Valerie June’s Dream Performance

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Valerie June had the Evanston Folk Festival on her performance wish list for some time. When the organizers reached out, June was thrilled. She expressed her amazement, stating, “I was kind of shocked, like any wish that comes true in your life, aren’t you shocked?” Known for her genre-blending sound, which incorporates psychedelic folk, indie rock, Appalachian bluegrass, and soul, June performed on one of the festival’s three stages Saturday evening. The star-studded lineup included over 30 folk artists.

Festival’s Return and Crowd Success

The third annual celebration at Dawes Park marked a successful return on the weekend of September 12 and 13. Director of music at 16″ on Center, Jake Samuels, noted that 12,000 concert-goers attended the festival, with over 6,000 attending on Sunday and more than 5,000 on Saturday. Despite Sunday’s scattered showers, the weather did not deter the enthusiastic crowd. Early arrivals stayed throughout, eager to enjoy the headlining performance of Indigo Girls.

Lineup of Folk Favorites

The festival boasted headliners like Trampled by Turtles and Indigo Girls. Other notable performers included Kathleen Edwards, Josh Ritter, Tift Merritt, Sierra Hull, and James McMurtry. Emily Saliers and Amy Ray of Indigo Girls expressed their fondness for performing in Evanston and appreciated the festival invite. Ray commented on the positive vibes, highlighting the joy festivals bring.

Artists’ Perspectives

Several artists shared their thoughts on festival performances in the digital age. Josh Ritter emphasized the unifying power of music at open-air festivals, stating, “Music brings people together from all walks of life.” Tift Merritt expressed her preference for smaller festivals, valuing their community focus.

Preparing a set list for the festival’s 45-minute slots posed a challenge for many artists. Kathleen Edwards shared her approach, focusing on songs she believes represent her best work. For fans and new listeners alike, Edwards planned to play her crowd favorite, “Asking For Flowers.”

Festival Atmosphere

Attendees like Betsy Storm and Chris Johnston praised the event’s organization and vibrant atmosphere. Jenny Schevers and her husband, who traveled over an hour, reflected on the pleasant environment and performance by Josh Ritter.

Festival Origins and Future

Samuels highlighted the festival’s origin, influenced by years of successful listening room events and a desire to support singer-songwriters. “There are numerous festivals around Chicago, but few focus specifically on folk music and singer-songwriters,” Samuels explained.