dough, fried bananas foster, fried PB&J sandwich, fried pickles

4M Productions Thomaston

Root-beer floats, apple-pie floats, cider, soft pretzels

Fresh-cut French fries and chips, corn dogs, iced cappucino, lemonade and limeade, nachos and cheese

Hampden Congregational Church Hampden

Popcorn, fruit singles, pretzels, cookies, sunchips, ritz bitz, oranges, bananas, juice boxes, organic snack singles

Crescent Foods Middlebury, Vt.

DANCE TENT FOOD COURT Aucoin Concessions Litchfield Lemonade, smoothies, iced tea, hot chocolate

BES Specialties Rehoboth, Mass.

Vegetarian fare: burritos, quesadillas, portobello wraps, salad wraps, iced chai, iced teas, lemonade

Lemonade, smoothies, iced tea, hot chocolate

Strawberry shortcake, blueberry shortcake, coffee, tea, hot chocolate

Hewes Chowder Co / Orrs Island Wiscasset Chowder

Moe’s Original BBQ Bangor

Crescent Foods - Quesadillas Middlebury, Vt.

Pulled pork, ribs, smoked turkey, cucumber-watermelon salad, coleslaw, baked beans, banana pudding

Quesadillas, Sweet-potato fries, French fries, iced chai, iced tea, lemonade

Roasted corn and shrimp chowder, strawberry shortcake, strawberry smoothie

Siri Grill Manassas, Va.

Camden Donut Company Lincolnville

Grilled chicken teriyaki, veggie fried rice, veggie fried noodles, fried plantains, veggie egg rolls

Fresh mini donuts, cold apple cider, frozen cappuccino, iced and hot coffee

Aucoin Concessions Litchfield

Fair Catch Penobscot

Mr. Jack’s Catering Service Billerica, Mass. Sausage sub, hot dogs, burgers, steak-tip subs, pulled-pork sandwich, turkey legs, fried mac & cheese

Crab rolls, Fresh cut french fries

Pizza Pie on the Fly Portland

Fat Guys Concession Gray

Gourmet wood-fired pizza

Sausage sub, steak sub, kielbasa sub, hamburger, cheeseburger, hot dog, cheese dog

Lynn Lunsford of St. Petersburg, Fla., serves up Cajun-inspired foods including alligator bites at the 2010 American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront

BDN MAINE FILE PHOTO BY BRIDGET BROWN

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American Folk Festival 2012 27

FOOD ■

Saint George Greek Orthodox Church Bangor Gyros, souvlaki, Athenian burger, spanakopita, baklava, kourambiethes, rizogalo, lemonade, coffee, orangina

Taste of India Bangor Chicken tikka masala, chicken curry, lamb curry, mixed vegetables, chana masala, palik aloo, samosas, nan, lassi

Three Leaf Foods Cumberland Sauteed veggie, veggie & chicken, veggie & tofu wraps

Tic Tac Taco Jefferson

Vicky’s Thai Food Skowhegan

RAILROAD FOOD COURT

Nickerson’s Kettle Corn Newburgh

Pad thai noodles, thai lo mein, thai fried rice, chicken with broccoli, chicken with garlic, clear noodles with vegetables, chicken satay, crab rangoon, sweet & sour chicken, cashew nut chicken

Hammerhead’s Seafood St. Petersburg, Fla.

Kettle corn

Crawfish etouffee, alligator bites, bourbon chicken, shrimp creole, po-boys, crab cake etouffee, crawfish, beignets

Noon Family Sheep Farm Springvale

Yogis Traveling Kitchen Springfield

Hella Good Tacos Portland

Homemade doughboys and funnel cakes

Carne asada tacos, chicken tacos, carnitas tacos, soy chorizo tacos, burritos, quesadillas, chili, BBQ-beeftip sandwiches, coffee, aguas frescas (watermelon drink), horchata (rice milk drink)

Your Maine Course Cushing Pie, baked potatoes, lobster rolls, chicken-noodle soup, thai soup, cream of broccoli, crab dip & chips, chili, apple crisp, Reubens, brownies, cookies, milk, chocolate milk

Lamb shish kebab, lamb and veggie wrap, lamb sausage, lamb ribs

The Smoothie Shack Camden Sandwich wraps, smoothies

United Cerebral Palsy of Maine Bangor Blueberry smoothies

John’s Ice Cream Liberty Ice cream, sherbet, sorbet, sundaes

Gluten-free organic tacos: chicken, squash, black bean, Popsicles (raspberry hibiscus, blueberry lemon, maple ginger, green bee soda)

is pleased to welcome the American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront.

University of Maine Pride of Maine Black Bear Marching Band and Dance Team

For information about UMaine, visit

umaine.edu

Photo courtesy of Bangor Daily News

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■ MARKETPLACE

FOLK MARKETPLACE Yo Momma’s Apron Strings Jinger Howell Bowdoin

YIKES! Studio Suzanne Anderson Dedham

Handmade, vintage-inspired aprons

Mixed-media jewelry

HERBAL/PERSONAL CARE

NATIVE

Common Folk Farm Betsey-Ann Golon Naples

Mic Mac Indian Crafts Stanley Sayers Jonesport

Fresh herbal garden items

Native American accessories, jewelry, and more

Mountain Mama of Maine Janet Edwards Anson Herbal and beeswax personal-care products

