Old Songs Festival - Performers

	2012 Old Songs Festival Performers

	Peter & Mary Alice Amidon Peter and Mary Alice Amidon are versatile and widely respected performing and teaching artists who for the past twenty years have dedicated themselves to traditional song, dance and storytelling. The Amidons are equally at home doing a concert of stories and songs for adults or children, calling a contra dance for adults or a community dance for all ages, leading harmony singing workshops with adults, or doing an elementary school residency of singing, storytelling or traditional dance. Peter and Mary Alice have been a mainstay at Old Songs for quite a few years, leading our Shape-Note or Choral Harmony sessions. This year they will return to lead the Shape-Note sings.
	Website: www.amidonmusic.com

	Andrew & Noah Band Home schooled by their mother Kim (a full time piano teacher) Andrew and Noah VanNorstrand grew up making music together—singing, dancing and eventually learning to coax tunes out of the family fiddle. Now in their 20s, the brothers have already spent several years bringing their brand of high-energy acoustic music to venues across North America (including multiple stops at Old Songs both with Kim and as a duo). They return this year with their 6-piece band. the group has developed a uniquely engaging sound that features intricate arrangements, explosive improvisation and irresistible dance grooves.
	Website: andrewandnoah.com

	Patrick Ball Patrick Ball is one of the premier Celtic harp players in the world and a captivating spoken word artist. In playing the ancient, legendary brass-strung harp of Ireland with its crystalline, bell-like voice, and in performing marvelous tales of wit and enchantment, he not only brings new life to two cherished traditions, but blends them in concert to create “a richly theatrical and hauntingly beautiful performance.”
	Website: www.patrickball.com

	Dan Berggren Dan Berggren’s roots are firmly in the Adirondacks where he was raised but his music has branched out across many borders. The award-winning musician and educator grew up on the land farmed by his mother's family for generations and has worked in the woods with forest ranger and survey crews. Hearing stories and songs from local friends and neighbors, Dan has developed a style that captures the spirit of the mountains. Dan will MC our Saturday Night Concert this year as well as take part in our Civil War Concert.
	Website: www.berggrenfolk.com

	Brother Sun Pat Wictor, Greg Greenway, and Joe Jencks have formed a dynamic new male trio. Their harmonies, as much as their lyrics, tell what they are about: warm as a campfire, stirring as a gospel church, rousing as a call to arms. Calling upon contemporary songwriting, and informed by the deep roots of gospel, blues, and folk, the trio weaves a tapestry of harmony that is brilliantly fresh and yet familiar. Three rich voices blending on a well-crafted foundation of guitar, slide guitar, and piano.
	Website: www.brothersunmusic.com

	Comas The four members of Comas combine their many cultural influences to forge a unique blend of traditional Irish music that literally had them, within months of coming together, playing at major festivals in Ireland, Belgium, France, England, Denmarkand Holland. As further testimony to their deep rooted talents, they were immediately asked back to every festival they played at..."before we even had time to put our instruments away" as Philip, aptly put it. "Comas" is Irish/ Gaelic for POWER and power is exactly what this band is about. They couple that driving power with a fine sensitivity for the inner strands of magic that inherent in Irish music.
	Website: www.comasmusic.com

	Fennig's All-Stars Bill Spence has been a musician for over 50 years, playing banjo, guitar, autoharp and the instrument he is best known for—the hammered dulcimer. In 1970 he formed Fennig’s All-Star String Band, and in 1973 the group released its classic LP (close to 100,000 copies sold to date) The Hammered Dulcimer. Since 1977’s The Hammered Dulcimer Strikes Again, the band has featured Bill along with the talented, multi-instrumental virtuoso and singer George Wilson on fiddle, guitar, and banjo, and Toby Stover, an acknowledged master of New England-style rhythm accompaniment, on piano.
	Websites: Bill Spence \| George Wilson

	Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer TWO-TIME GRAMMY® Award Winners, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer are a formidable powerhouse of sound, with a repertoire of traditional and contemporary folk, old-time country and swing music. Their superb harmonies are backed by instrumental virtuosity on the acoustic & electric guitar, five-string banjo, mandolin, cello banjo, ukulele, percussion and many other instruments. Top it off with a witty stage presence and warm audience rapport and you've got a well loved music duo.
	Website: www.cathyandmarcy.com

	Archie Fisher Master guitarist, singer and songwriter Archie Fisher is Scotland’s foremost troubadour and is known throughout the country as the host of BBC Radio Scotland’s award-winning “Travelling Folk” show, which he has presented for over 25 years. Archie was born in Glasgow into a large singing family, which yielded three professional singers—Archie and his sisters Ray and Cilla Fisher. Archie first became interested in folk music through the Skiffle era of the late 1950s. Later, the recording of the Weavers at Carnegie Hall also had a profound effect on his approach to music and his political outlook.
	Website: www.woodenshipproductions.com

	Steve & Betsy Fry Steve Fry is a musician's musician, a wizz on several instruments, including mandolin, piano and trumpet. Betsy Fry plays clarinet and bass. The couple performed with Annie and the Hedonists for 20 years. They join us at this year's festival as members of the Civil War concert ensemble (Friday afternoon performance).

