Skip to main content
To celebrate our 30th anniversary in 2017, we are proud to introduce a membership program that opens up new ways to engage with the label’s vast body of recorded music and sounds, its history, and the people involved along the way.
Step One - Choose member level
Step Two - Choose a set of cover art prints
Step Three - By clicking the “Join Now” button below you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
Folkways Member
$20/month*
Minimum One Year ($240)
  • Exclusive set of four Folkways cover art prints
  • $1,000 worth of free downloads per year
  • 20% off all physical products (CDs, Vinyl, etc.)
  • Sneak previews of new releases
  • Access to Folkways-sponsored events
Supporting Member
$1,000/year*
$83.33/monthly payment plan available
  • Exclusive set of four Folkways cover art prints
  • $1,000 worth of free downloads per year
  • 20% off all physical products (CDs, Vinyl, etc.)
  • Sneak previews of new releases
  • Special invitations to Folkways-sponsored events
  • A curated “70 years of Folkways” USB jump drive in 2017
  • Free copies of all new releases on CD or vinyl
  • Invitation to annual Folkways reception with artist and staff
  • Invitation to tour the Ralph Rinzler Archives
Lifetime
Member
$2,400
One-time*
  • Exclusive set of four Folkways cover art prints
  • $1,000 worth of free downloads per year
  • 20% off all physical products (CDs, Vinyl, etc.)
  • Sneak previews of new releases
  • Special invitations to Folkways-sponsored events
  • A curated “70 years of Folkways” USB jump drive in 2017
  • Free copies of all new releases on CD or vinyl
  • Invitation to annual Folkways reception with artist and staff
  • Curator-led tour of the Ralph Rinzler Archives
  • Special invitations to Smithsonian-sponsored events
Building community

For the many who have come to love the organization and its work over the past three decades, Smithsonian Folkways has served as a symbol of musical discovery, social engagement, and integrity in dealing with artists and communities since we joined the Smithsonian Institution in 1987. Now, the Smithsonian Folkways Membership provides you the opportunity to truly become part of our extended community, supporting our mission and enjoying exclusive benefits.

Benefits

Membership includes a gift of four beautiful limited edition numbered art prints (14 x 14 inches) from a curated series of iconic Folkways album covers, $1,000 worth of downloads per year to use on the 60,000 tracks/3,500 albums available on our website, and 20% off our entire physical catalogue of CDs, box sets, vinyl, and merchandise. In addition, Smithsonian Folkways Members will get advance previews of new releases and special invitations to Folkways-sponsored concerts and events.

Join now

We hope you will join this exciting initiative, which provides unprecedented access to Smithsonian Folkways music and musicians, and supports their work as well as our non-profit mission. To become a member at just $20 a month ($240 per year), simply join now. Also consider becoming a Supporting Member at $1,000 a year (with additional benefits), or a Lifetime Member for a one-time contribution of $2,400. Because of the value associated with the benefits of membership, membership payments are not deductible as charitable contributions. If you would like to support Smithsonian Folkways with a tax-deductible gift, please click here.

Auto-renew Feature

Folkways Members and Supporting Members will receive an annual renewal notice prior to membership expiration and will be charged at the renewal rate unless the member cancels the renewal by calling 1-888-FOLKWAYS or sending an email to FolkwaysMembership@si.edu.

Folkways Membership FAQ
  • Why should I become a member?
  • Can you tell me more about the cover art prints?
  • How do the free downloads and discounts work?
  • More →
    Terms and Conditions

    By enrolling in a Smithsonian Membership Plan, you acknowledge and agree that these terms and conditions are a binding agreement between you and Smithsonian Folkways. Accordingly, please review this agreement carefully.

    More →

    Exclusive set of Folkways four cover art prints

    Cover Art Set One: Iconic Folkways
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
    Cover Art Set Two: Unplugged
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
    Cover Art Set Three: World Music
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
    Cover Art Set Four: Struggle and Protest
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
    Cover Art Set Five: American Folk
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
    Cover Art Set Six: Word Play
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
    Cover Art Set Seven: Environmental Sounds
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
      Cover Art
      Cover Art

    .