Whenever I’m asked to name my favorite folk festival, and that happens pretty often, there are many great events that spring to mind … but the one that tops the list for me as consistently excellent, and so in tune with my passions, is the Old Songs Festival of Traditional Music and Dance in Altamont, N.Y., this year celebrating 30 years of truly sublime traditional folk music and dance under the continuing stewardship of its founder and one of the true heroine’s of folk music over the past decades: Andy Spence.

This year’s anniversary festival continues in grand fashion with a terrific line-up including old favorites (like John Roberts & Tony Barrand, Joe Hickerson, Cathy Barton & Dave Para, Sally Rogers & Howie Bursen & The Amidon Family) and some of the best of the next generation carrying forward the traditions (like Elizabeth LaPrelle, Tim Eriksen & Debra Cowan) in a broad mix of blues, ballads, dance, Celtic and more. But Old Songs is always greater, even, than the sum of its parts, and it seems that everyone there, from the performers to the staff to the audience, brings a passion to the event that transcends that of any number of the “good” folk festivals out there, and propels Old Songs as the pinnacle of all the GREAT ones. Big enough so there’s always great music to hear, but small enough so you always have right-up-front access to the artists for an up close experience. Dynamic main stage performances that connect intimately with the audience, with an exhausting spread of thoughtfully organized workshops that offer true depth and context for the songs, and lots of participatory fun whether you love to sing, dance, play or all three.

This year’s 30th Anniversary festival takes place, as usual, at the Altamont Fairgrounds in Altamont, N.Y. (just outside of Albany) the fourth weekend of June  (June 25, 26 & 27, 2010). Full details, lineup and even a brief video montage of last years festival is available on their website. Check it out and plan to attend … you’ll be glad you did!

— Mark D. Moss, Editor