LISA RICHARDSON

NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

OF THE CALIFORNIA TRADITIONAL MUSIC SOCIETY

Encino, California, September 1, 2008

The California Traditional Music Society (CTMS) is pleased to announce that Lisa Richardson has accepted the position of Executive Director of the organization.  CTMS is dedicated to the support and dissemination of the traditional music, dance and art of Southern California's diverse communities.  Its programs include production of festivals and other public events, community education, and services to artists. "Lisa is well known and deeply respected within the folk arts community," says Board president Ron Milberger.  "She brings to CTMS a depth of experience in arts administration and production and music education which perfectly compliment our mission.  The Board of CTMS is extremely pleased that Lisa has agreed to join with us in forging the future direction and growth of the organization."

LISA RICHARDSON

NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

OF THE CALIFORNIA TRADITIONAL MUSIC SOCIETY

Encino, California,

September 1, 2008

  The California Traditional Music Society (CTMS) is pleased to announce that Lisa Richardson has accepted the position of Executive Director of the organization.  CTMS is dedicated to the support and dissemination of the traditional music, dance and art of Southern California's diverse communities.  Its programs include production of festivals and other public events, community education, and services to artists. "Lisa is well known and deeply respected within the folk arts community," says Board president Ron Milberger.  "She brings to CTMS a depth of experience in arts administration and production and music education which perfectly compliment our mission.  The Board of CTMS is extremely pleased that Lisa has agreed to join with us in forging the future direction and growth of the organization."

Founded in 1983 by Clark and Elaine Weissman, CTMS has evolved over the years into an important resource to both the local and national folk arts community.  Its signature event in Los Angeles is the annual Summer Solstice Folk Music, Dance and Storytelling Festival. In 1989, CTMS also organized a meeting of national folk arts leaders to form the North American Folk Music and Dance Alliance, which this year celebrated its 18th successful conference with over 2,000 members.  CTMS is housed in the Center for Folk Music in Encino Park, a facility of the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

"The City of Los Angeles is a rich tapestry of both traditional and contemporary cultural manifestations," says Olga Garay, Executive Director of the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.  "The Department of Cultural Affairs has been supporting the work of traditional and folk artists for many years through our Elaine Weissman L.A. Treasures Awards program, which Lisa has spearheaded.  We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the California Traditional Music Society and I think that Lisa will be a valuable leader in their efforts to sustain traditional music from our many cultures."

Lisa Richardson received her training as an ethnomusicologist and has an extensive background in arts administration, radio and festival production.  For the past several years, she has managed the Elaine Weissman L.A. Treasures Awards program for the City of L.A. Department of Cultural Affairs.  These awards for local folk and traditional artists were named in honor of CTMS founder Elaine Weissman, who passed away in 2005.  "I'm excited and honored to be joining this revered organization at this time in its development," says Richardson.  "I look forward to working with the board and volunteers to build our services and innovatively meet the needs of the diverse Los Angeles folk arts community."

"This is a great move for all concerned about folk and traditional arts in Southern California," says Michael Alexander, Chair of the California Arts Council and Director of Grand Performances.  "Lisa's wealth of knowledge and experience will help serve the needs of artists often working with limited access to the greater community and the needs of the community with limited access to these incredible artists."

For additional information, contact Ron Milberger, CTMS Board President, at 818-817-7756, This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it , or Lisa Richardson, Executive Director, at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .