The late Slim Richey, known as the most dangerous guitar player in Texas, had a camp that emitted Django jazz all day long. The first time I went exploring after hours and found a campground concert, my buddy, the late Conrad Travis, and I stepped carefully through the crowd of people sitting on the ground watching the show until we found a spot for ourselves. He released his debut album, Finally Feeling Young, in May 2021, which garnered critical acclaim and radio airplay. In 2019, KFF began hosting an all-new fall gathering: Welcome Home Fest. That begat New Folk, a daytime eventin which a panel of judges (usually consisting of main-stage performers) selects six winners from a few dozen finalists each year. For 50 years, this annual tradition has showcased the craft of singing and songwriting by spotlighting up-and-coming performers with established artists. Kerr-virgins (a colloquialism for first-timers) learn the hard way, like I did, unless they've been pre-schooled by someone in the know. If youd rather not camp, you can book a hotel in Kerrville, but make sure you do so early if youre planning on coming during Memorial Day weekend. I was living in San Marcos with some friends and they brought me out here, Godfrey said. Murpheyplayed Kerrville'sfirst two years, before founder Rod Kennedy bought Quiet Valley Ranch and moved the festivalthere in 1974. It's why I moved to Texas. Don't miss this chance to experience his soulful voice and evocative lyrics live. Description. If volunteers are hurt, sick, or having a bad trip, they can go to Cure-ville for everything from first aid to reiki. It initially was a weekend festival and has evolved into a three week camping retreat where musicians can network and build relationships that last a lifetime. Publication of festival information does not imply endorsement by or affiliation with Everfest. More:Our 2018 interview with Michael Martin Murphey. In addition to the live concerts, here you may also find songwriting schools, music business seminars, hill country bike rides, canoe trips on the Guadalupe River, Sunday Folk Song Services, and the New Folk Competition and concerts for the new talents in songwriting. Quiet Valley Ranch is about 70 miles northwest of San Antonio. Single-day tickets ranging from $30 to $50 and an 18-day full festival and camping package ($657) can be purchased at kerrvillefolkfestival.org. Quiet Valley Ranch|3876 Medina Hwy, Kerrville, TX | Map. The festivals own future wasnt always assured. On June 2, songwriters Brian Cutean and Steve Fisher will co-host an in-the-round session at Crows Nest, and Johnson is returning for the first time in many years to introduce the event. Join us for a night of timeless music with Sam Robbins, an "old soul singer-songwriter" evoking the classic sound of James Taylor and Neil Young with a modern twist. Its basically the essence of my being., The Dixie Chicks (now known as the Chicks) warming up to perform at Kerrville in the Nineties, One click gets you all the newsletters listed below, Breaking news, arts coverage, and daily events. It is the longest continuously running music festival of its kind in North America. Campgrounds are the heart and soul of the festival, where the music and singing never stops. Contact us at americanahighways@gmail.com for an ad rate sheet! The Kerrville Folk Festival operates as a nonprofit with proceeds that support singer-songwriters. The volunteer crews are spelled k-r-e-w and, if you spend enough time at the fest, you might end up with a Kerrville nickname that could stick for life just ask "Hippie Carl," "Spider," or "Secret Steve." Get Tickets Designed to nurture and develop an artistic expression of songwriting, the Kerrville Folk Festival is the longest continuously running music festival in North America. This website uses cookies to provide our visitors with a great user experience. Hearne performed at the first festival in 1972 and has learned how to interact with the Kerrverts like a front porch picking session. The Austin Chronicle offers its sincere apologies to Camp Moco Verde and the late John Albert. May 26, 2022 to June 12, 2022 Where: Quiet Valley Ranch 3876 Medina Highway, Kerrville, TX 78028. