Welcome to the official site of the AmeriServ Johnstown FolkFest - one of the best free music festivals in the nation! Produced by the Johnstown Area Heritage Association, the FolkFest features more than 70 hours of free music over Labor Day weekend. Celebrating the 11th anniversary of AmeriServ's title sponsorship of the festival!

Labor Day weekend, August 31, September 1, September 2, 2007 -- Johnstown, Pennsylvania

2007 Performers
The AmeriServ Johnstown FolkFest showcases American music in all its glorious varieties -- from blues to zydeco and everything in between. What's more, it's free! The following performers played FolkFest 2007; check back often for the announcement of the 2008 lineup, which will occur by late winter. Visit the FolkFest News and the FolkFest's MySpace page for the latest on the festival.
A.J. Croce -- Son of the late, great 1970s star Jim Croce, A.J. Croce has been called "one of our greatest young singer-songwriters" by Rolling Stone. His music is so eclectic that his first five CDs debuted on five different charts -- Americana, blues, AAA (adult alternative album), jazz, and college radio. What's more, his single "Don't Let Me Down" was the only song released on an independent label to crack the U.S. Top 40 in 2006. He has performed and/or recorded with Lyle Lovett, Ray Charles, Bruce Hornsby, Ben Harper, Santana, Willie Nelson and Aretha Franklin, and has numerous TV appearances to his credit - Letterman, Leno and Conan among them. Sponsor: 1st Summit Bank.
The Tossers -- The Tossers emerged in the early 90s with their own brew of Celtic music fueled by a love of traditional folk songs and punk rock fury. Using traditional instrumentation comprised of mandolin, fiddle, tin whistle and banjo beefed up with guitar and drums, the seven-piece band plays with a furious edge that teeters between rage and raucousness. The majority of the band members grew up together on the South Side of Chicago, which has one of the largest populations of Irish Catholics this side of the Emerald Isle - and today they're a huge crowd favorite in Chicago and all over the country. Wrote one critic, "The Tossers are 100 percent true to their working-class roots by offering songs of passion combined with a well-rehearsed -- but always fresh -- instrumental assault." Sponsor: First Energy.
Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers -- Dwayne (Dopsie) Rubin has been described as a "zydeco powerhouse who plays high-energy zydeco at something approaching the speed of light." Dwayne is the son of the late, great "King of Zydeco," Rockin' Dopsie, and traveled the zydeco circuit with his family for years - in fact, they played FolkFest 1993. At age 19, Dwayne started his own band, and since has performed on CBS This Morning, The Travel Channel, Discovery, 20/20, Good Morning America and The Fox Television Network. Grounded in Dwayne's virtuoso accordion playing, "the band's sound is rounded out by a rub board, sax, drums and guitars, and they heat up Bourbon Street even on the chilliest of New Orleans nights." *FolkFest would like to thank Dwayne for allowing us to use his song, "Louisiana Beauty," as the soundtrack to our public service announcements on radio and TV. Sponsor: Laurel Management.
Slavic Soul Party -- The nastiest, nimblest, brashest brass band in New York City! Slavic Soul Party's nine members combine the musical traditions of their Gypsy, East European, Asian and Mexican immigrant backgrounds with American jazz and soul. The New York Times says they've "developed a reputation for delivering a great time." Raves Time Out, "The players have the muscle and know-how to make Balkan sounds crackle with NYC energy. . .we strongly recommend you witness it live and direct." Sponsor: MetLife
Eric Lindell Band -- "Stellar, sublime blue-eyed soul and romping New Orleans R&B, played at the same intersection of soul, blues and roots rock as Van Morrison," raves one critic about Eric Lindell. A favorite at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Lindell is accomplished on guitar, harmonica, keyboards and bass, and has performed with many of the Crescent City's top musicians. His live shows draw as much attention as his material - as one critic puts it, "Eric Lindell is poised for a breakout. He has turned heads everywhere he's gone, almost instantly becoming the talk of the town wherever his musical journey has taken him." Sponsor: Spence, Custer, Saylor, Wolfe & Rose.
