FSGW 2026 Washington Folk Festival Alphabetical List of Event Descriptions

Here are links to other forms of the schedule. The individual stage schedules may be useful to those using a small screen device.
The version with no tables is a text only version suitable for those who have trouble reading tables.


Event NameDayTimeVenueParticipantsDescription
ArdmoreSun5:45 PM EDT to
6:30 PM		Cuddle-Up Stage sponsored by Richmond Folk FestivalNamed for towns in both Ireland and Scotland, Ardmore (“great height”) burnishes traditional Celtic melodies with folk, bluegrass, and rock influences.
Bagpipe ProcessionSun11:45 AM EDT to
12:00 PM		Around the Park (No Scheduled Time) Eric Rice-JohnstonStart the Festival at 11:45 am by walking around the park to the bagpipe playing of Eric Rice-Johnston.
Bill Baker TrioSun6:00 PM EDT to
6:45 PM		Bumper Car Pavilion sponsored by Governor's Commission on Middle Eastern American AffairsAward-wining songwriter Bill Baker blends folk, blues, and country influences to create contemporary music rooted in traditional Americana. He is joined by Derek Brock (guitar) and Scott Giambusso (bass).
Bill Jenkins World of MusicSun1:15 PM EDT to
1:45 PM		Songs for All Ages Stage sponsored by Carpe Diem Arts Bill JenkinsJoin Bill Jenkins in an interactive experience playing drums, bells, gongs, cymbals, xylophone, and more, playing rhythms from Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Be part of the band!
Blue Spruce BluegrassSun4:00 PM EDT to
4:45 PM		Cuddle-Up Stage sponsored by Richmond Folk FestivalKnown for blending traditional and contemporary bluegrass with original songwriting, Blue Spruce notably features two-time Bluegrass Hall of Fame inductee and bassist Tom Gray.
Bulgarian Dance wiith Lyuti ChushkiSun2:00 PM EDT to
2:45 PM		Spanish Ballroom sponsored by DC Bluegrass Union Jamie PlattJamie Platt leads Bulgarian dances to the music of Lyuti Chushki (“hot peppers”), taking you back to the old country with its unusual traditional instruments, complex dance rhythms and dissonant close harmonies.
Candace WolfSun2:30 PM EDT to
3:00 PM		Storytelling Stage Candace WolfHello Humanity! Put bullies in their place and lift up the underdogs! Candace Wolf says it’s sometimes silly, sometimes scary.
Capitol Hillbillies, Swing DanceSun4:15 PM EDT to
5:15 PM		Spanish Ballroom sponsored by DC Bluegrass UnionThe popular Capitol Hillbillies band brings their rollicking mix of early jazz, blues, and New Orleans spirit to the Glen Echo ballroom for a swing dance to remember.
Charlie BryantSun12:00 PM EDT to
12:30 PM		Chautauqua Stage sponsored by Takoma Park Folk Festival Charlie BryantSinger-songwriter Charlie Bryant writes songs about love, loss, hope, bewilderment, longing, busted romance, existential dread, and (of course) drinking.
Citation PresentationSun2:45 PM EDT to
3:00 PM		Bumper Car Pavilion sponsored by Governor's Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs Ayan KishoreThe Washington Folk Festival is pleased to welcome public officials in support of the event. They will be recognized at 2:45pm at the Bumper Car Stage.
CollideSun5:00 PM EDT to
5:30 PM		Songs for All Ages Stage sponsored by Carpe Diem ArtsThe music of Collide is an alchemy of sound that is inviting, thoughtful, and fun, covering a wide swath of emotional ground from the personal to the political.
DjangolayaSun1:00 PM EDT to
1:45 PM		Cuddle-Up Stage sponsored by Richmond Folk FestivalCelebrate the hot club, jazz music of Django Reinhardt with Djangolaya, Washington area, acoustic musicians with the decidedly, European flare, promising beautiful music and dangerous rhythms.
