6900 Stenton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19150
(Stenton & Gorgas, Mt. Airy)

Info: email polson@igc.org, or call 215-848-6246
http://folkfactory.org/index.html
https://www.facebook.com/events/386890035230628/

The theme for the May Open Stage / Open Circle will be "Music for the New Revolution." The Open Stage, held on most Fourth Thursdays, is a chance to perform for an audience, on a stage with a sound system. (A maximum of 2 songs/poems/stories, up to a total of 10 minutes.) The show starts at 7:30 and lasts around an hour and a half; if you want to get on the Open Stage list, please try to arrive by 7:15. (Note that this Open Stage will be the last one until next fall, and will not include voting for the People's Choice Concert in June.)

After we take a break, the more informal Open Circle begins. Going around the circle, everyone has a chance to lead and/or request a song. (or tell a story, recite a poem, etc.) People tend to do participatory songs (where others can sing or play along), but it's also a supportive environment for trying out a new song, and non-participatory songs are fine too (just say so if you prefer people to not participate).

The evening usually ends around 10:30. It's a great place to try performing for the first time in public. Many participants have started out here, then gone on to perform all over and even record albums. If you are looking for a place to test your wings, or to hear acoustic music in a smoke- and alcohol-free environment where people really LISTEN, check it out, and spread the word!

The requested donation is $2-5 - whatever you can afford is gratefully accepted. Doors open at 6:45; feel free to bring some dinner with you (no alcohol please). We always have snacks (brownies, pastry, coffee, tea, soda, etc.) available for a small donation. It's a great way to meet a lot of nice people!