FSGW 2026 Washington Folk Festival Schedule of Events with No Tables
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.
Monday, August 17
Sun 11:45 AM EDT Bagpipe Procession in Around the Park (No Scheduled Time) (Celtic) to 12:00 PM led by Eric Rice-Johnston Start the Festival at 11:45 am by walking around the park to the bagpipe playing of Eric Rice-Johnston.
Sun 12:00 PM EDT Eric Rice-Johnston in Songs for All Ages Stage sponsored by Carpe Diem Arts (Celtic) to 12:30 PM led by Eric Rice-Johnston Follow bagpipe musician Eric Rice-Johnston in the park to an exploration of Scottish bagpipe music on big Highland pipes and intimate small pipes. or Furia Flamenca in Spanish Ballroom sponsored by DC Bluegrass Union (International) to 12:45 PM Be 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. or Humayun Khan in Bumper Car Pavilion sponsored by Governor's Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs (Middle-Eastern) to 12:45 PM led by Humayun Khan Humayun 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. or Charlie Bryant in Chautauqua Stage sponsored by Takoma Park Folk Festival (Contemporary, singer-songwriter) to 12:30 PM led by Charlie Bryant Singer-songwriter Charlie Bryant writes songs about love, loss, hope, bewilderment, longing, busted romance, existential dread, and (of course) drinking. or Piedmonsters in Cuddle-Up Stage sponsored by Richmond Folk Festival (Old-timey, bluegrass, country) to 12:45 PM Mingling 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.”
Sun 12:30 PM EDT Donna Elanor in Songs for All Ages Stage sponsored by Carpe Diem Arts (Family Friendly) to 1:00 PM led by Donna Elanor Tricorn 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. or Lydia Martin in Chautauqua Stage sponsored by Takoma Park Folk Festival (Old-timey, bluegrass, country) to 1:00 PM led by Lydia Martin Award-winning old time banjo player and singer Lydia Martin blends traditional Appalachian and Irish sounds with fresh original songwriting.
Sun 1:00 PM EDT Kylie Hilali and the Fez Tones in Spanish Ballroom sponsored by DC Bluegrass Union (Middle-Eastern) to 1:45 PM led by Kylie Hilali Dance 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! or Foggy Bottom Whomp-Stompers in Bumper Car Pavilion sponsored by Governor's Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs (Old-timey, bluegrass, country) to 1:45 PM Enjoy 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. or Djangolaya in Cuddle-Up Stage sponsored by Richmond Folk Festival (International) to 1:45 PM Celebrate 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. or Morris Dance in Around the Park (No Scheduled Time) (International) to 2:00 PM The Foggy Bottom Morris Men will perform ritual dances from the Cotswold region of England at 1pm near the main entrance to the park. or Tim Livengood in Storytelling Stage (Traditional, miscellaneous) to 1:30 PM led by Tim Livengood To the Moon! – Tim Livengood tells stories of the Moon, about the Moon, at the Moon.
Sun 1:15 PM EDT Bill Jenkins World of Music in Songs for All Ages Stage sponsored by Carpe Diem Arts (Family Friendly) to 1:45 PM led by Bill Jenkins Join 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! or Paraguayan Harp in Chautauqua Stage sponsored by Takoma Park Folk Festival (International) to 1:45 PM led by Hector Muñoz and Ulises Rodriguez Hector Muñoz (harp) and Ulises Rodriguez (guitar) present Paraguayan music, playing the traditional arrangements of the Guaraní people.
Sun 1:30 PM EDT Margaret Chatham in Storytelling Stage (Traditional, miscellaneous) to 2:00 PM led by Margaret Chatham Tales 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.
Sun 2:00 PM EDT Marsha and the Positrons in Songs for All Ages Stage sponsored by Carpe Diem Arts (Family Friendly) to 2:45 PM Sing 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. or Bulgarian Dance wiith Lyuti Chushki in Spanish Ballroom sponsored by DC Bluegrass Union (International) to 2:45 PM led by Jamie Platt Jamie 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. or Jesse Palidofsky in Bumper Car Pavilion sponsored by Governor's Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs (Contemporary, singer-songwriter) to 2:30 PM led by Jesse Palidofsky The soul filled originals of Jesse Palidofsky are filled with humor, a hunger for Justice and a big slice of the blues. or Rick Franklin & Tom Mindte in Chautauqua Stage sponsored by Takoma Park Folk Festival (Blues) to 2:45 PM led by Rick Franklin and Tom Mindte Musical sparks fly when blues guitarist Rick Franklin joins bluegrass mandolinist Tom Mindte in a journey across musical genres. or Lilt and Traditional Irish Dance in Cuddle-Up Stage sponsored by Richmond Folk Festival (Celtic) to 2:45 PM led by 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. or James Hart in Storytelling Stage (Traditional, miscellaneous) to 2:30 PM led by James Hart Mythic Adventures – James takes you through the woods, across icy plains, and down into the depths of the sea.
Sun 2:30 PM EDT Candace Wolf in Storytelling Stage (Traditional, miscellaneous) to 3:00 PM led by Candace Wolf Hello Humanity! Put bullies in their place and lift up the underdogs! Candace Wolf says it’s sometimes silly, sometimes scary.
Sun 2:45 PM EDT Citation Presentation in Bumper Car Pavilion sponsored by Governor's Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs () to 3:00 PM led by Ayan Kishore The 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.
