In every community, there are devoted people behind the scenes helping to make the folk music scene vibrant, thriving by keeping the wheels rolling. Whether it's a longtime volunteer at a folk club or house concert series, a festival or venue director, a local folk radio host, or a writer who reviews CDs or concerts - one common thread is that these people love the music. They are passionate about serving artists and fans and making sure the folk scene in their community is strong and active.

We chose the name Folk Spokes from listener submissions for Folk Alley's new feature because spokes support wheels while connecting an unbroken circle of the best of musical traditions. Folk Spokes is an opportunity for you to nominate the unsung individuals (or spokes) in your community and to give them a well-deserved moment in the spotlight.

Carol Vossler

I would like to nominate Carol Marie Vossler of Saranac Lake, New York.

Several years ago Carol had a vision to turn an old warehouse into an art space “where artists have the opportunity to experiment, diverge, exhibit and perform; to move ideas and aesthetics forward; and to share this diversity with the community.”

Five years ago this vision became a reality and Bluseed Studios opened its doors.

In this short time this vision has brought many well known names of the folk world to our town of 5,000 people to play in a very intimate setting. Folks such as Eliza Gilkyson, Abigail Washburn and Ben Sollee, Ray Bonneville, Artie Traum, Brian Dewan, Danny Barnes and Kris Delmhorst, The Whompers, Matty Charles and The Valentines, Leslie Ritter and Scott Petitio, Peggy Lynn, Dan Duggan and Dan Berggren (now known as the Jamcrackers) and many more have regaled our community with the spirit of folk music.

Local musicians have gotten exposure and encouragement by opening for other acts and during Open Minded Mic Night – which includes anything – music, poetry, short stories from people of all ages. For many musicians it is a great place to try out new tunes. Carol is always supportive and welcoming of all efforts. It’s so much fun to watch people grow and stretch musically as they gain comfort with performing.

Carol is also a Board Member of our local Chamber of Commerce. She has been involved in assisting with the Summer Music Series which brings performers from all over for two nights of free live music all summer long. Bluseed Studios was also one of 12 recording sites around the North Country for the UpNorth Music Project.

For a complete description and photos of this awesome grass roots effort led by a woman with a vision check out the updated website at www.bluseedstudios.org.

Nominated By: Lisa Meissner from Tupper Lake, New York

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