In the 1960s and 70s, a time filled with social change and funny haircuts, Phoenix was one of the centers of the folk-rock scene. Now, we hate to belittle any point when Valley music was on the cutting edge of an entire movement, but we do have to admit that the image of Phoenix full of acoustic guitars and hippies is kind of amusing.
We also have to say that todays artists who dare to update the genre beyond its hippie roots are brave souls. Some of them are even talented souls. To recognize this, River Jones Music is putting on the first annual Winter Folk Festival, where all comers can curl up with a free cup of cocoa and listen to some of the artists who are continuing the tradition, such as Sam the Boy, Owl and Penny, and River Jones own Courtney Marie Andrews.
Sat., Dec. 20, 4 p.m., 2008