The Philadelphia Folk Festival
Thursday, August 19 Through Monday, August 23rd
The Old Pool Farm
1323 Salford Station Road (Clemers Mill Road and Salford Station Road)
Schwenksville, PA, 19473)
The Philadelphia area's own little Woodstock, the 49th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival at the Old Pool Farm in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, begins on Thursday, August 19th and runs through Monday, August 23rd.
WXPN-FM DJ Gene Shay, the "Godfather of Philadelphia Folk Music" and festival organizer, will emcee for the 49th straight year. Originally staffed by volunteers called the "Straw Hat Brigade," the festival was instituted in 1962 by parent organization The Philadelphia Folk Song Society. In 2008, the Folk Song Society hired an executive director and booking organization. Shay stated in a Philadelphia Inquirer article that shifts in the music business demanded change, and that, "The old guard was starting to have trouble negotiating the steep hill at Old Pool Farm."
The Philadelphia Folk Festival draws folk fans from around the world to camp and celebrate folk arts and music. In past years, stars such as Arlo Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Richie Havens have graced the stage, and a young John Denver came into the spotlight there in 1968.
Far from its days as a draw for pot-smoking hippies, new-agers and motorcycle gangs, the Philadelphia Folk Festival encourages family-oriented activity. While some people stay at motels, the true experience is gained by camping out on the 40-acre farm and experiencing the camaraderie of jamming at campfire sings at the end of each day's performances. A section of the campgrounds is set aside for quieter Family Camping, for those who prefer to forgo loud partying and late night jam sessions.
Activities for children include the Craft and Camp Stages, featuring puppeteers, jugglers, storytellers, and child-oriented music. Children who play a stringed instrument or sing can join in with The Great Groove Band for the weekend. Participants rehearse with the band for three days preparing for a main-stage performance on Sunday. For more information about The Great Groove Band, visit this site.
Featured performers at this year's Philadelphia Folk Festival include Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, A.A. Bondy, Amelia Curran, Annie & The Beekeepers, Blame Sally, Bonnie "Prince" Billy & the Cairo Gang, Butch Ross, Chris Smither & the Motivators, Erin McKeown, Gandalf Murphy & The Slambovian Circus of Dreams, Give and Take Jugglers, Giving Tree Band, Groove Band, Iain Matthews, Jah Levi & The Higher Reasoning, Justin Rutledge, Lee Harvey Osmond, Malinky, Marc Silver & the Stonethrowers, Mickey Clark & the Blue Norther, Mike Cross, Natalia Zukerman, Nudie & The Turks, Richard Thompson, Shannon Whitworth, Sonos, Spinning Leaves, Subdudes, Susan Werner with Trina Hamlin and Natalia Zukerman, Sweetback Sisters, Taj Mahal, Treasa Levasseur, Trina Hamlin, Vienna Teng, Cheers Elephant, Kyle Offidani, Two Of A Kind, Scott Pryor and the Common Sinners, Rockin' Acoustic Circus, Harlem Blues & Jazz Band.
For complete information about the Philadelphia Folk Festival and to purchase tickets online, visit their website here, or call 800-556-FOLK.
Sources: Folkjam.org; Philly.com; Philadelphia Folk Festival website
Published by Patricia Sicilia - Featured Contributor in Travel
A Domestic Travel Featured Contributor, Patricia Sicilia's wordsmithing began at age 9 when, after reading a book way too old for her, she told her mother "I'm retiring to my boudoir." Freelancing for over... View profile
- Top 10 New Year's Day Parades in the WorldFrom Dallas to Dublin, here are the top 10 New Year's Day Parades in the World.
- Third Day to Perform at Unity Music FestivalThis article details the lineup of performers on Thursday, August 12 at the Unity Music Festival in Muskegon, Michigan.
- Farm Stays in IllinoisThere is still plenty of farm land left in Illinois. With a little effort you can find farm stay accommodations that include privacy, good eats and plenty of open space with a few animals on hand for fun.
- Indiana Farm Stays Call it a B & B, call it a farm stay, even call it a B & B farm but definitely call someone to make your reservations at one of these great spots in Indiana. You, your family, your special someone will enjoy a sample...
- Decoration Shop Items List for Farm CountryThis is the list of items available in the decoration shop for Farm Country.
- Philadelphia Folk Festival
- Maryland - the "Oh Say Can You See" State (From the United States Series)
- My Top Fifteen Songs and Top Four Albums by Bob Dylan
- Upcoming Events and Things to Do in Philadelphia This Week
- Massachusetts - the Cradle of Liberty (From the United States Series)
- Jewish Singers in American Popular Music: The Jukebox Generations
- Knott's Berry Farm Hotels
16 Comments
Post a CommentI just found out, my brother took my 2 nephews to that festival.
I'm adding this to my list of "To-Do's" next year, thanks!
Sounds like fun.
Wow, fun!
Sounds like a good time. When are you leaving?
Sounds like this is going to be a great time!
This sounds like loads of fun!
That's a lot of stuff going on.
Sounds great.
This sounds like fun - great report!