Old Songs, Inc. is a not-for-profit, educational, 501(c)3 corporation
Virtual Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 11 am–4 pm.
PO Box 466 • 37 S Main • Voorheesville, NY 12186-0466
(518) 765-2815 • info@oldsongs.org
Old Songs Community Arts Center
Upcoming Events
March 2026
Traditional Irish Slow Session
3rd Wednesday of the Month (Sept. – May)
This is a friendly, repertoire-building opportunity to play your new tunes slowly and work on your old tunes at a reasonable tempo. We will focus specifically on traditional Irish music, and all Irish-appropriate instruments are welcome (i.e. wooden flute, tin whistle, concertina, button or piano accordion, guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, fiddle, harp). We encourage tape recorders, and focus on learning tunes by ear. Music stands and continuous use of sheet music discouraged. Bring snacks to share. Led by Sean McCorkle.
Recommended $5 donation
$145
Advanced Beginner Ukulele
with Kathleen Hanley
This class will review basic ukulele strums and chords as well as add new ones. Students will learn new songs to practice the one finger strum, the thumb drag, the damping strum, and the triplet. New fingerpicking patterns will be introduced. Both new and returning students are welcome.
For more information contact Kathleen at kathleen.m.hanley@gmail.com.
Class Dates: Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9
$145
Sea Chanteys: How They Were Used
with Chris Koldewey
Ever wonder just how those old sea chanteys were used during the age of sail? Join Chris in singing and a ‘virtual’ demonstration of the working of a 19th century square-rigged sailing vessel, and the specific songs that helped get the jobs done together and more easily. By use of a Powerpoint demonstration, and Chris’ knowledge gained after a 20-year association as Chanteyman with the demonstration squad of Mystic Seaport Museum and sailing square-riggers, participants will virtually ‘sail’ a 19th century vessel, singing as we go. In addition to the songs themselves, we’ll learn how the form, pace, and style changed depending on their specific use. We’ll learn about shipboard life aboard a square-rigger, and the maritime trades as well as some of the ‘rituals’ that included their own songs. (All levels and abilities)
Please email the instructor with any questions about the the class at koldeweyc@yahoo.com.
Class Dates: Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9
$30
Macdara Yeates — Live at Old Songs
Macdara Yeates is a traditional singer from Dublin’s rich and fertile folk scene. With a voice described as “a bracing, baleful, baritone that sounds as if it’s been dug from the deepest, most fragrant turf” (Songlines), Yeates’ performances offer a unique blend of Dublin street songs, Irish ‘big’ ballads, and songs of the comic and surreal.
Buy Tickets:
The concert will be held in person at the Old Songs building (37 S Main in Voorheesville) and live-streamed on the Old Songs YouTube Channel.
$145
Piano Accordion and Band Class
with Peggy Hart
Basic Technique, theory and note reading.
If you have any questions regarding your instrument or ability, contact Peggy at 518-439-1060 or peggymhart@yahoo.com.
Class Dates: Tuesdays, March 10, 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21 (skip March 17)
$145
Intermediate Guitar
with Ron Gordon
This class will include fun tunes and songs that highlight specific techniques in fingerpicking, chording, strumming, and flat-picking. All new material will be taught so that both previous and new students will have opportunities to learn and make some great new music. You’ll get the tab, and sound/video so that you can have some guitar classics to master over time.
For more information contact Ron at 518-372-4172 or rgukeboy@gmail.com.
Class Dates: Tuesdays, March 10, 17, 24, 31, April 7, 14
$145
Advanced Beginner Ukulele
with Kathleen Hanley
This class will review basic ukulele strums and chords as well as add new ones. Students will learn new songs to practice the one finger strum, the thumb drag, the damping strum, and the triplet. New fingerpicking patterns will be introduced. Both new and returning students are welcome.
For more information contact Kathleen at kathleen.m.hanley@gmail.com.
