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Contact Us
Festival
Director
Andy Spence
Admin. Asst.
Susan Grace Moore
Art Director
Roger Mock
Old
Songs, Inc.
37 S Main St.
PO Box 466
Voorheesville, NY
12186-0466
Phone
(518) 765-2815
Fax
(518) 765-4248
E-mail
Printable
Press Release |
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Resources |
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The 28th annual 3-day Old Songs Festival of Traditional Music and Dance will be held on June 27, 28, 29, 2008 at the Altamont Fairgrounds, Altamont, NY. A family festival of acoustic music both participatory and entertaining, Old Songs continues to present the finest performers and musicians in the realms of folk, Celtic, roots and world music. From every corner you hear fiddles, banjos, guitars, dulcimers, pennywhistles, mandolins and accordions. There are 3 main concerts: Friday and Saturday at 7pm and Sunday afternoon at 3pm. The rest of the weekend presents the same performers in more than 120 workshops, classes, and sessions. Food vendors, instrument makers and a juried craft show provide a festive village atmosphere. Camping is available for all 3 days. A very exciting performer line-up includes: Le Vent du Nord from Quebec; Si Kahn; Andy Irvine from Ireland; Christopher Shaw; Chuck & Albert (musical comedy from P.E.I.); April Verch from Canada; Lee Murdock; Galitcha (music of India); Joe Jenks; Liz Carroll & John Doyle; Walt Michael & Co.; Scott Ainslie; Robert B. Jones; Priscilla Herdman; Marge Bruchac & Justin Kennick; Sparky & Rhonda Rucker; Dan Duggan; Andrew & Noah Van Norstrand; Matt Watroba; Peter & Mary Alice Amidon; Ira Bernstein & Riley Baugus; Groovemama; Ruth Pelham; Annie & the Hedonists; Ron Gordon & the Festival Jug Band; Rosie’s Ready Mix; Morrison Bros. Band; Bob Nicholson; and a special performance of “The Visitors” (Adirondack history through song) featuring: Dan Berggren; Joe Bruchac; John Kirk & Trish Miller; Peggy Lynn; Bill Spence; Toby Stover; George Ward; and George Wilson. This is the 10th year of our Great Groove Band welcoming school age children with their instruments for 3 sessions of learning fiddle tunes with Donna Hébert. More than 40 children have participated in this program, made friends and passed the music on. For the family, there will be contra dancing and performances by the Puppet People and our perennial favorite Roger the Jester. The Old Songs Festival celebrates acoustic music as an entertainment and participatory event for families, children and anyone who would pick up an instrument to pick out a tune. All-festival, camping and day tickets are available online
through the Old Songs web site: www.oldsongs.org The festival is divided into five tickets: All-Festival Advance sale tickets are available until June
3. Download pdf press release at left This event is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency. |
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The Visitors
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• Bios (background
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April Verch Born, raised and now living in Pembroke, Ontario, where her family has lived for generations (more about the Ottawa Valley), April grew up in an area with a rich, distinctive musical and stepdancing tradition shaped by the diverse roots of the immigrants drawn to the region's lumber camps. Emulating her older sister, she began taking stepdancing lessons when she was three, but right from the start, she was drawn to the fiddle, too-though her parents made her wait for three years before giving her a fiddle for her sixth birthday. Her talents in both arenas quickly became evident, as she began winning fiddle and dance contests on her own, and performing with her sister and the Pilatzke brothers as a member of the Dueling Dancers, a troupe that earned regional and national attention for its blend of innovative and traditional Ottawa Valley stepdancing. "By the time I was ten," April recalls, "that was it-I knew I wanted to play fiddle and dance for a living. I just wasn't sure how I could do it." By the time she finished high school, she had recorded her first two self-released albums (Springtime in 1992, Fiddle Talk in 1995) and was appearing across Canada at concerts, as an invited guest at fiddle contests and as a teacher at fiddle camps, always integrating dance and fiddling into a seamless, dynamic whole. Offered a job with a leading fiddle ensemble after graduation, she opted instead to attend Boston's Berklee School of Music, where she was exposed to-and quickly mastered-an array of musical styles. At the same time, she capped her fiddle contest career with a pair of impressive wins, earning the titles of Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion and Canadian Open Fiddle Champion. More at www.aprilverch.com Le Vent du Nord Nicolas Boulerice grew up with the family repertoire