The Folk School

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The mission of the Folk School of St. Louis is to build community by providing educational programs that promote the learning, teaching, renewal, and perpetuation of traditional music and folk arts.

Christmas Carols with Judy Stein
Tired of "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Little Drummer Boy", but still have the urge to sing Christmas carols? There are some real gems in the Anglo/Appalachian/Celtic folk traditions, ready to explore. We will be doing more singing and providing less background info than the Ballads class, with printed word sheets when necessary, perhaps two songs per session; more if we have some quick studies. No instruments needed, but will admit the odd banjo or guitar if it makes you feel better. Prepare to get loud.

Workshops and Concert with Clarke Buehling and the SkirtLifters
Saturday, November 20th
On the riverboats, on minstrel stages and under the big tops of America developed a blend of African and Anglo-Celtic musical cultures. Clarke Buehling & The SkirtLifters present the music and humor of those times. Their listeners enjoy rags, marches, galops, jigs, reels and old-time songs. The entertaining program traces the origins of American popular music.
Early Fingerstyle 5-String Banjo Workshop with Clarke Buehling:

Beyond the Boom-Chuck:Refining and expanding basslines in rhythm guitar playing with Thom Howard

Maplewood Christmas Tree Walk and Folk School Christmas Party
Friday, December 3rd, 6-10pm
Join us for a Maplewood holiday celebration. The Folk School will be particpating in the 9th annual Maplewood Christmas Tree Walk.
At the Folk School we will host a potluck (bring your own beverages). Various musicians from our community will also be performing.
More information to come.
For more information about the Christmas Tree Walk and other Maplewood events visit www.maplewood-chamber.com

Regional Masters of Traditonal Music Workshop Series: Clawhammer Banjo Workshop with Rich Hibbs

Rich Hibbs has been playing the 5-string banjo in the clawhammer style for 46 years and has been called one of the best players in that style in the country by Mike Seeger of the New Lost City Ramblers. A past member of the Cash Rebates string band, Rich has been playing with the Boney Goat Band in St. Louis for about 15 years and also plays with the Roadkill Ramblers.

This program is made possible with support by the Missouri Arts Council and the Regional Arts Commission

St. Louis Fiber’d Artists Present: Sight Reading
Please join the StL Fiber’d Artists for refreshments and entertainment during the opening of their latest exhibition, "Sight Reading." Fiberart work will be shown at the Folk School of St. Louis with an opening reception on November 12, 6-8 PM. Participating artists: Sue Brown, Judy Cobillas, Anne Cove, Toni Disano, Carlene Fullerton, Candyce Grisham, Suzanne Galli Koenen, Pat Owoc, Joanne Raab, and Sandy Ries.

Exhibition dates November 12, 2010 - January 12, 2011. Monday-Thursday 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM. (these are typical Folk School business hours, it is best to call in advance to make sure the school is open)
Art makes a great holiday gift!
...and a portion of the sales goes to benefit the Folk School!

The Folk School Presents: Open Mic with Ryan Spearman at the Atomic Cowboy
Did you know that the Folk School’s very own Ryan Spearman hosts an Open Mic at the Atomic Cowboy every Monday night starting at 9PM?
Ryan’s Open Mic Night at the Atomic Cowboy was declared "Best in St. Louis" by the Riverfront Times! The Atomic Cowboy is a great venue for live music and it’s where many of the musicians in our community go to perform. Whether you are a musician or you just want to kick off your week with a night of great music, the Atomic Cowboy is the place to be.

November 14: Slow Jam: 2-4pm
November 20: Concert and Workshops with the SkirtLifters (No Jam)
November 28: Jug Band Jam, 1-3pm
December 3: Maplewood Christmas Tree Walk and Folk School Christmas Party
December 4: Old-Time and Bluegrass Jam, noon-3