LOOKING BACK AT THE 30TH ANNUAL OLD SONGS FESTIVAL
Another year has come and gone. I’m beginning to set my calendar to coincide with the Old Songs Festival. The event has become my annual booster shot that reminds of why “folk” music is so important – the festival displays the music and the artists while informing us of where it came from and where it is going.As their new slogan acclaims, the Old Songs Festival of Traditional Music and Dance features “music with roots.” While not bound by any hard and fast rule for following a textbook definition of “what is folk music”, Old Songs has successfully focused on showcasing the diversity of cultures and traditions that created “folk” music in the first place. New traditions that have grown from older traditions are included. The stages at Old Songs offer a great variety of artists who celebrate the music that sprouted from their community. In the case of the “singer-songwriter”, Old Songs manages to invite artists who understand their connection to their community and create songs for the same purpose that the songs we identify as “traditional” were first created. An alternative folk process is at work here – new songs do not need to be filtered through generations in order to receive the “folk” stamp of approval. Songs can be created that fit the criteria for folk music, and the artists invited to Old Songs are carrying on the traditions.
The festival is held at the Altamont Fairgrounds in Altamont, New York – a town just outside of Albany. The Fairgrounds is built for 4H fairs with numerous buildings such as sheep barns and exhibition halls that have a farm-feel to it. There is a stage located in a natural amphitheater that is surrounded by tall shade trees. You can wander from the various performance areas and enjoy the feel of being on a farm. I can’t think of a better setting for folk music!
Before the 2010 Old Songs Festival becomes a distant memory, I want to share my th
oughts and experiences at this incredible gathering.
During the weekend, I gave periodic updates via Twitter. Twitter only allows 150 characters in each post, so I could only give minimal updates on what I was seeing and feeling. (the annotated version!)
Friday June 25
I will be reporting from this weekend’s OLD SONGS FESTIVAL in Altamont, NY. On Facebook, Twitter & my blog @ http://www.ronolesko.blogspot.com/
11:20 PM Jun 24th via web
Ron – I decided to use my Twitter account to provide a “live” report to my Twitter, Facebook and Folk Music Notebook pages. Part of the reason was to share with the reader the wonderful time I knew I was having, and the other to create notes that I can look back on in the future. Memories are wonderful, a photo can be a nice reminder, but I feel the written word can bring the feelings gushing back.
I had some family obligations, so I did not get to the fest as early as I would normally have liked. On Friday afternoons, Old Songs offers “classes” for the early birds. These classes offer some hands-on lessons on instruments such as the dulcimer, harmonica as well as a choral harmony session. In previous years, I enjoyed a wonderful session with George Ward on pennywhistle and sat in on some great fiddle classes. From the novice to those with a bit more experience, there is something that everyone can enjoy.
This year, Old Songs offered a session with Joe Hickerson who was the head of the Archive of Folk Song at the Library of Congress for many years and has an encyclopedic knowledge of folk song! Joe shared gems from the archive, and reports from those who attended the session said it was a real treasure!
I arrived at the festival grounds around 6pm, about an hour before the evening concert would begin.I parked my folding chair in a decent spot under the trees and then began the round of “hellos”. Old Songs is like a family reunion, and I could hardly turn a corner without meeting someone I knew and have not seen for a year
. With the concert approaching, I ordered a nice Lo Mein and then went to the Saranac Brewing truck to get my first pint of the night – served to me by two friends and fellow folk-DJ’s Graham and Barabara Dean. The Deans, who are also great musicians in their own right – check out their CD “Tom Paine’s Blues”, host a radio program called “Common Sense Songs” on WBCR radio in the Berkshires. They also pour a nice pint! Okay, I’m in my chair. Let the music begin!!!