Sun 3:00 PM EDT Maureen Andary in Songs for All Ages Stage sponsored by Carpe Diem Arts (Family Friendly) to 3:30 PM led by Maureen Andary With humor, grace, and charm, award-winning musician Maureen Andary delights listeners of all ages with classic and original songs. or Little Red and the Renegades in Spanish Ballroom sponsored by DC Bluegrass Union (Old-timey, bluegrass, country) to 4:00 PM Showcasing 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. or Group Mavi / DMV Turkish Music Ensemble in Bumper Car Pavilion sponsored by Governor's Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs (Middle-Eastern) to 3:45 PM Group 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." or Washington Toho Koto Society in Chautauqua Stage sponsored by Takoma Park Folk Festival (International) to 3:45 PM Founded 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. or Mutual Agreement in Cuddle-Up Stage sponsored by Richmond Folk Festival (Blues) to 3:45 PM A 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. or Morris Dance 2 in Around the Park (No Scheduled Time) (International) to 4:00 PM The Foggy Bottom Morris Men will perform ritual dances from the Cotswold region of England at 3pm near the main entrance to the park. or Silvana Clark in Storytelling Stage (Traditional, miscellaneous) to 3:30 PM led by Silvana Clark Spacemen and Cheese Pizza – Silvana discovers not everyone appreciates her desire to change the world with Popsicle sticks, trash bags, and cardboard beards.
Sun 3:30 PM EDT Gabrielle Zwi in Songs for All Ages Stage sponsored by Carpe Diem Arts (Family Friendly) to 4:00 PM led by 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. or Rishi Nixon in Storytelling Stage (Traditional, miscellaneous) to 4:00 PM led by Rishi Nixon South Asian Folklore – Rishi Nixon tells of treasure and its tendency to unravel right and wrong in the struggles of gods and demons.
Sun 4:00 PM EDT Stormi and The Blue Skies in Bumper Car Pavilion sponsored by Governor's Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs (Blues) to 4:45 PM led by Stormi Weaver Enjoy acoustic blues and more from this ensemble of talented musicians who met through the weekly jams at Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation. or Zavash Shadmehr in Chautauqua Stage sponsored by Takoma Park Folk Festival (Middle-Eastern) to 4:30 PM led by Jalal Kimia and Zavash Shadmehr On the santour (hammered dulcimer), Zavash Shadmehr plays original compositions inspired by traditional Persian music; Jalal Kimia adds percussion. or Blue Spruce Bluegrass in Cuddle-Up Stage sponsored by Richmond Folk Festival (Old-timey, bluegrass, country) to 4:45 PM Known for blending traditional and contemporary bluegrass with original songwriting, Blue Spruce notably features two-time Bluegrass Hall of Fame inductee and bassist Tom Gray. or Michele Valeri in Storytelling Stage (Traditional, miscellaneous) to 4:30 PM led by Michele Valeri Traveling with Dinosaurs – Michele has spent her whole adult life traveling with dinosaurs, something not everyone gets to do.
Sun 4:15 PM EDT Munit Mesfin in Songs for All Ages Stage sponsored by Carpe Diem Arts (Family Friendly) to 4:45 PM led by 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. or Capitol Hillbillies, Swing Dance in Spanish Ballroom sponsored by DC Bluegrass Union (Traditional, miscellaneous) to 5:15 PM The 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.
Sun 4:30 PM EDT Jane Dorfman in Storytelling Stage (Traditional, miscellaneous) to 5:00 PM led by Jane Dorfman Jack of all Trades – Jane Dorfman tells tales of the down-home hero, Jack.
Sun 4:45 PM EDT Samovar in Chautauqua Stage sponsored by Takoma Park Folk Festival (International) to 5:30 PM Founded 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).
Sun 5:00 PM EDT Collide in Songs for All Ages Stage sponsored by Carpe Diem Arts (Traditional, miscellaneous) to 5:30 PM The 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. or Raymi in Bumper Car Pavilion sponsored by Governor's Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs (International) to 5:45 PM Bringing 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. or Valeria Stewart Duo in Cuddle-Up Stage sponsored by Richmond Folk Festival (Contemporary, singer-songwriter) to 5:30 PM led by 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. or Mark Cox in Storytelling Stage (Traditional, miscellaneous) to 5:15 PM led by Mark Cox The Hitchhiker – Mark Cox tells the story of an unusual pickup on a country road.
Sun 5:30 PM EDT Froghammer: Ceilidh Dance in Spanish Ballroom sponsored by DC Bluegrass Union (Celtic) to 7:00 PM led by Anna Rain High energy band Frog Hammer brings its exuberant talents to the Spanish Ballroom for a ceilidh dance, drawing music from the English ceilidh tradition.
Sun 5:45 PM EDT Liberty and Justice for All in Songs for All Ages Stage sponsored by Carpe Diem Arts (Traditional, miscellaneous) to 7:15 PM led by 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. or Music of Middle Eastern Jewish and Arabic Communities in Chautauqua Stage sponsored by Takoma Park Folk Festival (Middle-Eastern) to 7:00 PM led by 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. or Ardmore in Cuddle-Up Stage sponsored by Richmond Folk Festival (Celtic) to 6:30 PM Named for towns in both Ireland and Scotland, Ardmore (“great height”) burnishes traditional Celtic melodies with folk, bluegrass, and rock influences.
Sun 6:00 PM EDT Bill Baker Trio in Bumper Car Pavilion sponsored by Governor's Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs (Contemporary, singer-songwriter) to 6:45 PM Award-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).
Sun 6:45 PM EDT Sunshine Skiffle Band in Cuddle-Up Stage sponsored by Richmond Folk Festival (Traditional, miscellaneous) to 7:45 PM Wrap 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.
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.
