photo by Lisa Schaffer

Press Releases

Philadelphia Folk Festival Announces Music Artists Cooperative (MAC) & Xtreme Folk Scene Performers!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philadelphia Folk Festival Announces Music Artists Cooperative (MAC) & Xtreme Folk Scene Performers!

Spotlight on Camping – Campers get early entrance and more!

[Philadelphia, June 6, 2024] – The Philadelphia Folk Festival is thrilled to announce a new collaboration with the Xtreme Folk Scene, presenters of Xfest, and to welcome performers from the Musical Artists Cooperative (MAC) to the 2024 Festival. These two vibrant communities will present stages throughout the festival weekend, showcasing some of the finest folk and roots music from our region.

The Xtreme Folk Scene stage, titled “Anger, Hope, and Outrage,” will feature music that pushes the boundaries of tradition and celebrates the fusion of various genres. Performers include Sug Daniels, Anarkhipov, Persistent Resistors, A Day Without Love, and Matt Pless. Be sure to catch the Xtreme Folk Showcase on the Tank Stage, Saturday from 11 AM to 4 PM.

The Xtreme Folk Scene is a Philadelphia-based music community dedicated to supporting dynamic and innovative folk music. They are the presenters of Xfest, an annual music festival that brings together the edgiest folk artists for a weekend of camping, vendors, food, and socially inspiring music. Xfest is renowned as one of the premier music festivals in the Greater Philadelphia Region.

MAC performers will include Last Chance, CubiZm, Jefferson Berry & the UAC, Bethlehem and Sad Patrick, Jersey Corn Pickers, Kicking Down Doors, The Hoppin Boxcars, and Meghan Cary, performing on Friday on the Lobby Stage from 1 PM to 5:30 PM. On Saturday morning, Mara Levine with Gathering Time, then Gathering Time will perform on the Craft Stage from 11 AM to 12 PM. And on Sunday morning, The Honey Badgers and The Edgehill 

Rounders are on the Tank stage from 11 AM to 12 PM.

The Musical Artists Cooperative (MAC) is an initiative of the Philadelphia Folksong Society designed to support professional musical artists. These performers regularly play in the local area, with many touring nationally. The festival will feature a selection of some of the finest MAC artists, representing the great music available in our community. This year’s lineup includes both established acts and emerging talents, reflecting PFS’s commitment to the thriving local music scene.

Joining these exciting acts are our already announced headliners: Gangstagrass on Friday night, John Oates on Saturday, and Tony Trischka’s EARLJAM – A Tribute to Earl Scruggs on Sunday evening.

Additional performers include Aaron Nathans & Michael Rondstadt, Adam Ezra Group, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Alexis P. Suter Band, Alice Howe & Freebo, Angelique Francis Band, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Calvin Arsenia, Cassie & Maggie, Craig Bickhardt, Crys Matthews, Dave Gunning, Dom Flemons, Ellis Paul, Genevieve Racette, Great Groove Band, Jess Klein, John Flynn, John Gallagher Jr., Jonathan Byrd, JP Cormier, Marcy Marxer & Cathy Fink (Two shows), Miss Emily, Nigel Wearne, Pete Muller & the Kindred Souls, RUNA, The Secret Sisters, Shanna in a Dress, Stephen Wade, The Faux Paws, and Windborne.

The Philadelphia Folk Festival looks forward to an unforgettable weekend of music, community, and celebration. Join us for an extraordinary experience of folk and roots music in 2024!

We have more announcements on the way, so stay tuned! 

SPOTLIGHT ON CAMPING:

Did you know that campers enjoy exclusive perks at the Festival? By purchasing an All Festival + Camping ticket, you gain early access, late departure, and a special kick-off show on the Camp Stage!

Campers with VIP or Festival camping tickets can set up their campsite early on Thursday, August 15, starting at 10am. That evening, they gain entry to the exclusive Camp Stage show, the ‘unofficial’ opening of the Festival. Plus, campers are allowed to stay overnight on Sunday, giving you two extra nights of festival fun and an exclusive show, all included with your Camping Ticket!

For RV enthusiasts, a camping ticket is required to bring your RV. Additionally, you must purchase an ‘Add-On’ ticket based on the size of your RV. VIP tickets and RV add-ons are also available for those seeking a premium experience.

On Thursday evening, the Camp Stage will feature performances by Shanna in a Dress, Miss Emily, and the Adam Ezra Group, exclusively for campers and volunteers.

Camping at the festival provides an immersive experience, allowing attendees to connect with fellow music enthusiasts amidst the natural beauty of Old Pool Farm. Bring your musical instruments and get ready to sing under the stars.

The festival grounds include a general store stocked with essential supplies for campers, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all.

Tickets are now on ‘Last Call,’ the final sale level before gate prices apply on August 15. The Festival offers a range of ticket options, from individual day passes to the VIP Camping experience. Add-on tickets are available for reserved parking or tram cart shuttle services throughout the weekend. Promotional codes are also offered to accommodate all budgets, including discounts for PFS members and college students. Additionally, the Society has introduced a new First Timer Ticket, providing a 25% discount for newcomers, which expires on July 15.

The best way to experience the Festival for many is to volunteer. Volunteer tickets are $119 for adults, and they include camping and daily meals for the entire weekend, along with some of the best folks you’ll ever meet. We are seeking all skill levels and all ages to assist, and have a wide range of committees, from archives to kids creations, camping to hospitality, and grounds to production. Visit folkfest.org for a full list of committees and to learn more. 

