On this episode of The High Note podcast I’m joined by Jayne Toohey — photographer, author and the press contact for the Philadelphia Folk Festival. Jayne is the creative force behind “Smiling Banjo: A Half Century of Love & Music at the Philadelphia Folk Festival,” a beautiful collection of images and stories that capture the heart of the event.
The 62nd annual Philadelphia Folk Festival kicks off Thursday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, at the Old Pool Farm in Upper Salford Township, Pennsylvania. It’s the longest-running continuously held outdoor music festival in North America, celebrating a mix of folk traditions, contemporary artists and community spirit.
In our conversation, Jayne shares insights about the history of the festival, her journey photographing its people and performances, and what makes this year’s lineup special.
Links and Resources
Buy the book: “Smiling Banjo: A Half Century of Love & Music at the Philadelphia Folk Festival”
Philadelphia Folk Festival Aug. 14-17, 2025: folkfest.org
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Paul “Dawg” Dixon wrote, composed and recorded the intro and outro music. The voices you hear at the end are Graeme Armstrong, Steve Poltz and Keller Williams.
