Old Songs is saddened to announce the death of Bill Spence, one of Old Songs’ founders. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations may be made to Old Songs, Inc. in Bill’s memory. Thoughts of condolence may also be sent to Old Songs and will be delivered to the family.
If you would like to receive information about the memorial celebration of the life of Bill Spence being planned for this fall on Sunday, September 15, please join this mailing list.
Read Bill’s full obituary here…
Register Now for Spring Instrument Classes
Piano Accordion, Ukulele, Fiddle, Clawhammer Banjo, Mandolin, and Fingerpicking & Flatpicking Guitar Classes begin in March.
Dan Duggan and Peggy Lynn are celebrating ten years of marriage and fifteen years of performing together. Peggy’s talent for moving lyrics and Dan’s knack for unique, tasteful arrangements make this recording a fitting culmination of their composing and performing experience. Dan and Peggy combine original and traditional songs and tunes with masterful harmonies and inventive arrangements. The couple’s gift of insight is matched with dynamic songwriting and instrumental virtuosity.
Peggy Lynn, referred to by poet Maurice Kenny as “The Voice of the Mountains,” is recognized for her soulful songwriting and extraordinary vocal versatility. She is known for ballads of strong women, children’s songs about nature, and bluesy songs of life and love.
Dan Duggan is known nationally for his wizardry on hammered dulcimer and flat-picking guitar. He is a true multi-instrumentalist, equally at home on guitar, slide guitar, piano, banjo and his signature hammered dulcimer.
Purchase Tickets Online (no added fees):
Or contact Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815 or sales@oldsongs.org
Refunds are not available for this event.
Music by George Wilson, Toby Stover, and David Kaynor
with caller: Paul Rosenberg
1st Saturday of the Month (November–May)
Fun, simple dances from the U.S. and around the world. For every age and ability. All dances will be taught and will include circles, contras and squares. Yummy desert potluck during intermission.
$8 per person, children 12 & under are free
In partner with Homespun Occasions
Joel Mabus may be called a singer-songwriter, but he doesn’t sound like one. He’s the son of a 1930’s old time fiddle champ and a banjo-pickin’ farm girl. His performing career began in college during the Vietnam era, where he studied anthropology and literature by day and played coffeehouses by night. He has recorded 20 solo albums of original and traditional music since his recording career started in 1978. For three years running, Joel has been in the top 10 most-played artists in the Folk Radio Charts for North America (folkradio.org). A one-off in the folk world, Joel defies any easy pigeonhole. His palette ranges from mountain banjo to jazz guitar—from sensitive introspection to wicked satire. He’s both picker & poet, and from coast to coast over the past 40 years this Midwesterner has brought audiences to their feet, wanting more.
Purchase Tickets Online (no added fees):
Or contact Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815 or sales@oldsongs.org
Refunds are not available for this event.
Born into a family of Newfoundland music makers, Matthew’s repertoire is heavily influenced by that unique musical lineage—the weaving of a great story with a beautiful melody—and he supports this tradition with powerful vocals, polished guitar work, and a presence that fills the room. His repertoire transcends time and place and his live performance reminds us how satisfying traditional songs can be when stripped down to their basic elements.
Purchase Tickets Online (no added fees):
Or contact Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815 or sales@oldsongs.org
Refunds are not available for this event.
MAKE YOUR OWN MUSIC
MONDAYS
3rd Monday of the Month (Sept.–June)
African Drum Class: 7:00 pm African drumming with instructor John Dickson. Drums are provided. $15
WEDNESDAYS
1st Wednesday of the Month
Open Mic: 7:30 pm Sign up to perform 15 minutes. Kate Blain, MC. $3
3rd Wednesday of the Month
Traditional Irish Slow Session: 7:30 pm Play traditional Irish music with others. Led by Hilary Scrauf. $4
4th Wednesday of the Month (Sept.–May)
Contra Dance Tunes: 7:30 pm Build your skills and dance tune repertoire. Led by Ray Kottke. $3
SUNDAYS
2nd Sunday of the Month (Oct.–May)
Pickin’ & Singin’ Gatherin’: 1–4 pm A singin-a-round for the whole family. pickingandsinging.org
The Annual Fund Appeal for Old Songs
The new year is a good time to reflect and remember those activities and organizations that enrich our lives and give us hope for the future in these challenging times. Your ongoing support, through participation in our events and contributions, has enabled us to present a wide range of traditional and traditionally based music for the past 38 years. Thank you. We could not do it without you. Read more…
Old Songs welcomes Joy Bennett as our new Executive Director
Effective September 2018, our founder, Executive Director and guiding spirit, Andy Spence, is turning over the reins of the organization to Joy Bennett. After an extensive search and evaluation process, Joy was the unanimous choice of the Old Songs Board of Directors and Andy. Andy will continue with as Executive Director Emeritus and advisor to the Board of Directors and to Joy.
Read more…