Way back in 2012, folk music fans in Irvington decided to celebrate what would have been Woody Guthrie’s 100th birthday by putting on a festival. The event was so successful that they decided to do it all over again in 2013, renaming it the Irvington Folk Festival. This year, the 5th anniversary, the Irvington Folk Festival will run June 12-18 at a number of venues throughout historic Irvington.
The opening afternoon events on June 12 start at 1 p.m. on the lawn of the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 E. University Ave. Indiana Old Time Ambassadors (I.O.T.A.) will give a special performance — bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy music and possibly a food truck or two until 4 p.m. Also on June 12, swing by Coal Yard Coffee at 5547 Bonna Ave. for a Music Matinee beginning at 2:30 p.m. with DNA, followed by Delta Duo, Michael Glen Bell, Caleb Hawkins, and Larry DeMeyer. These events are free and open to all ages.
If you’re interested in the new, original music, stop by 10 Johnson Street Coffee House on June 13 from 7-10 p.m. for a songwriters and performance showcase. While you’re there, check out the coffee house’s great selection of beverages and gluten-free treats.
The Irvington Library is the place to be on June 14 from 7-9 p.m. for the Pete Seeger Lecture to celebrate a look back on 200 years of music in Indiana. Martha Riley, author and collector of Singing Indiana History will be on hand to discuss Hoosier music; Indiana artist Mac Bellner will host. The library is located at 5625 E. Washington St. in the heart of the historic Irvington commercial district.
Surprises and fun are in store for everyone June 15 from 7-9 p.m. for World Music Night at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center. The evening will feature Celtic/Irish music.
More music in an artistic, eclectic environment will be had on June 16 from 7-8 p.m., beginning at Coal Yard Coffee, 5547 Bonna Ave., then moving over to Playground Productions right behind Coal Yard for a musical showcase from 8-10 p.m.
A Celebration of Juneteenth will be held June 17 from 7-10 p.m. at Downey Ave. Christian Church, 111 S. Downey Ave. Music, storytelling, and history will be shared.
The Irvington Folk Festival Finale will be June 18 at Ellenberger Park, beginning at 11 a.m. with the very popular Children’s Festival until 1 p.m. Check out the Alternative Gift Fair from noon-8 p.m., featuring artisans from all over the state. Music will be in the air from the Main Stage from 1 p.m. until dusk, featuring Scott Ballentine and Andra Faye, the Punkin’ Holler Boys, Flatland Experiment and more. Bring a lawn chair and snacks, get ready to tap your toes, and enjoy a beautiful day in the park, located at 5301 E. St. Clair St.
The 5th Annual Irvington Folk Festival would not be possible without the support of the Historic Irvington Community Council, many Irvington merchants, the library, parks department, and individual donors. Please consider donating to the future of the festival by making a contribution online at http://irvingtonfolk.com
