Besides, the definition of "folk" used during what is now an 11-day festival has always been loose at best. What is folk? You might as well ponder "What is art?"
Sure, much of the music that will fill the Williamson Auditorium at UAA during the next two weekends -- and the random cafes and coffeehouses during intimate Folk Week gigs -- could be classified as traditional folk music, comprised of plucking and singing, inspired by the music of America's past. But this year, among the more than 100 acts performing during the free showcases at the Williamson are storytellers and jugglers, belly dancers and hip-hoppers.
While the foundation was folk, the festival has evolved into a celebration of music and dance and, in many ways, community. So get out and enjoy it.
Most events are free, and most events are entertaining. The atmosphere is always relaxed. Come as you are, come and go as you like. Say hi to that great performer after his or her set. Bring your harmonica and join in a hallway jam.
Here's a roundup for featured events and schedules. For complete schedules and more information, visit www.anchoragefolkfestival.org and play.adn.com.
Folk Week quick hits
While the action at UAA's Williamson Auditorium heats up the weekends, the folks of folk also bring the gigging to smaller stages during the weekdays in a series called Folk Week. These free shows take place at about a dozen local coffeehouses, eateries and local businesses.
This year's Folk Week highlights include:
Monday: Yngvil VG, 7 p.m., Guido's Pizza (549 W. International Airport Road). Oslo-born Yngvil Vatn Guttu, now living in Anchorage and Homer, plays Norwegian harmonic flute. Check out an audio sample on YouTube.
Tuesday: Doc Schultz and Kathy Claiborne, 6 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers (200 E. Northern Lights Blvd.). Schultz is an Alaska folk legend, having released the album "The Last Frontier Band" in 1977. This duo delivers folk fun by way of banjo and guitar.
Wednesday: Anchor Town Cloggers, 7 p.m., Borders Books and Music (1100 E. Dimond Blvd.). Who needs strings when you can drop a beat with your feet?
Thursday: History of Cajun Music, 7 p.m., Organic Oasis (2610 Spenard Road). Ann Savoy, of visiting headliner group The Savoy Family Band, presents a slide show of classic Cajun material and then closes the presentation with a performance. This is the rare Folk Week event that isn't free; there's a $5 suggested donation at the door. But the event is a fundraiser for the Anchorage Folk Festival. And it's fun.
For a complete Folk Week schedule, visit www.anchoragefolkfestival.org/folkweek.htm.
Guest artists
Each year, the Anchorage Folk Festival brings in a couple of headliners to play, lead dances and teach. This year's headliners are:
The Stairwell Sisters
Based in San Francisco, these five hip bluegrass players just happen to enjoy sounding like they're from a one-room cabin in West Virginia. The gal group made its "A Prairie Home Companion" debut last year and is releasing its third album this spring. The yet-unnamed disc is produced by Lloyd Maines, who has worked with his daughter's band, The Dixie Chicks.
The Stairwell Sisters perform at:
• about 9:30 p.m. today at Williamson Auditorium at UAA, free.
• an after-hours late-night jam today at the Homewood Suites Hotel, free.
• a contra/square dance at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Romig Middle School, $9, $5 for seniors and children.
• about 8:30 p.m. Sunday at Williamson Auditorium at UAA, free.
Web: www.stairwellsisters. com, www.myspace.com/thestairwellsisters. Watch a video of The Stairwell Sisters a-pickin' and a-grinnin' at adn.com/arts.
The Savoy Family Band
Cajun music is a family affair with the Louisiana-based Savoys -- parents Marc and Ann along with sons Joel and Wilson. Marc and Ann have been playing together since 1977, have toured the world and released a handful of albums; the boys joined in as they grew up. Marc is an accordion aficionado, Ann plays multiple instruments and is something of a Cajun music historian, Joel plays the fiddle and Wilson takes after mom and plays numerous instruments.
The Savoy Family Band performs during the Folk Festival's final weekend at:
• 7 p.m. Thursday, as the Savoys hosts a slide show and lecture of the history of Cajun music followed by a live performance, all at Organic Oasis, $5.
• about 9:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at Williamson Auditorium at UAA, free.
• an after-hours late-night jam session Jan. 25 at the Homewood Suites Hotel, free.
• 8 p.m. Jan. 26 at a Mardi Gras dance at Snow Goose Theatre, $15 single, $25 couple.
• about 8:30 p.m. Jan. 27, at Williamson Auditorium at UAA, free.
Web: www.savoymusic center.com
Time to get grinnin'
Everyone is a star at the Anchorage Folk Festival. Well, everyone gets at least 15 minutes of fame, if they want it. The festival opens the UAA Williamson Auditorium stage to players of all levels, with each act slotted 15 minutes. Of course, visiting headliners receive a prime-time slot and extended time. All gigs are free.
Schedule of Anchorage Folk Festival performances at Williamson Auditorium:
• Today: 7 to 11 p.m.
• Saturday: 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 11 p.m.
• Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Thursday, 7 to 11 p.m.
• Jan. 25, 7 to 11 p.m.
• Jan. 26, 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 11 p.m.
• Jan. 27, 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
For complete schedules and more information, visit www. anchoragefolkfestival.org.
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