Unsung Heroes and Untold Stories of the Village Folk Scene

Unsung Heroes and Untold Stories of the Village Folk Scene | Live at Cafe Wha? | Sunday, December 28th | 5PM Doors, 6PM Show

Live at Café Wha?

Long before Dylan electrified Newport and folk-rock became a cultural phenomenon, Greenwich Village was already humming with voices, stories, and songs that rarely made the headlines—but shaped a generation. In the smoky cafés and crowded clubs of MacDougal Street, artists like Fred Neil, Karen Dalton, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Pat Sky, Tim Hardin, Bonnie Dobson, Richie Havens, and Dave Van Ronk gave birth to a sound and spirit that redefined American music.

This special evening pays tribute to the lesser-known figures and forgotten moments that fueled the Greenwich Village folk revival—casting new light on the songs, friendships, and creative collaborations, both iconic and overlooked, that made the scene thrive.

Guests:

Elijah Wald – Singer-songwriter, ethnomusicologist, and Grammy Award–winning author of thirteen books, including Dylan Goes Electric! and The Mayor of MacDougal Street, the latter inspiring the Coen Brothers’ Inside Llewyn Davisand James Mangold’s upcoming A Complete Unknown.

Bert Lee – A cornerstone of the New York songwriting scene, Bert has performed both solo and as part of Richard, Cam and Bert and the Central Park Sheiks. His intricate guitar work and emotive vocals have earned him a devoted following among Village aficionados. As composer Andrea Clearfield writes: “Bert has a unique gift for writing songs that embody the poignancy and beauty of our human experience.”

Mia Vongsavang – One of the rising voices of New York’s new folk revival, Mia is known for her powerful vocals and for fostering a vibrant community around the legendary Music Inn, where she regularly collaborates with the Village’s contemporary torchbearers.

Fabio Fantuzzi – Scholar, songwriter, and curator, Fabio is the author of Bob Dylan and the Arts and Norman Raeben (1901–1978): The Wandering Painting. His work bridges research and performance, weaving together stories and songs rooted in the Village’s creative legacy. His collaborations include Bert Lee, Christine Lavin, Elijah Wald, Erik Frandsen, and others who carry forward the scene’s enduring spirit.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Cafe Wha?, 115 MacDougal Street, New York, United States

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