Class Dates: Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9
$145
Sea Chanteys: How They Were Used
with Chris Koldewey
Ever wonder just how those old sea chanteys were used during the age of sail? Join Chris in singing and a ‘virtual’ demonstration of the working of a 19th century square-rigged sailing vessel, and the specific songs that helped get the jobs done together and more easily. By use of a Powerpoint demonstration, and Chris’ knowledge gained after a 20-year association as Chanteyman with the demonstration squad of Mystic Seaport Museum and sailing square-riggers, participants will virtually ‘sail’ a 19th century vessel, singing as we go. In addition to the songs themselves, we’ll learn how the form, pace, and style changed depending on their specific use. We’ll learn about shipboard life aboard a square-rigger, and the maritime trades as well as some of the ‘rituals’ that included their own songs. (All levels and abilities)
Please email the instructor with any questions about the the class at koldeweyc@yahoo.com.
Class Dates: Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9
$30
Damn Tall Buildings — Live at Old Songs
Damn Tall Buildings is a celebrated folk-bluegrass band, known for their soulful melodies and intricate instrumentals. This seasoned trio—Max Capistran, Sasha Dubyk, and Avery Ballotta—has spent over a decade creating a distinctive sound that weaves heartfelt lyrics into thoughtful fiddle, guitar, and bass arrangements. They bring infectious energy to their music, blending influences from old-time, blues, and jazz into their songwriting. With seamless vocal harmonies and captivating instrumental solos, DamnTall Buildings creates a cohesive sound that resonates deeply with audiences, leaving a lasting mark wherever they perform. damntallbuildings.com
Buy Tickets:
The concert will be held in person at the Old Songs building (37 S Main in Voorheesville) and live-streamed on the Old Songs YouTube Channel.
$145
Piano Accordion and Band Class
with Peggy Hart
Basic Technique, theory and note reading.
If you have any questions regarding your instrument or ability, contact Peggy at 518-439-1060 or peggymhart@yahoo.com.
Class Dates: Tuesdays, March 10, 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21 (skip March 17)
$145
Intermediate Guitar
with Ron Gordon
This class will include fun tunes and songs that highlight specific techniques in fingerpicking, chording, strumming, and flat-picking. All new material will be taught so that both previous and new students will have opportunities to learn and make some great new music. You’ll get the tab, and sound/video so that you can have some guitar classics to master over time.
For more information contact Ron at 518-372-4172 or rgukeboy@gmail.com.
Class Dates: Tuesdays, March 10, 17, 24, 31, April 7, 14
April 2026
Open Mic
1st Wednesday of the Month
Strut your stuff and share your talent! Walk in and sign up to play (10 minutes). Local performer Kate Blain will host.
Recommended $3–5 donation.
$145
Advanced Beginner Ukulele
with Kathleen Hanley
This class will review basic ukulele strums and chords as well as add new ones. Students will learn new songs to practice the one finger strum, the thumb drag, the damping strum, and the triplet. New fingerpicking patterns will be introduced. Both new and returning students are welcome.
For more information contact Kathleen at kathleen.m.hanley@gmail.com.
Class Dates: Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9
$145
Sea Chanteys: How They Were Used
with Chris Koldewey
Ever wonder just how those old sea chanteys were used during the age of sail? Join Chris in singing and a ‘virtual’ demonstration of the working of a 19th century square-rigged sailing vessel, and the specific songs that helped get the jobs done together and more easily. By use of a Powerpoint demonstration, and Chris’ knowledge gained after a 20-year association as Chanteyman with the demonstration squad of Mystic Seaport Museum and sailing square-riggers, participants will virtually ‘sail’ a 19th century vessel, singing as we go. In addition to the songs themselves, we’ll learn how the form, pace, and style changed depending on their specific use. We’ll learn about shipboard life aboard a square-rigger, and the maritime trades as well as some of the ‘rituals’ that included their own songs. (All levels and abilities)
Please email the instructor with any questions about the the class at koldeweyc@yahoo.com.
Class Dates: Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9
$145
Piano Accordion and Band Class
with Peggy Hart
Basic Technique, theory and note reading.
If you have any questions regarding your instrument or ability, contact Peggy at 518-439-1060 or peggymhart@yahoo.com.
