The Music Returns Home How One Folk Festival Helped Shape Arizona's Musical Soul

Arizona Roundup with Stuart Rosebrook welcomes legendary musician and producer Tom Agostino as the Sharlot Hall Museum prepares for the return of its historic Folk Festival.

Some events simply entertain us.

Others become part of a community's identity.

The return of the 42nd Annual Sharlot Hall Museum Folk Festival is one of those rare occasions that does both.

In this engaging edition of Arizona Roundup, host Stuart Rosebrook sits down with longtime musician, producer, broadcaster, and festival creative director Tom Agostino to explore not only the history of Arizona's oldest folk festival, but also the remarkable journey that brought Tom from Brooklyn to Detroit, Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, and finally Prescott—where his passion for music has helped inspire generations of musicians and music lovers.

The conversation quickly becomes much more than an interview about an upcoming event.

It becomes a celebration of how music builds communities, preserves history, strengthens families, and reminds us that every generation has songs that become the soundtrack of their lives.

Tom shares delightful stories of meeting legendary performers, producing concerts, launching a nineteen-and-a-half-year radio career, and discovering that the original Sharlot Hall Folk Festival helped inspire many of Arizona's other folk festivals—including the Glendale Folk Festival itself.

Listeners will enjoy fascinating behind-the-scenes stories involving Johnny Cash, Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, the Kingston Trio, Gordon Lightfoot, Guy Clark, Bruce Cockburn, David Copperfield, Jerry Jeff Walker, Carole King, Roger McGuinn, and many others whose music shaped America.

But perhaps the greatest story is happening right now.

After several years away, one of Arizona's most beloved musical traditions is returning to the beautiful grounds of Sharlot Hall Museum.

On Saturday, October 3, 2026, the museum will once again come alive with music, storytelling, workshops, dancing, children's activities, song circles, choirs, Celtic performers, bluegrass, Americana, cowboy music, outlaw country, international folk traditions, and dozens of outstanding musicians from across Arizona.

The celebration actually begins the evening before with an extraordinary concert featuring the Folk Legacy Trio, whose members have performed with some of the greatest names in American folk music. Their intimate Friday evening performance at Sharlot Hall Museum promises to be one of the most memorable musical evenings Prescott has hosted in years.

Throughout the conversation, Stuart and Tom remind us that folk music has never been about nostalgia alone.

It is music that tells stories.

Music that brings strangers together.

Music that reminds us where we came from—and perhaps where we are headed.

Whether your favorite artists are the Kingston Trio, Johnny Cash, Gordon Lightfoot, Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, the Carter Family, Guy Clark, or today's Americana performers, you'll discover that this festival celebrates the rich tapestry of music that continues to connect generations.

More importantly, you'll discover why Prescott has quietly become one of Arizona's most important homes for folk music.

The enthusiasm between Stuart Rosebrook and Tom Agostino is contagious, making this episode one that music lovers, history enthusiasts, families, and anyone who appreciates community will thoroughly enjoy.

The music isn't simply returning.

A treasured Arizona tradition is coming home.

Things to Remember

Great communities preserve more than buildings—they preserve traditions.

Music has a unique ability to connect generations and create lifelong memories.

The Sharlot Hall Folk Festival helped inspire many of Arizona's folk music events and remains one of the state's historic cultural treasures.

Folk music continues to evolve while honoring the stories and traditions that shaped America.

The return of this festival represents the renewal of an important part of Prescott's cultural heritage.

Things to Share

Invite friends, family members, neighbors, and fellow music lovers to experience the festival together.

Share this podcast with anyone who appreciates Arizona history, Americana, folk music, bluegrass, cowboy music, or community events.

Encourage younger generations to discover the music and stories that have shaped Arizona and America.

Help spread the word that one of Arizona's great musical traditions has returned.

Things to Do

Mark your calendar now for Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3, 2026.

Attend the intimate Folk Legacy Trio concert on Friday evening before tickets sell out.

Spend the entire day at the 42nd Annual Sharlot Hall Museum Folk Festival on Saturday.

Bring your family, your friends, and if you're a musician, bring your instrument and join the celebration.

Explore the museum grounds, enjoy the workshops, song circles, children's activities, and outstanding performances throughout the day.

Visit the museum's exhibits while you're there and discover why Sharlot Hall Museum remains one of Arizona's premier historical treasures.

Join the Celebration

The revival of the Sharlot Hall Museum Folk Festival is more than another concert.

It is an invitation to become part of Arizona's living history.

Support the musicians.

Support the volunteers.

Support the museum.

Purchase your tickets, invite someone to come with you, and experience a day where music, history, friendship, and community come together in one unforgettable celebration.

For festival information, concert details, museum exhibits, memberships, and upcoming events, visit Sharlot Hall Museum and become part of preserving Arizona's remarkable story for future generations.

And while you're there, be sure to subscribe to Arizona Roundup with Stuart Rosebrook, where the stories, people, and traditions that make Arizona unique continue to come alive for listeners around the world.