The Troubadour Acoustic Concert Series™
Time: 7:30 PM unless otherwise noted. 2nd Fridays are usually Open Stage/audition night. (Check the schedule for rare exceptions.)
Location: Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ, a smoke & alcohol free environment. DIRECTIONS
Admission: Unless otherwise noted, $10 on your way in plus the balance of what you think the show was really worth on your way out. All exit donations go directly to the Headline Act. Vaccinated children 12 and under may attend free, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Until such time that children under 5 may be safely vaccinated, alas they will not be admitted.
Streaming: All Troubadour concerts may be viewed in person or live-streamed, except as noted.
For More Information: Email [email protected] or call 973-335-9489.
Buy Troubadour tickets online: You may purchase tickets in advance for Troubadour Acoustic Concert Series shows by clicking on the In-person Tickets link in the show listing below. Online sales cease a bit before midnight on the day before the event. Tickets will still be available at the door on the day of the show unless the event is completely sold out, in which case there will be a prominent notice posted on this website. Some events accept admissions payment only at the door, with no advance sales.
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Flamy Grant is a trailblazing drag queen, musician and world traveling phenomenon with over 1.5 million streams on the web. Snatching trophies for both songwriting and stage, this powerhouse performer beautifully blends her Appalachian roots, drag artistry, and musical excellence stages ablaze with blistering vocals, bold looks, brilliant songwriting, and brave storytelling.
Flamy’s debut album Bible Belt Baby reached #1 on the iTunes Christian music charts, earning her headlines in Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Billboard, People, and more. Then she snatched a 2026 International Folk Music Award nomination for Best Album for her sophomore record CHURCH.
Her accolades include the 2025 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival’s Audience Favorite Award, a 2023 Kerrville Folk Festival winner for the New Folk
This songwriter and shame-slaying drag queen is a Troubadour favorite, guaranteed to serve up a therapeutic, theatrical experience that is fearless, flamboyant, and full of heart.”
Kevin Neidig, a native of Mechanicsburg, PA, is an award-winning Americana singer-songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist. His numerous awards include 2024 IBMA Flatpicking Champion, 2026 Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest (Children’s song, instrumental and folk acoustic categories) 2025 Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest (Bluegrass/Country) winner, and 2023 Best Americana Artist by the Central Pennsylvania Hall of Fame, and other top awards for guitar, banjo and vocals. His sound mixes elements of Darrell Scott, Tim O’Brien, Bela Fleck, and other similar artists with a sprinkling of metal and jazz.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
| Ellis Paul doesn’t just write songs; he’s a guitar-carrying reporter who covers the human condition and details the hopes, loves, losses of those he observes, turning their stories into luminous pieces of music that get under your skin and into your bloodstream. And much like the artists who have influenced him, everyone from Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon to the singer-songwriter who is undoubtedly his greatest inspiration, Woody Guthrie, Paul weaves deeply personal experiences with social issues and renders them as provocative works that are as timely as they are timeless. |
| Born and raised in Maine, Paul attended Boston College on a track scholarship and in the evenings became a fixture on the city’s open mic circuit. After winning a Boston Acoustic Underground songwriter competition, he caught the ear of folk luminary Bill Morrissey, who produced his indie album Say Something in 1993. This led to a seven album contract with Rounder Records and the 1994 album, Stories. His songs have appeared in several blockbuster films (Me, Myself, and Irene; Shallow Hal, Hall Pass) and have been covered by award winning country artists (Sugarland, Kristian Bush, Jack Ingram). |
| Through a steady succession of albums of his own – a remarkable 23 releases so far – and a constant touring presence around the world, Paul’s audience has grown into a loyal legion of fans. Along the way, he has picked up an impressive number of awards including the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Award, 15 Boston Music Awards, An Honorary Doctorate from the University of Maine, the 2019 International Acoustic Music Awards Artist of the Year and most recently his album, The Storyteller’s Suitcase, was named the 2019 NERFA Album of the Year. |
Announcing The Folk Project’s 2026 Songwriting Contest
Enter Folk Project’s first annual Songwriting Contest to win a cash prize and the opportunity to play an opening act at the Troubadour Acoustic Concert Series.
Key Dates:
- July 24, 2026 – Deadlines for entries
- August 24, 2026 – Winners announced
- September 25, 2026 – Performance at Troubadour
Prizes: Three winners will each win a $200 cash prize and will get to perform their award-winning songs in the opening set for Ellis Paul at the Troubadour Acoustic Concert Series on Sept. 25, 2026 in Morristown, NJ.
How to enter:
- Register for the contest at https://folkproject.clappia.com/app/AJC367603
- Songs must not be subject to any existing publishing contract or exclusive administration deal.
- You will be pasting a URL link to your songs from any of a number of cloud-based services like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, DropBox, Samply, SoundCloud or a similar service.
- Entry fee is $15 per two-song entry, and you may enter as many times as you like.
- Deadline for submission is July 24, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
- You can send questions to [email protected]
Eligibility and Judging: The contest is open to all songwriters, anywhere. It will be judged by professional songwriters on the basis of melody, lyrics, composition and originality. To the extent possible it will not be judged on production quality, but your recording needs to be good enough to show off what the judges will be looking for.
AI Use Policy: We are seeking songs written by human creators. While AI tools, such as Suno or Udio, may be used to assist with production, all core songwriting elements – including lyrics, melody, and structure – must be the original work of the submitting artist.
Any use of AI in the production process must be disclosed at the time of submission. Fully AI generated songs are not eligible for consideration.
Other details: You retain all rights to your own work. Should you win, you allow us to use your name and likeness for promotional purposes. If necessary, Folk Project may choose to extend the deadline for entries, but we will not make it any earlier.
For More Information: Folk Project Song Writing Contest
“If Joni Mitchell and Richie Havens had a love child, with Rodney Dangerfield as the midwife, the results might be something close to the great Vance Gilbert” (Richmond Magazine)… with “the voice of an angel, the wit of a devil, and the guitar playing of a god” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram). This consummate songwriter’s influence can be felt all over the folk and Americana realm, with 14 albums to his credit and appearances from the Newport Folk Festival to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium to Boston’s Symphony Hall. Vance toured with Shawn Colvin and has been the opener of choice for artists as varied as Arlo Guthrie, Anita Baker, The Milk Carton Kids, Paul Reiser, and George Carlin.
Over six albums, indie folksinger Eliot Bronson has forged a distinctive blend of atmospheric American roots music, earning awards and an international following on both sides of the Atlantic. Bronson is a diverse songwriter, bouncing between poetic turns-of-phrase and direct narratives, and he’s as compelling as a vocalist. Whether leaping into his falsetto or singing in a woozy croon, he wrings every ounce of feeling from his lyrics, bringing those emotions to vivid life.
The Baltimore native began writing songs as a teenager, inspired by his father’s record collection, which included Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and blues pioneers Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry. Raised in a working-class family shaped by both Pentecostal faith and 1960s counterculture, Bronson developed a musical voice all his own.He later moved to Atlanta, where he built an audience as a member of the folk-rock duo The Brilliant Inventions. His solo career took off after he won first place in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. His swooning, expressive voice and evocative songwriting have drawn widespread acclaim, including early praise from The Baltimore Sun, which called him “a folk singing wunderkind.” His album Talking to Myself, recorded outside Atlanta, is an album that balances mood and melody, intimacy and atmosphere, grounded songwriting and astral, ambient arrangements.
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
Triple Feature: Allison Strong, Lily DeTaeye, Jillian Matundan
***********************************************************************************
| Allison Strong | https://www.allisonstrong.com |
 |
Hailed as “captivating” by the New York Times, Colombian-American singer-songwriter and actor Allison Strong is releasing her bilingual EP Weightless in 2026. Strong has opened for Grammy Winners LeAnn Rimes and Jesse + Joy, and earned recognition as a NJ State Council on the Arts Music Fellow, ASCAP Latin Beat Songwriting Grantee, Kerville New Folk Finalist, Hudson West Fest Emerging Artist Winner and Falcon Ridge Emerging Artist. She starred opposite Adam Sandler in the Netflix comedies The Week Of and Leo, and appeared in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Broadway’s Bye Bye Birdie and Mamma Mia! |
| Video link: Weightless | |
| Lily DeTaeye | https://lilydetaeye.com/ |
 |
Lily DeTaeye is a Des Moines, Iowa native with a foundation in alt rock, pop, and folk, who delivers original songs in honey-smooth vocals. She has lit up venues from Salmonfest in Ninilchik, Alaska, to Americanafest in Nashville, to The Bitter End in New York City. Her third studio album, Even With My Eyes Closed, is a nostalgic and biting entry into the world of dreamy pop. Think Lilith Fair etherealism meets barbed hooks that stick right in the jaw. DeTaeye is based in Brooklyn, NY. |
| Video link: Maybe It’s November | |
| Jillian Matundan | https://jillianmatundan.com/ |
 |
Jillian Matundan is an award-winning, multi-instrumental singer-songwriter, trade unionist, and first-generation Filipina American who has been winning over audiences with her resonant vocals, acute and relatable observations, unique guitar-style, and sharp sense of humor. Ever since returning to the scene in 2019, Jillian has been on a tear, winning multiple songwriting awards (including fifteen Mid-Atlantic Song Contest Awards), playing numerous shows on the club and festival circuit, and collaborating with musicians in the studio and on stage. She has opened for Susan Werner, Ellis Paul, Laurie MacAllister (of Red Molly), Natalia Zuckerman, and many others. |
| Video link: Frozen |
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
*** Admission: $35/$35 (FP members)***
John McCutcheon has emerged as one of our most respected and loved folk singers. As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, most notably the rare and beautiful hammered dulcimer. His songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His thirty recordings have garnered every imaginable honor including seven Grammy nominations. He has produced over twenty albums of other artists, from traditional fiddlers to contemporary singer-songwriters to educational and documentary works. His books and instructional materials have introduced budding players to the joys of their own musicality. And his commitment to grassroots political organizations has put him on the front lines of many of the issues important to communities and workers. Expect humor, heart, and musical magic—this is folk music at its most alive.
