Young Artists

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 2019 TFF Young Artists Showcase Fact Sheet

The Young Artists Showcase provides an opportunity for musicians 18 years of age, and under, to gain live performance experience with the Tucson Folk Festival audience!  Several Young Artists from prior years have gone on to perform full sets as regular performers at subsequent festivals, including Run Boy Run!

TKMA has always recognized the importance of reaching out to the younger generation. They are our replacements and the future balladeers to chronicle all of life’s interesting twists and turns! The influence of Tucson’s music scene is displayed in the diversity and talent these young artists embody.  The entire festival is kid and family-friendly, as well. The music, workshops, crafts and food appeal to all ages!

We are often amazed at the talent displayed by these young musicians.  Who knows . . . someday you may be saying, “I remember seeing him/her play at the Tucson Folk Festival when he/she was just yay high . . . “

Roger Mikulas was a strong supporter and one of the originators of the Young Artist Stage that began in 2007, at the Tucson Folk Festival.  He also helped organize and  participated in a Music in the Schools Band. The Band played for elementary school children in Tucson, introducing them to folk instruments and folk music.  While setting up the Young Artist Stage at the Festival in 2007, Roger fell and suffered a serious injury and never fully recovered.  After this occurred, Roger set up the Mikulas Musicians Fund, which lends assistance to Tucson musicians who have health problems that interfere with their ability to play music.  He passed away in 2010.  Roger’s larger-than-life spirit will always be remembered and still inspires the provision and teaching of folk music for young people.  In honor of Roger’s dedication to performance opportunities for young musicians, starting in 2018, the Young Artist Stage program of the Tucson Folk Festival will be known as the Roger Mikulas Young Artist Showcase.