music and progressive social change, in the Philadelphia area
Information: email polson@igc.org, or call 215-848-6246. Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk
Information: email polson@igc.org, or call 215-848-6246. Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk
Upcoming events (2024-2025 Season):
Thurs., Jan. 23 In Person/Hybrid People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5* [see details below]
Sat., Jan. 25 John Flynn! [see details below]
8:00pm, $15-60*
Thurs., Feb. 27 In Person People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5* [see details below]
Thurs., Mar. 27 In Person People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5* [see details below]
Thurs., Apr. 24 In Person People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5* [see details below]
Sat., June 28 [tentative] People's Choice Concert! [top vote-getters for this year's People's Choice Open Stages]
7:30pm, $7-20*
* For all in-person Folk Factory events, low and no-wage folks can pay as little as half the bottom end of the sliding scale (or whatever they can afford) at the door. Kids under 12 are free, except for family concerts. No charge for Zoom participants in Hybrid Open Stage/Open Circles. The sliding scale is simply an opportunity for you to give an extra contribution donation to the Folk Factory without having to do a separate transaction. There is no intention to put any pressure for anyone to give any more than they can wholeheartedly feel good about. Think about how much you anticipate the event is likely to be worth to you, and give that amount, or a little more if you want to support us more than that.
In-Person/Hybrid Open Stage/Open Circle 7:30pm, 4th Thursday of most months (except November, December, and some summer months); $2-5 in person; virtual is free!
We start with about an hour and a half of Open Stage - everyone gets up to 10 minutes (usually up to 2 songs). Then we take a break to take down the sound system and hang out. Then in the Open Circle, everyone present is invited to sing a song, read a poem, tell a story, request a song, or pass; songs are often participatory. It's a great place to perform for the first time or try out new material! Email polson@igc.org to get the Zoom link.
For the People's Choice version (normally January through April), there is in-person audience voting for each Open Stage act that wants, and the highest vote-getters are invited to participate in the June People's Choice Concert. Coordinators Bruce & Linda Pollack-Johnson will be out of town from mid-February to mid-June, but some other folks are considering making sure these happen while they are gone. If you would like to help, email polson@igc.org !
2024-2025 Season Events that have already happened:
Thurs., Sept. 26 In Person/Hybrid Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5*
Thurs., Oct. 24 In Person/Hybrid Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5* Optional Theme: Democracy & Voting
Sun., Oct. 27 Jazz Vespers with Phyllis Chapell
3:00pm, $10-30* with Dave Posmontier (piano) and Dave Brodie (bass)
Sun., Nov. 3 Emma's Revolution! (Pat Humphries & Sandy O)
7:30pm, $20-75* [see details below]
2023-24 Season:
Thurs., Sept. 28 In Person/Hybrid Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5* (see details below)
Sat., Sept. 30 Jill Salkin & Dave Posmontier
8:00pm, $15-40* Jazz, originals, classic pop (see details below)
Thurs., Oct. 26 In Person/Hybrid Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5* (see details below)
Fri., Nov. 10 David Roth [see below for details and photos]
8:00pm, $15-50* Opening: Jamie the Optimist (Jamie Polson)
Sun., Jan. 7 Joe Jencks & Zoe Mulford! [see below for details and photos]
7:00pm, $15-60*
Thurs., Jan. 25 In-Person/Hybrid People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5* (or look for an email if you are on the email list)
Thurs., Feb. 22 In-Person/Hybrid People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5* (or look for an email if you are on the email list)
Thurs., Apr. 4 In-Person/Hybrid People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5* (or look for an email if you are on the email list) (Note: not March 21 or 28, as displayed earlier)
Sun., Apr. 14 Jazz Vespers with Greg Moore (on Congas) and Actual Proof [see details below]
3:30pm, $10-30* with Bobby Zankel (alto sax), Jim Holton (Piano), Richard Hill (Bass), & Eric Gravatt (drums)
Thurs., Apr. 25 In-Person/Hybrid People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5* (or look for an email if you are on the email list)
Sun., May 19 People's Choice Concert! [top vote-getters for this year's People's Choice Open Stages - see details below]
7:30pm, $10-30* Jamie the Optimist (Jamie Polson), Karen Smith, John Braxton, Wes Powers, and Brian MacSeain
Tues., May 21 Reggie Harris/Linda Hansell Book Release!
