Milestone season brings acclaimed performers to venues throughout the region

When the Peterborough Folk Music Society started planning its 30th anniversary season, founder Deborah McWethy admits the organization may have gone a little overboard. That's exactly the point. To celebrate the milestone, the all-volunteer nonprofit has assembled one of its most ambitious concert lineups to date, featuring nationally recognized folk, roots, Celtic and Americana performers at venues throughout the Monadnock Region during the coming weeks. The Peterborough Folk Music Society evolved from the well-known Folkway coffeehouse in Peterborough — bringing innovative, entertaining and diverse musicians to the region since 1996. After the owner of Folkway passed away, the venue was run by a board of directors, but the arrangement wasn't working. McWethy, who served on that board, wasn't ready to see it disappear and decided to create the Peterborough Folk Music Society instead. "It's really been going strong ever since," explained McWethy. While folk music remains at the heart of the organization, its programming has expanded to include bluegrass, rhythm and roots, Celtic music and other genres. McWethy credits the organization's longevity to its volunteers, supporters and local business partners. "The wonderful financial supporters help us pay the musicians more than what most venues do," she added. Local businesses also play an important role in supporting performers. Harlow's Pub and Restaurant in Peterborough donates meals for musicians, while River House in Peterborough provides lodging whenever possible. McWethy also emphasized the contributions of the society's volunteer webmaster, social media coordinator and the many dedicated board members who have helped guide the organization over the past three decades. For McWethy, the power of folk music is what has kept audiences coming back year after year. "I think in this era and with what is going on in the country, even in the world, music speaks to the heart," she said. "People who like folk music, gravitate to it because it speaks to the heart, its soothing, its emotional. You can understand the words, and the musicians write about what is going on in the world today, so we can all relate." The anniversary season features an eclectic lineup of performers over the coming weeks: Saturday, Aug. 22: Paul Klemperer and Band will present a musical travelogue through U.S. history, interpreting songs of social commentary through a jazz lens. The concert begins at 5:45 p.m., at Deb's House in Harrisville. Saturday, Sept. 5: The Kennedys will bring passionate songwriting, energetic performances and songs from their 16 albums of original music. The concert begins at 7 p.m., at Deb's House in Harrisville. Friday, Sept. 18: Grammy-nominated artist Seth Glier joins acclaimed singer-songwriter Antje Duvekot for a 7 p.m., performance at Bass Hall at the Monadnock Center. Glier is a five-time Independent Music Award winner, while Duvekot has earned honors from the John Lennon Songwriting Competition, Kerrville Folk Festival and the Boston Music Awards. Sunday, Sept. 20: Folksoul will perform new and traditional music rooted in America's oldest musical traditions at 12:45 p.m., at Deb's House in Harrisville. Thursday, Sept. 24: David Francey, known for his storytelling, humor and heartfelt songwriting, performs at 7 p.m., at the Peterborough UU Church. Saturday, Sept. 26: Chris Smither, joined by special guest Peter Mulvey, takes the stage at 7 p.m., at the Park Theatre in Jaffrey. Smither has been Mulvey's mentor since 1993, when the younger musician first opened for the blues and folk legend. For more information about upcoming concerts and performers, visit pfmsconcerts.org.