National Folk Festival Announces Roster of Returning and New Sponsors for 2016

"Greensboro, N.C., August 31, 2016  — The National Folk Festival announced today its entire list of sponsors for 2016. The 2016 Festival will run in downtown Greensboro from 6 – 10:30 pm on Friday, September 9; from noon – 10:30 pm on Saturday, September 10; and from noon – 6:30 pm on Sunday, September 11. More than 100,000 people attended the Festival in 2015 over the course of the three-day weekend.

“We are delighted to have such a robust group of sponsors partnering with us on the National Folk Festival,” said ArtsGreensboro President and CEO Tom Philion, who leads the Festival fundraising efforts. “Not only have many longtime ArtsGreensboro supporters chosen to support the Festival, but many new organizations have also joined in this effort to provide a FREE, three-day weekend celebrating the roots and heritage of all Americans.”

These sponsors are new for 2016:

·      BB&T: Sponsoring the N.C. Folklife Area

·      Duke Energy: Dance Pavilion Co-Sponsor

·      North Carolina Education Lottery: Dance Pavilion Co-Sponsor

·      Downtown Greensboro, Inc.: Festival Trolley Sponsor

·      Mickey Truck Bodies: Volunteer program Sponsor

·      ITG Brands

·      Allen Tate: VIP Viewing Area Sponsor

·      Ben & Jerry’s: Creamy Frozen Dessert Sponsor

·      Kona Ice of Greensboro: Icy Frozen Dessert Sponsor

These sponsors are returning in 2016:

·      VF Corporation: Wrangler Stage

·      Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina: Lawn Stage

·      City of Greensboro

·      Greensboro Convention and Visitors Bureau

·      Action Greensboro and Its Supporting Foundations, including

o   Joseph M. Bryan Foundation

o   Cemala Foundation

o   Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation

o   Phillips Foundation

·      North Carolina Arts Council: N.C. Folklife Area

·      Cone Health: Wellness Sponsor

·      PNC Bank: N.C. Arts Marketplace Sponsor

·      Guilford County

·      Lincoln Financial Group

·      National Endowment for the Arts: Fabric of Freedom

·      AJ Fletcher Foundation: Fabric of Freedom

·      Deuterman Law Group: Festival Mobile App Sponsor

·      Foothills Brewing Company: Craft Beer Co-Sponsor

·      Natty Greene’s Brewing Co.: Craft Beer Co-Sponsor

·      Lincoln Financial Foundation: Fabric of Freedom

·      McDonald’s: Family Stage Sponsor

·      Weaver Foundation

·      Wells Fargo: Family Area Sponsor

·      The Carroll Companies: Artist Sponsor

·      Guilford Merchants Association: Info Booth Sponsor

·      NC by Train/Amtrak: Transportation Sponsor

·      Pepsi Bottling Ventures: Beverage Sponsor

·      Senn Dunn Insurance & PURE Insurance: Opening Reception Sponsors

·      O.Henry & Proximity Hotels: Hospitality Partners

·      AT&T North Carolina: Artist Sponsor

·      Bank of America: Artist Sponsor

·      Craft Insurance: Artist Sponsor

·      North Carolina Folklife Institute

·      All-State Restaurant Equipment

Media sponsors for 2016 include:

·      News & Record

·      Our State magazine

·      Capitol Broadcasting Company

·      iHeart Media

·      Fox 8

·      WFDD

·      UNC-TV

·      WBRF

·      Guilford County Women’s Journal

In-kind sponsors for 2016 include:

·      All-State Restaurant Equipment

·      Caffey Distributing

·      Carolina Theatre

·      Greensboro Grasshoppers

·      North Carolina Folklife Institute

·      PTI Airport

·      The Printery

·      Replacements, Ltd.

·      R.H. Barringer

·      Tech Triad

Approximately 300 artists—musicians, dancers, storytellers, and craftspeople—will take part in the National Folk Festival, with more than 40 different musical groups performing on eight outdoor performance venues throughout downtown Greensboro.

To learn more about all these artists, their traditions, and their stories, please visit nationalfolkfestival.com/performers and connect with the Festival on social media:

·      #NCFolkFest

·      Twitter: @NtlFolkFestNC

·      Instagram: NationalFolkFestNC

·      YouTube: National Folk Festival NC

# # #

About the 2016 National Folk Festival: Co-produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) and ArtsGreensboro, the National Folk Festival is celebrating the second year of its three-year residency in downtown Greensboro in 2016. The FREE, three-day event is America’s longest-running festival of traditional arts. nationalfolkfestival.com

About the National Folk Festival: Since it was first presented in St. Louis in 1934, the National Folk Festival has celebrated the roots, richness, and variety of American culture. Championed in its early years by Eleanor Roosevelt, it was the first event of national stature to present the arts of many nations, races, and languages on equal footing. An exuberant traveling festival that embraces the diverse cultural expressions of the American people in the 21st century, the National Folk Festival is FREE to the public, and is produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) in partnership with communities around the country.

About the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA): The National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) is one of the nation’s premier non-profit cultural organizations dedicated to the presentation and documentation of folk, tribal, and ethnic arts in the United States. Founded in 1933, it is the nation’s oldest producing and presenting organization with such a focus. Its programs celebrate and honor deeply rooted cultural expressions—music, crafts, stories, and dance passed on through time by families and communities as well as by tribal, ethnic, and occupational groups. The NCTA stresses excellence and authenticity in presenting artists to the public in festivals, tours, concerts, media programs, exhibitions, recordings, and other activities, and works in partnership with communities across American to establish new, sustainable traditional arts events that bring lasting social, cultural, and economic benefits. www.ncta-usa.org

About ArtsGreensboro: With an annual budget of approximately $3.5 million, ArtsGreensboro is a catalyst for innovation to build recognition and support for the arts. Through its ArtsFund-supported grant programs, the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival, the Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series, I HEART ARTS Month, and other opportunities including the National Folk Festival, ArtsGreensboro is driving the health and vitality of our community by supporting arts education, celebrating the diversity of Greensboro, and driving economic impact through excellence in arts programming. artsgreensboro.org"

- A Press Release

ArtsGreensboro and City Announce Concert Lineup For Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series, Running May 1 - July 9

Ten free, family-friendly outdoor concerts in

Barber Park will feature a tremendous variety of artists

"The countdown for an unforgettable series of free evening concerts has begun! Today ArtsGreensboro and the City of Greensboro announced the schedule and lineup for the new Levitt AMP Music Series, which will run at Jimmie I. Barber Park in East Greensboro from May 1 through July 9, 2016.

Sponsored in part by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, a private family foundation that empowers communities to shine a light on public spaces through the power of free, live music, the Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series will feature a diverse lineup of high-caliber artists spanning genres including blues, Latin, spoken word, gospel, R&B, jazz, country, West African, soul, hip hop, funk, rock 'n roll, and more.

The concerts on June 12 and June 19 are presented in partnership with Music for a Sunday Evening in the Park (MUSEP).

