Summerfest Workshops: An Unexpected Pleasure

Summerfest has gained an outstanding reputation as a folk music and arts festival. Although there are larger festivals in the Northeast, some fairly close by, why does the Summerfest stand out?

While other festivals generally emphasize one style of music, the musicians at Summerfest range from traditional to contemporary. Then Summerfest does the unexpected: it brings these diverse styles of music together in what we call "workshops."

There is nothing dry or academic about a Summerfest workshop. It is a gathering of musicians who seldom, if ever, share the same stage. All perform their music with a focus on a common theme. By combining contemporary singer-songwriters with traditional musicians, the music produced in these workshops moves, inspires and entertains the audience and the musicians. Each workshop is a show that you've never seen before and probably will not see again. Sometimes, if the chemistry is just right, the result is unlike anything you have ever experienced at a music event. These magical moments are remembered long after the festival is over.

Summerfest workshops are truly unexpected pleasures and are the musical heart of the festival.

All photos this page by Denn Santoro

Music produced by Alan and Helene Korolenko of Barrel of Music Productions