SATURDAY, October 24, 2020, 8:00pm
Tret Fure Concert!
Folk Factory presents a concert featuring Tret Fure. Tret has been a fixture on the Women’s Music scene, with a dozen solo albums and three with Cris Williamson. Wanda A. Fischer from WMAC Northeast Public Radio has this to say: "Exceptionally crafted songs delivered with passion, conviction and, yes, soul. Tret weaves magic both in the lyrics and between the lines.” The concert will start at 8:00pm, and will be livestreamed. Suggested donation is $14-50, sliding scale. Tickets can be purchased using the link at the top of this webpage.
SATURDAY, October 3, 2020, 3:00pm
Jazz Bridge Fundraiser!
Folk Factory is co-sponsoring a fundraiser to benefit Jazz Bridge and UUCR on Saturday, October 3, at 3:00pm. The concert will feature the West Philadelphia based Gretchen Elise Band (Gretchen Elise, vocals; Anam Owili Eger, keys; Doug Grigsby, bass; Ricardo Martinó, drums), welcomed into our UUCR sanctuary by co-hosts Karen Smith on percussion and Tamara Anderson on vocals. This event will go live on October 3, 2020 from 3 to 5pm and will livestream. The suggested donation for the event is $15, with a sliding scale of $5-100. Donations can be made in the form of purchasing a ticket (see the top of this webpage).
Friday, November 1, 2019, 8:00 PM:
Charlie King & Martin Swinger!
Come help celebrate Folk Factory’s 30th anniversary season! Charlie King and Martin Swinger will be touring together this Fall, mostly out of mutual admiration for each other as songwriters and performers. Their joint enthusiasm is infectious. Come hear them!
Charlie King
Charlie King is a musical storyteller and political satirist. He sings and writes passionately about the extraordinary lives of ordinary people and leaves audiences with a sense of optimism and possibility about the future..
Charlie has been at the heart of American folk music for half a century and has been writing songs for over 40 years. His songs have been recorded and sung by other performers such as Pete Seeger, Holly Near, Ronnie Gilbert, John McCutcheon, Arlo Guthrie, Peggy Seeger, Chad Mitchell and Judy Small. He has recorded over twenty solo albums since 1976, as well as three albums with the touring ensemble Bright Morning Star, and numerous compilation albums with other artists. Pete Seeger hailed him as “One of the finest singers and songwriters of our time.” 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!"
Martin Swinger
Martin Swinger is an atypical 60-something who can’t stop exploring music, songwriting and singing. Socially conscious, thought provoking and surprisingly entertaining, Martin is celebrated for his fluid voice and engaging delivery. He’s recorded 6 CD’s, won local and national songwriting awards, is a repeat performer at Kerrville Folk Festival and counts among his fans Pete Seeger, Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey, Billy Jonas, Ezra Idlet, Vance Gilbert and John Waters.
Martin composes songs about Alzheimer’s, Autism, oysters, dyslexic theology and the adventures of Betty Boop and Buddha – lyrically and melodically illustrating the variety of human emotions with sensitivity, creatively thoughtful stories, a deep appreciation for a good belly laugh, and by igniting wonder in the powerful metamorphosis music inspires in the heart, mind, body and soul. Surprising, humorous, intimate, outrageous, courageous and universal - each unforgettable song is sung with delicacy, skill and the panache of a seasoned, professional performer!
Doors open around 7:30, and the show will start at 8:00pm. Admission is by requested donation of $14 to $50 (sliding scale, online or at the door), half price for no or low wage at the door, with children under 12 admitted free. Wheelchair accessible. Childcare is available with advance registration; by October 28 if possible, by calling (215) 848-6246.
Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk
Thurs., Sept. 26 Open Stage/Open Circle
7:30pm $2-5 (see description below)
Sun., Oct. 6 Pete Seeger's 100th Birthday Singalong Concert with Magpie & Annie Patterson!
