Here's an article from the current issue of The Folknik, the newsletter of the San Francisco Folk Music Club:



Bring the Young Ones Home!

Ashley Hogan writes:

Dear Folknikans,
At this New Year's folkadelic bash known to us all as Camp Harmony, many of us were refreshed to see members of the younger generations showing up, and joining in the various activities of camp. Not only were many of them found to be attendants of camp by free choice, but actually often enough as enthralled members of the folken community.
It has been observed and often mentioned lately that: "Wouldn't it be great to have even more young people showing up as bona-fide Folk Club members?"

This has occurred to plenty of us as a necessary step to the further continuance and evolution of the Folk Club, i.e., to effectively pass the good torch of folk music and community that we have all gathered and shared, there needs to be a good source of some-ones around to pass it on to.

Being myself of the youngish disposition (age 23), I can say without doubt that there are in fact plenty of people of both high school and college ages who would truly enjoy and appreciate the opportunity to participate in a community like the SFFMC. If they are only invited and welcomed, I'd even say that many of the people, my age and hereabouts, are indeed hungry, both spiritually and musically, for the kind of kinship and wonderment that come with connecting to one's roots and cultural heritage. That's to say, what is to be experienced at every SFFMC gathering I've ever been to.

So, just remember that there is an ongoing sacred mission of sorts at hand here, in both the interests of bringing the Folk Club new vitality and fresh enthusiasm, as well as the giving of the gift of community to young folks whom the warmth of folk life might otherwise have overlooked.

So bring 'em home, O brethren and sister folks, and keep on discussing the ways in which we can each enliven and invigorate this here Folk Club, for she is a jolly good fellow, which nobody can deny, and we should take good care of her, as best as we know how, for generations to come.back to top

Bev and Jerry