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With the arrival of summer comes the much-anticipated annual Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. This year's dates are July 27th, 28th and 29th, 2001, which is one week before its sister event, Winterhawk 2000, at the beautiful Long Hill Farm in Hillsdale, New York.

Over 12,000 people attend this festival, which lives up to its reputation year after year with a gala four-stage performance schedule. Falcon Ridge is the very heart and soul of traditional folk music and dance, attracting an audience that shares the love of this art form in a three-day community gathering. The festival features Main Stage concerts in a breathtaking natural amphitheater setting amidst the rolling Berkshire Hill country in Western New York. With dancing all day and night on their 8500 square foot wood dance floor, performer workshops that you won't want to miss, and a Family Stage with an always-popular Activities 4 Kids area, this is a place where memories are made.

Of course, after you have worked up your appetite with music and activities a visit to the international food court is in order. Make time to wander through a wondrous array of crafts and vendors offering exotic and interesting souvenirs. This festival is accessible to all and performances are ASL-interpreted.

Also with over forty acts on four stages, there is something for everyone, whether a new comer to the folk scene or a veteran folkie, this is a festival that attracts people again and again. With over 40 acts on four stages, there is music for everyone, veteran, folkie or for new comers. This year's Friday night premiere event, the Summer's Eve Song Swap, features Texas legend Jimmy LaFave along with the festival's, long time favorite, Vance Gilbert, folk diva Susan Werner and fast rising alternative country singer/songwriter Mary Gauthier. The Main Stage will boast artists who are folk icons to sizzling newcomers. Dar Williams will return for her sixth appearance, as well as the much loved Lucy Kaplansky and John Gorka. Jeff Lang, who debuted in 2000, and hails from Australia, will return for his second appearance. Eddie from Ohio, who is by the way, Virginia based, will join the fun and funk again help to welcome newcomers to the Ridge that includes Nashville singer/songwriter duo Kevin Welch and Kieran Kane. For quick run down; Entrain and Gillian Welch Erin McKeown, Kevin So, Acoustic Syndicate and Mark Erelli also make their Falcon Ridge debuts. Many other acts are scheduled to appear and you can find out the details at their web site www.FalconRidgeFolk.com.

The Dance stage is always an exciting place and we dare you to try your skills. Reckless Abandon and the Sevens will join Contra dance virtuoso George Marshall with Wild Asparagus. Lindy Hop Heaven plus Patti O'Brien Melita will commandeer the swing element on the huge dance floor. For its third year English country dancing is back, with Jacqueline Schwab and Bare Necessities. And for lovers of old time and square dance music, Rotary Pancake Day appears for their first time to shake the tent which, by the way, covers the entire 8500 foot dance floor, with plenty of room for those who are too shy to join in.

This year's tribute workshop honors the music of Bob Dylan at the always happening Family Stage. The storytelling of Laurie's Stories and the Story Crafters, a puppet theatre with The Ivy Vine Players and the mime, humor and magic of Hoopoe the Clown. There are many more familiar favorites who will be performing over the three days for the enjoyment of all.

With so much going on it's hard to wait for the actual event, although, if you want to know all of the details, I encourage you to check out the web site for times, stage events and the full roster of events.