Unstoppable North Bay Folk Music Scene Swirls along a Dustbowl Road

For the yet to be initiated, you might well ask "What is a Hootenanny?" Though for all I know, being a foreigner here myself, the majority of my music-loving American readers are most likely well versed in their personal knowledge of the country's acoustic folk history.

Such as the fact that the rousing Hootenanny round-up of fiddlers and banjo players, washboards and harmonicas is fast becoming the most in-vogue of appealing, alternative music scenes in LA, San Francisco, Sacramento and closer to home in the North Bay. 

Born out that earlier depression-era and evolved with the guiding talents of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, the Hootenanny as a cultural music gathering is every bit as suited to today's dire economic climate as it was in its 'hay' day.

All about beards, beat-up hats and well worn plaid, denim dungarees and work boots, you don't have to flash the visa for designer duds to don the coolest country look. In fact, I've noticed that even the ultimate in Americana style statements in the current Ralph Lauren collection in the glossy mags sports the prairie dress with vintage print this spring.

Best of all, the music is instrumentally creative, vocally compelling and continually evolving from its grass roots origins to appeal to an audience of diverse musical tastes and experiences. Pot-luck pies add a slice of communal spirit.

Check out the North Bay Hootennany Dustbowl Road this Saturday, May 22nd in Santa Rosa at a variety of downtown locales. Petaluma's popular young, acoustic Americana band "Waters" is all set to perform at 4.30 pm at The Last Record Store, by Santa Rosa Junior College.

Outstanding poster art featured above is by the incredibly talented Gio Benedetti of Brothers Comatose, Toast Machine and Music Director of the Phoenix Theater.

Comments

[Bonnie]

What goes around comes around. I grew up on folk music, and I'm glad to see it back in style.

[Frances]

I think you were extremely fortunate to have lived the folk music scene in your youth and see its return to popularity today, Bonnie. As a non-native, I have to say, it strikes a note with me, and that's not just because the back of my car is full of my offspring's musical instruments! I really enjoy the fact that the first of my three (American born) sons has become such a passionate young singer songwriter in this particular genre.