Greensboro to feature America’s best performing artists

Jeffory Broussard and the Creole Cowboys.

Organizers of The National Folk Festival recently announced a variety of artists, including a group of 12 young bluegrass and old-time musicians. These artists and many others will perform on eight stages, while dozens of craftspeople, cooks, and sports enthusiasts will showcase their passions in downtown Greensboro on September 9 to 11.

National Folk Festival Dates & Times

• Friday, September 9: 6 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
• Saturday, September 10: Noon – 10:30 p.m.
• Sunday, September 11: Noon – 6:30 p.m.

According to Amy Grossmann, local director for the N.C. Folk Festival, more than 100,000 attendees came downtown to enjoy last year’s free, three-day event. This year, attendance is expected to climb upwards of 30 percent.

As in 2015, the Wrangler Stage, sponsored by VF Corporation and located in the 400 block of North Elm Street in downtown Greensboro, will anchor the northern end of the festival. As many as 5,000 audience members will be able to enjoy performances on this stage, which will operate during all festival hours. Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys will open the festival on the Wrangler Stage at 6 pm on Friday, September 9.

Three other stages will also operate during all festival hours:

• The CityStage, in the large Lincoln Financial parking lot across Market Street from the News & Record between Davie and Church Streets;
• The Dance Pavilion, relocated to the corner of East Washington and South Church Streets, across from The Depot; and
• The Lawn Stage, a large, covered venue near the intersection of Commerce Place and Bellemeade.
• Four stages will operate during daylight hours on Saturday and Sunday:v

• The Family Stage near the Greensboro Historical Museum;
• The Price/Bryan Performance Place at LeBauer Park;
• The North Carolina Traditions Stage on Greene Street in front of Government Plaza; and
• Center City Park.

Grossmann also explained that the N.C. Arts Marketplace, presented by PNC Bank, which was tremendously popular last year, has nearly doubled in size for 2016. The 2016 Arts Marketplace will be located on North Elm Street, between Lindsay St. and Summit Ave.

Julia Olin, executive director of the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) discussed the incredible tapestry of performers and visual artists who will appear at the festival. “It’s important to remember that for the three years the National is in Greensboro, we won’t repeat any artists. There are so many deep cultural traditions being practiced across our country, and we want to expose North Carolina audiences to as many as possible.” She went on to explain that the 2016 festival includes 122 separate performances; 18 demonstrations of arts, cooking, and sports; and dozens of N.C. Arts Marketplace artisans. “This year’s festival is truly an abundance of riches. There’s something for everyone,” said Olin.

Approximately 300 artists—musicians, dancers, storytellers, and craftspeople—will take part in the National Folk Festival, with more than 30 different musical groups performing on eight outdoor performance venues throughout downtown Greensboro.