Roger, my photography buddy, knowing that I was planning to go to Folklife, suggested that I take the camera and “take lots of photos.” I thought about it, but for me, Folklife is about the music (and the dancing . . . and of course, the food). I worried that if I brought my camera, I would spend too much time experiencing the festival through the viewfinder, and trying to get a good shot. Then I remembered the advice of the National Geographic photographer in the photography video course I’m watching—that you can take good pictures with a point-and-shoot if you’re patient. So I compromised and took the point and shoot. I didn’t take a lot of photos, because I am not patient enough, and I did want to focus on the music (and food), but here are a few. (Speaking of food, have you ever tried a deep fried peanut butter, banana and bacon sandwich? Yum!)

This was early in the day. Later, it was shoulder to shoulder. I was a little surprised by the size of the crowds by later in the afternoon. I shouldn’t have been—I’ve been going to Folklife for about 40 years, and no rain was predicted. Although it was cloudy in the morning, the weather got better as the day progressed.

This is Leslie’s friend, Michael Conrad. It was his first time performing a Folklife, and he did very well. I liked his song writing, and he has a nice, mellow voice.

Here is a Celtic group at the “Trad” stage.

One of the things that makes me very happy at Folklife is the number of young people who appreciate and play traditional music.

It may seem strange to some, but I applaud Folklife’s is inclusive of other cultures, including new American-born traditions like hip hop. I don’t even care for a lot of hip hop or rap music, but “folk” music has always been evolving. I heard my brother point out the other day that Bluegrass has only been around since the 40’s, and we’ve certainly embraced that as “folk” music. If our “folk” music had not evolved and adapted, we probably would not have considered those once new-fangled styles like Irish music and Gospel to be part of our folk traditions. Besides, the new styles of music have deep roots in our American traditions and the African and European traditions that are the roots of our American traditions.

Here is a group of young people doing a dance performance based on African traditions, but they also did some pretty great tap and other dances.

An of course there are miscellaneous things to see, like jugglers, human statues, hula hoopers and this guy.

Back to our old-time traditions: Brother Jerry, sitting on the left, jamming for hours with a bunch of friends.

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