Contemporary singer / songwriter Michael Arthur’s poignant songs explore the breadth and depth of the human experience. Accompanying himself on solo acoustic guitar, Michael employs lush open guitar tunings as the canvas for his powerful and emotive vocal performances. He was a finalist in the Mid Atlantic Song Contest, winner of the ACT Songwriters Big Shootout, and silver medalist in the Susquehanna Folk Music Society Songwriting Competition. Michael has also had the pleasure of opening for David Wilcox, Tracy Grammer, and (as the designated welcoming opener on The Folk Project’s weekly online song gathering), on Zoom for virtually every touring folk artist currently on the scene!
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Halloween Show – LIVING Performers Wanted
The Folk Project’s legendary Halloween Show is back—and spookier than ever. What’s the only thing standing between us and a full-scale ghostly outbreak? Your songs and your costumes!
- Sign Up & Sing: Project members, sign up now to share your scary, silly, or macabre songs at [email protected]. Prizes awarded for the most Halloween-worthy performances.
- Dress up & Scream: Come in costume and compete for prizes. From ghoulish to glamorous, every disguise adds to the fun. Photo ops abound, and prizes awarded for the most Halloween-worthy costumes.
- Treats & Tricks: Special Halloween goodies prepared by our own Chef Bob are included with admission, and you’ll be happy to learn that adults can eat all the candy they desire because the calories will just vanish!
Ready to keep the darkness at bay? All are welcome, as even the dead can come back to life on this most spirited night of the year. Costumes are most welcome but not required. Bring your fiends and demons, if you dare!
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Dan Bern is a captivating live performer who has enthralled a loyal and ever-growing fan base in the US and Europe since the mid ‘90s. His songs range from deeply moving to wildly imaginative and hilarious, often within the same song.
He has been compared favorably to the great masters of songwriting, such as Guthrie, Dylan, Costello. Though he draws from the great American tradition of songwriting, there is something deeply unique and compelling that make you want to get to know the man behind the songs.
He conjures incredibly specific imagery like in a painting. Though he may turn to cynicism and political satire at times, the beauty of his work is that he is able to imagine better worlds, revealing a deep capacity for empathy and optimism. Bern connects with his audiences skillfully and directly, weaving the topical and local in with the more universal themes. He has written for many films and TV shows and has made more than thirty albums.
In late 2024, Laurie MacAllister embarked on an exciting new chapter, launching a solo career with a sold-out performance at the legendary Club Passim. Two decades earlier, she co-founded the beloved Americana trio Red Molly, which released seven acclaimed albums and toured both the U.S. and internationally, including appearances at MerleFest, Cayamo, Boston Symphony Hall, Australia’s Port Fairy Folk Fest, and Denmark’s Tønder Festival.
Her 2018 self-produced solo album “The Lies the Poets Tell” is a heartfelt tribute to the contemporary folk music scene, celebrating a handful of its best songs and songwriters. SiriusXM praised the album as “Defining. A curated collection packed with emotional vibrancy.” A new album is in the works for a 2027 Release. This year she will grace stages from the legendary Club Passim to the Black Bear Americana Festival to the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference…and now, the Troubadour!
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
With the energy of fiddle music, the introspective quality of contemporary folk, the precision of bluegrass, and the drive of Americana, the members of the Vermont-based American Roots band Low Lily (Liz Simmons, Flynn Cohen, and Natalie Padilla) combine their individual talents into one stunning soundscape. Low Lily has shared their signature sound with enthusiastic audiences throughout North America and the UK, garnering two #1 songs on international folk radio and two Independent Music Award wins. Their original song “Hope Lingers On” has been sung by choirs around the world as an anthem for peace and justice.
Peppino D’Agostino left Sicily more than 30 years ago with a simple dream: to play alongside the world’s greatest guitarists. He has more than fulfilled that ambition, becoming one of the most respected and influential figures in contemporary acoustic guitar.
A leading voice in the second wave of fingerstyle guitarists that helped redefine the instrument in the 1990s, D’Agostino is celebrated for his dazzling technique, innovative use of open tunings, percussive effects, melodic compositions, and emotional depth. His broad musical tastes and playful warmth have inspired generations of guitarists and audiences worldwide. Acoustic Guitar magazine named him “the guitarist’s guitarist,” while Guitar Player readers voted him Best Acoustic Guitarist.
D’Agostino has performed in more than 30 countries and shared stages with Tommy Emmanuel, Leo Kottke, Sergio Assad, Larry Carlton, and Eric Johnson. His recordings include Acoustic Spirit, Close to the Heart, Every Step of the Way, and Penumbra, which bridges classical and acoustic guitar traditions.
Beyond performing, D’Agostino is a dedicated teacher, offering workshops and online instruction. His music has also appeared in video games and at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. His concerts are celebrated for virtuosity, spontaneity, humor, and an intimate connection with audiences. Whether composing, teaching, or performing on his signature Seagull guitar, D’Agostino continues to push the boundaries of acoustic music.
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Flamy Grant is a trailblazing drag queen, musician and world traveling phenomenon with over 1.5 million streams on the web. Snatching trophies for both songwriting and stage, this powerhouse performer beautifully blends her Appalachian roots, drag artistry, and musical excellence stages ablaze with blistering vocals, bold looks, brilliant songwriting, and brave storytelling.
Flamy’s debut album Bible Belt Baby reached #1 on the iTunes Christian music charts, earning her headlines in Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Billboard, People, and more. Then she snatched a 2026 International Folk Music Award nomination for Best Album for her sophomore record CHURCH.
Her accolades include the 2025 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival’s Audience Favorite Award, a 2023 Kerrville Folk Festival winner for the New Folk
This songwriter and shame-slaying drag queen is a Troubadour favorite, guaranteed to serve up a therapeutic, theatrical experience that is fearless, flamboyant, and full of heart.”
Kevin Neidig, a native of Mechanicsburg, PA, is an award-winning Americana singer-songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist. His numerous awards include 2024 IBMA Flatpicking Champion, 2026 Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest (Children’s song, instrumental and folk acoustic categories) 2025 Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest (Bluegrass/Country) winner, and 2023 Best Americana Artist by the Central Pennsylvania Hall of Fame, and other top awards for guitar, banjo and vocals. His sound mixes elements of Darrell Scott, Tim O’Brien, Bela Fleck, and other similar artists with a sprinkling of metal and jazz.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
| Ellis Paul doesn’t just write songs; he’s a guitar-carrying reporter who covers the human condition and details the hopes, loves, losses of those he observes, turning their stories into luminous pieces of music that get under your skin and into your bloodstream. And much like the artists who have influenced him, everyone from Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon to the singer-songwriter who is undoubtedly his greatest inspiration, Woody Guthrie, Paul weaves deeply personal experiences with social issues and renders them as provocative works that are as timely as they are timeless. |
| Born and raised in Maine, Paul attended Boston College on a track scholarship and in the evenings became a fixture on the city’s open mic circuit. After winning a Boston Acoustic Underground songwriter competition, he caught the ear of folk luminary Bill Morrissey, who produced his indie album Say Something in 1993. This led to a seven album contract with Rounder Records and the 1994 album, Stories. His songs have appeared in several blockbuster films (Me, Myself, and Irene; Shallow Hal, Hall Pass) and have been covered by award winning country artists (Sugarland, Kristian Bush, Jack Ingram). |
| Through a steady succession of albums of his own – a remarkable 23 releases so far – and a constant touring presence around the world, Paul’s audience has grown into a loyal legion of fans. Along the way, he has picked up an impressive number of awards including the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Award, 15 Boston Music Awards, An Honorary Doctorate from the University of Maine, the 2019 International Acoustic Music Awards Artist of the Year and most recently his album, The Storyteller’s Suitcase, was named the 2019 NERFA Album of the Year. |
Announcing The Folk Project’s 2026 Songwriting Contest
Enter Folk Project’s first annual Songwriting Contest to win a cash prize and the opportunity to play an opening act at the Troubadour Acoustic Concert Series.