and the songs collected by his father. His passion for traditional music led him to Ireland and France, where he learned to play the hurdy-gurdy. A young, talented and charismatic musician, Nicolas has been roaming the folk circuit for the last ten years, starting out with Ad vieille que Pourra and MontcorbieR. Alongside Olivier Demers, he then recorded the album Le vent du nord est toujours fret… , which was the genesis of Le Vent du Nord. He has also worked alongside several other artists such as the jazz septet Ovo, Les Batinses, Dobacaracol, Les Zapartistes, Benoit Charest and Michel Faubert. He is a founding member of Roues et Archets, a record label specializing in québecois traditional music, and is also co-founder of the Chants de Vielles festival in Calixa-Lavalee, Québec. Olivier Demers Réjean Brunet started playing québecois traditional music as a very young boy. After performing with his brother (André, well-known for his work with la Bottine Souriante and the Celtic Fiddle Festival) as a duo and recording three albums, Réjean joined La Volée d’Castors. He toured with them for 8 years, performing in Europe, Canada and the U.S. as they released 5 albums. Réjean is also frequently invited by traditional musicians such as Sabin Jacques, Richard Forest and Gaston Nolet to join them on stage or in the recording studio. Réjean grew up in the village of Lacolle, Québec; he now showcases his great talent around the world. Simon Beaudry more at www.leventdunord.com Liz
Carroll & John Doyle Liz Carroll has been amazing audiences since she won the Senior All-Ireland Fiddle Championship at the age of 18. She first toured the United States with The Greenfields of America, a veritable who’s who of the best Irish musicians and dancers in the U.S., including Mick Moloney and Michael Flatley. She has been a huge and revered presence ever since, performing at festivals and concerts worldwide. Liz has appeared on numerous recordings but it is her own compositions, recorded by so many others, that garner her the adoration of so many of her peers. Many of Liz’s tunes have become part of the modern repertoire of Irish music. Her compositions have most recently been covered by Irish groups Dervish and Four Men and a Dog, by soloists Sharon Shannon, Frankie Gavin, and Michael McGoldrick, and by Darol Anger’s American Fiddle Ensemble. Liz’s recordings include the first Cherish the Ladies album, two albums with the group Trian, and four solo albums (Liz Carroll, 1988, was chosen a Select Recording of the Library of Congress; Lost in the Loop, 1999, won the Indie Award for Best Celtic/British Isles Recording). Liz has twice been named one of Irish-America’s Top 100. In 1994 Liz was honored by the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) with America’s highest honor for traditional artists — the National Heritage Award — a tribute to her respected place in Irish music today. John Doyle is one of the most talented, innovative, and in-demand musicians to come out of Ireland. With over 100 album appearances under his belt, John has soared to the top of Irish music worldwide. He is a founding member of the Grammy-nominated and twice Indie award-winning group, Solas. In 2000 John joined Riverdance star and friend, Eileen Ivers, for a series of tours, writing, and recording. Since then he has recorded two highly acclaimed solo records, Evening Comes Early, 2001, [Shanachie] and Wayward Son, 2005, [Compass Records]. He is widely considered the finest guitarist in Irish music and in recent years has become highly regarded as a singer, songwriter, and producer. John’s signature driving sound is likely the most emulated in Irish music. He has toured, recorded, and/or performed with such stars as English luminaries Linda Thompson and Kate Rusby, American bluegrass/Americana and Grammy winners Tim O’Brien and Alison Brown, as well as Celtic greats Cathie Ryan, Athena Tergis, Michael Black, Seamus Egan, John McCusker, Julie Fowlis, Karan Casey — the list goes on. In 2007 Liz and John performed in Canada, Ireland, England, Scotland, France, and Denmark. They appeared on the Violin Shop’s Fiddle Masters Concert Series, Vol. II DVD alongside fiddle greats Darol Anger, Sara Watkins, Luke Bulla, and Stuart Duncan. Their album, In Play, was The Irish Times’ pick for one of the best albums of 2005, and in 2008 Liz and John will release a new album. More at mikegreenassociates.com
