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, October 27, 3:00pm
Jazz Vespers with Phyllis Chapell
Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk
Join us for Jazz Vespers, featuring Phyllis Chapell on vocals and guitar, with Dave Posmontier on piano and Dave Brodie on bass!
SUNDAY, November 3, 7:30pm
Concert by Emma's Revolution
(Pat Humphries & Sandy O)!
Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk
South African musician, music therapist and humanitarian Sharon Katz was born in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) during the Apartheid era and began her anti-Apartheid activism as a teenager. In the decades since, she has used her music for social activism around the world, was recorded by Sting, and received the Phil Ochs “Music for Political and Social Change” award. Sharon and her band of phenomenal musicians are delighted to perform in Philadelphia on June 30th after their appearance at Old Songs with Roots Festival.
After Mandela’s election, Sharon Katz & The Peace Train became the country’s first musical ambassadors of the new democracy. Their USA tours have included performances for The Getty in LA, Disney World, Duke Ellington Center for the Performing Arts, the Smithsonian in DC,
the New Orleans Jazz Festival, Philadelphia Folk Festival; & Carnegie Hall World Music Concerts and they have been featured at numerous clubs, universities and festivals throughout the country.
Sharon performed with the legendary South African singer Miriam Makeba and featured on Sting’s Carnival! album with Elton John, Tina Turner, Annie Lennox, Ruben Blades, and Pavarotti. Grammy award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo also joined Sharon on The Peace Train. Several of Sharon’s albums have featured on the Grammy ballot for Best World Music including Imbizo, Side-By-Side and We Can Be The Change and her most recent 2023 release “For You”.
In 2015, the documentary film “When Voices Meet” about Sharon’s music and humanitarian work with The Peace Train project was released. Through archival footage and the 20-year retrospective words of the original choir members, musicians, and other South African personalities, this critically acclaimed documentary went on to receive numerous awards at over 30 film festivals around the world. It has been shown on TV in over 50 countries and is now available on Amazon Prime, YouTube and DVD.
Continuing her reputation of “converting gang members into band members,” Sharon is currently practicing music therapy in the border region between San Diego and Tijuana where she has been forming choirs and teaching music to youth in some of the most gang- and drug-infested areas. She’s also been working in shelters for migrant children and families, a safe house for girls rescued from trafficking, and a program for survivors of torture.
Concert by Emma's Revolution
(Pat Humphries & Sandy O)!
Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk
South African musician, music therapist and humanitarian Sharon Katz was born in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) during the Apartheid era and began her anti-Apartheid activism as a teenager. In the decades since, she has used her music for social activism around the world, was recorded by Sting, and received the Phil Ochs “Music for Political and Social Change” award. Sharon and her band of phenomenal musicians are delighted to perform in Philadelphia on June 30th after their appearance at Old Songs with Roots Festival.
After Mandela’s election, Sharon Katz & The Peace Train became the country’s first musical ambassadors of the new democracy. Their USA tours have included performances for The Getty in LA, Disney World, Duke Ellington Center for the Performing Arts, the Smithsonian in DC,
the New Orleans Jazz Festival, Philadelphia Folk Festival; & Carnegie Hall World Music Concerts and they have been featured at numerous clubs, universities and festivals throughout the country.
Sharon performed with the legendary South African singer Miriam Makeba and featured on Sting’s Carnival! album with Elton John, Tina Turner, Annie Lennox, Ruben Blades, and Pavarotti. Grammy award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo also joined Sharon on The Peace Train. Several of Sharon’s albums have featured on the Grammy ballot for Best World Music including Imbizo, Side-By-Side and We Can Be The Change and her most recent 2023 release “For You”.
In 2015, the documentary film “When Voices Meet” about Sharon’s music and humanitarian work with The Peace Train project was released. Through archival footage and the 20-year retrospective words of the original choir members, musicians, and other South African personalities, this critically acclaimed documentary went on to receive numerous awards at over 30 film festivals around the world. It has been shown on TV in over 50 countries and is now available on Amazon Prime, YouTube and DVD.
