The Philadelphia Folksong Society Announces the Appointment of Michael Cloeren as Festival Director for the Philadelphia Folk Festival

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Levi Landis, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Folksong Society, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Cloeren as the Festival Director for the Philadelphia Folk Festival.  The appointment comes as the organization prepares for the milestone 50th annual presentation of its showcase event in August 2011.

Michael Cloeren comes to the Philadelphia Folk Festival with decades of festival management experience.  Cloeren founded the internationally acclaimed Pocono Blues Festival in 1992 and produced this annual event through 2010.  He launched the Vermont Blues Festival in 2009 and has produced the Pocono Irish and Celtic Festival and other events as well.  Cloeren was Operations Manager for the Jack Frost and Big Boulder Ski Areas and hosted the "Mountain of Blues" radio show at WDMT in Wilkes Barre/Scranton and on the Internet.

Cloeren says, "I am thrilled with this opportunity.  I will continue to follow my passion which I started two decades ago by booking, producing and presenting live events at venues in Pennsylvania and beyond.  I am truly excited to team up with colleagues and friends in the folk, blues and roots music world and to keep this music alive for a new generation of fans."

Elaborating on the Philadelphia Folk Festival's recent emphasis to bridge the gap between the older, dyed-in-the-wool folkies and developing a legion of younger folk music fans, Landis stated, "I look forward to working closely with Michael and am excited about the future of the Festival.  He will bring a re-energizing spirit, fresh ideas and his penchant for booking up-and-coming talent to the Philadelphia Folk Festival."

Philadelphia Folksong Society President Lisa Schwartz added, "The Festival is in good hands.  Michael's knowledge, past experience and track record echo the tradition of our organization.  He will work alongside Folk Festival veteran and Festival Chair Andy Braunfeld, a pairing that is characteristic of the organization's paying homage to this music's rich history and the uniquely cooperative spirit of its mostly volunteer staff."

The Philadelphia Folksong Society was founded in 1957 and the first Folk Festival was staged in 1962.  With the milestone 50th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival planned for August 18-21, 2011, the organization will present some surprise top-name acts while remaining true to its roots of showcasing its traditional lineup of musical gems for audiences to discover.

SOURCE Philadelphia Folksong Society

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