Hometown musical legend John Oates to Headline the Historic Philadelphia Folk Festival!
Oates was quoted by the Philadelphia Inquirer:
“Headlining the Philadelphia Folk Festival “means everything,” says Oates. “It really is a full-circle moment for me. I’m going to play a few songs by Doc Watson and Mississippi John Hurt I heard there as a kid. It’s going to put an exclamation point on my career.”
(PHILADELPHIA – April 11, 2024) John Oates returns to his hometown of Philadelphia to headline the Martin Stage at the 2024 Philadelphia Folk Festival! Festival organizers are thrilled to announce his performance on the main stage Saturday, August 17 at 7:30. John will be accompanied by his band, performing music from his vast catalog, along with tunes from his latest recording project, “Reunion.” Tickets to the festival are on early bird sale now, visit our Tickets page to purchase.
Oates joins a diverse lineup of performers, featuring acclaimed local, regional and international acts such as: Aaron Nathans & Michael G. Ronstadt, Adam Ezra Band, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Alice Howe & Freebo, Angelique Francis Band, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Craig Bickhardt, Ellis Paul, John Flynn, John Gallagher, Jr., Miss Emily, RUNA, Shanna in a Dress, The Faux Paws, The Great Groove Band, and Windborne. These esteemed artists will join the previously announced Friday night headliner, Gangstagrass, in delivering an unforgettable musical experience that will resonate deeply with all who attend. The next round of performers will be announced shortly.
Daytime festivities will include a variety of workshops featuring a special guitar education workshop presented by Martin Guitar, along with artisanal food and craft vendors. Our shady Dulcimer Grove area will feature children’s entertainers, the return of the Great Groove Band (your kid can be a star), and other programming and activities for children.
Campers will be treated to live music starting on Thursday, August 15th, with performances by Nashville’s Shanna in a Dress, Ontario’s Miss Emily, and the Adam Ezra Group from Boston, all performing on the Camp stage in a show held exclusively for tent and RV ticket holders.
Festival general admission, VIP, camping, and volunteer tickets, plus add-on amenities (such as reserved parking and shuttle passes) can be purchased at folkfest.org. Stay on top of all festival developments by subscribing to our newsletter, here. Day passes will be available soon!
Link to spotify playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5zbcbne0nz356Brwb98YdC?si=2db38e55d75b4a07
ABOUT JOHN OATES
John Oates is cofounder of the iconic music creators Hall & Oates, as well as an accomplished solo artist. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The American Songwriters Hall of Fame, recipient of the prestigious BMI Icon Award as well as numerous American Music, MTV awards, and multiple Grammy nominations.
Since forming his creative partnership with Daryl Hall in the early 1970s, they have gone on to record 21 albums, which have sold over 80 million units, making them the most successful duo in rock history. They have scored 10 number one records, over 20 Top 40 hits, and have toured the world for decades. Their involvement in the original “Live Aid” concert and groundbreaking “We Are The World” charity recording have further established them as legendary artists, who have personally and through their music, stood the test of time.
Since embarking on a solo career in 1999, John has recorded seven solo albums: Phu Phunk Shui / 1000 Miles of Life / Mississippi Mile / The Bluesville Sessions / Good Road To Follow / Arkansas And Live from Nashville with the Good Road Band. In addition, his 2017 autobiography “Change of Season” released by St. Martin’s press became an Amazon bestseller.
In 2023 he released a series of new original digital singles distributed by “The Orchard” in a wide variety of eclectic styles as well as penning another series of songs for the feature film “Gringa.” His most recent recording project is titled “Folk-esque” and is scheduled for release in early 2024. He is currently performing an intimate series of solo acoustic shows called an “Evening of Songs and Stories” in America and around the world.
In 2021, John and his wife Aimee partnered with the streaming broadcast service Nugs TV and co-producer Drive Entertainment Group to create a virtual celebration of stories and songs called “OATES SONG FEST 7908“. Inspired by a live series of shows that they created in 2010 at the historic Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, CO.
“OATES SONG FEST 7908” became a free streaming concert with all donations and proceeds going to FEEDINGAMERICA.ORG. The broadcast featured an all-star roster of artists all of whom have volunteered their songs and performances to help families without food across the nation, and as a result, over 450,000 meals were provided for American families.
In 2022, John became the international ambassador for “MOVEMBER” the men’s health initiative and released a new original song called “Pushing A Rock” with a theme of overcoming life’s challenges and struggles.
Oates continues to be involved in his passion for automobiles and motorsport with collection of sports cars and active participation in concours events and the Porsche Club ofAmerica.
John and his wife Aimee reside in Nashville, Tennessee and Aspen, Colorado.
To read more, visit the John Oates website.
About Philadelphia Folk Festival:
The Philadelphia Folk Festival, presented by the Philadelphia Folksong Society, continues its storied tradition with the triumphant return to the historic Old Pool Farm in Upper Salford Township, Pennsylvania. Promising a weekend of exceptional music, community, and culture, the Festival invites attendees to join in the celebration from August 16th to 18th. Early bird ticket sales are ongoing until April 15th at folkfest.org.
PFF 2024 Quick Facts:
Who: Philadelphia Folksong Society
What: 2024 Philadelphia Folk Festival
When: August 16, 17, and 18, 2024
Where: Old Pool Farm (1323 Salford Station Road, Harleysville, PA 19438) Upper Salford Township.
Visit John Oates online at johnoates.com
Media Contact for Philadelphia Folk Festival: Kimberly Sinclair ksinclair@pfs.org