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information. Kerrville Folk Festival Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The group, unknown at the time, was called the Dixie Chicks. "Slim would kinda direct who would take a lead next," Haisley recalls of the Jitterbug Vipers guitarist. Organizers said if plans change due to the pandemic, COVID-related refunds will be issued. Chosen from among more than 500 submissions from around the world, the finalists will perform the two songs they submitted at the New Folk Concerts slated for Saturday and Sunday afternoons, May 28 and 29, as part of the 50th annual Kerrville Folk Festival. According to all accounts, the festival's in a stronger and more stable place today than it's ever been in its half-century history. There's even a small greenroom with the almighty amenity of air-conditioning. Mary Muse, Executive Director Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the 18-day marathon of a gathering kicks off May 26 at the Quiet Valley Ranch: a 50-acre spread 9 miles southwest of the city of Kerrville. 2022 Spotlight Showcase Artists. Many of them show up on Google Maps if you zoom in: Theres Camp Coho, and Skyhigh Camp, and Camp Bite Me, and a perennial favorite, Camp Nekkid. Its green snot, not green coffee. The light on the landscape was this aqua sky. Bring sunscreen, comfortable shoes, bug spray, a hat, a reusable cup for water and lawn chairs. More:Our 2019 interview with Shawn Colvin. Music: Americana, Bluegrass, Cajun/Zydeco, Children's, Country, Folk/Acoustic, Gospel, Jazz, Soul/R&B, Reggae, Rock, Rockabilly Its like, theres lightning strikes on the ranch and thunder was deafening, and there were seven or eight or nine of us and we were singing Beatles songs at the top of our lungs trying to be heard over the thunder and at that moment I had this epiphany and said it doesnt get better than this, this is like more fun than Ive ever had. And then theres Michael Martin Murphey, who headlines the June 4 evening concert. We are finally ready to give you a tiny taste of what we have in store for the 50th We want to assure you that we continue to take the health and well-being of our community, artists, volunteers and vendors very seriously, said festival organizers. Its been rinse and repeat now for the last seventeen years. Copyright 2022 by KSAT - All rights reserved. Muse is especially happy about the return of Crow Johnson, a woman from Arkansas who was such a fixture at the festival in the 1980s and 90s that her hillside camp was nicknamed Crows Nest. Long-serving Kitchen Krew leader Stuart Vexler recalls opening the staff kitchen doors one afternoon to find a band rehearsing before their set. Performers include: Prepare to be excited, fest-fam! I watched Sappone perform with Jack Motley and Friends on the Threadgill Stage. The sprawling meadow that harbors most of the campsites has changed some over the years. They sway, loosely on rhythm, and sing together: "There is a reason, there is a rhyme, there is a season, there is a time, there is a purpose, there is a plan/ One day together we'll heal in the wisdom and we'll understand.". . It's tough love, baby, but it's love Texas style. (A few weeks later, Nelson would launch his own annual tradition, holding his first Fourth of July Picnic in Dripping Springs.). I was mortified, but I was also learnt indoctrinated. As a songwriter who spent five years volunteering at and attending Kerrville, I was deeply impacted by the community and in particular, the camp scene. At first, Kirbo camped in the Kiddie Corral with Richies daughters and was able to overcome being shy through the kindness of the attendees. Be it ever so humble, the Quiet Valley Ranch about 10 miles southwest of Kerrville does indeed become home for manylongtime returnees wholl stay for the entire 18-day run, which begins Thursday and continues through June 12. It was an entertaining childrens show with frog themed costumes. He gave birth to this, Corwin said about Kennedy. Kerrville , TX 78028 Check website for ticket details. The youth that fill the grounds have the same appreciation for songwriting that Kennedy did when he set off to place a festival in an unknown Hill Country town. Imagine Butch Hancock, Joe Ely, and Jimmie Dale Gilmore now internationally recognized amongst the great all-time Texas songsmiths, yet unknown at the time just showing up and asking to play. Instances both amazing and absurd fill the memories of those who've populated Kerrville during the fest's five decades. Bill Hearne from Santa Fe, New Mexico leads the crowd in a sing-a-long with Guy Clarks Rita