The three-day Old Songs Festival of Traditional Music and Dance on the Altamont Fairgrounds outside of Albany will be held at the end of the month on June 28-30.
The 44th festival celebrates traditional music from around the world. This includes North American music from Appalachia, New England and Quebec as well as music from Ireland, West Africa and South Africa. In other words, “music with roots”.
The Main Stage performances are on June 28 and 29 from 6:30 to 11 p.m. and on June 30 3:30 to 7 p.m. There will be arts and crafts vendors, workshops, call and responses, traditional dance classes and open mics as well as concerts from various artists.
Old Songs uses the barns, a dance building and historical buildings on the property for the events and has a smaller family stage used for children’s performances. Local kids will also have a chance to participate in the festival with the “Great Groove Band.” Any child who plays an instrument can play with the band with the help of musical coaches.
Great Groove Band’s goal is to inspire the next generation of musicians. They invite any child aged 5 to 18 to perform in a professional setting. Donna Hébert created the band in the late 90’s at Old Songs Festival and in 2018, her daughter Molly Hebert-Wilson, became the director. On June 30, the band has a performance on the main stage at 2:30.
Other performances include those of Sharon Katz & The Peace Train, Robin & Linda Williams, The Ebony Hillbillies and more.
To purchase tickets and for more information you can visit the website here.
Listen to featured performers, representing many regions and countries: John McCutcheon • Les Arrivants • Walt Michael & Co. • Arise & Go • Robin & Linda Williams • Reggie Harris & Pat Wictor • Grosse Isle • The Ebony Hillbillies • Joe Jencks • Sharon Katz & the Peace Train • Cathy Fink, Marcy Marcer, & Chao Tian: From China to Appalachia • Yacouba Sissoko Trio • Rhythm Future Quartet • Cris Williamson • Kay Justice & Sam Gleaves • Elizabeth LaPrelle & the Family Band • Annie & the Hedonists • Larry Hanks & Deborah Robins • Anne Hills • Rory Makem • Dirty Blue Shirts • Stove Dragon • The Moving Violations • Dave Eisenstadter • Adina Gordon • Lee Murdock • George Wilson • John Roberts • Deb Cowan • Steve Turner • Deirdre & Sean Murtha • Chris Koldewey • Stefan Amidon • John Dickson • Alan Thomson • Ron Gordon • Ron Bruschi • Jake Thomas • The Great Groove Band • Roger the Jester.
The post Old Songs Festival is Back For 44th Year appeared first on NYS Music.
