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
February 2023
Old Time Jam
3rd Wednesday of the Month
Led by the Fearless Fretters.
recommended $3 donation
The Pick’n’ & Sing’n’ Gather’n’ (PSG)
2nd Sunday of the Month
A sing-around for the whole family. pickingandsinging.org
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
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: Jan. 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, (skip 12), 19
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
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
$25
Claudia Schmidt — Live at Old Songs
Claudia Schmidt brings her exuberant music to Old Songs! With her multi-octave voice, 12 string guitar and mountain dulcimer, she weaves together song, story and spoken word in a one-of-a-kind presentation that will fill your heart and refresh your soul. After 50 years of writing and performing, she is as strong as ever, sharing her wonder and amazement at the world and we creatures who inhabit it. She just released her 22nd album, Reimagining, and is working on new material for yet another release in this celebratory year.
Buy Tickets:
The concert will be held in person at the Old Songs building (37 S Main in Voorheesville) and streamed on the Old Songs YouTube Channel. Masks recommended.
March 2023
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.
$25
Rhythm Future Quartet — Live at Old Songs
The acoustic jazz ensemble, Rhythm Future Quartet has a straightforward agenda: to keep the spirit of Gypsy jazz alive and expanding in today’s musical universe. The virtuosic foursome, named for a Django Reinhardt tune, offers up a newly minted sound, influenced by the classic Hot Club of France, yet wholly contemporary. Led by violinist Jason Anick, the quartet performs dynamic and lyrical arrangements of both Gypsy jazz standards and original compositions that draw upon diverse international rhythms and musical idioms. With Max O’Rourke, Henry Acker, and Greg Loughman rounding out the quartet, Rhythm Future Quartet is dedicated to expanding the boundaries of a vital musical genre.
Buy Tickets:
The concert will be held in person at the Old Songs building (37 S Main in Voorheesville) and streamed on the Old Songs YouTube Channel. Masks recommended.
Bluegrass Jam
1st Monday of the Month
Led by Tom Behan.
recommended $5 donation
Old Time Jam
3rd Wednesday of the Month
Led by the Fearless Fretters.
recommended $3 donation
$25
Flynn Cohen & Liz Simmons — Live at Old Songs
Featuring Acoustic guitar, mandolin player, and singer Flynn Cohen joined by Low Lily bandmate Liz Simmons (vocals, acoustic guitar), this tour features duo performances of original and traditional instrumentals from multiple fiddle music traditions as well as original, traditional, and contemporary folk songs. His guitar playing is influenced by a wide range of flatpicking, strumming, and fingerpicking styles and his mandolin work is inspired by bluegrass, old time, Irish, and classical playing. His original music is simultaneously both experimental and traditional, staying within the bounds of his many stylistic influences but always pushing subtly against the conventions.
flynncohen.net | lizsimmons.net
Buy Tickets:
The concert will be held in person at the Old Songs building (37 S Main in Voorheesville) and streamed on the Old Songs YouTube Channel. Masks recommended.
The Pick’n’ & Sing’n’ Gather’n’ (PSG)
2nd Sunday of the Month
A sing-around for the whole family. pickingandsinging.org
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
$25
Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman — Live at Old Songs
Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman have been described as “the high-wire act in traditional music” (The Irish Times). Máire is arguably the most influential, interesting, and original player of the Irish harp; she also composes, sings, and plays tin whistle and piano. Chris is arguably the UK’s finest flatpicking guitarist; he is also a prolific composer, arranger, and humorist. Together, they have created one of the most distinctive voices in modern acoustic music, performing a breathtaking blend of traditional Irish music, hot jazz, bluegrass, and baroque, along with striking new compositions.
Buy Tickets:
The concert will be held in person at the Old Songs building (37 S Main in Voorheesville) and streamed on the Old Songs YouTube Channel. Masks recommended.
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
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
$25
Joe Jencks — Live at Old Songs
Joe Jencks is a 22-year veteran of the international Folk circuit and is known for his performances of musical beauty, social consciousness and spiritual exploration. Joe delivers engaged musical narratives filled with heart, soul, groove, and grit. Blending well-crafted instrumentals and vivid songwriting, Jencks serves it all up with a lyric baritone voice that has the edgy richness of a good sea-salt caramel.
Buy Tickets:
The concert will be held in person at the Old Songs building (37 S Main in Voorheesville) and streamed on the Old Songs YouTube Channel. Masks recommended.
April 2023
$8
Old Songs Community Barn Dance
Music by Tamarack with caller Paul Rosenberg
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.
Buy Tickets:
Masks recommended. Additionally, if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID (cold, cough, runny nose, flu-like symptoms) at the time of the event, please stay home, and ask for a refund.
Bluegrass Jam
1st Monday of the Month
Led by Tom Behan.
recommended $5 donation
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.
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
3rd Wednesday of the Month
Led by the Fearless Fretters.
recommended $3 donation
$25
The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc — Live at Old Songs
The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc is a fiddle trio from Norway, Sweden and the Shetland Islands who swiftly gained a reputation for their gripping and unique blend of fiddle music since their inception in early 2009. Erlend Viken (Norway), Anders Hall (Sweden) and Kevin Henderson (Shetland Islands), are regarded as leading exponents of their respective traditions. With a firm focus on the rich traditional fiddle music from where they each belong, they have developed a sound that has been described as unique, meaningful, intense and invigorating. Their clever use of harmony, rhythm, riffs and bass lines creates a sound that leaves the listener enthralled but at the same time dumbfounded that the sound only comes from three fiddles.
Buy Tickets:
The concert will be held in person at the Old Songs building (37 S Main in Voorheesville) and streamed on the Old Songs YouTube Channel. Masks recommended.
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
$25
Nicolas Boulerice with Frédéric Samson — Confiné aux voyages
Nicolas Boulerice (founding member of Le Vent du Nord) and double bassist Frédéric Samson, join forces to bring you the mesmerizing show—Confiné aux voyages. This emotive work delivers magnificent laments woven together by contemplative soundscapes captured in Nicolas’ hometown of Saint-Antoine-sur-Richelieu.
Buy Tickets:
The concert will be held in person at the Old Songs building (37 S Main in Voorheesville) and streamed on the Old Songs YouTube Channel. Masks recommended.
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
May 2023
Bluegrass Jam
1st Monday of the Month
Led by Tom Behan.
recommended $5 donation
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.
$25
North Sea Gas — Live at Old Songs
Forty years and stronger than ever! “North Sea Gas” is one of Scotland’s most popular folk bands with great vocals and tremendous three part harmonies. Guitars, Mandolin, Fiddle, Bouzouki, Harmonica, Whistles, Bodhrans, Banjo and good humour are all part of the entertainment.
Buy Tickets:
The concert will be held in person at the Old Songs building (37 S Main in Voorheesville) and streamed on the Old Songs YouTube Channel. Masks recommended.
Old Time Jam
3rd Wednesday of the Month
Led by the Fearless Fretters.
recommended $3 donation
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
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
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
June 2023
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.
July 2023
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.
August 2023
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.