Since 1982 the International Folk Fest has brought the music, dance and cultures of more than 50 other countries to Murfreesboro. This year’s performers hail from India, Germany and Indonesia, and will be taking the stage for a week-long celebration June 15 – 22.
“We’ve been working on this since 1982,” said festival organizer Steve Cates. “It was the first festival of its kind in the United States.”
Cates got the idea to organize a local festival for folk traditions from around the world after touring with local Appalachian folk troop the Cripple Creek Cloggers, who are now celebrating their 41st year together.
“We started going to international festivals in 1977, the first one was in Puerto Rico,” Cates said. “We do Appalachian style, in a big circle. It’s a real hard stepping step. A caller calls the set, and the dancers move. The music is old-time hoe-down music.”
Now in his 60s, Cates serves as caller for the Cripple Creek Cloggers, and says anyone interested in joining the troop should come to their weekly practice at Tusculum Elementary on Nolensville Road. There, about 30 members come together to dance to the sound of a fiddle, banjo and washboard each week.
“We try to keep a performing group,” Cates said. “We’ll be performing as the hosting troop.”
Monday, June 15, visiting and local performers will take the stage at East Park Community Center. Tuesday they will be at Stones River Mall. Central Christian Church will host the Thursday performance. Troops will gather for an evening performance Friday at the Leanna Community Center at 7 p.m., and the festival will wrap up with a four-hour event on Saturday at Cannonsburgh, featuring all groups, global foods and crafts.
Cates said the groups visiting this year hold a special place in his heart. Some are friends that the Cripple Creek Cloggers met while touring the world themselves, and some are repeat visitors, with members who have been to Murfreesboro before.
As part of the cultural exchange, visitors will tour local monuments and historic sights, and will stay with local families.
“Our dancers this year are going to festivals to represent the United States in the Netherlands and Belgium,” said Cates, who admits he uses the festivals to scout talent for future International Folk Fests here in Murfreesboro.
For more information about the International Folk Fest, including a list of countries who have visited Murfreesboro, or if you’re interested in volunteering at this year’s event, visit mboro-international-folkfest.org.
