The Philadelphia Folk Festival celebrated its 54th year last weekend in Upper Salford Township. In true folk fest style, some 80 musical acts brought world-class talent (both new and familiar) to this otherwise quiet rural community.

        Unlike most Philly Folk Fests in the past, festival-goers were able to trade in their raincoats for parasols, as warm, sunny weather prevailed for four days and nights. Any veteran attendee will tell you that a rain-free fest is truly a blessing.

        By way of pure serendipity, this year's event coincided with the Perseid meteor showers. While shooting stars in the night sky made for a nice backdrop, it was the star-studded main stage that brought some 20,000 music lovers back to the Old Poole Farm.

        Friday night's concert got things rolling in style with a veritable mixed bag of musical acts. Opener Selwyn Birchwood played a brand of blues rock that quickly grabbed the audience's ear. Other acts included two up and-coming performers, singer-songwriter Parker Milsap and alt-rocker Shakey Graves. As enjoyable as each of their sets were, most of the crowd was there for headliner Arlo Guthrie. Currently on his "Alice's Restaurant 50th Anniversary Tour," his keen memory and quick wit are as sharp as ever.  Always the consummate storyteller, his performance here did not disappoint. Performing without a backup band, he had the crowd's attention from start to finish.  His set was highlighted by fan favorite "Alice's Restaurant." No matter how many times you have heard the song, it gets funnier (and more convoluted) with each telling. 

        The Saturday night show was again another beauty. It encompassed everything from high energy rock-a-billy (The HillBenders) to old time gospel (the Lee Boys) and old school folk (veteran singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn). Once again, folks stayed around for the evening's headliner, Lyle Lovett and His Large Band. His western swing show featured some 15 musicians, including a five-piece horn section. The advance hype of his folk-fest debut was not in vain, as folks young and old were up and dancing.

        Sunday's concert wrapped up the musical program on a fast paced and upbeat note. Young upstarts El Caribefunk from Colombia had people up and dancing like we have not seen in years. Their unique fusion of salsa, reggae and Caribbean music is truly remarkable. No matter that the lyrics were in Spanish, their set reminded us all that music truly is the universal language. For many attendees, the high point of the night was local Philly fan favorite, Hoots and Hellmouth. We first heard these guys here in 2006 when their unabashed  foot-stomping approach to rock and blues took folks by storm. Their sound has since matured into some of the most rhythmic, heartfelt and beautiful music on the Americana scene today.  We are probably not alone in feeling truly proud that they are local Delaware Valley natives.  

        With all the musical talent performing for four days on eight different stages, Philly Folk Fest has so much more to offer attendees. Handmade and hard-to-find items ranging from local honey to fine art and leather goods can be purchased in the craft bazaar.  Over 50 merchants were on hand this year, probably a folk fest record.

        Our favorite must stop shopping is at the Philadelphia Folk Song Society sales tent. Here music lovers can purchase festival clothing and merchandise, along with CDs by all the performers.              

        Most acts do a CD signing immediately after their shows. What could be better than shaking hands with some of your favorite performers and taking home some of their music?

        Food sales are another integral aspect of the Folk Fest. Ten food vending tents offer everything from pizza and hamburgers to Japanese, Mexican and vegetarian fare.

        For some 6,500 festival-goers (including our family), the festival campgrounds become "home" each August. Here folks of all ages inhabit group campsites with such imaginative names as "SpamHogs," "Merry Hoopsters" and "Arabian Nights." Hanging out with some of your closest friends and hearing impromptu late-night jam sessions are the main reason some people camp here year after year.  

        For all of the expected things that happen at fest, sometimes it is the little surprises that make this place so special. Our campground neighbor Cara Yahrling of Pine Hill, New Jersey got one big surprise when her longtime boyfriend Dave Brown asked for her hand in marriage before roughly 50 delighted onlookers. When asked, "Why here at folk fest?" he replied, "I couldn't think of a better place to do something this big." She accepted, by the way.

        With four days of sunshine, music, food and friends, folk fest means different things to different people.  For us, it's about sharing folk fest together and watching our daughter grow up here over the last 18 years.  More importantly, it is knowing that wherever life takes her, this will always be her second home, as it has been for so many kids before.  We hope to see you all next year down at the Old Poole Farm.