Class Dates: Tuesdays, March 10, 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21 (skip March 17)
$145
Intermediate Guitar
with Ron Gordon
This class will include fun tunes and songs that highlight specific techniques in fingerpicking, chording, strumming, and flat-picking. All new material will be taught so that both previous and new students will have opportunities to learn and make some great new music. You’ll get the tab, and sound/video so that you can have some guitar classics to master over time.
For more information contact Ron at 518-372-4172 or rgukeboy@gmail.com.
Class Dates: Tuesdays, March 10, 17, 24, 31, April 7, 14
Old Time Jam
2nd Wednesday of the Month
Led by the Fearless Fretters.
recommended $5 donation
$145
Advanced Beginner Ukulele
with Kathleen Hanley
This class will review basic ukulele strums and chords as well as add new ones. Students will learn new songs to practice the one finger strum, the thumb drag, the damping strum, and the triplet. New fingerpicking patterns will be introduced. Both new and returning students are welcome.
For more information contact Kathleen at kathleen.m.hanley@gmail.com.
Class Dates: Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9
$145
Sea Chanteys: How They Were Used
with Chris Koldewey
Ever wonder just how those old sea chanteys were used during the age of sail? Join Chris in singing and a ‘virtual’ demonstration of the working of a 19th century square-rigged sailing vessel, and the specific songs that helped get the jobs done together and more easily. By use of a Powerpoint demonstration, and Chris’ knowledge gained after a 20-year association as Chanteyman with the demonstration squad of Mystic Seaport Museum and sailing square-riggers, participants will virtually ‘sail’ a 19th century vessel, singing as we go. In addition to the songs themselves, we’ll learn how the form, pace, and style changed depending on their specific use. We’ll learn about shipboard life aboard a square-rigger, and the maritime trades as well as some of the ‘rituals’ that included their own songs. (All levels and abilities)
Please email the instructor with any questions about the the class at koldeweyc@yahoo.com.
Class Dates: Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9
$30
Lee Murdock — Live at Old Songs
Lee Murdock has uncovered a boundless body of music and stories in his home region, grounded in the work song tradition, from the rugged days of lumberjacks and wooden sailing schooners, Murdock comes alongside with original ballads of contemporary commerce and revelry in the grand folk style. Noted as a fluent instrumentalist on the six and twelve-string guitars, Lee Murdock’s musical influences span fifteen generations, from 17th century Irish harp music to Scott Joplin guitar rags, and embracing the blues, freshwater shanties, original songs, and ballads. Bringing a deeper understanding of the folk process, Lee’s repertoire combines historical research with contemporary insights. leemurdock.com
Buy Tickets:
The concert will be held in person at the Old Songs building (37 S Main in Voorheesville) and live-streamed on the Old Songs YouTube Channel.
The Pick’n’ & Sing’n’ Gather’n’ (PSG)
2nd Sunday of the Month
A sing-around for the whole family. pickingandsinging.org
$145
Piano Accordion and Band Class
with Peggy Hart
Basic Technique, theory and note reading.
If you have any questions regarding your instrument or ability, contact Peggy at 518-439-1060 or peggymhart@yahoo.com.
Class Dates: Tuesdays, March 10, 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21 (skip March 17)
$145
Intermediate Guitar
with Ron Gordon
This class will include fun tunes and songs that highlight specific techniques in fingerpicking, chording, strumming, and flat-picking. All new material will be taught so that both previous and new students will have opportunities to learn and make some great new music. You’ll get the tab, and sound/video so that you can have some guitar classics to master over time.
For more information contact Ron at 518-372-4172 or rgukeboy@gmail.com.
Class Dates: Tuesdays, March 10, 17, 24, 31, April 7, 14
Traditional Irish Slow Session
3rd Wednesday of the Month (Sept. – May)
This is a friendly, repertoire-building opportunity to play your new tunes slowly and work on your old tunes at a reasonable tempo. We will focus specifically on traditional Irish music, and all Irish-appropriate instruments are welcome (i.e. wooden flute, tin whistle, concertina, button or piano accordion, guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, fiddle, harp). We encourage tape recorders, and focus on learning tunes by ear. Music stands and continuous use of sheet music discouraged. Bring snacks to share. Led by Sean McCorkle.