With multiple stages hosting a diverse range of folk acts, craft vendors offering unique treasures, and impromptu jam sessions under the starlit sky, the Philadelphia Folk Festival promises an unforgettable weekend of music, community, and friends. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit folkfest.org.

About Philadelphia Folk Festival:

The Philadelphia Folk Festival, presented by the Philadelphia Folksong Society, is one of the longest-running and most respected folk music festivals in the United States. Since its inception in 1962, the festival has celebrated the rich tapestry of folk music, showcasing both established artists and emerging talents. With its picturesque setting at the Old Pool Farm and vibrant atmosphere, the Philadelphia Folk Festival continues to captivate audiences and foster a sense of community among folk music enthusiasts. The 61st edition occurs Aug 16-18, 2024, visit folkfest.org for more information.

MEDIA:
Performer press photos: Press image (File responses)

Festival graphics are in this folder: MAC performer graphics

Contact: 

Kimberly Sinclair

ksinclair@pfs.org


Philadelphia Folk Festival Announces Tony Trischka’s EarlJam – A Tribute to Earl Scruggs to perform on Sunday, adds 15 more acts to 61st Event!

[Philadelphia, May 15, 2024] – The Philadelphia Folk Festival is excited to announce the addition of a stellar lineup of performers to its highly anticipated 61st edition, taking place from August 16th to 18th at the Old Pool Farm in Upper Salford Township, PA. The Festival is presented by the Philadelphia Folksong Society, whose mission is to preserve the past, promote the present, and secure the future of folk music and related forms of expression.

Since its inception in 1962, the Philadelphia Folk Fest has been a cornerstone of excellence in folk music. This year, we are thrilled to welcome to the Martin stage on Sunday night, Tony Trischka’s EarlJam – A Tribute to Earl Scruggs. Tony Trishka is the legendary Father of Modern Bluegrass and he will be performing his latest album, which is a fitting homage to a bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs. Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee John Oates headlines Saturday evening, and the dynamic Philadelphia-based group Gangstagrass, are set to ignite the stage on Friday night.

Joining the already impressive announced list performers are; Alexis P. Suter Band, Calvin Arsenia, Cassie & Maggie, Crys Matthews, Dave Gunning, Dom Flemons, Genevieve Racette, Jess Klein, Jonathan Byrd, J.P. Cormier, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, performing two shows*, Nigel Wearne, Stephen Wade, Pete Muller and the Kindred Souls, and the Secret Sisters. These talented musicians will enrich the festival experience, adding to the rich tapestry of folk music that the Philadelphia Folk Festival is renowned for.

There are still more acts to be announced, including the MAC (Music Artists Cooperative) performers, and the children’s performers, plus crafts and food vendors, afternoon workshops, and so much more!

Tickets for the festival are currently on ‘Last Call,’ which is the final sale level of pricing, before gate prices apply on August 15th. The Festival offers various ticketing options, from individual day passes to the VIP Camping experience, and all levels in between. The Festival also offers add-on tickets for those that want reserved parking or to use the tram cart shuttle all weekend long. The Festival also offers different promotional codes to accommodate all budgets, which includes discounts for PFS members and college students. Additionally, the Society has introduced a new First Timer Ticket, providing a 25% discount off the entrance price for newcomers to experience the festival for the first time, which expires July 15.

The best way to experience the Festival for many is to volunteer. Volunteer tickets are $119 for adults, but they include camping and daily meals for the entire weekend, along with some of the best folks you’ll ever meet. We are seeking all skill levels and all ages to assist, and have a wide range of committees, from archives to kids creations, camping to hospitality, and grounds to production. Visit folkfest.org for a full list of committees and to learn more.

For those who relish the camping experience, the Philadelphia Folk Festival offers exclusive perks for campers, including early entry at 10 am on Thursday, August 15th, and a special concert on the Camp stage featuring Shanna in a Dress, Miss Emily, and the Adam Ezra Group Thursday evening. Camping at the festival provides an immersive experience where attendees can connect with fellow music enthusiasts amidst the natural beauty of Old Pool Farm, among thousands of your best friends. Bring your musical instrument and get ready to sing under the stars.

The festival grounds boast a general store stocked with essential supplies for campers, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

With multiple stages hosting a diverse range of folk acts, craft vendors offering unique treasures, and impromptu jam sessions under the starlit sky, the Philadelphia Folk Festival promises an unforgettable weekend of music, community, and friends.

The two shows being performed by Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer are Cathy & Marcy’s Old Time Coalition with Becky Hill and Rachel Eddy, and FROM CHINA TO APPALACHIA- with Chao Tian.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit folkfest.org.

About Philadelphia Folk Festival:

The Philadelphia Folk Festival, presented by the Philadelphia Folksong Society, is one of the longest-running and most respected folk music festivals in the United States. Since its inception in 1962, the festival has celebrated the rich tapestry of folk music, showcasing both established artists and emerging talents. With its picturesque setting at the Old Pool Farm and vibrant atmosphere, the Philadelphia Folk Festival continues to captivate audiences and foster a sense of community among folk music enthusiasts. The 61st edition occurs Aug 16-18, 2024, visit folkfest.org for more information.

Contact:

Kimberly Sinclair

ksinclair@pfs.org