The Aficionado Folk Music Club Mission Statement

 

A couple of us avid folk music fans have started to promote attendance at local events.  We do that because we want the venues to survive and we want the performers to benefit.  We also want to share our joy for the music with others.  We call this activity the Aficionado Folk Music Club.  We do this by distributing a calendar and a venue guide based upon our experiences attending events at each venue.  We do not charge to be listed in the venue guide or to subscribe to our calendar.

 

The Aficionado Folk Music Club Venue Guide

 

The descriptions listed here are based on personal observations.  Where we do not have recent experience with a venue only a location and link to its website is provided.  However, we are aware that things change.  If you observe something that differs from the description provided, please provide feedback here. Originally, our calendar of events was limited to venues within 30 miles of the Aficionado Folk Music Club headquarters (my home in King of Prussia, PA) and to events costing $30 or less.  This limitation has been relaxed to accommodate certain venues and shows that may be of particular interest to our readers.  Text in blue contains hyperlinks to web pages. Venue listings are in no particular order. Repetitive events have been removed and will return as more venues reopen.

 

Venues completely covered by the schedule list (except repetitive events and non-Folk music)

 

Musical Lairs –Winter & Spring Schedule announced.  Villanova, PA.  Web site features the entire schedule for the year.  This long-running house concert series is the Cadillac of house concerts on the Main Line.  Located in the spacious and comfortable home of Dr. Lee Bowers.  For very large events, the shows are occasionally moved to a larger home in St. Davids a couple of miles away.  Lee sends out invitations about 2 weeks before each event.  All proceeds go to the artists.  Lee requests that attendees bring a snack to share at the break between sets, when you will also have an opportunity to chat with the performer(s).  Concerts ALWAYS start on time at 8:00 p.m.  First come first seated. There may be a line outside before the doors open at 7:30. There is plenty of free street parking in a safe neighborhood.  Email Lee to reserve a spot.  If you make an advance reservation and are not able to attend, you are expected to honor it with a contribution to the artist(s). leeabowers@outlook.com

 

The Living Room & Cricket Cafe – Closed.  

 

Burlap & Bean– Sold to new owners.  Newtown Square, PA.  New name is Media Bean Company.  Only open for breakfast and lunch.  They have started Sunday morning performances.  In mid-November 2023 they had at least one evening performance.

 

Jamey's House of Music – Now in person and streaming performances. Lansdowne, PA. Located in the center of downtown Lansdowne diagonally across the street from the train station. This attractive live music listening room features dinner theater style seating at tables and chairs, and seats 80. All types of music including folk, jazz, rock, blues and world styles may be found on stage.   Free admission weekly Thursday Night Jazz Jams and Sundays Blues Brunch and jam sessions augment the top quality ticketed performances on Friday and Saturday nights.  This iconic venue features professional stage lighting, a full high end backline and one of the finest sound systems on the east coast. Doors open at 6 pm for dinner, and the Asian inflected American menu is inexpensively priced and food is prepared fresh to order, so it may take a little longer if the place is filled. Reservations for dinner are not needed, but diners will need a ticket, available online or at the door, for the open seating evening performance. Jamey’s boasts a full bar with twelve premium ales on tap from Crooked Eye Brewery as well as Pennsylvania wines and spirits. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and has free parking at nearby lots, and parking on the street. Public transportation is available by bus and train.

 

Lansdowne Folk Club –Lansdowne, PA. A long-time volunteer-run fixture in the community.  Shows are held at the 20th Century Club approximately once per month on Thursday nights. Shows begin at 7:30.  Both local and nationally touring folk music acts are featured.  You may bring your own food or liquor, as there are tables in addition to rows of chairs.  ​Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages (very limited – no hot food anymore) have restarted. First come first seated, but tables may be reserved.  Some shows sell out. If you reserve by phone or email in advance the ticket price is discounted. Parking is available on cross streets and in a couple of close-by lots.  There are public transportation options (2 bus lines and a train).

Another Chance Café, Flourtown, PA.  An intimate house concert.  These shows occur about once a month.  All proceeds go to the artists.  It is requested that attendees bring a snack to share between sets. First come first seated. There is plenty of free street parking. Advanced reservations required!

Philadelphia Folk Song Society (PFS) –Closed.