Key Dates:
- July 24, 2026 – Deadlines for entries
- August 24, 2026 – Winners announced
- September 25, 2026 – Performance at Troubadour
Prizes: Three winners will each win a $200 cash prize and will get to perform their award-winning songs in the opening set for Ellis Paul at the Troubadour Acoustic Concert Series on Sept. 25, 2026 in Morristown, NJ.
How to enter:
- Register for the contest at https://folkproject.clappia.com/app/AJC367603
- Songs must not be subject to any existing publishing contract or exclusive administration deal.
- You will be pasting a URL link to your songs from any of a number of cloud-based services like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, DropBox, Samply, SoundCloud or a similar service.
- Entry fee is $15 per two-song entry, and you may enter as many times as you like.
- Deadline for submission is July 24, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
- You can send questions to [email protected]
Eligibility and Judging: The contest is open to all songwriters, anywhere. It will be judged by professional songwriters on the basis of melody, lyrics, composition and originality. To the extent possible it will not be judged on production quality, but your recording needs to be good enough to show off what the judges will be looking for.
AI Use Policy: We are seeking songs written by human creators. While AI tools, such as Suno or Udio, may be used to assist with production, all core songwriting elements – including lyrics, melody, and structure – must be the original work of the submitting artist.
Any use of AI in the production process must be disclosed at the time of submission. Fully AI generated songs are not eligible for consideration.
Other details: You retain all rights to your own work. Should you win, you allow us to use your name and likeness for promotional purposes. If necessary, Folk Project may choose to extend the deadline for entries, but we will not make it any earlier.
For More Information: Folk Project Song Writing Contest
“If Joni Mitchell and Richie Havens had a love child, with Rodney Dangerfield as the midwife, the results might be something close to the great Vance Gilbert” (Richmond Magazine)… with “the voice of an angel, the wit of a devil, and the guitar playing of a god” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram). This consummate songwriter’s influence can be felt all over the folk and Americana realm, with 14 albums to his credit and appearances from the Newport Folk Festival to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium to Boston’s Symphony Hall. Vance toured with Shawn Colvin and has been the opener of choice for artists as varied as Arlo Guthrie, Anita Baker, The Milk Carton Kids, Paul Reiser, and George Carlin.
Over six albums, indie folksinger Eliot Bronson has forged a distinctive blend of atmospheric American roots music, earning awards and an international following on both sides of the Atlantic. Bronson is a diverse songwriter, bouncing between poetic turns-of-phrase and direct narratives, and he’s as compelling as a vocalist. Whether leaping into his falsetto or singing in a woozy croon, he wrings every ounce of feeling from his lyrics, bringing those emotions to vivid life.
The Baltimore native began writing songs as a teenager, inspired by his father’s record collection, which included Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and blues pioneers Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry. Raised in a working-class family shaped by both Pentecostal faith and 1960s counterculture, Bronson developed a musical voice all his own.He later moved to Atlanta, where he built an audience as a member of the folk-rock duo The Brilliant Inventions. His solo career took off after he won first place in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. His swooning, expressive voice and evocative songwriting have drawn widespread acclaim, including early praise from The Baltimore Sun, which called him “a folk singing wunderkind.” His album Talking to Myself, recorded outside Atlanta, is an album that balances mood and melody, intimacy and atmosphere, grounded songwriting and astral, ambient arrangements.
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
Triple Feature: Allison Strong, Lily DeTaeye, Jillian Matundan
***********************************************************************************
| Allison Strong | https://www.allisonstrong.com |
|
Hailed as “captivating” by the New York Times, Colombian-American singer-songwriter and actor Allison Strong is releasing her bilingual EP Weightless in 2026. Strong has opened for Grammy Winners LeAnn Rimes and Jesse + Joy, and earned recognition as a NJ State Council on the Arts Music Fellow, ASCAP Latin Beat Songwriting Grantee, Kerville New Folk Finalist, Hudson West Fest Emerging Artist Winner and Falcon Ridge Emerging Artist. She starred opposite Adam Sandler in the Netflix comedies The Week Of and Leo, and appeared in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Broadway’s Bye Bye Birdie and Mamma Mia! |
| Video link: Weightless | |
| Lily DeTaeye | https://lilydetaeye.com/ |
|
Lily DeTaeye is a Des Moines, Iowa native with a foundation in alt rock, pop, and folk, who delivers original songs in honey-smooth vocals. She has lit up venues from Salmonfest in Ninilchik, Alaska, to Americanafest in Nashville, to The Bitter End in New York City. Her third studio album, Even With My Eyes Closed, is a nostalgic and biting entry into the world of dreamy pop. Think Lilith Fair etherealism meets barbed hooks that stick right in the jaw. DeTaeye is based in Brooklyn, NY. |
| Video link: Maybe It’s November | |
| Jillian Matundan | https://jillianmatundan.com/ |
|
Jillian Matundan is an award-winning, multi-instrumental singer-songwriter, trade unionist, and first-generation Filipina American who has been winning over audiences with her resonant vocals, acute and relatable observations, unique guitar-style, and sharp sense of humor. Ever since returning to the scene in 2019, Jillian has been on a tear, winning multiple songwriting awards (including fifteen Mid-Atlantic Song Contest Awards), playing numerous shows on the club and festival circuit, and collaborating with musicians in the studio and on stage. She has opened for Susan Werner, Ellis Paul, Laurie MacAllister (of Red Molly), Natalia Zuckerman, and many others. |
| Video link: Frozen |
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
*** Admission: $35/$35 (FP members)***
John McCutcheon has emerged as one of our most respected and loved folk singers. As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, most notably the rare and beautiful hammered dulcimer. His songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His thirty recordings have garnered every imaginable honor including seven Grammy nominations. He has produced over twenty albums of other artists, from traditional fiddlers to contemporary singer-songwriters to educational and documentary works. His books and instructional materials have introduced budding players to the joys of their own musicality. And his commitment to grassroots political organizations has put him on the front lines of many of the issues important to communities and workers. Expect humor, heart, and musical magic—this is folk music at its most alive.
Contemporary singer / songwriter Michael Arthur’s poignant songs explore the breadth and depth of the human experience. Accompanying himself on solo acoustic guitar, Michael employs lush open guitar tunings as the canvas for his powerful and emotive vocal performances. He was a finalist in the Mid Atlantic Song Contest, winner of the ACT Songwriters Big Shootout, and silver medalist in the Susquehanna Folk Music Society Songwriting Competition. Michael has also had the pleasure of opening for David Wilcox, Tracy Grammer, and (as the designated welcoming opener on The Folk Project’s weekly online song gathering), on Zoom for virtually every touring folk artist currently on the scene!
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Halloween Show – LIVING Performers Wanted
The Folk Project’s legendary Halloween Show is back—and spookier than ever. What’s the only thing standing between us and a full-scale ghostly outbreak? Your songs and your costumes!
- Sign Up & Sing: Project members, sign up now to share your scary, silly, or macabre songs at [email protected]. Prizes awarded for the most Halloween-worthy performances.
- Dress up & Scream: Come in costume and compete for prizes. From ghoulish to glamorous, every disguise adds to the fun. Photo ops abound, and prizes awarded for the most Halloween-worthy costumes.
- Treats & Tricks: Special Halloween goodies prepared by our own Chef Bob are included with admission, and you’ll be happy to learn that adults can eat all the candy they desire because the calories will just vanish!
Ready to keep the darkness at bay? All are welcome, as even the dead can come back to life on this most spirited night of the year. Costumes are most welcome but not required. Bring your fiends and demons, if you dare!
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Dan Bern is a captivating live performer who has enthralled a loyal and ever-growing fan base in the US and Europe since the mid ‘90s. His songs range from deeply moving to wildly imaginative and hilarious, often within the same song.
He has been compared favorably to the great masters of songwriting, such as Guthrie, Dylan, Costello. Though he draws from the great American tradition of songwriting, there is something deeply unique and compelling that make you want to get to know the man behind the songs.
He conjures incredibly specific imagery like in a painting. Though he may turn to cynicism and political satire at times, the beauty of his work is that he is able to imagine better worlds, revealing a deep capacity for empathy and optimism. Bern connects with his audiences skillfully and directly, weaving the topical and local in with the more universal themes. He has written for many films and TV shows and has made more than thirty albums.
In late 2024, Laurie MacAllister embarked on an exciting new chapter, launching a solo career with a sold-out performance at the legendary Club Passim. Two decades earlier, she co-founded the beloved Americana trio Red Molly, which released seven acclaimed albums and toured both the U.S. and internationally, including appearances at MerleFest, Cayamo, Boston Symphony Hall, Australia’s Port Fairy Folk Fest, and Denmark’s Tønder Festival.
