A Day of Music and Community at the 2026 Woodstock Folk Festival
July 19, 2026 | Woodstock, Illinois
Some performances are especially memorable, and this summer’s 41st Annual Woodstock Folk Festival was certainly one of them!
We were honored to be invited to open the festival’s Main Stage with a 25-minute set and return at the end of the day to lead the traditional All-Sing Finale. It was a wonderful opportunity to share our music, reconnect with friends in the folk community, and be part of a festival that has been celebrating folk music for more than four decades.
Held on the historic Woodstock Square, the festival brought together an incredible lineup of musicians from across the country, including Friction Farm, Tish Hinojosa, Patty & Craig, Fox Crossing Stringband, Nathans & Ronstadt, Zachary Stevenson, and legendary folk duo Magpie.
This year’s festival also placed a special emphasis on musical duos, making it an especially fitting gathering for us. Throughout the day, audiences enjoyed everything from traditional folk and bluegrass to contemporary songwriting, with plenty of beautiful harmonies and storytelling along the way.
The festival also celebrated some remarkable contributions to the folk music community. Magpie’s Terry Leonino and Greg Artzner received the Lifetime Achievement Award, while longtime Chicago-area musician, sound engineer, and folk music supporter Norm Siegel was honored with the festival’s “Woody” Award.
Coming Together in Song
One of the highlights of the day for us was the opportunity to lead the All-Sing Finale.
Community singing has always been an important part of the folk tradition. There’s something special about bringing people together through familiar melodies and shared voices, whether on a festival stage, in a coffeehouse, or around a living room.
It was a fitting way to close a day devoted not only to music, but to the connections that music creates.
We’re grateful to the Woodstock Folk Festival organizers, especially Carol Obertubbesing and all the volunteers, fellow performers, and everyone who came out to support live folk music. Events like this remind us how fortunate we are to be part of such a welcoming and dedicated musical community.
And a special thank-you to Jeff Randolph for capturing some wonderful moments from the day!
Until next time, Woodstock!
— Jennifer & Joel
Ashley & Simpson