Ballou accompanied by acoustic bass and lead guitar. One time he (Quarto) said, It's not how you look, but how you see., Quarto's wordshelped give Kennedy, a renowned conservative until his later years, a new perspective that he applied to the festivals identity. Blaze, apparently, would not be deterred: He came to Kerrville some time later, arriving in the middle of the night and claiming to be Van Zandt's guitarist Mickey White. There is something for everyone who enjoys music, camping, and outdoor activities. I had no idea it was a celebration of songwriters.. Out of more than 750 entries, 24 songwriters were selected as finalists, and from the finalists concerts in May 28th and 29th, six winners have been chosen. The other is New Mexico songwriter Bill Hearne, who's performing on Saturday. The community greets one another with the phrase, Welcome Home! Several years ago, fall gatherings, nicknamed, Little Folk, were hosted on Labor Day Weekends. Quite the contrary, as evidenced by my own experience and countless other tales of openhearted inclusion. To watch the showcases, you can register for the conference. When thousands of music fans descend upon the Texas hill country this weekend for the start of the Kerrville Folk Festival, festival staff and volunteers will be ready with a simple greeting: Welcome home.. It's about the people, the experience, the culture. And, of course, there's the legend of Blaze Foley sneaking into the festival in drag. Kennedy, who died in 2014, was making plans to retire in the late 1990s and considered ending the fest. I used to listen to that as a kid, Sappone said, and at the end of it they said there you have it.. Peter, Paul and Gary.. Single-day tickets - ranging from $30 to $50 - and an 18-day full festival and camping package. Kerrville Folk Festival 2022 Setlists May 26 2022 Date Thursday, May 26, 2022 - Sunday, June 12, 2022 Venues Kennedy Outdoor Theater, Kerrville, TX, USA Quiet Valley Ranch, Kerrville, TX, USA Threadgill Memorial Theater, Kerrville, TX, USA Report festival So far there are setlists of 28 gigs. With roughly 500 volunteers per day working in 60 krews and no obvious hierarchical system, Kerrville runs much like the hillbilly version of the Apple iCloud, about which Steve Jobs famously explained, "It just works." Years later, after booking music for the University of Montana and gaining experience working with nonprofits, she came home to a leadership position at the festival. I think it's nothing short of a miracle that she was able to hold it together. It was a decision that was made mutually, she says, adding philosophically that her time running the festival was a gift.. I set out on the trail to Camp Mama Tried, an eclectic group of music lovers, artists and down-to-earth hippies that claimed the same land for the past decade. There's also Fajita Thursday and Corn Dog Day where camper Davis Ethridge becomes the Corn Dog King and hands out hundreds of corn dogs. And then you're in the club. Sam is a multi-instrumentalist who fell in love with guitar at age 13 and has been performing since his high school days in Portsmouth, NH. One year with particularly hot weather, someone collected the volunteers' unused ice tickets and turned them all in on the last day for about 100 bags of ice and built an igloo. I set up camp and headed out to the Kennedy Outdoor Theater for the evenings headliners. There are wooden benches lining the hillside creating a beautiful amphitheater. Everybody knows each other here for many, many years, Kirbo said as a friend stopped by to greet her. Amazing moments, Corwin said as he told me about the importance of camps claiming the same ground each year, how ashes of fallen folkies have been scattered at camps, how so many children that run around the grounds have birthdays in common, even weddings have taken place at the ranch. The inspiring atmosphere of the festival influenced the direction of Corwins music throughout the years as well. All the shows are presented on the Threadgill Theater Stage, and ticket sales are capped to match this capacity. The Limeliters today are very much a product of this festival, Corwin said, with that sensibility and that kind of approach to music that comes from here.. Winners in the 1990s included Austin mainstay Slaid Cleaves and Maryland's Tom Prasada-Rao, who'll host this year's "In Memoriam" night on Monday. Copyright 1981-2023 Austin