Continuing her reputation of “converting gang members into band members,” Sharon is currently practicing music therapy in the border region between San Diego and Tijuana where she has been forming choirs and teaching music to youth in some of the most gang- and drug-infested areas. She’s also been working in shelters for migrant children and families, a safe house for girls rescued from trafficking, and a program for survivors of torture.
SATURDAY, June 8, 7:30pm
Two of a Kind Album Release Concert!
Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk
Two of a Kind is the husband-wife duo of David & Jenny Heitler-Klevans. Best known for their music for children and families, David & Jenny bring a similarly eclectic repertoire and engaging manner to “grown-up” audiences, with an emphasis on vocal harmonies and social justice themes. This concert will be a special celebration of the release of their new album for adults, Let the Light In. David & Jenny will be joined by Ari Heitler-Klevans, Dave Posmontier, Mariah Leontopoulou-Cochran, Linda Glazerman Roeder, Roy Braverman, and other special guests!
Two of a Kind Album Release Concert!
Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk
Two of a Kind is the husband-wife duo of David & Jenny Heitler-Klevans. Best known for their music for children and families, David & Jenny bring a similarly eclectic repertoire and engaging manner to “grown-up” audiences, with an emphasis on vocal harmonies and social justice themes. This concert will be a special celebration of the release of their new album for adults, Let the Light In. David & Jenny will be joined by Ari Heitler-Klevans, Dave Posmontier, Mariah Leontopoulou-Cochran, Linda Glazerman Roeder, Roy Braverman, and other special guests!
SUNDAY, May 19, 7:30pm
People's Choice Concert!
Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk
Come hear the top vote-getters from this season's People's Choice Open Stages! Note: Wayne Dunlap was also a winner this year, but was not available for the concert date.
Jamie the Optimist aka Jamie Polson, is a rapper, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, hailing from Northwest Philadelphia. He is a graduate of Ursinus College and started writing songs when he was 10 years old. He has released 4 albums and an EP since 2020, spanning folk, hip-hop, EDM, and other styles, including “Lost and Found” and (just released last month) “Music is Magic”. His creative music draws on influences from Bright Eyes, The Decemberists, the Mountain Goats, The Oh Hellos, Sufjan Stevens, Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Lawrence, and Bill Withers. Check out Jamie the Optimist on his YouTube channel and all other streaming services!
Karen "Magic Fingaz" Smith, Brooklyn Native, Philly Resident, is a Professional Percussionist, Playwright, Poet, Director, Teaching Artist, Curator and now a member of the Philadelphia Musician’s Union Local 77 ! Karen is a recipient of several grants including Leeway Foundation's Art & Change and Illuminate the Arts Grants, and she received a Pew Fellowship from The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage in 2023. Ms. Smith is the Founder, Artistic Director and Lead Percussionist of The Karen Smith Experience (formerly called Weez the Peeples) and Sistahs Laying Down Hands collectives. "Collaborations are the essence of my creative Journey … Truly One Nation Under a Drumbeat! Possible is Possible is my daily mantra.”
Raised by Quaker camp directors, John Braxton started singing folk songs around the campfire in the 1950s, and he has been singing ever since. A peace activist jailed for draft refusal, a labor leader in the 1997 UPS strike and at Community College of Philadelphia, and an organizer for climate justice, John sings songs reflecting all of those struggles for a better world, including in his repertoire songs by Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Pat Humphries, Joe Jencks, Magpie, John McCutcheon, and Steve Earle. Borrowing from Woody Guthrie, who said “I steal from everybody”, John often changes the words of older songs to reflect today’s struggles, and to include a sense of hope that justice, peace, and harmony with the natural world are not just to be dreamed of, but can be attained.
Wes Powers is a Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter. He plays piano, guitar, dulcimer, and a little banjo (unless he's bribed not to!). His music is a unique blend of traditional, contemporary, and original folk music, covering a variety of subjects and moods. He is known for his humorous and oddly light-hearted songs, but also writes heartfelt emotional ones. His songs deal with unique subjects, ranging from murdering chickens to geography lessons to malfunctioning spaceships. He can make you laugh with one song and cry with the next.
