Logo: Susquehanna Folk Music Society
Presenting fine traditional arts in Central Pennsylvania since 1985

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Fri, May 2 - Give Local York

Give Local York York
Support Susquehanna Folk and help keep the music coming in York and throughout Central PA. Your donation through Give Local York will be partially matched. And join us for an open jam session that evening at York Central Market. GIVE ONLINE ALL DAY Friday, May 2 MORE

Sat, May 17 - Bruce Molsky & Ale Möller

Bruce Molsky & Ale Möller Lancaster
Fresh off an invigorating tour of Sweden in 2024, Ale and Bruce are touring the US with a brand new recording. Deeply-rooted traditions from Appalachia, Scandinavia and around the world twine together and reach for the sun in brilliantly creative music. Concert on Saturday, May 17 at Zoetropolis. MORE

Fri, May 23 - Buffalo Rose

Buffalo Rose Buffalo Rose York
This wildly charismatic modern folk/Americana band from Pittsburgh, PA, takes acoustic folk to a new, contemporary level. Their original songs are emotive, meticulously arranged, and delightfully unconventional. Buffalo Rose first came to Susquehanna Folk as a finalist in our 2020 Emerging Artists Showcase. Appearing with special guests Grace Mahar & Mike Dempsey. Concert on Friday, May 23 at UUCY. MORE

Sat, May 31 - Folk Artists Gathering

Folk Artists Gathering Folk Artists Gathering Hershey
The Susquehanna Folk Arts Center is hosting a networking get-together for people who practice or enjoy traditional arts. That term includes playing traditional music, singing in a church choir, making quilts or rugs or wood-carvings, cooking from grandma’s recipes, learning Balkan dances — the list is endless! Please join us to meet others, collaborate and brainstorm ways to support folk and traditional arts in our region. Saturday afternoon, May 31 at Hershey Public Library. MORE

Sun, June 8 - Open Mic Night

Open Mic Night New Cumberland
Spend the evening at the lovely West Shore Theatre in New Cumberland, enjoying some fine local music and maybe taking center stage yourself. Your returning hosts are The Winter Brothers: Peter and Luke Lee. Be there at 5:15 to sign up to play! Sunday, June 8 at West Shore Theatre. MORE

Thu, June 19 - John Doyle & Michael McGoldrick

John Doyle & Michael McGoldrick Harrisburg
Two of the finest Irish musicians in the world, masters of the tradition, innovative players and composers: Mike with flute, whistles and pipes; John with guitar and vocals. Details and tickets coming soon! Thursday, June 19 at Fort Hunter.
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40 years of music!

SFMS has been bringing people together since 1985 — even when that didn't seem possible. Now, heading into our fifth decade, we believe more than ever in the power of music to create and sustain community.

That is worth supporting. And a great time to do that is coming up! Donate online Friday, May 2* through Give Local York and your gift will be partially matched.

And speaking of bringing people together: musicians and music lovers are invited to join us for an open jam session on the evening of May 2 at York Central Market.

More about Give Local York

Please consider supporting SFMS through Give Local York! Be a part of the community that helps us keep the music coming.

* 24 hours of giving: 9pm Thursday 5/1 to 9pm Friday 5/2.

Carnaval comes to Harrisburg

In this Folk Artist spotlight, folklorist Amy Skillman describes a Brazilian Carnaval celebration held in Harrisburg, PA on March 2, 2025. It was organized by Mônica Teles and Pedro Antonetty, two artists in our Folk Artists Gallery who are members of the musical ensemble Brazilian Vibes.

A montage of photos from the event, picturing people having fun, musicians performing, and lots of bright-colored balloons and other decorations.

This vibrant dance party captured the fun of the week-long Carnaval celebration held in Rio de Janiero each spring. Similar celebrations held around the world (such as Mardi Gras in New Orleans) are a traditional way to mark the beginning of Lent, the 40‑day period before Easter.

Read more about Carnaval
See more Folk Artist Spotlights
The board and staff of the Susquehanna Folk Music Society are committed to celebrating and affirming diverse cultures through programming which explores the music, dance, craft and stories of many people. We stand in complete solidarity with the Black community and all marginalized communities to speak out against injustice, bigotry and racial violence.
A head-and-shoulders shot of Raye Zaragoza, a young multi-racial woman with long straight hair, dusky skin and full lips. She is wearing a black hat (only the underside of the brim is seen) and black T-shirt. Her expression is serious and a little sad.
Sheila Arnold, an older Black woman with very short hair, holds her fingers up in L shapes, like a frame that she is looking through. She smiles as she speaks to her audience.
A Black man stands in the corner of a brick-walled room, playing a banjo and gazing down toward his hands.
A Black man is smiling warmly, resting his hand on the upper curve of a guitar. He has short graying hair, a wide smile, and a long face. He wears a white shirt and a vest with narrow vertical ribbon-like stripes.
King Jester is a young Black man, leaning against a wall as he plays a metallic resonator guitar. He wears a gray T-shirt and is looking down at the guitar.
Black Opry member King Jester is following in the footsteps of many jazz and blues greats, transitioning from a studio/touring sideman to a band leader. His multi-instrumental musical journey includes the Berklee College of Music (entering as a drummer, leaving as a bass player) and stints with Sting, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Bruce Katz, and many more. Jazz vocalist Abbey Lincoln referred to King Jester as “the future of music.” [2023-2024 Concert Series]