What is Mennofolk?

Almost 20 years ago a young Mennonite conference pastor named Fred Martin had an idea that the ideal outreach to young adults, often overlooked or forgotten by the church, would be through music. He created a festival featuring local Mennonite musicians and artists which he christened "Mennofolk." Not all of those gathered were church members and many questioned their role in the larger church, yet they found great commonality and fellowship within the circle of friends that were brought together by this yearly festival. Now, years later, many of those young people are now actively engaged in the church, using their music as an expression of inner passion both within and outside church services. The artistry, integrity, and radical lifestyle choices of these Mennonite young adults and their networks of friends and family continue to fascinate and delight audiences within and outside Mennonite church networks.

Now called "Mennofolk Ontario," this original festival continues and is now joined by Mennofolk Manitoba, Mennofolk Michiana, Mennofolk on the Prairie (Kansas), and Mennofolk Harrisonburg (Virginia).

All of these festivals function as independent organizations run by boards and volunteers, and most of them are supported in some way by Mennonite Conference organizations. Mennofolk is seen as an outreach, a space where our circle can be widened to include the public and all can share our musical tradition. At the same time, our music provides a voice for our commitment to peace, justice and compassion we believe to be Christ's mandate.

Images of Mennofolk past: