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Representing a myriad of cultural traditions, 20 more performers—including Mavis Staples—will be showcased on seven outdoor stages during the National Folk Festival, presented by Belk, which is coming to downtown Greensboro from September 11 – 13, 2015 Greensboro, N.C., August 11, 2015 — The National Folk Festival today announced that it has added another group of traditional artists to the ... Read More »

Secretary Susan Kluttz Announces 75th National Folk Festival’s N.C. Traditions Stage Performers—Including Sheila Kay Adams, Bobby Hicks, and John Dee Holeman—As Well As N.C. Folklife Area Potters Greensboro, N.C. (August 11, 2015) — Masters of traditional music, including Sheila Kay Adams, Bobby Hicks and John Dee Holeman, will perform at the North Carolina Traditions Stage during the National Folk Festival, ... Read More »

by Dr. Earle Hitchner I have several memories of Joe Wilson (March 16, 1938-May 17, 2015), a tireless champion of traditional and especially rural American music and other arts, but two stick out. The first was on radio. The year was 1988, and Joe was the tour director accompanying the fiddlers on the inaugural “Masters of the Folk Violin” sponsored ... Read More »

Eleven more outstanding performers—including Greensboro native Rhiannon Giddens—add to the array of cultural traditions that will be showcased on seven outdoor stages during the National Folk Festival, coming to downtown Greensboro from September 11 – 13, 2015 Greensboro, N.C., June 24, 2015 — The National Folk Festival today announced that it has added another group of traditional artists to the ... Read More »

Seven stages, Family Area, N.C. Folklife Area, and N.C. Arts Marketplace will be located at sites across downtown Greensboro Greensboro, N.C., June 17, 2015 — The National Folk Festival today unveiled the site map for the 2015 Festival, which will feature 300 artists on seven stages over three days in downtown Greensboro from September 11 – 13, 2015. The Festival ... Read More »

A Celebration of Joe’s Life, Work, and Legacy Thursday, June 25, 2015 Blue Ridge Music Center Mile Post 213, Blue Ridge Parkway 700 Foothills Road Galax, VA 24333 2:00 pm. Bring your instruments and come and play a tune for Joe Wilson or share a story or two. For those unable to attend, a second celebration is being planned later ... Read More »

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 ... Read More »

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 ... Read More »

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 ... Read More »

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 ... Read More »