Some festivals overwhelm you with size, spectacle, and volume. The Will McLean Folk Music Festival does something quieter — and, in its own way, just as meaningful. It reminds you why folk music exists in the first place: community, storytelling, and human connection.
This year’s Will McLean Festival earns a solid A‑ from Six‑String Travels. The performances were consistently good, the crowd welcoming, and the spirit of the event unmistakably sincere. Still, a few structural quirks kept it from pushing into “can’t‑miss” territory — most notably the short set lengths and pacing between acts.
Small by Design — and That’s Not a Bad Thing
One of the first things you notice is the festival’s intentionally small footprint. This is not a sprawl‑across‑three‑counties kind of weekend. It feels local. Familiar. Personal. You’re never far from the stage, never lost in a sea of people, never disconnected from what’s happening musically.
For some, that intimacy is the entire appeal. For others, it may feel limiting. For us, it landed in the “mostly charming, occasionally constraining” category.
Built by Volunteers
One thing that can’t be overlooked: the Will McLean Music Festival is run entirely by volunteers. From the gates to the stages to the behind‑the‑scenes logistics, this festival exists because people show up simply because they care about the music and the tradition it represents. That volunteer‑driven spirit shows in the way the weekend unfolds—patient, personal, and rooted in community rather than production scale. It’s not polished for profit, and that’s exactly what gives Will McLean its soul.
The Little Extras That Matter
Beyond the music, the festival offered several food and beverage vendors, along with a few craft tents that fit the laid‑back, community feel of the event. Nothing felt over-commercialized or distracting — just enough variety to round out the day without pulling focus from the music.
One especially welcome element was the presence of workshops that seemed intentionally tailored toward kids. That simple effort to include younger attendees added warmth to the experience and underscored the family‑friendly roots of the Will McLean Folk Music Festival.
Performances vs. Sound Checks
Across the board, performances were strong, but most sets clocked in at roughly 30 minutes. That’s not inherently a flaw, but several times it felt like the sound checks lasted nearly as long as the performances themselves.
When the music finally hit its stride, it was often time to wrap. A little more room — even 10 to 15 minutes — would let artists settle in, connect, and tell the stories their songs deserve.
A Three‑Day Festival — With One Day on the Ground
The Will McLean Folk Music Festival is a three‑day event, and there’s no question the full experience extends beyond what can be absorbed in a single afternoon.
That said, Six‑String Travels was only on‑site Saturday, and our impressions are shaped by that window. Saturday alone offered a rich cross‑section of talent, but it’s fair to assume the deeper arc of the weekend adds context. This is a festival built for lingering.
Two Standout Performances
Among a strong lineup, two acts stood out clearly — at least in our opinion — and left a lasting impression.
-Scott Singer
Scott Singer’s set felt like sitting down with an old friend who has a stack of well‑worn notebooks and isn’t afraid to open them. Musically, he landed somewhere between James Taylor’s warmth, Kenny Loggins’ melodic accessibility, and just a touch of Lonestar’s emotional clarity.
What stood out most was his songwriting — smart, thoughtful, and unmistakably from the heart. These were songs that knew what they wanted to say and trusted the listener enough not to over‑explain. There was confidence in that, and it translated beautifully live.
-Honey Miller
Honey Miller brought a smooth style and cool folk vibe that settled easily over the audience. Their delivery was calm, confident, and quietly magnetic. Nothing felt forced; nothing needed to be.
There was a polish to the band’s sound, but not at the expense of intimacy. The result was a set that washed over the crowd rather than demanded attention — and somehow commanded it anyway.
The Awkwardness That Works
One of the more endearing (and occasionally awkward) aspects of the festival was the on‑stage collaboration between artists who seemed largely unfamiliar with one another. Solo exchanges during songs sometimes felt hesitant, even slightly unsure — but instead of detracting, it added an unexpected layer of enjoyment.
That moment when a musician listens closely, searching for where to step in rather than where to dominate, feels very much in the spirit of folk music. Those imperfect exchanges became a reminder that this genre is rooted in participation, not perfection.
Final Takeaway
The Will McLean Folk Music Festival isn’t trying to be everything to everyone — and that may be its greatest strength. It’s small, sincere, and deeply rooted in tradition. Strong performances, standout songwriting, and a welcoming atmosphere make it an easy festival to recommend.
Could it benefit from longer sets and smoother transitions? Absolutely. But those are refinements, not faults.
Grade: A‑
A festival that values heart over hype, stories over spectacle, and community over convenience — which, for folk music, feels exactly right.
Festival & Artist Links
Will McLean Folk Music Festival (official site):
https://willmclean.com/music-festival/will-mclean-music-festival [willmclean.com]
Scott Singer – Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/scottsingermusic/ [facebook.com]
Scott Singer – Official Website:
https://singer00.wixsite.com/website-2 [singer00.wixsite.com]
Honey Miller – Official Website:
https://www.honeymiller.com/ [honeymiller.com]