So jazzed about festivals this year. I’ll be going to at least 3, maybe 4. It always starts in May for me with Midwest, my home fest that I’ve never missed since 1987 (besides the obvious). National Women’s Music Festival in July will be a huge highlight. First of all it’s the 50th! So BIG names are coming out: Holly Near, Ubaka Hill, Lucie Blue, Karen Williams, Teresa Trull with Barbara Higbie. My role at National is 3 fold this year: Ukulele Chorus Director – 8th year, Open Mic Host (inc. zoom during the year) – 3rd year, and this year I’m so thrilled to be performing my one-woman play again, a tribute to the beginning of women’s music, Songs of My Soul. I debuted it at the 40th National. I’ve performed it almost a dozen times in the last 10 years, always with a little addition here and there. This year I’m leveling up the performance with a slide show with photo contributions from iconic photographers! I’m so extremely grateful!…..and nervous and beyond excited!
After National, I go immediately to Girls Rock Camp Madison where I will teach ukulele in the morning and coach a band in the afternoon with a showcase at a local venue at the end of the week. After that…..on to The Land of course!
During the year, I’ve been teaching private music lessons, workshops, and summer camps out of the Fayetteville Folk School, now led by Ozark Folkways with its original home base in Winslow, AR. I love the new leadership and the Board of Directors are very active, even leading workshops in varying subjects. Concerts, jams, summer camps, and a lot more arts and craft workshops happening now, more dancing including live music for square dancing – always a good turnout and a whirling dervish of a time! If you’re in NWA, check out the activities: https://www.ozarkfolkways.org/fayetteville
I trust your upcoming schedule includes what you truly want to do. Thanks for reading! Keep on keeping on!
Jori Costello 