Her 2018 self-produced solo album “The Lies the Poets Tell” is a heartfelt tribute to the contemporary folk music scene, celebrating a handful of its best songs and songwriters. SiriusXM praised the album as “Defining. A curated collection packed with emotional vibrancy.” A new album is in the works for a 2027 Release. This year she will grace stages from the legendary Club Passim to the Black Bear Americana Festival to the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference…and now, the Troubadour!
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
With the energy of fiddle music, the introspective quality of contemporary folk, the precision of bluegrass, and the drive of Americana, the members of the Vermont-based American Roots band Low Lily (Liz Simmons, Flynn Cohen, and Natalie Padilla) combine their individual talents into one stunning soundscape. Low Lily has shared their signature sound with enthusiastic audiences throughout North America and the UK, garnering two #1 songs on international folk radio and two Independent Music Award wins. Their original song “Hope Lingers On” has been sung by choirs around the world as an anthem for peace and justice.
Peppino D’Agostino left Sicily more than 30 years ago with a simple dream: to play alongside the world’s greatest guitarists. He has more than fulfilled that ambition, becoming one of the most respected and influential figures in contemporary acoustic guitar.
A leading voice in the second wave of fingerstyle guitarists that helped redefine the instrument in the 1990s, D’Agostino is celebrated for his dazzling technique, innovative use of open tunings, percussive effects, melodic compositions, and emotional depth. His broad musical tastes and playful warmth have inspired generations of guitarists and audiences worldwide. Acoustic Guitar magazine named him “the guitarist’s guitarist,” while Guitar Player readers voted him Best Acoustic Guitarist.
D’Agostino has performed in more than 30 countries and shared stages with Tommy Emmanuel, Leo Kottke, Sergio Assad, Larry Carlton, and Eric Johnson. His recordings include Acoustic Spirit, Close to the Heart, Every Step of the Way, and Penumbra, which bridges classical and acoustic guitar traditions.
Beyond performing, D’Agostino is a dedicated teacher, offering workshops and online instruction. His music has also appeared in video games and at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. His concerts are celebrated for virtuosity, spontaneity, humor, and an intimate connection with audiences. Whether composing, teaching, or performing on his signature Seagull guitar, D’Agostino continues to push the boundaries of acoustic music.
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Flamy Grant is a trailblazing drag queen, musician and world traveling phenomenon with over 1.5 million streams on the web. Snatching trophies for both songwriting and stage, this powerhouse performer beautifully blends her Appalachian roots, drag artistry, and musical excellence stages ablaze with blistering vocals, bold looks, brilliant songwriting, and brave storytelling.
Flamy’s debut album Bible Belt Baby reached #1 on the iTunes Christian music charts, earning her headlines in Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Billboard, People, and more. Then she snatched a 2026 International Folk Music Award nomination for Best Album for her sophomore record CHURCH.
Her accolades include the 2025 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival’s Audience Favorite Award, a 2023 Kerrville Folk Festival winner for the New Folk
This songwriter and shame-slaying drag queen is a Troubadour favorite, guaranteed to serve up a therapeutic, theatrical experience that is fearless, flamboyant, and full of heart.”
Kevin Neidig, a native of Mechanicsburg, PA, is an award-winning Americana singer-songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist. His numerous awards include 2024 IBMA Flatpicking Champion, 2026 Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest (Children’s song, instrumental and folk acoustic categories) 2025 Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest (Bluegrass/Country) winner, and 2023 Best Americana Artist by the Central Pennsylvania Hall of Fame, and other top awards for guitar, banjo and vocals. His sound mixes elements of Darrell Scott, Tim O’Brien, Bela Fleck, and other similar artists with a sprinkling of metal and jazz.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
| Ellis Paul doesn’t just write songs; he’s a guitar-carrying reporter who covers the human condition and details the hopes, loves, losses of those he observes, turning their stories into luminous pieces of music that get under your skin and into your bloodstream. And much like the artists who have influenced him, everyone from Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon to the singer-songwriter who is undoubtedly his greatest inspiration, Woody Guthrie, Paul weaves deeply personal experiences with social issues and renders them as provocative works that are as timely as they are timeless. |
| Born and raised in Maine, Paul attended Boston College on a track scholarship and in the evenings became a fixture on the city’s open mic circuit. After winning a Boston Acoustic Underground songwriter competition, he caught the ear of folk luminary Bill Morrissey, who produced his indie album Say Something in 1993. This led to a seven album contract with Rounder Records and the 1994 album, Stories. His songs have appeared in several blockbuster films (Me, Myself, and Irene; Shallow Hal, Hall Pass) and have been covered by award winning country artists (Sugarland, Kristian Bush, Jack Ingram). |
| Through a steady succession of albums of his own – a remarkable 23 releases so far – and a constant touring presence around the world, Paul’s audience has grown into a loyal legion of fans. Along the way, he has picked up an impressive number of awards including the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Award, 15 Boston Music Awards, An Honorary Doctorate from the University of Maine, the 2019 International Acoustic Music Awards Artist of the Year and most recently his album, The Storyteller’s Suitcase, was named the 2019 NERFA Album of the Year. |
Announcing The Folk Project’s 2026 Songwriting Contest
Enter Folk Project’s first annual Songwriting Contest to win a cash prize and the opportunity to play an opening act at the Troubadour Acoustic Concert Series.
Key Dates:
- July 24, 2026 – Deadlines for entries
- August 24, 2026 – Winners announced
- September 25, 2026 – Performance at Troubadour
Prizes: Three winners will each win a $200 cash prize and will get to perform their award-winning songs in the opening set for Ellis Paul at the Troubadour Acoustic Concert Series on Sept. 25, 2026 in Morristown, NJ.
How to enter:
- Register for the contest at https://folkproject.clappia.com/app/AJC367603
- Songs must not be subject to any existing publishing contract or exclusive administration deal.
- You will be pasting a URL link to your songs from any of a number of cloud-based services like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, DropBox, Samply, SoundCloud or a similar service.
- Entry fee is $15 per two-song entry, and you may enter as many times as you like.
- Deadline for submission is July 24, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
- You can send questions to [email protected]
Eligibility and Judging: The contest is open to all songwriters, anywhere. It will be judged by professional songwriters on the basis of melody, lyrics, composition and originality. To the extent possible it will not be judged on production quality, but your recording needs to be good enough to show off what the judges will be looking for.
AI Use Policy: We are seeking songs written by human creators. While AI tools, such as Suno or Udio, may be used to assist with production, all core songwriting elements – including lyrics, melody, and structure – must be the original work of the submitting artist.
Any use of AI in the production process must be disclosed at the time of submission. Fully AI generated songs are not eligible for consideration.
Other details: You retain all rights to your own work. Should you win, you allow us to use your name and likeness for promotional purposes. If necessary, Folk Project may choose to extend the deadline for entries, but we will not make it any earlier.
For More Information: Folk Project Song Writing Contest
“If Joni Mitchell and Richie Havens had a love child, with Rodney Dangerfield as the midwife, the results might be something close to the great Vance Gilbert” (Richmond Magazine)… with “the voice of an angel, the wit of a devil, and the guitar playing of a god” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram). This consummate songwriter’s influence can be felt all over the folk and Americana realm, with 14 albums to his credit and appearances from the Newport Folk Festival to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium to Boston’s Symphony Hall. Vance toured with Shawn Colvin and has been the opener of choice for artists as varied as Arlo Guthrie, Anita Baker, The Milk Carton Kids, Paul Reiser, and George Carlin.
Over six albums, indie folksinger Eliot Bronson has forged a distinctive blend of atmospheric American roots music, earning awards and an international following on both sides of the Atlantic. Bronson is a diverse songwriter, bouncing between poetic turns-of-phrase and direct narratives, and he’s as compelling as a vocalist. Whether leaping into his falsetto or singing in a woozy croon, he wrings every ounce of feeling from his lyrics, bringing those emotions to vivid life.
The Baltimore native began writing songs as a teenager, inspired by his father’s record collection, which included Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and blues pioneers Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry. Raised in a working-class family shaped by both Pentecostal faith and 1960s counterculture, Bronson developed a musical voice all his own.He later moved to Atlanta, where he built an audience as a member of the folk-rock duo The Brilliant Inventions. His solo career took off after he won first place in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. His swooning, expressive voice and evocative songwriting have drawn widespread acclaim, including early praise from The Baltimore Sun, which called him “a folk singing wunderkind.” His album Talking to Myself, recorded outside Atlanta, is an album that balances mood and melody, intimacy and atmosphere, grounded songwriting and astral, ambient arrangements.
