About 2 years ago now, the Friends of Folk decided to experiment and take some risks. We started booking occasional "bigger names" to our Coffeehouse series. Bigger names tend to ask for a bit more money than we were accustomed to paying, and required a higher ticket price, but we had a feeling that Dover would recognize great talent and come join in the fun.

Our first shows in this experiment included Tracy Grammer, Ronny Cox, and Garnet Rogers, all of which drew healthy crowds, and were clear successes. Now we're planning a return visit from Garnet Rogers, on February 16th.

While the event is still "the Coffeehouse", the venue has been upgraded a few notches since Garnet's last visit. Rather than grabbing extra folding chairs while the Standing Room Only crowd arrives, this time we will be assembling in the church at Wesley Chapel - a beautiful, historical chapel with lovely (and fairly hard) wooden pews. In November we presented jam/folk band Boris Garcia in the church, and last month we enjoyed a special show featuring Cliff Eberhardt. The acoustics are wonderful, and it's the only time you'll ever experience Paul mixing sound with absolutely no reverb whatsoever.

Garnet Rogers started his musical career early in life. It helped that his brother, 6 years his senior, was the Canadian folk legend Stan Rogers. Barely out of high school, Garnet was on the road as a full-time musician in Stan's band. Since Stan's untimely death in a plane crash in 1983, Garnet has gone on to his own successful, though staunchly independent career. He continues to draw on some of Stan's material, like the significant Night Train, but also records songs from other artists, and writes many original songs, drawing from blues, rock, roots, and classical influences.

Having met Garnet twice, once when he performed at my home, I find him to be a complex, yet fairly simple individual. Garnet is probably one of the few touring musicians left who doesn't have an email account, but we computer people have a saying that very adequately describes him: WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get). He's an imposing figure, at 6 and a half feet tall, but extremely warm and down to earth. He openly speaks (and sings) his mind in his shows, with over-the-top humor that draws his audience right in. He's engaging and charismatic, with a smooth-as-silk baritone voice, and total command over the carload of guitars that he carries along with him in his trusty well worn Volvo.

Garnet newest CD, just released and on the Boston Globe's Top Ten Folk CDs of 2007, is called "Get a Witness", and was recorded live with a full band. In true independent Garnet fashion, the CD contains 3 songs which top 7 minutes in length, and a range of selections including Junior, his um, "tribute" to our current US President (with quite a catchy chorus), a cover of Springsteen's Blood Brothers, and Garnet's own versions of Stan's Night Drive and Northwest Passage.

Opening for Garnet on February 16th will be a staple on the local Open Mic circuit, Sean Cheezum. Sean should be familiar to those who have recently attended Friends of Folk Events. He participated in this past May's Singer Songwriter Circle, and was a finalist in the Delmarva Folk Hero contest. Before he goes on stage, you notice the unusual hairstyle, multiple piercings, and uniquely shaped jeans... but once he sits down to perform, all that's left in your mind is his attacking Ani DiFranco-esque style on the guitar, and his frank, open lyrics.

When Garnet Rogers first performed at a Friends of Folk coffeehouse, we noted in his contract the requirement that we collect food for our local food bank. In Garnet's words, "It's an enormous privilege for me to be able to stand up and sing my own songs, but I would like to be able to have something left behind after the dust is cleared away where people are actually benefiting from the concert at some level." The Friends of Folk continued this tradition, and since that time we have collected food at all of our Coffeehouse and Festival events. We encourage you to join us on February 16th for an evening of wonderful music, and ask that you help us support the Food Bank of Delaware with your contribution.

So be prepared for an extraordinary evening of music. It all starts at 7:30, February 16 in the Wesley College Chapel in Dover. Special pricing of $12 for members and $15 for non-members has been established. There will be plenty of fresh coffee, cold drinks, and sweets available for a reasonable price (coffee and other beverages are $.50, and food items are $1). Bring a friend – they’ll thank you for it, and you’ll both see, there’s nothing else like it in Dover.

-- Beth Fizell, DEFF Chair

As you toss out your 2007 Calendar and tack up the 2008 one, it's time to renew your membership in the Delaware Friends of Folk. It's one of the greatest bargains out there - just $10 for an individual, and $15 for a family membership. With your membership, you'll get discounted pricing opportunities at all of our events, invitations to members-only events, the ability to join the Dover Federal Credit Union, and the peace of mind that you're helping Folk Music and the arts in Delaware. You can join or renew your membership at any of our events, or by going to our Shopping page.

Remember, we are a real live 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. That means that your donations to Delaware Friends of Folk are likely tax deductible, but we know you’ll check with the experts before trying to rip off Uncle Sam. We are beginning to work in a few other directions, like sponsoring workshops and perhaps other educational efforts. Got a few extra dollars? Got some ideas on how we might use them? Let us know.

The 2008 Delmarva Folk Festival is scheduled for October 3rd and 4th this year. It promises to be one you’ll remember. We’ll have many types of music ranging from folk to blues, to jazz, to world music. We will also continue the tradition of encouraging local musicians to take part in the fun (yes, the return of the Delmarva Folk Hero contest!) and will offer lots of activities for children. You can’t imagine a more natural site for a fall festival than the Field Farm. Mark your calendar now!

It’s not too early to sign up to help. We have lots of committees that need volunteers. We also still need of a chairperson for the Security/Parking committee. This is a key position and one that is critical to the success of the festival.

The first 2008 Festival meeting will take place on March 5th beginning at 6:30 at Sheridan’s in downtown Smyrna. Please join us and you’ll be joining a fun, lively group of people who work to produce the best music festival in the area.

If you have questions or what more information, call Kae Mason at (302) 736-5585 or e-mail her at kaejohnson1@comcast.net.

Check the calendar - you’ll see there’s a lot of music out there. Take advantage of it, support local restaurants and other venues that offer live music by talented individuals. Without your patronage, you could be opening the door to more karaoke!