Pascal and Yann started their musical journey about fifteen years ago busking while playing traditional Quebecois tunes in downtown Montreal. Not too long after that, they formed the band Genticorum along with multi-instrumentalist Alexandre de Grosbois-Garand, with whom they toured the folk and world music festivals around the world. Rich from their experience with the trio, Yann and Pascal return to the duo format to explore a more intimate approach to their music, focusing on Pascal’s large fiddle tune repertoire accumulated through the years and Yann’s folk song collection.

pascalgemme.com

Tickets: $20
$5 Children age 12 & under

Or call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
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Sarah McQuaid’s voice has been likened to malt whiskey, melted chocolate and “honey poured into wine” (Minor 7th). Her new album Walking Into White (2015) is her most honest and adventurous work to date, with a depth and texture of soundscape that are reflected in her beautifully crafted live shows. A captivating performer, she seduces her audience with cheeky banter and stories from the road, as well as with stunning musicianship; in her hands, the guitar becomes much more than merely an accompanying instrument.

sarahmcquaid.com

Tickets: $20
$5 Children age 12 & under

Or call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
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with (seated) Ted Pugh, the Chairman, (left to right) Lincoln Mayorga, pianist; Amanda Boyd-Grout; Sheri Bauer Mayorga; John Roberts; and Judy Staber.

Hear once again the old classic Music Hall songs sung by performers in ravishing costumes & with voices not to be believed.

The British Music Hall is a 19th and early 20th century entertainment of songs, jokes and skits kept alive today in small theatres all over England. The six performers in this production are all aficionados of the style, either by nationality or inclination—or both.

As a form of popular entertainment, “Music Hall” flourished in England through the latter part of the 19th century up to World War I. Beginning in the back rooms of London public houses, landlords in London would reserve these for entertainments, to attract and keep their customers happy through the evening. As these events became more popular, these rooms became larger, and the shows became more formalized. A string of entertainers would perform, each usually doing a set of about three songs, the these performers would set up a schedule, moving between several different houses in the same evening. The songs would range through comedy, melodrama, sentimentality, tragedy, with performers developing personae for their particular styles of performance. Typically the songs featured easy-to-learn choruses, and the verses were primarily a vehicle to get from one chorus to the next. Many of these choruses are still remembered, sung in family tradition—I’m Henery The Eighth, I Am; It’s A Long Way To Tipperary, and so on.

Tickets: $20
$5 Children age 12 & under

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Patrick Ball is one of the premier Celtic harp players in the world and a captivating spoken word artist. He has recorded nine instrumental and three spoken word albums which have sold well over one-half million copies internationally and won national awards in both the music and spoken word categories.

Along with Celtic Harp and Story, his beguiling blend of music and spoken word concerts, Patrick has written and currently performs two acclaimed solo musical theater pieces: O’Carolan’s Farewell to Music, which brings to the stage the legendary life, the turbulent times and the glorious music of Ireland’s most celebrated and beloved musician, Turlough O’Carolan, and The Fine Beauty of the Island, a musical journey to Ireland’s legendary Blasket Islands in search of a deeply haunting tune and the vanished islanders who played it. Patrick also presents an ensemble performance, The Flame of Love, a spoken word and Early Music retelling of the greatest of medieval legends, The Romance of Tristan and Iseult.

Patrick Ball is “a rare artist.” For in playing the ancient, legendary brass-strung harp of Ireland with its crystalline, bell-like voice and performing marvelous tales of wit and enchantment, he not only brings new life to two cherished traditions, but blends them in concert to create “a richly theatrical and hauntingly beautiful performance.”

patrickball.com

Tickets: $20
$5 Children age 12 & under

Or call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
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Refunds are not available for this event.

Sparky and Rhonda Rucker perform throughout the U.S. as well as overseas, singing songs and telling stories from the American folk tradition. Sparky Rucker has been performing over forty years and is internationally recognized as a leading folklorist, musician, historian, storyteller, and author. He accompanies himself with fingerstyle picking and bottleneck blues guitar, banjo, and spoons. Rhonda Rucker is a musician, children’s author, storyteller, and songwriter. Her blues-style harmonica, piano, old-time banjo, and bones add musical versatility to their performances.