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
Triple Feature: Allison Strong, Lily DeTaeye, Jillian Matundan
***********************************************************************************
| Allison Strong | https://www.allisonstrong.com |
|
Hailed as “captivating” by the New York Times, Colombian-American singer-songwriter and actor Allison Strong is releasing her bilingual EP Weightless in 2026. Strong has opened for Grammy Winners LeAnn Rimes and Jesse + Joy, and earned recognition as a NJ State Council on the Arts Music Fellow, ASCAP Latin Beat Songwriting Grantee, Kerville New Folk Finalist, Hudson West Fest Emerging Artist Winner and Falcon Ridge Emerging Artist. She starred opposite Adam Sandler in the Netflix comedies The Week Of and Leo, and appeared in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Broadway’s Bye Bye Birdie and Mamma Mia! |
| Video link: Weightless | |
| Lily DeTaeye | https://lilydetaeye.com/ |
|
Lily DeTaeye is a Des Moines, Iowa native with a foundation in alt rock, pop, and folk, who delivers original songs in honey-smooth vocals. She has lit up venues from Salmonfest in Ninilchik, Alaska, to Americanafest in Nashville, to The Bitter End in New York City. Her third studio album, Even With My Eyes Closed, is a nostalgic and biting entry into the world of dreamy pop. Think Lilith Fair etherealism meets barbed hooks that stick right in the jaw. DeTaeye is based in Brooklyn, NY. |
| Video link: Maybe It’s November | |
| Jillian Matundan | https://jillianmatundan.com/ |
|
Jillian Matundan is an award-winning, multi-instrumental singer-songwriter, trade unionist, and first-generation Filipina American who has been winning over audiences with her resonant vocals, acute and relatable observations, unique guitar-style, and sharp sense of humor. Ever since returning to the scene in 2019, Jillian has been on a tear, winning multiple songwriting awards (including fifteen Mid-Atlantic Song Contest Awards), playing numerous shows on the club and festival circuit, and collaborating with musicians in the studio and on stage. She has opened for Susan Werner, Ellis Paul, Laurie MacAllister (of Red Molly), Natalia Zuckerman, and many others. |
| Video link: Frozen |
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
*** Admission: $35/$35 (FP members)***
John McCutcheon has emerged as one of our most respected and loved folk singers. As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, most notably the rare and beautiful hammered dulcimer. His songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His thirty recordings have garnered every imaginable honor including seven Grammy nominations. He has produced over twenty albums of other artists, from traditional fiddlers to contemporary singer-songwriters to educational and documentary works. His books and instructional materials have introduced budding players to the joys of their own musicality. And his commitment to grassroots political organizations has put him on the front lines of many of the issues important to communities and workers. Expect humor, heart, and musical magic—this is folk music at its most alive.
Contemporary singer / songwriter Michael Arthur’s poignant songs explore the breadth and depth of the human experience. Accompanying himself on solo acoustic guitar, Michael employs lush open guitar tunings as the canvas for his powerful and emotive vocal performances. He was a finalist in the Mid Atlantic Song Contest, winner of the ACT Songwriters Big Shootout, and silver medalist in the Susquehanna Folk Music Society Songwriting Competition. Michael has also had the pleasure of opening for David Wilcox, Tracy Grammer, and (as the designated welcoming opener on The Folk Project’s weekly online song gathering), on Zoom for virtually every touring folk artist currently on the scene!
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Halloween Show – LIVING Performers Wanted
The Folk Project’s legendary Halloween Show is back—and spookier than ever. What’s the only thing standing between us and a full-scale ghostly outbreak? Your songs and your costumes!
- Sign Up & Sing: Project members, sign up now to share your scary, silly, or macabre songs at [email protected]. Prizes awarded for the most Halloween-worthy performances.
- Dress up & Scream: Come in costume and compete for prizes. From ghoulish to glamorous, every disguise adds to the fun. Photo ops abound, and prizes awarded for the most Halloween-worthy costumes.
- Treats & Tricks: Special Halloween goodies prepared by our own Chef Bob are included with admission, and you’ll be happy to learn that adults can eat all the candy they desire because the calories will just vanish!
Ready to keep the darkness at bay? All are welcome, as even the dead can come back to life on this most spirited night of the year. Costumes are most welcome but not required. Bring your fiends and demons, if you dare!
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Dan Bern is a captivating live performer who has enthralled a loyal and ever-growing fan base in the US and Europe since the mid ‘90s. His songs range from deeply moving to wildly imaginative and hilarious, often within the same song.
He has been compared favorably to the great masters of songwriting, such as Guthrie, Dylan, Costello. Though he draws from the great American tradition of songwriting, there is something deeply unique and compelling that make you want to get to know the man behind the songs.
He conjures incredibly specific imagery like in a painting. Though he may turn to cynicism and political satire at times, the beauty of his work is that he is able to imagine better worlds, revealing a deep capacity for empathy and optimism. Bern connects with his audiences skillfully and directly, weaving the topical and local in with the more universal themes. He has written for many films and TV shows and has made more than thirty albums.
In late 2024, Laurie MacAllister embarked on an exciting new chapter, launching a solo career with a sold-out performance at the legendary Club Passim. Two decades earlier, she co-founded the beloved Americana trio Red Molly, which released seven acclaimed albums and toured both the U.S. and internationally, including appearances at MerleFest, Cayamo, Boston Symphony Hall, Australia’s Port Fairy Folk Fest, and Denmark’s Tønder Festival.
Her 2018 self-produced solo album “The Lies the Poets Tell” is a heartfelt tribute to the contemporary folk music scene, celebrating a handful of its best songs and songwriters. SiriusXM praised the album as “Defining. A curated collection packed with emotional vibrancy.” A new album is in the works for a 2027 Release. This year she will grace stages from the legendary Club Passim to the Black Bear Americana Festival to the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference…and now, the Troubadour!
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
With the energy of fiddle music, the introspective quality of contemporary folk, the precision of bluegrass, and the drive of Americana, the members of the Vermont-based American Roots band Low Lily (Liz Simmons, Flynn Cohen, and Natalie Padilla) combine their individual talents into one stunning soundscape. Low Lily has shared their signature sound with enthusiastic audiences throughout North America and the UK, garnering two #1 songs on international folk radio and two Independent Music Award wins. Their original song “Hope Lingers On” has been sung by choirs around the world as an anthem for peace and justice.
Peppino D’Agostino left Sicily more than 30 years ago with a simple dream: to play alongside the world’s greatest guitarists. He has more than fulfilled that ambition, becoming one of the most respected and influential figures in contemporary acoustic guitar.
A leading voice in the second wave of fingerstyle guitarists that helped redefine the instrument in the 1990s, D’Agostino is celebrated for his dazzling technique, innovative use of open tunings, percussive effects, melodic compositions, and emotional depth. His broad musical tastes and playful warmth have inspired generations of guitarists and audiences worldwide. Acoustic Guitar magazine named him “the guitarist’s guitarist,” while Guitar Player readers voted him Best Acoustic Guitarist.
D’Agostino has performed in more than 30 countries and shared stages with Tommy Emmanuel, Leo Kottke, Sergio Assad, Larry Carlton, and Eric Johnson. His recordings include Acoustic Spirit, Close to the Heart, Every Step of the Way, and Penumbra, which bridges classical and acoustic guitar traditions.
Beyond performing, D’Agostino is a dedicated teacher, offering workshops and online instruction. His music has also appeared in video games and at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. His concerts are celebrated for virtuosity, spontaneity, humor, and an intimate connection with audiences. Whether composing, teaching, or performing on his signature Seagull guitar, D’Agostino continues to push the boundaries of acoustic music.
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Flamy Grant is a trailblazing drag queen, musician and world traveling phenomenon with over 1.5 million streams on the web. Snatching trophies for both songwriting and stage, this powerhouse performer beautifully blends her Appalachian roots, drag artistry, and musical excellence stages ablaze with blistering vocals, bold looks, brilliant songwriting, and brave storytelling.
Flamy’s debut album Bible Belt Baby reached #1 on the iTunes Christian music charts, earning her headlines in Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Billboard, People, and more. Then she snatched a 2026 International Folk Music Award nomination for Best Album for her sophomore record CHURCH.
Her accolades include the 2025 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival’s Audience Favorite Award, a 2023 Kerrville Folk Festival winner for the New Folk
This songwriter and shame-slaying drag queen is a Troubadour favorite, guaranteed to serve up a therapeutic, theatrical experience that is fearless, flamboyant, and full of heart.”
