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Whorled at Creative 360
Whorled weaves a World Folk music tapestry at Midland's Creative
360, Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 7 pm.
Masterful musicians meld and swirl their many cultural influences and passions into joyful tunes, parts of which you are sure to recognize. One can readily detect the Celtic, Bluegrass, and Classical influences, but also hear notes of Gyspy Jazz, traditional Japanese, Moroccan and Caribbean music. What an audio treat to have them in Midland after 2 years performing the Festival circuit and various Concert Series across Michigan. Join us for an ear-dazzling journey of music by Whorled!
Creative 360 is located at 5501 Jefferson, Midland, MI 48640
Tickets available in advance online or by calling Creative 360 at (989) 837-1885, and at the door. For online ordering go to becreative360.org and click on Get Event Tickets to get started!
Admission to the concert is $10 per person for Folk Music Society Midland members, $15 per Non-Member. Open to the public. Memberships available at the door.
This concert is brought to you by the Midland Folk Music Society with grant support from the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation and is a collaboration with Creative 360.
Whorled is....
Award-winner at Grand Rapids' 2024 Jammies XXIV in "Traditions" and "Song of the Year" categories.
Grand Rapids' The Stray Café Battle of the Bands winner 2022
Comprised of Thom Jayne, Keala Venema, and Mariko Venema
Thom Jayne plays guitar and didgeridoo. European and African influences from living various places abroad are infused in his music. Prior to Whorled, he played in a band fusing African, Jazz, Latin, and Celtic music. In addition to Whorled he plays guitar in the Celtic band Trillium.
While Keala (Ke) Venema is steeped in Celtic and bluegrass music traditions throughout her youth, playing a wide-range of instruments: guitar, fiddle, Bodhran, and tin whistle. She is the lead fiddle instructor for Michigan Academy for Folk Music and Triumph Music Academy, even teaching at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. Ke has learned from among the best, having jammed with Grammy nominees and winners. In addition to playing primarily fiddle in Whorled she plays with a jazz fusion band and with folk acts such as Ben Traverse, who has recently appeared on Creative 360's stage.
Mariko Venema plays the accordion for Whorled and is Ke's mother. Her classical training in piano and life in Japan informs her musical ventures into jamming, first with the melodica, and now playing the accordion in Whorled. Mariko has taken a deep dive into learning about accordion music, covering Irish, Old Time, and Gypsy Jazz styles, but also, traditional Brazilian, French, and Italian ways of playing accordion. She has studied under world-class teachers in New Orleans and France, as well as a premiere jazz teacher. Mariko teaches piano and accordion in the Grand Rapids area.
Thank You for Joining Us at the 2024 Midland Folk Music Festival!
We want to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who attended the 2024 Midland Folk Music Festival!
Your presence made this year’s festival truly special. From the soulful performances to the lively jam sessions and the warm camaraderie, the spirit of folk music came alive in every moment we shared.
Whether you were a performer, volunteer, vendor, or an enthusiastic listener, you played an essential part in creating the magic we all experienced. We hope the melodies, stories, and connections from the festival continue to resonate with you long after the final note has faded. Your support and passion for folk music keep this community thriving, and we couldn’t have done it without you.
Keep the Music Going!
The fun doesn’t stop here! Be sure to check out our event calendar for more upcoming jams, dances, and gatherings. Whether you’re looking to play, dance, or simply enjoy some great music, we have something for everyone. Let’s keep the spirit of folk music alive throughout the year—stay connected and join us for more memorable experiences!
Video Highlights
Festival Pictures
2024 Midland Folk Music Festival - Event Schedules
We are thrilled to announce the event schedule for the upcoming 2024 Midland Folk Music Festival! This year's festival promises to be a memorable celebration of folk music, culture, and community, with a fantastic lineup of performances, workshops, and activities.
*Please bring your own chair or stool to the workshops, as the tents are not stocked with chairs."
*Any changes/additions to the workshop schedule will be post on the festival whiteboards*
Friday Workshop Schedule
Saturday Workshop Schedule
Join us for the 2024 Midland Folk Music Festival!
Join us for the highly anticipated annual Festival hosted by The Folk Music Society of Midland at the Midland County Fairgrounds from Thursday, August 22nd to Sunday, August 25th, 2024.