Chronicle Corp. All rights reserved. Bill Davis, an ever-present face at the festival, traditionally plays his song "Last Ones Left" as the sun breaks over the hills. Established in 1972 at the urging of Peter Yarrow, the Kerrville New Folk Concerts have become a highlight of the annual festival that is geared towards singer-songwriters of various musical styles and is the longest continuously running festival of its kind in North America. Therearealso a few high-profile acts making their first Kerrville appearances, including Canada's Kathleen Edwards on Saturday,Texas band Edie Brickell & New Bohemians on June 10 andTennessees Valerie June on June 11. "I always called it a rising tide that lifts all boats.". They both quit high-paying jobs to begin touring the country playing music together. Jellystone is located in Kerrville, while Medina Highpoint is about five miles south of the ranch (and also has cabins for rent). Bill Hearne performs at the Kennedy Outdoor Theater. Don't miss these incredible performances! Americana Highways hails his songwriting on "Saying Amen" as "brilliance," while Fateau Magazine in the UK calls him "one of the most promising new songwriters of his generation." Box 12428 JamBase works with festivals to promote theirevents. Campers came together to share their knowledge and manage the condition. Texas Summer Weather It was like a creative home. Kerrville is the land of unspoken rules and any weathered face with a vintage festival tie dye is happy to put their arm around your shoulder and whisper the terms of engagement. No endorsement or quality judgment is implied. These are my people.. For all the music that happens on the two primary stages and on Chapel Hill, a gathering point for weekend all-faith services and afternoon Ballad Tree sessions even more songs come to life in the dozens of campsiteson the north end of the festival grounds. According to an interview with Kerrville regular Elliot Rogers for Triplett's documentary Blaze Foley: Duct Tape Messiah, all volunteers were on lookout and not to let him in under any circumstances. And that's why I'm playing this year., Where: Quiet Valley Ranch,3876 Medina Highway, Kerrville, Cost: $30-$50 single-day; $657 full-festival pass; $137-$165 weekend pass; $350-$380 half-festival pass (all tickets include campground access), Full schedule and more information: kerrvillefolkfestival.org. When he found out I was producing a folk festival at Kerrville, he asked to be included, Kennedy wrote in Music From the Heart, his 1998 autobiography. Thank you so very much for your continued support!!! May 20 Settlement Day May 25-June 11 The 51st Kerrville Folk Festival What's a work weekend and why should you come out? Others on the bill included Kenneth Threadgill, Mance Lipscomb, Steven Fromholz, Bill & Bonnie Hearne and Carolyn Hester, along with Allen Damron, Kennedys general manager at the Chequered Flag. In addition to references to rumored cannibalism by the African republic's notorious dictator, the song contains the lyrics, "Idi Amin should be hung by his balls/ Cut into pieces and tacked to the walls / Even his doggy has got syphilis too/ If you were his doggy he'd give it to you." Godfrey only had one original song under his belt that first year, but he took his guitar and played that one song at every campfire and had an artistic awakening. The thing that absolutely blows me away is that I would say around 50 percent of the people who come back year after year write songs. At this time we are not announcing any specific protocols or restrictions because it seems everything changes so quickly. The real White showed up days later to find his pass already gone, but the heat was on Blaze. Join us May 9 - 11, 2022! Become a part of the 18 days summer music camp full of concerts, activities, and workshops, together with thousands of others who can't imagine their life without music. You can also camp at one of two RV campsites outside of the festival: Jellystone or Medina Highpoint. Of course, Kerrville's story hardly starts and ends with what transpires onstage. P.O. They also give you the opportunity to earn stake credits for Settlement Day. The May 20 feature covering the Kerrville Folk Festivals 50th anniversary contained a misspelling. It lasted for like forty minutes. The community greets one another with the phrase, "Welcome Home!" Several years ago, fall gatherings, nicknamed, "Little