Kevin Neidig, a native of Mechanicsburg, PA, is an award-winning Americana singer-songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist. His numerous awards include 2024 IBMA Flatpicking Champion, 2026 Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest (Children’s song, instrumental and folk acoustic categories) 2025 Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest (Bluegrass/Country) winner, and 2023 Best Americana Artist by the Central Pennsylvania Hall of Fame, and other top awards for guitar, banjo and vocals. His sound mixes elements of Darrell Scott, Tim O’Brien, Bela Fleck, and other similar artists with a sprinkling of metal and jazz.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
| Ellis Paul doesn’t just write songs; he’s a guitar-carrying reporter who covers the human condition and details the hopes, loves, losses of those he observes, turning their stories into luminous pieces of music that get under your skin and into your bloodstream. And much like the artists who have influenced him, everyone from Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon to the singer-songwriter who is undoubtedly his greatest inspiration, Woody Guthrie, Paul weaves deeply personal experiences with social issues and renders them as provocative works that are as timely as they are timeless. |
| Born and raised in Maine, Paul attended Boston College on a track scholarship and in the evenings became a fixture on the city’s open mic circuit. After winning a Boston Acoustic Underground songwriter competition, he caught the ear of folk luminary Bill Morrissey, who produced his indie album Say Something in 1993. This led to a seven album contract with Rounder Records and the 1994 album, Stories. His songs have appeared in several blockbuster films (Me, Myself, and Irene; Shallow Hal, Hall Pass) and have been covered by award winning country artists (Sugarland, Kristian Bush, Jack Ingram). |
| Through a steady succession of albums of his own – a remarkable 23 releases so far – and a constant touring presence around the world, Paul’s audience has grown into a loyal legion of fans. Along the way, he has picked up an impressive number of awards including the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Award, 15 Boston Music Awards, An Honorary Doctorate from the University of Maine, the 2019 International Acoustic Music Awards Artist of the Year and most recently his album, The Storyteller’s Suitcase, was named the 2019 NERFA Album of the Year. |
Announcing The Folk Project’s 2026 Songwriting Contest
Enter Folk Project’s first annual Songwriting Contest to win a cash prize and the opportunity to play an opening act at the Troubadour Acoustic Concert Series.
Key Dates:
- July 24, 2026 – Deadlines for entries
- August 24, 2026 – Winners announced
- September 25, 2026 – Performance at Troubadour
Prizes: Three winners will each win a $200 cash prize and will get to perform their award-winning songs in the opening set for Ellis Paul at the Troubadour Acoustic Concert Series on Sept. 25, 2026 in Morristown, NJ.
How to enter:
- Register for the contest at https://folkproject.clappia.com/app/AJC367603
- Songs must not be subject to any existing publishing contract or exclusive administration deal.
- You will be pasting a URL link to your songs from any of a number of cloud-based services like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, DropBox, Samply, SoundCloud or a similar service.
- Entry fee is $15 per two-song entry, and you may enter as many times as you like.
- Deadline for submission is July 24, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
- You can send questions to [email protected]
Eligibility and Judging: The contest is open to all songwriters, anywhere. It will be judged by professional songwriters on the basis of melody, lyrics, composition and originality. To the extent possible it will not be judged on production quality, but your recording needs to be good enough to show off what the judges will be looking for.
AI Use Policy: We are seeking songs written by human creators. While AI tools, such as Suno or Udio, may be used to assist with production, all core songwriting elements – including lyrics, melody, and structure – must be the original work of the submitting artist.
Any use of AI in the production process must be disclosed at the time of submission. Fully AI generated songs are not eligible for consideration.
Other details: You retain all rights to your own work. Should you win, you allow us to use your name and likeness for promotional purposes. If necessary, Folk Project may choose to extend the deadline for entries, but we will not make it any earlier.
For More Information: Folk Project Song Writing Contest
“If Joni Mitchell and Richie Havens had a love child, with Rodney Dangerfield as the midwife, the results might be something close to the great Vance Gilbert” (Richmond Magazine)… with “the voice of an angel, the wit of a devil, and the guitar playing of a god” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram). This consummate songwriter’s influence can be felt all over the folk and Americana realm, with 14 albums to his credit and appearances from the Newport Folk Festival to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium to Boston’s Symphony Hall. Vance toured with Shawn Colvin and has been the opener of choice for artists as varied as Arlo Guthrie, Anita Baker, The Milk Carton Kids, Paul Reiser, and George Carlin.
Over six albums, indie folksinger Eliot Bronson has forged a distinctive blend of atmospheric American roots music, earning awards and an international following on both sides of the Atlantic. Bronson is a diverse songwriter, bouncing between poetic turns-of-phrase and direct narratives, and he’s as compelling as a vocalist. Whether leaping into his falsetto or singing in a woozy croon, he wrings every ounce of feeling from his lyrics, bringing those emotions to vivid life.
The Baltimore native began writing songs as a teenager, inspired by his father’s record collection, which included Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and blues pioneers Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry. Raised in a working-class family shaped by both Pentecostal faith and 1960s counterculture, Bronson developed a musical voice all his own.He later moved to Atlanta, where he built an audience as a member of the folk-rock duo The Brilliant Inventions. His solo career took off after he won first place in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. His swooning, expressive voice and evocative songwriting have drawn widespread acclaim, including early praise from The Baltimore Sun, which called him “a folk singing wunderkind.” His album Talking to Myself, recorded outside Atlanta, is an album that balances mood and melody, intimacy and atmosphere, grounded songwriting and astral, ambient arrangements.
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
Triple Feature: Allison Strong, Lily DeTaeye, Jillian Matundan
***********************************************************************************
| Allison Strong | https://www.allisonstrong.com |
|
Hailed as “captivating” by the New York Times, Colombian-American singer-songwriter and actor Allison Strong is releasing her bilingual EP Weightless in 2026. Strong has opened for Grammy Winners LeAnn Rimes and Jesse + Joy, and earned recognition as a NJ State Council on the Arts Music Fellow, ASCAP Latin Beat Songwriting Grantee, Kerville New Folk Finalist, Hudson West Fest Emerging Artist Winner and Falcon Ridge Emerging Artist. She starred opposite Adam Sandler in the Netflix comedies The Week Of and Leo, and appeared in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Broadway’s Bye Bye Birdie and Mamma Mia! |
| Video link: Weightless | |
| Lily DeTaeye | https://lilydetaeye.com/ |
|
Lily DeTaeye is a Des Moines, Iowa native with a foundation in alt rock, pop, and folk, who delivers original songs in honey-smooth vocals. She has lit up venues from Salmonfest in Ninilchik, Alaska, to Americanafest in Nashville, to The Bitter End in New York City. Her third studio album, Even With My Eyes Closed, is a nostalgic and biting entry into the world of dreamy pop. Think Lilith Fair etherealism meets barbed hooks that stick right in the jaw. DeTaeye is based in Brooklyn, NY. |
| Video link: Maybe It’s November | |
| Jillian Matundan | https://jillianmatundan.com/ |
|
Jillian Matundan is an award-winning, multi-instrumental singer-songwriter, trade unionist, and first-generation Filipina American who has been winning over audiences with her resonant vocals, acute and relatable observations, unique guitar-style, and sharp sense of humor. Ever since returning to the scene in 2019, Jillian has been on a tear, winning multiple songwriting awards (including fifteen Mid-Atlantic Song Contest Awards), playing numerous shows on the club and festival circuit, and collaborating with musicians in the studio and on stage. She has opened for Susan Werner, Ellis Paul, Laurie MacAllister (of Red Molly), Natalia Zuckerman, and many others. |
| Video link: Frozen |
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
*** Admission: $35/$35 (FP members)***
John McCutcheon has emerged as one of our most respected and loved folk singers. As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, most notably the rare and beautiful hammered dulcimer. His songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His thirty recordings have garnered every imaginable honor including seven Grammy nominations. He has produced over twenty albums of other artists, from traditional fiddlers to contemporary singer-songwriters to educational and documentary works. His books and instructional materials have introduced budding players to the joys of their own musicality. And his commitment to grassroots political organizations has put him on the front lines of many of the issues important to communities and workers. Expect humor, heart, and musical magic—this is folk music at its most alive.
Contemporary singer / songwriter Michael Arthur’s poignant songs explore the breadth and depth of the human experience. Accompanying himself on solo acoustic guitar, Michael employs lush open guitar tunings as the canvas for his powerful and emotive vocal performances. He was a finalist in the Mid Atlantic Song Contest, winner of the ACT Songwriters Big Shootout, and silver medalist in the Susquehanna Folk Music Society Songwriting Competition. Michael has also had the pleasure of opening for David Wilcox, Tracy Grammer, and (as the designated welcoming opener on The Folk Project’s weekly online song gathering), on Zoom for virtually every touring folk artist currently on the scene!
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Halloween Show – LIVING Performers Wanted
The Folk Project’s legendary Halloween Show is back—and spookier than ever. What’s the only thing standing between us and a full-scale ghostly outbreak? Your songs and your costumes!
- Sign Up & Sing: Project members, sign up now to share your scary, silly, or macabre songs at [email protected]. Prizes awarded for the most Halloween-worthy performances.
- Dress up & Scream: Come in costume and compete for prizes. From ghoulish to glamorous, every disguise adds to the fun. Photo ops abound, and prizes awarded for the most Halloween-worthy costumes.
- Treats & Tricks: Special Halloween goodies prepared by our own Chef Bob are included with admission, and you’ll be happy to learn that adults can eat all the candy they desire because the calories will just vanish!
