Folk Festivals!

Folk festival season is back on again! Of course, I'm still far away from all my usual fests, but now that I've been in Michigan awhile I can go back East more easily than last year, when I'd just moved here. Anyway, here are the 1998 festivals:

The Appel Farm Arts and Music Festival

In Elmer, NJ, about half an hour or so from Philly. This year it'll be June 6th. I haven't looked up all the performers yet, but I do know that Indigo Girls are scheduled.

The Great Hudson River Revival

From the Hudson River Clearwater Sloop - their biggest event of the year, in Westchester, NY, June 20th and 21st. Hugely reasonable ticket prices, tons of wonderful performers, really really kid-friendly, lots of different areas throughout the festival site, so you can choose among different musical acts, magic, juggling, puppets, etc., not to mention the activist area and crafts and stuff. AND, this year it's in a new location, right on the water, and they'll have short sailing trips and stuff!

Ben & Jerry's Newport Folk Festival

After being all bummed about missing last year's "A Celebration of Song with Joan Baez," I'm all psyched to head back east this August. too. It's at a totally beautiful location, right on the water in Newport, Rhode Island, with lots of ice cream. August 7-9 this year. When I get a chance, I'll add info on performers.

Philadelphia Folk Festival

In Schwenksville, about 40 minutes or so from Philly - lots of fun, a few different stages, camping on site. The folkfest is put on by the Philadelphia Folksong Society, which also sponsors lots of great shows during the year. Their website also has a few links to other people's Philly Folk Fest stories.

The Lilith Fair

No news on this yet, but when I find some I'll add it.

The Michigan Womyn's Music Festival

I've never been to this one, and probably won't this year either. Although I hear it's wonderful for some, I'm not entirely sure it's my kind of festival. For one thing, I'm much more of a KOA kind of camper, if I'm camping at all. And I'm not in favor in Michigan...


Here are two I haven't been to since I left Albany (NY), which really did have great folk shows...anyway, these two looked pretty good this year, and I've really enjoyed them in the past:

Old Songs Festival

At the Altamont Fairgrounds, not too far from Albany

The Falcon Ridge Folk Festival

In upstate NY, near Connecticut.


What, you mean you wanted to know about some folk festivals in other parts of the country??? Check out Dirty Linen's guide to festivals and events.

I'll add more when I have more time, but in the meantime at least I've got something up before the festivals are all over with...

Know about a folk festival that should be included here? Have stories about folk fests you've attended? Let me know here.

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