Philadelphia Folk Festival
Encyclopedia
The Philadelphia Folk Festival is an annual folk music
festival near Schwenksville, Pennsylvania
in the vicinity of Philadelphia. Begun in 1962, the four-day festival is sponsored by the non-profit Philadelphia Folksong Society
. The event hosts contemporary and traditional artists in genres including World/Fusion, Celtic, Singer/Songwriter, Folk Rock, Country, Klezmer, and Dance. It is held on the third weekend in August. The Folk Festival is celebrating its 50th year in 2011.
Gene Shay
helped found the festival, along with George Britton and others, and has acted as Master of Ceremonies since its inception. Originally held on Wilson Farm in Paoli, Pennsylvania
, the event now hosts approximately 12,000 visitors and 5,000 campers at the Old Pool Farm. The event presents 75 hours of music with numerous bands on 6 stages. A special Camp Stage show takes place on Thursday night, hosted by WXPN
radio for the nationally-syndicated "Live From the World Cafe."
The camp site is sectioned off into neighboring camp communities consisting of the quieter camping section, the regular (no cars) camping section, and the RV/vehicle camping section. The Dulcimer Grove, located in the corner of the camping site right next to the secondary stage hosts the kid's area which presents crafts, juggling, magic, and music.
The Philadelphia Folksong Society has a full-time staff, headed by Executive Director Levi Landis. The Philadelphia Folk Festival is almost completely volunteer-run and organized.
Folk music
Folk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
festival near Schwenksville, Pennsylvania
Schwenksville, Pennsylvania
Schwenksville is a borough in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,385 at the 2010 census. It is notable for being located near the site of the Philadelphia Folk Festival. The borough was founded in in 1684, when the Lenni-Lenape Indians ceded to William Penn the...
in the vicinity of Philadelphia. Begun in 1962, the four-day festival is sponsored by the non-profit Philadelphia Folksong Society
Philadelphia Folksong Society
Philadelphia Folksong Society is a not for profit educational organization dedicated to preserving the past, promoting the present and securing the future of folk music and related forms of expression through education, presentation and participation....
. The event hosts contemporary and traditional artists in genres including World/Fusion, Celtic, Singer/Songwriter, Folk Rock, Country, Klezmer, and Dance. It is held on the third weekend in August. The Folk Festival is celebrating its 50th year in 2011.
Gene Shay
Gene Shay
Gene Shay is an American radio personality. He is a representative of Philadelphia's folk music scene. He has produced weekly folk radio shows since 1962...
helped found the festival, along with George Britton and others, and has acted as Master of Ceremonies since its inception. Originally held on Wilson Farm in Paoli, Pennsylvania
Paoli, Pennsylvania
Paoli is a census-designated place in Chester County near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. It is situated in portions of two townships: Tredyffrin and Willistown...
, the event now hosts approximately 12,000 visitors and 5,000 campers at the Old Pool Farm. The event presents 75 hours of music with numerous bands on 6 stages. A special Camp Stage show takes place on Thursday night, hosted by WXPN
WXPN
WXPN is a non-commercial, public radio station operated by the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia that broadcasts a music radio format called adult album alternative , along with many other format shows supported all with an indie slant...
radio for the nationally-syndicated "Live From the World Cafe."
The camp site is sectioned off into neighboring camp communities consisting of the quieter camping section, the regular (no cars) camping section, and the RV/vehicle camping section. The Dulcimer Grove, located in the corner of the camping site right next to the secondary stage hosts the kid's area which presents crafts, juggling, magic, and music.
The Philadelphia Folksong Society has a full-time staff, headed by Executive Director Levi Landis. The Philadelphia Folk Festival is almost completely volunteer-run and organized.