Susquehanna Folk Music Society

A nonprofit organization

$27,037 raised by 143 donors

A Message from the Susquehanna Folk Music Society

In 2025, SFMS is grateful and proud to be celebrating 40 years as part of Central PA's thriving folk community. Over that time, we've been honored to welcome renowned folk musicians from around the world to South Central Pennsylvania. An ever growing list that includes such luminaries as:

Carolina Chocolate Drops, Sean & Sara Watkins, David Bromberg, John McCutcheon, Bill Staines, Cherish The Ladies Tannahill Weavers, Altan, Dougie MacLean, Jay Unger & Molly Mason, Mick Moloney, Solas, The Klezmatics, Bruce Molsky, Tony Trischka, Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy, Danu, Le Vent du Nord, Lunasa, Livingston Taylor, Crooked Still, Rory Block, Guy Clark, Fraser & Haas, Tim O'Brien, The Stray Birds, Hot Club of Cowtown, Vasen, Eileen Ivers, Lonesome River Band, Julie Fowlis, Alash Ensemble, Missy Raines Quartet, Karan Casey...and so many more! 

SFMS not only believes in the beauty and power of traditional folk music from around the world, but also the unique ability this music has to build community. If you appreciate what we do, and want to help ensure SFMS can keep the music coming for the next 40 years and beyond, please consider supporting the Susquehanna Folk Music Society during Give Local York, and help us reach our goal of $2,500. Make a donation anytime between 9 pm Thursday May 1st and 9pm Friday May 2nd and your gift will be partially matched! 

Susquehanna Folk By The Numbers 

What does 40 years of programming look like for a Grass Roots Volunteer Driven Folk Music Society? Here's SFMS By The Numbers!

Concerts: 612
Monthly Jams & Song Swaps: 300
Local Music Coffee House Showcases: 50
Folk Festivals: 5
Plus Open Mics, Workshops, Dances & More!

SFMS would not be able to keep traditional music in South Central PA going without the love and support of folk music lovers across the region & beyond. If you've volunteered, donated, attended a show, picked a tune at a jam, or kicked up your heels at a dance, thank you for making these numbers happen!

Donate to the Susquehanna Folk Festival

Support the future of Susquehanna Folk by donating at one of the levels below, or chose an amount that is right for you!

Strummer ($50) Help us pay for printing and signage.

Songster ($100) Covers a meal for a band during the concert series.

Balladeer ($250) Help us pay for venue rental and sound costs during the season.

Troubadour ($500) Covers hotel rooms for a full band.

Choose Your Own Donation — Don't see a donation level that works for you? Support SFMS with a donation of your choice.

Give Day Old Time Jam at Central Market 

All friends of SFMS are invited to the return of our Give Local York Old Time Jam!
Join us at Central Market in Downtown York, FRIDAY MAY 2ND 6-8 pm


WHAT - The triumphant return of the Susquehanna Folk Give Day Jam! We will again be lead by jam masters Todd Clewell, Barb Schmid, and Henry Koretzky! All are welcome to join!

WHERE - Central Market 34 West Philadelphia Street, York PA 17401

WHEN - Give Day! Friday May 2nd 6-8 pm


WHAT TO BRING - Yourself! An instrument and a chair if you want to join in the jam, and your support of SFMS! (we'll have donation jars)!




Cultural Arts Alliance Match

Mission

The Susquehanna Folk Music Society (SFMS) values the traditional arts; including folk music, folk dance, folk art, and storytelling and views these disciplines as vehicles for self-expression and cultural connections. For over 35 years SFMS has produced quality events that have featured phenomenal musicians, dancers and workshop leaders with national and international reputations in the folk and heritage fields. SFMS events go beyond entertainment and often have a workshop or a community conversation component which allows for a greater connection between patrons and artists and fosters a more in-depth appreciation and understanding.

With the assistance of a substantial grant from Explore York, SFMS produced its 1st folk festival in 2018. Setting the standard for future festivals, the festival featured an exciting line-up of folk and traditional arts performers, an Emerging Artist Showcase, special activities for families, a lively craft marketplace, workshops, dancing, & play-along jams. Last summer we added extended hours, a Liar’s Contest, and two programs funded by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Meet the Masters & PA Folklife. The 2020 festival promises to be even more exciting with artists such as John Hammond, the Kulu Mele African Dance & Drum Ensemble, David Bromberg, Wild Asparagus and Hawktail and two programs funded by the NEA Meet the Masters and the Festival Youth Band.

Through its folk festival, folkloric fieldwork, concert series, jams, workshops, dances, & arts in education residencies, SFMS provides unparalleled opportunities for the community to enjoy, learn about, & interact with the traditional arts.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Susquehanna Folk Music Society

Tax id (EIN)

23-2351355

Categories

Arts & Culture

Address

185-326 Newberry Commons
Etters, PA 17319

Phone

7177635744