Share this exciting news with your friends on Facebook by liking and sharing this post: Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series Facebook post

Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series Concert dates and artists 

Sunday, May 1 

• Gate City Divas (funk, R&B, and blues) at 7 pm, with
• The Bailey Heavenly Sounds Shout Band from United House of Prayer for All People opening at 6 pm

Sunday, May 8

• Bio Ritmo (Latin dance) at 7 pm, with
• Africa Unplugged (West African) opening at 6 pm

Sunday, May 15

• Tom Principato (blues) at 7 pm, with
• The Healing Blues Project opening at 6 pm

Saturday, May 28

• The Poetry Café featuring Abyss and UpRite Lions (spoken word and hip hop) at 6 pm

Sunday, May 29

• Carolyn Malachi (R&B) at 7 pm, with
• the Larry Draughn Music Group featuring Vanessa Ferguson (North Carolina jazz, gospel, and blues) opening at 6 pm

Saturday, June 4

• Greensboro's Tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharpe, hosted by Logie Meachum with Lalenja Harrington, Leeda Lyric Jones, and Jasmé Kelly (gospel, R&B, and blues) at 6 pm

Sunday, June 12 

Presented in partnership with Music for a Sunday Evening in the Park (MUSEP)

• Piedmont Triad Jazz Orchestra, with featured vocalist Nishah Dimeo at 6 pm

Sunday, June 19 

Presented in partnership with Music for a Sunday Evening in the Park (MUSEP)

• The Suffers (Gulf Coast soul) at 7 pm, with
• Caleb Caudle (traditional country) opening at 6 pm

Thursday, June 30

• Diali Cissokho & KairaBa (West African dance) at 7 pm, with
• Super Yamba Band (West African Afrobeat, and psychedelic funk) opening at 6 pm

Saturday, July 9

• The Broadcast (rock 'n roll and Americana) at 7 pm, with
• Molly McGinn & Quilla (Americana and electronic) opening at 6 pm

Barber Park is located at 1500 Dans Road in Greensboro. For all concerts, grounds will open at 5 pm, with the opening act starting at 6 pm and the headliner starting at 7 pm. All concerts should end by 8:30 pm.

The public is encouraged to bring picnics, blankets, and lawn chairs to sit on the grass at Barber Park. Food trucks will also be available.

The public is encouraged to bring picnics, blankets, and lawn chairs to sit on the grass at Barber Park. Food trucks will also be available.

District 1 Council Member Sharon Hightower, whose district includes Barber Park, said, "I'm so excited about this concert series in beautiful Barber Park, which is located in East Greensboro and is one of the premier parks in our region. By introducing new audiences to the park through the concert series, the park will become even more of a destination for people across the city and throughout the Triad."  

In January, Greensboro was named one of 15 small to mid-sized towns and cities across the country to win a Levitt AMP Grant Award of $25,000 in matching funds to present a free concert series. In an effort to inspire and engage communities across the country around the power of creative placemaking, the Levitt Foundation invited the public to choose the Top 25 Finalists through online voting.

ArtsGreensboro encourages supporters to share the news about the Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series by using the hashtags #LevittAMPgso and #getAMPedgso on social media.

For more information, visit artsgreensboro.org/levitt-amp. "

- A Press Release

ArtsGreensboro Accepting Nominations for 2016 Arts in Business Award

Nominations recognizing small businesses

must be submitted by April 12, 2016

"Greensboro, N.C., March 23, 2016 — ArtsGreensboro, in partnership with the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, Guilford Merchants Association, and the North Carolina Entrepreneurship Center at UNCG, is accepting nominations for the 2016 Arts in Business Award. This annual award recognizes a Greensboro small business for its leadership and commitment to the arts and its impact on the arts over the past year, as measured by activities, projects, and/or events in support of any aspect of the arts.

To be eligible, a nominee must be a Greensboro business with 100 or fewer employees. Foundations, individual philanthropists, government agencies, and arts organizations are not eligible.

Last year’s award recognized Tate Street Coffee for serving as a collaborative meeting space for artists; welcoming artists, musicians, poets, and writers to exhibit and perform their works; and hosting a variety of arts-related events every year.

This year’s recipient will be honored at the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards Luncheon at the Greensboro Coliseum on Thursday, May 5, 2016.

Nominations for the 2015 Arts in Business Award are due to ArtsGreensboro no later than 5 pm on Tuesday, April 12, 2016. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to nominated their own businesses or another that fulfills the criteria. Nomination forms are available at artsgreensboro.org.

About ArtsGreensboro

With an annual budget of approximately $4 million, ArtsGreensboro is a catalyst for innovation to build recognition and support for the arts. Through its ArtsFund-supported grant programs, the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival, the Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series, I HEART ARTS Month, and other opportunities including the National Folk Festival, ArtsGreensboro is driving the health and vitality of our community by supporting arts education, celebrating the diversity of Greensboro, and driving economic impact through excellence in arts programming. artsgreensboro.org"

- A Press Release

National Folk Festival Taps Music Industry Veteran to Build National Partnerships

Art Menius, a

co-founder of Folk Alliance International and the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), led MerleFest’s marketing and media relations for 10 years

"Greensboro, N.C., February 24, 2016 — The National Folk Festival announced today that it has tapped North Carolinian Art Menius to assist in forging genre-specific relationships with media and other potential music-industry partners. The 76^th National Folk Festival will take place in downtown Greensboro from September 9 – 11, 2016, when it will celebrate the second year of its three-year residency in Greensboro.

Menius, a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, has spent more than 30 years with various nonprofit arts and music organizations, including Appalshop in Whitesburg, Kentucky; The ArtsCenter in Carrboro, North Carolina; and MerleFest in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, where he served as Associate Festival Coordinator for 10 years. A co-founder of both Folk Alliance International and the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), Menius is also a prolific writer and reviewer of American roots music.

“Art has incredible contacts and deep expertise across the music industry,” said Tom Philion, President and CEO of ArtsGreensboro, which is co-producing the National Folk Festival with the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) during its North Carolina residency. “It’s a real coup for the Festival to work with him on building music-industry partnerships at a national level.”

In 2015, the 75^th National Folk Festival attracted more than 102,000 attendees to downtown Greensboro for a FREE, three-day weekend. Based on survey data, organizers expect attendance to grow substantially in 2016—by as much as 30% or more.

Approximately 300 artists—musicians, dancers, storytellers, and craftspeople—will take part in the National Folk Festival in 2016, with more than 30 different musical groups performing on as many as seven outdoor performance venues throughout downtown Greensboro. To date, nine artists—across a wide range of genres—have been announced for the 2016 Festival, including DJ Grandmaster Flash, Balsam Range, Clinton Fearon & the Boogie Brown Band, Leonardo Sandoval, Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Nathalie, the Quebe Sisters, Super Chikan & the Fighting Cocks, and The Alt. More performers will be announced as they are confirmed.

###

About the 2016 National Folk Festival: Co-produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) and ArtsGreensboro, the National Folk Festival is celebrating the second year of its three-year residency in downtown Greensboro in 2016. The FREE, three-day event is America’s longest-running festival of traditional arts. nationalfolkfestival.com

About the National Folk Festival: Since it was first presented in St. Louis in 1934, the National Folk Festival has celebrated the roots, richness, and variety of American culture. Championed in its early years by Eleanor Roosevelt, it was the first event of national stature to present the arts of many nations, races, and languages on equal footing. An exuberant traveling festival that embraces the diverse cultural expressions of the American people in the 21st century, the National Folk Festival is FREE to the public, and is produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) in partnership with communities around the country.

