Musicians and guest speakers to pay tribute to Art Rosenbaum at North Georgia Folk Fest

Art Rosenbaum was scheduled to be the featured performer at the 37th annual North Georgia Folk Fest, but the Grammy-winning artist and educator passed away earlier this month at age 83. Instead, a loving tribute to Rosenbaum will take place in what would've been his hour-long time slot.

Sandy Creek Park will host the festival from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday with a program of folk musicians, artists and craftspeople from north Georgia and the Southeast. It will be the first time that the Folk Fest has taken place in-person since 2019, following a virtual fest in 2020 and last year's cancellation.

In case you missed it:Beloved Athens artist, educator and Grammy-winner Art Rosenbaum dies at age 83

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When festival co-directors Claire Campbell and Tommy Jordan began putting the word out looking for performers for the Rosenbaum tribute, Campbell told the Banner-Herald that people "came out of the woodwork" to participate.

"Art is an American folk hero (who) has worked with the Folk Fest for decades," said Campbell. "When he went into hospice, his wife, Margo, asked if we would be willing to take Art's allotted performance time and turn it into a tribute for him."

The 4 p.m. tribute program will include Jordan, Joel Cordle, Neil Rosenbaum, Noah Saunders, Hawkproof Rooster with Margo Newmark Rosenbaum, Sea Shantey Singers, Ben Reynolds, Jeffrey Whittle, Joe Peragine, Skillet Lickers and Hog-Eyed Man.

Beginning at noon, the list of main stage performers will include Rebecca Sunshine Band, Ain't Sisters & Danielle Howle, Bichos Vivos, Athens Mountain Singers and Hog-Eyed Man. Following the tribute, the program will continue with sets by Veronika Jackson, The Lucky Jones, MrJordanMrTonks and Cicada Rhythm.

At the Fire Circle Stage, Tin Cup Prophette will perform at 1 p.m. followed by Marion Montgomery & Glyn Denham at 2 p.m. and Fester Hagood at 3 p.m. For those who wish to bring their own instruments, there will be a "jam tent" set up all day under the trees in the back of the field.

Sandy Creek Park is located at 400 Bob Holman Rd. For ticket prices and additional information, visit northgeorgiafolkfestival.org.