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
June 2022
2022 Old Songs Festival
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
September 2022
$20
John McCutcheon Livestream Series — Leap! Album Release Concert
Leap! is John’s 43rd release and the 3rd collection of songs written during the pandemic. Join him for a rollicking trip through the 18-song collection, and you’ll be covering a lot of territory. From backroads Appalachia to Belfast, from the front porch salesman to the front gate of a steel mill where a refugee waits for his first job, from a 9-year-old’s fear of recess to a chance meeting in a NYC subway. McCutcheon’s legendary storytelling skills, his knack for finding the extraordinary in the commonplace, and his warm vocals are the perfect combination for a lovely evening of songs. He’ll share the stories behind the writing of each song, the challenge of recording during the pandemic, and provide a behind-the-scenes look at how his world works. It’s certain to be a fun, moving, and memorable evening.
Ticket price: $20 Livestream, $30 Family, $10 Student, $65 Series Pass, and more. Tickets are sold through Mandolin. The concert is being presented by the Artist and privately streamed on Mandolin. No Refunds.
Open Mic
1st Wednesday of the Month
Strut your stuff and share your talent! Walk in and sign up to play (15 minutes). Local performer Kate Blain will host.
$3 cover charge.
Bluegrass Jam Class
Taught by Tom Behan using the Wernick Method
5 sessions, tuition $180
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: Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9, 15
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
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. Questions? Contact Hilary Schrauf at 518-424-8701.
$5 class fee
Hilary keeps a Blog for this session here: stoneystepsitm.blogspot.com
Free
The Remarkable, Irresistible Erie: Snapshots and Voices
at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library
A 90-minute musical concert presenting songs and stories of the people, the places, and the history of the original and enlarged Erie. The concert features songs by folklorist and historian George Ward, Canadian Joe Grant, Dan Berggren & Jean Ritchie along with other familiar traditional Erie songs.
Musicians and singers: George Wilson, fiddle, bass & banjo; Paul Draper, vintage banjo; George Ward, concertina; Annie Rosen, ukulele; Jonny Rosen, guitar, Kate Blain, guitar; Alan Thomson, piano.
Free
The Remarkable, Irresistible Erie: Snapshots and Voices
at the Arkell Museum
A 90-minute musical concert presenting songs and stories of the people, the places, and the history of the original and enlarged Erie. The concert features songs by folklorist and historian George Ward, Canadian Joe Grant, Dan Berggren & Jean Ritchie along with other familiar traditional Erie songs.
Musicians and singers: George Wilson, fiddle, bass & banjo; Paul Draper, vintage banjo; George Ward, concertina; Annie Rosen, ukulele; Jonny Rosen, guitar, Kate Blain, guitar; Alan Thomson, piano.
Contra Dance Tunes
4th Wednesday of the Month
Playing for dancing with rhythm and style. Build your skills and dance tune repertoire. All instruments & skill levels welcome. Led by Ray Kottke.
recommended $5 donation
October 2022
$145
Piano Accordion & Band Class
with Peggy Hart
Basic beginning 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: Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8