Pittsburgh Folk Festival, 60 years young, will showcase 40 cultures

Their music might not fit a strict definition of folk, but members of Electric Army think they'll find their tribe at the Pittsburgh Folk Festival.

“We play a lot of classic-rock sounding stuff,” says vocalist Riley Deringor, 15, of Squirrel Hill. “It's very loud and very high energy. I think the audience can get behind it.”

The band made up of five area teens and preteens will perform two sets during the festival, set for Sept. 3 and 4 under the permanent tent in Schenley Plaza in Oakland.

“Electric Army is our tribute to American music and pop culture,” says Karen Hall, festival director and president of its board of directors. “We don't want to forget the Americans.”

The band has been together for about two years, Deringor says, playing gigs at places such as the Sunburst School of Music in Squirrel Hill and Little Italy Days in Bloomfield. The folk festival sets will include classic and alt-rock covers and a few originals.

The festival is celebrating its 60th anniversary and is being held this year in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Bicentennial. The event will showcase about 40 cultures from more than 20 countries through song and dance, food, crafts, children's activities and a marketplace of handmade and imported goods.

It began in 1956 with 17 nationalities represented and a mission of promoting unity among the diverse cultures in the greater Pittsburgh area. It is the city's largest celebration of its kind.

Nationalities participating for the first time this year include Egypt, Venezuela, Mexico and Bhutan, Hall says.

“We're always interested in representing ethnic groups new to the Pittsburgh area,” she says.

Continuous entertainment will be provided on both days, featuring talent from local churches, synagogues and social clubs, along with Italian tenor Marco Fiorante.

A native of the city of Cellino San Marco, Fiorante trained as an opera singer and has performed in various venues around the United States. His latest album, “Love,” was released this month. His performance will feature familiar favorites such as “Che sara” and “O sole mio.”

Also in the lineup will be Argentinian tango and Scottish Highland dance groups. Closing remarks on both days will be followed by the singing of “God Bless America.”

As for food, there will be offerings from 10 countries, Hall says. New this year will be Caribbean cuisine.

“There is great ethnic food all around the area year-round,” she says. “But people might want to come and try something new in the two days of the festival, where all these kitchens will be under the tent.”

Cultural exhibits are planned and feature 13 countries — from Eastern Europe to the Middle East to the Far East.

Visitors will be able to try their skills at a number of crafts, including origami, paper-cutting, palm weaving and Easter-egg decorating. For children, craft activities from 20 countries will be offered.

Shirley McMarlin is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 724-836-5750 or smcmarlin@tribweb.com.