The Reclaiming Folk event series, created by musician Naomi Westwater, is a celebration of people of color in Folk Music. Folk Music is traditional music, folk music is storytelling, folk music is music of the people, folk music is a voice for what’s happening in the world today. In our society, there is often no space for marginalized people to tell their stories. The Reclaiming Folk seeks to make space for musicians of color to tell their stories and tell the stories of our past, so that our future can be a more inclusive place for all. We are Reclaiming Folk, because history has forgotten that people of color have always been at the root of American Folk music. From field calls to Blues to Gospel, the origin of American Folk Music is connected to people of color.

This program includes performances by Grace Givertz and Naomi Westwater followed by a discussion about their songs and their experience as folk musicians and an audience Q&A. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Waltham Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Naomi Westwater (they/she) is a queer, Black-multiracial singer-songwriter from Massachusetts. Their work combines folk music, poetry, and spirituality. Naomi holds a Master of Music in Contemporary Performance and Production from Berklee College of Music and she is a part of The Club Passim Folk Collective. Naomi was nominated for a 2021 and 2022 Boston Music Award for best singer-songwriter, and has been featured in The Boston Globe, Under The Radar, WBUR  and many more. 

Grace Givertz's talent shines bright, earning her acclaim for her captivating performances. She's been nominated for Boston Music Awards and received the City of Boston's Extraordinary Women Award for her contributions to music and community. Beyond accolades, she shares her expertise through songwriting workshops, including sessions with the Harvard Ed Portal, empowering others to authentically express themselves.  In a groundbreaking move, Givertz is currently working on her sophomore album, which exclusively features BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or disabled musicians. This collaborative effort not only amplifies underrepresented voices but also underscores her commitment to inclusivity and diversity within the music industry.