Welcome to the official site of the AmeriServ Johnstown FolkFest - one of the largest 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. Check back often for updates!

Labor Day weekend, September 2-4, 2005 - Johnstown, Pennsylvania

New at FolkFest 2005
Updated August 17, 2005 -- Check back often for the latest news about FolkFest 2005! (Press inquiries should be directed to Shelley Johansson at 814-539-1889 x308.)
New performers - As always, the FolkFest features a mix of favorite performers from past festivals and new performers to enjoy. New to the festival this year are the following: Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings with special guest Lee Fields; Wanda Jackson; Rosie Flores; Brave Combo; Eddie from Ohio; Paul Cebar & the Milwaukeeans; Red Elvises; Kris Delmhorst; Jeffrey Foucault; Redbird; The Kissers; The Greyhounds; Sodajerk; Angelo M; Russell Lauf; and the Rhinelanders. Read more about them on the Performers page of this site.
FolkFest posters are going up! The posters are back from the printer, and JAHA is working to distribute them in Johnstown and the region. If you'd like a poster to display at your place of business, drop by JAHA offices at the Heritage Discovery Center or contact Shelley Johansson, 814-539-1889 x308, and she'll mail one to you.
Go-Cart to be auctioned at FolkFest! During FolkFest, $5 raffle tickets will be sold for the chance to win this racecar style go-cart! Get your raffle ticket at any FolkFest T-shirt booth. JAHA extends a special thanks to Waste Management for donating the go-cart to benefit FolkFest.
Community Kitchen participants are announced! -- JAHA is pleased to welcome Beulah United Methodist Church, Crossroads Community Church, Harvest of Hope Farm and St. Mary's Antiochian Orthodox Church to the Community Kitchen at FolkFest 2005. In addition, we are delighted that three of last year's participants are returning -- Moxham United Methodist Churches, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and the Walnut Grove Church of the Brethren. Through the Community Kitchen, local non-profit organizations and churches are provided with a free vending booth to sell food and drinks at FolkFest, thus raising money for their programs. Click here for more about the Community Kitchen, including the participants' menus.
Baby changing station - A new baby changing station will be available on the FolkFest grounds. Sponsored by Conemaugh Health System, the station will feature changing tables, rockers and a private place to feed young babies.
FolkFest volunteer recruitment is in full swing! If you're a past volunteer or are looking to get involved in FolkFest, please contact Gwen Hartnett at 814-539-188 x301 to sign up for your favorite shifts and times! If you've not participated before, Gwen will explain a bit about the available jobs and help you make a selection. We need volunteers before, during and after the festival. JAHA thanks everyone who volunteers -- the festival would not be possible without you.
Programming for kids- The FolkFest is pleased to welcome Jason Ringenberg, who will be playing two shows especially for kids as his alter-ego, "Farmer Jason." (Ringenberg will also play two regular shows on Saturday and Sunday -- see the Performance Schedule page for details.). The Farmer Jason shows will be presented on the Atlantic Broadband stage from 2:30-3:30 on Saturday, September 2 and from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 3. We'll also have inflatables and "bouncy houses" for kids, which we had at FolkFest 2004.
Johnstown Magazine Program - This year, the official FolkFest program is sponsored by the Johnstown Magazine and will actually be a 10-page section of the magazine's September issue! That means our program will be printed in color on glossy paper, and will be received by all Johnstown Magazine subscribers and anyone who buys a newsstand copy. The magazine will be available for sale on festival grounds for the cover price of just $3.
Festival map -- Click on the hotlink for the official 2005 festival map, showing the location of all four mainstages, restrooms, baby changing stations and more.