This year, we are excited to introduce workshops on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, offering enriching opportunities for musicians of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, there's something for everyone to learn and enjoy.
Experience the joy of jamming with fellow musicians throughout the event, with a special new jam session scheduled for Friday night from 6-8 p.m. Bring your instruments and join in the fun - all levels of musicians and listeners are welcome!
Don't miss our contra dance on Friday from 7-9 p.m., a lively celebration of traditional folk music and dance.
For those looking to immerse themselves in the entire weekend of festivities, a weekend ribbon is available for just $10, or $5 for members of the Folk Music Society of Midland.
Camping facilities will be available starting Monday morning (please, no early campers). Enjoy the convenience of on-site camping for $30 per night, payable at our registration tent upon arrival.
Mark your calendars and join us for a weekend filled with music, camaraderie, and the vibrant spirit of folk tradition. We look forward to seeing you there!
Annual Meeting - May 8th
It's that time of the year again! We are thrilled to
announce the upcoming 2024 Annual Member Meeting of the Midland Folk Music Society. This
is a pivotal moment where we come together to reflect on our achievements, plan
for the future, and most importantly, elect our officers.
Date: May 8th, 2024
Time: 3:30 pm
Location: Creative 360, 5501 Jefferson Ave, Midland MI, 48640
Join us for an evening filled with camaraderie, and music in action. Your participation and voice are essential as we shape the direction of our beloved society.
After the formal proceedings, we invite you to stay and enjoy some delicious pizza and refreshing beverages. It's a perfect opportunity to mingle, share stories, and connect with fellow members.
Let's celebrate our shared passion for folk music and chart a course for an exciting future together. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready for an unforgettable gathering!
Looking forward to seeing you there!
MiElement Jam Cancellation Notice!
The scheduled FMSM jam at MI Element scheduled for Friday, March 22nd has been canceled due to an unwelcome disruption in the weather forecast.
See you on the fourth Friday in April! (4-26-24)
2024 Annual Folk Music Festival
Join us for the highly anticipated annual Festival hosted by The Folk Music Society of Midland at the Midland County Fairgrounds from Thursday, August 22nd to Sunday, August 25th, 2024.
This year, we are excited to introduce workshops on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, offering enriching opportunities for musicians of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, there's something for everyone to learn and enjoy.
Experience the joy of jamming with fellow musicians throughout the event, with a special new jam session scheduled for Friday night from 6-8 p.m. Bring your instruments and join in the fun - all levels of musicians and listeners are welcome!
Don't miss our contra dance on Friday from 7-9 p.m., a lively celebration of traditional folk music and dance.
For those looking to immerse themselves in the entire weekend of festivities, a weekend ribbon is available for just $10, or $5 for members of the Folk Music Society of Midland.
Camping facilities will be available starting Monday morning (please, no early campers). Enjoy the convenience of on-site camping for $30 per night, payable at our registration tent upon arrival.
Mark your calendars and join us for a weekend filled with music, camaraderie, and the vibrant spirit of folk tradition. We look forward to seeing you there!
We are excited to announce the 2024 Midland Folk Music Festival event schedules:
*Please bring your own chair or stool to the workshops*
Printable View
Friday Workshop Schedule
The Blue Water Ramblers at Creative 360
The Blue Water Ramblers grace the stage
at Creative 360 this spring in Midland!
Saturday, April 27th,
Robin Abbott & Kristine Goodwin open the show
at 7 pm!
This will take place at the newest space on
5501 Jefferson Ave., Midland, MI
Tickets
$10 for Members (Memberships available at the door),
$15 for Non-Members
Free to Children 16 and under
Robin
& Kristine will open for The Blue Water Ramblers, performing
poignant songs with their rich vocals honed during the past few years.
The
Blue Water Ramblers have been entertaining for over 20 years (some
members for more!) across the Midwest at fairs, festivals, and other
concert venues. Whether it’s traditional dance music, Cajun, Gospel,
Bluegrass, Swing, or easy listening music,
The Blue Water Ramblers relates to
a wide-range of folk music enthusiasts
and the Great Lakes folks they are proud to entertain.
WASSUP7 is Coming to Town!
There is a lot more information about WASSUP7 on the UKULELE GROUPS - SUGAR and PEANUT page!
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