Brian J. MacSeain is a singer-songwriter based out of Lansdale, PA. His style draws from both the American and Irish folk traditions with some country blues and originals thrown in for good measure. You can find his music at https://www.reverbnation.com/brianmacseain.
People's Choice Concert!
Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk
Come hear the top vote-getters from this season's People's Choice Open Stages! Note: Wayne Dunlap was also a winner this year, but was not available for the concert date.
Jamie the Optimist aka Jamie Polson, is a rapper, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, hailing from Northwest Philadelphia. He is a graduate of Ursinus College and started writing songs when he was 10 years old. He has released 4 albums and an EP since 2020, spanning folk, hip-hop, EDM, and other styles, including “Lost and Found” and (just released last month) “Music is Magic”. His creative music draws on influences from Bright Eyes, The Decemberists, the Mountain Goats, The Oh Hellos, Sufjan Stevens, Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Lawrence, and Bill Withers. Check out Jamie the Optimist on his YouTube channel and all other streaming services!
Karen "Magic Fingaz" Smith, Brooklyn Native, Philly Resident, is a Professional Percussionist, Playwright, Poet, Director, Teaching Artist, Curator and now a member of the Philadelphia Musician’s Union Local 77 ! Karen is a recipient of several grants including Leeway Foundation's Art & Change and Illuminate the Arts Grants, and she received a Pew Fellowship from The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage in 2023. Ms. Smith is the Founder, Artistic Director and Lead Percussionist of The Karen Smith Experience (formerly called Weez the Peeples) and Sistahs Laying Down Hands collectives. "Collaborations are the essence of my creative Journey … Truly One Nation Under a Drumbeat! Possible is Possible is my daily mantra.”
Raised by Quaker camp directors, John Braxton started singing folk songs around the campfire in the 1950s, and he has been singing ever since. A peace activist jailed for draft refusal, a labor leader in the 1997 UPS strike and at Community College of Philadelphia, and an organizer for climate justice, John sings songs reflecting all of those struggles for a better world, including in his repertoire songs by Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Pat Humphries, Joe Jencks, Magpie, John McCutcheon, and Steve Earle. Borrowing from Woody Guthrie, who said “I steal from everybody”, John often changes the words of older songs to reflect today’s struggles, and to include a sense of hope that justice, peace, and harmony with the natural world are not just to be dreamed of, but can be attained.
Wes Powers is a Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter. He plays piano, guitar, dulcimer, and a little banjo (unless he's bribed not to!). His music is a unique blend of traditional, contemporary, and original folk music, covering a variety of subjects and moods. He is known for his humorous and oddly light-hearted songs, but also writes heartfelt emotional ones. His songs deal with unique subjects, ranging from murdering chickens to geography lessons to malfunctioning spaceships. He can make you laugh with one song and cry with the next.
Brian J. MacSeain is a singer-songwriter based out of Lansdale, PA. His style draws from both the American and Irish folk traditions with some country blues and originals thrown in for good measure. You can find his music at https://www.reverbnation.com/brianmacseain.
SUNDAY, April 14, 3:30pm
Jazz Vespers with Greg Moore & Actual Proof
Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk
Come experience Jazz Vespers with Greg Moore and Actual Proof, featuring Bobby Zankel on Alto Sax, Greg Moore on Congas, Jim Holton on Piano, Richard Hill on Bass, and Eric Gravatt on Drums.
Jazz Vespers with Greg Moore & Actual Proof
Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk
Come experience Jazz Vespers with Greg Moore and Actual Proof, featuring Bobby Zankel on Alto Sax, Greg Moore on Congas, Jim Holton on Piano, Richard Hill on Bass, and Eric Gravatt on Drums.
SUNDAY, January 7, 7:00pm
Concert by Joe Jencks and Zoe Mulford!
Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk
Joe Jencks and Zoe Mulford are both acclaimed songwriters with roots in the folk music of North America and the British Isles. Each has a distinctive voice, but they have in common a love of strong and compassionate storytelling. In a rare joint appearance, these two accomplished solo performers share the stage, adding harmonies and creating a conversation that draws the audience into their long-standing musical friendship.
