A sell-out crowd watches Emmylou Harris perform on Sunday

When the Seventh Annual Boston Folk Festival kicked off at 7:30 pm on Friday, September 17, there were already signs that this festival was going to be like no other. As the final contestants from the Festival's first Songwriting Competition warmed up, the popular Joel Mabus gave a warm performance to a large and lively crowd.

At 8:00pm, five finalists took to the stage and played their hearts out, each hoping to earn the coveted spot on the Field Stage during Saturday's line-up. Both Mabus and songwriting legend Tom Rush, who performed for the eager crowd at 9:00pm, served as judges for the competition. They admitted that the decision was a tough one, but they proudly announced the winners: First Place went to the talented John Schindler, Second Place was awarded to Carl Cacho, and Steve Roberson took home third.

On the heels of an ominous weather prediction, hundreds of volunteers converged on the UMass campus early Saturday morning with smiles and high spirits to get ready for the day's events. Narrowly escaping a storm that threatened to soak New England, the entire Festival crew welcomed the cool-but dry-morning air. Ticket sales and media excitement contributed to an overall "buzz," which appeared to have spread to the more than 9000+ people who attended.

As in the previous years, Festival organizers relied on audience surveys to make this year's festival the best to date. Concentrating the music onto five stages, the physical layout encouraged an easy flow of traffic from performance to performance, and because the workshops were held outside, everyone had a chance to participate. On each morning, festival-goers showed up bright and early to grab their spots at the Field Stage, Plaza Stage and Fox Point Pavilion.

Dancers at the field stage

Greg Brown

Saturday, the Field Stage exploded with an energetic performance by the Tarbox Ramblers, who got people to their feet from the onset. Carol Noonan, who followed, kept the crowd in full attention with her thoughtful songs and sweet voice. Kate Campbell, the New South's fastest rising star, gave a commanding performance. As expected, Luther "Guitar Jr" Johnson demonstrated his unparalleled talent by delivering authentic blues.
Tony Trischka followed Johnson with a set that sounded like a cross between folk and funk, which audiences responded to by dancing and clapping.

When headliner Tom Rush took the stage, the audience demonstrated their reverence with a thundering applause. Rush's 90 minute set was packed with fan favorites and newly wrought material that bespoke his high status in folk music. Then, as the sun was setting, blues legend Koko Taylor deservedly strutted on stage for a celebration of the Year of the Blues. Accompanied by the Blues Machine, Taylor delivered one hit after another with her no-nonsense voice. The audience was audibly wowed and carried the "Queen of the Blues" off the stage with a standing ovation.

On the Plaza stage, sheer talent was the sing of the day. The popular workshops, which generally draw a good crowd, were even more popular this year as Steve Fromholz, Luther Johnson, Les Sampou, Tony Trischka, and T.J. Wheeler turned their attention to the blues. Joel Mabus gave a workshop on his own, which was followed by an amazing performance by Texas Song Theater--a collaboration of Denice Franke, Steve Fromholz and Eric Taylor. The final workshop was a display of musical inspiration at the hands of Scott Alarik, Kate Campbell, Carol Noonan, Tom Prasada-Rao and Amy Carol Webb.

Emmylou Harris closed the Festival on Sunday

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

On a beautiful Sunday, the field stage was again alit with talent and energy when Barrence Whitfield and Mike Dinallo took the stage as the Mercy Brothers. Whitfield's unmistakable voice drew people in immediately. It seemed that no one was prepared for Richard Shindell, whose stunning performance held the audience in silence until the point of erupting in applause.

Ireland's own Danú took the stage in the mid afternoon, and as expected, delivered one of the weekend's most high-energy performances. The mood was carried over in only a slightly different way when the vibrant Catie Curtis performed. Curtis, whose commercial succes is a testament to her talent, was funny and engaging, and had the crowd wanting more.

Greg Brown began the series of headliners who performed on Sunday. Brown played directly to his audience, handling his most popular tunes with the skill of a pro. Paul Brady, who came on after Brown, showed everybody why he is Ireland's equivalent to Bob Dylan. With a crystal clear voice, his heartfelt performance was celebrated by all in attendence. Of course, audiences knew that the setting sun meant that Emmylou Harris was about to perform for them and they were right. The ten-time GRAMMY winner, looking refreshed and relxed, displayed her musical grace by dleivering a number of her hit songs while bringing an originality that was greatly appreciated by her new and old fans alike.

Sunday's Plaza stage was also a hot spot, kicking off in a bluesey mood with T.J. Wheeler. Audiences seemed to love the next workshop called "They've Got a Point," which featured Paul BRady, Catie Curtis, Mercy Brothers, Kevin So, and Don White. The Texas Song Theatre took the stage after that but performed individually, and the final performances were given during a workshop called "On the Road Again," featuring Richard Berman, Anni Clark, Greg Brown, and Richard Shindell.

Children and their parents had fun at the participatory stage

The Coffeehouse stage this year found a new home with great acoustics and a wonderful--and cool--atmosphere. Held inside UMass's Ryan Lounge, the coffeehouse was an ideal location for those wishing to catch some stars in a more intimate setting, or simply to dodge the sun for a bit. Audiences were treated to performances by Amy Carol Webb, Scott Alarik, Tom Prasada-Rao, Hot Soup, and Les Sampou on Saturday. Sunday, the Coffeehouse Stage featured Capt. Stan and Daisy Nell, Richard Berman, Anni Clark, Don White and Kevin So.

Danu's Ceilidh set had the crowd dancing

The participatory stage this year was again located at Fox Point Pavilion. With the family in minds, performers blended sound and sights to keep people of all ages dancing and smiling all day long on both Saturday and Sunday. Bob Bloom's "Drummin About You" performances on Saturday, in which the audience actually helped create the music by using one of his two hundred plus instruments, were amazing. On SundayFiesta del Norté came with the colorful costumes and dynamic dances of Latin America; Danú did a Ceilidh set, and Margaret Musmon offered lessons on Square Dancing and Swing Dancing. Other Fox Point performers included Hot Soup, the Tarbox Ramblers, and T.J. Wheeler.

Boat cruises were at full capacity on both Saturday and Sunday

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 Hurricane, piloted by Captain Mike. For the fourth year, Lynn Noel rounded up an extremely talented crew of musicians from all over New England to perform. All Night Long from upstate New York came to do what they do best; local favorites Chris Pahud and Phil Kissinger anchored the crew together; David Kleiman, Margaret McCandless, Paul Harty, and Daisy Nell and Capt. Stan also helped keep the boat in full-float by providing soulful music.

Koko Taylor entertained the crowds on Saturday

The children's activities area was a hot-spot all weekend. Volunteers helped children with an assortment of arts and crafts while parents looked on from the shade. There were plenty of smiles and lots of laughs while the sun and cool breeze pampered everyone.

Festival volunteers had a great time also

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.