The Martin Stage Melee is a contest to find YOUR favorite artist in the Philadelphia region. 32 acts will compete in 8 sets of 4 to advance to a final round where one act will receive a coveted headlining slot on the Martin Guitar stage at the 60th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival August 18-22, 2022. Attendees in person and virtually via the livestream will be able to vote for their favorite to win! Support your favorite act or take a chance on a night of incredible new-to-you artists.
Tickets are available IN PERSON at the PFS Venue or streaming Online here at folkfest.org
All persons entering the Philadelphia Folksong Society at 6156 Ridge Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19128 must provide proof of vaccination or negative PCR test within 72 hours and wear a face mask per Philadelphia mandate starting April 18th. If the person does not have an appropriate face mask, per CDC guidelines no vented masks or gaiters, PFS will provide one. Inability to adhere to these protocols will lead to a warning then a removal without refund. PFS’ COVID protocols will be reviewed at each board meeting as the pandemic continues.
About the Artists:
THE HONEY BADGERS
The Honey Badgers are a Delaware based contemporary folk duo bringing their sincere Americana sound to stages across the east coast. The married duo is known for their intense, sparkling harmonies, their honest lyrics and melodies, and their undeniable onstage chemistry. Weaving their voices together with Michael’s driving guitar and Erin’s wistful violin, The Honey Badgers spin stories and songs about finding yourself, finding each other, and finding your way in the world.
JEFFERSON BERRY & THE UAC
Jefferson Berry & the UAC combine story telling in the Urban Folk tradition with the intricacies of JamBand and Roots instrumentation. These songs are performed by a cadre of unique players: The Urban Acoustic Coalition, a band anchored by the virtuosity of Bud Burroughs, Dave Brown and Marky B! Berkowitz. While acoustic by nature, never missing is the locked-in bass/drums drive of Uncle Mike and Freddy “Rojo” Berman. Complementing all this with a variety of guitar styles, Berry’s projects bring a danceable style and contemporary point of view to a unique wing of Philadelphia’s local music scene.
KICKING DOWN DOORS
Kicking Down Doors sprung out of the original music composed by Autumn Walden and Ernie Tokay. At the center are compelling lyrics by Autumn and the harmonic backdrop of Ernie Tokay. Band members also include Brian Flanagan bass, Steve Wheelock guitar, Stacy Weathers banjo, Josh Steingard drums.
“In many ways, Philly-area country folk combo Kicking Down Doors got together by accident. Singer-lyricist Autumn Walden came across singer-guitarist Ernie Tokay at his Little Spiders Have Big Dreams Studio in Chester County; before they’d even known each other for a day, they’d already written a song together.” John Veteese, WXPN
ROB LINCOLN
Rob Lincoln is a prolific singer-songwriter from the Philadelphia area, best known for his multitude of songs that range in styles from finger-picking folk to garage rock. No matter the genre, Lincolnsongs are known for their memorable melodies. Rob’s solo debut, 5 Cents A Song, the longest debut recording ever (300 songs and 18+ hours), was featured in publications like NJ Monthly and Icon Magazine. Rob’s wackier songs were played on the nationally syndicated Dr. Demento Show. His political songs were selected for www.antiwarsongs.org. Rob has more than 500 original songs online with nearly 60 covered by other artists. www.youtube.com/lincolnsongsandmore
