The Richmond Folk Festival in Richmond, VA, is a go for its second year on October 9-11, albeit a pared down one with fewer acts and venues because of the economy.

Last year’s inaugural event drew 185,000 people and featured a range of folk and roots music. Among the 36 participating artists were Cajun group BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet; gospel choir Larry Bland and the Volunteer Choir; Zuni flute, song and dance troupe The Cellicion Traditional Zuni Singers; Cree fiddler James Cheechoo; and Indian percussion ensemble Dhli Mastana, Dholi Brij and Dholi Mosaic.

Performers for the upcoming festival have not yet been announced.


The Richmond Folk Festival is an offshoot of the traveling National Folk Festival, which Richmond hosted from 2005 to 2007. City festival organizers decided to launch its own folk festival after 2007 attendance records for the National Folk Festival were broken.

This year’s artist line-up is expected to be announced in early summer.