Sioux River Folk Fest This Weekend

The 34th Annual Sioux River Folk Festival takes place in Newton Hills this weekend, near Canton, SD. It's a festival I've always wanted to attend, but have always had a prior commitment with the Fair or other events. But I have a number of friends that treat the Folk Fest like I do JazzFest: It's their favorite time of the year!

I've heard stories for years of not only the fantastic performers on stage, but the legendary campfire jams that go on long after the 'scheduled' performers have finished for the evening. Getting acquainted with friends old and new, playing music and enjoying the beautiful backdrop of Newton Hills.

It's presented by the Friends of Traditional Music who proudly say "this isn't your father's music, it's your GRANDfathers music", yet I know a number of performers a lot younger than I am who are more excited about this show than anyone I know.

Many friends have played the festival over the years (whether billed or un-billed) including Jim Groth (who will be a part of the Downtown RiverFest August 17) Mat D and Thomas Hentges (Burlap Wolf King) It's a festival for young and old that everyone should experience at least once. Who knows, you may see me wandering down a path heading toward the sound of a mandolin this weekend too!

Tickets : Weekend Pass $35, Friday Night Pass $20, Saturday all day $25, Sunday all day $5

Campground Contest

In the early days of Folk Fest it didn’t much time around the campfire to realize that the friends of Friends are a talented bunch. And every year we give acoustic vocal and/or instrumental acts (solo or group) their 15 minutes of fame.

During the Saturday afternoon break, judges will rate the registered acts and awards the victor with a 15-minute set in front of the rowdy Saturday night crowd and before the big closing set. And as if that weren’t enough, our championed troubadour(s) also receive $34.34 and an original Headley Eyesore artwork signed by Headley himself.

Vendors : Roger Teslaa from Inwood, Koch's Kettlecorn, Canton After Prom, Jack's 1919 Root Beer, Johnny B from Black Sheep Coffee, and  Bella Luna Wood Fired Pizza.

Presented by the Friends of Traditional Music