7:00pm $15-75* (location: Unitarian Society of Germantown, 6511 Lincoln Dr.,
with a free parking lot off of Johnson St.,
between Wayne & Greene)
(see below for more details)
Thurs., Oct. 24 Open Stage/Open Circle
7:30pm $2-5 (see description below)
Fri., Nov. 1 Charlie King & Martin Swinger
8:00pm $14-50
Thurs., Jan. 23 People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle
7:30pm $2-5 (see description below)
Thurs., Feb. 27 People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle
7:30pm $2-5 (see description below)
Sat., March 14 Music for the New Revolution Showcase Concert
8:00pm $11-40
Thurs., March 26 People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle
7:30pm $2-5 (see description below)
Fri., April 3 Tret Fure
8:00pm $14-40
Thurs., April 23 People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle
7:30pm $2-5 (see description below)
Fri., May 8 Alastair Moock and Two of a Kind
8:00pm $12-40 (David & Jenny Heitler-Klevans, doing grownup material)
Thurs., May 28 Open Stage/Open Circle
7:30pm $2-5 (see description below)
Sun., June 7 People's Choice Concert!
7:00pm $7-20* (top Open Stage vote-getters)
* 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.
past events
7:30pm $2-5 (see description below)
Sun., Oct. 6 Pete Seeger's 100th Birthday Singalong Concert with Magpie & Annie Patterson!
7:00pm $15-75* (location: Unitarian Society of Germantown, 6511 Lincoln Dr.,
with a free parking lot off of Johnson St.,
between Wayne & Greene)
(see below for more details)
Thurs., Oct. 24 Open Stage/Open Circle
7:30pm $2-5 (see description below)
Fri., Nov. 1 Charlie King & Martin Swinger
8:00pm $14-50
Thurs., Jan. 23 People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle
7:30pm $2-5 (see description below)
Thurs., Feb. 27 People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle
7:30pm $2-5 (see description below)
Sat., March 14 Music for the New Revolution Showcase Concert
8:00pm $11-40
Thurs., March 26 People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle
7:30pm $2-5 (see description below)
Fri., April 3 Tret Fure
8:00pm $14-40
Thurs., April 23 People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle
7:30pm $2-5 (see description below)
Fri., May 8 Alastair Moock and Two of a Kind
8:00pm $12-40 (David & Jenny Heitler-Klevans, doing grownup material)
Thurs., May 28 Open Stage/Open Circle
7:30pm $2-5 (see description below)
Sun., June 7 People's Choice Concert!
7:00pm $7-20* (top Open Stage vote-getters)
* 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.
past events
Sunday, October 6, 2019, 7:00 PM:
Pete Seeger 100th Birthday Singalong Concert
with Magpie and Annie Patterson!
Come help celebrate Folk Factory’s 30th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of Pete Seeger’s birth by joining us for a singalong concert featuring Magpie and Annie Patterson. We celebrate the legacy of the man who worked and sang for racial justice, worker’s rights, and the environment so powerfully and effectively. During the concert, interested audience members who want to sing along can borrow a copy of the new songbook of Pete’s songs compiled by Annie and her husband Peter Blood called If I Had a Hammer. This concert will be held at the Unitarian Society of Germantown, at 6511 Lincoln Drive in Mt. Airy; there is a free parking lot off of Johnson Street, between Wayne Avenue and Greene Street. The concert is co-sponsored by the Philadelphia Folksong Society and the Unitarian Society of Germantown. Some of the proceeds of the concert will go to POWER (Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower, and Rebuild), an interfaith progressive activist group currently working for fair funding for education in PA, economic dignity, and fighting mass incarceration.
Magpie
With a career spanning more than 40 years, Terry Leonino & Greg Artzner have traveled the globe, bringing a unique sound and breathtaking versatility to their audiences. Their shows draw on a wide range of musical genres from swing, blues & country to folk classics and original compositions. Their powerful voices, harmonies, and instrumental arrangements on guitar, mandolin, harmonica, dulcimer, and concertina create a sound much bigger than most duos. Greg & Terry have recorded and performed many of Pete Seeger’s songs. Magpie are award-winning recording artists, songwriters, musical historians & social activists. www.magpiemusic.com
Annie Patterson
Annie’s voice, musicianship and infectious enthusiasm have ignited audiences across North America and abroad for over 3 decades. She is the co-creator of the best-selling sing along songbook Rise Up Singing, affectionately known as the “folk bible”, and its sequel Rise Again. A multi-instrumentalist, Annie’s musical repertoire ranges from folk and Blues to gospel and jazz. Seeger worked closely with Annie and her partner Peter Blood on their first two songbooks.
https://www.riseupandsing.org/annie
Doors open around 6:30, and the show will start at 7:00pm. Admission is by requested donation of $15 to $75 (sliding scale, online or at the door), half price for no or low wage at the door, with children under 12 admitted free. Wheelchair accessible. Childcare is available with advance registration; by September 30 if possible, by calling (215) 848-6246.
Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk
Pete Seeger 100th Birthday Singalong Concert
with Magpie and Annie Patterson!
Come help celebrate Folk Factory’s 30th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of Pete Seeger’s birth by joining us for a singalong concert featuring Magpie and Annie Patterson. We celebrate the legacy of the man who worked and sang for racial justice, worker’s rights, and the environment so powerfully and effectively. During the concert, interested audience members who want to sing along can borrow a copy of the new songbook of Pete’s songs compiled by Annie and her husband Peter Blood called If I Had a Hammer. This concert will be held at the Unitarian Society of Germantown, at 6511 Lincoln Drive in Mt. Airy; there is a free parking lot off of Johnson Street, between Wayne Avenue and Greene Street. The concert is co-sponsored by the Philadelphia Folksong Society and the Unitarian Society of Germantown. Some of the proceeds of the concert will go to POWER (Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower, and Rebuild), an interfaith progressive activist group currently working for fair funding for education in PA, economic dignity, and fighting mass incarceration.
Magpie
With a career spanning more than 40 years, Terry Leonino & Greg Artzner have traveled the globe, bringing a unique sound and breathtaking versatility to their audiences. Their shows draw on a wide range of musical genres from swing, blues & country to folk classics and original compositions. Their powerful voices, harmonies, and instrumental arrangements on guitar, mandolin, harmonica, dulcimer, and concertina create a sound much bigger than most duos. Greg & Terry have recorded and performed many of Pete Seeger’s songs. Magpie are award-winning recording artists, songwriters, musical historians & social activists. www.magpiemusic.com
Annie Patterson
Annie’s voice, musicianship and infectious enthusiasm have ignited audiences across North America and abroad for over 3 decades. She is the co-creator of the best-selling sing along songbook Rise Up Singing, affectionately known as the “folk bible”, and its sequel Rise Again. A multi-instrumentalist, Annie’s musical repertoire ranges from folk and Blues to gospel and jazz. Seeger worked closely with Annie and her partner Peter Blood on their first two songbooks.
https://www.riseupandsing.org/annie
Doors open around 6:30, and the show will start at 7:00pm. Admission is by requested donation of $15 to $75 (sliding scale, online or at the door), half price for no or low wage at the door, with children under 12 admitted free. Wheelchair accessible. Childcare is available with advance registration; by September 30 if possible, by calling (215) 848-6246.
Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk
Friday, June 7, 2019, 7:30 PM:
People's Choice Concert!
Join us on Friday, June 7, for a concert featuring the top vote-getters of this year's People's Choice Open Stages (from January through April).
18 year-old Pierre Peters is a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist from the Philadelphia Area. His repertoire comes from influences across genres and generations, ranging from Delta blues and old-time to more current folk and popular music. He has played with learned from musicians of all sorts of backgrounds, from nationally-recognized artists like Guy Davis, Pete Seeger, and Jimmy "Duck" Holmes to Philadelphia's own Mikey Junior. His distinct style of playing and unique stock of songs might just surprise you!
The Open Door Chorus is no audition, open Community singing group, led by John Krumm. Anyone can attend whenever they can. There are no requirements for age or ability. Music-reading ability is not required. Our repertoire reflects positive social values. John has been performing traditional and vintage music for over 50 years. He is a music educator, song leader, composer, and a caller of square and contra dance. His goal is to help communities express their "solidarity in diversity."
Melanie and the Lost Vaqueros blend an easy listening blend of older Latin, International, standards, and original music. Led by Melanie Jones, on vocals with her vaqueros; (cowboys) Don Garfinkel on guitar and vocals with original compositions, Jan Alba on flute, Andy Walko on bass, and Barry Bell on percussion. This Philadelphia band formed in the summer of 2018 and plays locally at restaurants, festivals, and fundraisers. Don also performs solo.
McKinley Sims is a full time UU minister and a part time guitar player. He grew up listening to Buddy Holly and the Crickets and country western music. He only knows two songs. You’ll hear them both, probably. Lucky partner to a wonderful woman, KP, of Kennet Square, PA.
