Folk and tales: Fox Valley music, storytelling fest returns to Geneva
A year after circumstances forced the Fox Valley Folk Music & Storytelling Festival’s move to Wheeler Park, performers and attendees were happy to return Sunday to their new home near downtown Geneva.
The 49th annual edition of the festival, which continues Monday, is bringing some 20 nationally recognized performers to the Fox Valley, where they’re playing alongside local talents on six stages.
Attendees also can enjoy a Kids Zone with music and craft activities and hands-on workshops on Irish fiddle, dulcimer, old-time fiddling, bluegrass banjo, fingerstyle guitar, folk harp and more.
Among Sunday’s visitors was Paul Hough of Chicago, who took park in a session of shape note singing.
“I enjoy it because it’s all inclusive,” he said. “Shape note singing really is community singing unlike anything else.”
Last year, the fest moved to Wheeler Park from its frequent home at Island Park, after weather events have left it unusable.