Published: June 05, 2008 09:43 am         

MUSIC: Tonawanda Folk Festival returns

It’s called the Tonawanda Folk Festival, but the title is a bit of a misnomer.

The free festival returns this weekend in City of Tonawanda’s Niawanda Park, and though there may be little traditional folk music, there will be plenty of acoustic music and dancing.

The festival began four years ago when organizer Matt Surowiec noticed that despite the success of outdoor concerts in the area, acoustic music was being overlooked.

“We didn’t think there was anything specific to just acoustic music,” Surowiec said. “We thought this would be kind of unique.”

The festival has grown with each passing year and is now connected with the Weekend on the Niagara Arts and Crafts show, which runs during the same weekend in Niawanda Park. The cooperation has helped the festival grow, Surowiec said.

“It’s almost like a mini-Allentown,” Surowiec said of the environment during the weekend. “To me, it makes it more festive. It definitely helps us.”

Saturday’s festival schedule starts at 11 a.m. with Magictonez. The last act to come on is The North Ridge, which interacts with children, Surowiec said. Silhouette, Aqueous and Equilibrium will also perform Saturday.

“They’re all on the rise,” Surowiec said of the acts. “Most of them have only been around a couple of years, but they’re skilled beyond their years.”

Sunday’s schedule has more of a focus on dancing, kicking off at 11 a.m. with Clann Na Cara Irish Dance.

Surowiec will perform that day as “Matt’s Music for Kids” at noon. Buffalo Suzuki Strings will take the stage at 2 p.m. before the festival concludes with a performance by the Polish Heritage Dancers of Western New York at 3 p.m.

The expanded schedule is possible because of the growing popularity of the festival, Surowiec said.

“Every year, we’ve built a larger following,” he said. “We plan to expand next year.”

And with that proposed expansion, Surowiec is already putting out a call for new acts.

“We’re always on the lookout for talent,” Surowiec said.