Traditions Showcases

The Great Lakes Folk Festival strives to not only present great music but to inform audiences about the history and social context of the music. Each year a few on-stage sessions are devoted to musicians who share stories about their art as well as compare different styles and traditions of playing one type of instrument (i.e. fiddle, lute, accordion). Sessions are also devoted to tradition bearers from Michigan who share with audience members how they learned their skills and how they pass them on in their communities today.

The 2006 Great Lakes Folk Festival's “Traditions Showcases” feature comparative sessions on the fiddle, accordion, "other" stringed things; plus a session with the Gulf Coast Artists discussing the effect of the Hurricanes on their lives and livelyhood, and a session featuring some of the festival's younger performers discussing what it's like to grow up with music. These showcases illustrate not only cultural similarities and differences, but also the process of change in musical traditions. Every year, showcases are among the Festival's most popular features.

2006 Traditions Showcases Schedule

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

Fiddle Traditions
12:00 Noon - City Hall Stage

Accordion Traditions
2:00pm - City Hall Stage

Stringed Things
3:00pm - City Hall Stage

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13
Viva La Louisiana
12:00 Noon - Legacy stage

Growing Up with Music
1:30pm - Legacy Stage