7:30pm, Free! Get your copy of Reggie's book, Searching for Solid Ground, co-authored with Linda Hansell
Sat., June 8 Two of a Kind Album Release Concert! [see below for photos and details]
7:30pm, $9-30* David and Jenny Heitler-Klevans, with Ari Heitler-Klevans, Dave Posmontier, Linda Glazerman Roeder, Roy Braverman, Mariah Leontopoulou-Cochran, and other special guests!
Sun., June 30 Sharon Katz and the Peace Train! [see below for photos and details]
7:30pm, $15-75* A rare concert in Philly - don't miss it, and tell your friends!
Events in COVID-19 Limbo:
Music for the New Revolution Showcase Concert (originally scheduled for March 14, 2020) - CANCELED/POSTPONED! Stay tuned for details
Alastair Moock and Two of a Kind - originally scheduled for May 8, 2020 - postponed
8:00pm $12-40* (David & Jenny Heitler-Klevans, doing grownup material)
past events
Thurs., Jan. 23 In Person/Hybrid People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5* [see details below]
Sat., Jan. 25 John Flynn! [see details below]
8:00pm, $15-60*
Thurs., Feb. 27 In Person People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5* [see details below]
Thurs., Mar. 27 In Person People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5* [see details below]
Thurs., Apr. 24 In Person People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5* [see details below]
Sat., June 28 [tentative] People's Choice Concert! [top vote-getters for this year's People's Choice Open Stages]
7:30pm, $7-20*
* For all in-person Folk Factory events, low and no-wage folks can pay as little as half the bottom end of the sliding scale (or whatever they can afford) at the door. Kids under 12 are free, except for family concerts. No charge for Zoom participants in Hybrid Open Stage/Open Circles. The sliding scale is simply an opportunity for you to give an extra contribution donation to the Folk Factory without having to do a separate transaction. There is no intention to put any pressure for anyone to give any more than they can wholeheartedly feel good about. Think about how much you anticipate the event is likely to be worth to you, and give that amount, or a little more if you want to support us more than that.
In-Person/Hybrid Open Stage/Open Circle 7:30pm, 4th Thursday of most months (except November, December, and some summer months); $2-5 in person; virtual is free!
We start with about an hour and a half of Open Stage - everyone gets up to 10 minutes (usually up to 2 songs). Then we take a break to take down the sound system and hang out. Then in the Open Circle, everyone present is invited to sing a song, read a poem, tell a story, request a song, or pass; songs are often participatory. It's a great place to perform for the first time or try out new material! Email polson@igc.org to get the Zoom link.
For the People's Choice version (normally January through April), there is in-person audience voting for each Open Stage act that wants, and the highest vote-getters are invited to participate in the June People's Choice Concert. Coordinators Bruce & Linda Pollack-Johnson will be out of town from mid-February to mid-June, but some other folks are considering making sure these happen while they are gone. If you would like to help, email polson@igc.org !
2024-2025 Season Events that have already happened:
Thurs., Sept. 26 In Person/Hybrid Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5*
Thurs., Oct. 24 In Person/Hybrid Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5* Optional Theme: Democracy & Voting
Sun., Oct. 27 Jazz Vespers with Phyllis Chapell
3:00pm, $10-30* with Dave Posmontier (piano) and Dave Brodie (bass)
Sun., Nov. 3 Emma's Revolution! (Pat Humphries & Sandy O)
7:30pm, $20-75* [see details below]
2023-24 Season:
Thurs., Sept. 28 In Person/Hybrid Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5* (see details below)
Sat., Sept. 30 Jill Salkin & Dave Posmontier
8:00pm, $15-40* Jazz, originals, classic pop (see details below)
Thurs., Oct. 26 In Person/Hybrid Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5* (see details below)
Fri., Nov. 10 David Roth [see below for details and photos]
8:00pm, $15-50* Opening: Jamie the Optimist (Jamie Polson)
Sun., Jan. 7 Joe Jencks & Zoe Mulford! [see below for details and photos]
7:00pm, $15-60*
Thurs., Jan. 25 In-Person/Hybrid People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5* (or look for an email if you are on the email list)
Thurs., Feb. 22 In-Person/Hybrid People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5* (or look for an email if you are on the email list)
Thurs., Apr. 4 In-Person/Hybrid People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5* (or look for an email if you are on the email list) (Note: not March 21 or 28, as displayed earlier)
Sun., Apr. 14 Jazz Vespers with Greg Moore (on Congas) and Actual Proof [see details below]
3:30pm, $10-30* with Bobby Zankel (alto sax), Jim Holton (Piano), Richard Hill (Bass), & Eric Gravatt (drums)
Thurs., Apr. 25 In-Person/Hybrid People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5* (or look for an email if you are on the email list)
Sun., May 19 People's Choice Concert! [top vote-getters for this year's People's Choice Open Stages - see details below]
7:30pm, $10-30* Jamie the Optimist (Jamie Polson), Karen Smith, John Braxton, Wes Powers, and Brian MacSeain
Tues., May 21 Reggie Harris/Linda Hansell Book Release!
