Philadelphia Folk Music Festival turns 55
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Hurricane Hoss fronts the band of the same name. They performed on the Martin Guitar Main Stage on Friday afternoon. (Jonathan Wilson for Newsworks)
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Scott Anderson shows his appreciation for the performance of the band Tempest. (Jonathan Wilson for Newsworks)
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For 17 years members of the Block family have been coming to the Folk Festival. Shown are three generations of the family. From left are Lula Jones, Alx Block, Emi Block, Bennett Block, Raiden Block, Katie Block, and Zack Block. (Jonathan Wilson for Newsworks)
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Matt Sharah (center) plays guitar with friends in the campgrounds. (Jonathan Wilson for Newsworks)
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Brooke Murray stretches out on an inflatable cushion in the campgrounds while Kathleen Shaw pours water on her. (Jonathan Wilson for Newsworks)
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Max Luber relaxes in a hammock in Dulcimer Grove. (Jonathan Wilson for Newsworks)
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Bagpiper Dennis Hangey acknowledges the audience at the opening of the Saturday night concert. Hangey has been opening Folk Festival concerts for more than 35 years. (Jonathan Wilson for Newsworks)
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Friday night headliner Iris DeMent chats with the audience during her set. (Jonathan Wilson for Newsworks)
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Using a Frisbee, Zack Marshall and his fellow campers play a game of sticks. (Jonathan Wilson for Newsworks)
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Megan Ellis of Cheltenham performs moves with a hula hoop she learned on YouTube. (Jonathan Wilson for Newsworks)
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Paul Dengler, in the persona of Forrest Gump, tours the campground greeting concert goers and dispensing Gump wisdom. (Jonathan Wilson for Newsworks)
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Fiddle player Rose Baldino plays with Burning Bridget Cleary. (Jonathan Wilson for Newsworks)
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The Celtic inspired band Burning Bridget Cleary performs on the Martin Guitar Main Stage. Band members (from left) are Peter Trezzi, Amy Beshara, Rose Baldino and Lou Baldino. (Jonathan Wilson for Newsworks)
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Roserita Frantoni (lef), and Nora Greenberg of Boca Raton, Florida, clap and dance to the music of Tempest. (Jonathan Wilson for Newsworks)
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Colored parasols were suspended over Dulcimer Grove. (Jonathan Wilson for Newsworks)
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An ATM in a van provided cash withdrawals for campers in need. (Jonathan Wilson for Newsworks)
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Folk music legend Buffy Sainte-Marie performs during the Saturday night concert. (Jonathan Wilson for Newsworks)
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Sisters Brechyn Chase (left) and Larissa Chase Smith front the band The Hello Strangers. (Jonathan Wilson for Newsworks)
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Singer and emcee Wesley Stace filled in for emcee and festival founder Gene Shay who was ill and unable to attend the festival. (Jonathan Wilson for Newsworks)
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Audience members respond to a song performed by emcee Wesley Stace about Donald Trump's hair. (Jonathan Wilson for Newsworks)
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Concert goers listen to performance by Buffy Sainte-Marie Saturday evening. (Jonathan Wilson for Newsworks)
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As the sun sets the audience listens to Iris DeMent. (Jonathan Wilson for Newsworks)
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A camper catches up on her sleep in the shade of a tent in the campgrounds. (Jonathan Wilson for Newsworks)
Once again tens of thousands of music enthusiasts arrived at the Pool Farm in Upper Salford Township this weekend for the 55th Philadelphia Folk Music Festival.
It is the longest-running festival of its kind in North America, originating on the Colket Wilson Farm in Paoli in 1962.
The festival has showcased a broad spectrum of talent from new and local artists to music legends past and present. Bonnie Raitt, Judy Collins, Richie Havens, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Odetta, and The Band are a sampling of performers who have entertained the loyal crowds.
This year’s headliners included Los Lobos, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and Iris DeMent.
The Festival’s campgrounds have drawn generations of family members, created lifelong friendships, and spawned an eclectic variety of campsite styles.
On a sad note Philadelphia Folk music icon, and one of the festival’s founders, Gene Shay was ill and unable to attend this year. Co-emcee Wesley Stace filled in, alternating between singing about Donald Trump’s hair and introducing the performers.
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