Gloria Rohlfs played guitar and led protest songs for peace and civil rights demonstrations in college. Later, she and friends busked while working in Germany. Early influences were PP& M, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Patti Smith, Joan Jett and Dolly Parton. Gloria took a decades-long hiatus from creativity due to demands of managing human-service organizations and her psychotherapy/coaching business. She performs folk, blues, country and originals, occasionally jazz & rock.
FIO (Feel It Out) is a band from the Collegeville area. They do not have a specific genre that they claim to be but play mostly rock, alternative rock, and emo songs. The band consists of Morgan Konrad on vocals and rhythm guitar, Moustapha (Moose) Balde on bass, Liam Worcheck on lead guitar, and Jamie Polson on drums and vocals. The band started jamming out at Ursinus College, where they all met. Jamie is a former People’s Choice winner, and also performs solo.
Doors open at 7:00, and the show will start at 7:30pm. Admission is by requested donation of $7 to $20 (sliding scale, online or at the door), half price for no or low wage, with children under 12 admitted free. Wheelchair accessible. Childcare is available with advance registration; by June 3 if possible, by calling (215) 848-6246.
People's Choice Concert!
Join us on Friday, June 7, for a concert featuring the top vote-getters of this year's People's Choice Open Stages (from January through April).
18 year-old Pierre Peters is a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist from the Philadelphia Area. His repertoire comes from influences across genres and generations, ranging from Delta blues and old-time to more current folk and popular music. He has played with learned from musicians of all sorts of backgrounds, from nationally-recognized artists like Guy Davis, Pete Seeger, and Jimmy "Duck" Holmes to Philadelphia's own Mikey Junior. His distinct style of playing and unique stock of songs might just surprise you!
The Open Door Chorus is no audition, open Community singing group, led by John Krumm. Anyone can attend whenever they can. There are no requirements for age or ability. Music-reading ability is not required. Our repertoire reflects positive social values. John has been performing traditional and vintage music for over 50 years. He is a music educator, song leader, composer, and a caller of square and contra dance. His goal is to help communities express their "solidarity in diversity."
Melanie and the Lost Vaqueros blend an easy listening blend of older Latin, International, standards, and original music. Led by Melanie Jones, on vocals with her vaqueros; (cowboys) Don Garfinkel on guitar and vocals with original compositions, Jan Alba on flute, Andy Walko on bass, and Barry Bell on percussion. This Philadelphia band formed in the summer of 2018 and plays locally at restaurants, festivals, and fundraisers. Don also performs solo.
McKinley Sims is a full time UU minister and a part time guitar player. He grew up listening to Buddy Holly and the Crickets and country western music. He only knows two songs. You’ll hear them both, probably. Lucky partner to a wonderful woman, KP, of Kennet Square, PA.
Gloria Rohlfs played guitar and led protest songs for peace and civil rights demonstrations in college. Later, she and friends busked while working in Germany. Early influences were PP& M, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Patti Smith, Joan Jett and Dolly Parton. Gloria took a decades-long hiatus from creativity due to demands of managing human-service organizations and her psychotherapy/coaching business. She performs folk, blues, country and originals, occasionally jazz & rock.
FIO (Feel It Out) is a band from the Collegeville area. They do not have a specific genre that they claim to be but play mostly rock, alternative rock, and emo songs. The band consists of Morgan Konrad on vocals and rhythm guitar, Moustapha (Moose) Balde on bass, Liam Worcheck on lead guitar, and Jamie Polson on drums and vocals. The band started jamming out at Ursinus College, where they all met. Jamie is a former People’s Choice winner, and also performs solo.
Doors open at 7:00, and the show will start at 7:30pm. Admission is by requested donation of $7 to $20 (sliding scale, online or at the door), half price for no or low wage, with children under 12 admitted free. Wheelchair accessible. Childcare is available with advance registration; by June 3 if possible, by calling (215) 848-6246.
Friday, May 17, 2019, 8:00 PM:
The DeMasi Brothers Concert, with Anam Owili-Eger opening
Join us on Friday, May 17, for a performance by The DeMasi Brothers, with Anam Owili-Eger opening!
Twin brothers Joe and John DeMasi are award winning contemporary folk singers, songwriters and recording artists whose music is imbued with their values of love, inclusion, understanding and worth and dignity for all. With Joseph on guitar and John on fiddle and guitar, The DeMasi Brothers bring a unique musical experience full of wit, humor, intellect and poignancy to every concert and show they perform. They write songs that address our current political situation that are insightful and hard-hitting.
