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Yards Brewing Company Added to the Phila Folk Festival

PHILADELPHIA – Those attending the 2009 Philadelphia Folk Festival (8/14/09-8/16/09) can expect a stellar lineup onstage and off with the announcement of Philadelphia’s own Yards Brewing Company as the Festival’s Official Beer Sponsor.

Yards will be bringing all of its classics to the three-day festival located at Old Pool Farm near Schwenksville, PA. Concertgoers can enjoy Philadelphia Pale Ale — named one of the best Pale Ales in the country by the New York Times — as well as its IPA, Brawler, and ESA.

Tom Kehoe, Yards Brewing Company’s founder and brewmaster, said of the sponsorship, “It’s an honor to be taking such a prominent role at this event. I feel very privileged that we’ll be able to share our craft with many of the country’s most recognized musicians as well as the Festival’s loyal followers.”

More than 10,000 people are expected to attend this year’s Festival, with over 5,000 of those being campers. Steve Mashington, Operations Manager commented on Yards ability to satisfy the demand. “We’re up to the challenge. We have the capacity at our new brewery and we’ve already started ramping up production. It shouldn’t be a problem. Plus, we’re all so excited for this opportunity. We’re being proactive and pushing ourselves.”

In addition to its role as the Official Beer Sponsor, Yards Brewing Company is also taking a less official but equally important role at the event. Owners of Pennsylvania’s first 100% wind-powered brewery, Yards is actively working with event organizers to ensure the Festival is as environmentally responsible as possible. To aid in these efforts, all of Yards beers will be draught only and concertgoers will be encouraged to reuse their cups as much as possible or risk additional charges. Yards will also be managing its own recycling efforts throughout the weekend. “We’re really trying to lead by example. Everything we’re doing is just a common sense way of showing or respect for our planet and environment,” said Steve Mashington.

While the Festival is still a month away, Yards is already planning for what’s next. The Brewing Company is working with the Philadelphia Folksong Society to curate a number of concerts to be held at the brewery later this year. “Our new brewery wasn’t built simply to increase production,” said Steve Mashington. “We wanted to create a venue for community, where people can come together and have a good time. We’ll be hosting music, movies…it’s going to be really exciting.”

The Philadelphia Folk Festival runs from August 14 – 16th. Marking the 48th year of the event, the festival will be hosted by WXPN DJ Gene Shay — considered by many to be the Godfather of Philadelphia Folk Music — and features sets by The Derek Trucks Band, The Del McCoury Band, The Decemberists, Iron and Wine, The Works Progress Administration, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, Sonny Landreth, Tom Rush and almost 40 other local and national performers representing the best in blues, folk, roots, and rock.

About Yards Brewing Company
Founded in 1994 by Tom Kehoe, Yards Brewing Company has quickly become Philadelphia’s leading craft brewer. Originally brewing out of a small garage-sized brewery in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia, Yards has expanded three times, most recently to a new state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly facility on Delaware Avenue in order to satisfy demand for its Signature, Seasonal, and Revolutionary Ales. Brewery Tours and samplings are free and available on Saturdays from 12pm – 3pm. Learn more at yardsbrewing.com.

About the Philadelphia Folk Festival
The Philadelphia Folk Festival is a three-day event featuring some of music industry’s more preeminent performers. Scheduled from August 14 – 16, at the Old Pool Farm near Schwenksville, PA, the Philadelphia Folk Festival offers a collection of contemporary music, dance, crafts, camping, and children’s activities. Learn more the performers, and purchase concert tickets and camping passes at folkfest.org.