Smiling Banjo

A chronicle of 55 years of Philadelphia Folk Festival,the longest continually running folk festival in America, and its musical heritage, featuring over 800 photos of musical greats fromJoni Mitchell to Pete Seeger, Taj Mahal to Bonnie Raitt.

Attended by tens of thousands of people each August, the Philadelphia Folk Festival is the longest continually running folk festival in America. These pages capture 55 years of its beloved, creatively charged atmosphere. Over 800 photos from 1962 to today feature the more than 825 performers and bands who have taken the stage, including Jackson Browne, Roseanne Cash, Judy Collins, Ani DiFranco, Steve Earle, Arlo Guthrie, Janis Ian, Odetta, the Tuva Throat Singers, and Doc Watson.

Enjoy stories of how the festival began, and the unusual and unique experiences that seem to transpire only at Festival. Revisit traditions like the creatively-constructed campground compounds, the Dulcimer Grove hammocks and kids’ activities, and the origins of the Smiling Banjo logo. Whether you are a regular or haven’t visited yet, learn why so many say of the Fest, “This is my home.”[AuthorName]By Eric L. Ring and John Lupton and Contributions by Jayne Toohey[/AuthorName][AuthorBio]Eric Ring has volunteered at the festival for over 20 years. John Lupton, a noted writer and radio host, has regularly attended the festival. Photo editor Jayne Toohey is a well-known folk music photographer who has photographed the festival for over 30 years.[/AuthorBio][NumIllustration]809 color & b/w images[/NumIllustration][CoAuthor][/CoAuthor][SubTitle]A Half Century of Love & Music at the Philadelphia Folk Festival[/SubTitle][ColorPattern]809 color & b/w images[/ColorPattern]