There’s folk music everywhere. Even in southern Minnesota. Too stiff to be the harvesting music of the south, more structure and theory than the laid-back “dirges” of the Appalachians, and not quite nasally enough to be paddling chants of the French traders, the folk music of Minnesota is just, well, folksy.
Good for us admirers of folk music that there are a few local places to hear it. Even better for listeners is that there is usually no admittance charge associated with folk music. But what’s good for the audience doesn’t necessarily make folk musician a sustainable profession. Even farmers are treated to a good year now and then.
If I had to epitomize folk music in one local band it would be Folky Dokey. Unabashed playing of the greats from the 60s and 70s like Peter, Paul and Mary, and further back to the Carter Family, back when we used to call it country music. All songs you can’t help want to sing along with.
Folky Dokey is Bruce Davis and Don and Joni Myers of St. Peter, Minnesota. Joni sings and plays autoharp. Don Myers sings and plays mountain dulcimer, guitar and autoharp. Bruce sings and plays six and twelve-string guitar.
Bruce also hosts the Tuesday Night Folk Scene on KMSU 89.7 FM, every Tuesday of course, from 7 – 9 p.m. It’s required listening in my house. Great folk music, old, new, foreign and local. And it’s commercial free. I love it!
Henderson is bringing back their summer Music on Main series, and the schedule looks better than ever. The Kickoff was last weekend at Charlie’s Parking lot, and now this Friday moves back to the usual spot, on the patio next to the Drug Store. Don’t miss Folky Dokey, Friday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m. next to the drug store. It’s free, and there’s ice cream right next door.
MUSIC ON MAIN SCHEDULE
Friday Nights with music starting at 6:30 p.m.
May 23 – Folky Dokey
May 30 – Marti Ryan Family & Friends
June 6 – Amy Korteum (Harpist)
June 13 – Thoughts From Beyond
June 20 – Depot Creek Stringband
To get a sample of some more good folk music, cheap and local, check out: KMSU 89.7 FM.
