Two days, 20 hours, five stages, 120-plus performers.
Even with the threat of temperatures hitting 100 degrees, venturing to downtown Tucson will be the coolest thing to do this weekend.
The 33rd Annual Tucson Folk Festival is taking over downtown Saturday, May 5, and Sunday, May 6.
With so much to see and hear, we’ve put together a little “How to get the most of the folk fest” guide so that you don’t miss a thing.
The producers: The all-volunteer Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association, a group of die-hard, devoted musicians and music lovers who spend the year hosting fundraisers, courting donors and spreading the gospel of folk/Americana music through concerts showcasing the wealth of talent in our own backyard.
The headliners: Singer, songwriter, bandleader, music innovator and preserver Pokey LaFarge makes his Tucson debut on the Plaza Stage Saturday. Expect to hear him bend and twist and blend early jazz, string ragtime, country blues and soulful Western swing with his band. Hometown twins Greg and Randal Morton bring their impeccable finger-picking style to the main stage Sunday night with a little lift from bassist Jim Stanley. Greg has snagged a number of statewide guitar championships while brother Randal, who lives in Memphis, is pretty handy on the banjo.
The plethora of local talent: This is virtually the who’s-who of Tucson’s musical talent, from former folk fest headliner John Coinman, whose career has extended well beyond the Arizona state line, to the folks whose names grace marquees all over town: The Wayback Machine, the Connie Brannock Quintet, Privy Tippers, Larry Armstrong & CopperMoon, Ryanhood, Arizona Balalaika Orchestra, Leila Lopez, Neil McCallion and The Mighty Maxwells, Odaiko Sonora, Amber Norgaard, Sabra Faulk and the Angel Band, The Titan Valley Warheads, Widow’s Hill, WomanSong, the duo of string wizard Ric Volante and vocalist Vicky Smith, Sister Solace, The Mighty Maxwells, Robyn Landis and one of the youngest main-stage artists, 18-year-old Sophia Rankin.
The kids’ shows: Renowned children’s artist Peter Alsop will headline two shows for the kids from 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday and from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday in the Wildflower young artists stage at El Presidio Park. This guy is a big deal in folk-music circles, an artist who pens funny songs for kids that have earned him the admiration of generations of parents and children.
The cost: Free, which means that those folks at the TKMA are pretty darned good at their jobs. But it also means that these folks really want to expose Tucson to the arts, opening the door for everyone. And that is a golden opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. We’re jumping on our soap box here: Even if you think your musical tastes lie elsewhere, you should come check out the folk festival. Spend a few hours, catch a few shows. It won’t cost you anything and you might learn that you really do like this music.
The stages: The Telles Street Stage is new this year. It’s located across from the Presidio Museum San Agustin, the center of all the festival action, right off North Court Avenue. That’s where you’ll find the Presidio Stage and, nearby, the La Cocina Stage. The Wildflower Stage for young artists is across the street at Presidio Park.
Where to park: The easiest is at the El Presidio parking garage beneath the plaza, 165 W. Alameda St. It’s $5 for the day and the garage is open until midnight.
Where to eat: Aside from the plethora of restaurants downtown, a half-dozen food trucks will be serving from the streets all around the park.
