What was the Philadelphia Folksong Society talking about when they said they were after a younger audience for the 47th annual Philadelphia Folk Festival?

For one, there's a 100-foot beer tent serving brews by Downingtown's Victory Brewing Co.

It also shows in the youthful Friday afternoon concert lineup of John Francis, Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers, Ben Arnold and the Ryan Montbleau Band from 2:30 to 6 p.m.

Here's what the Martin Stage schedule looks like after that:

FRIDAY EVENING, 7:30 p.m. to midnight

Al Stewart, J.D. Crowe and The New South, The Lee Boys, Tempest, Jake Shimabukuro.

Al Stewart is known for hit songs such as "Time Passages" and "Year of the Cat."

Lisa Schwartz, the festival chair of marketing and promotions, raved about Shimabukuro, saying that he's changed a lot of people's feelings about the ukelele.

"Do yourself a favor, just type in 'Jake Shim' on YouTube. He gets more sound out of those four strings than anybody," she said.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON, 4 to 6 p.m.

Allison Moorer, Steve Earle.

A rabble-rousing alt country artist, Earle was accompanied at this year's Newport Folk Festival by a DJ scratching and dropping samples. What would those old folkies that booed Bob Dylan for playing an electric guitar at that festival in 1965 say?

SATURDAY EVENING, 7:30 p.m. to midnight

Craig Bickhardt, Espers, Tom Paxton, Kathy Mattea, Judy Collins, Janis Ian, The Felice Brothers.

Bickhardt has written hit songs for The Judds and Pam Tillis, plus a long list of songs recorded by a host of established artists.

Last month, Ian released a two-CD retrospective and a hardback autobiography. See "'Society's Child' looks back on 4+ decades in show biz."

SUNDAY EVENING, 4 to 9:30 p.m.

Beusoleil (avec Michael Doucet), Kimya Dawson, Samuel James, Compadres (Oscar Lopez and James Keelaghan), Vanaver Caravan, Hoots and Hellmouth, Great Big Sea, Trout Fishing in America.

Beusoleil is the zydeco group best known for backing Mary-Chapin Carpenter on her hit "Down at the Twist and Shout."

Trout Fishing in America's set will be their more adult-oriented folk music. However, they'll perform a kids' music set at 11 a.m. Sunday on the Camp Stage.

Wait a minute, I know who Judy Collins, Tom Paxton and Kathy Mattea are! They're not exactly new artists.

"Even when you look to the future, you can't forget where you're coming from. The juxtaposition is really appropriate. You also want to say to the 20-somethings: 'You really like Nicole Reynolds (appearing in a showcase concert 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Saturday on the Camp Stage and various workshops)? Well, guess where she came from?" said Schwartz of Janis Ian.

She added that in Espers, you'll hear shades of the groups Pentangle and Renaissance. Likewise, she said, Ben Arnold is a compelling storyteller in the vein of Al Stewart.

Where is the Philadelphia Folk Festival held, again?

The Old Pool Farm, an 80-acre tract on Salford Station Road, Upper Salford. Just follow the signs from Sumneytown Pike/Route 63 west. Park your car and take the shuttle bus to the main gate.

When is the festival open?

It runs 11 a.m. to midnight Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday.

How much is it to get in?

It depends whether you're camping or not. Be advised that if you're bringing an RV, pop-up or outfitted vehicle to camp, there's a $25 vehicle fee. All-festival tickets with camping are $177 for both tent and vehicle camping. All-festival with camping is $87.50 for ages 12-16. Children under 12 are always admitted free to the festival, but if they're camping, it's $10. Children under 5 camp for free.

I live close enough that I don't feel the need to camp. What then?

All-festival tickets are $127 or $62.50 for ages 12-16.

Youths 12 to 16 get in for half-price when accompanied by an adult (all minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). Friday-only tickets are $52. Saturday day admission is $48. Saturday evening is $52. The Saturday combo ticket is $68. Sunday day admission 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (no music on the main stage) is $37. It's $52 for Sunday concert only admission after 4 p.m. For Sunday combo tickets, it's $52. For an upgrade to reserved seating, add $8 or $20 for all-festival.

What else is new?

The Web site, www.folkfest.org has an online jukebox so you can familiarize yourself with artists you don't know.

Also, the dance tent isn't just for dancing anymore. It's now called the Lobby Stage because there'll be music there as well. Glenmoor, Chester County act Sisters 3 will perform during a showcase concert 2:45 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday with Amy Speace, Bearfoot, Eileen Jewell and Kenny White.

The stage is unusual because since it's enclosed, there's no acoustic bleed-over from the other stages, Schwartz said.

Cassandra Sadler of Sisters 3 said that growing up as the second oldest of eight homeschooled siblings, she and two of her younger sisters started singing as a way to keep the younger kids entertained or lull them to sleep.

"We're kind of pieces of one person. Beatrice is sort of the feisty one. Anna Christie is our very theatrical sister. We're kind of like characters from a fairy tale; a fairy tale you've never heard before," she said.

The sisters, who will be performing at the festival for the first time, will sing songs from their forthcoming album, "Star Spangled." Hear and download their often quirky sounds at www.sisters3music.com.

What can you tell me about the beer tent?

After you show ID, you'll get a "21" wristlet. You must stay within the confines of the tent while drinking. Don't worry, there'll be tables and places to sit. Victory will have three brews to choose from and you'll be served in 16-ounce plastic cups. You're limited to six purchases per day.

What else do I need to know to survive the weekend?

Wear your clothes in layers if you're going to be staying awhile.

Wear sturdy footwear.

Pack or wear sunscreen.

Bug repellent is a good idea and so is a small flashlight for getting around after dark.

Bring lightweight rain gear because most years, there's one day when it storms.

If it gets hot, Dulcimer Grove, where the children's activities are, is shaded.

Bring a blanket to sit on.

Set specific meeting places and times with members of your group.

Don't bring glass containers.

Put a flag or ribbon on your car's antenna so you can find it easily in the parking lot after the concert.

Keep in mind that lost children are taken to the information booth.

If you see a performer you really like, keep in mind a few of them sign CDs at a table outside the CD Tent after their performances.

I have questions that you didn't answer.

The festival Web site, www.folkfest.org, is a helpful resource with complete workshop schedules, a list of the crafters, suggested activities for children, performer bios, and breakdowns of helpful information for campers, such as food and medical needs. You can also call (800) 556-FOLK.