The Brooklyn Folk Festival has long been a beacon for folk music enthusiasts, weaving a rich tapestry of sound that celebrates the heart and soul of traditional tunes. For years, it’s stood as a testament to the power of music to connect communities, honoring American roots alongside global folk traditions with authenticity and passion. In 2025, this beloved event is stepping beyond its namesake borough, expanding to Queens in a thrilling evolution that’s sure to strike a chord with fans old and new.
This expansion is fueled by a dynamic partnership with the Jalopy Theatre & School of Music, a cornerstone of New York’s folk scene renowned for its dedication to preserving and teaching traditional arts. Together, they’re setting the stage for an electrifying festival that promises to resonate across Queens. Expect a diverse lineup of artists—think soulful banjo pickers, spirited fiddlers, and voices that echo the ages—paired with free pre-show workshops to get hands-on with the music. From learning a classic folk ballad to twirling at a square dance, the 2025 Brooklyn Folk Festival is poised to ignite Queens with rhythm and joy!
Brooklyn Folk Festival in Queens Tickets
Kupferberg Center for the Arts
4/05/25, 8:00 PM
Brooklyn Folk Festival 2025 Details
Date, Time, and Location:
The Brooklyn Folk Festival 2025 in Queens is set for Saturday, April 5, 2025. The main concert kicks off at 8:00 PM, but arrive early for free pre-show workshops running from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The event will take place at the Kupferberg Center for the Arts, located on the Queens College campus in Queens, NY—an accessible venue ready to host this folk music celebration.
Partnership:
This year’s festival is elevated by a meaningful collaboration with the Jalopy Theatre & School of Music, a Brooklyn institution renowned for its dedication to folk and traditional music. This partnership brings authenticity and depth to the event, blending Jalopy’s grassroots ethos with the Kupferberg Center’s expansive stage. It enriches the festival by offering a curated lineup of diverse artists and hands-on workshops, fostering a deeper connection to folk traditions. Jalopy’s expertise ensures a vibrant, community-driven experience that honors both local and global musical heritage.
Ticketing Information:
Good news—pre-show workshops are included with your concert ticket, giving you access to both the performances and interactive sessions at no extra cost. Tickets will be available for purchase closer to the event date through the Kupferberg Center for the Arts box office or online platforms (details to be announced). No RSVP is required for the workshops, so just show up early and dive into the folk festivities!
History of Folk Festivals
Folk festivals have deep roots, emerging as vibrant celebrations of cultural heritage and musical tradition. Their story begins in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when folklorists and musicians sought to preserve oral traditions amid rapid industrialization. In the United States, the early 20th century saw a surge of interest in “folk” as a counterpoint to urban modernity, with events like the 1934 National Folk Festival—America’s first—showcasing regional songs, dances, and stories.
The post-World War II era ignited a folk revival, fueled by artists like Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. Festivals like Newport Folk Festival (founded 1959) became iconic, blending grassroots performances with social activism. By the 1960s, folk festivals were platforms for counterculture, amplifying voices of protest and identity. Over decades, they evolved, embracing global influences—think Irish reels, Appalachian ballads, or West African rhythms—while staying true to their community-driven spirit.
Today, events like the Brooklyn Folk Festival carry this legacy forward, spotlighting both traditional and contemporary folk artists. Its 2025 expansion to Queens reflects the enduring adaptability of folk festivals, uniting diverse audiences in a shared love for music that tells our collective story.
Lineup Spotlight : Brooklyn Folk Festival 2025
Ba Ban Chinese Music Society Trio:
Prepare to be transported by the Ba Ban Chinese Music Society Trio, masters of traditional Chinese music with a flair for lively rhythms. Their performances weave together the delicate sounds of silk and bamboo instruments—like the pipa (lute) and dizi (flute)—creating an enchanting tapestry of ancient melodies. Rooted in a heritage stretching back centuries, their music carries profound cultural significance, offering a rare glimpse into China’s rich folk traditions. This trio’s appearance at the Brooklyn Folk Festival bridges continents and eras, inviting audiences to connect with a timeless art form that resonates with elegance and vitality.