Recommended $5 donation
African Drum Class
3rd Monday of the Month
Study African drumming. Participants will learn authentic drumming from many countries in West Africa. Emphasis will be on traditional rhythms & drumming techniques on djembes, dunduns & other hand drums. Please join us for this fun filled class. All levels are welcomed. Some drums may be available to borrow on a first come, first served basis. Instructor John Dickson.
Email oldsongs@oldsongs.org or call 518-765-2815 for more info.
Class fee: $15
$145
Piano Accordion and Band Class
with Peggy Hart
Basic Technique, theory and note reading.
If you have any questions regarding your instrument or ability, contact Peggy at 518-439-1060 or peggymhart@yahoo.com.
Class Dates: Tuesdays, March 10, 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21 (skip March 17)
$10
Old Songs Community Spring Dance
with George Wilson, Toby Stover and caller Fern Bradley
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 dessert potluck during intermission.
Buy Online or Pay at Door:
The dance will be held in person at the Old Songs building (37 S Main in Voorheesville).
$230
Bluegrass Jam Class
Taught by Tom Behan using the Wernick Method
4 sessions, tuition $230 ($250 after March 29)
Playing music with others is the best activity for getting better on your instrument! Using the tried and true Pete Wernick method, the class will teach the fundamentals of bluegrass jamming and build your confidence in playing with others. The music is slow and easy, and you will quickly gain skills while having fun. These skills are transferable to other types of music because they are basic to all types of jamming. All skill levels are welcome, and bringing a recording device is recommended.
For more information contact Tom at tbehan@nycap.rr.com
Class Dates: Sundays, April 26, May 3, 17, 24 (Skip May 10)
May 2026
$30
É.T.É — Live at Old Songs
É.T.É are Élisabeth (fiddle, step-dancing, vocals), Thierry (bouzouki, podorythmie, vocals), and Élisabeth (cello, vocals). The word été in French means summer–a fitting tribute to how their original, lively take on Québec traditional music is infused with a new vitality. With lovely vocal harmonies, deep groove, and rich instrumentation, É.T.É are an explosive trio on stage, transforming the nostalgia of a kitchen party into an unforgettable show experience that celebrates the joie de vivre of Québecois culture. etemusiquetrad.ca
Buy Tickets:
The concert will be held in person at the Old Songs building (37 S Main in Voorheesville) and live-streamed on the Old Songs YouTube Channel.
$230
Bluegrass Jam Class
Taught by Tom Behan using the Wernick Method
4 sessions, tuition $230 ($250 after March 29)
Playing music with others is the best activity for getting better on your instrument! Using the tried and true Pete Wernick method, the class will teach the fundamentals of bluegrass jamming and build your confidence in playing with others. The music is slow and easy, and you will quickly gain skills while having fun. These skills are transferable to other types of music because they are basic to all types of jamming. All skill levels are welcome, and bringing a recording device is recommended.
For more information contact Tom at tbehan@nycap.rr.com
Class Dates: Sundays, April 26, May 3, 17, 24 (Skip May 10)
Open Mic
1st Wednesday of the Month
Strut your stuff and share your talent! Walk in and sign up to play (10 minutes). Local performer Kate Blain will host.
Recommended $3–5 donation.
$55
Spring into Uke
with Lil Rev, Ron Gordon & Glenn Weiser
All-day Ukulele Intensive. Open to ALL LEVELS of player — beginner to advanced!
Lil Rev is an award-winning Wisconsin folksinger, poet, storyteller and author of over 15 ukulele and harmonica books. He’s the 1996 National Blues Harmonica Champ at Avoca and he was Voted Best Folksinger in WI-2004 by the WAMI association. For over 25 years Lil Rev has criss crossed North America and racked up over a million miles; today is often referred to as the Johnny Appleseed of the Ukulele.
