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With so much to choose from, it is impossible to see and hear everything. During the daytime hours of Saturday and Sunday, with 10 different areas offering music and dance simultaneously, you have to pick and choose. I’ve shared a few of my favorites, and I wish I had time to write about everyone. I sampled workshops centered on instruments like the mandolin, banjo, accordion and ukulele. I heard amazing Canadian fiddle tunes from Donna Hebert and Cassie & Maggie MacDonald. I witnessed jam sessions for mountain dulcimers and another for concertinas. I expanded my musical knowledge at workshops on songs from New York State, Labor songs and songs of the sea.

Joe Jencks
Old Songs 2016

The Saturday evening main stage concert was one of the best in years. Joe Jencks did a stellar job as emcee. Like John Roberts the night before, Joe kept the audience captivated by contributing songs between sets. He had the crowd singing along and it became a real communal experience. Have I mentioned that I think he has one of the finest voices in folk music? It certainly bears repeating.

Low Lily
Old Songs 2016

Saturday night began with outstanding performances the Jeremy Kittle Band followed by the band Low Lily. Each group features younger performers who explore the musical roots and add some modern inspiration to their offerings. Jeremy was a guest on my radio show a number of years ago, just after he graduated high school. To see his music grow is inspiring. To watch Low Lily’s Lissa Schneckenburger, who has also been a guest on my show, together with Liz Simmons and Flynn Cohen was an opportunity to see three highly talented artists explore American folk music. The inventive performances from these talented artists honored the traditions while carrying it into the future.

Robin and Linda Williams
Old Songs 2016

A highlight of the weekend was the performance from Robin and Linda Williams. After singing together on stage for over 30 years, you would expect a certain predictability, but not with Robin and Linda. Even while singing their classics, they maintain a fresh air about them which instantly connects with the audience. Lovely harmonies and a sense of humor make them feel like old friends that you want to spend more time with. We had to make do with a short set on Saturday evening and a one hour performance on Sunday afternoon. I hope they will return soon.

Howard Bursen, Sally Rogers and Claudia Schmidt
Old Songs 2016

Claudia Schmidt, Sally Rogers and Howard Bursen also left me wanting more. Claudia and Sally have been singing together for 35 years and are festival favorites. They have just released a new CD titled We Are Welcomed and at Old Songs, they truly were. Together with Howard Bursen they offered a mix of folk, blues and jazz to an enthusiastic response.

Unique banjo for sale

Over the course of the weekend, I did get to spend some time browsing through the vendor and food area. The artisans who are selected for their unique wares, offer some amazing items. You can get do all of your holiday shopping extra early in one weekend at Old Songs.  I was even tempted to purchase a rather unique banjo  – I’ve head of singing in the shower and this might be a great instrument to accompany! On second thought, I will stick with playing songs on the radio.

Even though I am on a diet, I was kept well fed by visiting the various food vendors. Like the festival, the food choices feature diverse cultures- Jamaican, Thai, and much more. A culinary highlight for me is a visit to the Traveler’s Kitchen. They do something special with a potato pancake, and it would not be a festival for me unless I devoured one of their Bella Wrappas- a blend of mushrooms, cheese, tomatoes and spices in a warm wrap. I’m getting hungry again!

I could probably write volumes about all the great workshops and outstanding performers that I witnessed over the three days, but by the time I finish, we will be ready for the 2017 festival. It is my hope that my reflections on Old Songs 2016 will give you a taste of what I experienced, and hopefully inspire you to make plans for 2017.

Before I end my musings on this year’s fest, I want to take a moment to thank and congratulate Andy Spence, the Old Songs Board of Directors and staff, and all the volunteers who not only put on this amazing festival, but also keep the music alive year round in the Albany area with concerts, community dances, workshops and more. Not only are they perpetuating the traditions, but they have built a loyal community that supports their work. With sources of funding becoming harder and harder to obtain these days, it is important that we remember the folks at Old Songs and do what we can to help. Find out how you can support their work at their website – www.oldsongs.org.

I reluctantly left Old Songs on Sunday, but the spirit and memories will carry me through until next year. I can’t wait to share the new artists and songs I heard on the radio. To paraphrase what I say at the end of my radio show, I left Old Songs carrying “a song in my heart.”

As I write this final sentence, the countdown widget on my computer screen tells me that there are only 339 days left until Old Songs 2017.

For more photos and videos from the 36th Annual Old Songs Festival,
click below to view Ron’s video diary: