History
The University of Chicago Folklore Society formed in the early
1950s and put on its first Folk Festival in 1961.
Featuring such greats as Ralph and Carter Stanley, The New Lost City
Ramblers, Elizabeth Cotten, Roscoe Holcomb and Willie Dixon.
The Festival was a huge success, and over the next decade,
exposed many great traditional musicians to a much wider audience.
Legends such as Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys,
Frank Profitt, Hobart Smith, The Staples Singers, Nathan
Abshire, Dewey Balfa, Doc Watson, Clarence "Tom" Ashley, Muddy
Waters and Little Walter, and many more graced the Mandel Hall
stage in the early years.
It is no exaggeration to say that the U of C Folk Fest had a lasting impact on the national folk
music scene.
The Festival has been held every Winter since 1961.
Through the years, we've maintained our commitment
to bringing the University and surrounding community the very
best in traditional music from around the country and around
the world. We are also committed to providing free and fun
workshops for everyone, during the day on the Saturday of the festival.
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Folklore Society
