Richmond Folk Festival in Schools

The Richmond Folk Festival once again fills auditoriums and classrooms at Richmond-area schools with performances and presentations of deeply rooted cultural expressions shared by some of the country’s finest traditional artists. These programs expose children to performances by excellent artists and provide them with opportunities to learn about new cultures, communities, and artistic traditions, expanding their horizons with interactive, multicultural learning experiences. These outreach programs often reach students with limited access to cultural enrichment opportunities.

This year, the festival will continue its outreach to incarcerated communities as blues singer Diunna Greenleaf visits the State Farm Correctional Complex, where she will perform for the inmates there.

For the first time, the festival is bringing music and dance to the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, where kids will be delighted by South Asian Kuchipudi dancer Yamini Kalluri & the Kritya Music Ensemble. 

These programs are made possible through the generous support of the festival’s sponsors, especially its school shows partner, JAMinc, who provides transportation, audio support, and local on-site coordination.

2025 participating performers*:

• The Amanda Cook Band

• The Broussard Sisters

• Cécilia

• Raiatea Helm

• Richard Hagopian Ensemble

• Saami Brothers

• Yamini Kalluri & the Kritya Music Ensemble

Participating schools:

• Bellevue Elementary School

• J. B. Fisher Elementary School

• Linwood Holton Elementary School

• John Marshall High School 

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School

• Mary Mundford Elementary School

• Swansboro Elementary School

• Westover Hills Elementary School

• William Fox Elementary School

*Artists and schools are subject to change.