Naturally Bee-Ewe-tiful Sandra Hare Linneus Beeswax-based skin-care products

Fields of Dreams Soaps Charles Ouillette Scarborough FISH RIVER CRAFTS

FIBER ART ApRi April Gramolini Providence, R.I. Reclaimed burlap items

JustKim Kim Pauley Portland Reversible happy bags and more

Native Arts Gallery T. Jean Bar Harbor Navajo- and Zuni-style sterling-silver jewelry

OTHER Caricatures by PJ Paula Carter Belfast Caricatures

Homemade olive-oil-based soaps

JEWELRY Adornments by Lisa Bess Lisa Bess Portland Hand-etched, hand-painted recycled jewelry

Fish River Crafts Mark Aman Fort Kent Hand-crafted and -designed wooden marionettes

Down to Earth Pottery Keith Herklotz Blue Hill Stoneware pottery

S Designs Richard & Sharon Sleeper Brewer Hand-painted assorted cut-flower vases

TASTE OF MAINE Better Than Average Sharon Bissonnette Mechanic Falls Pepper jams and jellies

Fudgin’ It Marilyn Lord & Fred Merrill East Livermore Homemade gourmet fudge

Gryffon Ridge Spice Merchants Christine & Rick Suydam Portland Custom culinary spice blends and salts

Jack’s Gourmet Pickles Johnny Kelley North Monmouth Pickles, relishes, jams, salsas

Green Mountain Enamel Works Michael Entriken West Danville, Vt. Enamel on metal: jewelry, dishes, boxes

Affinity 2 Marlene Reali Scarborough

POTTERY/CERAMICS

Pastor Chuck Orchards C. Waite Maclin Dresden Mills Applesauce, apple butter, apple salsa

Leatherworkers Bob & Anne Dickens Ellsworth

Worcester’s Wild Blueberries Lee & Everett Worcester Orneville Township

Moon Crazy Fibre Arts Diantha Turner Linneus

Hand-fabricated metalsmith jewelry and hand-painted paper jewelry

Felted handmade soap and hand-knit items

And the Bead Goes On Ralph Randall Dickson, Tenn.

Maine Balsam Fir Products Wendy & Jack Newmeyer West Paris

Hand-crafted guitar-string bracelets

Balsam-fir-filled items

Circle of Stones Susan Cobb Belfast

Olivia’s Journee Barnett & Shawna Degen Manchester

Jewelry wrapped in silver or gold

metalsmith jewelry and accessories

Woven and felted hand-dyed clothing and accessories

Finesse Nancy Marshall Madison

The Primitive Keeper Erica Currie South China

Simply Prudence Creations Prudence Simmons Bangor

Wire-wrapped jewelry

Hand-poured soy candles

Hand Knotted Linen Jewelry Rosemarie DiLernia Brooks

Remarkable Blackbird Genevieve Levin Gray

Maine Guide Snowshoes and Furniture Co. Andrea Howe Pleasant Ridge Plantation

Hand-knotted linen jewelry

Henna body art

Traditional snowshoes, snowshoe furniture

Molten Mama Lampwork Beads Lisa Cooley Jackson

Timberstone Rustic Arts Mark Guido Montville

Norumbega Woodcarvers Eddie Harrow Dedham

Handmade lampwork-bead jewerly

Natural stone items for home

Woodcarvings of Maine scenes

Seamack Design Colleen & Chris Macklin Portland

Safari Gallery & Tours Inc. Ben Kihara Lynn, Mass.

Peterson Woodworking Jeffrey Peterson Harrison

Handcrafted jewelry

Wire figurines, wood carvings

Wooden kitchen utensils

Northern Solstice Alpaca Farm Robin Fowler & Corry Pratt Unity Raw alpaca fiber and products

Rose Whitehead Fiber Fabrications Rose Whitehead Waldo

Hand-sewn catcher bags

True Blue Collections Inc. Shangzhu & Gene Bernardin Torrington, Conn. All-natural indigo plant-dyed fabric crafts

Yarina Threads Ana Cachimuel Somerville, Mass. Bamboo musical instruments, wool tapestry products

Leather products

Wild blueberry products

WOODWORKING Gronlund Newcomb Guitars James Greene Addison Handmade electric guitars

Maine Bird Carvings Gary Poisson Eddington Hand-carved and painted birds

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American Folk Festival 2012 29

MAINE BIRD CARVINGS

PETERSON WOODWORKING

DOWN TO EARTH POTTERY

ADORNMENTS BY LISA BESS

MAINE BALSAM FIR PRODUCTS

AFFINITY 2

MAINE GUIDE SNOWSHOES AND FURNITURE CO.

NORUMBEGA WOODCARVERS

CARICATURES BY PJ

NATIVE ARTS GALLERY

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■ KIDS

Children’s Village returning to the AFF BY DAVID M. FITZPATRICK, BDN MAINE

fter years of offering kid-friendly activities in the Children’s Area, the American Folk Festival created a new approach to this component of the AFF last year, with the help of the Maine Discovery Museum (a partner since the beginning of the festival) and several area cultural groups. In 2011, the Children’s Village featured pavilions dedicated to several of the traditional communities that are part of Eastern Maine, and gave children the chance to engage in activities and events that took them on a metaphorical journey around the world. With input and ideas from many members of the community, the 2011 Children’s Village was a success. In addition to the pavilions, the everpopular face-painting was available, as well as a chalk mosaic kids drew on the street, a baby activity area, and story time. All those things will return this year. The pavilions surrounded the Town Square, which featured an area where representatives from the various pavilions

