Sometimes Referred to Simply as “Winfield” …
The first folk music festival took place in Winfield —about 40 miles southeast of Wichita — on the campus of Southwestern College more than 44 years ago on April 29, 1967, according to 65-year-old Walt Racker who was there.
Originally organized by guitar maker Stuart Mossman and a few other Southwestern College students (funded with $300 from the college) the very first festival brought in such big names as Jimmy Driftwood and Doc Watson.“The reason I remember that is it’s the weekend we got married,” said Racker, who celebrated his 44th anniversary with his wife, 64-year-old Adele, this year.
“Doc Watson said ‘If you don’t mind, I’ve got a young son, I’ll bring Merle with me,’” Racker said. “We had a wonderful festival two or three times at the college.” When the festival outgrew that venue and morphed into the Walnut Valley Festival, the Rackers were there, as well.
Meanwhile, Walnut Valley — usually just called “Winfield” — has grown into an event known internationally as much for around-the-clock jamming in its campgrounds as organized shows on stage. It drew 13,870 visitors last year. As usual, music will run on four official stages day and night through Sunday. The national flat-picking championship and seven other competitions will draw contestants from around the world.
In one nod to the anniversary, the festival is bringing back two performers — flatpicker Dan Crary and fiddle player Byron Berline. Other expected highlights are up-and-coming bands like Ponca City’s Prairie Fire, perennial favorites such as Australian guitar whiz Tommy Emmanuel, and the first official show by singer-songwriter Michael Martin Murphy of “Wildfire” fame.
The festival, which began Wednesday, continues through Sunday
For schedule and more info, visit wvfest.com.
Read the full story published in the Wichita Eagle
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