Welcome to the official site of the AmeriServ Johnstown FolkFest - a three-day Americana music festival with free admission! Produced by the Johnstown Area Heritage Association, the FolkFest is one of the best free music festivals in the nation. This site has all the information you need to enjoy the FolkFest -- choose from the navigation bar to the left, and check back often for updates.

Labor Day weekend, August 29-31, 2008 -- Johnstown, Pennsylvania

2008 Performers
The AmeriServ Johnstown FolkFest showcases American music in all its glorious varieties -- from blues to zydeco and everything in between. Visit the FolkFest News for the latest on the festival; to listen to FolkFest artists, visit the FolkFest's MySpace page; all FolkFest artists that have a MySpace page are listed in our "Top Friends." (Press inquiries should be directed to Shelley Johansson at 814-539-1889 x308. Press releases are posted in PDF format here.) We invite you to join our online mailing list! -- The Johnstown Area Heritage Association is beginning a new online mailing list as a new way to stay in touch with our supporters and friends. When you sign up, you'll indicate which JAHA programs, museums and special events you'd like to hear about, and we'll send you occasional newsletters and notices accordingly. (We will never share your contact information with anyone, and you may always opt-out with one click).
Jason & the Scorchers- A special event for the FolkFest's 15th anniversary! The legendary Jason & the Scorchers will reunite for two special shows at the FolkFest, which will mark their first dates in North America outside of Nashville in five years. Hot out of Nashville, the Scorchers essentially invented alternative country in the early 1980s with a sound that fused country with punk. Frontman Jason Ringenberg was once memorably described as "a hayseed Iggy Pop," while Warner Hodges is "perhaps the best guitarist alive at combining fast-fingered rock 'n' roll fury and melodic country music precision." Packed with blow-torch ferocity, yet teeming with down-home soul and genuine emotion, Scorchers' shows are the stuff of rock 'n' roll legend. Wrote Tommy Womack, "Jason and the Scorchers are the finest rock and roll live act in the history of the modern American South. They stand alone. No one else even comes close." Sponsor: 1st Summit Bank
Del Castillo -- Latin music returns to the FolkFest with Del Castillo, a sizzling act from Austin known for its incredible live performances! Wrote Rolling Stone, "Del Castillo sings in Spanish, combining old-school Gitano with flailing nuevo flamenco flourishes and churning polyrhythmic percussion. Their secret weapons are brothers Rick and Mark Del Castillo, whose tumbling brilliance on nylon-string classical guitars features jaw-dropping dual leads. These eruptions of technique and taste conjure images of Eddie Van Halen fronting early Santana (with an assist from the Gipsy Kings)." Sponsor: Mark Pasquerilla.
Tom Russell - Johnny Cash, Doug Sahm, Joe Ely, Jerry Jeff Walker, Nanci Griffith, Iris Dement, and KD Lang are among the hundreds who have recorded Tom Russell's songs. This prolific, Texas-based singer-songwriter has 21 albums of original material, and is credited, along with Dave Alvin, with establishing the Americana radio format with their co-produced 1994 tribute to Merle Haggard. Wrote one critic, "Russell seems to have invented and keeps reinventing the Americana genre. He goes from strength to strength. It's as if Muhammed Ali were knocking-out opponents at age 60....Russell is the only writer of his generation who grows stronger with each release." Sponsor: Jerry's Records.
Webb Wilder & the Beatnecks -- Webb Wilder, "The Last Of The Full Grown Men," is large enough for the big screen, hip enough to star in cult classic B movies, and tough enough to maintain a devoted worldwide fan base through relentless touring. Originally from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Wilder now calls Nashville home. The Associated Press described the band's live performance as "a glorious amalgamation of grunge chords, killer grooves, Screamin' Jay Hawkins theatrics, a healthy sense of humor, and great pop melodies." The band is "part Georgia Satellites, part Dave Edmonds, part Elvis Costello and altogether wonderful," raved Billboard. Sponsor: Tribune-Democrat and Johnstown Magazine.
Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers - A favorite at FolkFest 2007! FolkFest virtually never books national performers in back-to-back years, but Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers are that good. 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." Sponsor: Laurel Management.
Shannon Whitworth - Formerly of the Biscuit Burners, this North Carolina-based performer's original music is part folk, part bluegrass with hauntingly beautiful vocals. Whitworth plays guitar, ukulele and most notably, claw-hammer banjo, bringing a bluesy approach to her music. Wrote one critic, "Whitworth's sultry voice is a snug fit between the heartaches of classic country and a provocative, soul-shaking take on bluegrass. . .she shows the regional exclusivity of bluegrass music can be given a modern, slightly risky, accent without losing hold of its roots." Sponsor: Northwest Savings Bank.
