Updated April 13: Old Songs Statement on COVID-19
Due to the Coronavirus and our desire to keep everyone safe and healthy, the 40th Old Songs Festival of Traditional Music and Dance has been postponed to June 25-27, 2021. We hope to see you all at the 40th festival.
In addition, all in person participatory events at the Old Songs building in Voorheesville, NY are cancelled until further notice, with the hope to reopen in the fall.
In the meanwhile, please keep in mind that cancelled gigs means loss of income for the performers and teachers we bring to Old Songs, as well as loss of income for the organization. Please take the time to support the artists and Old Songs in other ways while community gatherings are suspended. As part of the stimulus package the IRS is allowing an above the line charitable contribution of up to $300, which means you can take that deduction for the 2020 tax year even if you don’t itemize.
Old Songs is a family-friendly festival of folk, traditional, Celtic and world music and dance, known for its relaxed atmosphere, interactive sessions and workshops, hands-on experience and participatory nature. In addition to three concerts there are over 100 daytime workshops, dances or performances.
More information at festival.oldsongs.org
MAKE YOUR OWN MUSIC – due to COVID-19 – all events are canceled until further notice
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. with Kate Blain, MC. $3
2nd Wednesday of the Month
Roaring 20s Jazz Jam: 7:30 pm Play and sing the popular music of the early 20th century from Ragtime to Dixieland to Blues to Swing. Led by Carle Kopecky. $4
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 Appeal for Old Songs
Since 1977, your attendance at our events and donations to Old Songs, Inc. have made it possible for us to present the best in traditional and traditionally based music and dance in concerts, festivals and our many other programs, helping live music thrive. 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…