UPPER SALFORD — The legendary Philadelphia Folk Festival is set to return to the Old Pool Farm in Upper Salford Township on Aug. 16. Organized by the Philadelphia Folksong Society, this year’s festival will feature performances by dozens of folk acts across six separate stages throughout the weekend, with thousands of campers and day pass holders expected to attend.
John Oates will make a return to his Lansdale area roots as the festival headliner on the main stage Saturday, Aug. 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Oates will be accompanied by his band, performing music from his vast catalog, along with tunes from his latest recording project, “Reunion,” according to the folk festival website. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Oates was cofounder with Pottstown-area native Daryl Hall of the iconic Hall & Oates, considered the most successful pop duo of all time. After touring for decades as a duo, the pair split and are currently performing as solo acts amid a legal dispute.
Oates has been inducted into the American Songwriters Hall of Fame, and is the recipient of the prestigious BMI Icon Award as well as numerous American Music, MTV awards, and multiple Grammy nominations, according to the Folk Fest website. First held in 1962, the festival was an annual tradition in Upper Salford until the COVID-19 pandemic forced its cancellation in 2020 and 2021. The event returned in 2022 but was suspended the following year due to financial difficulties.
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