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.
Tom Simpson
 "When Tom Simpson took over management of the Kent Stage, a movie theatre in downtown Kent, he did it with the sole purpose of putting on folk concerts. With his years of experience coordinating student activities at Kent State University – including for years the Kent State Folk Festival, he knows his way around presenting shows. But it is his love of folk and acoustic music that keeps him up late at night taking care of the theatre and booking everyone from Tom Paxton to The Avett Brothers – bringing in music fans from all over Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. Tom and his wife Richelle lead a small staff and a tight group of loyal volunteers to make the Kent Stage one of the most reliable venues in the region. The Cleveland Plain Dealer calls The Kent Stage, 'The best acoustic music venue in Northeast Ohio.' Tom's efforts to keep the Kent State Folk Fest strong and independent made it possible for us to finish this year in the black. Music lovers are the real winners. Whether it’s the druggy rhythms of the Cowboy Junkies or the family-friendly fun of Rider In The Sky, Tom Simpson’s Kent Stage provides the perfect setting for musicians and audiences alike." ~ Bob Burford, Kent, Ohio Links
The Kent Stage
Kent State Folk Festival
Nominated By: Bob Burford
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