	Galant, Tu Perds Ton Temps (Lover boy, you're waisting your time) Evoking the simplicity and spontaneity that inhabited Quebec kitchens not so long ago, these five women and their percussionist perform a repertoire of traditional Quebecois songs a cappella. Several elements make this group unique. The only form of accompaniment comes from foot tapping, bodhran, dance or even, in some cases, a suitcase. Lyrics are pushed in the forefront in order to draw the audience’s attention to the stories they tell, stories that have been handed down to us through the oral tradition.
	Website: www.galanttuperdstontemps.ca YouTube: youtu.be/wewtFYS-d84

	Ron Gordon, Michael Eck & the Festival Jug Band Long time denizen of the local folk scene, Ron Gordon (left in photo) has played with the St. Regis String Band, the Hokum Hawaiians, Mandolin Madness, the Festival Jug Band, and as a proponent of all things uke over the years. He returns to lead the Festival Jug Band once again, this time with assistance from Michael Eck (right). Mike is a practitioner of American roots music with a long-standing presence in the Capital Region. He is currently a member of The Ramblin' Jug Stompers and Lost Radio Rounders. Ron and Mike will lead the Festival Jug Band again this year and welcome participation from audience members of all ages.
	Websites: Festival Jug Band page \| www.michaeleck.com

	Greenfield Dance Band The Greenfield Dance Band consists of Northeast dance community stalwarts Stuart Kenney (bass, banjo); Mary Cay Brass (piano, accordion); Peter Siegel (mandolin, guitar, banjo, foot percussion); and David Kaynor (fiddle). From the start (early '80s), they have been both reliably solid and spontaneously adventurous in their playing. They see the points where tunes and phrases begin and end as intersections and themselves as a kind of convoy whose drivers respond to each others' turn signals.
	Websites: David Kaynor \| Mary Kay Brass \| Peter Siegel \| Stuart Kenney

	Groovemama Since the 1999 festival, Groovemama has commandeered the happy task of turning young musicians into a polished performing group in three days, culminating in a main-stage concert of the Great Groove Band. Members Donna Hébert, Jane Rothfield, Max Cohen, Stuart Kenney and George Wilson teach, wrangle, coach and cajole groups of up to 60 performers (so far!) from age 6 to 18, passing on tunes and songs from traditional American, Canadian and Celtic sources. Students learn a mix of 4-6 tunes and songs and learn basic arrangements for them, opening the Sunday afternoon main-stage show.
	Website: fiddlingdemystified.com

	Larry Hanks & Deborah Robbins American songster Larry Hanks—a “folksingers’ folksinger”—has been delighting audiences for over 50 years with his deep bass voice, sparse acoustic guitar accompaniments, and acclaimed jew's harp playing. The duet of Larry and his wife and musical partner Deborah Robins has become even more beloved for an eclectic repertoire of American traditional, work, blues, and political songs. Hanks & Robins bring a warm and homey stage presence, most comfortable in creating an intimate musical evening, long remembered by all in attendance.
	Website: www.larryhanks.com

	Kim & Reggie Harris Consummate musicians and storytellers, Kim and Reggie Harris combine a strong folk and gospel legacy with a solid background in classical, rock, jazz and pop music. Creative curiosity, years of road and stage experience and interactions with performers such as Pete Seeger, Ysaye Barnwell, Jay Leno, Tom Paxton, Bernice Johnson Reagon, Harry Belafonte and others, has led them to produce music that entertains and inspires.
	Website: www.kimandreggie.com

	Joe Hickerson Joe Hickerson is a living encyclopedia of folk music and its history, widely respected for his work as a folklorist and ethnomusicologist on behalf of such organizations and agencies as the American Folklife Center and the Library of Congress. He is also a singing encyclopedia of folk music, with a wide-ranging repertoire of English-language songs and ballads, including occupational and labor songs, children’s songs, humorous songs and parodies, Irish-American songs, sea songs, religious songs, and chorus songs. Joe likes to call himself a “vintage pre-plugged paleo-acoustic folksinger.”

