The Folk Factory

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

Upcoming events (2024-2025 Season):

Sun., Nov. 3 Emma's Revolution! (Pat Humphries & Sandy O)
7:30pm, $20-75* [see details below]

Thurs., Jan. 23   In Person/Hybrid Open Stage/Open Circle (email polson@igc.org for Zoom link)
7:30pm, $2-5* [see details below]

Sat., Jan. 25 (not Jan. 11, as stated earlier!)   John Flynn!
8:00pm, $15-60*

* 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)

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

SUNDAY, November 3, 7:30pm

Concert by Emma's Revolution
(Pat Humphries & Sandy O)!
Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk

California-based, activist singer/songwriting duo Emma's Revolution will perform in concert at the The Folk Factory at Unitarian Universalists of Mount Airy, 6900 Stenton Ave (@Gorgas Lane) on Sunday November 3rd 2024 at 7:30pm ET. The concert will be In-Person (masks encouraged).
Known for fearless, truth-telling lyrics and melodies you can’t resist singing, Emma's Revolution is the award-winning activist duo of Pat Humphries & Sandy O. Performances feature the duo's signature soaring harmonies and lush acoustic instruments, in songs that span folk to jazz and funk to rock. Performing as a duo more than 20 years, Emma’s Revolution writes songs about critical issues happening in the world, lending their voices to the movements those issues inspire and delivering moving, uplifting performances. The duo’s songs have been praised by Pete Seeger and covered by Holly Near, featured on NPR’s All Things Considered and Pacifica’s Democracy Now!, and sung around the world.

"The powers that be can control the media but it’s hard to stop a good song...
Pat's songs will be sung well into the 22nd century."
— Pete Seeger (All Things Considered, NPR)

This performance is part of Emma’s Revolution’s 2024 “Keep on Moving Forward” tour to inspire engagement and Get Out the Vote efforts in this crucial election year, where democracy is on the line. All of our voices are needed to create the country and the world we want to live in.

Not many performing groups make it to their 23rd year together. Emma’s Revolution credits their staying power to the depth of their friendship and their commitment to justice and the justice-seeking communities they perform for. “Especially in these times—with wars, climate chaos, the threat to our democracy, and the continuing effects of the pandemic—we are buoyed and inspired by the activists and communities we work with. Singing is part of what keeps us grounded and connected to one another,” reflects Pat. Sandy continues, “We love that folks seek us and our music out to keep themselves energized and we’re excited to be coming back to The Folk Factory for a concert right before Election Day!”

"Fervent and heartfelt” — The New York Times

Emma’s Revolution carries on in the spirit of their mentor, Pete Seeger. “Activist musicians inherit a legacy of the indivisibility of truth-telling and soul-stirring,” Pat explains, “We sing stories wrapped in the taste of freedom, the triumph of overcoming, the grief of injustice, weaving stories, melodies and harmonies in a rich alchemy of vintage genres and emerging sounds to create an experience full of humor, heart and hope.”

A feature documentary, KEEP ON MOVING FORWARD, is being made about Emma’s Revolution, their songs and their work on the frontlines of peace and social justice movements by award-winning independent filmmaker,
Tom Weidlinger. Tom has been writing, directing and producing documentary films for 35 years. Many of his films have won festival awards and 25 have aired nationally on public television. In February, Emma’s Revolution performed a unique concert in celebration of the duo's 20+ years that was filmed for the documentary and that featured legendary activist performer, Holly Near, and a stellar gathering of justice musicians from across the country.

Emma’s Revolution latest recordings are: Evolution a celebration of the duo’s 20th anniversary, featuring their best loved songs woven into a seamless sound experience. Early songs include “Swimming to the Other Side”, Pat’s signature song of transcendence and connection which was featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered.” More recent songs include “Our House is on Fire”, an electrifying call-to-action for the climate which was featured by a national nonprofit co-founded by Noel (Paul) Stookey of Peter, Paul & Mary. The duo’s second release, Rooted, is a musical reflection on justice and joy in pandemic times, with the majority of songs written since March 2020. Tracks include “From a (Social) Distance”, the duo’s humorous yet touching parody of the Julie Gold song made famous by Bette Midler and “Our People Gonna Rise” written in the wake of the killing of George Floyd. A number of songs from this recording, released as video singles, have collectively garnered more than 500,000 views on social media and charted in Top 10 and Top 25 Songs on folk radio.

As independent artists and queer and non-conforming women, Emma’s Revolution has a national presence among communities, organizations and venues that share the duo's vision of valuing people over profit, choosing compassion over violence, demanding accountability and building a more just and sustainable world.

In the spirit of Emma Goldman's famous attribution, “If I can't dance, I don't want to be part of your revolution,” Emma's Revolution brings their uprising of truth and hope to concerts and peace & justice, human rights, environmental, labor and LGBTQIA+ and women's rights events across the country. Throughout the pandemic, Emma’s Revolution performed at hundreds of online events, including concerts, festivals, church services and political events organized by regional, national and international groups. In the before-times, Emma’s Revolution’s touring included performances in Canada, Scotland, England, Israel/Palestine, Nicaragua, Cuba, Chile and Korea. The duo are thrilled to be back out on the road.

