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
Past Events
Events List Navigation
April 2024
$25
Louise Bichan — Live at Old Songs
with Ethan Setiawan and Conor & Brendan Hearn
Join Orkney fiddler and photographer Louise Bichan as she embarks on a unique musical and sentimental journey, between her native northern Scottish isles and coast-to-coast Canada, in the footsteps of her late paternal grandmother Margaret, née Tait (1925-2008). Now carving her own path in New England’s vibrant music scene, Bichan takes to the road with brothers Conor Hearn playing guitar and Brendan Hearn on cello, along with Ethan Setiawan on mandolins, to present an evening of lively fiddle tunes from Scotland and beyond, weaving through stories of connection, to people, nature, the past and the possibility of the future.
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.
Bluegrass Jam
2nd Monday of the Month
Led by Tom Behan.
recommended $5 donation
$145
Mandolin
with Karen Wilson
We will learn the picking and fingering exercises that enable the ability to play the mandolin. We’ll cover a combination of traditional American and Celtic fiddle tunes as well as beginning classical pieces to facilitate your musical expression. There will be a combination of reading music on the mandolin, as well as ear training. Get yourself started on an instrument that fits into so many styles of music. Handouts and music are provided, and a recording device is recommended.
For more information contact Karen.
Old Time Jam
2nd Wednesday of the Month
Led by the Fearless Fretters.
recommended $3 donation
$145
Beginner Ukulele
with Kathleen Hanley
This class will teach basic ukulele strums and chords. Students will learn new songs to practice the one finger strum, the thumb drag, and the damping strum. The triplet strum and fingerpicking patterns will be introduced to advanced beginners. Both new and returning students are welcome.
For more information contact Kathleen at kathleen.m.hanley@gmail.com.
$145
Intermediate Ukulele
with Kathleen Hanley
This class will employ more complex chord progressions, and some new songs will feature more fingerpicking techniques. Familiarity with basic chords and strums is recommended. Both new and returning students are welcome.
For more information contact Kathleen at kathleen.m.hanley@gmail.com.
$145
Intermediate Clawhammer Banjo
with Ray Andrews
This class is for those who already have some clawhammer banjo experience, and can already play some tunes. The tunes you’ll be learning will use the essential left hand techniques of hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides. Also you will use right hand techniques such as the drop-thumb and the “galax lick.” You will learn different tunings for different tunes. Tunes will be learned through listening, repeating, and tablature. A recording device will be helpful!
For more information email Ray.
The Pick’n’ & Sing’n’ Gather’n’ (PSG)
2nd Sunday of the Month
A sing-around for the whole family. pickingandsinging.org
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