Joe and John began their folk music career in the folk clubs and coffeehouses in and around New York City where they were born and raised. As part of the 80’s folk music revival scene they appeared regularly at Greenwich Village’s famed music club “the Speak Easy” and were featured performers on the “Fast Folk” music series. They shared the stage with such folk legends as Tom Chapin, Christine Lavin and Oscar Brand and have appeared regularly on NPR. They currently travel the country performing musical services, special music and musical concerts at folk clubs, progressive churches, adult communities, and concert halls. For more information, visit www.thedemasibrothers.org .
"Anam Owili-Eger is way up there with the new school of multi-talented Philly singer songwriters." -- Straight No Chaser Magazine (London, UK). Growing up with a charismatic, hard-drinking grandfather and an insightful yet mentally unbalanced grandmother who (somewhat illegally) home schooled him until he was nine, Anam Owili-Eger dreamed of becoming an astronomer. Instead, he evolved into a "jazz-soul dreamboat" (A.D. Amorosi, Philadelphia City Paper) whose musings on everything from loneliness and love to paranoia and politics have led to acclaim as "one of the best new songwriters of the past 10 years" (Tim Dillinger, Stave Magazine). Defying genres at every turn, Anam's edgy, adventurous and thought-provoking alternative soul music calls to mind such diverse artists as Stevie Wonder, Tori Amos, Gil Scott-Heron and Bjork. "Playing it safe by doing the same thing over and over is creative suicide," says Anam. "So I suppose in that sense, I've decided not to kill myself." Anam was a Folk Factory People’s Choice winner in 2018.
Doors open at 7:30, and the show will start at 8:00pm. Admission is by requested donation of $11 to $40 (sliding scale, online or at the door), half price for no or low wage, with children under 12 admitted free. Wheelchair accessible. Childcare is available with advance registration; by May 13 if possible, by calling (215) 848-6246.
The DeMasi Brothers Concert, with Anam Owili-Eger opening
Join us on Friday, May 17, for a performance by The DeMasi Brothers, with Anam Owili-Eger opening!
Twin brothers Joe and John DeMasi are award winning contemporary folk singers, songwriters and recording artists whose music is imbued with their values of love, inclusion, understanding and worth and dignity for all. With Joseph on guitar and John on fiddle and guitar, The DeMasi Brothers bring a unique musical experience full of wit, humor, intellect and poignancy to every concert and show they perform. They write songs that address our current political situation that are insightful and hard-hitting.
Joe and John began their folk music career in the folk clubs and coffeehouses in and around New York City where they were born and raised. As part of the 80’s folk music revival scene they appeared regularly at Greenwich Village’s famed music club “the Speak Easy” and were featured performers on the “Fast Folk” music series. They shared the stage with such folk legends as Tom Chapin, Christine Lavin and Oscar Brand and have appeared regularly on NPR. They currently travel the country performing musical services, special music and musical concerts at folk clubs, progressive churches, adult communities, and concert halls. For more information, visit www.thedemasibrothers.org .
"Anam Owili-Eger is way up there with the new school of multi-talented Philly singer songwriters." -- Straight No Chaser Magazine (London, UK). Growing up with a charismatic, hard-drinking grandfather and an insightful yet mentally unbalanced grandmother who (somewhat illegally) home schooled him until he was nine, Anam Owili-Eger dreamed of becoming an astronomer. Instead, he evolved into a "jazz-soul dreamboat" (A.D. Amorosi, Philadelphia City Paper) whose musings on everything from loneliness and love to paranoia and politics have led to acclaim as "one of the best new songwriters of the past 10 years" (Tim Dillinger, Stave Magazine). Defying genres at every turn, Anam's edgy, adventurous and thought-provoking alternative soul music calls to mind such diverse artists as Stevie Wonder, Tori Amos, Gil Scott-Heron and Bjork. "Playing it safe by doing the same thing over and over is creative suicide," says Anam. "So I suppose in that sense, I've decided not to kill myself." Anam was a Folk Factory People’s Choice winner in 2018.
Doors open at 7:30, and the show will start at 8:00pm. Admission is by requested donation of $11 to $40 (sliding scale, online or at the door), half price for no or low wage, with children under 12 admitted free. Wheelchair accessible. Childcare is available with advance registration; by May 13 if possible, by calling (215) 848-6246.
