Hi,
Tom Paxton, Bruce Cockburn, Lyle Lovett, and Arlo Guthrie are among the many performers scheduled
for this year's Philadelphia Folk Festival which begins on Thursday, August 13, 2015. The schedule can
be viewed at: http://pfs.org/folk-festival/schedule/f ... t_id=10547.
Ticket and other information can also be accessed from the linked page. The Philadelphia Folk Festival's
venue is the Old Pool Farm in Upper Salford Township, near Schwenksville, PA.
54th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival
Re: 54th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival
Hi,
Gene Shay will be one of the main stage emcees at this year's Philadelphia Folk Festival. This will be
Gene's 54th consecutive year serving as emcee at the Festival. He's a cultural treasure.
Gene Shay will be one of the main stage emcees at this year's Philadelphia Folk Festival. This will be
Gene's 54th consecutive year serving as emcee at the Festival. He's a cultural treasure.
Re: 54th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival
Hi,
The 54th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival has come and gone. It was enjoyable, well-run, very
diverse in its musical offerings, and the substance of fond memories for thousands of attendees.
Among the standout performances for me were those of Arlo Guthrie and Tom Paxton. Arlo Guthrie
performed solo with an acoustic guitar. On this visit, Arlo performed his song "Alice's Restaurant"
in its entirety. He also performed other songs. His delivery was impeccable; his voice superbly
expressive. His banter was well-received, of course. He seemed to be completely at home on the
stage. And, the audience was with him all the way. He spoke of Woody Guthrie (his father), his
memory of Huddie Ledbetter, who was better known as Lead Belly (from meeting him when Arlo was
two), and more, including his memories of Woodstock. Arlo and Tom Paxton are living connections
to many of the now passed major contributors to our musical heritage. They themselves are among
those who made profound contributions to it. The knowledge of and appreciation for that heritage
aren't much mainstream in current American culture, sadly. I hope that the Festival organizers will
make the videos of these two performances widely available. Doing that, and future performances
of these and other heritage performers, will help remedy the situation and help to keep alive the
kind of meaningful music long associated with the Philadelphia Folk Festival.
Performers from many genres were present. If you weren't there, you can see this for yourself by
checking the lineup via the previously provided link. The crowd responded very positively to many
of them. Really enjoyed the music of El Caribefunk. With this group, there was a most enthusiastic
dancing response behind the reserved seating section by attendees... maximum fun for those dancing
and for most everyone else. I heard a number of performers for the very first time. The Festival is a
great place to expand one's musical horizon. People came to see and hear Lyle Lovett and His Large Band,
Bruce Cockburn. and others, and discovered other artists and genres that they also enjoy.
The Philadelphia Folk Festival is known for friendly attendees. This year was no exception. I believe that
the atmosphere of the Festival brings out the best from people.
It's largely a volunteer driven event. The volunteers are extraordinary. Took the time to thank some of them.
Young, old, different walks of life... they came to give of themselves and helped to ensure that the event was
wonderful for visitors. Without them there'd be no Festival as we know it.
Thanks to Lisa Schwartz, the Festival Director, for this very successful event. Thanks to the new Philadelphia
Folksong Society Executive Director, Justin Nordell, for his efforts, passion and vision for the future of the
Society. Thanks to all the staff, the volunteers, funders, attendees and performers. And, a warm and special
thanks to Gene Shay who co-founded the Festival and has served as an emcee from the very first year. His
presence means much to generations of attendees, myself among them.
The 54th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival has come and gone. It was enjoyable, well-run, very
diverse in its musical offerings, and the substance of fond memories for thousands of attendees.
Among the standout performances for me were those of Arlo Guthrie and Tom Paxton. Arlo Guthrie
performed solo with an acoustic guitar. On this visit, Arlo performed his song "Alice's Restaurant"
in its entirety. He also performed other songs. His delivery was impeccable; his voice superbly
expressive. His banter was well-received, of course. He seemed to be completely at home on the
stage. And, the audience was with him all the way. He spoke of Woody Guthrie (his father), his
memory of Huddie Ledbetter, who was better known as Lead Belly (from meeting him when Arlo was
two), and more, including his memories of Woodstock. Arlo and Tom Paxton are living connections
to many of the now passed major contributors to our musical heritage. They themselves are among
those who made profound contributions to it. The knowledge of and appreciation for that heritage
aren't much mainstream in current American culture, sadly. I hope that the Festival organizers will
make the videos of these two performances widely available. Doing that, and future performances
of these and other heritage performers, will help remedy the situation and help to keep alive the
kind of meaningful music long associated with the Philadelphia Folk Festival.
Performers from many genres were present. If you weren't there, you can see this for yourself by
checking the lineup via the previously provided link. The crowd responded very positively to many
of them. Really enjoyed the music of El Caribefunk. With this group, there was a most enthusiastic
dancing response behind the reserved seating section by attendees... maximum fun for those dancing
and for most everyone else. I heard a number of performers for the very first time. The Festival is a
great place to expand one's musical horizon. People came to see and hear Lyle Lovett and His Large Band,
Bruce Cockburn. and others, and discovered other artists and genres that they also enjoy.
The Philadelphia Folk Festival is known for friendly attendees. This year was no exception. I believe that
the atmosphere of the Festival brings out the best from people.
It's largely a volunteer driven event. The volunteers are extraordinary. Took the time to thank some of them.
Young, old, different walks of life... they came to give of themselves and helped to ensure that the event was
wonderful for visitors. Without them there'd be no Festival as we know it.
Thanks to Lisa Schwartz, the Festival Director, for this very successful event. Thanks to the new Philadelphia
Folksong Society Executive Director, Justin Nordell, for his efforts, passion and vision for the future of the
Society. Thanks to all the staff, the volunteers, funders, attendees and performers. And, a warm and special
thanks to Gene Shay who co-founded the Festival and has served as an emcee from the very first year. His
presence means much to generations of attendees, myself among them.