The Columbus Folk Music Society (CFMS) is a nonprofit society committed to promoting traditional and contemporary folk music, dance and storytelling. We are a membership organization that provides:
The Columbus Folk Music Society, Inc. is organized to operate exclusively as a not-for-profit corporation for educational, cultural and charitable purposes.
The society's goals include:
Our members come from all walks of life - we are accountants, tradespeople, teachers, photographers, lawyers and members of all ages. We are folk musicians, singer/songwriters, dancers, storytellers, poets, historians, performers and listeners.
Our diversity is what makes our Society a strong, local touchstone. We welcome everyone with respect. In this way, we encourage the broadening of folk art knowledge, its performance, preservation and public awareness.
Board Members and LeadershipThe Columbus Folk Music Society celebrates and values music and other folk arts presented by the people of our Central Ohio community. We are committed to promote an array of programs and opportunities that reflect and include the diverse and creative differences present in the Central Ohio area. In this regard, the CFMS is committed to continued improvement.
Incorporated in the State of Ohio, the Columbus Folk Music Society, Inc. also has a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit status and is listed with the IRS for tax deductible charitable contributions.
We are also part of The Columbus Foundation's The Giving Store community program and are eligible for donations by credit card made through The Columbus Foundation website here.
We also receive other foundation and local corporate support as well as work with various service groups in Central Ohio. This allows us to fulfill our mission of expanding awareness of and appreciation for the folk arts in Central Ohio.
CFMS ByLawsFormed in 1991 and dedicated to preserving and advancing the folk arts, the Columbus Folk Music Society started with a core group of folk lovers who wanted to share their love and knowledge of the folk arts.
In that same year, the new society took over booking and management of the monthly Other Side Coffeehouse at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus, which provided a gathering place. The coffeehouse venue relocated to the Areopagitica Bookstore in 2006 and, in 2011, moved to the Columbus Mennonite Church space were it continues to thrive.
In 2018, the Society received financial support to expand its concert offerings under the title "CFMS' Americana/Folk Concert Series," which includes all the concerts at the FolkSide Coffeehouse.
Many new talents have been discovered through open mics and agent contacts. We have expanded involvement in regional venues, outreach by our members, and present ever growing new opportunities to hear local, regional, national, and international talent.
The Central Ohio Folk Festival (COFF) was founded in 1997 by the CFMS to make folk arts accessible to a much larger public. The festival continues to grow, attracting over 12,000 participants over the two day event. We partner with the Metro Parks in order to provide an outdoor location -- 'a harmony of nature and music', which is open to the community.
Membership in the Columbus Folk Music Society ensures you're in the loop with all CFMS offerings, local folk activities, special and fundraising events. You'll receive the monthly CFMS newsletter, "A Different Strummer," to keep you informed. Local and regional folk activities are also listed on the CFMS website so you can plan your calendar accordingly. With your membership, you'll enjoy discounts at the monthly coffeehouse (concert series) and you'll be the first to know about concerts and other special events throughout the year.
Join or Renew MembershipMonthly Americana/Folk Concert Series (excluding June and December)
A 10-concert series, occurring at a number of different venues. The majority of concerts occur the last Saturday of the month and are held at the Columbus Mennonite Church space, 35 Oakland Park Avenue, Columbus, OH. Pre-performance jam session, open stage (pre sign-up) followed by a featured performer. It also provides a social and creative setting for discussing folk history, stories, music, and the latest current events in the folk world. Snacks / beverages available. The other concerts occur in other parts of the city as noted on our Events page.
Held the 1st full weekend in June at Bank Run Metro Park in Lockbourne, Ohio. It is open to the public and features a multitude of activities for all ages:
4 performing stages; 30+ music workshops (with something for everyone);
Sat evening Headliner concert featuring national/international touring artist; kids music & crafts; youth activities; community song; and dedicated jam tents.
Daytime concerts feature national and regional touring artists as well as local performers. There are scheduled drum circles each day, food service, a festival store, and for the kids — an Instrument Petting Zoo and many hands-on activities.
The festival has a very modest admission fee: $10 pre-event and $15 on site, with under 18 FREE. The admission fee covers BOTH days.
See the Google calendar on the Events tab here.
Festival benefit concerts, community support events, and local fundraisers for community causes.
Use our contact page to reach out about performing, volunteering, membership or if you have other questions...
Contact Page