Spring 2026 OLLI Digital Catalog – under construction 

UNSUNG HEROES OF FOLK MUSIC (CA266)

CA – Performing Arts Appreciation

During the golden years of American folk music, many talented performers attracted a loyal following but never made the big time. We’ll look at the lives and careers of Etta Baker, Norman Blake, Leonard Cohen, Iris DeMent, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Dave Van Ronk, Kate Wolf, and others; and we’ll examine connections with major music-industry events. To illustrate the musical styles of our artists, the course will feature live performances by a local folkie.

This offering meets for a total of 13 session(s).

INSTRUCTOR: John Frink

FRINK, JOHN — B.S., mathematics, Penn State University. Lifelong interest in folk music; playing guitar since the age of 10. Performed in coffeehouses and on radio and television during the folk boom of the 60s and 70s. Currently appearing with Gunpowder Lane. Is a CGJ (Certified Guitar Junkie). (CA266, CP291)

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