About the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA): The National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) is one of the nation’s premier non-profit cultural organizations dedicated to the presentation and documentation of folk, tribal, and ethnic arts in the United States. Founded in 1933, it is the nation’s oldest producing and presenting organization with such a focus. Its programs celebrate and honor deeply rooted cultural expressions—music, crafts, stories, and dance passed on through time by families and communities as well as by tribal, ethnic, and occupational groups. The NCTA stresses excellence and authenticity in presenting artists to the public in festivals, tours, concerts, media programs, exhibitions, recordings, and other activities, and works in partnership with communities across American to establish new, sustainable traditional arts events that bring lasting social, cultural, and economic benefits. www.ncta-usa.org

About ArtsGreensboro: With an annual budget of approximately $4 million, ArtsGreensboro is a catalyst for innovation to build recognition and support for the arts. Through its ArtsFund-supported grant programs, the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival, the Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series, I HEART ARTS Month, and other opportunities including the National Folk Festival, ArtsGreensboro is driving the health and vitality of our community by supporting arts education, celebrating the diversity of Greensboro, and driving economic impact through excellence in arts programming. artsgreensboro.org"

- A Press Release

ArtsGreensboro Announces 2016 Regional Artist Grant Recipients

Fifteen artists from Guilford, Alamance, Randolph, and Rockingham Counties receive funds to further their development as professional artists

Greensboro, N.C., January 14, 2016 — ArtsGreensboro announced today the recipients of its 2016 Regional Artist Grants.

The Regional Artist Grant program is designed to support exceptionally talented visual, performing, literary, and interdisciplinary artists at all stages of their careers. Funding allows the recipients to pursue projects that will further their professional artistic development. ArtsGreensboro coordinates the Regional Artists Grant program on behalf of a consortium of five counties: Alamance, Caswell, Guilford, Randolph, and Rockingham. Funding is provided by the North Carolina Arts Council and matched locally by participating Arts Councils.

This year ArtsGreensboro received 41 applications—a record for this program—with requests for more than $78,000 in funding.

After an in-depth review and selection process, 15 artists received a total of $18,000 in funding for projects that will take place throughout 2016.

“ArtsGreensboro is privileged to coordinate the Regional Artist Grant program for five counties,” said Tom Philion, ArtsGreensboro President and CEO. “Funding from these grants gives artists the opportunity to focus on their own professional development—something that is often too expensive for artists to undertake on their own.”

The grant recipients and their projects include:

·      Emily Brenner, Guilford County: Somatics in Practice: The Fully Embodied Dancer

·      Kathryn Gauldin, Rockingham County: Multiple-Harness Computer-Interface Loom

·      Stephanie D. Gray, Guilford County: “Black and Blue Boys/Broken Men”

·      Lynette James, Guilford County: T.J. Weyler Author Platform

·      Daniel Johnston, Randolph County: “821-835” Installation

·      Suellen McCrary, Guilford County: Contemporary Life Studies

·      Ron Rozzelle, Alamance County: “Elements: Fire”

·      Joseph Sand, Randolph County: Kiln Shelves for New Sculpture Line

·      Julia Ridley Smith, Guilford County: Writing Residency

·      Kelly L. Taylor, Guilford County: New Studio Equipment and Supplies

·      Barbara Campbell Thomas, Guilford County: “The Climax Home Project”

·      Ed Walker, Randolph County: Sculpture Workshop

·      Alexandra Joye Warren, Guilford County: “Uplift Girls”

·      Lynn C. Willis, Randolph County: “Hush Now: An Ava Logan Mystery”

·      Stephanie J. Woods, Guilford County: “When You Look at Me”

For more information about ArtsGreensboro’s Regional Artist Grant program and other grant programs, please contact Development Manager Chip Berry at 333-373-7523, x243, or visit artsgreensboro.org. The deadline for the next round of Regional Artist Grants will be November 2016.

###

About ArtsGreensboro

With an annual budget of approximately $4 million, ArtsGreensboro is a catalyst for innovation to build recognition and support for the arts. Through its ArtsFund-supported grant programs, the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival, I HEART ARTS Month, and other opportunities including the National Folk Festival, ArtsGreensboro is driving the health and vitality of our community by supporting arts education, celebrating the diversity of Greensboro, and driving economic impact through excellence in arts programming. artsgreensboro.org"

- A Press Release

Vote Now for ArtsGreensboro to Receive Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant for Live Music Series

Fifteen small-to-mid-sized cities will receive funds to produce their own 10-week, outdoor Levitt AMP Music Series in 2016

Online voting is open through November 30, 2015

"ArtsGreensboro is vying with 39 other cities to bring a 10-week, live, outdoor music series to Barber Park in Greensboro in 2016. The only way for ArtsGreensboro to emerge as one of the 15 winners is for people across our community to vote online for ArtsGreensboro’s proposal.

Sponsored by Levitt Pavilions, the national nonprofit behind the largest free concert series in America, the Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards will provide up to $25,000 in matching funds to 15 nonprofits (or municipalities partnering with nonprofits) to produce their own Levitt AMP Music Series featuring a diverse lineup of professional musicians.

Following the success of the 2015 National Folk Festival—a free, three-day event that brought more than 100,000 people to Downtown Greensboro to enjoy a tremendous variety of performers and musical genres—ArtsGreensboro’s Levitt AMP proposal, supported by the City of Greensboro, envisions a series of free concerts highlighting a variety of genres at Barber Park. Located in East Greensboro, Barber Park—with its expansive, bowl-shaped lawns—is one of the best facilities of its kind in the region. The park is easily accessible and has benefited in recent years from over $3 million in improvements and from the nearby development of Gateway Gardens, the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, and the new Hayes Taylor YMCA.

ArtsGreensboro’s proposal is now posted on the Levitt AMP website (levittamp.org) for public voting. To be successful, ArtsGreensboro must rally community support and garner as many online votes as possible. Community support, as measured by the number of online votes received for each proposal, will be one of the key factors Levitt Pavilions takes into consideration when selecting the 15 winners.

ArtsGreensboro supporters should visit grant.levittamp.org/voter-registration-page to register and vote. Online public voting is now open; it will close on November 30 at 8 pm EST/5 pm PST. Twenty-five finalists will be selected through online voting. Levitt Pavilions will then review the finalists’ proposals and choose 15 Levitt AMP winners, which will be announced on January 5, 2016.

“People across our community love attending free, outdoor events like the National Folk Festival and MUSEP (Music for a Sunday Evening in the Park), where they can enjoy different genres and diverse performers,” said ArtsGreensboro President and CEO Tom Philion. “That’s why we’re so excited about the opportunity for Greensboro to rally around, vote for—and encourage their friends and family to vote for—ArtsGreensboro’s proposal to bring the Levitt AMP Music Series to beautiful Barber Park.”

ArtsGreensboro encourages supporters to spread the word about the Levitt AMP Grant opportunity by using the hashtags #LevittAMPgso and #getAMPedgso on social media.

Learn more at levittamp.org.

###

About Levitt AMP Awards

The Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards is an exciting matching grant program made possible by Levitt Pavilions, a national nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the social fabric of America through the power of free, live music. The Levitt AMP Music Series was created in 2014 Levitt AMP to bring the joy of free, live music to people of all ages and backgrounds living in small-to-mid-sized towns and cities, transforming neglected public spaces into thriving community destinations. levittamp.org

About ArtsGreensboro

With an annual budget of approximately $4 million, ArtsGreensboro is a catalyst for innovation to build recognition and support for the arts. Through its ArtsFund-supported grant programs, the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival, I HEART ARTS Month, and other opportunities including the National Folk Festival, ArtsGreensboro is driving the health and vitality of our community by supporting arts education, celebrating the diversity of Greensboro, and driving economic impact through excellence in arts programming. artsgreensboro.org"

- A Press Release

ArtsGreensboro Invites Arts Organizations To Submit Letters of Interest For Arts Innovation Grants

Supported by the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, the pilot Arts Innovation grant program will aid not-for-profit arts groups in engaging new audiences

"ArtsGreensboro is inviting Greensboro-based not-for-profit arts organizations to submit letters of interest for funding through its pilot Arts Innovation grants program. Supported by the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, Arts Innovation grants will enable organizations to undertake innovative approaches to engaging new audiences, with the ultimate goal of enhancing revenues through sustainable audience growth.

