Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association (TKMA) began as a group of friends gathering regularly on Friday nights for potlucks and jammin’ in the kitchen. Over the years, TKMA has grown into an all-volunteer operated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (Tax Exempt No. 86-0514808). TKMA was established 1986, to further public awareness and interest in acoustic music and other folk arts by promoting and producing the annual Tucson Folk Festival; one of the oldest FREE folk music festivals in the country!
The Tucson Folk Festival is a FREE and accessible three-day event celebrating Americana/Folk Music traditions and all the wonderful variations, including American bluegrass, blues, country, jazz, Celtic, zydeco, and various styles of Latin and Mexican music! This annual family-friendly festival is held in some of the most historic sections of downtown Tucson: Jacome Plaza, La Cocina, Presidio Museum and surrounding area.
TKMA and the Tucson Folk Festival are volunteer-run endeavors relying on the hard work and generous donations of supporters, volunteers, the community and the TKMA Board of Directors, Staff and Members. All proceeds and funds acquired by TKMA are allocated to the promotion and production of the Tucson Folk Festival.
Starting this year, a FESTIVAL KICK-OFF PARTY begins on Friday night, April 3rd, ON JACOME PLAZA (101 N Stone Avenue) featuring the Regional Headliner (new) and Opening Act! Food will be available and the Beer Garden open! Saturday and Sunday, the festival features six stages of acoustic music in traditional, contemporary, and ethnic genres to entertain and delight a multi-faceted and diverse audience. The festival attracts over 13,000 fans and participants who come from all over Southern Arizona, and across the nation. The festival features a national, regional and local headliner, as well as, family show headliner (Saturday and Sunday). Over 160 acts perform at the festival. This festival also features the Stefan George Memorial Songwriting Competition, the Roger Mikulas Young Artist Showcase for youth under 18 (now both days), interactive music workshops, the Ballad Tree for future songwriters (open mic), raffles, the Elise Grecco Marketplace for food and craft vendors, festival store and a beer garden. Over 250 volunteers support the success of this festival.