In every community, there are devoted people behind the scenes helping to make the folk music scene vibrant, thriving by keeping the wheels rolling. Whether it's a longtime volunteer at a folk club or house concert series, a festival or venue director, a local folk radio host, or a writer who reviews CDs or concerts - one common thread is that these people love the music. They are passionate about serving artists and fans and making sure the folk scene in their community is strong and active.

We chose the name Folk Spokes from listener submissions for Folk Alley's new feature because spokes support wheels while connecting an unbroken circle of the best of musical traditions. Folk Spokes is an opportunity for you to nominate the unsung individuals (or spokes) in your community and to give them a well-deserved moment in the spotlight.

Nancy Emrich

Nancy Emrich has been an active and innovative member of the folk community in the Chicago area for many years. She runs a series of house concerts in her home under the name LilFest and also hosts an end-of-summer folk festival under the same name on her home property. An almost seemingly infatigable person, she brings talent to her house concerts and a Sunday night concert series at a local venue, talent that would otherwise not be seen or heard in Chicago. Examples are Moe Dixon, Freebo, David Mallet, Jeremy Taylor, Joe Hickerson, and Buddy Mondlock. She also supports our local talent through bookings and encouragement. She is an active member in Folk Alliance and a great friend to the community.

Nominated By: Norman Siegel

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