Well-Known Performers and Festival Favorites Including Rod MacDonald and Anne Hills Headline the All-Day 20th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival Sunday, July 17th

A diverse musical line-up ranging from traditional folk music through blues, spirituals, Celtic, and contemporary folk, celebrates the 20th Annual Woodstock Folk Festival in Woodstock, Illinois on the famed Woodstock Square

(PRWEB) July 14, 2005 -- With a diverse musical line-up ranging from traditional folk music through blues, spirituals, Celtic, and contemporary folk, with a little bit of sing-along and storytelling, too...the Festival offers something for everyone.

Performing on the Festival's Main Stage will be well-known performers and festival favorites such as:
Mark Dvorak - a folk singer's folk singer who follows in the footsteps of Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, Big Bill Broonzy, and Art Thieme. His roots are in Chicago, but since '81 he's been criss-crossing the country performing, teaching and learning all the while. Mark's concerts and recordings have been hailed as "a refreshing and significant portrait of the living folk tradition." Mark will also be conducting this year's workshop "Spontaneous Folk Ensemble", a hands-on, interactive workshop.

Anne Hills - a major force in Chicago's fertile folk scene since '76 and co-founder of Hogeye Music and folklore center, Anne received notable recognition for her work, including the World Folk Music Association's '02 Kate Wolf Memorial Award and Kerrville's Female Vocalist of the Year in '97.

Rod MacDonald - an international performer who has been entertaining audiences worldwide for almost three decades with his wry humor, timeless ballads, modern folk songs, and musical versatility, Rod is as distinctive an entertainer as he is a songwriter. "One of the most politically and socially aware lyricists of our time" says All-Music Guide of Rod, whose music is a tapestry of journalistically insightful lyrics and poetic imagery as he weaves his trademark deliciously satirical political and social commentaries in betweeen stand-out romantic ballads.

Carol Ponder - an Appalachian-born and bred singer of ballads and folksongs in the Southern Mountain Tradition, Carol conveys her connection to the mountains through music and storytelling. A cappella ballads are at the heart of her performances, but she also plays guitar, autoharp, and spoons with accomplishment. Her repertoire includes both old and new ballads and folk songs.

Claudia Russell - a two-time finalist in the Kerrville New Folk songwriting competition. But in addition to writing evocative songs, Claudia is known for her vocal talents. She is an expressive and versatile singer, as at home on a soulful ballad as a Buddy Holly-style romp. The Milwaukee Sentinel says Claudia's voice "...was born to sing folk music. She breaks hearts."

Small Potatoes - nationally touring, Chicago-based duo offering an eclectic mix of music ranging from "Celtic to Cowboy" including country, blues, swing and Irish - with songwriting that touches on all of those styles and more. Folk singer Bill Staines says Small Potatoes are "wonderful; fun, energetic, and great musicians. They're two of my favorite performers."

The Masthouse - a 25-year strong tradition that provides a unique venue where participants can grow in experience and skill - a place where music, art, and community come together in an atmosphere of encouragement, acceptance, and diversity. Members of the Masthouse community will celebrate and share the "Masthouse Band" tradition as they start the afternoon with a sing-along.

While most of the Festival takes place outdoors on Woodstock Square, the storytelling stage will be at the air-conditioned Stage Left Cafe' adjacent to the Woodstock Opera House on the Square). In case of rain, the festival will be held in the Old Court House Arts Center, also on the Square.

Admission to the Festival beginning at 12 Noon through 6:00 PM is a suggested donation of $10 for adults, $20 for families and $7 for students and seniors. For more information, contact Annemarie Serra at 815-479-9933 or woodstockfolkfest@sbcglobal.net Or visit www.woodstockfolkmusic.com.

The Woodstock Square is conveniently located a few blocks west of Illinois Route 47, and is easily accessible from Routes I-90, 14 and 120. There is parking around the perimeter of the Square and handicapped accessible facilities are available. Woodstock is also accessible via the Union Pacific/Northwest Metra Line which runs from Chicago to Harvard. The Woodstock train station is located only 1 block from the Woodstock Square.

Woodstock Folk Festival, Inc. is a non-profit organization based in Woodstock, Illinois, about 65 miles northwest of Chicago. Its purpose is to bring quality folk music - both local and national - to the McHenry County area. In addition to the annual Festival, the group sponsors spring and fall concerts featuring artists such as Tom and Chris Kastle, Erika Luckett, David Massengill, Lee Murdock and others.

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