The Arts Innovation program is different from ArtsGreensboro’s four regular grant programs—Mission Support, Project Support, Teacher Art Grants, and Regional Artist Grants. The Arts Innovation program recognizes Greensboro’s changing arts environment; going forward, successful organizations will not only provide outstanding programming, but also develop nimble and innovative business models. The program encourages arts organizations to try bold ideas and collaborations that they could not do otherwise. Projects must be consistent with ArtsGreensboro’s strategic priorities of promoting arts education, celebrating the rich diversity of our community, and supporting economic development.

“We are delighted that the Bryan Foundation and the NEA recognize the importance of energizing arts participation across our community by helping arts organizations channel their creativity into building new audiences,” said ArtsGreensboro President and CEO Tom Philion. “The Arts Innovation grants program will allow local organizations to experiment—to try things they’ve wanted to do for years.”

The pilot program includes $50,000 to fund a variety of projects conducted through June 30, 2016, with grants ranging between $5,000 and $10,000; funding must be matched dollar-for-dollar by the organizations receiving grants. Funded organizations will provide a post-grant report accounting for use of funds and demonstrating defined and measurable outcomes including audience demographics, impact of project on audience size, earned income, and an overall analysis of the project’s success.

Not-for-profit arts organizations in Greater Greensboro with annual operating budgets over $50,000 may submit letters of interest to ArtsGreensboro outlining the project and how it will engage new audiences; impact the community; build a stronger, sustainable operating model; and address the increasingly competitive arts environment.

While there is no deadline for submitting letters of interest, projects will be evaluated and funded as requests are received; therefore, ArtsGreensboro encourages organizations to submit letters of interest as quickly as possible. Upon evaluation, organizations may be invited to submit a full proposal and budget. The ArtsGreensboro Arts Innovation Grants Committee will make funding decisions.

Before submitting letters of interest, organizations are urged to discuss their project ideas with ArtsGreensboro Development Director Chip Berry at 336-373-7523, x243 to ensure that projects meet program criteria. Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis until the grant pool is expended.

Letters of interest should be mailed to ArtsGreensboro, P.O. Box 877, Greensboro, NC 27401, or e-mailed to Development Director Chip Berry at CBerry@artsgreensboro.org.

About ArtsGreensboro

With an annual budget of approximately $4 million, ArtsGreensboro is a catalyst for innovation to build recognition and support for the arts. Through its ArtsFund-supported grant programs, the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival, I HEART ARTS Month, and other opportunities including the National Folk Festival, ArtsGreensboro is driving the health and vitality of our community by supporting arts education, celebrating the diversity of Greensboro, and driving economic impact through excellence in arts programming. artsgreensboro.org"

- A Press Release

Wells Fargo Grant to ArtsFund Creates Arts in Education Fund

Fund will support arts programs provided by local arts organizations for students in Guilford County Schools, such as cellist Shana Tucker’s Classical Music Across Cultures performances taking place in four GCS schools this week

Greensboro, N.C., September 21, 2015 — ArtsGreensboro announced today that the Wells Fargo Foundation has made a $40,000 grant to the 2016 ArtsFund campaign to establish the Wells Fargo Arts in Education Fund. This initiative will support arts programs provided by local arts organizations to students in Guilford County Schools.

“At Wells Fargo, we recognize that the arts are a vital part of the development of our youth and that students who have greater access to this curriculum do better in school—in all subject areas, “ said Clarence McDonald, Business Banking manager for Wells Fargo. “We’re honored to partner with ArtsGreensboro and the organizations it supports to bring the highest-quality arts experiences and enrichment programs into our local schools.”

“We are delighted that Wells Fargo has formalized its longstanding support of arts education by establishing this special fund,” said ArtsGreensboro President and CEO Tom Philion. “This will enable our arts organizations to routinely incorporate in-school experiences for students as they work with artists on a variety of projects. It further underscores Wells Fargo’s commitment to our children, also demonstrated by the bank’s sponsorship of the Family Area during the recent 75^th National Folk Festival.”

The first program implemented as part of the Wells Fargo Arts in Education Fund will be singer-songwriter/cellist Shana Tucker’s workshops and performances in four GCS schools on Tuesday, September 22, and Wednesday, September 23, before her public performance at The Crown at the Carolina Theatre on Wednesday evening, September 23. Presented by Classical Music Across Cultures as part of the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival, Tucker credits her genre-bending style to her jazz and classical roots interwoven with ‘80s and ‘90s pop, movie soundtracks, and world music.

“The Classical Music Across Cultures (CMAC) project arose from a passion to provide children of all backgrounds the opportunity to see and hear skilled musicians who look like them,” explained CMAC Project Coordinator Marta Richardson. “We know that children will be inspired when Shana Tucker performs at their schools, and we are so grateful to the Wells Fargo Arts in Education Fund for making her work in the schools possible.”

###

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.7 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through 8,700 locations, more than 12,500 ATMs, the internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 36 countries to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. With approximately 266,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 30 on Fortune’s 2015 rankings of America’s largest corporations. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. Wells Fargo perspectives are also available at Wells Fargo Blogs and Wells Fargo Stories.

About Wells Fargo Community Relations – Triad and West Regions

Wells Fargo is proud to support nonprofits working to strengthen communities in the Triad and Western Regions of North Carolina. We share our success as a company and invest in many organizations through charitable contributions and the volunteerism and leadership of our team members. In 2014, Wells Fargo donated more than $3.1 million to nonprofits in the Triad West Region and our team members volunteered more than 20,000 hours. 

About ArtsGreensboro

With an annual budget of approximately $4 million, ArtsGreensboro is a catalyst for innovation to build recognition and support for the arts. Through its ArtsFund-supported grant programs, the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival, I HEART ARTS Month, and other opportunities including the National Folk Festival, ArtsGreensboro is driving the health and vitality of our community by supporting arts education, celebrating the diversity of Greensboro, and driving economic impact through excellence in arts programming. artsgreensboro.org"

-A Press Release

Greensboro Police Offer Advice on How to Enjoy the National Folk Festival

"GREENSBORO, NC (Sept. 8, 2015) – The men and women of the Greensboro Police Department want everyone to enjoy the many activities offered by the National Folk Festival.

To contribute to a safe environment, additional Greensboro police will be on duty throughout the duration of the festival to ensure people have a pleasant experience. Officers will also be stationed at key roads and intersections to keep traffic flowing in an orderly manner.  Should an emergency or spontaneous occurrence arise, officers are trained to handle crisis situations and protect the people in the affected area.

The festival is expected to draw a large number of people to the area. Police want everyone to enjoy the variety of activities, and suggest the following tips when in crowds:

· Vehicle operators are reminded to be more alert and drive with caution in areas in which people congregate. Young children, especially, can be impulsive and inattentive to their surroundings. Motorists should expect the unexpected in these areas. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at intersections whether crosswalks are painted on the street or not. Vehicles must yield to people on foot.

·  Hide any valuables you leave in your car. Lock your vehicle and take the keys with you.

·  In an effort to ease traffic congestion, festival-goers may ride any Greensboro Transit Authority (GTA) bus along the route to downtown and be dropped off at The Depot, 236 E. Washington (at Church Street)—free of charge. Free transit service is also available to all transit users throughout the City during the Festival. For more information about transportations, – www.greensboro-nc.gov/FolkFestivalTransportation

· Pay attention to where you are and what is happening around you. When you arrive at your destination, take note of the officers protecting the area, their posts, and their uniforms. This will help you easily recognize them even under duress. Police stationed in public spaces are trained to help you in an emergency.