Donna ElanorSun12:30 PM EDT to
1:00 PM		Songs for All Ages Stage sponsored by Carpe Diem Arts Donna ElanorTricorn Tales. Compass Rose leads a pirate adventure with songs and stories of the high seas! Sail through a stormy night, and wash up on a desert island.
Eric Rice-JohnstonSun12:00 PM EDT to
12:30 PM		Songs for All Ages Stage sponsored by Carpe Diem Arts Eric Rice-JohnstonFollow bagpipe musician Eric Rice-Johnston in the park to an exploration of Scottish bagpipe music on big Highland pipes and intimate small pipes.
Foggy Bottom Whomp-StompersSun1:00 PM EDT to
1:45 PM		Bumper Car Pavilion sponsored by Governor's Commission on Middle Eastern American AffairsEnjoy the best part of speakeasy ambience with prohibition-era jazz favorites from the Foggy Bottom Whomp Stompers, delivering hot jazz, Dixieland, early swing, and blues.
Froghammer: Ceilidh DanceSun5:30 PM EDT to
7:00 PM		Spanish Ballroom sponsored by DC Bluegrass Union Anna RainHigh energy band Frog Hammer brings its exuberant talents to the Spanish Ballroom for a ceilidh dance, drawing music from the English ceilidh tradition.
Furia FlamencaSun12:00 PM EDT to
12:45 PM		Spanish Ballroom sponsored by DC Bluegrass UnionBe transported to sunny Andalusia as Furia Flamenca brings ferocity and passion to the stage. The dance group’s unique, elegant style of flamenco balances motion and energy.
Gabrielle ZwiSun3:30 PM EDT to
4:00 PM		Songs for All Ages Stage sponsored by Carpe Diem Arts Damon Modarres and
Gabrielle Zwi		Actor, musician, and educator, Gabrielle Zwi masterfully performs folk pop and bossa nova in songs about love, identity, and the issues we collectively face.
Group Mavi / DMV Turkish Music EnsembleSun3:00 PM EDT to
3:45 PM		Bumper Car Pavilion sponsored by Governor's Commission on Middle Eastern American AffairsGroup Mavi is comprised of members of the DMV Turkish Music Ensemble, a choir of music lovers who serve as cultural ambassadors embracing Atatürk's legacy of "Peace at Home, Peace in the World."
Humayun KhanSun12:00 PM EDT to
12:45 PM		Bumper Car Pavilion sponsored by Governor's Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs Humayun KhanHumayun Khan is a well-respected classical Afghan and North Indian musician, vocalist, and keyboard player. He performs today with students from his Humayun Khan Academy of Classical Music.
James HartSun2:00 PM EDT to
2:30 PM		Storytelling Stage James HartMythic Adventures – James takes you through the woods, across icy plains, and down into the depths of the sea.
Jane DorfmanSun4:30 PM EDT to
5:00 PM		Storytelling Stage Jane DorfmanJack of all Trades – Jane Dorfman tells tales of the down-home hero, Jack.
Jesse PalidofskySun2:00 PM EDT to
2:30 PM		Bumper Car Pavilion sponsored by Governor's Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs Jesse PalidofskyThe soul filled originals of Jesse Palidofsky are filled with humor, a hunger for Justice and a big slice of the blues.
Kylie Hilali and the Fez TonesSun1:00 PM EDT to
1:45 PM		Spanish Ballroom sponsored by DC Bluegrass Union Kylie HilaliDance to the Middle Eastern hafla (party) music of Kylie Hilali and the Fez Tones, who play traditional instruments such as quanun, oud, riq, and darbuka. No experience necessary!
Liberty and Justice for AllSun5:45 PM EDT to
7:15 PM		Songs for All Ages Stage sponsored by Carpe Diem Arts Charlie Bean, Donna Fletcher, Beth Pierce, Valeria Stewart and
Joe Uehlein		Throughout history, songs have served as catalysts to bring about social change. In these challenging times, hear and join in on songs that can inspire us to keep working to make the world a better place. Host: Joe Uehlein, with Charlie Bean, Collide, Donna Fletcher, Mutual Agreement, Beth Pierce, Valeria Stewart, and Sweet Storm.