	Anne Hills Anne Hills has gained national recognition as a vocal chameleon and as a writer of poetic precision. She is a singer of superb clarity and pure tone who has made her reputation in both folk music and theater circles. She has toured, collaborated and recorded with Tom Paxton, Bob Gibson, Michael Smith, Peter Erskine and many others. Two recent and widely celebrated projects have involved creating and recording musical settings of works by the American poet James Whitcomb Riley and by naive child poet Opal Whitely.
	Website: www.annehills.com

	Sharon Katz & the Peace Train In the mid '90s, in her native South Africa, Sharon Katz took 150 performers, including her friends Ladysmith Black Mambazo, on tour by train, giving concerts at every stop along their route in support of a peaceful transition to democracy in South Africa. The performing group became known as “The Peace Train” forever more, and all the world watched as Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first democratically elected President a few months later. The legacy continues as the Peace Train brings the same message of peace and tolerance around the world.
	Website: www.sharonkatz.com YouTube: youtu.be/ZUcpNe3Xwmo

	Nuala Kennedy Nuala Kennedy grew up in Dundalk, Co. Louth, on the East coast of Ireland; a musical area which is steeped in mythology and has long historical links with Scotland. Her singing and flute playing springs from those Irish and Scottish traditions, and from the fathomless realms of her own imagination. A consummate performer with a buoyant personality, her music has been described as unique, evocative, and soul-satisfying.
	Website: www.nualakennedy.com YouTube: www.youtube.com/nualamusic

	John Kirk & Trish Miller John and Trish entertain with a diverse repertoire of original and traditional music. Their shows appeal to audiences of all ages with quick-pickin’ tunes, sentimental songs, educational content and percussive clog dancing. Leading the way are John’s fiddle selections from Americana, Canadian and Celtic styles. John’s warm tenor voice is clear and engaging. Both artists take turns exchanging guitar, banjo, mandolin and syncopated rhythm steps as part of their shows.
	Website: www.johnandtrish.com

	Cassie & Maggie MacDonald Born in Halifax, with strong roots in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Cassie and Maggie MacDonald have been wowing audiences across Canada with their unique blend of original and traditional Celtic music. Cassie's fiddle playing has been described as "sweet and elegant with just the right amount of raw power" while Maggie's piano playing has an irresistible drive that will leave your foot incapable of staying still and which perfectly complements Cassie's playing. Cassie and Maggie also add guitar, banjo and accordion to the mix, as well as sweet vocal harmony. To top it all off, they are both accomplished step dancers.
	Website: cassieandmaggie.com

	Magpie Terry Leonino is powerful singer and an excellent player of the harmonica, mandolin, fretted dulcimer, and rhythm guitar. Greg Artzner is an outstanding guitarist and his high baritone voice is a perfect match to Terry's versatile alto. They have always embraced a musical rainbow, with impressive proficiency in each different genre. From traditional, classic country, swing, and blues of the nineteen twenties and thirties, to contemporary songs written by themselves and others, Terry and Greg cover a lot of musical ground.
	Website: www.magpiemusic.com

	John McCutcheon John McCutcheon is one of our most respected and loved folksingers. As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, most notably the hammered dulcimer. His songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His thirty recordings have garnered every imaginable honor including seven Grammy nominations. And his commitment to grassroots political organizations has put him on the front lines of many of the issues important to communities and workers.
	Website: www.folkmusic.com

	Bruce Molsky Bruce Molsky stands today as the premier old-time fiddler in the world, the defining virtuoso of Appalachia's timeless folk music traditions. In addition to a prolific solo career, Bruce frequently joins genre-busting supergroups, like the Grammy-nominated Fiddlers Four, and Mozaik, with Hungarian Nikola Parov, and Celtic giant Donal Lunny. He was on Nickel Creek's farewell tour, and performs in a trio with Scottish fiddler Aly Bain and Sweden's great Ale Moller.
	Website: http://brucemolsky.com YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/brucemolsky

	Mulebone Mulebone is a partnership comprised of multi-instrumentalist John Ragusa and roots music specialist Hugh Pool. The launching pad for their musical expression is traditional blues. Together they have recorded a CD which spent 15 weeks in the Top 100 Albums in America. Along with playing live and TV appearances, they won blues artist of the year at radio stations from Seattle, Washington to Red Bank, New Jersey.
	Photo by Andrzej Pilarczyk Website: www.mulebonemusic.com

	Bob Nicholson Bob Nicholson has been calling contra and square dances since 1990. Dancers throughout New York, Pennsylvania, Ontario, and beyond have enjoyed his calling. His relaxed teaching style and patience have made him an especially successful caller with beginner dancers. Bob is known for his ability to select the right dance for the crowd – from old standards like the Virginia Reel to modern day contras. A lifelong Syracuse resident, Bob is one of the organizers of the Syracuse Country Dance.

