This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with  Fede Petro to discuss Open Folk, a community driven, international live event series. Fede Petro is an Argentine-born producer, songwriter, and event creator whose work bridges continents and artistic disciplines. He was the tour manager and show producer for two-time Oscar winner Gustavo Santaolalla, leading tours across the Americas and overseeing every detail from stage to logistics. He’s also the founder and artistic director of Open Folk, a grassroots music movement that began over a decade ago and now operates in Argentina, Spain, and the United States, curating intimate showcases and conceptual tribute nights that spotlight independent songwriters and community-driven artistry.

In this episode, Ari and Fede dive into the story behind Open Folk—how it grew from living-room gatherings in Buenos Aires to a global community of stages. Fede reflects on the obstacles of sustaining independent events, the philosophy of keeping lineups unannounced, and the balance between financial survival and artistic integrity. The conversation widens into the larger live music ecosystem, examining the evolving role of promoters and the value of cultivating meaningful, immersive experiences for both artists and audiences.

https://www.theopenfolk.org/

0:00 Introduction and Background

5:01 Starting Open Folk in Buenos Aires

15:01 Transition to Los Angeles

25:01 Philosophy and Impact of Open Folk

35:01 Financial Aspects and Challenges

45:01 Creating Immersive Experiences

55:01 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Edited and mixed by Peter Schrupp

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

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