· Report suspicious behavior and or disruptive persons to the nearest police officer.

· Immediately locate exits in your parking area and event venue. Knowing exits other than the main exit may be especially helpful if you need to escape from a potentially dangerous situation

· Protect your cash and personal property. Avoid ATMs in crowded areas. Keep your wallet in a front pocket (preferably one with a zipper). If you use a purse, hold it close to your body where you can always see it.

· Parents of children of all ages are encouraged to know their children’s whereabouts and closely supervise them around crowds. Report a lost child immediately police. Officers have established a reunification tent on Church Street near Lindsay Street to reconnect families.

For more information about getting around during the festival, go to www.greensboro.gov/FolkFestivalTraffic"

- A Press Release

17DAYS Festival Announces Its Own Concert Lineup for 2015

Tickets available now for Country Hammer,

Buckwheat Zydeco, Shana Tucker, and Don Flemons

17DAYS runs September 11-27, 2015

Greensboro, N.C., August 14, 2015 — 17DAYS Festival announced today that it will present four concerts during the 2015 festival, running September 11 through September 27.

Entering its fifth year, 17DAYS, hosted by ArtsGreensboro, has become the state’s largest collaborative arts and culture festival, featuring more than 100 events, exhibitions, and performances produced by more than 70 organizations, artists, and venues. In 2014, over 100,000 people attended 17DAYS events. With the addition of the 75^th National Folk Festival, which runs during 17DAYS’ opening weekend, September 11 through September 13, and is expected to draw up to 100,000 people, 17DAYS is poised to have its biggest year ever.

“17DAYS is about engaging as many members of our community as possible in the local arts scene,” said ArtsGreensboro President and CEO Tom Philion. “These concerts will appeal to a wide range of musical tastes; everyone who enjoys live music will want to attend at least one of these events.”

The concerts include:

Country Hammer: 9 pm on Thursday, September 17, at the Crown at the Carolina Theatre; Carri Smithey Band opening. Three lead singers and songwriters—each with his own unique take on American music—are backed by a group of incredible musicians. Country Hammer’s songs, nearly all of them original, elicit the full range of emotions. One minute, they’re bringing a rowdy honky-tonk crowd to a tearful hush; the next, they’re burning the place down. Tickets are $12 in advance or $16 day-of-show. Tickets available at the Carolina Theatre Box Office, 310 South Greene Street, from noon to 5 pm weekdays at 336-333-2605, or anytime at CarolinaTheatre.com.

Buckwheat Zydeco: 8:30 pm on Tuesday, September 22, at the Blind Tiger. With the three best-selling Zydeco albums of all time, Buckwheat Zydeco of Lafayette, Louisiana, features the blazing hot accordion and vocals of bandleader Stanley “Buckwheat” Doral, Jr. Now well into his 60s, Buckwheat shows no signs of slowing down, with his recent appearances on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and the band’s never-ending international tour schedule. Sponsored by the North Carolina Arts Council. Tickets are $12 in advance or $16 day-of-show. Tickets available at theblindtiger.com or at The Blind Tiger, 1819 Spring Garden Street, Greensboro.

Shana Tucker: 8:30 pm on Wednesday, September 23, at the Crown at the Carolina Theatre. A singer-songwriter and cellist, Shana Tucker credits her genre-bending ChamberSoul™ journey to the influences of her jazz and classical roots, interwoven with’80s and ‘90s pop music, movie soundtracks, and world music. Her style has been described as a mash-up of Dianne Reeves, Joni Mitchell, and Tracy Chapman, with an efficient complexity reminiscent of Bill Withers. Sponsored by Wells Fargo and the North Carolina Arts Council. Tickets are $12 in advance or $16 day-of-show. Tickets available at the Carolina Theatre Box Office, 310 South Greene Street, from noon to 5 pm weekdays at 336-333-2605, or anytime at CarolinaTheatre.com.

Dom Flemons: 8:30 pm on Sunday, September 27, at the Crown at the Carolina Theatre. A true “American Songster” who pulls from traditions of old-time folk music to create new sounds, Dom Flemons not only sings, but also plays banjo, guitar, harmonica, fife, bones, bass drum, snare drum, and quills. As a founding member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, an African American string band, Dom followed his passion of bringing traditional music to new audiences. The band won a Grammy® award for its 2011 album, Genuine Negro Jig, and was nominated in 2012 for its most recent album, Leaving Eden. Sponsored by Lincoln Financial Group and the North Carolina Arts Council. Tickets are $15 in advance or $19 day-of-show. Tickets available at the Carolina Theatre Box Office, 310 South Greene Street, from noon to 5 pm weekdays at 336-333-2605, or anytime at CarolinaTheatre.com.

###

About 17DAYS

Hosted by ArtsGreensboro, 17DAYS Festival is a public-service, collaborative listing of fall arts and cultural events produced by dozens of independent organizations, artists, and presenters. Now entering its fifth year, 17DAYS has become North Carolina’s largest collaborative festival, featuring more than 100 events, exhibitions, and performances each year. The 2015 festival will take place from September 11 through September 27. For more information, visit 17DAYSGreensboro.org or call Kaitlin Smith at 336-373-7523, x246."

- A Press Release

The National Folk Festival Announces Complete 75th-Anniversary Lineup

Representing a myriad of cultural traditions, 20 more performers—including Mavis Staples—will be showcased on seven outdoor stages during the National Folk Festival Sept. 11 – 13, 2015

"Greensboro, N.C., August 11, 2015  — The National Folk Festival today announced that it has added another group of traditional artists to the 2015 schedule. For its 75^th anniversary, the National Folk Festival will feature 300 artists on seven stages in downtown Greensboro from September 11 – 13, 2015. The three-day Festival is FREE to the public. 

“The festival is such an embarrassment of riches,” said Julia Olin, Executive Director of the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA), which is co-producing the Festival with ArtsGreensboro. “It really does offer something for everyone. If what you see on one stage is not to your taste, you can just move to another and experience something entirely different.”

More than 40 people of different backgrounds—and with a deep knowledge of traditional music and art forms—came together from across North Carolina to serve as the local Festival Programming Advisory Committee. “The local Programming Advisory Committee provided deep insights into the Triad and North Carolina cultural communities,” Olin continued. “Their thoughtful input was an invaluable addition to the Festival programming process.”

Tom Philion, President and CEO of ArtsGreensboro, said, “Nearly half of the artists we’re announcing today are from North Carolina. They will shine a bright light on the cultural richness of our state and give audiences a sense of North Carolina’s strong cultural heritage. We look forward to National Folk Festival audiences exploring all 40 performers’ unique musical, artistic, and cultural traditions as the Festival celebrates its 75^th anniversary in Greensboro—its first time ever in North Carolina.”

Philion added, “The National Folk Festival is a statewide celebration of North Carolina and American heritage. And—because of the passion and commitment of our sponsors and partners, including the City of Greensboro and local and statewide foundations—the Festival is taking place in Greensboro.”

Approximately 300 artists—musicians, dancers, puppeteers, storytellers, potters, and craftspeople—will appear during the 75^th National Folk Festival, with 40 different groups performing on seven outdoor stages throughout downtown Greensboro.

Artists announced today include:

·      Bobby Hicks ­– bluegrass fiddle: Both a fiddle innovator and a traditionalist, Bobby added a fifth string to his fiddle, creating a stylish sound filled with double-stop harmonies. A 10-time Grammy® winner, he received the North Carolina Heritage Award in 2014.

·      The Branchettes –  African American congregational hymn singing: In various configurations, The Branchettes have been performing for more than 30 years, bringing their old-time hymn-singing with piano accompaniment to audiences and congregations across N.C. and around the world.

