Reclaiming Folk
Reclaiming Folk is an event series celebrating people of color in folk music, created by singer-songwriter Naomi Westwater. Folk music is traditional music, folk music is storytelling, folk music is the music of the people, and folk music is a voice for what’s happening in the world today. In our society, there is often no space for marginalized people to tell their stories. Reclaiming Folk seeks to make space for musicians of color to tell their stories and share the stories of our past, so that our future can be a more inclusive place for all.
We are “reclaiming” folk because history has forgotten that people of color have always been at the root of American folk music. From field calls to Blues and Gospel to Indigenous traditions, the origin of American folk music is connected to people of color.
Founded in 2024, Reclaiming Folk achieved immediate success and support from the community, featuring performances by 15+ artists and traveling to over 10 locations in Massachusetts. The event includes original music from folk musicians singing in the round, cover songs that honor the musicians who came before us, short interviews with the musicians about folk music, and a Q&A from the audience.
Past performances have featured: Pamela Means, Kemp Harris, Stephanie McKay, Gabriella Simpkins, Anand Nayak, Kim Moberg, Lydia Harrell, Porsha Olayiwola, Ronnica (Mint Green), Almira Ara, Anju, Prateek, Aisha Burns, Chris Walton, John McNamara, and more.
Reclaiming Folk has received support from The Falmouth Cultural Council; The Quincy Cultural Council; The Northampton Cultural Council; The Waltham Cultural Council; The Chatham Cultural Council; The Somerville Cultural Council; The Plymouth Cultural Council; The Cambridge Cultural Council; The Gloucester Cultural Council; The Springfield Cultural Council; The City of Boston; and Mass Cultural Council.
To bring Reclaiming Folk to your community, please contact: Naomi Westwater: info@naomiwestwater
“Naomi Westwater says folk music doesn’t always reflect the presence and stories artists of color have to tell. So they’re on a mission to reclaim folk music and make space for people themselves.”
Naomi Westwater, Chris Walton, and Anju sing cover song "Free The Land" at Reclaiming Folk in Gloucester.
“Folk music is often described as the ‘music of the people’ – songs used to pass down regional stories and history. But Brockton-based singer-songwriter Naomi Westwater says the genre favors white musicians. They’re working to expand perceptions of folk music to include people of color and queer musicians. ‘All modern American music has its roots in Black and Indigenous music,’ Westwater pointed out. ‘People of color have been in all of these genres the whole time.’”
