FOLK FACTORY PRESS RELEASE
Project Learn Benefit Concert with Tom Gala Friday, January 20, 2012, at 8:00pm at Folk Factory
On Friday, January 20, at 8:00pm, the Folk Factory will host a Benefit Concert for Project Learn School featuring Tom Gala and friends, with Liam Gallagher and friends opening. The suggested donation is $20-100, sliding scale (half for no or low wage), available in advance at www.folkfactory.org, by calling 215-848-6246, or at the door (general admission). Doors open around 7:30pm. The concert is wheelchair accessible, but our bathrooms are not yet. The Folk Factory coffeehouse is located at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration in Mount Airy, at 6900 Stenton Avenue (the corner of Stenton Avenue and Gorgas Lane). For directions or further information, visit www.folkfactory.org or call (215) 848-6246.
Tom Gala, Philadelphia's most poetic singer/songwriter, is one of the few artists capable of totally enrapturing an audience without benefit of instrumental accompaniment. Known for his folksy storytelling as well as his beautiful voice and delightful songwriting, Tom is a favorite in Northwest Philly, especially at the Mermaid Inn. You have probably heard Magpie's version of his fun and insightful song "Calling Folks Names". Tom will be performing with Ray Duffy on guitar, Anne Johnson on vocals, Mike Blair on Bass, and Jan Hoffman-Hockenberry on flute. Here's what folk music DJ Gene Shay has to say about him: "This man Tom Gala is magic. Through his music and his own special way he reveals the beauty and humanity that's hidden beneath the dusty grit of the city. He conjures up images and experiences that are familiar and makes them glow even brighter than memory allows."
Liam Gallagher is the science teacher at Project Learn. He is a talented songwriter, singer, and guitarist, known in Northwest Philly for his regular performances at Earth Bread and Brewery in Mt. Airy. His debut album, Written in Ink, was released in 2005. Liam will be playing with Jason Jonik on lead guitar, Jeremy Shinefeld on drums, and Austin O’Connor on banjo and bass. His songs have the homegrown sensibility of a folk song and the likeability of a good pop song. Liam understands the power of song to tell a personal story that everyone can relate to. "I aim to inspire and in today's world, we could all use a little bit of hope." If you like Dave Matthews and Jason Mraz, you are very likely to find a new favorite singer in Liam!
Project Learn School is a dynamic and flexible K-8 learning community based on the core values of child-centered, creative education and consensual decision-making, founded in 1970. This small diverse cooperative school is committed to maintaining an environment where parents work together with students and teachers to create meaningful experiences of personal and social learning. Each person – child, teacher, parent – has responsibility and a voice in the educational process and the governance of the school. Through hands-on academic and artistic projects, Project Learn builds on students’ emerging interests and abilities in highly supportive multi-age groups both inside and outside of the classroom.
The Folk Factory, based at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration in Mount Airy, is a forum for people interested in music of all kinds and progressive social change. Facilitated announcements of progressive events (marches, boycotts, etc.) can be made before the start of each event. The Folk Factory is an organizational affiliate of the People's Music Network for Songs of Freedom and Struggle, co-founded by Charlie King and Pete Seeger. Regular concerts are normally around the second weekend of most months, and an Open Stage/Open Circle is held normally on the fourth Thursday of most months. To volunteer or for more information, visit www.folkfactory.org or call (215) 848-6246.