Valerie June Performs at Evanston Folk Festival

Valerie June’s Wish Comes True

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Valerie June thrilled audiences at the Evanston Folk Festival, fulfilling her longtime desire to perform there. The festival had been on her “performance wish list,” and she expressed surprise and joy when organizers invited her. June’s unique style blends psychedelic folk, indie rock, Appalachian bluegrass, and soul, and she performed on one of the festival’s three stages.

Festival Highlights

The Evanston Folk Festival returned with more than 30 folk artists, attracting 12,000 attendees to Dawes Park on September 12-13. Jake Samuels, director of music at 16″ on Center and presenter of the festival, reported over 6,000 attendees on Sunday and more than 5,000 on Saturday, undeterred by Sunday’s scattered showers.

Headlining Acts

This year’s festival featured renowned folk artists like Trampled by Turtles and Indigo Girls. Other popular performers included Kathleen Edwards, Josh Ritter, Tift Merritt, Sierra Hull, and James McMurtry. Indigo Girls shared their anticipation of performing in Evanston again and reflected on the positive atmosphere of festivals. Emily Saliers and Amy Ray noted how festivals foster a sense of community and provide an opportunity to adjust set lists based on crowd vibes.

The Joy of Festivals

Performers voiced appreciation for the festival’s ability to unite diverse audiences. Josh Ritter, who played the Main Stage, emphasized the power of music to bring people together across different backgrounds. Tift Merritt highlighted the significance of small festivals and her preference for engaging with the community over large-scale touring.

Challenges in Performance

With limited time slots, artists faced the challenge of curating set lists that resonated with broad audiences. Kathleen Edwards shared her approach, focusing on songs that showcase her best work and appeal to new listeners. She planned to include “Asking For Flowers,” a fan favorite and a piece of personal significance.

Festival Experiences

Attendees like Betsy Storm and Chris Johnston expressed delight in the festival’s organization and atmosphere, describing it as perfectly orchestrated. Jenny Schevers, a folk music enthusiast, traveled a considerable distance to enjoy Josh Ritter’s performance, while her husband supported her interests.

Origins and Inspiration

Jake Samuels explained the inspiration behind the festival, rooted in years of successful listening room events and a desire to spotlight folk music. Despite Chicago’s abundance of festivals, few focus specifically on folk and singer-songwriters, making Evanston’s event unique.