Folk Fest Side Stages

What is a side stage?

At folk festivals, side stages take on their own meaning.   In essence, a folk festival side stage is a mini stage where three or four performers, sometimes more or less, are prearranged to play together on a predetermined theme in a round robin format.  A host facilitates the process.   Each performer chooses a song to perform that fits the theme.  They can invite their fellow performers and/or audience members to join in. 

Because the songs have not been revealed or rehearsed before hand anything can happen, usually what happens is pure magic.  Due to the small size of these side stages, there is greater interaction with, and accessibility to the performers.  Because of the impromptu nature of the side stages, there is generally a lot of laughter and fun.  Side stages give audiences a chance to see the fun, human side of performing artists and are the heart of a folk festival.

Who attends Side Stages?

Anyone can attend a side stage.  Because there will be at least two side stages going on simultaneously, you can choose which to attend based on your interest in a performer, a theme, or both!

Interactive Workshops
TOP Festival always includes a participation workshop. TOP 2007 featured an introductory lesson on playing the pennywhistle. This year, you can experiment with playing the digeridoo!

Children’s Area
Our children’s area features a variety of craft stations, games, and of course, folk music which appeals to younger children. Accompanying adults are required – the children’s area is not a babysitting service.