The Folk Factory
  • Past Events
  • Past Events
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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

2021-2022 Calendar:

NOTICE: Bruce and Linda were abroad on sabbatical for the fall, so Folk Factory was on hiatus through December 2021.  We started back up with Zoom Open Circles in January and February, and tried an in-person/hybrid Open Stage/Open Circle in March.  April we will go back to just Zoom, and we'll see after that.  We also plan to start scheduling concerts soon, but don't have any scheduled yet.


Upcoming events:


Thurs., April 28       Zoom Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom virtual meeting link)
7:30pm                    

Thurs., May 26        In-Person/Hybrid Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm                     (or look for an email if you are on the email list)
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Fri., June 3               Emma's Revolution (Pat Humphries & Sandy O) & Annie Patterson
7:30pm                     Location: 1st Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., Phila., benefits the Movement Voter Project
                                  For tickets and details, go to:  www.riseupandsing.org/events/sing-out-vote-philadelphia  

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Past Events this season:
                            ​                                     
Zoom Open Circles on January 27, February 24, and April 24
In-Person/Hybrid Open Stage/Open Circle on March 24

We had Virtual Open Circles from March 2020 through June 2021, including over the summer and November and December, usually on the 4th Thursday, and it was a great way to stay sane through the lockdown!
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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)


* 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.  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.
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past events
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Virtual Open Circle 7:30pm, 4th Thursday of most months; free!

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.

In-Person/Hybrid Open Stage/Open Circle 7:30pm, 4th Thursday of most 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.



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​SATURDAY, April 24, 2021, 8:00pm
 
Charlie King & Elise Bryant Concert!
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 Tickets:  app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk
 
Elise Bryant
 
Elise Bryant is a singer, actor, writer and spoken word artist.  She currently serves as the executive director of the Labor Heritage Foundation, a non-profit organization that is the “art and soul of the labor movement.” Elise is a lifetime member of the Wobblies (Industrial Workers of the World), a member of the AFM Local 1000 and Vice President of CWA/Newspaper Guild Local 32035.  In 2012, she received the Lifetime Achievement award from the United Association of Labor Educators. In 2017, she became president of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) and a month later was elected vice-president of CWA/TNG Local 32031
 
For more information see:  https://www.laborheritage.org/lhf/staff
 
 
Charlie King
  
Charlie King is a musical storyteller and political satirist.  Pete Seeger hailed him as “One of the finest singers and songwriters of our time.”  He is the 2018 recipient of the Phil Ochs Award; also the War Resisters League’s Peacemaker Award, given to Charlie and Odetta; the Sacco-Vanzetti Social Justice Award, nominated by Pete Seeger; and the Joe Hill Award. Like Elise, Charlie is a Wobblie and a founding  member of AFM Local 1000.  Peggy Seeger says, "If we had more Charlie Kings in the world, I'd be less worried," and Tom Paxton adds, "Luckily, we have him!"
 
For more information see:  http://www.charlieking.org

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About the Folk Factory

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​The Folk Factory, based at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration (recently renamed Unitarian Universalists of Mt. Airy), 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 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
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