 

Our Community Cup Coffee House  – Live in person events resumed 9/24/2021 Held most Friday nights at Tree of Life Church in Springfield, Delaware County about 1.3 miles east of the Blue Route. Sponsored by the New Avenue Foundation.  First come first seated at tables.  Dinner is served and the admission donation is tax deductible.  People with life challenges and various disabilities are encouraged to attend and they and their caregivers represent a significant portion of the audience.  Consequently, this is not a traditional music listening venue, but an opportunity to support good works while hearing local singer-songwriters. There is free parking in the lot behind the church. Public transportation is an option.

 

Mt. Airy Art Garage (MAAG), 7054 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19119.  A large arts and cultural center featuring studio space, exhibitions, classes, a gift shop, and 1st Sundays of the month folk music concerts 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. hosted by folk duo Rusty and Jan.  Table seating with brunch food for purchase provided by Malelani Cafe.

 

The Folk Factory – Live and Virtual performances. Unitarian Universalist church in the Mt. Airy neighborhood, Philadelphia.  Long-running volunteer-run folk music series dedicated to progressive social change.  Open stage-open circle 4th Thursday of most months as well as several shows per year by nationally touring folk musicians.  Sliding scale ticket prices.  First come first seated in church pews.  Snacks are available for purchase during the break.  Adequate free street parking in the area.

 

Philadelphia Area Songwriters Alliance (PASA)An organization of songwriters in the Philadelphia area with the goal of nurturing songwriting and performance skills.  In addition to private song circles and song critiques, throughout the year PASA presents a number of house concerts at various locations, as well as shows at small venues that are open to the public.  The website currently does not itemize the shows other than their house concerts.

 

XFS House concert- Generally Saturday nights.  Free to XFS members.  Location provided with email reservation.

 

Ann Mintz House concerts – Invitations by email.  Advanced reservations required.

 

Perkasie Patchwork Coffeehouse- Perkasie, PA.  Concerts take place in the fellowship hall of the Perkasie Mennonite Church.  A portion of proceeds is donated to local or international social causes. Desserts and beverages served. Concerts generally take place on Saturday nights.

 

Kelly Center  Live in person shows have started.  4-6 West Eagle Rd. near the corner of Eagle and Darby Rd., Havertown, PA   Designed as a facility to further develop the arts in the community, the Kelly Center had its grand opening in September, 2019.  It offers a variety of programming, including blues, folk music, Celtic, comedy, poetry, open mic nights and more.  In addition to being a venue to enjoy music and other cultural events, the Kelly Center houses the New Avenue Café.  The Cafe is a project of New Avenue Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes meaningful employment of adults with disabilities.  The café is open during the day as well as evenings when there are shows.  The venue is large enough to comfortably accommodate the café with table seating facing a stage with excellent sound and lighting.  BYOB may be available for some shows for an extra fee.  In addition to street parking, there is a Township parking lot behind the building off Darby Rd.  Parking is free after 6:00 p.m.  The 103 and 115 busses stop a 2-minute walk away from the venue.

 

 

 

Venues with limited coverage on our schedule (some have full coverage on the WXPN calendar) Events from these venues are only included on the calendar if there is a noteworthy performance.

 

World Cafe Live (WCL) – Live in person shows resumed in September 2021.  City venue in the same renovated factory building as the WXPN radio studios that has become a prototype for adult listening venues around the country. Local, national and international artists are featured on two stages with over 500 shows per year in their upstairs and larger downstairs areas.  Upstairs is for the somewhat smaller events.  Food and drinks are available for purchase from servers in both places.  Downstairs usually has reserved table seating.  For some shows, there are rows of reservable chairs in front of the tables.  Upstairs table space can be reserved in advance but may not be available when the ticket is purchased.  Performances trend to alternative rock, folk-rock, singer-songwriters, jazz, and other types of bands.  Some bigger-name acts are more expensive than other smaller venues listed.  See their website for complete details.  Paid parking is available on the street and in lots.   There are several public transportation options by bus and train.