Old Songs has begun! Billy Jonas kicking things off with a great percussive set 7:16 PM Jun 25th via txt
Billy sang a storysong about getting a speeding ticket set to “Jesu, Joy of Mans Desiring” 7:25 PM Jun 25th via txt
Good to see Sally Rogers and Howie Bursen again. Still sounding great with great old favorites Friday, June 25, 2010 7:41:35 PM via txt
Ron – What a treat! Sally and Howie met in 1981, where married a year later, and over the the years each has created music that shows a deep respect for the traditions as well as a delightful sense of humor. They have toured coast to coast and made frequent appearances on A Prairie Home Companion and Mountain Stage. In recent years they have toured with less frequency – raising a family and Howie becoming a winemaker have taked up some time. It was wonderful to see them again at Old Songs, performing some favorite songs. I hope we will see more of them on the coffeehouse circuit!
Here comes someone I’ve been looking forward to – James Keelaghan! Friday, June 25, 2010 8:08:51 PM via txt
What a great voice! Incredible writer! James did “House of Cards” – a powerful song Friday, June 25, 2010 8:19:39 PM via txt
Ron – Mark your calendar – April 2, 2011. That is the date James Keelaghan will be performing at the Hurdy Gurdy in Fair Lawn, with special guest Christine DeLeon. In addition to appearing on the mainstage on Friday night, James also appeared in several workshops over the course of the weekend. Each time I saw him, he was delighting the audience with his captivating story-songs. Highly regarded as one of Canada’s finest singer-songwriters (that’s not just me saying that – respected music critic Dave Marsh said the same in a review of one of James recordings in Playboy), James writes powerful songs that reflect the people, places and the times.
James has traveled the world with his music for over 25 years, and at Old Songs he showed a closeness with his audience that was endearing.
I’ve been playing his music on my radio show for many years, but even the songs that I have heard numerous times came off sounding fresh and new. That is the mark of a great performer. His song “McConnville’s” always chokes me up.I had a nice chat with James on Saturday and he is a warm and charming individual with a great sense of humor! Don’t miss him at the Hurdy Gurdy!
Tennesse Mafi
a Jug Band is on now – dressed in Hee-Haw hand-me-downs! Friday, June 25, 2010 8:43:43 PM via txtSound real good and are a lot of fun! Friday, June 25, 2010 8:45:14 PM via txt
Audience loved the Tennesse Mafia Jug Band! Nicely done! Friday, June 25, 2010 9:09:11 PM via txt
The humor was out in full-force and the love of music was expressed by every member of the band. Each added their own glimpse of a particular style from bygone days. A blend of old-time country, novelty songs, jug band music, and a touch of rockabilly was brought out in their mainstage performance, and again on Saturday during an hour long showcase set. I know it was the first evening, but this was one of the big surprises of the weekend – and there were more!
2nd half – Paul McKenna Band, high energy trad band from Scotland-nice and tight!
Friday, June 25, 2010 9:47:11 PM via txt Ron – One of the attractions of Old Song is their diversity. The evening concerts are like a well-planned buffet. Each dish offers something different and compliments all the other dishes! Nothing is out of place! The Paul McKenna Band is a young band out of the UK that will remind you of Boys of the Lough.Enjoying a nice Saranac Pale Ale under a gorgeous full moon at Old Songs Friday, June 25, 2010 9:54:10 PM via txt
Ron – actually, the FULL moon hit on Saturday night, but it was almost full on Friday – and it was gorgeous. These are the moments that make Old Songs so special. I can’t put the feeling into the proper words to describe the joy of sitting under those trees on a brilliant evening – nice soft breeze, clear skies, and that full moon peaking through the branches. Listening to music in such a setting is an experience that I cherish. The Saranac Pale ale added to the moment! Beer, or ale, is meant to be savored and add to a celebration. I never advocate drinking volumes of alcohol to the point of getting drunk and stupid, just enjoy the intoxicating flavors that reward the moment!
George is a wonderful emcee. Between acts he shares a song (usually with the audience joining in) or tells a story. Sometimes he will reminisce about the Fox Hollow Folk Festival, a festival that pre-dates Old Songs and ran for many years at the home of the Beers Family in New York state. I wasn’t lucky to be around for Fox Hollow, but hearing the stories from those who were – and listening to the recordings made there, you can see where Old Songs has it’s roots.
Ron – Don’t get me wrong, they weren’t bad – they were very well received and the harmonica playing was amazing. Just not my favorite performers.
Anyone who says traditional folk music is dead, dull or outdated needs to see Elizabeth Laprelle! Friday, June 25, 2010 11:05:38 PM via txt
Barely out of her teens, Elizabeth started with an acapella “Locks and Bolts” that held the audience spellbound Friday, June 25, 2010 11:13:07 PM via txt Ron – Over the course of the weekend, I kept hearing more and more people praise Elizabeth’s performances at Old Songs. Her voice carries the experience of generations as she shares the traditional songs of her native Virginia as well as the American songbag. Elizabeth is still in college, and she offers great promise for the future.
Elizabeth was accompanied by her “family band”, The Fruit Dodgers. Consisting of her mother, aunt, uncle and a guitarist named Jim Loyd, the band was outstanding. It is obvious that the love of old-timey music runs deep in Elizabeth’s family – and that is another pleasure of folk music. This is music made to be sung, not just for entertainment, but for the pure joy of singing. Elizabeth was sharing that joy from the stage of Old Songs, and I hope she will inspire others to sing these great ballads.
A superb first night! Now comes the sing in the Dutch Barn and a contradance w/Fennig’s Allstars Saturday, June 26, 2010 12:07:12 AM via txt
Ron – Many people judge the merit of a folk festival on what takes place before and after the concerts on the stage. The camraderie of the audience can make or break a festival. As I mentioned previously, Old Songs is like a family reunion – where everyone gets along! Oh, I’m sure there are moments when nerves get frayed, but what I’ve witnessed over the years is a gathering of enthusiastic music fans who enjoy a family style festival – family style in the true sense, not a sugar-coated Disney version of what a family should be.
After the last note is played on the mainstage, the festival faithful will gather in various locations – jam sessions in the campground, a community sing in the Dutch Barn at the main entrance to the festival grounds, or at a contra dance that is held in one of the large buildings on the fairgrounds. As I wander around, sampling each post-concert gathering, I am struck by the multi-generational aspect of the events. From teenagers to senior citizens, everyone is sharing in the moment. There is no separation of age groups, everyone respects one another and enjoys the spirit of making their own entertainment. While the festival is an exhibition of folk arts, the post concert sessions is a sampling of folk traditions at work in a modern society.
I wander back and forth between the Dutch Barn (listening for great songs I have not heard before) to the dance hall (watching the swirling dancers following the caller’s instructions – no, I have 2 left feet and I’m too bashful to try it myself! Maybe next year). I head back to the hotel around 1:30am, content from the first nights offerings.
Good morning! A beautiful day in Altamont. Heading over to the festival. Saturday, June 26, 2010 10:16:50 AM via webHmmm… The skies are now overcast Saturday, June 26, 2010 11:09:30 AM via txt Ron – Actually, an odd morning. The breakfast buffet was screwed up at the hotel – by 9:30am there was no food to be found! The sunny day that I noticed when I looked out my window quickly became an overcast sky by the time I reached the fairground. Ominous!
The Tennesse Mafia Jug Band is doing a 1hour set-lots of fun! Mixing classic country and novelty Saturday, June 26, 2010 1:14:11 PM via txtThe Tennesse Mafia Jug Band is doing a 1hour set-lots of fun! Mixing classic country and novelty 1:14 PM Jun 26th via txt
Just did Paxton’s “Bottle of Wine” and made it feel like Uncle Dave Macon 1:16 PM Jun 26th via txt
Here comes the rain 1:25 PM Jun 26th via txt Ron – During the Tennessee Mafia’s set, the rains started pouring. In the middle of one of their songs, people started getting up and running for cover, which leld to one of the musicians to exclaim “Uh – oh, they don’t like this song!”. During the rain, I wandered to some of the indoor sites, watching part of Tony Barrand’s workshop “The Amazing Atwoods: the Discover of Songs and Verse from the hills of West Dover, Vermont”.