“...a meeting place for neighbors to learn about each other, to learn how we are different and yet the same.” AFF BOARD MEMBER MARIA BAEZA led children in cultural dances and storytelling. Last year, AFF board member Maria Baeza, who came up with the Children’s Village idea, told the Bangor Daily News why this idea was important. “I have memories of growing up in New York and having friends from different ethnic backgrounds and visiting them, which usually meant visiting ethnic neighborhoods,” she said. “What if we created neighborhoods where kids had the opportunity to experience the richness of different cultures?” Baeza drew on her Puerto Rican heritage,

BEST SELECTION BEST SELECTION BEST SELECTION BEST SIZES AND WIDTHS MULTIPLE SIZES AND WIDTHS MULTIPLE STORE PRICES LOW FACTORY STORE PRICES LOW FACTORY AKE EXCELLENT HAPPEN LET’S MAKE EXCELLENT HAPPEN ON BEST SELECTION BEST SELECTION BEST SELECTION BES U GRADE KIDS SIZES INFANT THRU GRADE KIDS SIZES INFA SSORIES APPAREL, SOCKS AND ACCESSORIES APPAREL SO

recalling the una plaza or town square where people gathered to share stories, music, dance, and traditions. And she felt the children at the AFF should experience the same sort of thing. “What a great opportunity to have the various ethnic communities in Maine be able to share their cultures with the children of Maine,” she said. “That is at the heart of the Children’s Village: a meeting place for neighbors to learn about each other, to learn how we are different and yet the same.” Niles Parker, Maine Discovery Musem executive director and member of the AFF Board of Directors, said the vision was to

align what was happening in the children’s area with the larger themes of the festival, and exposing children to the global diversity of cultures — which are often found in Maine communities. “It ties in really nicely with our mission here at the Discovery Museum in terms of learning and exploration and discovery,” said Parker. “And I think there may be some opportunities as we work together with the Folk Festival to explore what we can do in that regard on a year-round basis — not just during three days in August.” And the AFF is looking at how to expand the Children’s Village idea every year. For example, the Passport Program, which was very successful as children visited each pavilion with their passports, will return this year, and there’s talk of expanding its role. “I think the Passport program ... is an idea that worked well, one that could grow, one that could be used throughout the festival,” Parker said. “We’ve got a few ideas that are being discussed… I think all of that feels right and seems to work really well.”

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KIDS ■

THE CHILDREN’S VILLAGE PAVILIONS BY DAVID M. FITZPATRICK, BDN MAINE

ust as the AFF brings together artists, volunteers, and festivalgoers from diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds, the Children’s Village is a similar gathering of resources. The Maine Discovery Museum, the Bangor Museum and Historical Society, the Girl Scouts, the Franco-American Heritage Center, and the Bangor Chinese School are just some of the groups that have been working for the past several months to build the Village. They invite you (and our younger festival-goers) to explore the Children’s Village at the 2012 American Folk Festival!

THE TOWN SQUARE

Young and old will delight in the activities in the Town Square. Throughout the afternoon at the Town Square, each neighborhood will offer performances and storytelling to share their traditions. You also can have your face painted, join in a Street Art project, find activities for toddlers, or enjoy quiet games.

LATINO PAVILION

Weave tiny ojos de Dios for good luck, and decorate maracas to make some noise!

Help the Children’s Village

FRANCO AMERICAN AND ACADIAN PAVILION

If you have a few hours during the festival, the American Folk Festival welcomes volunteers to help out. You can also help support the Children’s Village and the Maine Discovery Museum’s ongoing educational crafting by donating crafting materials you might have around the house.

Craft a traditional spinning toy noisemaker and make a fun cup catcher.

HISTORIC BANGOR PAVILION

Make a thaumatrope (a card with an image on either side; when spun, your eyes see one image) and a fancy fan.

CHINESE PAVILION

Fold a dancing fan and make a kai-lan drum.

GIRL SCOUTS PAVILION

The Girl Scouts of America celebrate its 100th anniversary this year. Visit this pavilion and craft tiny “SWAPS”—Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere. These include tiny bandanas, bedrolls, a map of Maine, and other scouting-themed items.

The MDM needs: • bright, colorful yarn • Popsicle sticks • glue • beads • stickers • sparkles • feathers

• construction paper • felt • frozen-juice can lids • buttons (LOTS of buttons) • metal bottle caps from beer bottles • markers • and any other craft supplies

If you can help, bring your supplies to the Maine Discovery Museum in downtown Bangor, or call (207) 262-7200 for more information.

“Music is my life,” said Shannon Hardy (right) as she and friend Kyra Metcalf kick up the dust in front of the Railroad Stage to the sounds of Hot Club of Cowtown at the 2011 American Folk Festival in Bangor. “This (folk festival) tops all of them I’ve been to,” Metcalf added as the band was leaving the stage. BDN MAINE FILE PHOTO BY KEVIN BENNETT

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■ DEMONSTRATIONS

The Way Life Should Be: Maine’s Great Outdoors BY DAVID M. FITZPATRICK, BDN MAINE

his year, the Folklife Area at the festival focuses on Maine’s outdoor life, especially the traditional crafts and occupations that are reflected in the hunting and fishing traditions that Maine is known for. The University of Maine’s Folklife Center, Hudson Museum, and Page Farm and Home Museum are featuring Maine artists who create materials used in outdoor life such as pack baskets and fishing creels, canoes, animal and bird calls, decoys and fly fishing rods and flies. On the narrative stage in addition to meeting the traditional artists, audiences will hear Registered Maine Guides and Maine Game Wardens talk about their experiences in the Maine woods.

Sharon Wright - Lisbon

Folk and Traditional Arts

Sharon E. Wright is a custom fly designer from Lisbon. She is an artisan by trade with deep roots in Maine’s historic sporting heritage. Wright’s great-great-great grandfather, Joshua Gross Rich, founded Angler’s Retreat sporting camp at Middle Dam on the Rapid River in the mid-1800s. Wright has an inherited love of angling and interest in Maine’s outdoor heritage. Her commemorative and dedication streamers are tied “Rangeley” style (also known as Carrie Stevens style), often have Maine themes, and incorporate natural materials harvested locally. Her work has been presented recently at The Fly Fishing Show in Massachusetts and New Jersey. As a Maine celebrity tyer at the L.L.Bean Spring Fishing Weekend this March, she presented the L.L.Bean 100th Anniversary Streamer that was featured in a recent issue of Fly Tyer magazine.

Bill Mackowski - Milford

Butch Phillips - Milford

Snowshoes, pack baskets, and fishing creels are Mackowski’s specialty. He began making baskets seriously in the early 1980s and today produces 40–50 pack baskets and 25 or 30 creels a year. He sells most of his pack baskets right out of his shop; the advertising is all done by word of mouth. He also makes limited-edition baskets that are available through the Orvis Company. Mackowski’s interest in basket making is an extension his life as a Maine guide, trapper and bush pilot. He has traveled extensively throughout the Northeast and northern Canada, from Labrador to the Yukon, Minnesota to the Gaspé of Quebec. In his travels, Mackowski has met a number of fine woodsmen, who all construct their own pack baskets. Mackowski’s association with and growing interest in pack baskets and creels naturally turned to a desire to make them himself. He has learned from many, but holds a special affection for two men in particular: Jack Leadley of Speculator, N.Y., and Larry Hurd from Bangor. Mackowski has spent the last few years documenting these older pack basket makers in Maine, and has deposited his research with the Maine Folklife Center.

Thomas Coté - Limestone

Thomas Coté was born in Caribou in 1948, lived in Caswell for 19 years, served in the Army for three years, and spent one year in Vietnam. He is retired and has an art studio where he gives classes four nights a week and also private lessons. Coté comes from a long line of woodcarvers, stretching from his great-great grandfather, Jean Baptiste Coté, a noted carver from Quebec, to his mother who first showed him how to use a jackknife when he was 12 years old. He is a master traditional wood carver, and he carves in the French-Canadian style of high relief and in the round. He is the fourth generation carver in the Coté family. His granddaughter, who is one of his apprentice’s, represents the 5th generation.

Reuben “Butch” Phillips was born and raised on Indian Island, the ancestral homeland of the Penobscot Nation, near Old Town. Following graduation from high school, he served with the United States Army. His career as an electronic and radio technician was spent with AT&T and New England Telephone. He and his wife live in Milford, across the Penobscot River from the Penobscot Nation Reservation. He served the Penobscot Nation as Lieutenant Governor from 1983 to 1984 and chaired its Fish and Game Committee for 15 years. He is especially interested in environmental preservation and is an active member of the Penobscot River Restoration Trust. Phillips will exhibit traditional birch bark canoes, paddles, baskets, moose calls, and more.

David Van Burgel and Kathy Scott, Ardea Bamboo Rods - Mercer

David Van Burgel and Kathy Scott share a life immersed in bamboo. Now respected on a national level, David began making split cane fly rods to help assure the continuance of a craft that has long roots in Maine; Scott wrote her first book to document the process. By her third and fourth books, she was making fly rods, too. Together, they teach rod-making both in Maine and for the Catskills Fly Fishing Center and Museum in New York, and they speak about the history and craft of bamboo rod-making at fly fishing shows and events. As anglers concerned about conservation, both are active in Trout Unlimited and the Atlantic Salmon Federation. Van Burgel signature fly rods raise funds for river restoration, including the Penobscot, and he serves on the National Leadership Council for TU. Scott’s writings appear in angling magazines across the country; her work is highlighted as part of the “A Graceful Rise” exhibit at the American Museum of Fly Fishing. They share their beaver ponds and forest home in Mercer with two adventurous dogs, Effie and Midge.

Narrative Stage MAINE GUIDES Randy Spencer - Grand Lake Stream and Holden

For the past 14 years, Maine’s “Singing Guide” Randy Spencer has been a full-time professional fishing guide in the Grand Lake Stream Region. In the off-season, he lives with his wife, Shelley, and their English Springer Spaniel, Kafka, in Holden. From his own recording studio there, he has recorded three albums of Native music and two documentaries for the History and Preservation Office of the Passamaquoddy Tribe. Spencer’s first book, “Where Cool Waters Flow: Four Seasons with a Master Maine Guide” won the New England Outdoor Writers Association Best Book of 2010 award. His second book is in the making. Randy has released five CDs of his own songs as well as a box set anthology.

