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 Bent Benjamins
The Bent Benjamins is a seven-person ensemble based out of Chester County, Pennsylvania. They draw on generations of American music traditions–folk, blues, jazz, and rock–to inspire them to create emotional, passionate songs that comment on socialize inequities while celebrating the endurance of the human spirit. Powerful vocal harmonies combine with versatile, high-energy performances to make The Bent Benjamins a formidable musical force in the Americana scene.
Emily Drinker
Emily Drinker is an award-winning singer-songwriter from Philadelphia who makes heads turn with her soulful 3-part harmonies through live looping. She blends folk, pop, and rock with a high-energy backing band consisting of her best friends, with whom she has traveled the world while performing on luxury cruise ships. Emily has been featured by NPR Music, played regional festivals including Firefly, Musikfest, and her beloved Philly Folk Fest, and toured in the US and Colombia. In 2020/2021, she hosted a livestream series called Every Cent Concerts to support local artists during the pandemic. New album released 4/21/22!
Maggie Mae
Maggie Mae is a soulful singer-songwriter based in Philadelphia who fronts an exciting and energetic Folk/Funk group under the same name. She has been described as “poppy, polished, talented, & promising,” by XPN’s The Key’s John Vettese and has become a fixture in the Philadelphia music scene.
Maggie Mae has shared bills with local and national acts including Soulive, The Heavy Pets, Dawg Yawp, Emily Drinker, the Ladles, and more at many of Philly & New Jersey’s premiere music venues. The band has been hard at work in the studio after completing a successful fundraising campaign for their debut album.