When Ron Gordon discovered that a uke is a small guitar ; that was it! More portable, much easier on the hands, adaptable, and fun in groups. Luckily, he quickly started `a monthly jam, got hired for many uke events, and so got to hear lots of new sounds and make uke friends from all over. That was the inspiration to start Spring Into Uke here in the Cap District.That was well over a decade ago, and I’m happy to say…”Uke Can Do It”!
Glenn Weiser is the author of 18 books on the guitar and the harmonica. He has also written for Acoustic Guitar and Sing Out! magazines. Now based in Connecticut, Glenn has taught students of all ages and levels how to play guitar, ukulele. banjo, mandolin, harmonica, fiddle, and electric bass for over 40 years. The styles he teaches include folk, bluegrass, blues, Celtic music, old-time string band music, classical guitar, fingerstyle guitar, and classic rock. He is on harmonica.com’s 100 Top Musicians list. He is also the admin of Facebook’s Celtic Guitar Group and the Bluegrass, Country and Old-Time Harmonica group.
Register
The workshop will be held in person at the Old Songs building (37 S Main in Voorheesville).
The Pick’n’ & Sing’n’ Gather’n’ (PSG)
2nd Sunday of the Month
A sing-around for the whole family. pickingandsinging.org
Old Time Jam
2nd Wednesday of the Month
Led by the Fearless Fretters.
recommended $5 donation
$230
Bluegrass Jam Class
Taught by Tom Behan using the Wernick Method
4 sessions, tuition $230 ($250 after March 29)
Playing music with others is the best activity for getting better on your instrument! Using the tried and true Pete Wernick method, the class will teach the fundamentals of bluegrass jamming and build your confidence in playing with others. The music is slow and easy, and you will quickly gain skills while having fun. These skills are transferable to other types of music because they are basic to all types of jamming. All skill levels are welcome, and bringing a recording device is recommended.
For more information contact Tom at tbehan@nycap.rr.com
Class Dates: Sundays, April 26, May 3, 17, 24 (Skip May 10)
African Drum Class
3rd Monday of the Month
Study African drumming. Participants will learn authentic drumming from many countries in West Africa. Emphasis will be on traditional rhythms & drumming techniques on djembes, dunduns & other hand drums. Please join us for this fun filled class. All levels are welcomed. Some drums may be available to borrow on a first come, first served basis. Instructor John Dickson.
Email oldsongs@oldsongs.org or call 518-765-2815 for more info.
Class fee: $15
Traditional Irish Slow Session
3rd Wednesday of the Month (Sept. – May)
This is a friendly, repertoire-building opportunity to play your new tunes slowly and work on your old tunes at a reasonable tempo. We will focus specifically on traditional Irish music, and all Irish-appropriate instruments are welcome (i.e. wooden flute, tin whistle, concertina, button or piano accordion, guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, fiddle, harp). We encourage tape recorders, and focus on learning tunes by ear. Music stands and continuous use of sheet music discouraged. Bring snacks to share. Led by Sean McCorkle.
Recommended $5 donation
$230
Bluegrass Jam Class
Taught by Tom Behan using the Wernick Method
4 sessions, tuition $230 ($250 after March 29)
Playing music with others is the best activity for getting better on your instrument! Using the tried and true Pete Wernick method, the class will teach the fundamentals of bluegrass jamming and build your confidence in playing with others. The music is slow and easy, and you will quickly gain skills while having fun. These skills are transferable to other types of music because they are basic to all types of jamming. All skill levels are welcome, and bringing a recording device is recommended.
For more information contact Tom at tbehan@nycap.rr.com
Class Dates: Sundays, April 26, May 3, 17, 24 (Skip May 10)
June 2026
Open Mic
1st Wednesday of the Month
Strut your stuff and share your talent! Walk in and sign up to play (10 minutes). Local performer Kate Blain will host.
Recommended $3–5 donation.
July 2026
Open Mic
1st Wednesday of the Month
Strut your stuff and share your talent! Walk in and sign up to play (10 minutes). Local performer Kate Blain will host.
Recommended $3–5 donation.