Philadelphia, U.S.A. – It’s hard to imagine the summer without the PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL. This beloved event is the longest continuously-running outdoor musical festival of its kind in North America and will celebrate its 51st Anniversary on August 17-19 at the Old Pool Farm in Upper Salford Township, near Schwenksville, PA.

Among the top attractions at this year’s PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL celebration will be:

Little Feat – John Hiatt and the Combo – Steve Earle and The Dukes
Lucinda Williams – Mary Chapin Carpenter – Wanda Jackson
The Secret Sisters – City & Colour – Voices of the Wetlands
The Holmes Brothers – Strand of Oaks – The Wooden Sky – Mary Gauthier – Mike Cross
Comas – Paul Thorn – Tracy Grammer – Red Clay Ramblers – Debo Band – Arborea
Chris Bathgate – Brother Sun (featuring Pat Wictor, Joe Jencks and Greg Greenway)
Lori McKenna – Mark Erelli – Roosevelt Dime – Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three
The Gypsy Hombres – Chris Kasper – Griz – Spuyten Duyvil – Zach Stock – The Great Groove Band
and more to be announced at a later date!

“We’ve been calling this the First Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival, presenting 50 years of Folk,” said Lisa Schwartz, Marketing Chair and President of presenting organization, the Philadelphia Folksong Society.

“We felt that last year’s 50th celebration was so special, we didn’t want to even try to top it. Point Entertainment has done a stellar job putting together our lineup,” continued Schwartz.  ”There really is something for everyone this year!” “And, collaboration will once again be the key,” said Artistic Director, Richard Kardon. “This lineup offers incredible opportunities.”

“Saturday is so packed full of amazing acts that we’ve decided to do away with the Afternoon Concert and roll straight through,” said Artistic Director, Jesse Lundy. There will be continuous musical performances from 11:00 a.m. through midnight, with workshops, showcases and Main Stage events.”

The straight-through concept allows the ticketing to be streamlined, so this year, there will be one ticket for each day, Friday, Saturday or Sunday, as well as the All-Festival ticket, providing admission for all three days at a discounted price. Aside from deleting the Afternoon Concert, other changes include booking significantly less acts that in previous years, giving the artists more stage time and more room for the potential for collaboration.

Returning for his 51st consecutive year as host is WXPN-FM DJ Gene Shay who has been called the “Godfather of Philadelphia Folk Music.” Shay, who helped put together the very first PHILADELPHIAFOLK FESTIVAL, has been the same golden voice on the radio, playing folk artists every Sunday night, for most of our lives.

The PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL is a perfect family event, too. You will find an unrivaled selection of attractions for the kids, especially in Dulcimer Grove, the shady area between the Crafts Stage and the Camp Stage, where puppeteers, jugglers, storytellers, hands-on crafts and of course, kid-oriented musicians make it a haven for folk fans 12 and under.

Again this year, there will be a concentrated effort to have continuous programming, including interactive musical events for children and families from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Children up to 11 years of age are admitted free of charge to the concert area. Older kids, 12 to 16, will again be eligible for the special “youth ticket,” allowing them into the grounds for half the regular gate price, when accompanied by an adult.

Individual daily tickets start at $52.00, including the 20% Early Bird Discount, or attend all three days for$116.00; add tent camping and you get an additional concert on Thursday night for $156.00 total!  Imagine settling into our 40-acre living room and becoming a part of the musical landscape. The campground at the PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL is considered the ultimate Folk Festival experience.

Tickets for the PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL are now on sale and can be purchased online at www.folkfest.org .

For complete information about the PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL and tickets, visit the website at www.folkfest.org

Image Courtesy of    schwenkenstein01

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VH1′s beloved, popular franchise, ”VH1 Divas,” has announced a special tribute to Amy Winehouse at this year’s “VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul” with performances by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine) and Wanda Jackson. ”VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul” premieres Monday, December 19 at 9 PM/8c on VH1.

The tribute will reflect Winehouse’s contribution to modern, London soul music. Some highlights of the tribute will include Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings performing “You Know I’m No Good,” and Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine) and Wanda Jackson will perform her song “Back to Black.” The Dap-Kings contributed a number of tracks for Winehouse’s Grammy Award-winning album “Back to Black.”In addition, Nas, who collaborated with Winehouse on the first single of her current posthumous album, will introduce the tribute medley.

“VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul” will bring together some of the best singers across the globe, men and women alike, to honor the soulful cities that inspired these divas and their art.  The headlining “divas” were announced at an earlier date including: Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Florence + The Machine, Jennifer Hudson Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Florence + The Machine, Jennifer Hudson, Jessie J., Jessie J. and Jill Scott.

Previously announced performers include: Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Boyz II Men, Estelle, Marsha Ambrosius, Travie McCoy , Anita Baker, Mavis Staples , Wanda Jackson and Ledisi. Previously announced presenters include: Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah, Terrence Howard, Nas, Common and La La Anthony . In addition, Martha Reeves (Martha & The Vandellas) has just signed on as a performer and Archie Panjabi and Sherri Shepherd have signed on as presenters.

The cities honored include: Chicago, Detroit, London, Memphis and Philadelphia. Accompanied by one of the most exciting groups of modern soul, The Roots, with Questlove and Adam Blackstone as musical directors, each ‘diva’ will pay tribute through not only their own soul-inspired songs, but some of the greatest classics that have shaped a genre.

In addition, for the first time, the “VH1 Divas” red carpet will be livestreamed on VH1.com on Sunday, December 18 from 5-7pm ET. Sponsored by Samsung and hosted by VH1 personality La La Anthony, the livestream will provide fans an unfiltered front-row seat to all the red carpet action and will feature real time interviews with entertainment’s biggest stars. Beginning Monday, December 19, fans can view a curated red carpet highlights video on VH1.com.

As in previous years, this edition of “VH1 Divas” will benefit the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of music education in a child’s life. VH1 Save The Music Foundation is auctioning special “Divas” ticket packages on leading charity auction site, charitybuzz.com.

Fans will have an opportunity to watch the sound check, walk the red carpet and more, all available online through December 15. Proceeds from these exclusive packages benefit the Foundation’s mission to equip students with the tools to lead, innovate and create in the 21st century.  For more information, please visit www.vh1savethemusic.org.

Image Courtesy of  http://www.flickr.com/photos/bandfan/

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