Over the years it's been contemplated and commented on but I don't think this particular issue has been addressed.
Fourteen years ago the FolkFest(the nationally sponsored one) made its home in Johnstown for the next three years. Apparently, there was a contract that limited the nationally sponsored event to a three-year stint in any particular town. Over those three years, Johnstown experienced a party that the citizens just couldn't ignore or forget. There was fantastic entertainment, both nationally, regionally and locally. The food was great, came in huge varieties and "ethnenticities" and was reasonably priced. Beer flowed like water and you could drink it in the streets. It was incredible.
Then, the three-year contract was up and the nationally sponsored FolkFest had to move on. What was Johnstown to do? Well, the city decided to hold its own festival, very similar to the FolkFest. It worked for several years---same great entertainment, great food and great party/festival atmosphere.
All the while, behind the scenes, a fight was brewing between the churches and the city over money. The curches accepted cash for goods while the city and most of the food booths had to deal with "scrip." Obviously, the scrip helped the city keep track of how much revenue was made at the three-day event. But what about the churches? They accepted cash. It was too hard for the city to keep track of.
So the city or whoever the hell is in charge of it, decided to make their own venue and seperate from the churches. That way, any money that was made could go directly back to the powers that be. The churches, on the other hand, decided to still have a festival to help them financially. Thus, the two festivals.
Just like the music industry, the FolkFest, to me, has become the almighty, overpowering and greedy record company and the EthnicFest has become the indie label band trying to make it in a corporate world.
I'm not anti-FokFest, I'm just angry that the city ruined what was once the greatest thing Johnstown had to offer due to sheer greed. The FolkFest is still OK, but it could be 100% better if it would have stayed where it was. Sometimes change isn't the greatest thing.
Just my opinion and my rant, but you'll find more people in Johnstown will agree with it than disagree.
Thanks for reading/listening.
FolkFest vs. EthincFest: the REAL Story
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PanzerFaust
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Killjingle
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Because of what Bugglez24 said and some personal feelings on this matter, I will never spend another dollar on Folkfest. I formed my opinion on this last year, and unfortunately I will cheat myself of seeing some good entertainment in the process, but I will not stray from my commitment.
Scott, I been hearin some good things bout V Twin, and I really need to come out and listen and introduce myself. The reasons u left ur former band to do ur own thing, is something not many ppl do.
Scott, I been hearin some good things bout V Twin, and I really need to come out and listen and introduce myself. The reasons u left ur former band to do ur own thing, is something not many ppl do.
Everyone wants to go to heaven but noone wants to die
I agree. Folkfest had good food this year, but the old folkfest had excellent food. Really, really, REALLY good ethnic food that was every bit as much of a draw for me as good music.
I worked the sound crew at the first few folkfests... it was tougher, because it was festival-set sound... 15 minute stage changes, a dozen acts, instead of 2 acts all day long. I can forgive audio shortcomings when you're hard-pressed, but these guys just stood there.
I have to admit, the music at the first one wasn't so good. Too much foreign folk music, I like American folk stylings. We had Il Campanera for 3 interminable hours one night... I'm not italian, and can't relate... plus there were maybe 50 people onstage, and all I had in the mic bin were a few EV CO15P condensers, that I usually used for drum overheads. Three hours. They took a break after 2, and I thought they were done... Nope... we'll-a be back-a, ladies and-a gentlesmens. Yikes.
------>JMS
I worked the sound crew at the first few folkfests... it was tougher, because it was festival-set sound... 15 minute stage changes, a dozen acts, instead of 2 acts all day long. I can forgive audio shortcomings when you're hard-pressed, but these guys just stood there.
I have to admit, the music at the first one wasn't so good. Too much foreign folk music, I like American folk stylings. We had Il Campanera for 3 interminable hours one night... I'm not italian, and can't relate... plus there were maybe 50 people onstage, and all I had in the mic bin were a few EV CO15P condensers, that I usually used for drum overheads. Three hours. They took a break after 2, and I thought they were done... Nope... we'll-a be back-a, ladies and-a gentlesmens. Yikes.
------>JMS
I've been attending Folkfest since the National Folkfest days. I too miss the Cambria City setting for Folkfest; the residents, the churches, and the ethnicity and general vibe of that whole neighborhood made a very special setting for an event like Folkfest.
I've heard mixed views and pros and cons about the Folkfest move from various people in the past several years. I've heard from many music fans, musicians and Cambria City residents who lament and resent the move of Folkfest out of Cambria City. I've also heard from a few Cambria City folks who don't miss it, as well as a former JAHA staffer who was telling me about some of the logistical headaches that developed in the last few years before the move, as the event got bigger and bigger. Whatever the ultimate reasons for the move; I guess as Tonefight said above, what's done is done.
I try to spend time at both festivals each year. Folkfest still brings in diverse top notch entertainment, assembles it all in the framework of a three-day central event, and doesn't charge admission for it. And you’re not going to see some of the stuff Folkfest brings in at your typical festival (i.e. – this year, Balkan Beatbox, which I would describe as klezmer and Mediterranean music meets techno and hip-hop, you’re not going to see an act like this at your typical festival or fair). The only other events I could compare Folkfest to in our region might be the Central PA Festival of the Arts in State College or American Musicfest in Harrisburg.