	Rik Palieri American troubadour Rik Palieri sings and performs both original and traditional songs on a variety of instruments, including banjo, 6 & 12 string guitars, mouth bow and Native American flute. In all of his shows you can expect some fast banjo picking, exotic instruments, sing-a-longs, original song writing and a little bit of yodeling. He also likes to include fun and engaging storytelling.
	Website: www.banjo.net

	John Roberts John Roberts has been singing English folk songs since the early 1960s, when he joined a local folk club in his native Worcestershire. Coming to the U.S. as a graduate student in 1968, he soon joined with Tony Barrand to form a duo which has lasted ever since. While continuing to work with Tony, and with the seasonal performances of Nowell Sing We Clear, John has continued to work as a solo performer, accompanying a broad repertoire of British Isles songs on concertina and banjo.
	Website: www.goldenhindmusic.com

	Roger the Jester Old Songs’ old friend Roger Reed discovered his Jester self twenty-eight years ago on the streets of Boston. In 1979, he joined with the Swiss theatre troupe, Mummenschanz (who once released a live recording). After this Broadway experience, and relying on finely honed technical skills and an innate ability to improvise to create true “live theatre,” Roger took to the road to “recreate the wandering lifestyle of a medieval fool.” His skills as object manipulator, silent physical comedian, magician, and musician have left a trail of laughter through twenty-three countries.
	Website: www.ijest.com

	David Roth David Roth strikes many chords, hearts, and minds with his unique songs, offbeat observations, moving stories, sense of the hilarious, and powerful singing and subject matter. As singer, songwriter, recording artist, keynote speaker, workshop leader, and instructor, David has earned top honors at premier songwriter competitions and has taken his music, experience, and expertise to a wide variety of venues in this and other countries full-time for more than two decades.
	Website: www.davidrothmusic.com Video: /video_clips

	The Storycrafters Barry Marshall, and Jeri Burns have been working together as The Storycrafters since 1991, and have been storytellers for even longer than that. In addition to being nationally renowned storytellers, they are award-winning radio show hosts, recording artists and writers. Jeri and Barry believe in the time-tested wisdom of traditional stories, and share that wisdom with today’s audiences. They strive to honor world cultures by telling the old stories in respectful ways, often integrating the musical instruments, song or dances indigenous to that region.
	Website: www.storycrafters.com

	Dennis Stroughmatt Dennis Stroughmatt was first introduced to American French culture as a teenager near Old Mines, Missouri. The knowledge that he gained there included a centuries old French Creole fiddling style, fluency in Illinois-Missouri Creole French, and a wealth of stories and songs all of which have been handed down generation to generation in Missouri and Illinois for nearly 300 years. Dennis went on to live and work in southwest Louisiana where he became steeped in the Creole and Cajun traditions of that region as well. He is also a preservationist, focusing on creating an understanding of French Creole culture and music.
	Website: creolefiddle.com

	Susan Trump For years, Susan Trump has been winning fans with her singing, her songwriting prowess, her outstanding skills on mountain dulcimer, guitar, and banjo, and her clear, relaxed teaching style. Her love of Anglo-American music has taken her from the mountains of Southern Appalachia and the Adirondacks to the British Isles, where she has collected and performed traditional music. Her magic stems from her ability to link the pastoral, tranquil images of traditional rural America to our contemporary life. Her songs touch the heart, recall the past, and inspire the times ahead, and her sense of humor adds a fresh touch to her performances.
	Website: www.susantrump.com

	Ken Whiteley Ken Whiteley is a Canadian roots music legend. His musical journey has taken him from jug band, folk and swing to blues, gospel and children's music. Among numerous accolades, he has been awarded a Canadian Folk Music Award, Genie Award for Best Original Song in a Canadian film, Lifetime Achievement recognition from the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals and Mariposa Folk Festival. He has also been nominated for 7 Juno awards and 14 Maple Blues Awards. Ken’s live performances showcase his outstanding musicianship on guitars and mandolin, award winning original songs and his powerful vocals.
	Website: www.kenwhiteley.com Videos

	Todd Crowley & the Musical Petting Zoo Ever pluck a harp or drum on a djembe? Ever womp-womp on a didgeridoo or buzz into a shofar? Ever strum a mountain dulcimer or frail a banjo? All of these traditional folk instruments and about 100 more are part of Todd Crowley’s Traveling Musical Petting Zoo. From accordian to zither, The Zoo is a fully interactive, hands-on exhibition for musicians, young and old, novice to professional at folk and bluegrass festivals across the US and Canada.
	Website: www.diatoddnics.com

	Diamond Jubilee Band Organ The Diamond Jubilee Organ is the largest touring antique fairground organ in the Americas, and one of only two similar instruments in the United States. Built by the Gavioli firm in Paris in 1897 (the year of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee) , The Diamond Jubilee Organ recreates the sound of the traveling fun fair, the Happiest Music on Earth1! Newly restored, with over 400 pipes playing on four registers *The* Diamond Jubilee Organ is a real attention-getter, and will bring a smile to every one who hears it at your fair, festival, or celebration.
	Website: www.band-organ.com