Saturday, April 13, 2019, 8:00 PM:
Lui Collins Concert
Join us on Saturday, April 13, for a performance by Lui Collins, with Mary Kay Mann opening!
Folk singer/songwriter Lui Collins has a beautiful voice, and has been performing, writing, and recording for over 40 years, earning international acclaim for her music. Her repertoire, accompanied on tenor ukulele and banjo, ranges from original and traditional folk songs and American standards to bossa nova in the original Brazilian Portuguese. She’s made 16 CDs, performed on others’ projects, and shared the stage with such folk-world notables as Tom Rush, Bonnie Raitt, and Stan Rogers.
Lui has been hailed by the Boston Herald as a “folksinger for our times” and by the Boston Globe as “one of New England’s first and brightest stars.” She was voted third most popular performer at the Champlain Valley Festival in 1992, along with Pete Seeger and French Canadian band La Bottine Souriante. Renowned guitarist Dave van Ronk called her “one of the best guitarist-arrangers I have heard in years.” Canadian folk icon Stan Rogers quipped, “Lui sings my songs better than I do,” and Waterbug Records’ Andrew Calhoun claims, "Lui Collins sings the way people did a great long time ago, before most of us forgot how to breathe."
These days, along with creating playful 4-string arrangements of some favorite original songs, Lui has been exploring the fabulous jazz chords in old American standards and bossa nova on tenor ukulele. She also contributes to 3-part vocal harmonies and plays ukulele, banjo, and piano with fiddler Donna Hébert and guitarist Max Cohen in the band 3 Ravens. In October 2018 they released The Infinite Dark, a collaborative recording with renowned author Jane Yolen, including recitations and musical settings of Yolen’s poems.
Mary Kay Mann's classical music career included playing flute with the Newark (DE) and Wilmington symphonies and singing with the Baltimore Symphony Chorus, and she continues to play flute in private events. But for several decades, her main interest has been in Celtic music. Mary Kay performed with the duos HeartSounds and Urban Celtic for many years, but she is currently a solo artist, singing and playing the Celtic harp, along with lively tin whistle and Irish flute. She has performed for all types of audiences, in all types of venues, with music from Ireland, Scotland, and America from the past three centuries. She currently lives in Media, PA and teaches private lessons there and in Hockessin, DE.
Doors open at 7:30, and the show will start at 8:00pm. Admission is by requested donation of $11 to $40 (sliding scale, online or at the door), half price for no or low wage, with children under 12 admitted free. Childcare is available with advance registration; by April 8 if possible by calling (215) 848-6246.
Lui Collins Concert
Join us on Saturday, April 13, for a performance by Lui Collins, with Mary Kay Mann opening!
Folk singer/songwriter Lui Collins has a beautiful voice, and has been performing, writing, and recording for over 40 years, earning international acclaim for her music. Her repertoire, accompanied on tenor ukulele and banjo, ranges from original and traditional folk songs and American standards to bossa nova in the original Brazilian Portuguese. She’s made 16 CDs, performed on others’ projects, and shared the stage with such folk-world notables as Tom Rush, Bonnie Raitt, and Stan Rogers.
Lui has been hailed by the Boston Herald as a “folksinger for our times” and by the Boston Globe as “one of New England’s first and brightest stars.” She was voted third most popular performer at the Champlain Valley Festival in 1992, along with Pete Seeger and French Canadian band La Bottine Souriante. Renowned guitarist Dave van Ronk called her “one of the best guitarist-arrangers I have heard in years.” Canadian folk icon Stan Rogers quipped, “Lui sings my songs better than I do,” and Waterbug Records’ Andrew Calhoun claims, "Lui Collins sings the way people did a great long time ago, before most of us forgot how to breathe."
These days, along with creating playful 4-string arrangements of some favorite original songs, Lui has been exploring the fabulous jazz chords in old American standards and bossa nova on tenor ukulele. She also contributes to 3-part vocal harmonies and plays ukulele, banjo, and piano with fiddler Donna Hébert and guitarist Max Cohen in the band 3 Ravens. In October 2018 they released The Infinite Dark, a collaborative recording with renowned author Jane Yolen, including recitations and musical settings of Yolen’s poems.