 

City WineryReopened August 29, 2021. 10th & Filbert St., Center City Philadelphia.  Newest location of the chain now in 7 U.S. cities that features dining during the shows.  There is no required minimum purchase for either food or drinks.  Actually an all ages venue. Shows include various genres, including national touring folksingers and singer-songwriters. They are able to attract performers used to playing larger venues. There are two venues; downstairs is larger for the big name performers and upstairs the loft is more intimate. The sound, lighting, and sight lines are very good, making it an excellent listening room.  Your reserved seat is also your dinner reservation for whatever time you choose to arrive if you choose to eat. The menu is available on the venue's web site. There are many paid parking lots and garages in the immediate area.  Metered street parking is available, but most of those have a 3-hour limit up to 10:00 p.m.  SEPTA’s Jefferson Station and 11th St. subway station are very close by.  Being in Center City there are also a number of options for bus transportation.

 

Godfrey Daniels – Reopened September 11, 2021. Legendary intimate folk music coffeehouse in Bethlehem, PA. It does not receive full coverage here because of its distance, but worth a trip to experience a show where the history and music of some of the greats of folk music seem to ooze from the walls.  Snacks are available for purchase.

 

Scottish Rite Auditorium - Collingswood, NJ 1,050 seat auditorium booking big name acts in various genres.  Generally, several top-tier folk music shows each year.  Three levels of semi-circle stadium seating make for good sight lines.  Managed by a nonprofit arts foundation.  Not convenient to public transportation.  But less than 6 miles from the Ben Franklin Bridge.  Large free parking lot right in front of the building.  The auditorium is on the second floor, but there is an elevator.  David Crosby has stated "This is the coolest place I ever played."

 

The Colonial Theatre– A large theater in Phoenixville, PA with occasional folk music events.  These may be bigger-name acts with higher ticket prices than other smaller venues listed. An auditorium seat is assigned when a ticket is purchased.  Parking both on the street and in paid lots can be difficult to find, as Phoenixville has transformed itself into a destination for music, restaurants and bars.  Limited public transportation is available.

  

118 North – Live in person events are being held. Wayne, PA.  Restaurant, bar, live music venue with low admission prices; some folk music, often bands. Live music presented several times per week. The bar area can be very noisy for listening. There is a standing area right in front of the acts that is a better listening option, but standing for the entire performance and between sets may not be an attractive option for some.  Both food and drink are available for purchase.  Free parking is available just across the street.  There are a few public transportation options.

 

Ardmore Music Hall – Live in person events are being held. Ardmore, PA long-established venue occasionally presenting folk music acts. More rock bands especially cover bands. The bar area can be noisy if trying to listen to the music. Reserved seating is available if you can get it (can be reserved when you purchase a ticket) or if you arrive early there are tables near the stage.  There is seating at the bar and standing area between the bar and performers.  There also is a balcony for shows with a large attendance.  Both food and drink are available for purchase. Free parking is available in the Township building lot in the evenings (less than a block away) or at Suburban Square a couple of blocks away.  There are also a couple of public transportation options (train and bus).

 

Kennett Flash – Live in person events resumed.  Kennett Square, PA.  True listening venue with excellent sound quality run by a non-profit organization (may be further away for those who live north of Philadelphia).  In addition to folk music, children’s programs, comedians, and other types of music are presented.  Limited food and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.  BYOB - $4.00 per person for wristband and a glass.  Seating is general admission first come first seated at tables, mostly perpendicular to the stage (think smaller version of World Café Live downstairs). Once tickets have been purchased, you mail email the Flash to reserve a table for parties of 6 or more.  Balcony seats can be reserved for parties of 15 or more.  So plan to arrive early to assure your party has seats together for general admission seating.  Street parking and a large nearby garage that is free in the evenings

 

Steel City Coffeehouse– Phoenixville, PA.  Smaller storefront venue featuring some folk music, open mics, bands and even poetry. It has gone through a number of owners and transformations over the years.  Had been a BYO but current owners have installed a brewery to compliment the food and coffee offerings for sale. Table seats can be reserved when a ticket is purchased. As Phoenixville has re-invented itself as a bar and restaurant destination parking both on the street and in paid lots can be very difficult to find.  Limited public transportation is available.

 

Sellersville Theater 1894 –Live in person performances.  Sellersville, PA north of Philadelphia.  A very active listening venue presenting all kinds of music. Some folk music, including bigger-name acts with correspondingly higher ticket prices than smaller venues.  Reserved cushioned theater seating with cabaret tables sometimes available closer to the stage for an additional cost.  Members have first priority.  Good sound quality, bar in the lobby.  See their website for complete details and schedule. 

