2010 LOWELL FOLK FESTIVAL CRAFTS AREA

Keepers of Tradition: Folk Craft and Foodways
2010 Lowell Folk Festival

Discover what’s new this year along Lucy Larcom Park -- an area that for years has introduced festival-goers to traditional artists from across New England. Complementing the incredible range of musical styles presented at the Lowell Folk Festival, “Keepers of Tradition: Folk Craft & Foodways” will continue to showcase some extra-musical aspects of traditional folk culture.

Come by and talk with traditional artists who work in the realm of folk beauty – from Indian Mehndi (henna tattoo) to African hair braiding and more. Hear from musical instrument makers who work with metal. And experience how ethnic cooks from various cultures prepare the same ingredient, in this case beans. More details to come as we continue to research, document, and engage additional artists.

Foodways

This year we look at how beans are prepared in several cultures. Often called the “poor man’s meat,” beans are rich in protein and have long been the traditional Saturday night supper in New England. Native Americans introduced slowly cooked beans to early settlers, and like many foodways, recipes were adopted and transformed by immigrants who added their own traditions and ingredients. Sit down and watch how this simple legume can take on such different flavors. Ask questions. And be sure to sample the beans made by our various cooks.

Saturday and Sunday at Lucy Larcom Park
12:00  Faith Izevbijie, Nigerian beans
1:00    Guida Ponte, Portuguese beans
2:00    Sellou Diaite, Senegalese bean fritters
3:00    Jeanette Rodriquez-Cumpiano, Puerto Rican beans
4:00    Kurt Levasseur, Franco-American beans

Updated 07/18/2010 9:56 AM

Crafts Demonstrators from Past Festivals