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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.
Suzy Thompson
 Suzy Thompson is the founder and energy behind the Berkeley Old Time Music Convention--an all volunteer four day music festival featuring performances by local and national acts, a rollicking square dance, open cabaret, and the illustrious stringband contest in venues throughout Berkeley. Under Suzy's expert direction this event has become a celebration attended by old time musicians who travel from all over the U.S. to join in the fun!
Over the past three decades, Suzy has been a leading force in many influential roots music groups, including the California Cajun Orchestra, the Blue Flame String Band (with Kate Brislin and Alan Senauke), Klezmorim, the all-woman Any Old Time String Band, and most recently, the Bluegrass Intentions (with banjo ace Bill Evans.)
In addition, Suzy in a catalyst for many impromptu musicical events in the Bay Area of California - from jamming in her living room to producing benefit concerts for musicians in need.
Suzy passes on the traditional music she plays by teaching at at many festivals and music camps, including Centrum’s Country Blues Week, Augusta Heritage Cajun-Creole and Old Time Weeks, Californa Bluegrass Association Music Camp, Port Townsend Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, California Coast Music Camp, Puget Sound Guitar Workshop, and Lark In the Morning.
In 1994, Suzy represented the U.S. on a Masters of the Folk Violin Tour in Scotland and England.
Add this all up and you have an outstanding musician and musical event producer who gives generously of her time and expertise so that others may enjoy the folk music she loves. ~ Aurora Fox, Berkeley, California Links
The Berkeley Old Time Music Convention
Suzy Thompson's website
California Cajun Orchestra
Blue Flame String Band
Klezmorim
Bluegrass Intentions
Nominated By: Aurora Fox
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