It may not officially be fall, but there is a change in the air. The lighting, the crisp colors, the leaves starting to change, and the cool breeze accompanying the Evanston Folk Festival this past weekend. A place of serenity by the lakefront was the perfect place to enjoy the roots of meaningful lyrics, calming chords, beautifully designed guitars, and good food. When I think of folk, I think of music that calms me down. Artists like John Denver, Joni Mitchell, and even modern artists like Taylor Swift hopped on the Folklore train. So I was ready to explore other establishing artists from around my generation who are bringing folk to new audiences.
I arrived on Saturday to a vibrant scene. Women in cowgirl boots, and hippie skirts, mingled with men in cowboy hats. There were three separate stages with plenty to see. I spotted families setting up on the ground in picnic fashion, and people of all ages walking around the windy lakefront and beautiful nature scene. Amid this lively atmosphere, I met an artist named David who beautifully captured the day by painting. He had stopped painting and after a six-year hiatus came back to it. His painting looked like he never stopped. So many stopped on their journey to talk to him; further encapsulating how the day’s art would open up people’s hearts.
The main stage showcased an array of contemporary folk artists starting with Guatemalan singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno. She shared some of her recent work, including Latin Grammy-nominated songs, and excitedly announced her upcoming appearance on Good Morning America days after the festival. Next on the roster was the Texas-based band Chaparelle. They presented themselves with a beautiful aesthetic. Zella Day and Jesse Woods expressed their unity by rocking beige tones, and their banjo player Beau Bedford was in a zebra jumpsuit with painted nails. The band made a strong impression with their beautifully melded harmonies.
Those with anxiety like myself or who have different events going on in their lives, could immediately feel that tension wear off once Mon Rovia hits the stage. Recently on his “Heal with Others” tour, his calm aura, ukulele, and the added touch of the waves crashing beside him was the perfect way to spend the mid-afternoon. Singer-songwriter Katie Gavin followed, accompanied by her lovely guitars, delightful humor, and her connection with Gen-Z audience members.
In the surrounding stages across the duck-filled pond was the Lagoon stage where I caught Megon McDonough’s set. She gave a delightful performance to sit in on. She told tales of writing songs based on her love of Ringo Starr from the Beatles to tapping her handmade drum that looked like an authentic Native American drum. Many of the older audience loved walking along the pond with one another and listening to her set.
The other stage I checked in on was the Dawes set, which featured more grassroots folk music. I caught a few performances at this stage, but my standouts were The Lowest Pair and Jontavious Willis. The Lowest Pair lived up to their name and infused their set with plenty of humor. Between songs, they regaled the audience with tales from a previous cannabis-sponsored festival where they'd overindulged. Forgetting what was happening in that moment, and having to play 40 minutes because they forgot, made me and the audience laugh at the thought of that, but proved the group’s storytelling capabilities.
Jontavious. Such a lyrical name. A delight from Georgia, who was performing deep soulful songs. Songs of his own making, but even paying homage to Robert Johnson; a blues player who sadly like an array of musicians, died at the age of 27. Jon was really witty with his audience, played guitar like nobody’s business (even with his bracelet)! He brought the mood to a wonderful transition into the evening.
I highly recommend attending Evanston Folk Festival either as a guest, or after I witnessed musicians with their pretty guitars, with notebooks in tow, come to experience humble beginnings as an artist. Even artists from around the country were here, such as musicians from a Tracy Chapman Tribute I saw at Evanston Space the night before. All in all, even if folk isn’t your genre, I believe the festival packed a variety of something for everyone. Evanston Folk Fest in the words of John Denver, felt like country roads taking me home.
All photos by Lyra Wilson.