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:
AC SAPPHIRE
AC Sapphire’s songs capture her love for Joshua Tree and Philadelphia where she spilts her time. There is a sense of movement to her songwriting and storytelling. The Mojave is a desolate dreamscape, a vista of mind-bending scenery that seems to transform with every sand-swept step. There’s something exquisitely wild about it, tinged with a hint of danger. On the surface it can appear sparse—even foreboding—but a deeper examination proves it teaming with all the tragedy and transcendence of life. The same can be said for the music of AC Sapphire. And yet, her east coast roots keeps her grounded.
ANDREA NARDELLO
Nardello’s fans describe her as relatable, passionate, soulful, and unapologetically real. A modern torch bearer for the powerful, independent female folk singer. Janis Ian meets Janice Joplin! Nardello’s refined accessibility draws from folk, rock & pop. She can tug at your heartstrings with her softer tunes and get you dancing on your feet with her upbeat songs and powerful voice. Nardello won a contest and had the opportunity to sing with Brandi Carlile at Carlile’s all women’s festival in Mexico and was then named a top “Emerging Artist To Know” by NPR. Nardello is working hard on new music for a 2022 release!
JEFF MAMETT
Jeff Mamett is a storyteller influenced by writers like Guy Clark and John Prine. After years as a sideman, recording and touring with various artists, he began writing and singing his own songs. His album, “Carry Me Back”, was critically acclaimed. Jeff’s music has been described as “a cattle drive down the plains with a cowboy poet” and “…he paints vivid worlds…”. With his warm, baritone voice and laid back manner, his shows are intimate and entertaining.
PAUL SAINT JOHN & THE NIGHTHAWKS
Part Rock, Part Folk, Wholly Sensational – Paul Saint John and the Nighthawks. Forming in 2020, Philadelphia based Scottish Singer Songwriter – Paul Saint John was joined by the Nighthawks, comprising Bryan Quigley on Bass Guitar, Brian Turner on Drums/vocals, and multi-Instrumentalist Chris Palmer. The band released two EPs in 2020 – Whistles and Bells, and Green Lights. In 2021, after releasing a few singles in the summer, the band released its debut album – Sometimes Never Late. 2022 brings the band back into the studio for more recordings, with plans to releasing some singles over the coming year.
