Traditions Showcases
The Great Lakes Folk Festival strives to not only present great music
but to inform audiences about the history and social context of the music.
Each year a few on-stage sessions are devoted to musicians who share stories
about their art as well as compare different styles and traditions of
playing one type of instrument (i.e. fiddle, lute, accordion). Sessions
are also devoted to tradition bearers from Michigan who share with audience
members how they learned their skills and how they pass them on in their
communities today.
The 2007 Great Lakes Folk Festival's “Traditions Showcases” featured comparative sessions on the fiddle, banjo, and "Southern Routes". These showcases illustrated not only cultural similarities and differences, but also the process of change in musical traditions. Every year, showcases are among the Festival's most popular sessions. 2008 Showcases will be announced by Mid July