·      The Buckstankle Boys ­– old-time and bluegrass: Schooled in the traditional music of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Buckstankle Boys also understand the need to keep their musical heritage contemporary. They brilliantly carry the torch of both old-time and bluegrass music.

·      Derek McAlister ­– circus arts: A “street” performer in the truest sense, Derek draws on a deep bag of tricks that includes clowning, mime, dance, juggling, and Chinese pole acrobatics—plus a lot of laughter—to delight audiences of all ages.

·      Down Home – Americana, blues, country, and Southern rock: Winners of Belk’s Southern Musician Showcase in 2014, Down Home captivates audiences with their “energetic, infectious blues, alternative country, folk rock, and American hybrid sound that can best be described as ‘American Rock.’”

·      Grace Chang – Chinese guzheng: Also known as the Chinese zither, the guzheng is a plucked instrument with 13 to 25 strings that originated in China over 2,500 years ago. Grace is an expert performer with the ability to bring forth the sounds of flowers blossoming or typhoons raging.

·      The Harris Brothers – Appalachian blues: Listeners often ask, “How can two people put out such a big sound?” With Reggie on guitar, Ryan on bass, and a kick-drum made from an old suitcase, the Harris Brothers draw on Appalachian bluegrass, old-time, and blues as well as country, jazz, and rock.

·      Hector Del Curto’s Tango Quartet – Argentine tango: A virtuoso player of the bandonéon, an accordion that is the driving force in tango orchestras, Del Curto masterfully leads his quartet and dancers through the intricacies of tango.

·      James Kelly & Donna Long – Irish fiddle and piano: One of the finest traditional Irish fiddlers of our time, James will be joined on stage by Donna, one of the most accomplished pianists in Irish music; currently, they are recording their first album together.

·      Jeff Little Trio ­– Blue Ridge piano trio: While the piano does not figure prominently in Appalachian music, Jeff Little is an exception. His two-handed style, much influenced by mountain flatpicked guitar tradition, is breathtaking in its speed, precision, and clarity.

·      John Dee Holeman with Williette Hinton – Piedmont blues: Now 86, Holeman has been singing and picking guitar since he was 14; he was named a National Heritage Fellow in 1988 and received a N.C. Heritage Award in 1994. Holeman will be accompanied by accomplished buck dancer Hinton.

·      Lutchinha ­– Cape Verdean: Coastal New England is home to large communities of Cape Verdeans, including Lutchinha, arguably the finest Cape Verdean singer in the U.S. With its blend of African and Portugese influences, Cape Verdean music is truly unique.

·      Mavis Staples­ – gospel, soul, R&B: One of the greatest gospel singers of all time, Mavis Staples powered one of American’s great family bands, The Staple Singers. From the traditional gospel music of the 1950s to 1960s’ protest songs, and from the self-empowerment anthems of the 1970s to the soulful love tunes of more recent decades, Mavis and her family created some of the most inspirational music of the past 50 years.

·      The Monitors – Eastern N.C. R&B, soul, jazz, and gospel: This quintessential African American entertainment band has been delivering powerful soul, R&B, jazz, and gospel for nearly 60 years. They have collaborated with symphony orchestras, and opened for Ray Charles and their own former lead singer Roberta Flack. Founding member Bill Myers, who is still with the band, received a North Carolina Heritage Award in 2014.

·      Pedrito Martinez Group – Afro-Cuban: Percussionist and vocalist Martinez wraps genres from jazz to funk and beyond into his band’s repertoire, and infuses everything the group does with the most fundamental elements of Afro-Cuban music: Yoruba chanting and the sacred beat of the batá drum. The band’s 2013 self-titled CD earned a Grammy® nomination for Best Latin Jazz Album.

·      Phil Wiggins ­– blues harmonica: Arguably America’s foremost blues harmonica virtuoso, and a master of the unique blues traditions of the Piedmont, Phil achieved worldwide acclaim as one half of the blues duo of Cephas & Wiggins. Since John Cephas’ death in 2009, Phil has brought his harmonica wizardry to a host of musical collaborations.

·      Todd Family Dancers ­– Appalachian clogging and flatfoot dance: Accomplished flatfoot and clogging dancers, Marsha and Marty Todd carry on a long tradition of traditional step dancing, comprising many styles and influences from throughout the Appalachian region.

·      Trouble Funk – go-go: While often overlooked nationally, go-go—a homegrown genre from Washington, D.C., that bridged the gap between disco and rap—is hot. One of the leading bands during go-go’s golden era of the 1980s, Trouble Funk helped spread the music from all-night dance parties in D.C. to audiences worldwide, and has presided over legendary parties up and down the East Coast for 37 years.

·      The Welch Family – Cherokee gospel: Singing gospel songs in English and Cherokee, The Welch Family carries on a 200-year-old tradition of Christian music among the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Faith and heritage come together through their bilingual songs to celebrate the Cherokee language and honor the experiences of their ancestors and community.

·      Warriors of AniKituhwa – Cherokee ceremonial dance: The official cultural ambassadors of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the Warriors of AniKituhwa present centuries-old dances, stories, history, and traditional regalia that date back to the 1700s, a time of Cherokee strength and international diplomacy. The group performs with their bodies painted red, as their ancestors did, and often invite members of the audience to participate in the Friendship Dance at the end of performances.

·      Wayne Henderson ­– Appalachian finger-picked guitar: Wayne is that Appalachian guitarist: the one who lives in a very remote area of the Blue Ridge and makes acoustic guitars—guitars that are almost impossible to get. Using a thumb pick and fingerpicks to achieve amazing speed and fluidity, Henderson transforms fiddle and banjo pieces—and even the occasional jazz standard—into stunning guitar solos.

These performers join the artists announced earlier:

·      Aurelio – Garifuna: Aurelio Martinez is a musical ambassador and champion of the Garifuna, a culturally threatened African Amerindian ethnic minority living primarily along the Caribbean coasts of Belize and Honduras.

·      Babá Ken Okulolo & the West African Highlife Band – highlife: Acclaimed Nigerian bassist Babá Ken and his all stars deliver the irresistibly danceable sounds of classic highlife.

·      Dale Watson – honky-tonk & country: A true son of the Texas musical outlaw tradition, Watson is king of uncompromising deep country.

·      The Dardanelles – traditional music of Newfoundland: Young keepers of jigs, reels, and seafaring ballads, this group performs with the energy of a punk band.

·      Frank London’s Klezmer Brass Allstars – klezmer: Led by trumpeter Frank London, the Allstars set out to capture the sound and ethos of the raucous, earthy old-country klezmorim of the 19^th century.

·      Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka & the San Francisco Taiko Doko – Japanese taiko drumming: Seiichi Tanaka is the only U.S. Grand Master of taiko, the ancient Japanese form of ritual drumming that combines percussive sound with physically demanding choreographic movement.

·      Henry Butler & Jambalaya ­– New Orleans piano professor: Versatile and gifted, this brilliant pianist’s mastery of jazz, funk, Caribbean, classical, R&B, blues, and stride piano styles is unrivaled.

·      Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers – bluegrass: A masterful Scruggs-style banjo picker and gifted singer known for his soaring high tenor, Joe Mullins leads a top-notch band.

·      Lloyd Arneach – Cherokee storyteller: A member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee, Arneach tells humorous, informative, and moving stories that appeal to all ages.

·      Los Tres Reyes – trío romántico: The gorgeous harmonies and dazzling guitar work of a beloved Latin style are honed to perfection by this celebrated trio.