Lilt and Traditional Irish DanceSun2:00 PM EDT to
2:45 PM		Cuddle-Up Stage sponsored by Richmond Folk Festival Kate Bole and
Lauren Milord		Enjoy the verve and excitement of traditional Irish music and dance as Culkin School alumni dance to the music of Lilt on flute, tin whistle, and bouzouki.
Little Red and the RenegadesSun3:00 PM EDT to
4:00 PM		Spanish Ballroom sponsored by DC Bluegrass UnionShowcasing Zydeco, blues, and New Orleans R&B, Little Red & the Renegades bring a vibrant blend of accordion and steel pan sounds, supported by a lively rhythm section.
Lydia MartinSun12:30 PM EDT to
1:00 PM		Chautauqua Stage sponsored by Takoma Park Folk Festival Lydia MartinAward-winning old time banjo player and singer Lydia Martin blends traditional Appalachian and Irish sounds with fresh original songwriting.
Margaret ChathamSun1:30 PM EDT to
2:00 PM		Storytelling Stage Margaret ChathamTales from Down Under – Margaret Chapman has never visited Australia, but enjoys and will share some of the stories that have made it to our shores.
Mark CoxSun5:00 PM EDT to
5:15 PM		Storytelling Stage Mark CoxThe Hitchhiker – Mark Cox tells the story of an unusual pickup on a country road.
Marsha and the PositronsSun2:00 PM EDT to
2:45 PM		Songs for All Ages Stage sponsored by Carpe Diem ArtsSing and dance along with Marsha and the Positrons, a kindie (kids+indie rock) band specializing in fun, clever songs about science and how the world works, with a positive message that inspires curiosity.
Maureen AndarySun3:00 PM EDT to
3:30 PM		Songs for All Ages Stage sponsored by Carpe Diem Arts Maureen AndaryWith humor, grace, and charm, award-winning musician Maureen Andary delights listeners of all ages with classic and original songs.
Michele ValeriSun4:00 PM EDT to
4:30 PM		Storytelling Stage Michele ValeriTraveling with Dinosaurs – Michele has spent her whole adult life traveling with dinosaurs, something not everyone gets to do.
Morris DanceSun1:00 PM EDT to
2:00 PM		Around the Park (No Scheduled Time)The Foggy Bottom Morris Men will perform ritual dances from the Cotswold region of England at 1pm near the main entrance to the park.
Morris Dance 2Sun3:00 PM EDT to
4:00 PM		Around the Park (No Scheduled Time)The Foggy Bottom Morris Men will perform ritual dances from the Cotswold region of England at 3pm near the main entrance to the park.
Munit MesfinSun4:15 PM EDT to
4:45 PM		Songs for All Ages Stage sponsored by Carpe Diem Arts AyanaJude Champagne, Meezan Champagne and
Munit Mesfin		Ethiopian-American singer, songwriter, and teaching artist Munit Mesfin weaves her Ethiopian roots into the jazz, soul, and funk she loves performing.
Music of Middle Eastern Jewish and Arabic CommunitiesSun5:45 PM EDT to
7:00 PM		Chautauqua Stage sponsored by Takoma Park Folk Festival Laith AlAttar, Charlie Baum, Hazan David Evgey, Ahmed Karam, Aaron Shneyer, David Shneyer and
Assaf Suberry		Participants in this showcase either grew up in or fell in love with the music of these neighboring cultures. Charlie Baum moderates, with Laith AlAttar, Hazan David Evgey, Ahmed Karam, Rabbi Aaron Shneyer, Rabbi David Shneyer, and Assaf Suberry.
Mutual AgreementSun3:00 PM EDT to
3:45 PM		Cuddle-Up Stage sponsored by Richmond Folk FestivalA cappella male Gospel group Mutual Agreement uses traditional and contemporary chord arrangements, while preserving a musical art form that has played an important part in their musical heritage.
Paraguayan HarpSun1:15 PM EDT to
1:45 PM		Chautauqua Stage sponsored by Takoma Park Folk Festival Hector Muñoz and
Ulises Rodriguez		Hector Muñoz (harp) and Ulises Rodriguez (guitar) present Paraguayan music, playing the traditional arrangements of the Guaraní people.
