The mission of the CU Folk and Roots Festival was determined in the Spring of 2008 when over 25 members of the folk arts community met at Techline Studio to discuss the possibility of a folk festival in our town. A collective voice outlined the following mission statement:

The CU Folk and Roots Festival will:

• Promote a feeling of community
• Create an inclusive event that gathers together participants from diverse backgrounds
• Gather the energy and dedication of our many folk organizations into a single celebration
• Promote the folk arts
• Contribute to the artistic vitality of the area
• Bring attention and business to downtown Urbana
• Attract tourism to the greater Champaign-Urbana area
• Expose and involve residents to varied and exciting forms of music, dance and art
• Provide opportunities for focused, quality social interactions

In the spirit of achieving these goals, a steering committee of volunteers has been meeting regularly, donating their time and efforts for the collective good of our town and community.

C-U Folk and Roots Steering Committee

Brenda Koenig, Chair

Christine Breen, Vice-Chair

Frances Harris, Secretary

Ed Hawkes, Treasurer

John Elder

Aimee Rickman

Rich Warren

Don Willi