In that same spirit, Joe Davies was a sponsor of music and musicians. A talented folk-singer/song- writer in his own right, Joe grabbed every opportunity to encourage local musicians, by his own tireless example and by providing places for talented local musicians to play for the public. In this way, he also sought to educate the public about the many forms of traditional and folk music.

Among these opportunities were the Fall Folk Festival and the Summer Concert Series at the Soule Homestead. "The idea behind the Folk Festival and Summer Concert Series was to provide top quality, affordable folk entertainment to the public and to give the many talented musicians in our area a showcase for their talent.  Joe Davies was the man behind the idea," says Karen Dusek, former Executive Director of the Soule Homestead Education Center, Inc.

From 1993 to 1997, Joe Davies was the Fall Folk Festival. He arranged for musicians and sound technicians, set up, served as host and master of ceremonies, performed, and helped clean up when it was all done.  And every year he pushed the envelope, striving to make that year better than the last.

Joe is gone now, but he serves as an inspiration to the many of us it takes to fill his shoes. Joe made the Festival what it is today, so it is only right that it has gone on in his name.