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Arizona Folklore Preserve Inc

Phoenix, AZ · EIN 860670641 · Form 990EZ · FY2019 · Micro (<$100K) · arizonafolklore.com
revenue
$35K
expenses
$42K
net assets
$278K
employees
mission · from form 990

Promote Arizona related historic preservation achieved through events promoting songs, folk tales and historic events of the Arizona region.

profile · synthesized from sources

Arizona Folklore Preserve Inc is a cultural venue in Ramsey Canyon that preserves and presents Arizona's western heritage through live music and storytelling performances. The organization hosts weekly shows featuring folk, cowboy, and acoustic artists whose work reflects regional history, culture, and traditions. Founded by Dolan Ellis, Arizona’s Official State Balladeer, the preserve operates on a 15-acre site in the Huachuca Mountains and includes a state-of-the-art theater and bookstore.

named programs · 2 · from sources

what they call their work

Artist Residencies and Guest Performances
Hosts touring and local artists such as Mark Stuart, Randy Huston, and Liz & Pete who perform original and traditional music rooted in storytelling and cultural content
Weekly Folk Performances
Live Saturday and Sunday matinee shows featuring folk, cowboy, and acoustic musicians whose work reflects Arizona's history, culture, and western heritage
activities · 3 groups

what they do

  • Live Music Performances & Artist Interviews 10 activities
    • Feature recurring and guest musical acts
      Hosts a variety of musical performers including The Cowboy Way (awarded Western Group of the Year four times), Dry Wash Anglers, Jon Messenger & Co., Ted Ramirez, Steff Kayser and Alvin Blaine, Michael Grande, Old Pueblo Bluegrass Band, Liz & Pete, and others, performing bluegrass, original compositions, and covers from artists like Michael Joseph Ronstadt.
    • Feature specific musical artists and groups in performances
      Hosts performances by specific musical acts including the Dry Wash Anglers, Jon Messenger & Co., Ted Ramirez, Steff Kayser and Alvin Blaine, Michael Grande, Old Pueblo Bluegrass Band, Liz & Pete, and Jim Jones and Mariam Funke (The Cowboy Way), showcasing bluegrass, original compositions, and Western music.
    • Host live music performances at Arizona venue
      Organizes and hosts live musical performances featuring folk, blues, bluegrass, and Western music artists at its venue in Arizona, with scheduled weekly matinee shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Events are open to walk-in attendees based on seating availability.
    • Host live music performances at a dedicated venue
      Organizes and hosts live musical performances featuring folk, blues, bluegrass, and Western music artists at its Arizona venue, with scheduled weekly matinee shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Events are open to walk-in attendees based on seating availability.
    • Host live music performances at venue in Arizona
      Organizes and hosts live musical performances featuring folk, blues, bluegrass, and Western music artists at its venue in Arizona, with scheduled weekly matinee shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Events are open to walk-in attendees based on seating availability.
    • Host live musical performances at a dedicated venue
      Operates a Folklore Center with a state-of-the-art theater since 2001, hosting weekly Saturday and Sunday matinee shows at 2:00 p.m. with open seating for walk-in attendees when space allows. The venue has hosted numerous musical acts including the Dry Wash Anglers, Jon Messenger & Co., Ted Ramirez, Steff Kayser, Alvin Blaine, Michael Grande, Old Pueblo Bluegrass Band, and Liz & Pete.
    • Host live musical performances at a dedicated venue
      Organizes and hosts live music events featuring folk, blues, bluegrass, and Western musicians at its Arizona venue, with scheduled weekly matinee shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Events are open to walk-in attendees based on seating availability.
    • Hosting live folk and blues music performances
      The Arizona Folklore Preserve hosts live music events featuring folk and blues musicians at its venue in Arizona, including weekly Saturday and Sunday matinee shows at 2:00 p.m. These performances are open to walk-in attendees, subject to seating availability.
    • Present performances by specific musical artists and groups
      Hosts a rotating roster of musical performers, including the Dry Wash Anglers, Jon Messenger & Co., Ted Ramirez, Steff Kayser and Alvin Blaine, Michael Grande, Old Pueblo Bluegrass Band, Liz & Pete, and others performing bluegrass, original compositions, and traditional folk and Western music.
    • Promote and present award-recognized Western and folk music acts
      Features nationally recognized musical groups such as The Cowboy Way, who have been named Western Group of the Year four times by the International Western Music Association and have received individual accolades from various organizations.
  • Orchestral and Choral Concert Performances 1 activity
    • Support musical collaboration and recording projects
      Facilitates musical collaborations and recording efforts among artists, including work exploring songs by Alan Garr, original compositions, and repertoire from Michael Joseph Ronstadt, as demonstrated by artist collaborations such as the 2019 performance at Monterey Court in Tucson.
  • Uncategorized 6 activities
    • Maintain and operate a dedicated performance theater
      Operates a state-of-the-art theater at the Arizona Folklore Center, opened in 2001, to host musical performances; previously hosted shows at the smaller Moffett House, a 1920s ranch house accommodating up to 30 patrons, beginning in June 1996.
    • Maintain and operate a dedicated performance theater
      Operates a state-of-the-art theater at the Arizona Folklore Center, opened in 2001, to host musical performances; previously hosted shows at the smaller Moffett House ranch house starting in June 1996.
    • Maintain performance venue including state-of-the-art theater
      Operates a dedicated Folklore Center with a state-of-the-art theater opened in 2001, hosting performances in purpose-built facilities; began operations in a smaller 1920s ranch house (Moffett House) in 1996 that seated up to 30 patrons.
    • Operate dedicated performance venue with theater and historic site
      Operates a Folklore Center that includes a state-of-the-art theater opened in 2001 and began hosting performances at the Moffett House, a historic 1920s ranch house accommodating up to 30 patrons, starting in June 1996.
    • Support musical collaboration and repertoire development
      Facilitates musical collaborations among artists, including recording projects and performances that explore songs by Alan Garr, original compositions, and material from Michael Joseph Ronstadt's repertoire.
    • Support musical collaborations and recordings
      Facilitates musical collaborations and recordings, including work by artists who have performed together at events such as Monterey Court in Tucson and who explore material from Alan Garr, original compositions, and the repertoire of Michael Joseph Ronstadt.
financials · form 990EZ · fy2019
revenue
Total revenue$35K
Contributions & grants$2K6%
Program service revenue$33K94%
Investment income$10%
Other revenue
expenses
Total expenses$42K
Program expenses
Admin / overhead
Fundraising
Salaries & benefits
Grants paid out
balance sheet
Total assets$278K
Cash
Investments
Liabilities
Net assets$278K
1 years on record · 2019–2019
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2019

who runs it

board members · 4
  • Chad Ellis — Director
  • Dolan Ellis — Director
  • Ed Swenson — Director
  • Jon Messenger — Director
relationships · 6

who they work with

  • International Western Music Association Partner — Awarded The Cowboy Way (including Jim Jones and Mariam Funke) as Western Group of the Year four times, and individual awards.
  • Monterey Court Partner — Venue where Liz & Pete performed together in Tucson.
  • Mule Boys Partner — Musical duo performing at the Arizona Folklore Preserve
  • Stacey Earle Partner — Musical duo partner and collaborator in touring and album releases.
  • University of Arizona South Partner — Partnered to build the current Folklore Center and ensure the Arizona Folklore Preserve's future existence.
  • Writers of America Partner — Awarded individual awards to Jim Jones and Mariam Funke.