Sparky and Rhonda are sure to deliver an uplifting presentation of toe-tapping music spiced with humor, history, and tall tales. They take their audience on an educational and emotional journey that ranges from poignant stories of slavery and war to an amusing rendition of a Brer Rabbit tale or their witty commentaries on current events. Their music includes a variety of old-time blues, slave songs, Appalachian music, spirituals, ballads, work songs, Civil War music, railroad songs, and a few of their own original compositions.

sparkyandrhonda.com

Tickets: $20
$5 Children age 12 & under

Or call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
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Refunds are not available for this event.

Called a “genuine folk super-group” by The Boston Globe, separately and together they have garnered countless accolades and awards from radio, press and concert presenters both within and outside the folk community. Their musical alliance has served to bring their collective vocal talents to an even larger and more diverse audience. Priscilla, Anne and Cindy bring intricate arrangements to newly found musical treasures with an art-song vocal styling that crosses the boudaries of folk and classical music. Their empathy in performance is near telepathic, and the magic of a Herdman, Hills, Mangsen show engages people of all ages and musical backgrounds.

annehills.com/trio

Tickets: $23
$5 Children age 12 & under

SOLD OUT

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Refunds are not available for this event.

Join us for a Holiday show with seasoned solo performers Dan Berggren, Peggy Lynn and Dan Duggan. They have combined their talents to create a dynamic trio named in honor of the river drivers who broke up log jams. They worked hard to find solutions, to get things rolling again, and it was a job that couldn’t be done alone. Dan, Peggy and Dan feel the same way about their music. These good friends and accomplished musicians bring a rare blend of humor history and musical spirit to their performances.

jamcrackersmusic.com

Tickets: $20
$5 Children age 12 & under

Or call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
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Refunds are not available for this event.

Warm your hearts with Charles Dickens’ holiday classic. Watch Mean Ol’ Scrooge as he discovers Christmas is not a HUMBUG! This puppet spectacular features beautiful handcrafted marionettes, shadow puppets, gorgeous masks, lavish costumes, vivid sets, a professional soundtrack that includes many holiday favorites, a giant 9-foot parade puppet and guaranteed smiles! Experience this literary masterpiece that reaches far beyond the holiday season!

thepuppetpeople.org

Tickets: $15 Adult
$10 Children age 12 & under

Or call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
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Refunds are not available for this event.

A benefit for the 2016 festival.

Featuring: Bailiu (Irish), Phil Spoor (multi-instrumentalist), Alien Folklife (singer-songwriters), New Salem Serenaders (old-time banjo), Phil Teumim (humorous songs), 2Late (acoustic duo).

Yummy bake sale & raffle.

Tickets: $20
$5 Children age 12 & under

Or call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
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Refunds are not available for this event.

The dinner is SOLD OUT. 

Tickets for the Concert at 7:30 are still available for only $15 at the door. Reservations still appreciated.

A benefit for the 2016 festival. Menu by Chef Fritz Stafford and Music by Annie & the Hedonists.

Appetizer: Bruschetta, Soup: Minestrone

Main Course: Vegetarian Lasagna, spinach, artichoke hearts & shredded carrot or
Vegetarian Gluten free Lasagna, spinach, artichoke hearts & shredded carrot
with Italian Bread and Mixed greens & fresh vegetable Salad. Choice of Italian or ranch dressing

Deserts: Carrot cake, peach melba, fresh fruit salad
Coffee, tea, fruit juice

Annie and the Hedonists perform at festivals, concerts, and swing dances. The band interprets the songs of the great female blues artists of the ‘20s, 30s & 40s: Bessie Smith, Sippie Wallace, Memphis Minnie, Billie Holiday, Rosetta Tharpe, Blue Lu Barker, Ella Fitzgerald and others. Other styles include western swing, bluesy country, and roots Americana.

Annie and the Hedonists are:

• Annie Rosen on lead vocals
• Jonny Rosen on guitar and vocals
• Peter Davis on clarinet, tenor guitar, piano, and vocals
• Don Young on upright bass and vocals

annieandthehedonists.com

Tickets for the Concert Only at 7:30: $15
$5 Children age 12 & under

Call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
Refunds are not available for this event.