Dave and Linda Kelso - Sinclair

Muskie Moose LLC offers on a limited basis guided trips in Northern Maine for moose hunting, muskie fishing, and a limited amount of upland game hunting and fly fishing. Dave Kelso has been a guide since his 18th birthday in 1979. He guided the first moose hunt in 1980 in Maine. He has not missed a year since then. He is on his way to being the first guide in Maine to get 100 moose for his clients. In addition to being a Master Maine Guide, Dave Kelso is considered one of the best moose callers in North America. He has hunted in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, the Canadian Provinces, as well as Europe. He is sought after as a seminar speaker on moose, moose calling, moose hunting and moose behavior and biology in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The couple also work with the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program in Maine. They are offering three courses this year in fly fishing, trapping, and moose calling. Linda is also a professional dog trainer for pointing dogs as well as tracking dogs for finding wounded game. She is also one of few women who are Master Maine Guides and can stand behind what the license means.

MAINE GAME WARDENS Doug Tibbetts - Bangor

Doug Tibbetts is a sportsmen and self described “Mainer” who served 39 years as a game warden from 1970 to 2009. He received his formal training for this occupation at the University of Maine in 1971, where warden training was held until 1974. Doug served as district warden, sergeant, and lieutenant in several areas of the state, including Aroostook County, Greenville, Bangor, Newport, and Southern Maine. Doug found the occupation fascinating, especially because Maine Game Wardens have a closely guarded kinship between each other that nobody else can truly understand, along with a developed, special understanding

and knowledge of the people using Maine’s natural resources. Tibbetts lives in Bangor with his wife, Barbara. He will share stories of his experiences as a game warden on the narrative stage.

Eric Wight - Bethel

Eric served the Maine Warden Service from 1963 to 1985 after spending some time in the Maine Forest Service. Originally thinking he might like to be a forester, he decided the Warden Service would be more fun, and he had friends in the service who encouraged him to apply. He attended warden school in Augusta and Orono. Wight was involved in many search and rescues, working in Eastport, Medway/Grindstone and in Baxter State Park and Patten on the East Branch of the Penobscot River. He received additional training from the National Park Service in the early 1980s and was appointed on-scene commander for the Southern Overhead Team overseeing search and rescue operations. In 1965 Maine established a six-person alpine and underwater rescue team that he also took part in. Wight wrote and published the book “Maine Game Wardens” in 1985. Wight lives with his wife, Karen, in Bethel. He will share stories of his experiences as a game warden on the narrative stage.

Folk Preservers Maine Folklife Center, University of Maine

Stories about Maine outdoor life, whether it be working in the woods as a lumberman, serving as a Maine Guide or game warden, running a sporting camp, attending deer camp, or making the articles needed for outdoor life such as pack baskets and fishing rods, are collected and housed in the archives of the Maine Folklife Center at the University of Maine. The center‘s mission is to research, teach about, preserve, publish, provide public programming and engage communities in the vernacular arts and culture of Maine and the Maritime Provinces. The Maine Folklife Center offers courses in folklore and oral history through the anthropology department, publishes an annual monograph series, Northeast Folklore, occasional publications, and the Maine Folklife Newsletter. The Center staff conducts research about traditional culture in Maine and the Maritime Provinces, and provides research opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students. The Maine Folklife Center maintains the Northeast Archives of Folklore and Oral History (more than 3,000 accessions of audio recordings and transcripts, 10,000 photographs), and provides preservation services to other archives. The Maine Folklife Center continues to provide expertise to communities in documenting their culture and produces the Folk and Traditional Arts area of the American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront.

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Hudson Museum, University of Maine

Among the collections of the Hudson Museum are Maine Indian holdings that were essential to forest life ways in the Northeast. These include snowshoes, birch bark canoes, tumplines, moose calls, creels, and pack baskets. These objects were known for their durability, utility, and beauty and were coveted by those who frequent the Maine woods. All of these Maine Indian artistic and cultural traditions extend back in time thousands of years and connect all of us with these ancestral art forms of the forest. The Hudson Museum is located in the Collins Center for the Arts at the University of Maine in Orono. The Museum features the Merritt Gallery for temporary exhibits and two permanent galleries; the World Cultures Gallery; a Maine Indian Gallery; the Shoemaker Gallery; and an interactive

Culture Lab. Through its exhibits and programs, the Hudson Museum celebrates a world of culture and cultures of the world. The Museum’s collections include an extraordinary assemblage of preColumbian artifacts ranging from Olmec to Aztec (the William P. Palmer III Collection); Native American holdings from Maine, the Southwest, Northwest Coast, Arctic, and Plains; and collections from Africa, Oceania, and Asia.

Page Farm and Home Museum, University of Maine

Rural farmers frequently used the Maine woods to supplement their income and their diets. Mainers hunted, trapped, fished and collected mushrooms and maple sap for both nutrition and flavor. Farmers frequently went off to work in the woods in winter cutting timber to provide much-needed cash for their families back home on the

farm. The museum’s exhibit will showcase artifacts representing how rural Maine farm families used the Maine woods to improve and preserve their way of life. The Page Farm and Home Museum showcases agricultural and domestic life in Maine from 1865 to 1940. The Museum is located on the University of Maine campus in Orono, within the historic 1833 White Farm Barn, an 1855 schoolhouse from Holden, a carriage house, blacksmith shop and heirloom gardens. The Museum venerates Maine heritage by cultivating awareness and appreciation of the state’s rural history. Thousands of patrons, many of them schoolchildren, visit each year to learn about the industry, agriculture, economy, and home life of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The Museum also upholds the University’s educational mission through its public events, lecture series, curriculum-intensive

school programs, and outreach services. The Museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM. www.umaine.edu/pagefarm.