7:30pm, Free! Get your copy of Reggie's book, Searching for Solid Ground, co-authored with Linda Hansell
Sat., June 8 Two of a Kind Album Release Concert! [see below for photos and details]
7:30pm, $9-30* David and Jenny Heitler-Klevans, with Ari Heitler-Klevans, Dave Posmontier, Linda Glazerman Roeder, Roy Braverman, Mariah Leontopoulou-Cochran, and other special guests!
Sun., June 30 Sharon Katz and the Peace Train! [see below for photos and details]
7:30pm, $15-75* A rare concert in Philly - don't miss it, and tell your friends!
Events in COVID-19 Limbo:
Music for the New Revolution Showcase Concert (originally scheduled for March 14, 2020) - CANCELED/POSTPONED! Stay tuned for details
Alastair Moock and Two of a Kind - originally scheduled for May 8, 2020 - postponed
8:00pm $12-40* (David & Jenny Heitler-Klevans, doing grownup material)
past events
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SUNDAY, November 3, 7:30pm
Concert by John Flynn! Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk John Flynn is a Delaware-based singer/songwriter who unapologetically offers up shining songs of hope from a heart that has been sculpted by decades of standing at the margins with "the lost and the lonely, the shackled and scarred". Deana McCloud, a prior Executive Director of the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma called John "the real deal," saying, "His work follows in the footsteps of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Kris Kristofferson, and other social justice troubadours as he speaks the truth and gives a voice to society's disenfranchised.” John is also the founder and Executive Director of New Beginnings-Next Step, Inc., a non-profit that works with incarcerated and returning citizens to help them build the resilience necessary to surmount the challenges of prison and reentry. Flynn has received the Phil Ochs Award, and the Champion of Justice/Humanitarian Award from the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Past winners include Stevie Wonder, Janet Reno, Julian Bond, and Sister Helen Prejean. Flynn has recently been named the permanent host of the storied Philadelphia Folk Festival. John has also cowritten a new song with Kris Kristofferson called "Kris's Rules". The song is Flynn's farewell to his long-time hero and friend and, with the permission of Lisa Kristofferson, features some previously unrecorded lyrics by Kris. “You want a bad ass folk cat who tears off pieces of his soul, rhymes them and lays lyrics that bleed on melodies that even poet angels smoking cigarettes in the alleys of seventh heaven envy and soulful little demons hanging around Detroit recording studios all wishing they could sing like him? Well then, John Flynn is your man.” -- ray wylie hubbard |
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About the Folk Factory
The Folk Factory, based at Unitarian Universalists of Mt. Airy (formerly Restoration), is a forum for people interested in music of all kinds and progressive social change. Unless otherwise indicated, all events are held at the church, located at 6900 Stenton Ave. (at Gorgas Lane) - see the map at right. Facilitated announcements of progressive events (marches, boycotts, etc.) can be made before the start of each event. All Folk Factory events are wheelchair accessible. The Folk Factory is a kindred spirit of the People's Music Network for Songs of Freedom and Struggle, co-founded by Charlie King and Pete Seeger. Regular concerts are normally on the first or second weekend of most months during the academic year, and an Open Stage/Open Circle is held on the fourth Thursday of most months. To volunteer or for more information, call (215) 848-6246.
If you have snail mail and/or email address changes, deletions, or additions (such as if you want to add your name to the email notice list), you can call us at 215-848-6246 or email us at polson@igc.org. You can send any financial contributions (we suggest $5/yr or $15 for 5 yrs to help cover our copying and postage costs for snail mail, and other donations are gratefully appreciated!) to The Folk Factory, 6900 Stenton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19150. * For all Folk Factory events, low and no-wage folks who come in person can pay as little as half the bottom end of the sliding scale (or whatever they can afford) at the door. Kids under 12 are free except for family concerts. |
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More information about the Folk Factory: polson@igc.org , or call 215-848-6246, or see our Facebook page: "The Folk Factory"