SUNDAY, November 3, 7:30pm

Concert by Emma's Revolution
(Pat Humphries & Sandy O)!
Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk

California-based, activist singer/songwriting duo Emma's Revolution will perform in concert at the The Folk Factory at Unitarian Universalists of Mount Airy, 6900 Stenton Ave (@Gorgas Lane) on Sunday November 3rd 2024 at 7:30pm ET. The concert will be In-Person (masks encouraged).
Known for fearless, truth-telling lyrics and melodies you can’t resist singing, Emma's Revolution is the award-winning activist duo of Pat Humphries & Sandy O. Performances feature the duo's signature soaring harmonies and lush acoustic instruments, in songs that span folk to jazz and funk to rock. Performing as a duo more than 20 years, Emma’s Revolution writes songs about critical issues happening in the world, lending their voices to the movements those issues inspire and delivering moving, uplifting performances. The duo’s songs have been praised by Pete Seeger and covered by Holly Near, featured on NPR’s All Things Considered and Pacifica’s Democracy Now!, and sung around the world.

"The powers that be can control the media but it’s hard to stop a good song...
Pat's songs will be sung well into the 22nd century."
— Pete Seeger (All Things Considered, NPR)

This performance is part of Emma’s Revolution’s 2024 “Keep on Moving Forward” tour to inspire engagement and Get Out the Vote efforts in this crucial election year, where democracy is on the line. All of our voices are needed to create the country and the world we want to live in.
Not many performing groups make it to their 23rd year together. Emma’s Revolution credits their staying power to the depth of their friendship and their commitment to justice and the justice-seeking communities they perform for. “Especially in these times—with wars, climate chaos, the threat to our democracy, and the continuing effects of the pandemic—we are buoyed and inspired by the activists and communities we work with. Singing is part of what keeps us grounded and connected to one another,” reflects Pat. Sandy continues, “We love that folks seek us and our music out to keep themselves energized and we’re excited to be coming back to The Folk Factory for a concert right before Election Day!”
"Fervent and heartfelt” — The New York Times
Emma’s Revolution carries on in the spirit of their mentor, Pete Seeger. “Activist musicians inherit a legacy of the indivisibility of truth-telling and soul-stirring,” Pat explains, “We sing stories wrapped in the taste of freedom, the triumph of overcoming, the grief of injustice, weaving stories, melodies and harmonies in a rich alchemy of vintage genres and emerging sounds to create an experience full of humor, heart and hope.”
A feature documentary, KEEP ON MOVING FORWARD, is being made about Emma’s Revolution, their songs and their work on the frontlines of peace and social justice movements by award-winning independent filmmaker,
Tom Weidlinger. Tom has been writing, directing and producing documentary films for 35 years. Many of his films have won festival awards and 25 have aired nationally on public television. In February, Emma’s Revolution performed a unique concert in celebration of the duo's 20+ years that was filmed for the documentary and that featured legendary activist performer, Holly Near, and a stellar gathering of justice musicians from across the country.
Emma’s Revolution latest recordings are: Evolution a celebration of the duo’s 20th anniversary, featuring their best loved songs woven into a seamless sound experience. Early songs include “Swimming to the Other Side”, Pat’s signature song of transcendence and connection which was featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered.” More recent songs include “Our House is on Fire”, an electrifying call-to-action for the climate which was featured by a national nonprofit co-founded by Noel (Paul) Stookey of Peter, Paul & Mary. The duo’s second release, Rooted, is a musical reflection on justice and joy in pandemic times, with the majority of songs written since March 2020. Tracks include “From a (Social) Distance”, the duo’s humorous yet touching parody of the Julie Gold song made famous by Bette Midler and “Our People Gonna Rise” written in the wake of the killing of George Floyd. A number of songs from this recording, released as video singles, have collectively garnered more than 500,000 views on social media and charted in Top 10 and Top 25 Songs on folk radio.
As independent artists and queer and non-conforming women, Emma’s Revolution has a national presence among communities, organizations and venues that share the duo's vision of valuing people over profit, choosing compassion over violence, demanding accountability and building a more just and sustainable world.
In the spirit of Emma Goldman's famous attribution, “If I can't dance, I don't want to be part of your revolution,” Emma's Revolution brings their uprising of truth and hope to concerts and peace & justice, human rights, environmental, labor and LGBTQIA+ and women's rights events across the country. Throughout the pandemic, Emma’s Revolution performed at hundreds of online events, including concerts, festivals, church services and political events organized by regional, national and international groups. In the before-times, Emma’s Revolution’s touring included performances in Canada, Scotland, England, Israel/Palestine, Nicaragua, Cuba, Chile and Korea. The duo are thrilled to be back out on the road.

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.

More information about the Folk Factory: polson@igc.org , or call 215-848-6246, or see our Facebook page: "The Folk Factory"