Fingers and bow flying, Dennis Stroughmatt takes listeners on a musical odyssey not so different from his own musical journeys into upper-Louisiana Creole culture. Taught by Creole fiddlers Roy Boyer and Charlie Pashia in the tradition of their fathers, Dennis gradually became an adopted son of the French Midwest Creoles living along the Mississippi River near St Louis. A vibrant blend of Celtic, Canadian, and old-time sounds, this music bridges the gap between the contemporary Cajun styles of Canada and Louisiana.

The music, preserved by families in the Ozark foothills, remains largely intact and true to the traditions that have been passed down for over three centuries. A medley of music, language, stories, and culture secreted away in the Missouri Ozarks now has a voice in the tapestry of this world. With the blessing of the Creole people of the Midwest, Dennis Stroughmatt et l’Esprit Creole are its passionate ambassadors, expanding interest in and excitement about a region that has been, in many ways, ignored by the history books. What many have considered to be long lost is alive and kicking. Along with Dennis in the band is Doug Hawf on guitar and Jim Wilgoose on upright bass.

creolefiddle.com

Tickets: $23
$5 Children age 12 & under

Or call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
If online tickets sellout, they may still be available from Old Songs.
Refunds are not available for this event.

Returning to Old Songs, last seen here at the 2014 festival, Matuto is a full time touring collective built around the core of Clay Ross (guitar) and Rob Curto (accordion). Employing renowned musicians from across NYC’s diverse jazz, roots, and world music scenes, this performance of Matuto will feature a four piece ensemble of guitar, accordion, bass and drums. Joining Ross and Curto are Josh Hari on electric bass and Aynsley Powell on drums. With an honest love for roots music, genuine Brazilian styles, and improvisational experimentation, Matuto creates a unique and inspired sound from the heart of New York City’s diverse musical culture.

matutomusic.com

Tickets: $23
$5 Children age 12 & under

Or call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
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Refunds are not available for this event.

SOLD OUT

Irish Music with a Twist

Goitse, forged in the white-hot creative crucible of Limerick University’s Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, the quintet have graduated with a musical maturity worthy of the greatest. They hade made a name for themselves as one of the most sought after bands amongst connoisseurs of Irish Traditional music, having won feverish critical plaudits for their Dónal Lunny-produced second album Transformed.

Their distinctive sound lies in the quality of their own compositions interspersed with well-known traditional tunes, which make each set entertaining and unique. The gripping rhythm section sets a breaktaking pace for the music while through the sweet, charismatic voice of Áine Mc Geeney draw audiences into the music in a way very few performers can achieve.

Lace up your dancing shoes and get ready for a night of wonderful music and fast paced fun with Goitse.

*Goitse is an informal Gaelic Irish greeting meaning ‘come here’.

Supported by Culture Ireland as part of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme.

goitse.ie

Tickets: $23
$5 Children age 12 & under

Refunds are not available for this event.

Yves Lambert figures among the most influential players in the roots Québécois revival. He is known for his unique ability to translate anecdotal, poetic, or political texts into songs. His work as a songwriter and his capacity to create unique musical moods make him a key figure in folk music production. In 1976, he was one of the founding members of La Bottine Souriant, with whom he performed for 26 years. In January of 2003, pushed by the wind, he put his boots on and went searching for new musical adventures.

Always on the lookout for innovative trends and attentive to the new guard of Québécois musicians, he ended up surrounding himself with young talent and created the Bébert Orchestra in 2004, and later the Yves Lambert Trio in 2010. The trio showcases the unique connection between maturity and youth by creating a new world of poetry and celebration. Yves Lambert’s charisma and talent, coupled with Tommy Gauthier’s and Olivier Rondeau’s virtuosity and passion, the nuances of their arrangements, and their distinct harmony, make this trio a one-of-a-kind musical experience.

yveslambert.com

Tickets: $23
$5 Children age 12 & under

Or call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
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Refunds are not available for this event.

Their presentation is devoted to the astounding collection of songs and music made by Cecil Sharp and Maud Karpeles in the Southern Appalachians over three summers in 1916, 1917 and 1918. The English folklorists had ventured into the heart of the mountains to seek out old British ballads still being sung in remote mountain settlements, and their haul of over sixteen hundred pieces is one of the greatest folk song collections ever made.

In their presentation, Jeff and Brian, two highly respected performers and researchers of traditional song and music, sing and play some of the musical highlights of Sharp’s harvest, accompanied by readings from his diaries describing vividly the hardships and triumphs of song collecting, and a display of his evocative photographs of the singers and of mountain life. The music ranges from old ballads to American breakdowns, dance tunes, children’s songs and gospel, performed by Jeff and Brian on banjo, fiddle, guitar, and a variety of other instruments.

brian-peters.co.uk

Tickets: $20
$5 Children age 12 & under

Or call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
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Refunds are not available for this event.

For over 45 years, British expatriate John Roberts has been singing and playing old songs, meaning that many of the songs and tunes in his extensive repertoire can be traced back at least one hundred years. He is also considered one of the foremost Anglo concertina players in the English-speaking world and uses the banjo for unique settings in many of the songs he sings. He can give the background of any song he performs, often telling the listener the circumstances from which it might have been written and from whom the song was collected. John and his long-time music partner, Tony Barrand (another British expatriate) are often cited as influences and mentors to many listeners, singers and musicians when it comes to traditional folk music of the English speaking world.

Debra Cowan was once asked what kind of songs she writes. Her reply? “Bad ones. Besides, there are so many good songs out there written by others and they should be sung.” Her captivating warm alto carries each folk song she chooses with such emotion that you’ll forget that they were written by others. Debra started performing in California 35 years ago and began touring in 1998, with frequent stops in the US and UK. She performs a cappella and with guitar in the great tradition of folk singers like Joan Baez and Judy Collins, with a clear voice that calls forth the ghosts of long past but can also offer a more modern urban landscape. On her newest release, a live recording entitled Among Friends, she demonstrates her ability to interact with her audience and have them enthusiastically sing along on choruses and refrains.

debracowan.com

Tickets: $20
$5 Children age 12 & under

Or call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
If online tickets sellout, they may still be available from Old Songs.
Refunds are not available for this event.

Since 1980, both in groups and as a duo, Nanne & Ankie (Kalma and van der Meer, respectively) have offered a wide repertoire of traditional as well as newly written songs in Dutch, Frisian, Esperanto, and English. Maritime and historical themes play an important role, but they also sing about humorous events from daily life, often putting music to Esperanto and Frisian poems as well as to lyrics by the Australian writer Michael Roads. In addition to singing, Nanne plays guitar, mandolin, and concertina; Ankie plays guitar.

nanne-ankie.nl

Tickets: $15
$5 Children age 12 & under

Or call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
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Traditional music ranging from rollicking Celtic, French Canadian, and New England reels, jigs, and waltzes.

georgewilsonmusic.com
davidkaynor.com

Tickets: $15
$5 Children age 12 & under

Or call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
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Refunds are not available for this event.

Fresh and vibrant Celtic music from Wales featuring five young musicians.

New ambassadors of Welsh Cool, Calan bring together the remarkable talents of five young musicians giving a fresh and vibrant sound to traditional Welsh music. With a contemporary and lively approach, they breathe new life into the old traditions through their sparkling melodies, foot-tapping tunes, and spirited and energetic performances of Welsh step-dancing. They blast their way through some of the old favorite reels, jigs, and hornpipes with fast-paced and uplifting arrangements before melting into some of the most beautiful and haunting songs. Following the release of their debut album Bling in 2008, the band has been playing to big audiences and rave reviews at concerts and festivals around Britain and Europe. With their unique instrumental blend of accordion, fiddle, guitar, Welsh pipes, Welsh harp, and the percussive sound of the Welsh clogs, Calan have certainly found their musical niche; their plan is to continue to delight audiences far and wide. calan-band.com

Tickets: $23
$5 Children age 12 & under

Or call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
If online tickets sellout, they may still be available from Old Songs.
Refunds are not available for this event.

Traditional music from Quebec with an energetic contemporary lift with Eric Beaudry, Andre Brunet and Pierre-Luc Dupuis.

Since 2003, De Temps Antan has been exploring and performing time-honored melodies from the stomping grounds of Quebec’s musical past. Using fiddle, accordion, harmonica, guitar, bouzouki and a number of other instruments, our three virtuosos blend boundless energy with the unmistakable joie de vivre found only in traditional Quebec music. The group’s original musical stylings add a hint of the contemporary with uncontrolled laughter, deep-rooted couplets, and sudden, impromptu shifts. The trio is Éric Beaudry on vocals, guitar, mandolin, and bouzouki, André Brunet on fiddle, and Pierre-Luc Dupuis on vocals and accordion. detempsantan.qc.ca

Tickets: $25
$5 Children age 12 & under

Or call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
If online tickets sellout, they may still be available from Old Songs.
Refunds are not available for this event.

