This article was published in the September 1st edition of the Hearthstone Town

This article was published in the September 1st edition of the Hearthstone Town & Country

Philadelphia Folk Festival

by Steve Walker

The 44th annual Philadelphia Folk Festival was celebrated August 26, 27^th, and 28^th in rural Schwenksville. One of the most prestigious and paramount folk music festivals in the world, the Philadelphia Folk Festival has presented the legends of folk music such as Pete Seeger, Mississippi John Hurt, and Rev.Gary Davis, and continues to introduce audiences to exciting new up and coming performers like Crooked Still and the Mammals. Folk music encompasses many genres and cultures, and the songs express the joy and hardships, laughter and sorrow, lives and deaths of working folk. One can experience mountain ballads, cowboy songs, sea shanties, bluegrass breakdowns, celtic fiddle tunes, gospel harmonies, and Zydeco rhythms in a single day by checking out the different stages at the Philadelphia Folk Festival.

A stellar lineup of performers is always presented. The Friday night concert was highlighted by the eclectic mandolin stylings of David “Dawg” Grisman. When a hand injury forced Emmylou Harris to cancel, her slot in the Saturday lineup was filled by David Bromberg. A wizard of the strings who has accompanied Jerry Jeff Walker and Bob Dylan, Bromberg mixed humor and virtuosity as only a master showman can. Gypsy jazz in the style of the great Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France was channeled by guitarist John Jorgenson. He commented on his first experience at PFF,“There are so many amazing things going on here. This is a very musician friendly festival.” The Sunday show was brought to a rousing finale by Arlo Guthrie, whose rendition of his classic “Alice’s Restaurant” could only be followed by a sing along “This Land is Your Land.” The spirit of his father of his father Woody Guthrie runs as deeply through the Philadelphia Folk Festival as it does in his blood.

However some of the best musicians at the Fest are not found on the Martin Stage but roaming through the campgrounds. This enchanted society rises and blooms in the old farm fields as the instruments are tuned and friendships renewed. The nefarious Doc Terry McGrath of the Greystone Ramblers was enjoying his thirty third festival. Well known for playing fiddle tunes at warp speed on the hammered dulcimer, Terry enjoyed the teaching workshops and the new dance tent. Later he could be found at the campfires delighting dancers and pulling esoteric instruments out his musical bag of tricks.

One constant at the Festival has been the workshops and craft demonstrations. Guitar styles, Stories, Percussion, Candle Creation, and Glass Formations were among the many workshops offered this year. A major supporter of the Festival since it’s inception in 1962 is the Martin Guitar Company. This year they brought craftsman to discuss basic instrument maintenance and restringing as well as repairs and guitar design. George Molchany commented, “I enjoy talking to people in depth about guitars. They are very interested and responsive here. It’s a great place to showcase the new Martin instruments”.

I had the honor of hosting the Open Mic at Folk Fest again this year. After the Main Stage shows ended, the Food Tent was transformed into the Brigadoon Café as concertgoers found a place to hang and enjoy late night entertainment. The stage was open to budding songwriters, musicians, comedians, storytellers, dancers, and poets. One of the most impressive acts at Open Mic was Boris Garcia’s Family Reunion.from Philadelphia. Engaging the audience with captivating songs and solid musicianship, they continued with impromptu performances in the campgrounds. Guitarist Bob Stirner has been coming to the festival for twenty six years. He reflected, “I’ve worked hard to identify the things in life that make me happy. The Philadelphia Folk Festival is one of my bliss zones.”

The Festival site is at the old Pool Farm, only ten miles from the Upper Perkiomen Valley. One major change is that the Festival will be moved up a weekend earlier next year, to August 18 - 20, 2006. So mark your calendars, for the Philadelphia Folk Festival is one of the best musical parties on the planet. (Steve Walker is a local music teacher and performer. His website is www.hexhollowmusic.com)