Big Muddy Folk Festival 2021 is tentatively scheduled for either June or October

As 2020 began to unfold we were somewhat surprised in March to
consider cancelling the festival; a decision that grew more obvious as time progressed. We thought then that it would surely be over in a year; but as the virus has spread, the decision to be in-seat at Thespian Hall in April 2021 doesn’t seem likely to happen.

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. Discussing the possible possibilities in a Zoom
meeting our festival committee has two contingents: We can do an outdoor festival at the Cooper County Fairgrounds in June where and when we could maintain social distancing guidelines, or we can wait until October when we believe we could be back indoors.

We believe we can make a decision during this month based on what we continue to learn about the vaccine distribution and the spread of the virus. As anxious as we are to bring our festival back we know it is senseless to increase a health risk in the ensuing months.

 

Thespian Hall
Boonville, MO

The Friends of Historic Boonville is proud to sponsor the Big Muddy Folk Festival, held in April each 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 the past 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 888-588-1477.  Tickets go on sale in March 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

10:00 AM
Guitar DADGAD an Drop D with David Lynn Grimes at Turner Hall
Beginning Appalachian Clogging with Ellie Grace at Thespian Hall
Shape Note Singing with Dave Para at Episcopal Church
Empowering Women Grounded Singing with Artemisia at Presbyterian Church Sanctuary 

11:00 AM
Intro to Harmony Singing by Ear with Leela & Ellie Grace at Presbyterian Fellowship Hall
Hammered Dulcimer with The Vanderveer Brothers at Thespian Hall
Backing Up Old-time, Bluegrass with Charm City Junction and Dave Para at Presbyterian Church Sanctuary
Fiddle and Banjo with Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons at Episcopal Church

12:00 – 1:00 PM
LUNCH  – BIG MUDDY BBQ AT TURNER HALL

1:00 PM
Rhythm and Hamboning with Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons at Presbyterian Fellowship Hall
Musician’s Health and Wellness with Sean McComiskey at Presbyterian Church Sanctuary
Banjo Roundup with Leela Grace, Brad Kilodner, Dave Para, and Chris Vanderveer at Thespian Hall

1:00-3:00 PM    
Instrument Petting Zoo for kids with Ashley Ernst at Turner Hall

2:00 PM
Old-Time Jam with Dave Para, Charm City Junction, and The Vanderveer Brothers at Presbyterian Fellowship Hall
Women in Harmony with Artemisia and Leela & Ellie Grace at Thespian Hall

2:00-4:00 PM
Open Stage (Song Swap) at Presbyterian Church Sanctuary

3:00 PM
Up Close with The Vanderveer Brothers at Episcopal Church

Contra Dance

A contra dance is on Friday night immediately following the performance.  The dance is held a historic Turner Hall, directly across the street from Thespian Hall.  The dance is free and open to the public.

Jam Session

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

Barbecue

A fundraising barbecue is at historic Turner Hall on Friday and Saturday from 11 am – 7 pm each day.  All proceeds go towards supporting the Friends’ organization.  Come and enjoy mouthwatering BBQ prepared by Terry Smith and his BBQ team while helping support our organization!

In January 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