Holiday Newsletter, 2020

“We have never been able to have Folkmoot without you. Without your support there are no musicians, dancers or costumes. Plainly said, no Folkmoot. You have been the support that has brought the world to western North Carolina for these 37 years.”

112 Virginia Ave., PO Box 658Waynesville, NC 28786

828.452.2997

Folkmoot.org

Dear Folkmoot Family,What a year …As the end of the year approaches, we reflect that 2020 has been nothing short of tiring and worrisome for all of us. The Folkmoot Board had to make some very hard decisions for the long term well- being and viability of Folkmoot.

Folkmoot had to pull back from event planning last spring and canceled the Folkmoot Festival last July because of the pandemic. It was emotionally and financially devastating. Unfortunately, with decisions of reduced hours and cutbacks, former Executive Director Angie Schwab resigned to begin a new business. We wish Angie well and much success in her new endeavor and appreciate that she has maintained her leadership as the President of the

North American Chapter of CIOFF - the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (http://www.cioff.org/) with the gracious support of Board Emeritus Rolf Kaufman.

As we begin 2021, however, we are excited about Folkmoot’s future. We are pleased to introduce Glenn Fields as our new Executive Director. Glenn comes to us by way of Southwest Louisiana where, for the past

20 years, he has been a professional musician and festival director. Says Glenn: “I can’t wait to share my love for music and dance and to help

Folkmoot continue to fulfill its mission and spread joy and understanding through the art of movement and sound from around the world!”

In other good news, the financial infusion from donors last year and the SOAR Academy has improved the Folkmoot Center dormitories for future summer guests and festivals. Check out their video for a tour of the Center at soarnc.org. We’ve taken this pause to address some of the ongoing maintenance needs in the building and updated Folkmoot’s accounting and administrative records. We would like to especially thank interim manager Mike McLean for his guidance and wisdom during the year.

Mark your calendars for July 22-25, 2021 for a shortened and outdoor-oriented festival. We look forward to working with CIOFF, Eastern Band of the Cherokee, Lake Junaluska Assembly and other partners in the coming year to produce this festival and other events. We look forward to celebrating dance, music, storytelling and cultural exchange at the Folkmoot Center!

We have never been able to have Folkmoot without you. Without your support there are no musicians, dancers or costumes. Plainly said, no Folkmoot. You have been the support that has brought the world to western North Carolina for these 37 years. We need your help and support more than ever. The careful moves by the board hopefully positioned Folkmoot to serve the community for years to come. To help us begin 2021, we would appreciate any contribution you can make. Please join us in supporting Folkmoot as we plan the festival for 2021!

Sincerely,

Save the Date!Mark your calendars for July 22-25, 2021 for a shortened and outdoor-oriented Folkmoot festival.

Elizabeth Teague Board President

CAN YOU MAKE A HOLIDAY CONTRIBUTION?

News From FolkmootFolkmoot Welcomes new Executive Director Glenn FieldsGlenn has been nominated for two Grammys and traveled the world with his bands: the Red Stick Ramblers and the Revelers. In 2006, he founded the Southwest Louisiana Blackpot Festival which brings musicians and fans from around the world to Lafayette, Louisiana to play music, cook and dance every Fall. For the past four years, he was Executive Director of Louisiana Folk Roots, coordinating week-long Cajun and Creole immersion camps for adults and kids wishing to learn about Cajun and Creole culture. You may have seen Glenn on your TV, playing himself in the HBO series Treme or cooking with Anthony Bourdain. In addition to his experience, Glenn has a great sense of humor, a love and appreciation for folk dance and music, and a big heart. We have enjoyed getting to know him and we’re sure you will too!

Folkmoot crew – where are they now?

Glenn Fields, Executive DirectorMike McLean, Accounting

OfficersElizabeth Teague, PresidentKevin Fitzgerald, Vice PresidentDavid Francis, Foundation PresidentMark Bumgarner, Treasurer

Emeritus MembersEd BroadwellJoe Sam QueenRolf Kaufman Roy Brock

Folkmoot Staff & Board

828.452.2997folkmoot.org

Please call to volunteer for the summer festival!

Thank you to the 2019 guide crew for your service!

First Row: Kylie Ann Conard, Grace Cronk, Jayde MarkleySecond Row: Heather Davidson (#18 in list below), Alma Grasty, Gracie Feichter, Mackenzie Yazan, Izzy Hendershot, Afton Bryan, Sam Torres, Elizabeth Burson (#19 in list below)Third Row: Connor Moore, Avery Schwab, Henry Wilson, Harper Schwab

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1. Sandra Hermida, Kitchen Manager, Middle school science teacher2. Angie Schwab, Executive Director, Partner, Buris Chalmers Creative3. Mayo Ferguson, Transportation Coordinator, Incident Mgmt., NC Dept. of Transportation4. Laura Shepherd, Events Coordinator, Manager Open Door soup kitchen5. Bill Graham, Programs and Marketing, Partner, Buris Chalmers Creative6. Lisa Spring, Cherokee Community Coordination, Operations, Cherokee Indian Hospital7. Amy West, Cherokee Community Coordination, Reigning Miss Cherokee & elem. school teacher8. Rose Johnson, former Board President, Happily Retired, Hilton Head9. Richard Hurley, Emcee, Happily Retired, Asheville10. Aaron Owenby, Bus Driver/Maintenance, Employee, School District11. Doug Garrett, Volunteer Coordinator, Happily Retired, Antique dealer at the Red Barn12. Maarten Krijger, Emcee, Financial Advisor, Netherlands13. Vivian Poppas, Operations Assistant, Employee, Second Blessing Thrift Store14. Gary Justice, Bus Driver/Maintenance, Employee, School District15. Lisa Wenzel-Breneman, Stage Coordinator, Owner at WNC Farm to Table16. Rolf Kaufman, Founding Board Member, Happily Retired, Waynesville17. Bill Cole, former Board President, Happily Retired, community volunteer, Waynesville18. Heather Davidson, Operations Crew Chief, Pursuing Master’s Degree19. Elizabeth Burson, Operations Coordinator, Assistant to CEO, Home Trust BankMany thanks to all the many people who have contributed to Folkmoot in recent years!