Tony has been working on this project with Becky Tracy and Keith Murphy from the group Nightingale. Accompanied by a slide show, the workshop featured songs that were published in a 1919 collection of Edith Sturgis and Robert Hughes – “Songs from the Hills of Vermont”. These were songs collected from James and Mary Atwood, a couple who collected songs and wrote poetry about their town and neighbors. In 1964, the late Margaret MacArthur recorded the Atwood’s son, Fred Atwood, singing the songs from the collection. While Margaret performed a few, the songs were basically forgotten until Tony came along. As part of Dover, Vermont’s 2010 bicentennial, Tony and his Brattelboro neighbors Beck and Keith began working on the collection, resulting in a reprint of the original book and a new CD of songs. The workshop was one of the more interesting offerings of the weekend. With an accompanying slide show, the trio shared some wonderful stories and songs.Taking a break to
listen to the game. Depressing- down 1-0 at half 3:21 PM Jun 26th via txtLandon does it again! We are tied. Saturday, June 26, 2010 3:51:13 PM via txt
Damn! USA loses Saturday, June 26, 2010 5:02:15 PM via txt Ron – Besides folk music, my other passion is soccer. Today was the U.S. – Ghana match in the semifinals of the World Cup.
My personal discovery of the sport came through WFDU. Back in the late 1970’s, I also worked with the news department we had at the time. One week I received a press pass to cover the Cosmos, the all-star team of the now defunct North American Soccer League. I was hooked at the first game!
Since then, I have become a rabid fan. During the “lean years” when professional soccer was not happening in the U.S., my good friend and fellow WFDU alumni John Wiss and I would travel around watching semi-pro teams.One of the teams played at the Teaneck campus of FDU, the North Jersey Imperials. For a time they featured a goalkeeper by the name of Tim Howard. Tim is now the U.S. National team’s keeper, and one of the most respected goalkeepers in the world. As he mans the net for the World Cup, I think back on those days of watching him play on a converted football field in Teaneck!
Anyway, the U.S. team was playing Ghana. They lost. Thanks to Sirus XM radio, the game was broadcast live on satellite radio and I sat in my car at Altamont listening to the game. Sad day. Just wait until 2014!!!!
Back at fest- a bit depressed, a bit damp but Matt and Shannon Heaton are the perfect cure! Saturday, June 26, 2010 5:14:09 PM via txt Ron – On Saturday afternoons during Old Songs, selected artists are scheduled for 1 hour showcase performances on the mainstage. Most of the artist appear in the evening concerts, but with a much shorter set. The afternoon performances are less formal and allow for audiences to see the artists in a relaxed setting.I only caught the last two tunes from Matt & Shannon, but they will be appearing in the evening concert and I look forward to hearing more!
During the afternoon I visited with a number of friends and squeezed in a few more workshops and jam sessions. There is a small tent pitched near the food vendors that is called the “Street Corner”. Over the years I’ve caught some wonderful workshops and jam sessions. I love the fact that so many of the festival audience bring their instruments with them. The Street Corner has been a spot where many jam sessions take place, with a number of the artists who are booked for the festival joining in and leading a session.
Today I saw a wonderful hammered dulcimer session that featured Bill Spence and the Fennig All-Stars. Bill is the husband of Andy Spence, the woman who came up with the idea of Old Songs. Bill has recorded several memorable albums of old-timey music with Fennig’s and his playing of the dulcimer is legendary! Bill is also an accomplished photographer and one of my stops each year is to an exhibit that features Bill’s photos from previous years at Old Songs. I wish Bill would put a book together – he has captured some of the most influential musicians of our time!
