A sell-out crowd watches Nanci Griffith and the Blue Moon Orchestra perform on Sunday

The excitement and anticipation was contagious early Saturday morning as hundreds of yellow-shirted volunteers converged on the UMass campus to complete the final preparations for the fifth annual Boston Folk Festival.

The weather forecast was for clear, fall-like weather through the end of the festival; tickets for Sunday had already sold out; media were clamoring to cover this year's event. All signs indicated a standout festival, and not one of the 9,000+ people who attended was disappointed.

Saturday's closer, Iris Dement, played while the sun went down

Audience surveys had indicated that nine stages in one day was too many, so this year's festival unveiled revamped stages and a new, more user-friendly layout. There were five stages each day and they were all concentrated in a loop near the field stage. Getting from stage to stage was much easier, and the outdoor settings allowed everyone an opportunity to attend the workshops. Festival-goers arrived early each day to stake out prime places at the Field Stage, Plaza Stage and Fox Point Pavilion.

Dancers at the field stage

Saturday, the Swinging Steaks opened the Field Stage with a rousing set, followed by the Waifs, an up-and-coming band from Australia that has been making waves in the folk world this past year. Cephas and Wiggins then demonstrated their mastery of the Piedmont Blues. C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band then took to the stage with a blistering set of Zydeco that got the crowds up on their feet and dancing. Local favorite, Patty Larkin performed a solo set before giving the stage over to Texas troubadour Guy Clark. Finally, Iris Dement closed out the first day, switching between piano and guitar as she delighted the crowd with her distinctive voice and songs.

Richard Thompson taking a breather during his fast-paced set on Sunday

Sunday, the Field Stage started with a gospel set by Southern Rail. Ellis Paul followed, entertaining crowds with his wonderful songwriting and singing abilities. Barachois then wowed the audience with their high-energy music and dance set. Bill Staines's set showcased the traditional folk songs and ballads that have delighted audiences for more than 30 years. Local favorite, Cheryl Wheeler, had the audience in tears: tears of laughter at her hilarious songs and tears of understanding from the heartfelt, intensely personal songs of love and loss.

Two headliners, Richard Thompson and Nanci Griffith, ended the fifth annual Boston Folk Festival. Both Richard and Nanci played 90 minute sets, mixing newer stuff with audience favorites. Nanci was accompanied by her long-time band, the Blue Moon Orchestra. For the final song of the festival, Catie Curtis, Bill Staines and Cheryl Wheeler joined Nanci to sing "If I Had A Hammer."

Utah Phillips performed on three of the five festival stages

The other stages displayed just as much talent and virtuosity. Native son Frank Morey kicked off the Plaza Stage. A bluegrass set by Southern Rail followed before the songswap segments began. There was a "covers" workshop, in which participants played their favorite songs by other musicians; the "Down South, Down Under, Down East" workshop was an inspired grouping of the Waifs, Cephas and Wiggins, and Susie Burke and David Surette, with everyone jumping in to truly share the music.

Food and merchandise vendors were kept busy all day, both days

Sunday, Mark Erelli opened the Plaza stage, then made way for Folk legend Utah Phillips. The Plaza was packed as Utah spoke and sang his way through his set. After his solo set, Utah was joined on stage by Darryl Purpose, Alastair Moock and Ellis Paul for a workshop on American Roots. A rollicking Swing Set workshop followed with Mindy Jostyn, Mark Erelli and Rust Farm. Finally, Bill Staines, Cheryl Wheeler, and Rachael Davis gathered on stage in a Timeline workshop the theme of which was songs across generations.

Billy Jonas kept things lively at the participatory stage

The Coffeehouse Stage was in a new location this year, and as a result it generated a lot more traffic and listeners to the intimate space. The 3-story open staircase allowed people to climb the stairs and listen from above. At any point throughout both days, people could be seen leaning over the balconies, sitting on the stairs, and filling all the available seating in front of the stage. Audiences were treated to performances by Tanya Savory, Susie Burke and David Surette, Small Potatoes, Jack Williams, and Modern Man on Saturday. Sunday, the Coffeehouse Stage featured Mindy Jostyn, Rust Farm, Rachael Davis, Darryl Purpose and Alastair Moock.

Kites made at the children's activity area brightened the sky above

The participatory stage this year was located at Fox Point Pavilion. There were family-friendly performances, dance sets, and dance demonstrations throughout the weekend. The shady location of this stage allowed festival-goers to get out of the sun for a while and take part in some fun activities. Billy Jonas and his recycled instruments were a hit; La Pinata, a local dance group, delighted with colorful costumes and dynamic dances of Latin America; Southern Rail played a highly danceable set, then Fran Friedman encouraged children and adults alike to immerse themselves in her uplifting songs and stories. C.J. Chenier shut down the Saturday stage with a long, Zydeco dance set.

Boat cruises were at full capacity on both Saturday and Sunday

Southern Rail started the Sunday activities at Fox Point Pavilion. Janice Allen engaged the audience with songs, stories, and games drawing from the African-American tradition. Billy Jonas returned to do another family-oriented set on Sunday, then Barachois turned Fox Point Pavilion into a Canadian dance hall with their high-energy performance. The final set of the festival was an old-fashioned New England Contra Dance for everyone. Susan Elberger did the calling, backed up by a crackerjack band.

It wouldn't be the Boston Folk Festival without the chantey cruises around Boston Harbor. The cruises were extremely popular and sold out early each day. This year, the cruises took place on the Boston Belle, piloted by Captain Mike. For the third year, Lynn Noel rounded up an extremely talented crew of musicians from all over New England to perform. The group All Night Long hailed from upstate New York, Barry Finn came down from Portsmouth, NH, Ken Schatz traveled up from New York City, Ken Sweeney came from the Mystic Seaport area, and Chris Pahud and Phil Kissinger were the local boys. Utah Phillips was an unexpected but very welcome participant on one lucky cruise Sunday afternoon.

Children made musicial instruments at the activity tent

The children's activities area was bustling all weekend. Sea Side Kites from Hull, MA, provided free kite kits to children. There was a steady breeze off the harbor throughout the weekend, and many handmade souvenir kites could be seen flying all over the festival grounds as the weekend went on. Other hands-on activities kept little hands busy while Mom and Dad took a break in the shade and listened to the music from the adjacent Fox Point Pavilion stage.

Two festival-goers share a bite to eat

The artisan marketplace gave festival-goers the opportunity to browse, look and buy a variety of different handmade crafts and imported items. Clothing, jewelry, gift boxes, handmade dulcimers, musical instruments and books were among the items for sale.

At the food court, there was something to please every palate. For coffee connoisseurs, there was gourmet coffee; several booths offered a variety of vegetarian fare; soft-serve ice cream was available; gyros, falafel, Indian curry, Pad Thai, hot dogs, fried dough, stuffed cabbage, and lots more could be found at the food vending booths.