FolkVote '97 Cast Your Ballot For The Best Of The Year! Introduction Since 1993, members of the "folk_music@nysernet.org" Internet discussion list have participated in a year-end poll of the best and brightest folk-related albums, performers, and venues.    In 1996, this e-mail poll was extended to the World Wide Web, and this site is the home of the FolkVote '97 poll. This year, we're asking your recommendations for: Top Five Folk-Related Albums of 1997 What new releases didn't leave your CD player or tape deck, were played for all of your friends (until they asked you to stop, of course!), and were purchased for birthday and holiday gifts this year? If it was released in calendar year 1997, it's eligible. We've even got a list of some of the folk-related releases of 1997 to help jog your memory. Mind you, this list isn't a complete list, and if you have additions, please send them along. Favorite Folk-Related Performer of 1997 What individual, duo, or group really captured your attention? You know, the band that you put 5,000 miles on your car following, or stayed up way too late to see at that festival last summer? Favorite Folk Music Festival of 1997 Speaking of festivals, what was your favorite one of the year, considering the music, the organization, the people you camped with, and the weather (and whatever other criteria you use). "Lost Performer" of 1997 What individual, duo, or group did you really want to hear something new from in 1997, and it just didn't happen? "New Discovery" of 1997 This doesn't necessarily have to be a new, fresh face on the scene this year, but it does have to be an individual, duo, or group that is new to you this year, who made you sit up, take notice, and say to yourself "Why didn't I ever listen to him before?" Favorite Folk-Related Album of All Time What is the one folk-related recording that you just can't put down, the one you keep playing and playing, the one at the top of your "Desert Island Discs" list? Favorite Folk-Related Performer of All Time Plain and simple: who is your absolute favorite performer? The polls will open on January 13thand remain open until February 13th, at which time we'll crunch the numbers one more time and post the final results. View This Year's Results The number-crunching's been done, and the results of this year's FolkVote polling is now available. Thanks to all who participated in the poll! View Previous Years' Results We've rummaged through our archives and found survey results from the last three years' FolkVote balloting. Makes for interesting reading. Questions and Comments If you've got questions about the balloting procedure, additions or other changes to the list of 1997 releases, or any other questions regarding FolkVote '97, please send e-mail to either Krista Reymann or Stephen Spencer. Thanks for voting!