That said, I do like Cambria City Ethnic Festival's premise of bringing in traditional ethnic performers and supporting local bands and artists. (And you can't beat the food variety and prices!) It seems like Cambria City Ethnic Festival is developing into the festival for the locals, while Folkfest draws in the tourists and outside visitors. (I already ran into folks from Pittsburgh, State College and Harrisburg who are in attendance at this year’s event.)
Ultimately, the whole situation regarding Folkfest moving is a complex one, and there are a lot of varying opinions over the reasons and the politics regarding it. As somebody from “over the mountain” where there isn’t any such event like this (the closest thing Altoona has to Folkfest might be the Blair County Arts Festival, and the organizers there don’t stray too far from the mainstream in booking entertainment for that event), I look forward to Johnstown Folkfest every year, and I’d hate to see it go away. Yes, I would have preferred to see it remain in Cambria City, but I’d rather see it in its present location and form than not have the event at all.
Next weekend , Keystone Country Festival vs. Altoona First Festival - and yes, a similar controversy!
I've heard mixed views and pros and cons about the Folkfest move from various people in the past several years. I've heard from many music fans, musicians and Cambria City residents who lament and resent the move of Folkfest out of Cambria City. I've also heard from a few Cambria City folks who don't miss it, as well as a former JAHA staffer who was telling me about some of the logistical headaches that developed in the last few years before the move, as the event got bigger and bigger. Whatever the ultimate reasons for the move; I guess as Tonefight said above, what's done is done.
I try to spend time at both festivals each year. Folkfest still brings in diverse top notch entertainment, assembles it all in the framework of a three-day central event, and doesn't charge admission for it. And you’re not going to see some of the stuff Folkfest brings in at your typical festival (i.e. – this year, Balkan Beatbox, which I would describe as klezmer and Mediterranean music meets techno and hip-hop, you’re not going to see an act like this at your typical festival or fair). The only other events I could compare Folkfest to in our region might be the Central PA Festival of the Arts in State College or American Musicfest in Harrisburg.
That said, I do like Cambria City Ethnic Festival's premise of bringing in traditional ethnic performers and supporting local bands and artists. (And you can't beat the food variety and prices!) It seems like Cambria City Ethnic Festival is developing into the festival for the locals, while Folkfest draws in the tourists and outside visitors. (I already ran into folks from Pittsburgh, State College and Harrisburg who are in attendance at this year’s event.)
Ultimately, the whole situation regarding Folkfest moving is a complex one, and there are a lot of varying opinions over the reasons and the politics regarding it. As somebody from “over the mountain” where there isn’t any such event like this (the closest thing Altoona has to Folkfest might be the Blair County Arts Festival, and the organizers there don’t stray too far from the mainstream in booking entertainment for that event), I look forward to Johnstown Folkfest every year, and I’d hate to see it go away. Yes, I would have preferred to see it remain in Cambria City, but I’d rather see it in its present location and form than not have the event at all.
Next weekend , Keystone Country Festival vs. Altoona First Festival - and yes, a similar controversy!
I was at the Cambria City version of the folk fest for two years before they moved it to "Festival Park."
It blew me away those years. Streets were PACKED. The sound was good, the bands were good, the food was good. It really impressed me that little old J-town had such a great festival... and I had missed the first 6 or so years before that! I was dissapointed in myself for not going down to in earlier years.
From my understanding during those years they brought in production that really knew their shit too. Professional PA systems.
I was sad to see that the folk fest had to move I think it ruined the atmosphere. However... Now there are two festivals to attend. If people aren't all lame about it, we could have TWO awesome festivals. IMO, they should have them on different weekends. That way they can both grow independent of competition. There's not too much going on in late July in Jtown...
The part that saddens me the most is that these nationally known acts who are very good are forced to use sub-standard equipment. It's really sad. The only stage this year that had a nice system was the Connemaugh Health System Stage. Very nice FOH setup with someone behind the desk that knew their shit. The other three stages pretty much had garbage gear.
If I was the sponsors of the other stages, I'd be asking... why isn't my money getting me quality sound gear like Connemaugh Health System stage?
It blew me away those years. Streets were PACKED. The sound was good, the bands were good, the food was good. It really impressed me that little old J-town had such a great festival... and I had missed the first 6 or so years before that! I was dissapointed in myself for not going down to in earlier years.
From my understanding during those years they brought in production that really knew their shit too. Professional PA systems.
I was sad to see that the folk fest had to move I think it ruined the atmosphere. However... Now there are two festivals to attend. If people aren't all lame about it, we could have TWO awesome festivals. IMO, they should have them on different weekends. That way they can both grow independent of competition. There's not too much going on in late July in Jtown...
The part that saddens me the most is that these nationally known acts who are very good are forced to use sub-standard equipment. It's really sad. The only stage this year that had a nice system was the Connemaugh Health System Stage. Very nice FOH setup with someone behind the desk that knew their shit. The other three stages pretty much had garbage gear.
If I was the sponsors of the other stages, I'd be asking... why isn't my money getting me quality sound gear like Connemaugh Health System stage?
