WFMA Founder and Past-President, Dick Cerri, passed away on October 3, 2013.  Dick, along with Tom Paxton, founded the organization in 1982 and was the guiding force behind WFMA for 29 years.

Under Dick’s leadership, WFMA sponsored a wide variety of events in support of its mission to bring performers and fans together in ways that support the intimate nature of the folk tradition.  In addition to the annual Benefit Concerts, WFMA has sponsored monthly showcases, group travel to see performances around the country and many unique events in the Washington, DC area.  Through these activities and his radio show, Music Americana, Dick introduced many Washington area fans to the music of his favorite artists, to the delight of fans and performers alike.  There are countless performers who owe their success in the Washington, DC area to Dick, and countless fans who are grateful to Dick for introducing them to new and exciting folk performers.  Dick will certainly be missed by the entire DC area folk music community.