Mary Kay Mann's classical music career included playing flute with the Newark (DE) and Wilmington symphonies and singing with the Baltimore Symphony Chorus, and she continues to play flute in private events. But for several decades, her main interest has been in Celtic music. Mary Kay performed with the duos HeartSounds and Urban Celtic for many years, but she is currently a solo artist, singing and playing the Celtic harp, along with lively tin whistle and Irish flute. She has performed for all types of audiences, in all types of venues, with music from Ireland, Scotland, and America from the past three centuries. She currently lives in Media, PA and teaches private lessons there and in Hockessin, DE.
Doors open at 7:30, and the show will start at 8:00pm. Admission is by requested donation of $11 to $40 (sliding scale, online or at the door), half price for no or low wage, with children under 12 admitted free. Childcare is available with advance registration; by April 8 if possible by calling (215) 848-6246.
PAST EVENTS:
SATURDAY, February 9, 2019, 8:00 PM: Music for the New Revolution Showcase Concert
Music For the New Revolution is podcast produced by David Heitler-Klevans and Rodney
Whittenberg about music and progressive social issues - contemporary political, topical, and
protest music on a wide variety of subjects and from an eclectic selection of genres. This concert,
a showcase of 4 local acts in this spirit, will be broadcast on Facebook Live and recorded for future
podcasts, and each act will be interviewed before their set. David is a graduate of the Oberlin
Conservatory, a composer, and a teacher of music appreciation classes, and performs in Two of a
Kind and Acoustic Blender, and Rodney is a music producer and singer/songwriter.
Rodney Whittenberg is an Emmy award-winning composer and an Emmy nominated
filmmaker. He is the founder of Melodyvision, an audio music and video production company.
His professional work, no matter the client, seems to center around social issues, community
service, and political action. From the children’s CD “We Stood Up,” a celebration and
reflection on the civil rights, to his latest film, a look at the impact of secondary trauma of
teachers/first responders/firefighters/police, Rodney’s passion for music and film is followed
closely by his love of civics, history, and politics. As a lifelong creator of political music he
always wished there was an outlet for contemporary political art. He and David Heitler-Klevans
are the perfect team to bring political music to the public.
Singer/songwriter Paulina Earthsong (Pauline Houston McCall) is a consummate activist.
"Music is another beautiful way of speaking to the world." Pauline is 1/2 of the duo Spiritual
Thunder, a powerhouse freak/folk/blues duo that connects us to the soul, through their
thunderous vibrations. From the wailing raw vocals of Pauline Houston McCall reminiscent of
Janis Joplin and Mahaliah Jackson to the fiery guitar work of Robb McCall, Spiritual Thunder is
a soul-shaking redemption. Pauline is the founder of highly interactive children's music and
movement program "Puddle Jumpers", and is also co-founder of Raising Music.
MC/Poet/Songwriter Kuf Knotz and classically trained Harpist/Guitarist/Pianist/Vocalist Christine
Elise have combined forces to create positive,forward-thinking music driven by a strong message.
Both foster community growth through musical expression and offer motivational creative arts
workshops and performances at hospitals, schools and community centers. Their mission is to use
the power of music, personal experience and empathetic relation to help individuals grow to meet
their fullest potential. Christine has a passion for community music therapy, and has facilitated
group sessions in the USA, South Africa, Peru and Jamaica. Kuf is one of today’s fastest emerging
alternative artists who has opened for The Roots, Common, Arrested Development, Josh Ritter,
and Bruce Springsteen. In addition to his musical talent, Kuf has a passion for supporting the
community by participating in food and clothing drives, cancer benefits, and disaster reliefs.
Voices Rising Philly (VRP) is a group founded and led by Jane Hulting, Music Director at the
Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration in Mt. Airy and former director of Anna Crusis
Women's Choir. VRP was formed in reaction against the results of the 2016 election, to sing at
rallies, marches, vigils, protests and other political events. VRP is a chorus with members from a
wide range of singing experience who share a belief in the power of music to affect social
change. VRP continues the musical traditions of the Labor and Civil Rights movements,
combining music from the past with contemporary songs of struggle and resistance. The group
has an overall membership of around 400 singers, with flexible participation at various events in
the Philadelphia area.
