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Promoting community building through music appreciation, education, and environmental stewardship.

Friends of the Moab Folk Festival (Friends) is a 501(c)(3) organization that receives its IRS tax designation by participating in a group exemption program under the North American Folk Music and Dance Alliance. Friends has been in existence more than fifteen years, is governed by a five-member board and is supported by two staff members and 140+ volunteers. Friends promotes traditional, contemporary and multi-cultural folk music in Moab, Utah. Our programming is rooted in the belief that access to music education and live performance should not be determined by where one lives or economic status, and that music/art bridges social barriers and promotes compassion. Our programming includes the Moab Folk Festival (Festival), the Moab Folk Camp (Camp), the Moab Free Concert Series (MFCS), and numerous education and community outreach activities. Our programming is constantly expanding and diversifying as we aim to extend our reach into the Moab community.

Our mission is to promote community building through music appreciation, education, and environmental stewardship. Based in the small, rural community of Moab, Utah, Friends strives to bring diverse Folk Music talents and educational opportunities from around the country to the area for the entertainment and enjoyment of the local community and visitors. We encourage environmental stewardship by engaging in and advocating for sustainable and low-impact practices in all of our activities. We strive to keep our programs and concerts economically accessible to many and offer several free to the public.

MFF/Friends Programs include:

  • The Moab Folk Festival

  • The Moab Folk Camp

  • Moab Free Concert Series

  • Workshops with visiting artists

  • School Assemblies

  • Intensive School Education Outreach Series

Our People


Cassie Paup
Festival Director

Cassie has made Moab, Utah her home for 25 years. She has been with Friends of the Moab Folk Festival, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, since 2014. She is the Director of the organization, Producer of the Moab Folk Festival, now in its 21st season, and a founding Producer of the Moab Free Concert Series, in its 6th season. Cassie also plans and implements an increasing roster of arts-based education and community outreach activities to benefit local residents. She loves getting out and about in the backcountry.

Emily Sudduth
Assistant Director

Emily has been calling Moab home for 7 years now. Her background in logistics for outdoor education programming, public events, and love of live music are a natural fit for the Moab Folk Festival. She has volunteered in various capacities in years past, and is excited to join the staff team!

In her free time, you’ll find Emily soaking up the desert sun, cooking, crafting, and befriending as many dogs as possible.

Meet the Board

  • Eric Jones

    President

  • Cosy Sheridan

    Vice President

  • Karen Downey

    Treasurer

  • Nicole Dvorscak

  • Julianne Waters