International quartet celebrating the violin in all its globe-trotting variations.

Called “three of the finest folk violinists anywhere” by The Washington Post, Celtic Fiddle Festival celebrates the violin in all its globe-trotting variations. Fiddlers Kevin Burke (Ireland), Christian Lemaître (Brittany, France) and Charlie McKerron (Scotland) showcase a fascinating juxtaposition of international and individual styles. With the able and agile accompaniment of Nicolas Quemener (Brittany, France) you have a perfect storm of the finest Celtic music your ears will ever encounter.

In concert each artist plays a solo set, showcasing their individual musical styles and cultural heritage, followed by a collaborative set featuring all three fiddlers. Sold-out tours and standing ovations give testimony to the electricity and excitement generated by the group. The quartet combines their considerable talents, rich musical traditions, and spontaneous humor for an evening of dazzling energy and subtle grace. These traditional masters showcase their regional repertoires, and together conjure an unforgettable performance, playing with such relentless precision and fire, that the tunes transcend all cultural and geographical barriers.

celticfiddlefestival.com

Tickets: $25
$5 Children age 12 & under

Or call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
If online tickets sellout, they may still be available from Old Songs.
Refunds are not available for this event.

Traditional Scottish ballad singer, master guitarist and songwriter.

The evening will be a rare opportunity to experience the craftsmanship of master guitarist, singer, and songwriter Archie Fisher, who has been touring and recording since the 1960s. Archie was born in Glasgow into a large singing family, which yielded three professional singers—Archie and his sisters Ray and Cilla. Constant music combined with his father’s appreciation of many musical styles (opera, vaudeville, traditional ballads) proved to be a heavy influence on Archie’s music, while his mother, a native Gaelic speaker from the Outer Hebrides, was a strong influence on the lyrical quality of his songwriting. Fisher’s repertoire has a perspective that few can share and his interpretations of traditional songs, his own compositions and the material of his fellow contemporary songwriters are beloved by fans on both sides of the Atlantic. While he is a prolific songwriter and recording artist, Fisher insists that his greatest love is live performance. His performances at Old Songs never disappoint.

woodenshipproductions.com/archie-fisher/

Tickets: $20
$5 Children age 12 & under

Or call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
If online tickets sellout, they may still be available from Old Songs.
Refunds are not available for this event.

Guitar trio featuring Fiery flamenco, classical, Baroque, Latin & Appalachian sounds.

Three accomplished musicians with eclectic tastes – fiery flamenco, classical, Baroque, Latin & Appalachian – collaborate to create something totally unique: GX3+. The name GX3+ refers to the fact that they play (at least) three very different guitars: flamenco, classical & Baroque PLUS mandolin, charango, guilele, cajons (percussion boxes), banjo and mountain dulcimer.  The result is innovative arrangements of the traditional, classical and Latin repertoire as well as stunning original compositions by Maria Z, arranged for the trio.

Ray Andrews: Baroque guitar, charango, banjo, dulcimer.
Sten Isachsen: Classical guitar, mandolin, cajon.
Maria Z: Flamenco guitar, guilele, cajon.

mariazemantauski.com/gx3

Tickets: $20
$5 Children age 12 & under

Or call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
If online tickets sellout, they may still be available from Old Songs.
Refunds are not available for this event.

Virtuosic Scandinavian folk musicians on Hardanger fiddle and Nyckelharpa.

Swedish keyed fiddle player Erik Rydvall and Hardanger fiddle player Olav Luksengård Mjelva, from Røros in Norway, are both counted among the foremost folk musicians of their generation. Rydvall and Mjelva are inquisitive musicians, with strong roots in the traditions of their places of origin. A duo collaboration featuring Hardanger fiddle and keyed fiddle has rarely been presented before. The repertoire and playing styles of the two instruments are basically very different, but the two musicians manage to make the combination sound natural and intriguing.

rydvallmjelva.com/en

Tickets: $23
$5 Children age 12 & under

Or call Old Songs to reserve: (518) 765-2815.
If online tickets sellout, they may still be available from Old Songs.
Refunds are not available for this event.