Zoe Mulford grew up in Swarthmore and returns periodically from her current home in the north of England. She backs her clear, luminous voice with guitar, banjo, or piano, conjuring a world in each tune. She is best known as the writer of The President Sang Amazing Grace, an account of the 2015 racist attach at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC. The song was covered by Joan Baez in 2018 and by Kronos Quartet in 2019, and was transformed by artist Jeff Scher into a video and a picture book.
www.zoemulford.com
Joe Jencks sings with a lyric baritone voice that has the edgy richness of a good sea-salt caramel. A 25-year veteran of the international Folk circuit, an award-winning songwriter and celebrated vocalist based in the Chicago area, Joe delivers engaged musical narratives filled with heart, soul, groove, and grit. Jencks is known for his music of social consciousness and has penned several #1 Folksongs including the ever-relevant Lady of The Harbor. He was a member of the acclaimed folk trio Brother Sun. Joe is also a dual US-Irish citizen and has served as a Cultural Ambassador with the U.S. State Department. www.joejencks.com
Jencks recently released his 17th recording, The Coming of the Years - an album that stands firmly in the modern Celtic traditions and is still quintessentially a Joe Jencks record imbued with class-consciousness. Centered around songs Jencks wrote while on tour in Ireland over a 12-year period, this album emerges as a synergistic blend of past and present merging with themes of immigration spanning multiple generations. Jencks’ 2017 CD Poets, Philosophers, Workers, and Wanderers earned #1 Artist, #1 Album, and #1 Song on the North American Folk DJ Chart as well as spending several weeks at #1 on the SIRIUS XM Americana Chart. From Carnegie Hall to Lincoln Center to Festivals across the US and Canada, Joe Jencks has become a fan favorite throughout North America and beyond.
FRIDAY, November 10, 2023, 8:00pm
David Roth Concert,
with Jamie the Optimist Opening!
Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk
David Roth's songs have found their way to Carnegie Hall, the United Nations, several Chicken Soup for the Soul books, the Kennedy Center, NASA’s Space Shuttle “Atlantis”, Peter, Paul, & Mary and Kingston Trio CDs (and 15 of his own), top honors at the Kerrville Folk Festival (TX), the Rise Up Singing and Rise Again songbooks, and countless venues in this and other countries (and now other WORLDS) for more than 3 decades. David is also Executive Director of SummerSongs, an annual songwriting/creativity camp that heads into its 26th year in the summer of 2024, so he is also a champion cheerleader in helping others find the song within. Poignant to improbable, holistic to hilarious, the Chicago native (these days living on Cape Cod) resumes his ongoing world tour with a rare appearance in Philadelphia. www.davidrothmusic.com
Jamie the Optimist, aka Jamie Polson, is a rapper, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, hailing from Northwest Philadelphia. He comes from a very musical household, and draws inspiration from the likes of: Pete Seeger, Sufjan Stevens, the decemberists, the mountain goats, childish Gambino, aminé, Tyler the Creator, Lawrence, Vulfpeck, KYLE, Marc rebillet, Reggie Watts, and flight of the Conchords. Jamie started writing songs when he was 10 on his ukulele and hasn't stopped since. His music has a certain infectious innocence to it that you can't help, but bob your head too. He released his debut album at the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic entitled "A Good Place to Start", a hip-hop inspired project. His sophomore album entitled "Lost and Found" was released in December of 2021, drawing more heavily on his folk influences. Jamie's third album was released in June of 2023 and it's called "Howl at the Moon". This project goes back to Jamie's early days as a predominantly hip-hop based album. Jamie's goal is to eventually tour the world and to collaborate with many of his favorite artists. With his optimism, creativity, and positivity, it seems there is nothing standing in his way from accomplishing his goals.
SATURDAY, September 30, 2023, 8:00pm
Jill Salkin & Dave Posmontier!
Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk
Jill Salkin is a Philadelphia based singer and songwriter. Her earliest music influences include Motown, Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, and Steely Dan. Writing poetry at age 14 led to songwriting and performing, accompanying herself on piano and guitar. Her music studies at Temple University gave Jill the opportunity to be a member of the jazz vocal ensemble, where she found the joy of scat singing and being a concert soloist. At this time, she was also the lead singer with a band that played original songs, and those of artists such as Joni Mitchell and Linda Ronstadt.
Jill has released three CDs. The first is a compilation of her original compositions. Her second CD is a mix of jazz standards and some favorite songs of that genre. The latest CD is a mix of jazz, original songs, and some classic pop. Jill’s music has been heard on various radio stations, including her channel on Pandora Radio. She continues to reach new listeners through her local engagements. For more details, see her website at JillSalkin.com .
Dave Posmontier has been playing piano since the age of 7 and gigging since the age of 12. A pianist, organist, composer, arranger and teacher, he has performed and recorded with many jazz artists including James Moody, Chris Potter, Grover Washington Jr. and Johnny Hartman. Dave has 2 recent CDs to his name as well as a vinyl LP of his original compositions recorded back in the day in 1984. In celebration of its 100th birthday in 2007, the renowned Settlement Music School honored 100 alumni who have made a difference in the world of music. Dave and his brother Rich were chosen to receive this honor. Dave has played numerous times in our Sanctuary as part of Sunday services and other special events.
SUNDAY, June 11, 2023, 7:30pm
People's Choice Concert!
Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk
John Braxton
Raised by Quaker camp directors, John Braxton started singing folk songs around the campfire in the 1950s, and he has been singing ever since. A peace activist jailed for draft refusal, a labor leader in the 1997 UPS strike and at Community College of Philadelphia, and an organizer for climate justice, John sings songs reflecting all of those struggles for a better world, including in his repertoire songs by Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Pat Humphries, Joe Jencks, Magpie, John McCutcheon, and Steve Earle. Borrowing from Woody Guthrie, who said “I steal from everybody”, John often changes the words of older songs to reflect today’s struggles, and to include a sense of hope that justice, peace, and harmony with the natural world are not just to be dreamed of, but can be attained.
Tony Berardi
Tony Berardi is a self taught musician who considers himself, first and foremost, a songwriter. Inspired and influenced by the usual suspects (Joni, Jackson, etc.) his songs range from the autobiographical (Raining in Detroit) to fictional stories (After Beggars Ball) rooted in the personalities of real people. A Philadelphia resident since the early 70's he is just beginning to expose some of the many songs he has written over the course of his lifetime and has been pleasantly surprised and gratified by the initial response, and the opportunity to be part of the evening.
Harry Rothwell
Music of many kinds has enthralled Harry Rothwell from childhood and uplifted him through all subsequent phases of life, but it was the profoundly stirring sounds ringing out from the dormitory-room sound systems of college days that made him evermore devoted to folk music. It was the heyday of The Kingston Trio; Peter, Paul and Mary; Joan Baez; The Weavers; Odetta; and Harry Belafonte. Their singing not only lifted up many a beautiful melody, but also implored one’s very soul to overcome hatred, war – or any other crime of hurt and injustice. Such music can move us to foster a better world. He’s very likely to tell you, “This world still needs these songs (and newer ones of such fervor) very much – and we’ve got to keep them all going strong!”
Tina Korteland
Tina has been a musician for as long as they can remember. Starting with a guitar and drums while trying out any and everything they could get their hands on to try. Playing with friends has always been the best part of being a musician and she’s glad to have found yet another home within the Folk Factory.
Wayne Dunlap
Wayne Dunlap is an old folky from the 60s. His favorite artists are Peter, Paul & Mary followed by Ian & Sylvia. He always wanted to sing and play folk music, but had no voice until he was talked into joining his church choir. His small son went from putting his fingers in his ears to wanting Wayne to sing him to sleep. His son later wanted to get a guitar, so Wayne decided to get one too. Wayne sings with Roxborough Male Chorus.
Alice V. Fisher
“Teacher, student, folky, storyteller, poet - I like to use words to paint pictures of small, meaningful moments. Grew up in Villanova, settled in Audubon, PA. Wife to Chuck & mom to Dave and Tom. Thank you Bruce and Linda for all your great work.”
