3rd Annual Gene Shay / Founders' Awards Benefit Concert

Purchase Your Tickets Here!

A FANTASTIC NIGHT FOR FOLK MUSIC LOVERS

You are invited to join The Philadelphia Folksong Society for the 3rd Annual Gene Shay Founders’ Award/Benefit Concert as we remember Gene Shay, and we honor the legendary Tom Paxton, one of the most important figures in American songwriting and folk music. 

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville, PA promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with awards, captivating stories, and incredible music from talented performers headlined by Tom Paxton and featuring musical performances by Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer and The DonJuans.

This special performance by Tom Paxton might just be the only chance to hear Tom play in our region this year! Plus, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to see all of these amazing musicians collaborating together on stage.

The 2026 Honorees:

Founders’ Award:
Tom Paxton

Gene Shay Award:
Andrew Braunfeld
Annie Stevenson Smith

Volunteer Spotlight Award:
Philadelphia Folk Festival Production Committee

Three Ticket Options On Sale Now!

  • VIP Admission (limited seating in the first few rows, includes pre and post show receptions) – $250 before any applicable discounts
  • Special Admission (best available seats after the first few rows, includes pre-show reception) – $100 before any applicable discounts
  • General Admission (Orchestra or Balcony — first-come/first-served) – $50 before any applicable discounts

All tickets include access to the silent auction, awards ceremony, and concert. 

You can find information on sponsorships, program book ads, or small shout-outs to the awardees on the Purchase Tickets page by clicking on Get Tickets, or contact Rob Kutzik rkutzik@pfs.org

NEW! Special Members Only Ticket Offers now through February 15, 2026

Offer #1: 20% Off Ticket Discount

Receive 20% off on Gene Shay/Founders Award Benefit Concert tickets for ALL current and new Phila Folksong Society members with exclusive member code (check your email)

  • General Admission Tickets $40 (regular price $50)
  • Special Admission Tickets $80 (regular price $100)
  • VIP Tickets $200 (regular price $250)

Offer #2: Buy One, Get One Free (Premium Level Members only)

Current and new Philadelphia Folksong Society members at the Premium Level ($225 and above) may buy one General Admission or one VIP ticket for the Gene Shay/Founders Award Benefit Concert and get one ticket of the same value free! (check your email for your exclusive member code)

Note: The “Buy One, Get One” offer is not valid on Special Admission tickets and cannot be combined with any other ticket offers including the 20% off discount. 

All proceeds benefit the Philadelphia Folksong Society, a 501(c)(3) organization run entirely by volunteers.

Event Schedule:

  • 6:00 PM: Doors open for a special pre-show reception
  • 6:15 PM: Silent auction for all ticket holders
  • 7:00 PM: Awards ceremony begins
    • Gene Shay Awards and Volunteer Spotlight Award presented
    • Founders’ Award presented to Tom Paxton
  • 8:00 PM: Concert starts
  • Post-concert: VIP ticket holders invited to a short post-concert reception to meet performers and honorees

The Colonial Theatre
227 Bridge St
Phoenixville, PA 19460