Join us for a COMMUNITY SING, a free community event of Northeast Regional Folk Alliance, at the
a 4-day gathering of presenters, artists, DJs, supporters of all stripes, even fans - starting on Thursday! It’s for all folks dedicated to the Northeastern U.S. folk/acoustic world, a division of Folk Alliance International. This year’s theme: Stronger Together. This event is co-presented by The 8th Step, our region’s only Fair Trade Music Venue, certified by Musicians Local 1000, Traveling Musicians Union. We’re proud to bring you this opportunity to sing with Matt Watroba, who has performed in concert at The Eighth Step with Rev. Robert Jones, his singing partner.
MATT WATROBA: Many know Matt as the voice of folk music in Michigan for his work producing and hosting shows for public radio. He has devoted his life and career to being a custodian of American folk and roots music. This has helped shape a repertoire and presentation that is unique on stages across the state and country. He is committed to inspiring the world to sing-- one town at a time. In 2019, Matt, along with his life-long musical partner Robert Jones, Co-founded the Detroit Non-Profit, Common Chords. Also in 2019, Matt Was inducted into the Folk DJ Hall of Fame at the Folk Alliance International conference in Montreal.
A message from Matt:
Matt sings and writes songs of compassion, inner strength, humor, and every day living. He was awarded "Best Overall Folk Performer" by the Detroit Music Awards for the year 2000, and his long list of credits include the prestigious Ann Arbor Folk Festival, the Detroit 300 Celebration, The Ark, Louisville’s Kentucky Music Weekend, The Fox Valley Festival, Chicago IL, The Old Songs Festival, Guilderland, NY, Owen Sound Folk Festival, Ontario, Canada and hundreds of school and community presentations throughout the Great Lakes region. He has shared the stage with some of our greatest performers, including Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Arlo Guthrie, Christine Lavin, Peter Yarrow, and Richard Thompson. He sings songs that you will feel and remember for a long time. You will love his music, you will love the journey that his music takes you on, and you will love the place that his music takes you to.
Matt brings a unique set of talents to the stage as an educator, performer and master of ceremonies. His passion for bringing community together through music and education is infectious. Add to that Matt's own special brand of humor and you are in for a most entertaining and enlightening experience.