SATURDAY, February 20, 2023, 7:30pm
Concert by Reggie Harris!
Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk
Reggie Harris
Reggie Harris is a singer-songwriter, storyteller and world-renowned song-leader. A passionate, engaging, inspirational entertainer and concert artist, Reggie is recognized for focusing new energy on the important role of music in the movement toward inclusion and the struggle for human rights using the lessons of history as a base. As an expert on the music of the Underground Railroad and the Modern Civil Rights Movement, he is at home on stage as performer, lecturer or leading discussion in seminars or in the classroom. Known for over 40 years as one-half of the prominent duo, Kim & Reggie Harris, Reggie continues to criss-cross the country, carrying the message of joy, unity, tolerance and peace through the powerful medium of live music.
Growing up as a low-income African-American kid in Philadelphia, Reggie Harris never dreamed that he would someday travel the country as a folk musician, educator, cultural ambassador and civil rights advocate with a mission to heal the racial divide. As he shared his songs, stories and experiences with audiences across the country, a common refrain was, “Reggie, you should write a book.” Well, now he has! With the help of author Linda Hansell, Reggie has written a memoir portraying his unique spiritual, emotional, and physical journey as a Black performer and champion for justice on the road for 42 years. Reggie shares powerful stories and anecdotes that are by turns humorous, eye-opening, and deeply moving.
SATURDAY, January 7, 2023, 7:30pm
Concert by Sistahs Laying Down Hands Collective, with Karen Smith, Tamara Anderson, and Mariama O'Brien
Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk
Sistahs Laying Down Hands Collective
Sistahs Laying Down Hands Collective began its creative journey in 2014 and the musical journey has allowed for many artists to come thru and share their gifts. Poetry, Songs, Dance, Drumming has been the ingredients for our purpose and also sharing stories about our rich culture. Artistic Director/Lead Percussionist and Founder, Karen Smith has managed to lead this group to many musical venues including the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, The Dell, many of the Free Libraries, The Barnes, African American Museum of Philadelphia, schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, hospitals and traveling along the Gulf Coast. Bookings @ karensmithdrums.com .
This Collective performance will include Mariama O’Brien on drums, and Tamara Anderson. Tamara Della Anderson is a multi-talented producer, activist, singer, actor, writer, and director. Her production and direction credits include a film short, Dating Chronicles. Check out new projects at her production company, The Gumbo Lab. She is the curator of the BIPOC Database and Resource Guide for BIPOC, Latinx, and AAPI creatives to connect with available projects.
SATURDAY, October 8, 2022, 7:30pm
Two of a Kind (David & Jenny Heitler-Klevans/grownup material) and Anam Owili-Eger Concert!
Tickets: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=folk
Two of a Kind
Two of a Kind is the husband-wife duo of David & Jenny Heitler-Klevans. Best known for their music for children and families, David & Jenny bring a similarly eclectic repertoire and engaging manner to “grown-up” audiences. Their harmonies blend seamlessly, with David’s dynamic guitar work and Jenny’s varied use of percussion resulting in a compelling performance. Picking songs that are both personal and political, they bring their audiences humor and thoughtful contemplation. David & Jenny do their own well-crafted songs as well as songs by the likes of Greg Brown, Rick Burkhardt, Melanie DeMore, Dido, John Prine, and Peggy Seeger. In 2018, they released Lead With Love, their first CD for adults since 1992. Two of a Kind’s combination of original songs and well-chosen covers will touch your heart, tickle your funny bone, and give you hope in these difficult times. Two of a Kind performs for adults at concert series, festivals, protests, coffeehouses, libraries, house concerts, senior centers and special events. Two of a Kind has shared the stage with artists such as Pete Seeger, Peter, Paul & Mary, Charlie King, Pat Humphries, disappear fear and Kim & Reggie Harris. "They are very talented entertainers, sweet and funny, very political, sometimes corny, occasionally snarky, and always fun to be around." - Jay Mankita
Anam Owili-Eger
"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.
SATURDAY, April 24, 2021, 8:00pm
Charlie King & Elise Bryant Concert!
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
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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