This Dayton festival promises great music, food and more -- and it’s kid-friendly

Event at Yellow Cab this weekend blends acoustic music, visual arts.

Credit: HANDOUT

Credit: HANDOUT

There are plenty of music festivals in town, but few draw some of the best roots and folk musicians from the tri-state area like WinterFolk does.

The event returns to Yellow Cab Tavern in Dayton on Saturday, Jan. 13.

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The Drunken Waffle food truck will be on site, and there will be craft beer and cocktails available for purchase for those ages 21 and up with proper ID.

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There will be full band performances from The Repeating Arms, Starving in the Belly of the Whale, Bloody Tambourine and the Musical Mafia and The Goldsberry’s.

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The songwriter’s stage will include performances from Tod Weidner, David Payne, Kyleen Downes and OldNews.

Visual art from several artists will be shown, including Virgil Clark, RS Tipton and more. There will also be a variety of local artisans sellhing handmade goods.

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Charles Hartman, who is part of the acoustic trio OldNews, talked with us about WinterFolk ahead of last year’s festival and had this to say:

Q: What sets Winterfolk apart from other area events?

A: "WinterFolk combines roots/folk music, art and fun in a way that is accessible to a part of our community that may not always find themselves downtown. It starts a little earlier than a lot of events and customarily ends before midnight, allowing those with families or early risers to enjoy themselves in a comfortable setting. The combination of regional folk acts and some of our community's great visual artists allows an insight into a world that is flourishing in Dayton and is often under-represented."

Q: What has been the most surprising part of co-organizing the fest?

A: "Putting together any event can be daunting but it has truly become easier every year as more musicians, artists and attendees have shown an interest in participating. The sense of community and fun that is palpable at the event has stayed with participants as well as attendees throughout the year and many are our biggest source of advertising. Once they've experienced the event, Winterfolkers, as we like to call them, do a better job than any radio or print promo by sharing their stories or memories with their friends and that kind of word-of-mouth advertising is priceless. It's a huge indicator for Harold Hensley and myself that what we've put together is something quite special."

Q: What’s the current state of Dayton’s acoustic music scene?

A: "There's no shortage of talent in Dayton, period. There are certainly some very talented singer-songwriters who continue to write amazing songs and turn heads as well as some of the pillars of that community still out there doing what they do best. Now that the Musician's Co-op has a new home at the Yellow Cab, we once again have a specific time and place to enjoy live acoustic music. With such a community of involved and talented musicians, it makes it easier to get out there and be supported."


WANT TO GO?

What: WinterFolk 2018

Where: The Yellow Cab Bldg., 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018; doors open at 7 p.m.

Cost: $10/ticket; children ages 12 and under are free

More info: 937-203-8175 or www.yellowcabtavern.com

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