Folk Stories In the office trailer marked “Mainers Speak,” we are recording Mainers’ stories of the woods and forest recreation for future generations. Volunteers will record on digital recordings, and these recordings will be preserved in the archives of the Maine Folklife Center for present and future students, researchers or the interested public. If you have a story to tell, stop by and sign up for a time, and our students will be happy to hear and record you. We will also provide you with a copy for yourself if you leave your name and address so that we can send it to you.

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■ HOW TO HELP

DONATIONS NEEDED AND APPRECIATED

The festival is free, but “free” costs $900,000 BY DAVID M. FITZPATRICK, BDN MAINE

t the 2011 American Folk Festival, blues and boogie-woogie piano performer Eden Brent was about to take the stage. Brent is a tiny little firecracker of a woman, who that day was decked out in a sizzling blue dress and was ready to bring the crowd waiting under the tent to life. Everyone could see her, just offstage, as the announcer was about to introduce her. But that’s when a pair of volunteers from the Bucket Brigade trooped through the tent — one with a roll of “I Kicked In” stickers for donors, the other with the big bucket held high. They were seeking donations from the captive audience, but precious few were waving bills in the air. And that’s when Brent struck. The pint-sized Mississippi whirlwind started calling out to the Bucket Brigadiers, clambering in her dress and high heels through the lighting racks, the speakers, the piles of cables on the ground. And when she made it through, she chased down the Bucket Brigade and stuffed in a $20 bill. The crowd applauded at the performer going out of her way to kick in to the Bucket Brigade. And her act was clearly inspirational; it’s safe to say more people began fishing out spare change than likely would have. And, according to AFF Executive Director Heather McCarthy, the donations from festival-goers are crucial to

the AFF’s success. “The funds that are raised on site at the festival — the biggest part of which is the Bucket Brigade, but it’s also T-shirt sales, Beer Tent sales, parking fees, CD sales —

Bangor, but it isn’t. Individual donations are also vital for future editions of the festival. “We do get support from corporate sponsors, foundations, the City of Bangor, the City of Brewer, a number of other

“Many may have the perception that the American Folk Festival is entirely paid for by corporate sponsors or the City of Bangor, but it isn’t. Individual donations are also vital for future editions of the festival.” AFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HEATHER MCCARTHY

those are all a significant part of the revenue that we need to generate each year to pay for [the] festival,” McCarthy said. The huge event covers three-quarters of a mile along the Bangor Waterfront, features six stages, presents dozens of performers, offers dozens of craft and food vendors, and requires 800 volunteers to make it all happen. Many may have the perception that the American Folk Festival is entirely paid for by corporate sponsors or the City of

entities that support the festival,” McCarthy said. “But that fundraising that happens on site at the event is a key part of it. It’s a significant percentage of the money that we need to generate.” Local folks should certainly consider the economic impact the AFF has to the Greater Bangor region. According to a 2011 economic impact study by the Maine Arts Commission, the AFF generates estimated revenue in the region of more than $15.3

million — from an audience that’s 68 percent local and 32 percent from elsewhere in the state, the country, and the world. Last year, an entire day was completely rained out; even still, the Bucket Brigade took in more than $121,000. But as the festival works to pay down debt and plan next year’s festival, those kick-ins become even more important. The AFF, whose goal is to raise $165,000 via the Bucket Brigade at this year’s event, suggests a daily donation of $10 per person or $20 per family. Given what you’d pay to see just one of those acts in another venue, that’s quite a deal. But aside from getting a great value, McCarthy said there’s a deeper reason for kicking in. “It also helps to instill in our audience an acknowledgement that this is a valuable thing — that the festival is good for our community, it’s good for our families, it’s good for the arts,” she said. “When people are contributing and helping make it happen, I think the message comes through a little more clearly.”

WAYS TO DONATE

• Visit americanfolkfestival.com and click on the Donate Now button. You may then place a credit card donation, and it is taxdeductible to the extent provided by law. • Mail your donation to the American Folk Festival, 40 Harlow Street, Bangor ME 04401.

Your “I Kicked In” sticker is your ticket to some great deals! Bring your sticker to the following businesses for special deals. Mexicali Blues, downtown Bangor Receive 20 percent off your purchase. (Offer valid through Sunday, Aug. 26). This offer cannot be used in combination with other promotions and excludes clearance and gift cards. Governor’s Restaurants Receive a free piece of pie with any purchase. (Offer valid through Sept. 9.) Hollywood Casino, Main Street, Bangor Receive a 20 percent discount at the Epic Buffet throughout September. Bucket brigade volunteer Jay Martin of Stillwater solicits donations as he mingles in the festive crowd during the kick-off to the 2011 American Folk Festival. BDN MAINE FILE PHOTO BY JOHN CLARKE RUSS

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Volunteers make the festival possible BY DAVID M. FITZPATRICK, BDN MAINE

or a free event as vast as the American Folk Festival, how does the AFF pay for all that labor? Answer: They don’t. They get volunteers. About 800 of them, in fact. “There are an incredible number of people that pitch in to make the festival happen,” said Executive Director Heather McCarthy. Volunteering is a long and involved process. Some of the volunteers work yearround in preparation for the next festival. And a few weeks before the festival, the AFF holds a volunteer orientation at Husson University to get everyone their volunteer T-shirts, educate them on what’s new and changed, and prepare them for the event.

newcomers to the festival who are excited about helping out. Volunteers for this year will already be trained and set by the time you read this article, but the AFF welcomes new volunteers for next year. “If you’re enjoying your time at the festival and you think you’d like to help out by being a volunteer, we encourage folks to stop by the Volunteer Registration Tent and put their name on the list to receive information about joining us for the 2013 American Folk Festival,” said McCarthy. That tent is at the Railroad Street entrance, where the shuttle bus stops. This year, volunteers will be wearing

“To put together a festival that brings over 90,000 people to the waterfront, we’ve got three staff members, but we have over 800 volunteers — without whom it just couldn’t happen.”

AFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HEATHER MCCARTHY

BDN MAINE FILE PHOTO BY DAVID M. FITZPATRICK

During the festival, about 50 team leaders manage volunteers in areas such as the Bucket Brigade, information booths, transportation, vending, stage services, and more. “To put together a festival that brings over 90,000 people to the waterfront, we’ve got three staff members, but we have over 800 volunteers — without whom it just couldn’t happen,” said McCarthy. “They not only work festival weekend; they’re responsible largely for setting up and tearing down the entire site, and even throughout the year they’re responsible for evaluating our systems, recruiting volunteers, ensuring that people are trained in the different volunteer jobs, and really keeping the spirit of the festival alive throughout the year.” The festival relies on plenty of repeat volunteers who don’t need to be trained from the ground up. “We count on volunteers returning year after year, and they’ve really created a very dedicated community of people who have taken ownership of this festival,” McCarthy said. “One of the benefits to having folks return as volunteers is that they come in knowing the job, and they also come in with suggestions about how to make that job better and easier and more efficient. The whole festival benefits from that experience.” But new volunteers join every year. Some are kids who grew up with the festival and are now old enough to pitch in. Others are people who people who have attended for a few years and have decided they’d like to get a little more involved. And others are

bright blue T-shirts. Many of the visible volunteers will be the members of the Bucket Brigade, who travel in pairs seeking donations. “Our Bucket Brigade volunteers certainly are our first line of communication with the festival audience when we’re asking people to consider making that $10 a day donation to support the festival,” said McCarthy. “It is a free-admission event, but it’s not free to put on, so we try to make it very easy for folks coming to the festival to make that contribution.” If you’re particularly impressed with an AFF volunteer — one you feel goes above and beyond, who serves as a role model for other volunteers, and has performed exceptional service to the 2012 festival — the AFF is asking for nominations for the 2012 AFF Gerry Turner Excellence in Volunteerism Award. Interested people can request nomination forms at all four Information Booths and at the Volunteer Registration Tent. The nomination deadline is September 9, 2012. Gerry Turner, a dedicated volunteer from the very beginning of the festival on the Bangor Waterfront, died in 2011. The first award was given after the festival last year, beginning what will be a long tradition honoring those who work so hard to make the festival a reality. “One of the reasons that the American Folk Festival is going to be part of our community for a long time to come is the dedication of the hundreds of volunteers who come together each year to make it happen,” said McCarthy.

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The Hot Club of Cowtown connect with the audience at the Railroad Stage during the 2011 American Folk Festival

BDN MAINE FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL C. YORK

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SHOWCASES FESTIVAL’S BEST KNOWN SECRET

Discussions and demonstrations by artists explore musical traditions BY HEATHER MCCARTHY, AFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ne of the best-known “secrets” of the American Folk Festival is the series of Showcases that happen every year on the Two Rivers and Penobscot Stages. These Showcases are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Festival artists to explore their musical traditions with others that share a musical link with them. For example, at a typical Bluegrass festival, the artists all represent one style of music. The AFF, however, brings together a diversity of artists from around the country and across the globe, allowing performers to see genres of music that might not be typically part of their performance venue. The Showcases, however, take this concept even further, gathering artists

who share an instrument or a tradition together on one stage to talk about, perform, and collaborate on their music. At this year’s AFF, showcases will include Fiddle Traditions (including artist from the Cape Breton, Western Swing, Franco Fiddle, and Irish groups), and Masters of Harmony (with the members of Larry Chance and the Earls, Dale Ann Bradley’s bluegrass group, and the tamburitza group Otrov). Other showcases will highlight the banjo, world percussion, song traditions, and American guitar styles. Make sure to check out at least one of these showcases during this year’s Festival. You’ll enjoy a unique performance that’s available nowhere else but at the AFF!

Our Jazz and Contemporary Music Program has been hailed by Downbeat Magazine as one of the best in the nation.

“The Showcases gather artists who share an instrument or a tradition together on one stage to talk about, perform, and collaborate on their music.” AFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HEATHER MCCARTHY

Stay Close. Go Far. www.uma.edu 1-877-UMA-1234

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“The American Folk Festival has its roots along the shores of the Penobscot River in Bangor. The Queen City has proven itself to be the perfect place for arts, culture and community to grow and flourish. Each year we celebrate past traditions alongside families and friends creating new memories. This is the community’s festival—and there is no better place for the festival to call home than Bangor.” AFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HEATHER MCCARTHY

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THANK YOU ■

“Who’s Who” at the 2012 American Folk Festival The American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront is only possible through the hard work of hundreds of volunteers, committee members, directors and staff. The following people are among those who have dedicated their time and skills to make the 2012 American Folk Festival a success. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair:

