59th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival August 13-16, 2020

JOIN US ON THE FARM OR ONLINE

PFS Presents Martin Stage Melee Round 6 – 5/8 at 2pm

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:
CHELSEA REED AND THE FAIR WEATHER FIVE
Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Five is a swing and blues band based in Philadelphia, PA. Whether festival stage or listening room, they bring the soul and energy of the dance floor to any show with original compositions and fresh interpretations of long forgotten songs. They have shared the stage with trumpeter Terell Stafford and trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, who is featured on their 2017 release Spreadin’ Rhythm Around. Their 2020 release, Carolina Lullaby, showcases original songs steeped in jazz, blues, and folk traditions where Reed’s soaring vocals and swing musicality shine.
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 coming 4/21/22!
THE HOPPIN BOXCARS
Out of the foothills of Montgomery County comes a-rumblin-sound, the sound of a freight train coming down the tracks. A rag-tag-band of bearded hoboes are Hoppin Boxcars to get to their next gig. Come follow them as they weave their way beyond the tracks as they tell you the stories of our adventures. Us HoBoes will take you on a sonic ride through our tales that will leave you wanting more. The Hoppin Boxcars head down those proverbial-tracks with a full-head-of-steam, swaying-from-side-to side, but-right-on-time, delivering well thought out, foot stompin, Click-It-Tee-Clack songs, that leave our fans frothing for more.
MATTHEW GORDON & SILVERSHADE SCENERY
Award-winning songwriting, sensitive yet funky playing, with a heart in folk and a soul in funk-rock, this band brings an original, creative and intimate spirit that will alternately move you to smile, think deeply, dance, and/or nod your head in recognition of an exposed feeling or vivid mental image. Matthew Gordon & Silvershade Scenery make subtle poetical points with maximum connection from the heart to each individual audience heart.

Join Us In Person Or Stream Online!

STREAMING TICKET ONLY $15 FOR 4 ACTS!

SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS & PFS

YOUR VOTE DECIDES WHO HEADLINES FEST!