Folk Music Society promotes unique music

For almost 12 years, the primary goal of the Flint Folk Music Society has been to expose residents to a brand of music they might never hear.

"This kind of music wasn't available in the Flint area," said Jim McTiernan, society president, "so we decided to lead it ourselves."

At this year's Flint Folk Music Festival, McTiernan plans to include not only professional acts, but also to showcase local talent.

Although the society was formed in 1999, it has its roots in the folk music scene of the 1960s and 1970s. McTiernan said the main difference over the years has been public participation. While early concerts were made up of a few like-minded individuals over coffee, the monthly concerts at the Greater Flint Arts Council now can draw as many as 60 people a show, McTiernan says.

Despite bringing more than 300 performers to the area over the years, McTiernan said some people are still surprised to discover the society exists.

"We've been reaching one person at a time," he said, "we're still out there plugging away."

The society's secondary mission is to promote local musicians. This year's Flint Folk Music Festival will help achieve that goal. The annual festival will mark the first time the free festival has spanned two days, July 30 and July 31.

McTiernan plans to have four society members perform, Jim Balcerski, Ron Woods, Bob Marr and Bob Miller, a short sing-along and an open microphone time Friday night. Saturday will feature Stella! and  Meg Hutchinson and folk standbys Mustard's Retreat, Matt Watroba, Rachael Davis and The Laws.

McTiernan said the Kearsley Park location has changed the attendance of the festival. "People used to come in and out through the day. At Kearsley Park they come early and stay late."

The expected crowd of 400 to 500 people helps McTiernan expose Flint to folk music and local musicians and promote the renovated Kearsley Park.

"It is open and suited for the whole family," said McTiernan, "a great opportunity to see artists that would otherwise never come to Flint."

Visit http://www.flintfolkmusic.org or call (810) 309-3951 for information about the society or the festival.