The Folk Festival resounds in New Bedford

The 21st New Bedford Folk Festival took place under ideal weather – not too hot – and once again showed why it is a jewel of the city. For 20 years Alan and Helene Korolenko had run the entire festival, and moans were heard around New England when they announced that last year’s was their last; the effort involved had gotten to be too much. Fortunately for folk music fans, the Zeiterion Theatre staff took up the burden of organizing the festival while Alan and Helene resumed artistic direction. The organization was superb. Past festivals had been held over the July 4 weekend, which led to conflicts with other activities. This year’s dates were the weekend after, allowing festival goers to attend more of the event. The festival was spread out over downtown New Bedford, with seven venues operating simultaneously most of the weekend. New was use of the Z – this beautiful 1200 seat theatre was a marvelous addition. It was used for the more well-known artists during the day, and served as the only site for the late evening performances Saturday and Sunday, when it was filled to capacity. Also new and welcome was a “food court” set up near the Z on Purchase street, with a wide variety of vendors offering quick meals that could be consumed between performances. The performers were the usual mix of well-known folk singers such as Cheryl Wheeler, Garnet Rogers, Ellis Paul, Kate and Livingston Taylor and John Gorka; lesser known but excellent groups from around the Northeast and Canada and local artists. One group we had never heard before but plan to follow was Miss Rosie - an energetic quintet of young musicians putting a new spin on old songs. Kudos to all involved, and may the festival continue!