Folk," were hosted on Labor Day Weekends. Kerrville Folk Festival Celebrates 50 Years of Music, Community, and Lasting Memories Sara Hickman, Bob Livingston, Bill Hearne, and others reflect on their favorite moments at the annual fest Written by: Sarah Thurmond Published: May 24, 2022 at 6:31 pm Peter Yarrow performs at the Threadgill Theater. Music Education & Community Grant Program. If you're hungry in the campground and the Kerr-try Store is closed, you can find Camp Cuisine in the meadow, down at the end of Sesame Street. Kerrville Folk Festival Hours & Ticket Prices May 26th - June 12, 2022 Blues, bluegrass, acoustic rock, jazz, and folk music. If you go: Kerrville Folk Festival Where: Quiet Valley Ranch, 3876 Medina Highway, Kerrville When: May 26-June 12 Cost: $30-$50 single-day; $657 full-festival pass; $137-$165 weekend. It's why I have the friends I have. I guess one day he heard me singing, Kirbo said, and he handed me a stack of CDs and said do your dishes youre now going to sing for me.. It was this peaceful, enveloping moment.. The Blue Hit performing in the campground at the Kerrville Folk Festival in 2012, Blaze Foley at the Kerrville Folk Festival with a tube of mascara. Must be an Everfest PRO member to view contact info. 22,258 were here. Not all camps are music camps and not all music camps are "shush-camps." It was the perfect opportunity for Sapone to join in the various jam sessions and he quickly networked with artists. Decrease quantity for SAM ROBBINS LIVE IN CONCERT | JUNE 24 | 6PM, Increase quantity for SAM ROBBINS LIVE IN CONCERT | JUNE 24 | 6PM. Kerrville Folk Festival | Kerrville TX March 27, 2023 Texans Jack & Dodie Kerrville Folk Festival, America's Most Loved and Respected Songwriters Gathering Over 50 Years Founded by Rod Kennedy in 1972, the 50th Kerrville Folk Festival was celebrated in 2022 and continues to be a Mecca for the songwriting community. Welcome to Quiet Valley Ranch Home of the Kerrville Folk Festival Events Future QVR enents will be listed here 5/21/2022 Land Rush/Resettlement Day Quiet Valley Ranch opens for campers Stake sales 10:30, gates at Noon 5/26/2022 Kerrville Folk Festival The 18 day Kerrville Folk Festival Starts All day Quiet Valley Ranch 5/27/2022 The Kerrville Folk Festival, the Foundation's flagship event founded by Rod Kennedy, celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2022. Kerrville Folk Festival 2022 The mixmaster I'm keen to has eight freeways colliding like rapids on an expedition where you grip the wheel and grind your teeth as you twist like a bobsled in a corkscrew. AcousticMusicScene.com Hosts Song Swaps During SERFA Conference, May 12-15. As security called for backup, Blaze, already intoxicated, disappeared into the campground. For nearly 50 years people have gathered at Quiet Valley Ranch to celebrate the Kerrville Folk Festival. 2023, State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Texas Music Office Seating is provided for the first 100 or so people and there's room for many more with their own chairs and blankets or ass-to-caliche. I was probably one of the few that he could have ultimately felt OK about taking charge of the festival, Allen says. Kerrville Folk Festival May 25 - June 11, 2023 Quiet Valley Ranch 3876 Medina Hwy. I met my wife here thirty years ago, Mefford said. Notable New Folk winners include Slaid Cleaves, Ray Bonneville, Jonathan Byrd, and Robert Earl Keen. He works for the fest for significantly less money than he makes elsewhere and, most years, he donates part of it to the festival's foundation. You not only remember the events, you remember how you felt at that moment, what you were smelling at that moment, its so vivid.. They come to the same place at the same time every year and often camp in the same locations with the same friends and neighbors who inevitably become what many Kerrverts refer to as "chosen family.". The Kerrville Festival lasts for 18 days and nights each May and June, since 1972. (830) 257-3600 He is now a full-time troubadour, playing over 150 shows a year across the country, including on the MainStage at the Kerrville Folk Festival and the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. Winner of the 2021 Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk competition award, Sam has honed his craft as a full-time troubadour, performing over 150 shows a year across the country. Work weekends are an