Deer Scout, The Naked Sun, Tin Bird Choir and more are among 30+ locals added to Philadelphia Folk Fest

By Mariah Hall

May 25, 2018

11:05 AM

As the 57th annual Philadelphia Folk Festival finalizes its lineup, over 30 local and regional artists were added to the bill, among them Bethlehem & Sad Patrick, deer scout, Deb Callahan, The Naked Sun and Tin Bird Choir.

Bethlehem & Sad Patrick is a Germantown-based duo that blends elements of soul, jazz and blues in a minimalistic mix of soaring vocals, spoken word, solitary guitar strums and hand and foot percussion.

Fronted by Brooklyn-based, Philly-rooted Dena Miller, deer scout’s last original release was the technicolor, electro-pop “sad boy” in 2017. In March 2018 Miller teamed up with Hayden Arp to record a couple of acoustic cover songs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceziEe0eTAo

The Naked Sun, a South Philadelphia folk rock band, released their debut album War With Shadows earlier this year. The record crosses genres, incorporating an alternative country vibe while maintaining the aesthetic of more traditional rock songs.

And perennial Chester County barn rock band Tin Bird Choir returned in April with their latest single “Hide My Heart,” a vulnerable and melodic soundtrack-ready tune that sticks in your ears.

In addition, WXPN Local co-host Helen Leicht announced her annual Philly Local Stage on Saturday Afternoon, this year featuring rapper Kuf Knotz joined by harpist Christine Elise, as well as singer-songwriters Jason Reed, Matt Santry, and Porter & Sayles. In addition, Kathy O’Connell from XPN’s Kids Corner will host a set by Trout Fishing in America, along with Johnny Shortcake, the kids’ music project of local satirical lounge singer Johnny Showcase. They join their XPN peer David Dye, host emeritus of World Café, who kicks the festival off with a Thursday night campground performance featuring Gina Chavez, Talisk, and Toronzo Canyon.

The Philadelphia Folk Fetsival takes place August 16th to 19th in Upper Salford, Pennsylvania; the major headliners this year are Patty Griffin, Valerie June, and Wynonna & The Big Noise, a booking that organizers hope will signal an improved push for representation of women in the Folk community.

For a full list of bands added to the lineup see below; tickets and more information can be found at the Folk Fest website.

Aaron Nathans & Michael G. Rondstadt
Ami Yares
April Mae & The June Bugs
Bethlehem & Sad Patrick
Black Horse Motel
Boulevard Express
Brittany Ann Tranbaugh
Butter Queen Sister
Christopher Davis-Shannon
The Cornerstones
Deb Callahan
deer scout
DK and the Joy Machine
The Dukes of Destiny
Earth Radio
The Gene Smith Band
Glengesh
j solomon
Jason Ager and the Golden Eagles
The Jayplayers
Jersey Corn Pickers
John Beacher
The John Byrne Band
Kicking Down Doors
Marion Halliday & Trickster Sister
Meghan Cary with Analog Gypsies
Midwestern Exposure
The Naked Sun
Norman Taylor
Orion Freeman
Poor Man’s Gambit
Rachel Eve
Rare Spirits
Rob Curto’s Forró For All
Scott Wolfson and Other Heroes
Tin Bird Choir
Todd Fausnacht
Whirled Music
Charlie Miller & Bob Beach
David C. Perry
Jason Reed Band
Johnny Shortcake
Julia Brandenburger
Kathy O’Connell
Kuf Knotz Band Ft. harpist Christine Elise
Matt Santry
Matt the Electrician
Michael Braunfeld
North Star Puppets
Porter & Sayles
Rev. TJ McGlinchey
Rich Meyers & Scott Rovner
Texas Rose Band
Tom West