The third weekend in August in Upper Salford Township means it’s time to kick back with the Philadelphia Folk Festival.
Slated for Aug. 13-16 at the Old Pool Farm, some of the highlights of the Folk Fest this year look to be the 50th anniversary of “Alice’s Restaurant,” a set by Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, a bluegrass reading of The Who’s album “Tommy,” a lot of acts from Canada, plus Saturday’s WXPN Zydeco Crossroads showcase. Besides the Saturday afternoon Philly Local Showcase on the Camp Stage with Andrea Nardello, John Beacher and Kuf Knotz, up-and-comers to watch include Shakey Graves and the mother-and-son duo Madisen Ward & The Mama Bear. Regional faves Psych-A-Billy, Hoots & Hellmouth and Full Frontal Folk are also scheduled to appear.
Crafters this year will feature creations in wood, soap, fine art and mixed media, metal, musical instruments, jewelry, glass, fiber, ceramics, leather and more.
As is Folk Fest custom, 10 a.m. Thursday is when the campgrounds open. World Cafe radio program host David Dye emcees the Campers Concert that night at 7:30 with Tall Heights, Lindi Ortega and Low Cut Connie.
So who’s playing when?For the complete list of all the stages, go straight to www.folkfest.org. A simulcast of the main stage concerts begins at 8 p.m. nightly in the Culture Tent. The running order’s always subject to change, but here’s an at-a-glance of the Martin Guitar Main Stage:
Friday Aug. 14*Man About a Horse, 2:30 p.m.
*Levee Drivers, 3 p.m.*No Good Sister, 3:30 p.m.
*Mason Porter, 4 p.m., followed by “Folk Roots of The Grateful Dead” with Mason Porter.
*Selwyn Birchwood, 7:30 p.m.*Baskery, 8:15 p.m.
*Parker Millsap, 8:55 p.m.*Shakey Graves, 9:45 p.m.
*Arlo Guthrie, 10:45 p.m., followed by a film screening of “Alice’s Restaurant” at 11:55 p.m. in the Culture Tent.
Saturday Aug. 15*Dave Gunning, 4 p.m.
*Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, 4:30 p.m.
*PhillyBloco, 5:25 p.m.*Cassie and Maggie McDonald, 6:05 p.m.
*Matt Andersen, 6:45 p.m.*The HillBenders, 7:20 p.m.
*The Lee Boys, 8:15 p.m.*Bruce Cockburn, 9:05 p.m.
*Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, 10:05 p.m.
*Irish Mythen, 11:20 p.m., followed by a film screening of “A Mighty Wind” at 11:55 p.m. in the Culture Tent.
Sunday Aug. 16*Groovemama, 4 p.m.
*Della Mae, 4:30 p.m.*Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams, 5:10 p.m.
*Tom Paxton, 5:45 p.m.*Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, 6:35 p.m.
*El Caribefunk, 7:25 p.m.*Hoots & Hellmouth, 8:05 p.m.
*North Mississippi Allstars, 8:50 p.m.
How much are we talking for tickets?
Tickets are subject to service fees. Children 11 and under are free, unless they are camping. All-festival, non-camping tickets are $165, $82.50 for youths 12-17. All-festival camping tickets are $230, $115 for youths 12-17, $10 for children 11 and under. If you’re heavy camping, you must also purchase an RV pass. If the vehicle’s bigger than 21 feet, cost is $75, plus fees, or $50, plus fees if it’s smaller than 21 feet. The Philadelphia Folksong Society defines an RV as any vehicle larger in length, width or height than a 15-passenger van. All oversized vehicles, trailers, campers that are towed, and buses, are considered RVs. Friday-only tickets are $55, $27.50 for youths 12-17. Saturday-only tickets are $75, $37.50 for youths 12-17. Sunday-only tickets are $65, $32.50 for youths 12-17. Reserved seating upgrades are available for $10 or $25 for all-festival. Visit the website or call (800) 556-FOLK.
How do I get there, again?From the Lansdale turnpike interchange in Towamencin, take Route 63 five miles to the west and look for the signs.
What else is important to know?
There’s reserved on-site weekend parking in the “Point” lot at Clemmers Mill and Salford Station roads, but you need to purchase an On-site Weekend Parking Pass for $15. These will be highly coveted, and therefore limited. So don’t drive right up to the festival gates without an On-site Weekend Parking Pass and expect to get in. If you do, you’ll directed to turn around and backtrack along Salford Station Road to park for free in the Wolford Road lot, where you can either walk or take a shuttle bus ride.
You will have a lousy day if you do not wear sunscreen and sturdy, comfortable footwear.
Check the weather outlook for the day/days you’re going and prepare accordingly.
Bring a flashlight if you’re going to be there after dark.
If you’re meeting up with people, arrange specific meeting places and times (Keep in mind, perception of time differs when one is on more laid-back “Fest time”).
A list of the food and beverage vendors is at www.folkfest.org/while-youre-here/food.
It’s a good idea to be familiar with the basic dos and don’ts at www.folkfest.org/while-youre-here/policies.
Keep in mind that the campgrounds close at noon on Monday Aug. 17. There are no hookups, plug-ins or wastewater removal services available in the campsite.
What if I lose/find something?The festival operates a lost and found at the Information Booth near the Main Gate. In the campground, take items to Camping Headquarters. To avoid losing items such as car keys, rain gear, hats, etc., consider taking a backpack. Also, look around carefully before leaving any area where you have been sitting or dancing.
Children who appear to be alone, or without adult supervision, will be taken to the Information Booth and announcements seeking parents will be made from the stages.
Since he retired from his radio show, will Gene Shay still be there?
Yes.Will IRadioPhilly.com be webcasting again?
Yes.