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History and Purpose:
The Appel Farm Arts & Music Festival made its debut in 1989 and quickly became the Center's signature event. The Festival hosts thousands of people in rural Elmer, New Jersey each year and all proceeds benefit Appel Farm’s summer arts camp scholarship program and community arts outreach residencies in public schools. Appel Farm Arts & Music Center is a non-profit regional arts center in its 50th year of operation and serves over 55,000 people each year.
Format and Performers:
Celebrating the craft of the songwriter, the Festival specializes in performers working in folk, blues, alt-country, roots, Celtic and acoustic rock. We have hosted some of the best known names in contemporary music including Jackson Browne, Ani DiFranco, Rufus Wainwright, Joan Armatrading, Indigo Girls, Randy Newman, Fountains of Wayne, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Richard Thompson, North Mississippi Allstars and many others. The event also promotes a sense of discovery by introducing emerging artists, many who have gone on to establish successful careers in their own right. Some of these include David Gray, Los Lonely Boys, Jonatha Brooke, Martin Sexton, Dar Williams, Amos Lee and more.
Setting and Family Activities:
The outdoor festival takes place in the beautiful rural setting of Appel Farm's 176-acre home in southern New Jersey, just 40 minutes from Philadelphia. It is a laid-back, well-organized event with something for everyone. A highlight of this popular family event is the Children's Village where patrons can enjoy performances of puppet theatre, magicians, jugglers and storytellers. The arts & crafts area includes activities such as beading, hat-making, mini murals and a "Little Kids Area" for toddlers!
Craft Fair:
The Festival also includes a Crafts Fair, showcasing the original hand-made work of 50 artists. Some of these artisans offer on-site demonstrations while others display works-in-progress and are willing to discuss their work and explain the processes used in creating the pieces on display.
Join Us:
Join us on the first Saturday of June each year for a truly memorable way to kick off the summer! Look for an announcement of the musical line up in early March.
Sean Timmons
Artistic Director