First of, Thank You Killjingle for the compliment. It's always hard developing a new band, but things are starting to pick up for us in a big way and hopefully will only get bigger!
Secondly, back to the FolkFest/EthnicFest. Some very good points were made. I too have been boycotting FolkFest for various reasons. I'm NOT saying it should be abolished. It is a great event. But it would be great if they had the two events at two different times of the year.
When the nationally sponsored FolkFest left, the city took it upon itself to have it's own festival. Honestly, this was to gain revenue. There's nothing wrong with that and it did work for several years. But during those several years, prices of food and whatnot increased ridiculously and I attribute that to sheer greed on the city's part. They get a cut of everything that's sold. And, when there was a question about their cut, well, let's move it to our own place and then we can reap all the rewards. Again, there's nothing wrong with that from a business standpoint, but I think it did leave a bad taste in a lot of people's mouths.
Also the prices at Thunder in the Valley have gone up. And now the Conemaugh Township Wing Fling is getting a little outrageous.
Obviously people are out to make money, but some of these events are going to price themselves right out of business---especially the Wing Fling. If you keep the prices a little lower, more people would come and you'd still make money. I can't be the only one who realizes this. I just hope they do before it's too late.
For all of this you have to understand the Johnstown mentality. There are some great ideas floating around, but there's no follow-through and there's no attention to detail. Let's spend tons of money on great bands and tents and whatever. But if providing a better sound company which would have better gear and better engineers might cost a little bit extra, forget it. People do realize what sounds good and what sounds bad. If something sounds good and is presented professionally, more likely than not, people will return to see it again. Maybe they would return anyway, but having good quality production might help ensure (sp) that.
Here's something that is typically Johnstown. An article describing the FolkFest talked about the Zydecco band performing and went on to say that Zydecco has become one of the most popular styles of music in Johnstown. Sorry, but if you asked anyone on the street, I don't think they'd even know how to describe Zydecco music. But it's really popular in Johnstown. Who comes up with this shit? Granted, I'm sure it was said for promotional reasons, but people in charge if this God forsaken town seem to forget that there are people out there that do have some intelligence in this city.
Again, another rant, but at least some of you are getting my point, so thanks for understanding and letting me spout off. I think I should write a letter to the editor or something. I have some other ideas that I will be approaching some prominant idividuals with so keep your eyes and ears open. Some changes are in the works.
Secondly, back to the FolkFest/EthnicFest. Some very good points were made. I too have been boycotting FolkFest for various reasons. I'm NOT saying it should be abolished. It is a great event. But it would be great if they had the two events at two different times of the year.
When the nationally sponsored FolkFest left, the city took it upon itself to have it's own festival. Honestly, this was to gain revenue. There's nothing wrong with that and it did work for several years. But during those several years, prices of food and whatnot increased ridiculously and I attribute that to sheer greed on the city's part. They get a cut of everything that's sold. And, when there was a question about their cut, well, let's move it to our own place and then we can reap all the rewards. Again, there's nothing wrong with that from a business standpoint, but I think it did leave a bad taste in a lot of people's mouths.
Also the prices at Thunder in the Valley have gone up. And now the Conemaugh Township Wing Fling is getting a little outrageous.
Obviously people are out to make money, but some of these events are going to price themselves right out of business---especially the Wing Fling. If you keep the prices a little lower, more people would come and you'd still make money. I can't be the only one who realizes this. I just hope they do before it's too late.
For all of this you have to understand the Johnstown mentality. There are some great ideas floating around, but there's no follow-through and there's no attention to detail. Let's spend tons of money on great bands and tents and whatever. But if providing a better sound company which would have better gear and better engineers might cost a little bit extra, forget it. People do realize what sounds good and what sounds bad. If something sounds good and is presented professionally, more likely than not, people will return to see it again. Maybe they would return anyway, but having good quality production might help ensure (sp) that.
Here's something that is typically Johnstown. An article describing the FolkFest talked about the Zydecco band performing and went on to say that Zydecco has become one of the most popular styles of music in Johnstown. Sorry, but if you asked anyone on the street, I don't think they'd even know how to describe Zydecco music. But it's really popular in Johnstown. Who comes up with this shit? Granted, I'm sure it was said for promotional reasons, but people in charge if this God forsaken town seem to forget that there are people out there that do have some intelligence in this city.
Again, another rant, but at least some of you are getting my point, so thanks for understanding and letting me spout off. I think I should write a letter to the editor or something. I have some other ideas that I will be approaching some prominant idividuals with so keep your eyes and ears open. Some changes are in the works.
Dude, I am buying what you're selling...bugglez24 wrote:Again, another rant, but at least some of you are getting my point, so thanks for understanding and letting me spout off. I think I should write a letter to the editor or something. I have some other ideas that I will be approaching some prominant idividuals with so keep your eyes and ears open. Some changes are in the works.
The people in charge of the city of Johnstown both Jaha, Visitors Center, and City Hall need to get a clue.
I think it's great we have a festival... but it PALES in comparison to other festivals around the country.
And $7 (*cough* scrip) for a hot sausage... WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!