Ready to keep the darkness at bay? All are welcome, as even the dead can come back to life on this most spirited night of the year. Costumes are most welcome but not required. Bring your fiends and demons, if you dare!
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Dan Bern is a captivating live performer who has enthralled a loyal and ever-growing fan base in the US and Europe since the mid ‘90s. His songs range from deeply moving to wildly imaginative and hilarious, often within the same song.
He has been compared favorably to the great masters of songwriting, such as Guthrie, Dylan, Costello. Though he draws from the great American tradition of songwriting, there is something deeply unique and compelling that make you want to get to know the man behind the songs.
He conjures incredibly specific imagery like in a painting. Though he may turn to cynicism and political satire at times, the beauty of his work is that he is able to imagine better worlds, revealing a deep capacity for empathy and optimism. Bern connects with his audiences skillfully and directly, weaving the topical and local in with the more universal themes. He has written for many films and TV shows and has made more than thirty albums.
In late 2024, Laurie MacAllister embarked on an exciting new chapter, launching a solo career with a sold-out performance at the legendary Club Passim. Two decades earlier, she co-founded the beloved Americana trio Red Molly, which released seven acclaimed albums and toured both the U.S. and internationally, including appearances at MerleFest, Cayamo, Boston Symphony Hall, Australia’s Port Fairy Folk Fest, and Denmark’s Tønder Festival.
Her 2018 self-produced solo album “The Lies the Poets Tell” is a heartfelt tribute to the contemporary folk music scene, celebrating a handful of its best songs and songwriters. SiriusXM praised the album as “Defining. A curated collection packed with emotional vibrancy.” A new album is in the works for a 2027 Release. This year she will grace stages from the legendary Club Passim to the Black Bear Americana Festival to the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference…and now, the Troubadour!
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
With the energy of fiddle music, the introspective quality of contemporary folk, the precision of bluegrass, and the drive of Americana, the members of the Vermont-based American Roots band Low Lily (Liz Simmons, Flynn Cohen, and Natalie Padilla) combine their individual talents into one stunning soundscape. Low Lily has shared their signature sound with enthusiastic audiences throughout North America and the UK, garnering two #1 songs on international folk radio and two Independent Music Award wins. Their original song “Hope Lingers On” has been sung by choirs around the world as an anthem for peace and justice.
Peppino D’Agostino left Sicily more than 30 years ago with a simple dream: to play alongside the world’s greatest guitarists. He has more than fulfilled that ambition, becoming one of the most respected and influential figures in contemporary acoustic guitar.
A leading voice in the second wave of fingerstyle guitarists that helped redefine the instrument in the 1990s, D’Agostino is celebrated for his dazzling technique, innovative use of open tunings, percussive effects, melodic compositions, and emotional depth. His broad musical tastes and playful warmth have inspired generations of guitarists and audiences worldwide. Acoustic Guitar magazine named him “the guitarist’s guitarist,” while Guitar Player readers voted him Best Acoustic Guitarist.
D’Agostino has performed in more than 30 countries and shared stages with Tommy Emmanuel, Leo Kottke, Sergio Assad, Larry Carlton, and Eric Johnson. His recordings include Acoustic Spirit, Close to the Heart, Every Step of the Way, and Penumbra, which bridges classical and acoustic guitar traditions.
Beyond performing, D’Agostino is a dedicated teacher, offering workshops and online instruction. His music has also appeared in video games and at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. His concerts are celebrated for virtuosity, spontaneity, humor, and an intimate connection with audiences. Whether composing, teaching, or performing on his signature Seagull guitar, D’Agostino continues to push the boundaries of acoustic music.
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Flamy Grant is a trailblazing drag queen, musician and world traveling phenomenon with over 1.5 million streams on the web. Snatching trophies for both songwriting and stage, this powerhouse performer beautifully blends her Appalachian roots, drag artistry, and musical excellence stages ablaze with blistering vocals, bold looks, brilliant songwriting, and brave storytelling.
Flamy’s debut album Bible Belt Baby reached #1 on the iTunes Christian music charts, earning her headlines in Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Billboard, People, and more. Then she snatched a 2026 International Folk Music Award nomination for Best Album for her sophomore record CHURCH.
Her accolades include the 2025 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival’s Audience Favorite Award, a 2023 Kerrville Folk Festival winner for the New Folk
This songwriter and shame-slaying drag queen is a Troubadour favorite, guaranteed to serve up a therapeutic, theatrical experience that is fearless, flamboyant, and full of heart.”
Kevin Neidig, a native of Mechanicsburg, PA, is an award-winning Americana singer-songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist. His numerous awards include 2024 IBMA Flatpicking Champion, 2026 Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest (Children’s song, instrumental and folk acoustic categories) 2025 Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest (Bluegrass/Country) winner, and 2023 Best Americana Artist by the Central Pennsylvania Hall of Fame, and other top awards for guitar, banjo and vocals. His sound mixes elements of Darrell Scott, Tim O’Brien, Bela Fleck, and other similar artists with a sprinkling of metal and jazz.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
| Ellis Paul doesn’t just write songs; he’s a guitar-carrying reporter who covers the human condition and details the hopes, loves, losses of those he observes, turning their stories into luminous pieces of music that get under your skin and into your bloodstream. And much like the artists who have influenced him, everyone from Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon to the singer-songwriter who is undoubtedly his greatest inspiration, Woody Guthrie, Paul weaves deeply personal experiences with social issues and renders them as provocative works that are as timely as they are timeless. |
| Born and raised in Maine, Paul attended Boston College on a track scholarship and in the evenings became a fixture on the city’s open mic circuit. After winning a Boston Acoustic Underground songwriter competition, he caught the ear of folk luminary Bill Morrissey, who produced his indie album Say Something in 1993. This led to a seven album contract with Rounder Records and the 1994 album, Stories. His songs have appeared in several blockbuster films (Me, Myself, and Irene; Shallow Hal, Hall Pass) and have been covered by award winning country artists (Sugarland, Kristian Bush, Jack Ingram). |
| Through a steady succession of albums of his own – a remarkable 23 releases so far – and a constant touring presence around the world, Paul’s audience has grown into a loyal legion of fans. Along the way, he has picked up an impressive number of awards including the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Award, 15 Boston Music Awards, An Honorary Doctorate from the University of Maine, the 2019 International Acoustic Music Awards Artist of the Year and most recently his album, The Storyteller’s Suitcase, was named the 2019 NERFA Album of the Year. |
Announcing The Folk Project’s 2026 Songwriting Contest
Enter Folk Project’s first annual Songwriting Contest to win a cash prize and the opportunity to play an opening act at the Troubadour Acoustic Concert Series.
Key Dates:
- July 24, 2026 – Deadlines for entries
- August 24, 2026 – Winners announced
- September 25, 2026 – Performance at Troubadour
Prizes: Three winners will each win a $200 cash prize and will get to perform their award-winning songs in the opening set for Ellis Paul at the Troubadour Acoustic Concert Series on Sept. 25, 2026 in Morristown, NJ.
How to enter:
- Register for the contest at https://folkproject.clappia.com/app/AJC367603
- Songs must not be subject to any existing publishing contract or exclusive administration deal.
- You will be pasting a URL link to your songs from any of a number of cloud-based services like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, DropBox, Samply, SoundCloud or a similar service.
- Entry fee is $15 per two-song entry, and you may enter as many times as you like.
- Deadline for submission is July 24, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
- You can send questions to [email protected]
Eligibility and Judging: The contest is open to all songwriters, anywhere. It will be judged by professional songwriters on the basis of melody, lyrics, composition and originality. To the extent possible it will not be judged on production quality, but your recording needs to be good enough to show off what the judges will be looking for.
AI Use Policy: We are seeking songs written by human creators. While AI tools, such as Suno or Udio, may be used to assist with production, all core songwriting elements – including lyrics, melody, and structure – must be the original work of the submitting artist.
Any use of AI in the production process must be disclosed at the time of submission. Fully AI generated songs are not eligible for consideration.
Other details: You retain all rights to your own work. Should you win, you allow us to use your name and likeness for promotional purposes. If necessary, Folk Project may choose to extend the deadline for entries, but we will not make it any earlier.
For More Information: Folk Project Song Writing Contest
“If Joni Mitchell and Richie Havens had a love child, with Rodney Dangerfield as the midwife, the results might be something close to the great Vance Gilbert” (Richmond Magazine)… with “the voice of an angel, the wit of a devil, and the guitar playing of a god” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram). This consummate songwriter’s influence can be felt all over the folk and Americana realm, with 14 albums to his credit and appearances from the Newport Folk Festival to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium to Boston’s Symphony Hall. Vance toured with Shawn Colvin and has been the opener of choice for artists as varied as Arlo Guthrie, Anita Baker, The Milk Carton Kids, Paul Reiser, and George Carlin.
