Winterfolk is the passion project of venerated folk artist Tom May, who served as producer and artistic director until 2026. Winterfolk began in 1988 as a birthday party for one of Tom’s fans, who flew him out to Portland from his home at that time - Omaha Nebraska, to perform for her at the Horse Brass Pub, owned by Tom’s pal Don Younger. A collection was taken up for the homeless, and Winterfolk was born.

For nearly 40 years since, Winterfolk has brought together some of the region's finest acoustic musicians for an evening, sharing the joy of live music and raising funds to help people in our community experiencing homelessness. 

The next few years saw the event expand to an all-day Sunday celebration at the Horse Brass, who has remained an event sponsor after Winterfolk outgrew the pub’s performance space. The Aladdin Theatre hosted Winterfolk for several years; now the Alberta Rose Theatre is Winterfolk's home. 

In addition to PNW artists, nationally-known folk artists such as Utah Phillips, Laurie Lewis, Tracy Grammer and Peter Yarrow have graced the Winterfolk stage over the years. 

The warm spirit of community and the sense of authentic connection experienced by both the audience and the performers at this uplifting concert have made Winterfolk one of the city’s largest and most celebrated annual folk music events. 

PAST BENEFICIARIES

Winterfolk partnered with Sisters of the Road Café in 1990. From 2018 to 2022, JOIN was the primary beneficiary of this annual celebration. Transition Projects has been Winterfolk’s nonprofit partner since 2023.

TRANSITION PROJECTS

For more than 56 years, Transition Projects has delivered life-saving and life-changing assistance to some of Portland’s most vulnerable residents. 

Whether by helping a homeless veteran and her family find housing, sheltering hundreds of people each night with nowhere else to turn, or opening new pathways to employment, Transition Projects represents an invaluable part of Portland’s social fabric. 

Learn more here.