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On May 17, 2015, the National Council for the Traditional Arts lost its longtime former director and guiding light, and the nation lost a powerful advocate for folk and traditional arts. The passing of NCTA Chairman Joseph Thomas Wilson is deeply felt by his family, the board and staff of NCTA, his many friends, and the legion of musicians and …

Joseph T. Wilson March 16, 1938 – May 17, 2015 Joe Wilson would have been the only person on this earth who had the wit and storytelling skills to adequately summarize his career, but he would have rather discussed music, musicians, and their communities. He was always eager to share a new or old recording, show you a compelling photograph …

Joseph Thomas Wilson (March 16, 1938 –May 17, 2015) Joe Wilson left us on Sunday, May 17, 2015. He left us a legacy so vibrant and alive that even though his physical presence is gone, his spirit and his passions live on in all of us who knew and loved him. His time here on Earth removes the cliché from …

Remembering the man who understood how people and culture connected—and why that connection means everything. Joe Wilson probably knew more about traditional American music than anyone who ever lived. He passed away peacefully in Winston-Salem yesterday after battling renal disease and other health issues for many years. He was truly one of the most remarkable men I ever knew. Joe …

It is with deep sadness we announce that Joseph T. Wilson, Chairman of the National Council for the Traditional Arts, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2015. While Joe had been ill for a very long time, this news still comes as a shock. Joe was Executive Director of the NCTA for 28 years (1976 to 2004), a larger-than-life figure …

After an extensive nationwide search, ArtsGreensboro has appointed seasoned festival administrator Amy Grossmann as the Local Director for the National Folk Festival, President and CEO Thomas Philion announced today. Working out of ArtsGreensboro’s offices in the Cultural Center, Grossmann will begin her work on January 2, 2015. In this role, Grossmann will work directly for ArtsGreensboro and in close cooperation …

The NCTA was proud to support Three Bells, a recording of three generations of dobro masters, Rob Ickes, Jerry Douglas, and their mentor, the late Mike Auldridge.  Three Bells garnered a 2014 GRAMMY award nomination for Best Folk Album. Auldridge, who passed away in December 2012 shortly after the recording sessions were completed, was a Washington D.C. area native and …

The “National” will celebrate its 75th anniversary in downtown Greensboro, North Carolina, September 11 – 13, 2015 August 25, 2014 —The National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) and ArtsGreensboro announced today that the 75th National Folk Festival will take place September 11 – 13, 2015, in the heart of downtown Greensboro, marking the first of the festival’s three-year residency …

For 80 years, the National Folk Festival has provided a way for people to embrace the dazzling array of cultural traditions that define our nation.  It celebrates the roots, richness and variety of American culture through music, dance, traditional craft, storytelling, food and more.  To date, this free-to-the-public “moveable feast of deeply traditional folk arts” has been held in 27 …

After 24 years in our Silver Spring office on Fenwick Lane, the NCTA has moved – one block.  Our new address is 8757 Georgia Avenue, Suite 450.  Situated between Cameron and Spring Streets, the new office is an easy walk from the Silver Spring Metro station.