Richmond Folk Festival Returns October 8-10

Cover image of Sugaray Rayford, courtesy of Julian Konrad Photography.

The Richmond Folk Festival celebrates its 17th anniversary this October, inviting fans to downtown Richmond’s riverfront to celebrate the roots, richness, and variety of American culture through music, dance, traditional crafts, storytelling, and food.

This free, three-day, outdoor event is presented by Venture Richmond Events in partnership with the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA), the Center for Cultural Vibrancy, the Children’s Museum, and the City of Richmond.

Featuring six stages and showcasing music and dance from more than 30 artists from across the nation and around the world, the Richmond Folk Festival will again be culturally diverse and artistically excellent, with some of the world’s finest traditional artists performing throughout the weekend.

“We are proud to be back this year on Richmond’s beautiful downtown riverfront,” said Blaine Waide, associate director of the National Council for the Traditional Arts. “From returning favorites to up-and-coming artists making their Richmond debut to traditions like Sicilian traditional music that we have never presented before, this year’s program lives up to the festival’s reputation for offering a dizzying variety of artistic expressions and experiences—all for free!”

Venture Richmond Events continues to closely monitor CDC and Virginia guidelines for COVID-19 protocols for large outdoor events. A commitment to safety and adherence to local, state, and federal ordinances and recommendations will guide all decisions regarding the festival. (see COVID-19 guidelines)

Among those performing at this year’s event are The Brotherhood Singers from Covington, Kentucky; Donny Broussard & the Louisiana Stars from Kaplan, Louisiana; Jasmine Bell & North Bear from Riverton, Wyoming; The Pedro Giraudo Tango Ensemble from New York, New York;  Rosa Tatuata with Michela Musolino from Clifton, New Jersey; Sugaray Rayford from Los Angeles, California; Taj Weekes from St. Lucia by way of New York, New York; Tres en Punto from Mission, Texas;  The Western Flyers from Burleson, Texas;  Joanie Madden & Cherish the Ladies from Yonkers, New York; Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper from Charlestown, Indiana; Nava Persian Trio from Albuquerque, New Mexico; Plena Es from Sunrise, Florida; Rare Essence from Washington, D.C; and Sean Jones “Dizzy Spellz”.

For more information about the festival and additional artists performing this year visit www.richmondfolkfestival.org