On September 27, 2024, New York Folklore and the Linda (WAMC’s performance venue) were honored at the annual awards ceremony by the New York State Broadcaster’s Association (NYSBA). New York Folklore was nominated for the award in recognition of our ongoing partnership with WAMC radio to present folk and traditional artists as part of WAMC’s “Live at the Linda” series.
Since 2021, New York Folklore staff have worked closely with Peter Hughes, Managing Director of the Linda, to develop programming that reflects the ongoing fieldwork and documentation of New York Folklore. What began as a “springtime series” has become a year-round performance series that brings live music to the region’s communities, free of charge. For the artists, the series serves as recognition of their excellence as artists and provides an opportunity for their music to be heard by a wider audience. While the live audience numbers anywhere from 75 to 125 people, the series is also broadcast throughout the year following each performance, to an audience that spans all of eastern New York State and western New England.
New York Folklore Live at the Linda is curated by staff folklorists, Anne Rappaport-Berliner and Edgar Betelu, with Edgar serving as “master of ceremonies.” Artists are drawn from throughout the region. Their participation is supported through grants from the New York State Council on the Arts.
The New York State Broadcaster’s Association (NYSBA) celebrates local broadcasters’ commitment to serving their communities by presenting stations with a “Serving New York Award.” The award to New York Folklore was part of NYSBA’s mission to honor the public service groups that work with local stations to improve the quality of life in communities throughout the Empire State.