originally published: 11/26/2024
Princeton Folk Music Society Volunteers, from left: Frank Kubitsky, Dave Leonard, Madhumita
Chakrabartti, Bill Houston, Peter Kernast, Alexandra Radbil, Robert Ey, Mary Curtis, Lisa Roth, StephenFitzpatrick, Walt Miziuk, Peter Hester, not shown: Pat McDonnell, Anne Gribbon, Don Arrowsmith.
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Princeton Folk Music Society will be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025 and is hosting a year-long special program of concert events to honor the occasion.
From its earliest days when the concerts were held on the Princeton University campus, the Princeton Folk Music Society has brought a wide range of notable performers, such as Elizabeth Cotten, Mick Moloney, Beppe Gambetta, Bill Staines, and Jez Lowe, to name just a few, to perform for our greater Princeton community audiences.
The Folk Music Society, according to historical recollection from one of its first members, actually had its early beginnings more than sixty years ago, largely through the initiatives and leadership of Yvonne Aronson. Drawing folks from the Princeton community, Aronson began organizing and leading informal folk music sings. Then, in 1965, a more formal organization that could sustain a budget and sponsor concerts and additional activities was established and incorporated.
Much has changed from those early years, when a substantial number of members were Princeton University students, and the concerts and monthly sings were held on the University campus. In addition, and to more actively engage with the community, some Society's members performed at local bookstores or venues and community events. Others became professionally recognized musicians. Continuing today, some members host local folk music programs at radio stations located at Princeton University and The College of New Jersey.
While some the activities have ebbed and flowed over the years, The Princeton Folk Music Society continues as an all-volunteer organization committed to its mission of preservation, presentation, and promotion of folk music in all its diversity in the greater Princeton community and beyond. Sixty years onward, the Society continues to present a broad range of folk music including traditional folk, blues, international, contemporary singer-songwriters, and more.
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This 60th anniversary season features an eclectic set of outstanding performers. In January, the celebration year kicks off with Mari Black - multi style violinist and champion world music fiddler who weaves together driving dance tunes with beloved stories that bring the music to life. In the following months, you'll continue to be treated to a feast of musical flavors: blues, Americana, Celtic, country, bluegrass, African American string band and more. Finally, the year concludes with a special presentation about folk music history and tradition in New Jersey along with celebrating the life and music of Pete Seeger.
Concerts are held at Christ Congregation Church, 50 Walnut Lane, Princeton NJ. The intimate venue with great acoustics lets you experience the music up close and personal. During the program intermission, attendees have the opportunity to meet with the performers. The concerts are also live-streamed should you want to enjoy the show from a remote location or watch a replay at a later date.
All concerts start at 8:00pm and are held at Christ Congregation Church, 50 Walnut Lane, Princeton, NJ. Tickets online or at the door (if not sold-out). For more on the Princeton Folk Music Society, upcoming shows, tickets and live-stream access, visit: https://princetonfolk.org
Princeton Folk Music Society 2025 - 60th Anniversary Year Concert Line-up
January 17 - Mari Black | Multi-style violinist and champion world music fiddler who weaves together driving dance tunes with beloved stories that bring the music to life
February 21 – Chris Smither | An American original-one of the absolute best folk/blues singer-songwriters in the world. His music draws deeply from the blues, American folk, modern poets and philosophers
March 21 - Poor Man's Gambit | Philadelphia-based, multi-instrumentalist Irish music group. Traditional Irish music with elements of Irish dance
April 25 – John McCutcheon | Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, covering a wide variety of traditions including Appalachian dulcimer and fiddle music, topical protest songs, and children's music
May 16 - Ensemble Sangineto | Band performs ancient harmonies of traditional Irish, Scottish, Breton & Italian tunes with modern rhythms on harp, bowed psaltery, guitar and three voice-polyphony
September 19 – The Ebony Hillbillies | Consisting of fiddle, banjo, bass, washboard & percussion, the Hillbillies are the last African-American String Band in America, bridging a gap in Pop, Country, Bluegrass, Folk, Jazz and beyond
October 17 - Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer | Superb harmonies on classic country, bluegrass to contemporary folk, backed by instrumental virtuosity (guitar, five-string banjo, ukulele, mandolin, cello-banjo, more)
November 21 - Phil Ochs Song Night | A celebration of the music of folk legend, Phil Ochs, featuring Greg Greenway, Reggie Harris, Louise Mosrie and Pat Wictor
December 12 – Michael Gabriele/New Jersey Folk Revival Music: History & Tradition & Spook Handy/Remembering Pete Seeger | A night of folk music history: Gabriele explores the evolution of New Jersey’s music (1700s bawdy tavern songs, Pine Barrens bluegrass, old-time traditions, and contemporary folk), Spook Handy celebrates Pete Seeger’s legacy
All shows at Christ Congregation Church, 50 Walnut Lane, Princeton, NJ. Tickets online or at the door (if not sold out). Doors open at 7:30 pm, show begins at 8:00pm. Ample free parking. Tickets, livestream access and more information at: https://PrincetonFolk.org
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