 

Malelani CaféMount Airy neighborhood Philadelphia. A restaurant with a Mediterranean-influenced menu including vegetarian and vegan options and some music events.  Free on street parking. Decent sound system but no dedicated sound person.  Web site is very out of date but the Facebook page seems to stay current.  Room layout has some line of sight to the stage challenges.  Coffee machine is noisy and can be a bit disruptive.  No tickets; instead there is a tip jar for the musicians. BYOB.

 

Wilmington Grand .  Wilmington, DE south of Philadelphia.  Large theater in downtown Wilmington presenting all kinds of stage shows with occasional bigger-name folk music acts.  Street and paid garage parking available.

 

Mermaid Inn – A small bar/restaurant located near the boundary between Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill.  Rumored to be one of Gene Shay’s hangouts years ago.  Rock and folk performance are scheduled a few times each month with limited advanced visibility. Metered/free Street parking.  Public transportation stops very nearby.

 

John and Peter’s Place - New Hope, PA

 

New Hope Winery - New Hope, PA

 

Longwood Gardens –Primarily a world-renowned horticultural center with occasional music concerts.

 

Dawson Street Pub Manayunk section of Philadelphia

 

Friends Folk Club - Oxford, PA

 

Twisted Tale – Head House SQ, Society Hill, Philadelphia – A restaurant/bar that has two music venues.  One upstairs for Friday & Saturday louder groups and one downstairs for the acoustic events. Most of the downstairs tables have limited or no visibility to the acoustic blues performers so most of the patrons are not there to listen to music and have discussions during the performance.  Bar seating on stools has an excellent view and is close enough to hear the performances with some distraction.  In addition, there are a couple of tables with side views and one directly in front of the performers.  Menu was reasonably priced.  No tickets or contributions for the performers.  Metered street parking is a bit difficult to find.  Public transportation is a good option: Five blocks from the Market Frankfort line and less than a block from bus stops.

 

The UndergroundVenue dedicated to original music in the middle of Lansdale, PA – Comfortable small listening room downstairs.  Not much folk music scheduled.  Associated with a brewery.  There is a bar but it is not close to the performers so bar noise is not an issue.  No food served and there is no objection to bringing your own from the many restaurants close by.  Street parking and an unmarked empty lot around the corner on the left.

 

waR3house3 - Swarthmore   A small multi-use venue around the corner from the Swarthmore train station.  Located down an alley at 100 Park Ave., so it does not face the street.  However, there is a distinctive sign with "3" on it. Plenty of metered street parking which is free on weekends and evenings.  Cinderblock walls and a concrete floor, but you can hardly see that because the place is totally filled with assorted antique bric-a-brac, which leaves room for about 30 seats (folding wooden chairs and a few stools).  There is a raised stage and a decent sound system and sound person.  They have some light snacks, water, soda, and even beer and wine.  Free open mic the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month from noon - 3:00 p.m. with an attentive and supportive audience.  For the open mic there are 8 15-minute slots, 4 before the featured performer and 4 afterwards.  It appears to be well organized and run very much on schedule. Evening shows are all $15 advance, $20 at the door.  Most of those appear to be rock music.  However, there is a singer-songwriter series. 

 

Chaplin’s - Spring City PA An historic 2-story live music venue, event hall, and recording studio offering a variety of genres of live music an performing arts every weekend. A typical month may include one or more folk, singer-songwriter, and/or bluegrass performers.  Open mic every Sunday night at 7:00 p.m. and a bluegrass jam the first Thursday of every month at 7:00.  The main floor has table seating as well as stools along the sides of the walls.  There is a second floor balcony which also includes a café with food and non-alcoholic beverages for sale. Built in 1908 as a small vaudeville theater, it once hosted Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin.  Street parking is available.

 

Cosmic Café – Just off Kelly Drive behind the Art Museum.  A small outdoor venue accompanying a restaurant and bar.  Live music May through October on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. Reasonable listening venue with a little street noise and some noise from other adjacent recreational activities.  Bar noise is not an issue.  Food reasonably priced.  The Facebook page have a complete listing of the performances.  Public transportation is a couple of blocks away.  Some metered parking and Art museum paid parking.

