ABOUT OPEN FOLK
In the bustling streets of Buenos Aires in 2014, two friends, Fede Petro and Martin Grossman, saw a void in the city's vibrant music scene. Despite the rich tapestry of musical genres flourishing in Argentina's capital, there was a conspicuous absence of venues dedicated to folk music. Traditional folk melodies and heartfelt storytelling seemed relegated to the sidelines, overshadowed by louder, more commercial sounds.
Undeterred by the status quo, Fede and Martin embarked on a mission to carve out a space for folk music, a haven where artists and enthusiasts could gather, share stories, and celebrate the timeless beauty of acoustic melodies. Thus, Open Folk was born – a weekly event with a dual purpose: to welcome folk artists onto its stage and to embrace a community of open-minded individuals eager to explore the depths of musical expression.
From its humble beginnings, Open Folk radiated warmth and intimacy, recreating the ambiance of a living room concert within the confines of a venue. The stage became a sanctuary, a sacred space where artists bared their souls, and audiences reveled in the authenticity of raw, unfiltered performances. As word of Open Folk spread, the event outgrew its original setting, finding a cherished home at El Universal, where it flourished for six remarkable years.
Open Folk created other series of weekly shows oriented on genres like Argentine Folklore, Blues, Tango, and Indie, further diversifying its musical offerings and nurturing a broader appreciation for various genres within the folk music community.
In addition to its weekly events, Open Folk produced the multitudinary Open Folk Festival sponsored by organizations like the US Embassy, showcasing talents from both local luminaries and international sensations. The festivals, held in 2015 and 2016, brought together artists and audiences in celebration of folk music and cultural exchange. Open Folk also produced the "Back To The Roots" event in 2017 and 2018, creating a series of festivals at the renowned Niceto Club that featured a diverse range of performances and activities from Open Folk's repertoire.
Furthermore, Open Folk produced albums that further amplified its impact on the music scene. In 2015, "Open Folk Vol. 1" featured cover folk songs that captured the essence of the movement. Additionally, the album "Las Estaciones" showcased original compositions, with vinyl editions adding a tangible dimension to the music.
During this transformative period, Open Folk evolved beyond its weekly gatherings, morphing into a cultural force that transcended borders and genres. Recognizing the universal need for spaces that nurture creativity and connection, Open Folk embarked on a journey of expansion. It planted roots in Barcelona, Los Angeles, Bariloche, and Chapadmalal, offering artists from different corners of the world a platform to share their stories and melodies.
Communities around the world embraced the movement, finding solace and inspiration in its music, its message, and its unwavering commitment to artistic integrity and inclusivity. Each city became a vibrant hub of creativity, where artists and audiences alike discovered the transformative power of music to unite and uplift. Thousands of singer-songwriters have already been part of Open Folk worldwide, while even more audience members around the world continue to spread the word about this event.
In 2020, when the world grappled with the onset of a global pandemic, Open Folk demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Swiftly transitioning its weekly events to streaming platforms, the movement pioneered a donation system to support artists during challenging times, embodying the spirit of solidarity and mutual aid.
Today, the flame of Open Folk burns bright, illuminating the path for generations of artists and enthusiasts alike. From its humble origins in Buenos Aires to its global footprint spanning continents, Open Folk stands as a testament to the transformative power of music and the boundless potential of human connection.