Over six albums, indie folksinger Eliot Bronson has forged a distinctive blend of atmospheric American roots music, earning awards and an international following on both sides of the Atlantic. Bronson is a diverse songwriter, bouncing between poetic turns-of-phrase and direct narratives, and he’s as compelling as a vocalist. Whether leaping into his falsetto or singing in a woozy croon, he wrings every ounce of feeling from his lyrics, bringing those emotions to vivid life.
The Baltimore native began writing songs as a teenager, inspired by his father’s record collection, which included Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and blues pioneers Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry. Raised in a working-class family shaped by both Pentecostal faith and 1960s counterculture, Bronson developed a musical voice all his own.He later moved to Atlanta, where he built an audience as a member of the folk-rock duo The Brilliant Inventions. His solo career took off after he won first place in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. His swooning, expressive voice and evocative songwriting have drawn widespread acclaim, including early praise from The Baltimore Sun, which called him “a folk singing wunderkind.” His album Talking to Myself, recorded outside Atlanta, is an album that balances mood and melody, intimacy and atmosphere, grounded songwriting and astral, ambient arrangements.
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
Triple Feature: Allison Strong, Lily DeTaeye, Jillian Matundan
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| Allison Strong | https://www.allisonstrong.com |
|
Hailed as “captivating” by the New York Times, Colombian-American singer-songwriter and actor Allison Strong is releasing her bilingual EP Weightless in 2026. Strong has opened for Grammy Winners LeAnn Rimes and Jesse + Joy, and earned recognition as a NJ State Council on the Arts Music Fellow, ASCAP Latin Beat Songwriting Grantee, Kerville New Folk Finalist, Hudson West Fest Emerging Artist Winner and Falcon Ridge Emerging Artist. She starred opposite Adam Sandler in the Netflix comedies The Week Of and Leo, and appeared in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Broadway’s Bye Bye Birdie and Mamma Mia! |
| Video link: Weightless | |
| Lily DeTaeye | https://lilydetaeye.com/ |
|
Lily DeTaeye is a Des Moines, Iowa native with a foundation in alt rock, pop, and folk, who delivers original songs in honey-smooth vocals. She has lit up venues from Salmonfest in Ninilchik, Alaska, to Americanafest in Nashville, to The Bitter End in New York City. Her third studio album, Even With My Eyes Closed, is a nostalgic and biting entry into the world of dreamy pop. Think Lilith Fair etherealism meets barbed hooks that stick right in the jaw. DeTaeye is based in Brooklyn, NY. |
| Video link: Maybe It’s November | |
| Jillian Matundan | https://jillianmatundan.com/ |
|
Jillian Matundan is an award-winning, multi-instrumental singer-songwriter, trade unionist, and first-generation Filipina American who has been winning over audiences with her resonant vocals, acute and relatable observations, unique guitar-style, and sharp sense of humor. Ever since returning to the scene in 2019, Jillian has been on a tear, winning multiple songwriting awards (including fifteen Mid-Atlantic Song Contest Awards), playing numerous shows on the club and festival circuit, and collaborating with musicians in the studio and on stage. She has opened for Susan Werner, Ellis Paul, Laurie MacAllister (of Red Molly), Natalia Zuckerman, and many others. |
| Video link: Frozen |
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
*** Admission: $35/$35 (FP members)***
John McCutcheon has emerged as one of our most respected and loved folk singers. As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, most notably the rare and beautiful hammered dulcimer. His songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His thirty recordings have garnered every imaginable honor including seven Grammy nominations. He has produced over twenty albums of other artists, from traditional fiddlers to contemporary singer-songwriters to educational and documentary works. His books and instructional materials have introduced budding players to the joys of their own musicality. And his commitment to grassroots political organizations has put him on the front lines of many of the issues important to communities and workers. Expect humor, heart, and musical magic—this is folk music at its most alive.
Contemporary singer / songwriter Michael Arthur’s poignant songs explore the breadth and depth of the human experience. Accompanying himself on solo acoustic guitar, Michael employs lush open guitar tunings as the canvas for his powerful and emotive vocal performances. He was a finalist in the Mid Atlantic Song Contest, winner of the ACT Songwriters Big Shootout, and silver medalist in the Susquehanna Folk Music Society Songwriting Competition. Michael has also had the pleasure of opening for David Wilcox, Tracy Grammer, and (as the designated welcoming opener on The Folk Project’s weekly online song gathering), on Zoom for virtually every touring folk artist currently on the scene!
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Halloween Show – LIVING Performers Wanted
The Folk Project’s legendary Halloween Show is back—and spookier than ever. What’s the only thing standing between us and a full-scale ghostly outbreak? Your songs and your costumes!
- Sign Up & Sing: Project members, sign up now to share your scary, silly, or macabre songs at [email protected]. Prizes awarded for the most Halloween-worthy performances.
- Dress up & Scream: Come in costume and compete for prizes. From ghoulish to glamorous, every disguise adds to the fun. Photo ops abound, and prizes awarded for the most Halloween-worthy costumes.
- Treats & Tricks: Special Halloween goodies prepared by our own Chef Bob are included with admission, and you’ll be happy to learn that adults can eat all the candy they desire because the calories will just vanish!
Ready to keep the darkness at bay? All are welcome, as even the dead can come back to life on this most spirited night of the year. Costumes are most welcome but not required. Bring your fiends and demons, if you dare!
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
Dan Bern is a captivating live performer who has enthralled a loyal and ever-growing fan base in the US and Europe since the mid ‘90s. His songs range from deeply moving to wildly imaginative and hilarious, often within the same song.
He has been compared favorably to the great masters of songwriting, such as Guthrie, Dylan, Costello. Though he draws from the great American tradition of songwriting, there is something deeply unique and compelling that make you want to get to know the man behind the songs.
He conjures incredibly specific imagery like in a painting. Though he may turn to cynicism and political satire at times, the beauty of his work is that he is able to imagine better worlds, revealing a deep capacity for empathy and optimism. Bern connects with his audiences skillfully and directly, weaving the topical and local in with the more universal themes. He has written for many films and TV shows and has made more than thirty albums.
In late 2024, Laurie MacAllister embarked on an exciting new chapter, launching a solo career with a sold-out performance at the legendary Club Passim. Two decades earlier, she co-founded the beloved Americana trio Red Molly, which released seven acclaimed albums and toured both the U.S. and internationally, including appearances at MerleFest, Cayamo, Boston Symphony Hall, Australia’s Port Fairy Folk Fest, and Denmark’s Tønder Festival.
Her 2018 self-produced solo album “The Lies the Poets Tell” is a heartfelt tribute to the contemporary folk music scene, celebrating a handful of its best songs and songwriters. SiriusXM praised the album as “Defining. A curated collection packed with emotional vibrancy.” A new album is in the works for a 2027 Release. This year she will grace stages from the legendary Club Passim to the Black Bear Americana Festival to the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference…and now, the Troubadour!
The Folk Project Open Stage, North Jersey’s premier open stage, is back live on the second Friday of every month. The Main Stage features two-song (or ten minutes, whichever is shorter) sign-up slots for our audience. To sign up to perform email Chairman Todd at [email protected].
Admission: $7 at the door only (tickets for the live show not available online.) Children 12 and under free but must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
*** Admission: $20/$15 (FP members); 12 and under free with adult.***
With the energy of fiddle music, the introspective quality of contemporary folk, the precision of bluegrass, and the drive of Americana, the members of the Vermont-based American Roots band Low Lily (Liz Simmons, Flynn Cohen, and Natalie Padilla) combine their individual talents into one stunning soundscape. Low Lily has shared their signature sound with enthusiastic audiences throughout North America and the UK, garnering two #1 songs on international folk radio and two Independent Music Award wins. Their original song “Hope Lingers On” has been sung by choirs around the world as an anthem for peace and justice.
Peppino D’Agostino left Sicily more than 30 years ago with a simple dream: to play alongside the world’s greatest guitarists. He has more than fulfilled that ambition, becoming one of the most respected and influential figures in contemporary acoustic guitar.
A leading voice in the second wave of fingerstyle guitarists that helped redefine the instrument in the 1990s, D’Agostino is celebrated for his dazzling technique, innovative use of open tunings, percussive effects, melodic compositions, and emotional depth. His broad musical tastes and playful warmth have inspired generations of guitarists and audiences worldwide. Acoustic Guitar magazine named him “the guitarist’s guitarist,” while Guitar Player readers voted him Best Acoustic Guitarist.
D’Agostino has performed in more than 30 countries and shared stages with Tommy Emmanuel, Leo Kottke, Sergio Assad, Larry Carlton, and Eric Johnson. His recordings include Acoustic Spirit, Close to the Heart, Every Step of the Way, and Penumbra, which bridges classical and acoustic guitar traditions.
Beyond performing, D’Agostino is a dedicated teacher, offering workshops and online instruction. His music has also appeared in video games and at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. His concerts are celebrated for virtuosity, spontaneity, humor, and an intimate connection with audiences. Whether composing, teaching, or performing on his signature Seagull guitar, D’Agostino continues to push the boundaries of acoustic music.