·      Maggie Ingram & the Ingramettes  – gospel: One of Virginia’s premier gospel ensembles, this group’s commanding, spirit-filled performances demonstrate the extraordinary depth of talent in American gospel.

·      Marquise Knox – blues: Channeling the power of old-school masters, this prodigiously talented 24-year-old is the future of the blues.

·      Mythili Prakash Dance Ensemble – Bharata Natyam: A rising international star, this young Indian American dancer is a master of a 3,000-year-old South Indian tradition.

·      Pine Leaf Boys – Cajun: Bringing a high-energy sound to dance halls in French Louisiana, the Pine Leaf Boys have updated the fiddle-and-accordion-driven sounds of Cajun music for a new generation.

·      Rahim AlHaj – Iraqi oud: In 1991, Rahim made a harrowing escape from Baghdad and Saddam Hussein following the Persian Gulf War. A 5,000-year old tradition is now alive and well in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

·      Rhiannon Giddens – African American string band, gospel, and balladry: An untiring explorer of—and advocate for—traditional music, Rhiannon returns to her hometown of Greensboro to celebrate the 75^th National Folk Festival.

·      Sheila Kay Adams – Appalachian songs, stories, and ballads: This North Carolina treasure is the seventh generation of her family to carry on an unbroken, 350-year-old singing tradition.

·      Thomas Maupin, Daniel Rothwell & Overall Creek with Kory Posey – Appalachian buck dance and old-time music: Seventy-seven-year-old Thomas Maupin is the most renowned Tennessee buck dancer of his generation. He is the subject of the documentary Let Your Feet Do the Talkin’.

·      Yuqin Wang & Zhengli Xu – Chinese rod puppetry: Masters of an ancient tradition with strikingly lifelike puppets that have fascinated audiences for millennia.

Visit NationalFolkFestival.com for more information on all Festival performers and other Festival information."

- A Press Release

City Offers Free Bus Service to National Folk Festival September 11-13

"GREENSBORO, NC (August 10, 2015) – The City of Greensboro is offering free bus service along all routes during the National Folk Festival in downtown Greensboro from September 11-13. Festival goers can hop on any Greensboro Transit Authority (GTA) bus along the route to downtown and be dropped off, free of charge, right in the middle of the festival. Free transit service is also available to all transit users throughout the City during the festival.

“We hope people will take advantage of free public transportation to get to and from the National Folk Festival,” says Greensboro Department of Transportation Director Adam Fischer. “This is an effort to reduce traffic congestion and ease parking issues in the downtown area throughout the Festival. We also hope residents will see how easy public transit is to use and be more inclined to use it in the future.” 

Three of the City’s four parking decks, located in the central business district, will be open throughout the Festival for a flat rate of $10. The Church Street deck will be reserved for official festival use. “The decks, located on Davie, Greene, and Bellemeade streets, offer up to 2,300 parking spaces and will likely fill up quickly each day,” adds Fischer. “The limited parking capacity at the downtown decks makes the free bus rides to the National Folk Festival, which is also free, all the more attractive.”

Plan your bus trip using Google Transit or review the various routes at www.greensboro-nc.gov/BusRoutes. Find the locations of the parking decks at www.greensboro-nc.gov/ParkingDecks.

Approximately 300 artists—musicians, dancers, puppeteers, storytellers, and craftspeople—will appear during the National Folk Festival, with at least 30 different individuals and groups performing on seven outdoor performance venues throughout downtown Greensboro. The three-day Festival is free to the public.

More than 20 National Folk Festival performers have been announced to date, with further announcements scheduled throughout the summer. Visit NationalFolkFestival.com for updates and information on all performers."

- A Press Release

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina to Sponsor Stage at National Folk Festival

One of seven outdoor performance venues,

the Lawn Stage will host daytime performances

Greensboro, N.C., July 22, 2015  — The National Folk Festival announced today that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) will sponsor the Lawn Stage at the 2015 Festival, which will feature 300 artists on seven stages over three days in downtown Greensboro from September 11 – 13, 2015. The three-day Festival is FREE to the public.

The Lawn Stage is an intimate venue that will allow audience members to sit on the grass behind Elon Law School on Commerce Place at Bellemeade Street. Festivalgoers can enjoy a variety of artists on this stage over the weekend from noon to 6 pm on September 12 and September 13.

“We are thrilled to announce that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is channeling its passion for the citizens of our state by championing the 2015 National Folk Festival,” said ArtsGreensboro President and CEO Tom Philion. “By investing in the Lawn Stage, BCBSNC will provide an opportunity for thousands of audience members to enjoy performances by many of our nation’s most respected traditional artists.”

“Folk music is an expression of the rich history and culture in our state,” said Kathy Higgins, vice president of corporate affairs at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. “The National Folk Festival is an opportunity for North Carolina to host people from around the country so they can gather and enjoy music traditions that have been passed down for generations in our own communities.”

Approximately 300 artists—musicians, dancers, puppeteers, storytellers, and craftspeople—will appear during the National Folk Festival, with at least 30 different individuals and groups performing on the Lawn Stage and six other outdoor performance venues throughout downtown Greensboro.

More than 20 National Folk Festival performers have been announced to date, with further announcements scheduled throughout the summer. Visit NationalFolkFestival.com for updates and information on all performers.

###

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina improves the health and well-being of our customers and communities by providing innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.91 million members, including approximately 1 million served on behalf of other Blue Plans. Since 1933, we have worked to make North Carolina a better place to live through our support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. We have been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute every year since 2012. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit BCBSNC online at bcbsnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

About the 2015 National Folk Festival: Co-produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) and ArtsGreensboro, the National Folk Festival is beginning its three-year residency in downtown Greensboro this year, when it will celebrate its 75th anniversary from September 11 – 13, 2015. The FREE, three-day event is America’s longest-running festival of traditional arts; it will highlight both long-standing traditions and the heritage and culture of North Carolina’s newest immigrant groups, and set the stage for a continuing and permanent North Carolina Folk Festival, beginning in 2018, after the “National” moves on.

Belk is the presenting sponsor of the 2015 Festival. With downtown Greensboro as the backdrop, audiences will enjoy seven stages featuring continuous musical entertainment—from rockabilly to old-time to mariachi, and from funk to Cajun to jazz. Attendees will also be able to dance non-stop to a variety of musical genres at the dance pavilion; dine on regional and ethnic foods; experience folk art demonstrations and performances by N.C. artists; and share the fun of the Family Activities Area with their children. nationalfolkfestival.com

About the National Folk Festival: Since it was first presented in St. Louis in 1934, the National Folk Festival has celebrated the roots, richness, and variety of American culture. Championed in its early years by Eleanor Roosevelt, it was the first event of national stature to present the arts of many nations, races, and languages on equal footing. It was also the first to present to the public musical forms such as the blues, Cajun music, polka bands, Tex-Mex conjunto, Peking Opera, and many others. An exuberant traveling festival that embraces the diverse cultural expressions of the American people in the 21st century, the National Folk Festival is FREE to the public, and is produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) in partnership with communities around the country.

