I agree with Bill Hahn. I also agree with Dick Greenhaus, the festival is no longer a "folk" festival except in the fact that the organizers are trying to draw in a lot of folks. The word "folk music" does not appear (or is well hidden)on their flyers or advertising anymore. It is now officially an "environmental" festival.

I attended the festival for many years before I lost intrest in it. The early fests were magic. I would always marvel at the variety of music that could be sampled. Professional and amateur artists would share their work with an appreciative audience. The enviromental and political aspect added to the atmosphere.

Somewhere in the late 80's the festival began to change. By the 1990's it had become, in my opinion, a very commercial event and the diversity of music diminished with traditional "folk" taking a back seat. In recent years there seems to be a recycling of the same names and the last time I attended the audience seemed disconnected - nothing like the enthusiastic crowds I see at festivals like Old Songs, Mystic or even the Philadelphia Folk Festival.

I only attend every few years now, and I no longer anxiously await the event.    I mark my calendar for Old Songs, Mystic & Philly and think nothing of traveling to these events. The spirit and music carries those events. Unfortunately the Great Hudson River Revival, which is in my own backyard, no longer pulls me.

The original question that Rabbi Sol posted has not been answered yet, which may be a telling sign.   Aside from Ebarnacle, did anyone else attend this year? What were your thoughts?