Musical Fun

Greenwood Furnace Folk Gathering is a wonderful weekend of playing, singing, jamming, dancing and listening to folk music. There are activities for all levels from non-musician to advanced players, and all ages from mature children through adult are welcome. Come and enjoy the friendly, relaxed setting at a beautiful state park. Forty-seven different workshops in 8 time-slots cover a wide range of musical styles and interests, from Irish Tunes to Pentatonic Scale to Beginning Penny Whistle to Hymn Singing, plus much more. Enjoy 2 concerts, a contra and square dance, plus lots of formal and informal opportunities to jam.

 

Friendly

One of the unique features of Greenwood Furnace Folk Gathering is the small size and friendly atmosphere. We are all here to learn, share and enjoy the music, and our musical faculty have been chosen to encourage each of us to learn and share in a positive environment. Our small workshop size allows for easy interaction with the faculty and each other, to provide a wonderful opportunity to experience and live the music.

 

Great Setting

Escape and relax in the mountains at historic Greenwood Furnace State Park, a gorgeous state park located in central Pennsylvania, between State College and Huntingdon. The park is nestled on the western edge of the Central Pennsylvania area known as the Seven Mountains. The park features outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities, with miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. The state park also offers historic exhibits and programs for the whole family to enjoy.

 

 

Heritage

An important initiative of the festival is to examine the traditional music of rural Pennsylvania to gain a better understanding of what Pennsylvania music is and to preserve and perpetuate this musical heritage. We include several workshops where you'll learn Pennsylvania music. In addition, each year we identify a musicianwith a unique musical perspective, bring them to the festival so that all can learn from them, and honor them as Pennsylvania Heritage Musicians.

The photo is John and JoAnn Dively receiving the Pennsylvania Heritage Musicians Award in 2008.

This year we are honoring another great Pennsylvania Heritage Musician. See the Heritage Musicians for the story.

 

Folk College

We will be back to a LIVE festival in 2023: Folk College, May 26-28, 2023.

 

Folk College features a wide variety of talented musicians from near and far who demonstrate and teach their music in workshop and concert settings. Folk College is a fun and friendly weekend of playing and listening to folk music—a fantastic three days of workshops, concerts, jams and friendship.

 

Within one weekend, you’ll have a choice of a range of workshops. All instruments are welcome, and there are workshops for every level from total beginner to professional. Each evening features a faculty concert followed by faculty-led jam sessions.

 

Volunteer Positions and Scholarships

There are a number of volunteer positions available. Please check out the Volunteer page for details.

 

We also have several of scholarships available thanks to several generous benefactors we. The scholarship covers registration only and may require some volunteer time. Please check out the Scholarship page for details.