DOORS OPEN AT 7:30
CONCERT STARTS AT 8:00
DONATION: (Sliding Scale) $11-40*
FOR CHILDCARE, PLEASE PHONE (215) 848-6246; RESERVE BY FEBRUARY 4
*HALF PRICE FOR NO-WAGE OR LOW-WAGE FOLKS
Visit https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk or “The Folk Factory” facebook page
(Like it if you do to receive notifications!) or www.folkfactory.org, or email polson@igc.org, or
call 215-848-6246 for information about advance tickets.
The concert is wheelchair accessible, as are all Folk Factory events!
SATURDAY, February 9, 2019, 8:00 PM: Music for the New Revolution Showcase Concert
Music For the New Revolution is podcast produced by David Heitler-Klevans and Rodney
Whittenberg about music and progressive social issues - contemporary political, topical, and
protest music on a wide variety of subjects and from an eclectic selection of genres. This concert,
a showcase of 4 local acts in this spirit, will be broadcast on Facebook Live and recorded for future
podcasts, and each act will be interviewed before their set. David is a graduate of the Oberlin
Conservatory, a composer, and a teacher of music appreciation classes, and performs in Two of a
Kind and Acoustic Blender, and Rodney is a music producer and singer/songwriter.
Rodney Whittenberg is an Emmy award-winning composer and an Emmy nominated
filmmaker. He is the founder of Melodyvision, an audio music and video production company.
His professional work, no matter the client, seems to center around social issues, community
service, and political action. From the children’s CD “We Stood Up,” a celebration and
reflection on the civil rights, to his latest film, a look at the impact of secondary trauma of
teachers/first responders/firefighters/police, Rodney’s passion for music and film is followed
closely by his love of civics, history, and politics. As a lifelong creator of political music he
always wished there was an outlet for contemporary political art. He and David Heitler-Klevans
are the perfect team to bring political music to the public.
Singer/songwriter Paulina Earthsong (Pauline Houston McCall) is a consummate activist.
"Music is another beautiful way of speaking to the world." Pauline is 1/2 of the duo Spiritual
Thunder, a powerhouse freak/folk/blues duo that connects us to the soul, through their
thunderous vibrations. From the wailing raw vocals of Pauline Houston McCall reminiscent of
Janis Joplin and Mahaliah Jackson to the fiery guitar work of Robb McCall, Spiritual Thunder is
a soul-shaking redemption. Pauline is the founder of highly interactive children's music and
movement program "Puddle Jumpers", and is also co-founder of Raising Music.
MC/Poet/Songwriter Kuf Knotz and classically trained Harpist/Guitarist/Pianist/Vocalist Christine
Elise have combined forces to create positive,forward-thinking music driven by a strong message.
Both foster community growth through musical expression and offer motivational creative arts
workshops and performances at hospitals, schools and community centers. Their mission is to use
the power of music, personal experience and empathetic relation to help individuals grow to meet
their fullest potential. Christine has a passion for community music therapy, and has facilitated
group sessions in the USA, South Africa, Peru and Jamaica. Kuf is one of today’s fastest emerging
alternative artists who has opened for The Roots, Common, Arrested Development, Josh Ritter,
and Bruce Springsteen. In addition to his musical talent, Kuf has a passion for supporting the
community by participating in food and clothing drives, cancer benefits, and disaster reliefs.
Voices Rising Philly (VRP) is a group founded and led by Jane Hulting, Music Director at the
Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration in Mt. Airy and former director of Anna Crusis
Women's Choir. VRP was formed in reaction against the results of the 2016 election, to sing at
rallies, marches, vigils, protests and other political events. VRP is a chorus with members from a
wide range of singing experience who share a belief in the power of music to affect social
change. VRP continues the musical traditions of the Labor and Civil Rights movements,
combining music from the past with contemporary songs of struggle and resistance. The group
has an overall membership of around 400 singers, with flexible participation at various events in
the Philadelphia area.
DOORS OPEN AT 7:30
CONCERT STARTS AT 8:00
DONATION: (Sliding Scale) $11-40*
FOR CHILDCARE, PLEASE PHONE (215) 848-6246; RESERVE BY FEBRUARY 4
*HALF PRICE FOR NO-WAGE OR LOW-WAGE FOLKS
Visit https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk or “The Folk Factory” facebook page
(Like it if you do to receive notifications!) or www.folkfactory.org, or email polson@igc.org, or
call 215-848-6246 for information about advance tickets.
The concert is wheelchair accessible, as are all Folk Factory events!
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