Jason Ricci & New Blood -- In just a few short years, Jason Ricci has compiled a musical resume and blues credibility that most musicians don't achieve in a lifetime. A virtuoso harmonica player, Jason and his band, New Blood, mix blues, rock, funk, eastern, and jazz into a seamless cohesion. Wrote one critic, "A JRNB show is absolutely exhilarating. Imagine the best virtuoso-filled 'jam band' you've ever seen (think early '90's Phish, old Flecktones, Allmans, Robert Randolph, Derek Trucks, etc.) and then double the energy and stage presence." Sponsor: MetLife
Big Sam's Funky Nation - Continuing the FolkFest tradition of bringing great New Orleans music to Johnstown! Presiding over his Funky Nation is Big Sam, formerly the trombonist for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, who blows the funk out of his trombone and refuses to let the audience sit still. The talented musicians of the Funky Nation bring with them the improvisational style associated with jazz and the horn-heavy front section that's the hallmark of big band funk. Wrote one critic, "Big Sam's Funky Nation is the ultimate Big Easy brass band, whipping audiences into sweaty catharsis with a street-level soup of second-line beats, hip-hop bump and more funk than you can shake your booty at. Y'all best bring your dancing shoes for this one." Sponsor: First Commonwealth.
Deke Dickerson & the Ecco-Fonics - Rollicking rockabilly with a West Coast style and sensibility! Dickerson is regarded as one of the most respected and versatile guitar players around - in fact, according to the Reverend Horton Heat, he is "the best rockabilly guitar player in the whole world!" Dickerson infuses his music with western swing, garage rock, surf, and even pure rock 'n' roll, often playing his trademark double-necked guitar. Deke Dickerson & the Ecco-Fonics, who last played FolkFest 2003, will play one 75-minute set on their own, and one 75-minute set backing R&B legend Barrence Whitfield. Sponsors: 96 Key, Froggy 95, Hot 92, Rocky 99, and News-Talk 990.
Barrence Whitfield - According to one critic, "Barrence Whitfield is still the premier rock/R&B screamer this side of Little Richard." A veteran of FolkFests 2004 and 2001, Whitfield will be backed by Deke Dickerson and the Ecco-Fonics as a special event to celebrate the festival's 15th anniversary. 96 Key, Froggy 95, Hot 92, Rocky 99, and News-Talk 990.
Jordan Valentine & the Sunday Saints - Boston's Jordan Valentine & the Sunday Saints (formerly World's Greatest Sinners) resurrect the raw rhythms of 60s R&B and southern soul, recalling a time when songs were alive, beats blew your mind and a horn line could make all hell break loose. The blazing Sunday Saints are headed up by Jordan Valentine, a former Pittsburgh native who wails her way through sets with what the Boston Phoenix praised as "old school wail and wham,"as the big band burns up the stage with everything from soul classics to obscure Delta gems. Sponsor: Cool 101.7
Stacie Collins -- Exuding confidence and contagious enthusiasm, Stacie Collins makes beer-and-whiskey music that blends sassy hillbilly vocals, gut-bucket blues and Southern rock style, while singing and wailing away on the blues harmonica. Wrote one critic, "Collins is anything but the current country fare. She's a no fluff-chick. Her voice is strong, expressive and quite unlike anything you'll hear on radio these days. . . nothing about it feels contrived or manufactured. This girl's for real." With her guitarist, Warner Hodges of Jason & the Scorchers, Collins burns up the stage. Her albums are produced by Georgia Satellites veteran Dan Baird, and it's safe to say Collins has taken Nashville by storm. Sponsor: Waste Management.
The Born Again Floozies -- A voluptuously surreal performance: the rhythm section is two tap dancers and a tuba, and the singer plays guitar the way most people play the piano. The Floozies' unique, genre-defying music continues to gain college and specialty airplay, and is making significant noise on the CMJ national charts. With witty lyrics and a live performance that leaves people rolling in the aisles, this is one you'll have to see and hear to believe. They've been described as "...a rock band with extras, but that's comically understated--kind of like saying Franz Liszt only waltzed." Sponsor: The Sargent's Group.
Amy LaVere - One critic describes Amy LaVere as "a sweet-voiced gal with a slightly twisted world view, playing music rooted in old-school honky-tonk. . .There's a bit of gypsy tango, some funky-tonk and breezy-jazz inflections, but mostly this is barroom country played with heart and soul." LaVere, who is based in Memphis and plays upright bass, is also an actress, playing Wanda Jackson in the award-winning Johnny Cash biopic Walk The Line. Legendary producer Jim Dickinson wrote of her music, "There's an underlying darkness that's kind of Twin Peak-esque to me. Plus, she can triple-slap the upright bass like Willie Dixon on steroids." Sponsor: Ace's Rental Place and Cambria Ace Hardware.
