Given the population demographics of Philadelphia, I'm wondering if there were any non-White people at that festival. Looking at Barbara's photos, it seems that there were only White people at that festival. I'm also wondering if that was the case, and if that is generally the case at other American folk festivals or British folk festivals. To phrase my question another way, do any of these festivals have a significant number of non-White attendees? I'm also curious if any of these festivals {in the USA but also in Great Britain} have a significant number of non-White performers? {Of course, one would have to say what the definition of "significant" is. I would say "any to more than a sprinkling".

Also, the fifth annual Black Women's Festival occurred in Philadelphia a week or so before the Philly Folk Fest occurred. Here's an online summary of that festival from
http://www.visitpa.com/visitpa/event.pa?id=19599085

"5th Annual Black Women's Arts Festival @ First Unitarian Church
"July 31, 2008 - August 3, 2008
Now in its fifth year BWAF has become a non-profit which produces a once-yearly 4-day festival showcasing: Music/Live Performance, Literary Arts, Visual Arts, Film, Workshops, Vendors, and Dance/Theater. It also hosts over 60 artists from across the globe. Most of BWAF's events are taking place in West Philadelphia (Kaffa Crossing, Metropolitan Bakery & Cafe, The Rotunda), with one happening in Center City (First Unitarian Church) and the other in Old City (Vivant Art Collection). Ticket prices range from $10-$15 with special ticket packages and our full schedule of programming online at http://www.bwafphilly.org. "

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I understand that the purposes of these festivals are different. But it seems to me that there might be some shared purposes. However, maybe the aesthetics tastes for music & dance performances are too different between White Americans and Black Americans to bridge the gaps and "folk" music will mainly always be considered "White music" and not music all of the people and from all the people.

I'm interested in Mudcat members/guests opinions about this.

Thanks.