Folk University

Folk University was founded in 1994 by Jerry Harris in Rockford IL. Folk University was originally a solo act which focused on songwriting. In early 2012 Mike Elliott (Fortress/Jak'd Up) and Mike "Smitty" Smith (99 Proof Devils/Jak'd Up/Diamond Dog) joined forces with Jerry as a trio. In August of 2012 they added Tom & Crystal Parrott to the mix to form a 5 man band with plans to start touring the Midwest and to begin writing a truckload of songs! Plans fell apart and by the end of October 2012 the members amicably parted ways leaving Jerry alone again with Folk University. Folk University had a concert date set for December 15th 2012 and Jerry was determined to debut the project one way or another. In November 2012 Jerry reached out to a few other solo artists and they agreed to ban together as solo artists to fill the spot, still performing under the name Folk University since advertising had already went public. This was a great solution for the debut show, but it sparked an idea. In addition to Folk University (the band) Jerry founded Folk University & Friends in December of 2012. Folk University & Friends is a showcase which features a rotating cast of solo artists each performing their own sets. In January 2013 Folk University (the band) became an acoustic duo and songwriting team when Jerry teamed up with Matt Roberts. Matt Roberts is the front man for Hedder (previously Aunt Flossy) and Cylinder 6. Matt also appears on some of Jerry's solo recordings. FOLK UNIVERSITY & FOLK UNIVERSITY & FRIENDS are now available for booking! ______________________________________________________________ As of February 2013 the Folk University & Friends showcase includes: "ACTIVE ACTS" Folk University (the band featuring Jerry Harris & Matt Roberts) Jerry Harris (Solo/Folk University) Matt Roberts (Solo/Cylinder 6/Hedder/Aunt Flossy/Sons of Many Bitches) Bryan W. (Solo/ and two cool projects we can't mention! LOL) Chad Foster (Solo/Beyond Threshold/As One) Mike Labay (Solo/Modifire/As One/815 Local Jive) Paul Bronson (Solo/Pulse 18/As One) Lance Baugus (Lost Thoughts/As One) Neil Andrews (Case In Point) Mostly Water (the band) Tory & Kyle (the band) Tom & Crystal (the band) The Smokes (the band featuring Tom, Crystal, Tory & Kyle) Village Idiots (the band featuring Tina & Brad Joesten) Mike Corey (Solo) _____________________________________________________________ "ACTIVE HOSTS" Jerry Harris (Solo/Folk University) Chris Johnson (Patchwork/As One/815 Local Jive) _____________________________________________________________ "OFFICIAL SUPER FAN" Keith Davenport _____________________________________________________________ "INACTIVE ACTS" Mike "Smitty" Smith (Solo/99 Proof Devils/Jak'd Up/Diamond Dog) Emily Kappes Olsen (Solo/Pump House Gang) Steel Wave (the band featuring Odie & Bear) So far FOLK UNIVERSITY/FOLK UNIVERSITY & FRIENDS have headlined as well as opened for such amazing acts as Dr. Love (a Kiss Tribute band) & the Adam Ezra Group! Folk University (the band) and the Folk University & Friends (showcase) is an acoustic folk rock n roll with a bit of metal and pop thrown in for good measure!