Five to Try at Folk Fest

With over 23 performers coming to the Richmond Folk Fest over the three-day weekend, just who should you see?

Well...there's something for everyone at this year's Folk Fest. From bluegrass and salsa to ragin' Cajun music and rockabilly, the Folk Fest isn't just your typical "folk" fare. Or at least, what I think of "folk music."

This is music from all over the world -- from the streets of Brazil to the soul of Chicago. It's about world cultures, experiencing new things and seeing new worlds -- all for free -- on six stages, right here in Richmond.

Here's who we're excited to see at this year's Folk Fest.

1. Otrov
Tamburitza

Tamburitza is Eastern European string music that takes its name from the "tamburtiza," a long-necked lute. It's lively and beautiful music, with a hint of gypsy roots in it. Otrov is a young group of American musicians from Philadelphia and Chicago who are considered "the rising stars of Tamburitza."

Video:

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Performing:

Friday, October 8, 8 p.m. at the Altria Stage
Saturday, October 9, 2:15 p.m. at the Dominion Stage
Sunday, October 10, 1:15 p.m. at the Altria Stage and 3:15 p.m. at the Dominion Stage

2. Capoeira Luanda
Brazilian Capoeira

Instead of straight-up music, Capoeira Luanda is an Afro-Brazilian fusion of acrobatics, dance and martial arts -- sort of like an elaborate, cultural dance. We think our two-year-old will like it and start dancing/kicking/play fighting.

Video:

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Performing:

Saturday, October 9, 8:15 p.m. on the MMWV Stage
Sunday, October 10, noon on the MMWV Stage and 4:15 p.m. on the Dominion Stage

3. Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band
Bluegrass

Get your bluegrass fix with the opening band for the Folk Fest. You'll hear fast and furious bluegrass tunes on mandolin, banjo and guitar. A very suitable start to three days of folk music.

Video:

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Performing:

Friday, October 8, 7 p.m. on the Altria Stage
Saturday, October 9, 6:30 p.m. on the Dominion Stage
Sunday, October 10, 4:15 p.m. on the Altria Stage (Peter Rowan & Tony Rice)

4. Andes Manta
Andean

Andean mountain music on pan flutes and pan pipes. The four Lopez brothers perform a striking set. One word: Haunting.

Video:

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Performing:

Saturday, October 9, noon on the Altria Stage and 3 p.m. on the Family Stage
Sunday, October 10, 1 p.m. on the MWV Stage and 4:30 p.m. on the Family Stage

5. La Excelencia
Salsa dura

Hardcore salsa from New York. The two-year-old can salsa like a madman. Or just run circles around the RTD Dance Pavilion's huge dance floor, which is what he did last year.

Video:
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Performing:

Saturday, October 9, 8 p.m. at the RTD Dance Pavilion
Sunday, October 10, 4:30 p.m. at the RTD Dance Pavilion

If you want to listen to all the great music at the festival, check out the Folk Fest Jukebox on TimesDispatch.com or visit the Folk Festival's page for a full list.

Who do you wanna see at the Folk Fest? Shout our your picks and recommendations on our Comments section!