 

The Pharmacy Point Breeze neighborhood.  No sign outside and outside not well lit.  Trust the address and open a door to enter.  Coffee shop with a reasonable menu. Very small area with direct view of the performers.  That area has no chairs and you must stand or sit on a hardwood floor.  More space with chairs and table where you can hear but not see the performers.  Public transportation close by.  Street parking maybe difficult but not impossible.

 

Sound Bank Phoenixville.  New venue info will be provided soon.

 

The Royal-Used to be The Homestead, 1 S. Easton Rd., Glenside, PA.  A new (as of January, 2020, reopened in 2022 with new owner and new name) storefront music venue.  Featuring folk music, acoustic bands, open mics, film, and other forms of artistic expression.  Many shows are BYOB with seating around small tables and several rows of chairs in front of the attractive stage.  The sound quality is excellent in a true listening environment.  Surrounding street parking on Mt. Carmel Ave. and Easton Rd.  St. Paul's Lutheran Church parking lot available diagonally across Easton Rd. on Friday and Saturday nights only.  The venue is also very close to the Glenside train station.  The early response from the surrounding community has been overwhelmingly positive,.

 

Seasonal Venues (some folk music)

 

Concerts Under the StarsKing of Prussia, PA.   2023 schedule posted Concerts Under the Stars is Upper Merion’s, open-air concert series, held in the summer months.  Tickets are now required!  Folk music and other genres.  There is beer and food for purchase or you can bring your own food for a picnic dinner.  No outside alcohol is allowed.  There are a few tables available but most people bring their own blankets or chairs.  Free parking lot on site. 

 

Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts – Bryn Mawr, PA. 2023 schedule posted. Outdoor concert series at the gazebo adjacent to Ludington Library.  Admission is $15 (free age 16 and under).  Mostly nationally touring singer-songwriters preceded by a local opening act beginning at 7:00 p.m.  Bring your own seating.  Blankets or low chairs are permitted close to the stage.  Taller chairs must be situated behind the yellow line. Bring your own food and drink for a picnic dinner. This is a smoke-free and alcohol-free venue. Free street parking and parking in the library lot generally available.

 

Eagleview Town Center 2023 schedule posted. Eagleview “Town Center” area of Exton, PA (close to PA Tpk and route 100). Every June, July & August there are free outdoor Concerts on Tuesday evenings.  Folk music and other bands.  Bring your own chairs.  There are local restaurants or you can bring your own food and drink for a picnic dinner.  Parking is available in the large Town Center lot as well as a few lots across Rice Blvd.

 

Malvern Friends of Summer stage 2023 schedule posted.  Valley Creek Park, Malvern, PA.  One Wednesday in May, June and July. Free.

 

Pastorius Park Summer Concerts2023 schedule posted. Free concerts located in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia.  Parking can be a challenge so early arrival is recommended.  Bring your own chairs or blanket, food and drink. There is a small concession stand.

 

Jackyard – Four outdoor concerts a year on a shaded lawn in West Chester. Constrained by parking so attendance is by advanced reservation only.

 

Narberth Summer Concert Series2023 schedule posted.  Narberth, PA.  Free Wednesday evening outdoor concerts held in Narberth Park in front of the Chet Tyson Pavilion. A variety of music, including classic rock cover bands and some folk or blues.  Shows begin at 7:00 p.m.  Parking can be a challenge when youth t-ball and basketball games are going on, so early arrival is recommended.  While some chairs are available, many attendees prefer to bring their own chairs or blankets for a picnic dinner.  There is a small concession stand.  Family atmosphere directly adjacent to a children’s playground.

 

Summer Concerts at Oxford Park 2023 schedule not posted yet Welsh Rd., North Wales, Lower Gwynedd Township, PA.  Select Wednesday evenings in July and August.  Free.

 

Lansdowne Farmers’ Market 2023 schedule not posted yet.   Located in the heart of Lansdowne musicians play adjacent to a very nice outdoors farmers market.  Many local area performers both pro and amateur perform for these Saturday morning events.  There is seating to watch the performers.  There is no admission fee but there is a place to provide a voluntary donation to the performers or purchase their merchandise.  Metered street parking requires quarters.  A few bus lines and the train have stops close by.

