2012-2013 CFS Events

This is where we try to list all CFS events during the year. The calendar changes regularly as we add more concerts and events. So you will want to check back here often! Many listings link to web pages that usually have more information.

The Charlotte Folk Society came into existence in March 1982. We are proud of being a volunteer-powered organization that has shared Piedmont Carolina musical traditions through free concerts for 30 years. We've decided to celebrate this anniversary each and every month this season - looking back at our music's roots and forward to its future, and bringing back some audience favorites. We believe this season is worthy of 30 years and not to be missed!

Annual Old-Time Music Jam & Ice Cream Social, . July 1st, 2012, from 1-4 pm, at Independence Park, 7th Street & Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte. 1-4 PM. Free music, storytelling, and ice cream. Free and open to the public.

Our monthly second-Friday Gatherings begin at 7:30 PM and are family-friendly, free, and open to the public; donations are appreciated and are essential to this series. Gatherings feature an hour-long concert, followed by a Slow Jam for beginning instrumentalists, a Dulcimer Jam, and a Song Circle. On occasion, a Fast Jam may break out if musicians are interested!

Except where noted, concerts are at the Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth Avenue, between McDowell St. & Kings Dr. Map here. Free parking is available after 7 PM in a nearby parking deck. Call 704-563-7080 with questions. Front doors open 7 PM. Accessible entry through ground-floor door.

August 10, 2012: We're excited to have Wayne Henderson, National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Award recipient, guitarist extraordinaire, and luthier to the likes of Eric Clapton, open our season with his trio. Website here.

September 14, 2012: The Healing Force makes an often-requested-by-audience-members return to the Stella Center. With the rhythms of drums, shekeres, and thumb pianos, this family tells traditional stories from Africa through song and dance Visit their website here.

October 12, 2012: Banjo player and builder Riley Baugus and fiddler Kirk Sutphin master musicians and keepers of the Round Peak Old-Time Music tradition of Surry County, NC. Visit the Riley Baugus website here, and Kirk's website here .

November 9, 2012: David DiGiuseppe and Rob Sharer, trace folk traditions from Northern Ireland to the Carolina Piedmont in the program Bound for Carolina, using instruments from both the old and new worlds - fiddle, wooden flute, Irish cittern, accordion, banjo, mandolin, lap dulcimer, and guitar. David's website is here.

December 15, 2012 (NOTE NEW DATE!): Annual CFS Holiday Jam & Potluck features a short concert of seasonal songs by the very talented Natalie Royal. Taking place at Dilworth United Methodist Church, 605 East Boulevard, Charlotte. 4-9:45 PM. Jams & song circle 4 PM. Dinner 5 PM. Singing and jamming follow dinner. Bring a dish to share or donate $5/person towards expenses.

Janary 11, 2013: The Annual Young Talent Showcase highlights impressive talents of young musicians, including 2012 Marilyn Meacham Price Youth Scholarship recipient Joshua Gerrard.

February 8, 2013: Jamie Laval, National Scottish Fiddle Champion, makes a return appearance with his trio. The nuance, virtuosity, and musical craftsmanship he brings to an ancient art form garner fans wherever he performs. Jamie's website is here.

March 8, 2013: Rhiannon Giddens Laffan and Justin Robinson, founding members of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, perform in a memorial tribute to Mebane, NC fiddler and National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Award recipient Joe Thompson. Visit their website here.

April 12, 2013: Bluegrass Meets Bolero is a crossover concert that brings together a bluegrass trio led by award-winning North Carolina fiddler Glen Alexander and the Latin band Los Morales. Glen's website is here, and the Los Morales web presence can be found here.

May 10, 2013: The trio of Freeman and Williams is a new project by three bluegrass veterans, Scott Freeman, Jeanette Williams (voted "Female Bluegrass Vocalist of the Year" in 2009 & 2012), and Johnny Williams. Visit their website here. m

June 14, 2013: Elizabeth LaPrelle began winning prizes for her singing at a young age. She has dedicated research, passion, and a powerful voice to the ancient art of Appalachian ballad singing - learning from field recordings, books, family, friends, and tradition-bearers Sheila Kay Adams and Ginny Hawker. She returns to our CFS stage accompanied by family and friends. Visit her website here.

Our Gatherings are made possible, in part, with funding from the Arts & Science Council and the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Cultural Resources, and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.

Post Gathering Song Circle - Following each monthly gathering, singers among us unite in voice for about an hour or so at the Great Aunt Stella Center.

CFS Old Time Music Slow Jam - Once a month at the Carl J. McEwen Historic Village in Mint Hill NC, new players join fiddler Ed Gebauer to play Old Time instrumental tunes for about an hour or so prior to the reoccurring Mint Hill Old Time Jam.

Charlotte Folk Society Celtic Sessions - Each month on a Sunday afternoon, players interested in Celtic music get together for a session.

Charlotte Folk Society Slow Celtic Sessions - For those interested, but not quite ready for the Celtic Session mentioned above, a beginners Slow Session occurs once a month.