
Bolivian Traditions to Come Alive at the Richmond Folk Festival
Virginia is home to the largest Bolivian-born population in the country. In celebration of Bolivian cultural vitality in the Commonwealth, the Virginia Folklife Program will spotlight the traditions that connect …

Announcing Scott Street Five String Banjo Finals at the Richmond Folk Festival
The Virginia Folklife Program has partnered with JAMinc to honor the memory of distinguished Richmond attorney and dedicated banjo player Scott Street, who passed away in February of this year …

Gallery Opening at the Floyd Country Store
We had a great opening at the Floyd Country Store last night for our Apprenticeship Program gallery. Many past masters and apprentices showed up, including Buddy Pendleton and his apprentice …

A new World Record at Galax
The Galax Old Fiddlers’ Convention is the largest and oldest fiddlers’ convention in the world, so it’s no surprise that it’s been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. …

National Folk Festival: September 11-13, Greensboro, NC
First held in 1934, the National Folk Festival is the oldest multicultural festival of traditional arts in the nation. It is a traveling festival produced in partnership with communities around …

There’s Something Spiritual about Watermelon Park
The Virginia Folklife Program has forged a wonderful partnership with Watermelon Park Fest, September 24-27, in Berryville, Virginia. Home to one of the country’s first-ever bluegrass festivals, Watermelon Park is …

Galleries Host Virginia Folklife Program Photographs
Photographs from the Virginia Folklife Program made by staff photographer Pat Jarrett are on display at two separate galleries in the Commonwealth this summer and fall. Jarrett’s photographs of Joe …

Celebrating Youth “Tradition Bearers” and the Masters Who Taught Them at 2015 Richmond Folk Festival
Fans of the Richmond Folk Festival may notice a bit of a younger vibe at the Virginia Folklife Area this year. While the Virginia Folklife Program will continue to celebrate …

Bring your dancing shoes: Showcase performances will have you on your feet
1:00pm Bluegrass with Linda and David Lay with Randy Cook 1:30pm Opening remarks by Jon Lohman, State Folklorist and director of the Virginia Folklife Program 1:50pm Bluegrass Fiddle with Billy …

Joey’s Hot Dogs on the menu for Showcase
Joey’s Hot Dogs of Richmond, Virginia. We are thrilled to announce an exciting addition to the Showcase this year. We are bringing one of our favorite true folk masters of …

Holmes Brothers Receive NEA’s National Heritage Fellowship
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that gospel and soul legends The Holmes Brothers of Christchurch, Virginia, have just received the NEA’s National Heritage Fellowship, the highest honor the United …

Elder Frank Newsome wins NEA National Heritage Fellowship
We announce with great pleasure that The Reverend Frank Newsome, a dear friend of the Virginia Folklife Program, is the recipient of a National Heritage Fellowship, the highest honor that …