About the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA): The National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) is one of the nation’s premier non-profit cultural organizations dedicated to the presentation and documentation of folk, tribal, and ethnic arts in the United States. Founded in 1933, it is the nation’s oldest producing and presenting organization with such a focus. Its programs celebrate and honor deeply rooted cultural expressions—music, crafts, stories, and dance passed on through time by families and communities as well as by tribal, ethnic, and occupational groups. The NCTA stresses excellence and authenticity in presenting artists to the public in festivals, tours, concerts, media programs, exhibitions, recordings, and other activities, and works in partnership with communities across American to establish new, sustainable traditional arts events that bring lasting social, cultural, and economic benefits. www.ncta-usa.org

About ArtsGreensboro: With an annual budget of approximately $4 million, ArtsGreensboro is a catalyst for innovation to build recognition and support for the arts. Through the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival, I HEART ARTS Month, power2give, and other initiatives such as the National Folk Festival, ArtsGreensboro is driving the health and vitality of our community by supporting arts education, celebrating the diversity of Greensboro, and driving economic impact through excellence in arts programming. www.artsgreensboro.org"

- A Press Release

Natty Greene’s Brewing Co. and Foothills Brewing Company Create Innovative Partnership to Sponsor National Folk Festival

Craft Beer Sponsors will provide all beer sold at the

Sept. 11-13 Festival in downtown Greensboro

"Greensboro, N.C., July 14, 2015 — The National Folk Festival announced today that Natty Greene’s Brewing Co. and Foothills Brewing Company are joining forces to serve as the Craft Beer Sponsors for the 2015 Festival, which will feature 300 artists on seven stages over three days in downtown Greensboro. The Festival is FREE to the public and will run from September 11 – 13, 2015.

The breweries will provide all beer sold at the Festival. Attendees may purchase Natty Greene’s and Foothills beer at several locations across the Festival site, which will extend approximately a half-mile in all directions from Center City Park.

Making the announcement today at Natty Greene’s Pub in Greensboro were Jamie Bartholomaus, CEO – Foothills Brewing Company; Carlee Dempsey, Marketing Director – Natty Greene’s Brewing Co.; Florence Gatten, Board Chair – ArtsGreensboro; Tom Philion, President and CEO – ArtsGreensboro; and Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan.

“We’re so excited that two of the state’s top craft brewers have come together to support the National Folk Festival in this way,” said Philion. “With this investment, Natty Greene’s and Foothills are providing an opportunity for thousands of festival-goers to experience a new North Carolina tradition—fine craft beer.”

“When Natty Greene’s learned the scope of the National Folk Festival, we decided it would be a perfect opportunity for us to partner with another great N.C. brewery for the event,” said Carlee Dempsey. “Foothills—with its prominent position in the North Carolina craft beer industry—is the perfect partner.”

“We're thrilled to forge a partnership with our friends over at Natty Greene's to provide a great craft beer experience for the thousands of beer lovers who will attend the National Folk Festival,” said Jamie Bartholomaus. “This is a great opportunity for Foothills and Natty’s to continue making the Triad one of North Carolina's best music and craft beer destinations."

Co-produced by ArtsGreensboro and the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA), the National Folk Festival is beginning its three-year residency in downtown Greensboro this year, when it will celebrate its 75th anniversary from September 11 – 13, 2015. The three-day Festival is FREE to the public, and will feature over 300 artists on seven stages throughout downtown.

More than 20 National Folk Festival performing groups  have been announced to date, with further announcements scheduled throughout the summer. Visit NationalFolkFestival.com for updates and information on all performers.

###

About Natty Greene’s Brewing Co.: Natty Greene’s Brewing Co. opened in 2004 in Greensboro, N.C., with a seven-barrel brewing system in the heart of downtown. In 2007, Natty Greene’s opened a production facility on West Gate City Blvd. The production facility houses a 20-barrel brewing system and allows Natty Greene’s to package product that is distributed from Washington, D.C., to Savannah. With a passion for Southern traditions, Natty Greene’s brews seasonal-style ales that are best enjoyed when taking the time to do and enjoy the things you love. The company’s flagships are Buckshot Amber Ale and Southern Pale Ale. Through Natty Greene’s brewhouse and tasting room, it is also able to offer a wide arrange of limited batch releases and sour beers. Taste the South. www.nattygreenes.com

About Foothills Brewing Company: Opening in March 2005 in Winston-Salem, N.C., Foothills Brewing has evolved into one of the top craft brewing operations in the southeast United States. Ranked among ratebeer.com’s 100 best breweries in the world, Foothills has garnered numerous awards for its beers, including seven Great American Beer Festival medals and three World Cup Beer medals, more than any other North Carolina-based brewery. Foothills brews more than 20 year-round and seasonal offerings, including best -ellers Hoppyum IPA and Carolina Blonde. Year-round brands also include People’s Porter and Torch Pilsner; seasonals include Cottonwood Pumpkin and the highly anticipated Sexual Chocolate Imperial Stout. In January 2011, Foothills acquired the Carolina and Cottonwood beer brands, adding to an already extensive portfolio of beer styles. In December 2011 Foothills expanded its brewing operations from its popular brewpub in downtown Winston-Salem to a 48,000 square-foot facility in southwest Winston-Salem, allowing for increased development of six-pack and 22-oz. bottle production. 2013-14 saw the addition of four 200 BBL and four 300 BBL fermenting tanks, increasing potential brewing capacity to approximately 52,000 barrels annually. In April 2015, Foothills opened a 28-tap tasting room at its main production facility. Foothills, Cottonwood and Carolina brands are distributed by a network of top-level distributors in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. foothillsbrewing.com.

 About the 2015 National Folk Festival: Co-produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) and ArtsGreensboro, the National Folk Festival is beginning its three-year residency in downtown Greensboro this year, when it will celebrate its 75th anniversary from September 11 – 13, 2015. The FREE, three-day event is America’s longest-running festival of traditional arts; it will highlight both long-standing traditions and the heritage and culture of North Carolina’s newest immigrant groups, and set the stage for a continuing and permanent North Carolina Folk Festival, beginning in 2018, after the “National” moves on.

Belk is the presenting sponsor of the 2015 Festival. With downtown Greensboro as the backdrop, audiences will enjoy seven stages featuring continuous musical entertainment—from rockabilly to old-time to mariachi, and from funk to Cajun to jazz. Attendees will also be able to dance non-stop to a variety of musical genres at the dance pavilion; dine on regional and ethnic foods; experience folk art demonstrations and performances by N.C. artists; and share the fun of the Family Activities Area with their children. nationalfolkfestival.com

About the National Folk Festival: Since it was first presented in St. Louis in 1934, the National Folk Festival has celebrated the roots, richness, and variety of American culture. Championed in its early years by Eleanor Roosevelt, it was the first event of national stature to present the arts of many nations, races, and languages on equal footing. It was also the first to present to the public musical forms such as the blues, Cajun music, polka bands, Tex-Mex conjunto, Peking Opera, and many others. An exuberant traveling festival that embraces the diverse cultural expressions of the American people in the 21st century, the National Folk Festival is FREE to the public, and is produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) in partnership with communities around the country.

About the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA): The National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) is one of the nation’s premier non-profit cultural organizations dedicated to the presentation and documentation of folk, tribal, and ethnic arts in the United States. Founded in 1933, it is the nation’s oldest producing and presenting organization with such a focus. Its programs celebrate and honor deeply rooted cultural expressions—music, crafts, stories, and dance passed on through time by families and communities as well as by tribal, ethnic, and occupational groups. The NCTA stresses excellence and authenticity in presenting artists to the public in festivals, tours, concerts, media programs, exhibitions, recordings, and other activities, and works in partnership with communities across American to establish new, sustainable traditional arts events that bring lasting social, cultural, and economic benefits. www.ncta-usa.org

About ArtsGreensboro: With an annual budget of approximately $4 million, ArtsGreensboro is a catalyst for innovation to build recognition and support for the arts. Through the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival, I HEART ARTS Month, power2give, and other initiatives such as the National Folk Festival, ArtsGreensboro is driving the health and vitality of our community by supporting arts education, celebrating the diversity of Greensboro, and driving economic impact through excellence in arts programming. www.artsgreensboro.org"

- A Press Release