Piedmont Blūz Acoustic Duo (Valerie and Benedict Turner) :
The Piedmont Blūz Acoustic Duo, featuring Valerie and Benedict Turner, brings the soulful essence of Country Blues to life with their signature Piedmont-style fingerpicking and roots percussion. Valerie’s intricate guitar work dances across the strings, channeling legends like Mississippi John Hurt, while Benedict’s washboard and harmonica rhythms add a rustic heartbeat. Their passion for preserving African-American musical heritage shines through every note, blending expertise with heartfelt storytelling. This husband-and-wife team doesn’t just play—they embody the spirit of the blues, delivering a performance that’s both intimate and electrifying.
New York City Salsa All Stars (led by Willie Martinez):
Get ready to move with the New York City Salsa All Stars, led by percussionist Willie Martinez, whose high-energy Salsa sound ignites the stage. This powerhouse ensemble features some of the most talented and accomplished musicians in the country, delivering pulsating rhythms and fiery brass that define New York’s salsa legacy. Their infectious beats and vibrant improvisations make it impossible to stay still—dancing isn’t just encouraged, it’s inevitable. With Martinez at the helm, this group promises a celebration of Afro-Cuban grooves that’ll sweep the crowd off their feet and into the heart of the party.
Pre-Show Workshops
Vocal Harmony Workshop with Emily Eagen:
Step into the world of song with the Vocal Harmony Workshop, led by the talented Emily Eagen. Attendees will learn the art of blending voices, exploring techniques to create rich, layered harmonies that bring folk tunes to life. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or a curious beginner, Emily’s expert guidance will help you find your pitch and confidence. Participants walk away with a deeper appreciation for vocal interplay, a new skill to share at jam sessions, and the joy of connecting through song—an enriching warm-up before the concert begins!
Square Dance with the Jalopy Pep-Steppers & Sargent Seedoo:
Kick up your heels at the Square Dance led by the spirited Jalopy Pep-Steppers and caller Sargent Seedoo. This isn’t just a dance—it’s a rollicking, toe-tapping romp through folk tradition! Expect a fun, engaging experience filled with lively calls, swinging steps, and plenty of laughs as you dosey-doe with fellow festival-goers. No experience? No problem—Sargent’s infectious energy and the Pep-Steppers’ rustic tunes make it easy to join in. It’s a lively, communal blast that’ll have you grinning and ready for the night ahead—don’t miss out!
Workshop Information:
These pre-show workshops are free with the purchase of a concert ticket, adding extra value to your festival experience. They run from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM on Saturday, April 5, 2025, right before the main event at 8:00 PM. Arrive early, dive into the fun, and get in the folk spirit—no RSVP needed!
Call to Action & Conclusion
Call to Action:
Don’t let this folk fiesta pass you by—mark your calendars for Saturday, April 5, 2025, and get ready to groove in Queens! Share the excitement with friends and family—bring a crew to sing, dance, and soak in the vibes together. For the latest updates on tickets, lineup additions, and more, follow the Brooklyn Folk Festival and Jalopy Theatre & School of Music on their socials or websites. Stay in the loop and be part of this musical milestone!
Conclusion:
The 2025 Brooklyn Folk Festival in Queens is shaping up to be an unmissable celebration, blending the festival’s storied legacy with a bold new borough twist. We’re counting down to a memorable evening where the air will hum with the diverse sounds of folk—from the intricate strings of traditional Chinese music to the soulful twang of Piedmont blues, and the irresistible pulse of New York salsa. With workshops to spark your creativity and a lineup that spans cultures and continents, this night promises something for everyone. Get ready for a joyous collision of rhythms, melodies, and community spirit that’ll echo long after the last note fades!
- How ‘Greetings From Your Hometown’ Reflects the Jonas Brothers’ Wyckoff, New Jersey Roots - July 29, 2025
- Upcoming Events of British Singer Charli XCX: Feel Her in a Wedding Celebration Mood - July 25, 2025
- Carly Rae Jepsen’s E•MO•TION 10th Anniversary Concert Set for August 19 at Troubadour in West Hollywood - July 18, 2025