 

Upper Merion Farmers’ Market Performers are listed in each week’s newletter.  Located behind the Upper Merion Township Building musicians play in one of the stalls in the outdoors farmers market.  There is no seating.  This is similar to street performances; there is a place to provide a voluntary donation to the performers or purchase their merchandise.  Plenty of free parking in the Township building lot adjacent to the market.  No public transportation options.

 

Oakmont Farmers Market 2023 schedule not posted yet Oakmont section of Havertown, PA. A producers-only market located in the Grace Chapel parking lot at the southeast corner of the Darby and Eagle Roads intersection.  Weekly on Wednesdays in season.  Some weeks there is a folksinger.  See web site in season for dates and performers.  Street parking and a nearby-metered lot.

 

Wilson Farm Park  2023 schedule posted  - Shire Pavilion, Wilson Farm Park, 500 Lee Road, Wayne

 

Summer Nights outdoors at the University Museum  2023 schedule posted - Held Wednesday evenings 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the garden courtyard of the University of Pennsylvania's Museum of Archeology

 

Gorgas Park 2023 schedule not posted yet - Roxborough Section of Philadelphia – located on Ridge Ave.  Free outdoor shows but limited folk music.  Lots of places to sit in the shade. Food for purchase.  See web site in season for dates and performers.  Street parking and public transportation.

 

Camden County at Haddon Lake Park 2023 schedule posted

 

Swarthmore Town Center 2023 schedule posted but no music listed - Held Thursday nights in season.

 

Rose Tree Park 2023 schedule posted - Free - Lots of shows but not limited to folk music

 

Stickman Brews Summer Concert Series 2023 schedule not posted yet - Glenmore, PA

 

Anson B. Nixon FREE Park Concert Series  2023 schedule posted.  Kennett Square

 

Live at Sister Cities Park2023 schedule not posted yet - Center City Philadelphia – local singer-songwriters

 

Summer Concert Series at Suburban Square, Ardmore, PA 2023 schedule posted - Free outdoor concert series held June - August 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the Courtyard of Suburban Square Shopping Center.  Plenty of seating provided.  Free parking in Suburban Square lot and garage.  Close to buses and the Ardmore train station.

 

Town Center –King of Prussia PA - 2023 schedule posted - Free outdoor concert series held 6-8 p.m. in an open space in the middle of the Town Center complex.  Chairs surround the perimeter of the listening area, but bring your own for closer seating.  Free parking throughout the Town Center but the free lot and free garage near LA Fitness (about block away), the free lot near REI or the free lot next to Wegmans are the easiest places to quickly find parking.  The 124 bus stops next to REI. Surrounded by restaurants.

 

Germantown Kitchen Garden's monthly outdoor concert series 2023 schedule not posted yet - 215 E Penn St, Philadelphia, PA 19144

 

Gloucester City Proprietor's Park free series - 2023 schedule posted - 235 South King Street Gloucester City, NJ

 

Kimberton Park Summer Concert Series - 2023 schedule posted - 2202 Kimberton Road, Phoenixville

 

Plymouth Township Performances In The Park - 2023 schedule posted - GPCC Park Amphitheater, 2903 Walton Road, Plymouth Meeting

 

Sounds of Summer Concert Series - 2023 schedule posted - Merwood Park, 2498 Linden Drive, Havertown

 

Whitpain Township Summer Concert & Movie Series- 2023 schedule posted - Wentz Run Park Gazebo or Mermaid Park, Blue Bell

 

CubiZm Café  2023 schedule partially posted The CubiZm Cafe is an outdoor listening environment. There will be 7 shows this summer. Every other Saturday, beginning on June 10, and Again on Labor Day Monday. The shows are 4-7:30 PM. We provide shade, some chairs, and beverages. There is a snack table, if people would like to contribute. There is no admission charge to CubiZm cafe, but if you would like to bring some cash, ALL TIP MONEY GOES TO MUSICIANS. Advanced reservations required.

 

 

 

 

Once a Year Events

Philadelphia Folk Festival No fest in 2023

 

 Paoli Blues FestFree September 23, 2023

 

Wayne Music Fest –Free – June 10, 2023 - Takes over a portion of N Wayne Ave and West Ave – Free.  Lots of other stuff besides the music.