Bill Kirchen and the Hammer of the Honky-Tonk Gods -- Raves one critic, "Bill Kirchen rules. It's just that simple. [His] no-nonsense diesel guitar attack, powered by great booming, bottom-heavy licks still covered with axle grease, is undoubtedly the real thing, scattering scorching guitar runs in all directions, it's all immediate, in your face and more than a little dangerous." The former guitarist for Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen, Kirchen has earned the title "Titan of the Telecaster." His 30-year career celebrates an American musical tradition where country music draws upon its origins in blues and bluegrass, rollicking rockabilly and the Western swing of Texas and California honky-tonks. A favorite at FolkFest 2004, Kirchen is known for his crowd-pleasing live shows. 96 Key, Froggy 95, Hot 92, Rocky 99, and News-Talk 990.
Tres Chicas -- Intricate harmonies with folk, country, soul, gospel and Celtic influences mark Tres Chicas, a supergroup fronted by three veterans of the alternative country scene. Raves Rolling Stone, "Tres Chicas are more than just friends - they're a sisterhood of song. When Caitlin Cary (ex-Whiskeytown), Tonya Lamm (ex-Hazeldine) and Lynn Blakey (Glory Fountain) bring their voices together, they convey sweet heartache and the world-weary acceptance that comes to insightful gals on the tall side of 30." Sponsor: Northwest Savings Bank.
Scott Miller & the Commonwealth -- Combining the emotional honesty and intelligence of a singer/songwriter with the swagger and enthusiasm of a rock-and-roller, Scott Miller first made a name for himself as guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter with the superb pop/rock band the V-Roys. Scott Miller & the Commonwealth's 2001 debut was named the "best roots-rock album of the year" by Billboard Magazine, and the band's only gotten better since. Writes one critic, "His songwriting drives like a Cadillac, equally adept at navigating blue highways and Civil War battlefields, with a knack for winding up in the parking lot of the nearest saloon." Sponsor: First Commonwealth.
James Talley -- Legendary music producer Jerry Wexler has told James Talley, "You remain for me one of America's greatest songwriters." Talley's 1975 debut album was Americana before the term was coined - in fact, respected music critic Chet Flippo calls Talley "the modern-day godfather of Americana music." Born in Oklahoma, Talley first began writing after encouragement from Pete Seeger, and has since been compared to Woody Guthrie, Merle Haggard and Bob Dylan. His songs, full of "Saturday nights, Sunday suits, honky-tonks and sweethearts," reflect a blue-collar, working man's ethic, and have been covered by artists as diverse as Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson and Moby. Sponsor: The Sargent's Group
Druha Trava -- "Druha Trava" means "second grass" in the band's native Czech language -- and they've been attracting fans all over the world with their unique take on bluegrass, a quintessentially American musical form. While they play instruments typically associated with bluegrass, their music incorporates elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, and rock. They have performed and/or recorded with such artists as Bela Fleck, Laurie Lewis, Ricky Skaggs and Peter Rowan, and have been featured on National Public Radio, A Prairie Home Companion and at major bluegrass festivals all over the United States. Sponsor: Bill Harris
Too Slim & the Taildraggers -- Straight whiskey blues with a Southern rock beer chaser! Based in Washington State, Too Slim & the Taildraggers has long had a rabid fan base in the Northwest that has become national and even international. The band tours relentlessly - upwards of 250 gigs per year - and their live sets are marked by blazing guitar solos and high-octane slide guitar. Notes one critic, "Too Slim & the Taildraggers are most certainly a blues band legend in the making -- once you catch their high-speed twangin' performance, you'll be convinced and converted! These boys are guaranteed to raise the roof." Their new album "Fortune Teller," which was released on an independent label, is currently #9 on the Billboard blues charts. Sponsor: Waste Management.
Last Train Home -- Last Train Home has been called "one of the country's most formidable roots rock bands." Named Washington DC's "Artist of the Year" in 2003, Last Train Home has since relocated to Nashville and is making big waves in Music City with its powerfully evocative roots-rock music. In fact, in 2005 The Tennessean raved, "Best Live Show of 2005: Tie between Neil Young at the Ryman and Last Train Home at the Family Wash." Part country, part rock, part blues, bluegrass and even a little Tin Pan Alley, the prolific band has released six CDs, played more than 1,000 shows and shows no sign of slowing down. Sponsor: JWF Industries.
