The Second Saturday Folk Music Showcase will take place 6-11 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at Artisan Alley, located at 222 W. Second Street. Artisan Alley is a non-profit organization that offers resources such as gallery space, studio space and a tool sharing program to artists in the Bloomington community.
The event will feature local folk musician Travis Puntarelli and Turkish folk musician Maksut Kesici. Dark Side Tribal, a Bloomington-based bellydance troupe, will also perform. Tickets are $5.
“I was working at Artisan Alley for a while," Puntarelli said. "I'm stoked to be able to play there this weekend."
Puntarelli said he will play a mixture of original songs and old folk tunes from Scotland, Ireland and the United States.
“We will play the folk songs in a new style using drums, percussion, guitars and piano,” Puntarelli said.
Puntarelli recently released a new album titled “Why Should Not A Trumpet” on Bandcamp. He will play songs from the album Saturday and will have download cards for the album available as well.
“I am so excited that people are showing enthusiasm for folk music because folk music is different from pop music,” Puntarelli said. “For pop music, you need to be a pop star and be famous on the charts, but folk music can be played by anybody.”
In addition to the music performances, guests will have opportunities to check out Made, a consignment store that sells creations from local artists, and enjoy cider from Friendly Beasts Cider Company.
Artisan Alley was founded by local sculptor and foundryman Adam Nahas. Artisan Alley has been located on West Second Street for the past two years, but Nahas said he has been involved with the project for the past eight.
“Artisan Alley provides community and resources for artists who may not be in school anymore and still need access to studio space, gallery space, tools and mentors,” Nahas said.
Nahas said space is limited for artists in Bloomington and it can be hard for artists to get their name out to the community. Nahas said he is looking forward to the folk performances.
“Artisan Alley offers a space for artists who are just getting started,” Nahas said. “This organization was created to help people grow.”