Dallas Wayne - According to country star Radney Foster, "Wayne has one of the best honky-tonk voices in America today... If Nashville still valued grit and twang this guy would be a major star." A professional performer for more than 30 years, Wayne last played FolkFest in 2001. Wayne's career has taken him around the world as a songwriter, singer, actor and radio deejay, and in addition to his performances at FolkFest he'll record his Outlaw Country broadcast for Sirius Radio here. Sponsor: CBIZ Insurance Services.
Farmer Jason - The "twin brother" of Jason & the Scorchers frontman Jason Ringenberg (wink-wink), Farmer Jason last appeared at FolkFest in 2005, wowing the younger set with his entertaining, witty songs written in genres ranging from folk to zydeco. Wrote No Depression, "Sounding as excited as a Captain Crunched 6-year old on Saturday morning, Farmer Jason dares you not to sing along. Resistance is utterly futile whether you're 7 or 70." In other words, parents and grandparents will love it too - don't miss these special shows! Sponsor: 1st Summit Bank.
Red Collar - This Durham, N.C.-based punk band is fronted by the husband-wife team of Jason and Beth Kutchma, both graduates of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Jason, a Johnstown native, even taught at Bishop McCort High School for a year. Wrote one critic, "Red Collar channels the angst of the workingman in a way that hasn't been seen in rock in a long time. Thankfully, Red Collar has enough experience and well-chosen punk-rock influences to create an energetic and convincing modern rock anthem that anyone frustrated with The Man should be proud to own." Sponsor: Spence, Custer, Saylor, Wolfe & Rose.
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: Von's United Beverage.
Arty Hill & the Long Gone Daddys -- Like Dale Watson, Redd Volkaert, and others carrying the cross for traditional country, Arty Hill remains faithful to country's roots while forging his own distinct songs that blend the old and new. Wrote one critic, "Arty Hill's songs are salted with tears and steeped in the rich brew of classic country and western that, in the right hands, never loses its power. Shaded from the glare of Nashville's bright lights, Hill draws inspiration from the streets of Baltimore, and his tunes should be in heavy rotation on every jukebox in every corner tavern in town." Arty Hill & the Long Gone Daddys' new release, "Bar of Gold," has debuted at No. 1 on the February 2008 Freeform American Roots chart. Jason Ringenberg wrote, "I doubt there is a better country record put out this year... the ghost of Buck is truly honored." Sponsor: First Energy.
Tim Dabbs -- Born in Johnstown, Tim Dabbs moved back to the city after first playing the Johnstown FolkFest in 2000. His music is in the storytelling tradition of folk, and includes many songs about this region. Dabbs has been featured on National Public Radio and Good Morning America. According to one critic, "Tim is a very talented songwriter writing in the tradition of Stan Rogers and Gordon Lightfoot, and people who write about real events and real places." Sponsor: Von's United Beverage.
Rusty Gun Revival -Go back to the time of honky tonk and juke joint music with Rusty Gun Revival! Based in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, they've been delighting multigenerational audiences with energetic, lively shows across the state and beyond since June 2004, and last played FolkFest in 2006. The group's shows are from the heart -- no planned act, no set list, just good, live Americana music as they feel it. If you're not a roots music fan, this act will make you one - and if you are, this is the group for you. Sponsor: First Commonwealth.
Beagle Brothers - This Pittsburgh-based band has opened for a broad variety of acts, including former FolkFest performers Southern Culture on the Skids, Robbie Fulks, and Wayne Hancock. Their two-steppin', country-Eastern sound appeals to a wide range of audiences. Sponsor: Concurrent Technologies Corp.
Dubmissive -- Seamlessly forging reggae, punk, hip-hop, and all other good music around, the Johnstown-based band Dubmissive has been winning over the hearts of its audience for the last seven years. Described as "unpredictable and freewheeling," Dubmissive delivers a "fast firing, action pack set...that shifts gears frequently, never staying in one place for too long," making the band one of the most exciting and enjoyable live acts in Western Pennsylvania. Sponsor: JWF Industries.
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, and is a favorite part of Sunday afternoons at the FolkFest. Sponsor: Flower Barn.
Aran -- This group of seven good friends enjoy performing Irish, Scottish and other Celtic music. The name Aran comes from the Aran Islands, located near Galway Bay off the west coast of Ireland, and the last Irish land seen by most emigrants who sailed to America. They enjoy playing fast instrumental numbers, slow aires, and singing traditional ballads, drinking songs and shanties. Based in the Johnstown, Aran's roots go back more than 25 years, and they play frequently in the area. Sponsor: Von's United Beverage.