Smiling Banjo: A Half Century of Love & Music at the Philadelphia Folk Festival

The longest-running folk festival in America, with over 800 photos from 1962 to today, features 825 performers and bands, including Jackson Browne, Roseanne Cash, Judy Collins, Ani DiFranco, Steve Earle, Arlo Guthrie, Janis Ian, Odetta, the Tuva Throat Singers, and Doc Watson. It offers a unique and creative atmosphere, with traditions like campground compounds, Dulcimer Grove hammocks, and kids' activities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2018
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd

The National Folk Festival is a beloved and enduring event that has been held annually in the United States for over 55 years. It attracts tens of thousands of people each August and is the longest continually running folk festival in America. These pages capture the beloved, creatively charged atmosphere of the festival, featuring over 800 photos from 1962 to today. The festival has featured over 825 performers and bands, including Jackson Browne, Roseanne Cash, Judy Collins, Ani DiFranco, Steve Earle, Arlo Guthrie, Janis Ian, Odetta, the Tuva Throat Singers, and Doc Watson.

The festival began in 1962 and has since become a cherished tradition for many. It offers a unique and unforgettable experience, with creatively constructed campground compounds, Dulcimer Grove hammocks, and kids activities. The origins of the "Smiling Banjo" logo are also explored, adding to the festival's rich history. Whether you are a regular or have never visited before, the National Folk Festival is a must-attend event that will leave you with lasting memories.

One of the most unique aspects of the National Folk Festival is its atmosphere. The festival grounds are filled with music, laughter, and joy, creating a sense of community and belonging. The performers and bands are passionate about their music and their craft, and they bring their unique styles and talents to the stage. The festival also features a variety of workshops and demonstrations, allowing attendees to learn more about the various folk traditions and skills.

One of the most memorable experiences at the National Folk Festival is the campground compounds. These compounds are designed to be a home away from home for attendees, and they offer a variety of amenities, including showers, restrooms, and food vendors. The compounds are also a great place to meet new people and make friends.

Another unique aspect of the National Folk Festival is the Dulcimer Grove hammocks. These hammocks are located in a beautiful grove of trees and offer a peaceful and relaxing environment for attendees to unwind and enjoy the music. The hammocks are also a great place to take a nap or read a book.

The kids activities at the National Folk Festival are also a highlight. These activities are designed to be fun and educational for children of all ages, and they include a variety of games, crafts, and performances. The kids activities are also a great way for families to spend time together and create lasting memories.

The origins of the "Smiling Banjo" logo are also explored at the National Folk Festival. The logo was designed by a local artist and has become a symbol of the festival. The artist was inspired by the joy and happiness that the festival brings to attendees, and he wanted to create a logo that would reflect that.

In addition to the music and activities, the National Folk Festival also features a variety of food vendors. These vendors offer a variety of delicious foods, including barbecue, pizza, and ice cream. The food vendors are also a great place to meet new people and try new foods.

The National Folk Festival is also a great way to support local businesses. Many of the vendors at the festival are local businesses, and they rely on the festival to bring in customers. By attending the festival, you can help support these businesses and keep them in operation.

Despite its popularity, the National Folk Festival has faced some challenges over the years. One of the biggest challenges is the cost of attending the festival. The festival requires a significant amount of money to put on, and many attendees are unable to afford to attend. This has led to the festival being limited in size and scope.

To address this challenge, the festival has implemented a variety of strategies. One of the strategies is to offer free admission to children under the age of 12. This has helped to increase the number of children who attend the festival, and it has also helped to make the festival more accessible to families.

Another strategy is to offer a variety of ticket options. The festival offers a variety of ticket options, including single-day tickets, weekend tickets, and VIP tickets. The VIP tickets offer access to exclusive areas of the festival, including the VIP tent and the VIP lounge.

In addition to the ticket options, the festival also offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. Volunteers are essential to the success of the festival, and they help to ensure that the festival runs smoothly. Volunteers can help with everything from setting up the campground compounds to selling tickets.

Despite the challenges that the National Folk Festival has faced, it has continued to grow and thrive. The festival has attracted a wide range of attendees, including people from all over the United States and from around the world. The festival has also been recognized for its contributions to the folk music community.

In conclusion, the National Folk Festival is a beloved and enduring event that has been held annually in the United States for over 55 years. It attracts tens of thousands of people each August and is the longest continually running folk festival in America. The festival features over 800 photos from 1962 to today, and it has featured over 825 performers and bands. The festival offers a unique and unforgettable experience, with creatively constructed campground compounds, Dulcimer Grove hammocks, and kids activities. The origins of the "Smiling Banjo" logo are also explored, adding to the festival's rich history. Whether you are a regular or have never visited before, the National Folk Festival is a must-attend event that will leave you with lasting memories.

Weight: 1808g
Dimension: 246 x 315 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780764353727