Gigi Dover & Big Love -- Gigi Dover is a real breath of fresh air when she takes the stage to deliver the goods. Based in North Carolina, Gigi Dover & The Big Love blurs the lines of rock, rhythm & blues, country and jazz - with a Southern, soulful vein consistently running through the middle. Dover played FolkFests 1999 and 1997 with her former band, Rank Outsiders. Sponsor: CBIZ Insurance Services.
Bill Deasy -- According to All Music Guide, "Sensitive singer/songwriters are a dime a dozen, but really good ones are a rarity. Bill Deasy is the real deal. In a perfect world, you'd already know this." Deasy was the lead singer for the now-defunct Pittsburgh alternative rock band Gathering Field, which appeared at FolkFest 1997. As a solo artist, he has opened for Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Norah Jones; his songs have been recorded by a wide array of artists, including Kim Richey and Martina McBride. Sponsor: The Tribune-Democrat.
The Marauders -- Based in Altoona, the Marauders are known for their punk-influenced rockabilly with a modern flavor - with plenty of nods to rockabilly's 1950s roots. The three-piece band brings a hard-driving, blue-collar sensibility to their lyrics and live performances, and has built a major fan base regionally. A recent tour opening for the Brian Setzer Orchestra has earned the band many national fans as well. Sponsor: Tribune-Democrat.
McKay Brothers -- Fronted by fifth-generation Texans Noel and Hollin McKay, this band captures the elusive essence of Texas. With an intriguing mixture of lyrics in English and Spanish, their songs move from tender to humorous to satirical. The New York Times says, "Their authenticity is as welcome as a drive down a lonely road in a dusty pickup." Sponsor: Concurrent Technologies Corp.
Jimmy Sapienza & Five Guys Named Moe -- Since its inception, Jimmy Sapienza's Five Guys Named Moe have consistently delivered crowd-pleasing performances to a multitude of appreciative fans. Three of the five musicians are graduates of the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, and all are expert musicians who deliver jazz standards with consummate showmanship. Based in Pittsburgh, Jimmy Sapienza's Five Guys Named Moe were favorites at FolkFest 1994, 1998, and 1999. Sponsors: P.J Stevens & Milan Gjurich.
Grinning Mob -- Based in Western Pennsylvania, Grinning Mob has been relentlessly gigging for 10 years and last appeared at FolkFest 2005. They draw their sound from the foundations of rock -- from psychedelia, to alt-country twang to soul to progressive. With a fresh line-up and new instrumentation, they are rejuvenated and working on a third release with a newfound focus on songwriting. Sponsor: Cambria Hardware & Equipment Co.
Jimmy Adler -- Pittsburgh's own blues veteran, Jimmy Adler is noted for his special blend of Chicago blues and West coast jazzy jump, and stingingly sweet slide guitar work. One critic wrote, "Jimmy Adler has a sympathetic band and a tight set, incorporating T-Bone swing, swampy grooves, stinging slide, breakneck jump, hard Chicago shuffles, and four-to-the-bar jazz comping. . . guaranteed excitement for fans of straight-ahead blues guitar." Sponsor: Cool 101.7.
Jazz In Your Face -- A FolkFest perennial, Jazz In Your Face is a Johnstown-based group specializing in big-band music. This 17-member band has been entertaining audiences since 1988. Sponsors: P.J Stevens & Milan Gjurich.
Jennifer Drummey & The Small Band -- Singer/songwriter and Johnstown native Jennifer Drummey, backed by drummer Chris Klym and dobro/mandolin/guitarist Dean Shumaker, create an original blend of progressive, vocally-driven music influenced by jazz and folk. Writes one critic, "Jennifer's sweet singing and breathy, open chording colors the band's originals and covers in the most gorgeous tones." The band is celebrating the release of its first EP at FolkFest. Jennifer previously appeared at FolkFest 2000. Sponsor: Flower Barn.
Jackson Monsour -- Jackson Monsour blends a unique rock sound with reggae and folk sidecars with the emphasis on melody and message. Born and raised on his family's farm in Bedford, Pennsylvania, Jackson performed his first gig at the age of six and hasn't stopped since. His musical journey has included hip-hop and punk, but currently Jackson is focusing on his acoustic sound and has just released a new CD, "July 5." Sponsor: CamTran.
*These performers are under contract to appear at the AmeriServ Johnstown FolkFest 2007. However, the performer lineup is subject to change without notice due to circumstances outside of the festival's control.