 

West Philly Porch Fest – June 3, 2023

 

Haverford Irish Festival June 10, 2023

 

Musikfest ­August 3 -13, 2023. Large 12-day multi-stage music festival in downtown Bethlehem, PA.  Some ticketed shows for popular nationally touring acts.  However, most of the music is free.  Typically, there may be 70 or more folk music performers on various stages and on the street throughout the 10 days.  Certain stages may devote an entire afternoon to folk music.  Many food and craft vendors.  Several parking options, including shuttle busses from a remote lot.

 

Falcon Ridge Folk FestivalJuly 28-30, 2023 Another not local event but this gets a lot of local support.

 

Spring Thing – Not happening in 2023

 

Fall Fling2023 schedule not posted yet - Camp Green Lane in Green Lane, PA- A Philadelphia Folk Song Society Event

 

American Music Festival of Media Pa  2023 schedule not posted yet

 

Mountville Folk Festival    June 24, 2023 Put on by singer-songwriter Andrew McKnight.  Contact Andrew for an invitation.  Free camping on site.  Lots of Civil War history in the area.

 

Turks Head Music Festival – June 4, 2023 Everhart Park – Westchester PA

 

South Jersey Arts Fest at Appel Farm Web page blocked as dangerous Elmer NJ

 

Old Songs Folk FestivalJune 23-25, 2023 In person Altamont Fairgrounds Albany NY

 

SUSQUEHANNA FOLK FESTIVAL – August 11-13, 2023 YORK EXPO CENTER York, PA

 

NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL – 2023 TBD

 

South Wayne Porch Fest –September 23, 2023 Wayne PA

 

HUDSON WEST FOLK FESTIVAL – September 23, 2023 Jersey City NJ

 

Doylestown Arts Festival - Saturday-Sunday September 9-10, 2023

 

Other Venues with very limited or no Folk music

 

Arden Concert Gild - Arden, DE south of Philadelphia.  Large 160 year-old barn turned into a concert hall in a community of artists.  Shows generally held once or twice per month.  Various genres, including folk music and blues.  Free parking on site.

 

Appel Farm Arts & Music Center ­ Elmer, NJ

 

Penn’s Landing  - Philadelphia

 

The Mann Center for Performing Arts  - Philadelphia

 

Tower Theater Upper Darby, PA

 

Kimmel Center  - Philadelphia

 

Electric Factory Concerts 

 

The Queen in Wilmington, DE 

 

Keswick Theater  - Glenside, PA

 

TLA (Theater of Living Arts)  - Philadelphia

 

Puck - Due to unforeseen structural damage, Puck will be closing its doors January 26, 2019 until further notice. While our main goal is to fix the structural damage to the building, our next priority is to re-open as soon as possible.

 

Fillmore - Philadelphia

 

The Met Philadelphia

 

LaRose Jazz Club Mt Airy Philadelphia

 

South Jazz Club  - Philadelphia

 

Brothers Kershner Brewing Co. - Skippack, Pennsylvania

 

The Rotunda Architecturally striking community arts building at 4014 Walnut St. owned by the University of Pennsylvania that hosts over 300 arts and music events per year.  Many different genres with an occasional folk music show.

 

Bourbon and Branch –Northern Liberty area Philadelphia –Bar/Restaurant with shows (occasional folk music)

 

Southern Cross Kitchen - Conshohocken – Restaurant with occasional shows

 

The FireGirard Ave Philadelphia

 

Forest and Main –Ambler - Brewery/Bar/Restaurant with a reasonable seating area separated from the bar noise

 

Andrea Clearfield Concerts   

 

Links to Websites

Yelp’s venue listings

 

Groupmuse – Web site that lists Professional classical musicians are playing intimate house shows all over the country. You can specify the Philadelphia area."

 

Delco Live Music Facebook group dedicated to Delaware County Live music

 

Philly Bluegrass – A website promoting local blue grass music events

 

Brandywine Friends of Old Time Music – An organization founded to promote Blue Grass and old time music in Northern Delaware and the surrounding areas of Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and encouraging local traditional musicians.

 

Undiscovered Music - Pretty good taste in music.  Well organized.  The links seem to work well. 

 

Point Entertainment – Books many of the venues in the area and it is worth monitoring

 

Many of the venues listed above are BYO, have beer or wine, or have bars.  Please do not drink and drive.   Folk Music Aficionados hope to see you at many future shows.