PHILADELPHIA, PA. (Top40 Charts/ PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL) - On tour in support of their newly released CD, 'The Search', St. Louis-based Son Volt will take the stage Saturday Afternoon during the historic 46th edition of the PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL unfolding August 17-19 at the Old Pool Farm near Schwenksville, PA.
"Son Volt's music ranges from quiet folk/country ballads reminiscent of Bob Dylan's John Wesley Harding, to barhouse rockers in the spirit of Neil Young with Crazy Horse. Often considered a staple band of the alternative country movement, their music is perhaps better described as genre-spanning traditional American music." Paste Magazine names Son Volt frontman Jay Farrar as one of the "100 Best Living Songwriters" in its special June/July issue. Hal Bienstock writes, "Farrar's genius was to marry age-old themes and musical styles to the youthful energy of punk and hard rock... paving the way for the '90s alt-country resurgence." Intriguing, soul searching lyrics, coupled with hypnotic, yet powerful instrumentation are the hallmarks of this critically- acclaimed band.
Rounding out the bill for the Saturday Afternoon concert is folk-rock singer songwriter, Elvis Perkins. Compared to both Nick Drake and Van Morrison, Perkins has an "idiosyncratic, highly personalized style that distinguishes" his music. His intimate, emotional lyrics are beautifully complimented by accessible, thoughtful, and often haunting melodies. A compelling musician, this will be a highly awaited performance.
Among the other top attractions at the 46th annual PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL are Doc Watson, Mavis Staples, Jonathan Edwards, Bettye LaVette, Sam Bush, John Flynn, Vance Gilbert, The Mammals, Baka Beyond, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Liz Longley, Bob Carlin, The Quebe Sisters Band, Les Yeux Noirs, Back of the Moon, Fennings All Star String Band, Toby Walker, The Pine Leaf Boys, Jack Williams, Freebo, Carsie Blanton, The Coyotes, and The Lovell Sisters. In all, more than 50 folk, blues, old-timey, bluegrass, world, and roots artists will be providing more than 55 hours of music from new and innovative to traditional, including more than 22 hours of dance music in the 3,500 square foot, wooden floor dance tent.
Returning for his 46th year as host/emcee is the Godfather of Philly Folk Music, WXPN radio personality and Festival co-founder Gene Shay, whose four decades of dedication, preservation and promotion of folk music have become celebrated, not only in Philadelphia, but around the country.
The campground at the PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL is a veritable Folk Wonderland! Considered the Ultimate Folk Festival Experience, this is THE place where jamming and camaraderie is shared during the large campfire sing after each evening concert. A special section of the campgrounds is designated for Family Camping as a "quieter" area of the tent camping, where campers there are asked, particularly late at night, to avoid after-hours jam sessions.