Time for dinner and then to get ready for the evening concert. Hopefully the rain will hold off – it really wasn’t much mor
e than a drizzle for an hour or two. Just enough rain for Old Songs to officially qualify as folk fest – can you imagine ANY festival without some challenge from the elements?
Tim Eriksen started the evening with a haunting set of folk songs incorporating shape note and other styles Saturday, June 26, 2010 7:35:00 PM via txt
Ron – Tim may be the only musician that can claim he shared stages with both Kurt Cobain and Doc Watson! You might remember Tim from the band Cordelia’s Dad. In recent years Tim has fully embraced the Americana roots styles and you might recall his work in the film “Cold Mountain”. He has a love for ballad singing and shape note gospel. Tim’s explorations into America’s musical folk history has grown into recognition as an ethnomusicologist, and he has taught at universities across the country.
This was Tim’s first appearance at Old Songs, and judging from the reaction, I’m sure he will be back soon!
Continuing Old Songs tradition of diverse styles, the 2nd act is Moscow Nights Saturday, June 26, 2010 7:53:00 PM via txtMoscow Nights finished with a fast Russian tune that morphed into “Oh Suzanna.” Very cute! Saturday, June 26, 2010 8:12:05 PM via txt Ron – This was fun! Perhaps a bit too theatrical for some purists, I found the trio a delightful addition to Old Songs. They introduced many of us to some of the instruments and songs of their homeland, and I thought their playfullness helped show the audience how music from various cultures can connect with each of us.
My good friend Debra Cowan just did an outstanding set of trad and contemporary folk Saturday, June 26, 2010 8:36:27 PM via txt Ron – If you listen to my radio show, you know how much I love this woman and her music. Debra has become a dear friend, and seeing her on the mainstage at Old Songs was a thrill.
Debra loves music. She loves exploring and sharing. In an age where everyone seems to call themselves a singer-songwriter, it is good to see someone like Debra. The artistry of singing is often overlooked, and Debra shows us the beauty of every song she sings. I wish more people had her skill to take a traditional song and breathe life into it. Debra makes every song sound fresh and new and her mix of traditional and contemporary also shows us that roots can travel deep and far. ‘
If you see Debra Cowan listed on any concert schedule near you, treat yourself to a memorable evening of music!
Suprise highlight of the weekend- Babik. A Django style jazzband that blew everyone away! Saturday, June 26, 2010 9:20:30 PM via txt
Ron – I was not expecting this! Babik is a band from Buffalo that draws inspiration from Django Rheinhardt. While I’ve seen numerous bands and performers that claim the same mentor, no one has made the impact on me that Babik did at Old Songs.
I heard someone refer to them as a “progressive” jazz band, but I don’t think that does them justice. Babik draws inspiration from the gypsy bands, the groups that made the Jazz era, cartoons and a bit of vaudeville thrown in for good meaure. The group features what can only be described as a “stunt” ukeule player! I witnessed moves and notes that I did not expect to exist! They blended gypsy jazz with contemporary pop samplings and the result was a standing ovation!
Check out the video. While it was not recoded at Old Songs, I think it gives you a great idea about this band!
Gadelle means women of questionable reputation, but there is no need tn question-brilliant! Saturday, June 26, 2010 10:23:57 PM via txt
Ron – This female quartet hails from Prince Edward Island features two former members of Barachois. Great show and I expect we will be hearing more from this new group.
John Roberts doing a great job as emcee. He is a national treasure Saturday, June 26, 2010 10:26:25 PM via txt
Ron – While I was sorry that I did not get to see John perform with his musical partner Tony Barrand this weekend, it is always a treat to see John Roberts. Like George Ward, John is a masterful emcee – singing songs nnd telling stories that leaves you wanting more! His voice continues to mesmerize me! One of the nicest indiviuals I’ve ever met, we are lucky to have John share his gift with us. John is also on the board of Old Songs which I am sure is a factor in the quality of performers who are booked for the weekend!
