2016 Bishop Hill Folk Festival: The Best Folk Music in Illinois
On July 30 and 31, the Bishop Hill Heritage Association will host a brand new event, the Bishop Hill Folk Festival. Located in the village park in the center of town, this 2-day festival will present some of the best known folk and ethnic music performers from around the Midwest, such as Bill Robinson, Joel Mabus, Chris Vallillo, Catfish Keith, Bahola, Chicago Spelmanslag, and many more. The musical styles presented will span a wide range of folk and ethnic music including Old Time Square Dance Music, Hammered Dulcimer, Swedish, Blues, Bluegrass and Mexican to name just a few. Many of the artists will also conduct informal workshops in the Steeple Building throughout both days. These workshops will be informal performance and demonstration sessions where the audience can see and hear detailed descriptions of the particular musical form the artist represents. All activities will be free and open to the public. Music starts at noon and continues through both days. The rain location for the concerts is the 1861 Colony School, located at 405 West Main Street. The complete schedule can be found at www.bishophillfolkfestival.com.
The historic town is a perfect place to present the musical heritage of the Midwest. In 1846, a group of Swedish immigrants seeking religious freedom left their native land under the guidance of their charismatic spiritual leader, Eric Janson. The site for their new utopia, later called Bishop Hill, was described to them as a “land of plenty, brimming with milk and honey.” Today Bishop Hill is a quiet country village where the charm and character of the original colony have survived the test of time. Bishop Hill is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is a National Historic Landmark, and is also an Illinois State Historic Site.
This event is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, and the Bill and Susan Sherrard Foundation. Our media sponsor is FM95 in Galesburg, IL. For more details, you can call 309 927-3899 or email bhha@mymctc.net.
Main Stage Performances on Saturday July 30 in the park:
Noon Paul Wilson & Mary Abendroth
1:00 Bahola
2:00 Joel Mabus
3:00 Los Condenados Haustecos
4:00 Chicago Spelmanslag
5:00 Volo Bogtrotters
Saturday Workshops: In the Steeple Building
2:15: Bahola
3:15 Joel Mabus
4:15 Los Condenados Haustecos
5:15 Chicago Spelmanslag
Main Stage Performances on Sunday July 31 in the park:
Noon Holy Cross Immaculate Heart of Mary Marimba Ensemble
1:00 Chris Vallillo
2:00 Nordland Band
3:00 Catfish Keith
4:00 Bill Robinson and Friends
Sunday Workshops: In the Steeple Building
2:15 Bill Robinson
3:15 Nordland Band
4:15 Catfish Keith
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