By Ryan J Nims
Folkville was a music venue operated in the 80s that featured folk and Americana music. Many of Austin’s folk musicians got their start at the club, including singer-songwriter Michelle Shocked. While the club no longer exists (Crown & Anchor Pub currently operates out of the location), the spirit of Folkville on at KOOP! Folkville (every other Tuesday, 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm) is your portal to the music and memories of the venue. Co-hosted by Nathan Moore and David Jaffe, Folkville is one of KOOP’s newest shows, showcasing musicians that would have played at the fabled music club, but also modern folk and Americana.
(L-R Nathan Moore & David Jaffe)
I caught up with Nathan to find out a little more about the show:
1. Can you give us a quick description of Folkville for people who may not have heard the program?
Folkville is a mix of music heard at an old Austin club of the same name, including folk music we know and love from the previous generation, while also bringing the repertoire and artistry up commensurate with the times.
2. The show is a tribute to the Austin club Folkville. Can you guys speak to the influence of the club on your show?
Folkville is a happy memory from this writer’s early days in a new town, thus it ennobles the scene from much earlier days and inspires an exploration and appreciation of the contemporary local and national scene.
3. Are there any recent folk acts, local or otherwise, that have you excited?
Locally: Silas Lowe, David Halley, Danny Click, and Lukas Nelson
Regional/national: Molly Tuttle, Barbara Kessler, and Steep Canyon Rangers
4. What is your favorite thing about volunteering with KOOP?
Serving the community, preserving the environment, and giving back.
5. If you could reopen the club, who would be the first artist you’d want to book?
David Halley. A seasoned veteran of the Austin music scene, Halley appeared in Austin City Limits performances dating back to 1983 and shared the stage with legends like Townes Van Zandt, Butch Hancock, and Jimmie Dale Gilmore.
6. Is there anything you’d like to add for your listeners?
If you come by for a listen, I believe you would find that folk music fits well with any other genres that inspire you.
If you’re into folk, Americana, and singer-songwriter music, Folkville is the show for you!