Created by Judy Cook, OC ’71, when she moved to Kendal at Oberlin, Song Swap is a collaborative event between Kendal residents and Oberlin students. The event focuses on building and maintaining a loving community centered on the joy of folk music. Song Swaps can be attended by any Oberlin student through Folk Music Club.
Folk Music Club was founded in 1957 by Joe Hickerson, OC ’57, and was originally called Folk Song Club. Shortly after, famous folk musicians such as Pete Seeger and Judy Collins visited Oberlin and gave concerts in Finney Chapel.
“I feel like the folk scene was quite active at that time,” Cook said. “I remember swapping songs with my classmates informally in dorm rooms, in lounges, in courtyards, and in Tappan Square.”
Almost 50 years later, folk music still has a special place at Oberlin College through Song Swap.
“I love Song Swaps,” Cook said. “My husband Dennis and I host a song swap twice a month at Kendal at Oberlin that is mostly residents of Kendal, though [others are welcome]. We also host a small Song Swap at our cottage at Kendal for Oberlin students every week when we are in town.”
Judy has been maintaining this tradition for a number of years, inviting 8–10 students to enjoy the magic of music and community. College first-year Scarborough LeWine is a regular member of Song Swaps.
“Every Thursday night at 8:30 p.m., we head over to Judy and Dennis’ cottage and we share songs,” LeWine said. “Judy has a repertoire of more than 800 songs that she shares with us. [The songs] we mainly perform are traditionals that have been around for a while, and sometimes we do covers or even originals.”
Participants of Song Swaps spoke highly not just about the quality of music, but about the feeling of togetherness that Cook has been able to foster.
“It’s a space to share and be with other people,” College first-year Tyler Buckser-Schulz said. “It’s very loving and non-judgemental. I feel like a lot of music on campus has a competitive and academic nature to it, and I appreciate the space [song swap] has made. … It’s a precious momentary escape to go over to and be with people with so much love and wisdom to offer.”
Song Swaps require participants to show up with an open mind and willingness to build a community with those in attendance.
“At the root of folk music, it’s about joy and being in the moment with the people around you,” College first-year Abigail Goodman said. “Judy cares a lot about us and wants to offer the songs and knowledge she’s gathered over the years.”
Cook expanded on the community that song swaps create.
“Sharing a song you care enough about to have memorized and having others actively listening, perhaps even singing along, is what creates the bonds,” she said. “They may be songs of solidarity in a cause; songs of comfort, hope, and encouragement; great stories; or ways to approach strong subjects with the distance that a song affords.”
Although COVID-19 complicated in-person meetings, Folk Music Club and Song Swap have seen a resurgence in activity and events in recent years. This weekend, Folk Music Club is hosting Folk Fest, headlined by indie group Sadurn. Folk Fest was started in 1999 by then club president Ellen Stanley, OC ’01, and has been an annual tradition since, with the exception of 2020.
“When I joined the folk club, it was being rebuilt because we were coming out of the pandemic,” Conservatory fourth-year Rosalie Coleman said. “Folk club was the one of the main reasons I chose Oberlin because I’ve wanted to be a musician all my life. I’ve met my closest friends and musical collaborators at folk club. It really is a great place to meet new people.”
