Philadelphia Folk Festival Goes Local and Goes Big!

For its 50th annual celebration, the event announces incredible partnership with local artists and organizations!

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --  "We are overwhelmed with the participation from the local community of musicians, organizations and activists at this year's Folk Festival from August 18th  to the 21st," says Levi Landis, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Folksong Society, the nonprofit organization that presents the seminal event.  "The local involvement comes in the form of a regional performer focus on Friday of the festival, a sustainability initiative led by the biggest area artists, and advanced participation by Black Walnut Winery and Yards Brewing Company," Landis added.  

Friday at the Festival
Friday at the Folk Festival will be a truly special Philadelphia-focused celebration.  For the 50^th commemoration, Yards Brewing Company has brewed its first ever lager—the Folk Fest Lager—and joins new event partners Black Walnut Winery to host a special VIP meet and greet with Friday headliner performers. "As a local Pennsylvania winery, we were thrilled to be invited to join The Philadelphia Folk Festival for their 50th anniversary," beamed Black Walnut winemaker Lance Castle. "It will be a great experience to share our wines, which we make using locally-grown grapes, with such an incredible local tradition like the Folk Festival."  Tickets are on sale for the VIP event, which is $125 and will feature these local crafted beverages along with farm fresh foods to taste while patrons meet and greet with Roy Book Binder, Tempest, US Rails, Birdie Busch, Hoots and Hellmouth, and Alexis P. Suter!

Friday will also feature winners of the Unsung Heroes campground band competition, the Philadelphia Jug Band and HogMaw.  They beat out over 5 dozen artists to present the Folk Festival campground experience on the Martin Main Stage.

Local-led Green Initiative
Local artists The Great Unknown, Hoots and Hellmouth, Dr. Dog, Birdie Busch, and the Spinning Leaves are helping raise awareness and funding for new green programs at the Philadelphia Folk Festival. Todd Henkin from The Great Unknown posited, "This year, the Festival will be introducing a compost program, bringing in local foods, hosting the Sustainability Living Roadshow in its first East Coast tour, and presenting a host of eco-programs!"  A solar stage and eco-village will be headquartered just inside the main gate of the Festival.

Philadelphia Music Co-op and XPN Philly Local
Returning this year, XPN's Helen Leicht will be hosting the Philly Local showcase on Saturday afternoon with Suzie Brown and Jim Boggia.  The Philadelphia Music Co-op is a Folksong Society sponsored program to develop local artists.  The co-op brings Suzie Brown, as well as a showcase of co-op artists Wes Mattheau and the New Way Down, The Berrys, Brad Hinton, and Burning Bridget Cleary on the Lobby Stage Friday afternoon.  Co-op artist James McCarthy will bring special kids programs and performances throughout the weekend.  

An All Festival ticket is just $124 at the Advance ticket price available online and provides entrance to all three days of stunning music and merriment!

For complete information about the PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL and tickets, visit the website at www.folkfest.org or call the PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL office at 800-556-FOLK.

SOURCE Philadelphia Folksong Society