John Rohman

Vice Chair: Dan Tremble Fairmount Market

Secretary: Ann Trainor Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems

Treasurer: Rick Fournier Bangor Savings Bank Michael Aube EMDC Maria Baeza Turning Point Elizabeth Downing University of Maine Thom Johnston New England School of Communications Amy Kenney OTT Communications Pauleena MacDougall Maine Folklife Center Julia Olin NCTA Niles Parker Maine Discovery Museum Tim Reynolds Bangor Daily News Brad Ryder Epic Sports Lee Speronis Husson University Rob Sutcliffe Rudman & Winchell Mary Turner Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems

DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Chair: Dan Tremble Maria Baeza Jodie Kandel Brad Ryder John Rohman

Julie Green Alan Miller Monique Bolduc Amy Kenney Kristen Strong Elizabeth Downing Vern Leeman Rick Fournier Jennifer Khavari Doug Keith

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Dan Cashman John Rohman Amy Kenney Julie Green Erin Guesman Melissa Gerety

2012 VOLUNTEER LEADERS Joan Andren Jeff Bossé Brenda Boulier Jim Boulier Mary Brooks Al & Esther Bushway Barbara Carey Donna Chase Peter Clewley Bruce Clukey Peter Curran Dawn & Bill Curtis Marian Dressler Richard Dressler Shirley Ellis Mark Friedman Erin Guesman Jo Ann Higgins Karen Hornberger Doug Keith Diana Keyser Cedric Long, Jr. Mike McGinn Kathy McLeod Connie McVey Jennifer Murphy Mike Murphy Bill Pearsall Alice Rancourt Steve Ropiak Lauren Rothschild Lynda Ryder Barb St. Peter Janet Smith Libby Turner Mary Turner Peggy Turner Judy Weatherbee Don Wilbur Dale Wilkes

Gerald Wiswell Lynne Woods

TRANSPORTATION TEAM Bill Mulherin Michelle Mulherin Nancy Tracy

CHILDREN’S VILLAGE

Niles Parker Trudi Plummer, and others from The Maine Discovery Museum Maria Baeza Jennifer Pictou Maria Sandweiss Lisa Michaud Bingyu Zhang Theresa Arms Natalie Degerstrom Samantha Lott Hale Virginia Sand, and a host of others!

FOLKLIFE AREA

The Maine Folklife Center at the University of Maine, with the Hudson Museum and the Page Farm and Home Museum

OPERATIONS TEAM Woody Higgins Jack Kearns Darrell Donahue Brad Ostrow Richard Derbyshire Betty Derbyshire Harry Grillo Robin Emery Al Banfield Roger Hicks Sean Sykes Dale Farmer

STAFF

Heather McCarthy Executive Director

Debbi Melnikas Site Services Coordinator

Carin Sychterz Development Coordinator

Denise Libby Event Planning Assistant

Mia Noyes Special Projects Intern

42 American Folk Festival 2012

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Saturday, August 18, 2012

he American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront celebrates the rich traditional folk, ethnic, and tribal cultures of the people of Maine and the United States. The nation’s earliest immigrants and settlers brought the music, arts, and customs of their countries of origin with them to their new homeland, where they encountered the land’s First Nations.

They worked to maintain their unique traditions while at the same time adapting to new conditions and a rich confluence of cultures. Those musical traditions that we think of as quintessentially “American” — jazz, blues, gospel, bluegrass, oldtime, Tex-Mex, Cajun, zydeco, cowboy, and others — spring from the interaction and intertwining of these varied cultural roots. Today, renewed immigration from an even wider range of nations brings new

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American Folk Festival 2012 43

MARK YOUR CALENDARS The 2013 American Folk Festival August 23, 24 & 25, 2013 on the Bangor Waterfront.

We hope that you enjoy this year’s festival, and that you’ll make your plans to experience the event with the information in this program guide. Thank you, too, for your support and contributions which make this event possible. sounds, dances, foods, and customs to enrich our American cultural landscape. The American Folk Festival celebrates this diversity through performances by our nation’s finest traditional artists. From 2002 to 2004, the city of Bangor was host to the 64th, 65th and 66th National Folk Festivals, celebrating traditional performing arts from cultures across the globe and entertaining tens of thousands of people each year. After a very successful three-year run, the community launched the American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront in 2005, carrying on the tradition established by the National Folk Festival. The nonprofit Bangor Folk Festival produces the AFF. The production is in partnership with the City of Bangor, Eastern Maine Development Corporation, the Maine Discovery Museum, and the Maine Folklife Center at the University of Maine. The AFF has proven that authentic traditional arts have a long-lasting place in the heart of Bangor.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHEICK HAMALA DIABATE, WHOSE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE IS ON PAGE 8.

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Saturday, August 18, 2012

MARQUISE KNOX

A HOLLYWOOD EXCLUSIVE Thursday, augusT 23 • 9pm H THE SOUND STAGE LOUNGE Don’t miss the award-winning, 21-year-old blues prodigy as he brings his exciting and powerful guitar and vocal skills to Hollywood before taking the stage at the American Folk Festival.

5 0 0 M a i n St. H B a n g o r, M E 0 4 4 01 H I - 95 E x i t 18 2 A H 8 7 7- 7 7 9 - 7 7 71 H h o l l y w o o d c a s i n o b a n g o r. c o m See Player Services for complete details. Persons under 21 years of age may not enter the gaming area unless licensed employees. Do you or anyone you know have a gambling problem? For help, services, & counseling please call 1-800-522-4700. ©2012 Penn National Gaming, Inc.