Brian Peters, an English visitor to the lineup, sang a rousing version of “Golden Vanity” Saturday, June 26, 2010 10:34:28 PM via txt
Ron – I’ve played Brian’s music on my radio show, but this was the first opportunity I’ve h ad to see Brian perform. Must be somehing in the British water that makes for great ballad singers!
Matt and Shannon Heaton are onstage. Delightful duo performing wonderful Celtic music Saturday, June 26, 2010 11:10:34 PM via txt
I love Matt’s percussive guitar and Shannon’s sweet flute and gorgeous vocals Saturday, June 26, 2010 11:14:24 PM via txt
Shannon always looks great, tonight in a lovely green dress that celebrates she is pregnant! Saturday, June 26, 2010 11:18:44 PM via txt
I love their version of “If I Were a Blackbird” Saturday, June 26, 2010 11:20:52 PM via txt
Ron – Matt & Shannon were guests on my radio show a few years back. They had recently moved to Boston from Denver, and I was lucky to have them in the WFDU studio during a NYC visit. A charming couple, Matt and Shannon are skillful musicians. Their warmth is felt by the audience. Shanon possess one of the finest voices in Celtic music. I love Matt’s guitar style as well. Very well received by the audience at Old Songs.
Kim and Reggie Harris closing the evening. They are always wonderful, but they seem extra special tonight Saturday, June 26, 2010 11:35:25 PM via txt
Cheryl Prashker is backing them, Love their version of “Hallelujah I’m a Bum” Saturday, June 26, 2010 11:39:35 PM via txt
I love Kim and Reggie! Saturday, June 26, 2010 11:41:54 PM via txt
Ron – Since 1980, Kim & Reggie Harris have been touring the country and sharing a powerful musical experience. I’ve been honored to witness various performances from the duo over the years, and I must say that I felt something very special coming from the stage at Old Songs.
A Kim and Reggie performance is always an interactive experience. The audience is drawn to their magnetic talents as singers, storytellers, performers and voices of reason. Their music is drawn from folk, gospel and jazz traditions – relating the past with our present. I was very moved by their set at Old Songs.
One of the highlights was a song that I have not heard them sing live before – “Hallelujah I’m a Bum”. With Cheryl Prashker on percussion, Kim & Reggie transformed this classic song into a contemporary groove that strongly resonates with our current global situation.
Kim and Reggie were the perfect performers to close out Saturday night’s concert. The audience left with a feeling a hope and possibility after hearing their uplifting set. Well done!
As I wandered around the grounds after the concert, once again visiting the Dutch Barn for the after concert sing as well as the Dance Barn to watch a vibrant dance in progress. The rains kept away for the evening, and everyone was enjoying another beautiful evening at Old Songs.
It was a bittersweet moment for me. Because of a family committment, I would be driving back early on Sunday and I knew I would be missing another wonderful day of music and community spirit. Still, as I looked back at the festival grounds before getting in my car, I was overcome with the feeling that folk music has once again created a special moment in my life as well as the lives of everyone in attendance. Old Songs is a stunning example of the power of folk traditions in our lives – creating community by sharing the diverse heritages that make up our planet.
I don’t mean to sound corny, but there is something special happening here that makes me proud and honored to share this music through my radio show, on stage at the Hurdy Gurdy, and through this website. IF folk music can be considered a gospel, I feel lucky to have these opportunities to spread the word. Unlike organized religions, folk music presents an opportunity for each of us to learn more about ourselves and our neighbors. Nothing hokey about it, just good fun and freedom with a helping of education and entertainment. Something worth celebrating, and Old Songs is an annual reminder of how good it gets.
Mark your calendars now – June 24, 25, and 26 2011 for the 31st Annual Old Songs Festival. Go to their website at www.oldsongs.org to find out more!