Big Muddy Folk Festival is scheduled for November 12 & 13, 2021

Readers of Missouri Life magazine last year voted the Big Muddy their favorite music festival, and we are committed to bringing this festival back for years to come.  As anxious as we are to bring our festival back we know it is senseless to increase a health risk in the ensuing months.  It may look slightly different in November, but our goal is to have as normal of an event as we are able to hold.

 

Thespian Hall
Boonville, MO

The Friends of Historic Boonville is proud to sponsor the Big Muddy Folk Festival.  Normally held in April each year, due to the ongoing COVID status, it was moved to November for this year.  This two day, nationally-recognized folk festival focuses on traditional, ethnic and folk music with concerts, workshops, jam sessions, demonstrations, master classes, exhibits, a dance and barbeque.  The Festival has been under the artistic direction of Dave Para & the late Cathy Barton since its inception in 1992.  Under Dave and Cathy’s direction, nationally known artists have performed on the stage of historic Thespian Hall for over 28 years!

Click here for the 2021 Big Muddy Folk Festival Lineup

Concerts

 Concerts are held on Friday and Saturday nights at historic Thespian Hall (522 Main Street), the  oldest continuing operating theater West of the Allegheny Mountains.  Concerts begin at 7:00 pm and feature multiple different artists each evening.  Click here to purchase tickets  or call 660-882-7977.  Tickets go on sale in September 27, 2021, at 10:00 a.m..

Workshops 

Vocal, instrumental, and dance instructional workshops are offered on Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm.  Workshops are located within walking distance of Thespian Hall and are lead by various festival performing artists.  Workshops change every hour offering a variety to satisfy everyone’s interest.  Workshop fee is just $5.00 for the day or free with a purchase of a festival series tickets.  Reservations for the workshops are not required.

ALL WORKSHOPS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE adn the schdule will be released as soon as it is finalized.

10:00 AM
Listening to the Muse with Joe and David – Thespian Hall
Fiddlers Gathering with April and John – Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall
Missouri Creole Music with Dennis Stroughmatt – Episcopal Church

11:00 AM
Step Dance with April – Thespian Hall
Hammered Dulcimer with Rick Thum – Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall
Gospel Songs with Joe, Matt, Harmony, & Dave – Presbyterian Church Sanctuary

1:00 PM
Guitar: Drop D and DADGAD Tuning with David Grimes – Thespian Hall
Banjo Rendezvous with Joe and Dave – Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall
Everybody Sing: For the Sake of the Song with Matt – Presbyterian Church Sanctuary
Arkansas Stories in the Songs of Charlie Sandage with Harmony – Episcopal Church

2:00 PM
Old-Time Jam with Harmony, Dave, Joe, April & Rick – Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall
Open Stage with Buzz Keiper hosting – Presbyterian Church Sanctuary

3:00 PM
Lear a Fiddle Tune with Dave Smith – Episcopal Church

Contra Dance

Generally, a contra dance is on Friday night immediately following the performance.  Due to the pandemic, we will NOT be holding the dance this year.

Jam Session

Jam session are held in various times through the festival.  Bring your instrument and join in!

Barbecue

We will not be holding our fundraising BBQ this year, due to the pandemic.  We encourage all visitors to check out the many eating establishments that Boonville has to offer.

In September we will be sending out “The Soundings”, a newsletter with all the programming details for the upcoming festival.  If you would like to be added to our mailing list please email fohboonville@gmail.com with your name and mailing address.

For information about past festivals go to http://www.bigmuddy.org