PiedmonstersSun12:00 PM EDT to
12:45 PM		Cuddle-Up Stage sponsored by Richmond Folk FestivalMingling their Piedmont blues roots with R&B, rock, country, ragtime, and jazz, the Piedmonsters create an exciting world of musical crossover they call “funky country.”
RaymiSun5:00 PM EDT to
5:45 PM		Bumper Car Pavilion sponsored by Governor's Commission on Middle Eastern American AffairsBringing the haunting sounds and mystic power of music from the Andes, Raymi combines traditional instruments such as zampoñas, mosceños, quenas, and tarkas with contemporary guitar and drums.
Rick Franklin & Tom MindteSun2:00 PM EDT to
2:45 PM		Chautauqua Stage sponsored by Takoma Park Folk Festival Rick Franklin and
Tom Mindte		Musical sparks fly when blues guitarist Rick Franklin joins bluegrass mandolinist Tom Mindte in a journey across musical genres.
Rishi NixonSun3:30 PM EDT to
4:00 PM		Storytelling Stage Rishi NixonSouth Asian Folklore – Rishi Nixon tells of treasure and its tendency to unravel right and wrong in the struggles of gods and demons.
SamovarSun4:45 PM EDT to
5:30 PM		Chautauqua Stage sponsored by Takoma Park Folk FestivalFounded in 1966, Samovar Russian Folk Music Ensemble plays an extensive repertoire of Russian and Ukrainian folk music that features balalaikas and domras (tradirional Russian instruments).
Silvana ClarkSun3:00 PM EDT to
3:30 PM		Storytelling Stage Silvana ClarkSpacemen and Cheese Pizza – Silvana discovers not everyone appreciates her desire to change the world with Popsicle sticks, trash bags, and cardboard beards.
Stormi and The Blue SkiesSun4:00 PM EDT to
4:45 PM		Bumper Car Pavilion sponsored by Governor's Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs Stormi WeaverEnjoy acoustic blues and more from this ensemble of talented musicians who met through the weekly jams at Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation.
Sunshine Skiffle BandSun6:45 PM EDT to
7:45 PM		Cuddle-Up Stage sponsored by Richmond Folk FestivalWrap up your day with the irresistible sounds of the Sunshine Skiffle Band, delighting Festival audiences since 1982 with jugband/ragtime/jazz tunes and on an array of instruments including washboard, gutbucket, and musical saw.
Tim LivengoodSun1:00 PM EDT to
1:30 PM		Storytelling Stage Tim LivengoodTo the Moon! – Tim Livengood tells stories of the Moon, about the Moon, at the Moon.
Valeria Stewart DuoSun5:00 PM EDT to
5:30 PM		Cuddle-Up Stage sponsored by Richmond Folk Festival Kevin Dudley and
Valeria Stewart		Multilingual Valeria Stewart brings a deep sense of cultural fusion to every song she writes, featuring new songs and rhythms from her Latin roots.
Washington Toho Koto SocietySun3:00 PM EDT to
3:45 PM		Chautauqua Stage sponsored by Takoma Park Folk FestivalFounded in 1971 by Director Kyoko Okamoto, the Washington Toho Koto Society performs Japanese traditional and classical music on six-foot long 13-string instruments creating a distinctive sound.
Zavash ShadmehrSun4:00 PM EDT to
4:30 PM		Chautauqua Stage sponsored by Takoma Park Folk Festival Jalal Kimia and
Zavash Shadmehr		On the santour (hammered dulcimer), Zavash Shadmehr plays original compositions inspired by traditional Persian music; Jalal Kimia adds percussion.

Start the Festival at 11:45 am by walking around the park to the bagpipe playing of Eric Rice-Johnston.

The Foggy Bottom Morris Men will perform ritual dances from the Cotswold region of England at 1pm near the main entrance to the park.

The Foggy Bottom Morris Men will perform ritual dances from the Cotswold region of England at 3pm near the main entrance to the park.