Richmond Folk Festival in the Schools

Returning after a hiatus of several years, the Richmond Folk Festival once again fills auditoriums and classrooms at Richmond-area schools with performances and presentations of deeply rooted cultural expressions, shared by some of the country’s finest traditional artists. These programs not only expose children to performances by excellent artists; they also provide them with opportunities to learn about new cultures, communities, and artistic traditions, expanding their horizons with interactive, multicultural learning experiences. Often these outreach programs reach students who have limited access to cultural enrichment opportunities.

This year the festival will also be launching a new collaboration, as Chicago-based blues musician Melody Angel visits the State Farm Correctional Center, where she will perform and share a musical collaboration with the inmates there. 

These programs are made possible through the generous support of the festival’s sponsors, especially its school shows partner, JAMinc, who provides transportation, audio support, and local on-site coordination.

2023 participating performers:

• Genticorum (Québécois)

• Grupo Mono Blanco (son jarocho)

• Helobung (traditional Tboli music and dance)

• Kala Ramnath (Hindustani violin)

• Melody Angel (Chicago blues)

• Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas (zydeco)

• Stanley & the Ten Sleepless Knights (quelbe music)

Participating schools:

• Albert Hill Middle School

• Francis W. McClenney Elementary School

• Henry Marsh Elementary School

• Miles Jones Elementary School

• River City Middle School

• Virgie Binford Education Center

• Westover Hills Elementary School

• William Fox Elementary School

• Woodville Elementary School

 *Artists and schools are subject to change.