opportunity for you to come out and help us get the ranch "festival ready". For those who dont like long road trips, fly into San Antonio International Airport and drive the rest of the way in a rental car. I just had to keep it going. Early bird discounts are available through Feb. 28, according to the festival website, and advance tickets will be available for purchase from March 1 to May 25. Yarrow is credited with introducing the idea of a songwriting competition and it really bridges the gap between the campers and the performers. Every diabetic on the ranch came to me, and they hugged me, and they counseled me on what I was facing, and I instantly had references and help, Mefford said. It was there the Amarillo-born musician met her songwriter husband. Several crews of peacekeepers help attendees check in upon arrival and watch over the parking lots and campground. I had no idea what it was, or where I was going. Sam Robbins is a Nashville-based "old soul singer-songwriter" whose music evokes classic 70's troubadours such as James Taylor and Neil Young. Its why I have the friends I have. This years New Folk finalists will compete in afternoon sessions this Saturday and Sunday at the Threadgill Theater, a smaller stage across the grounds and up the hill from the main Kennedy Outdoor Theater. Accordionist and vocalist Joanna Howerton recalls the first time she pulled into the campground: "There had been a flood and we drove into the meadow until we realized we couldn't go any farther pulling our popup without getting stuck. Ticket packages and single days tickets are half of regular ticket price; advance discounts do not apply to teen tickets. Mary Claire Patton has been a journalist with KSAT 12 since 2015. Posted by Kerrville Folk Festival on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 "We want to assure you that we continue to take the health and well-being of our community, artists, volunteers and vendors. The Kerrville Folk Festival Foundation hosts the Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk songwriting competition, an annual Music Camp for Teens, instrument workshops and many other events to foster folk music education and appreciation. This year at the Land Rush, a huge thunderstorm rolled through that brought Corwin back to those early days. Small trees planted a couple of decades ago have grown enough to provide much-needed shade. KERRVILLE, Texas The Kerrville Folk Festival is set to return for its 50th year this spring. Besides concerts each evening, the Kerrville Folk Festival features Ballad Tree song-sharing sessions, campfire jam sessions, concerts and activities for children, organized canoe and kayak trips on the Guadelupe River, Hill Country bike rides, guided nature walks, yoga, beer and wine seminars, a Young Artists Performance Incubator, a professional development program for teachers, a songwriters school, and instrumental workshops. Lyon Bire Festival 2022 Lyon, Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes . Lyle Lovett entered New Folk twice, once when Guy Clark was a judge, and didn't win either time. For 18 straight days and nights, the Festival offers concerts and . We used to have naked parades and stuff.. Then there's the trash crew, who were met with appreciative cheers when they passed by in an ancient GMC pickup that'd been on the ranch about as long as the festival itself, if not longer. on the road collecting the stories of Americana music. Participants in the 1980s included Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, Hal Ketchum, Darden Smith and James McMurtry. Support the free press, so we can support Austin. "Something about that just clicked for Rod, Allen continued. Prior to its first public performance, Rod Kennedy heard Bridger rehearsing it backstage and designated the song as the festival's official anthem, calling on him to come back and play it every year to close out Kerrville. Sam is also a student of songwriting and regularly hosts workshops and masterclasses exploring the craft. Technically, the Philadelphia Folk Festival, established in 1962, holds the mantle as America's eldest yearly music gathering, but it lasts just four days a fraction of Kerrville's gargantuan 18 days, the better half of a moon cycle. No matter what your status was commercially, Kerrville would always have you back because of what you did in the past, and what you were going to do in the future..