The word "galitcha" means "tapestry" and Galitcha is most certainly that. It's perhaps the only Indian music band to feature a white tabla player and a white harmonium player/vocalist. The tabla (and dhol) player is Shawn Mativetsky, a percussion instructor at McGill University and a disciple of Pandit Sharda Sahai. The harmonium player, and second vocalist, is Chris MacLean, a folk singer-songwriter from Wakefield QC whose splendid range and versatility – and convincing pronunciation of Punjabi - is showcased to full effect on the intricate Indian melodies. MacLean also plays guitar and dulcimer. The third band-member is jazz flute and sax player, Linsey Wellman, a graduate of the Carlton University jazz performance program, whose other projects include the calypso group Kobo Town and the Sun Ra tribute Rakestar. Rounding out the group is group leader Kujlit Sodhi (Cool-jeet Soe-dee). Born into a musical family in Amritsar in the Punjab region of India and raised in Montreal, Sodhi began studying voice in his teens with teachers at Sikh temples - home to some of the most superbly trained Indian musicians in the world, if you know to look. He was inspired to pursue music full-time by a chance encounter with the late great, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, for whom he became a favourite North American "jamming buddy." This hardworking band has literally played all over the world, playing gigs at the Festival au Désert in Timbouctou, Mali and Festival de Rabat and International Festival de Tetouan in Morrocco. In fact, it is Galitcha's live performance that has earned the group some of its most enthusiastic acclaim. Coleman Barkin of New York City's Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts called their show there "an evening of love," adding "Galitcha is that rare blending of superb musicianship and emotional connection ." Paul Emile Comeau of Penguin Eggs, named Galitcha one of the top 10 live acts of 2003. More at: www.galitcha.com Andy Irvine Irvine occupies a unique place in the musical world, plying his trade as archetypal troubadour, with a solo show and traveling lifestyle that reflects his lifelong influence, Woody Guthrie. Few others can equal his repertoire, Irish traditional songs, dexterous Balkan dance tunes, and a compelling canon of his own material that defies description. In his two years with Sweeney's Men, the group ignited an interest in traditional Irish music that survives to this day. Their successful singles, "Old Maid in the Garret" and "The Waxie's Dargle" landed at the very top of the Irish Hit Parade. Andy left the band in 1968, and made his first trip 'way out yonder', traveling by 'the sunburnt thumb' in Bulgaria, Romania and Yugoslavia, earning his living as a street musician and absorbing the musical traditions of the Balkans. Returning to Ireland, Irvine united with Christy Moore, Donal Lunny and Liam O'Flynn to form Planxty, fanning the flames of Irish Traditional Music well into the next generation. Planxty took a break in 1976 and Irvine worked and recorded with Paul Brady, making the classic album “Andy Irvine & Paul Brady”. After a brief time with De Dannan, he rejoined the reunited Planxty from 1979 until its breakup in 1983. . Andy’s his first solo album, “Rainy Sundays ... Windy Dreams”, followed, as well as “Parallel Lines” a duo album with the great Scots troubadour, Dick Gaughan. Never one to rest on his laurels, Andy formed Mosaic, a pan-European band that included Donal Lunny and Hungarian singer Marta Sebestyen. After one blissful summer traveling through Europe with this band, Andy returned to solo and duo work. This work soon grew into Patrick Street, featuring Kevin Burke (Bothy Band), Jackie Daly (De Danaan) and guitar maestro Arty McGlynn. Patrick Street, originally billed as Legends of Irish Music – one of the few times such hoopla was accurate, recorded three albums from 1987 to 1990. Andy then recorded his second solo album, “Rude Awakening”, and created the hugely influential ”East Wind”, an album of Balkan music, produced by Bill Whelan and featuring Davy Spillane on Uilleann Pipes. Patrick Street regrouped in 1993 with Kevin, Jackie, Andy, and Ged Foley. To date Patrick Street has released eight recordings, all on the Green Linnet label. Early in 2002, Andy drafted some long-time musical friends and formed his “dream band” for a one-off tour of Australia. Calling themselves Mozaik, reminiscent of the earlier cross-genre group, Andy was joined by Donal Lunny, Dutch guitarist Rens van der Zalm, Hungarian bagpiper Nikola Parov and American fiddler Bruce Molsky. The response was so positive that they might well have another go at it. October 2002 saw the release of Patrick Street’s Street Life, arguably their best ever. It showcases an ecumenical approach, while never letting go of the tradition that binds these amazing musicians, all at the very top of their game. Although an integral part of the finest Irish bands of our time, Andy Irvine continues along the road he set for himself so long ago - a vibrant career as a solo artist in the old style, a teller of stories and maker of music. More at www.andyirvine.com Ranked among today’s foremost young exponents of Scottish song, Malinky combine an array of vocal talent with a highly distinctive instrumental palette, in fresh yet timeless arrangements of both traditional and contemporary material. Their fast-track progress on the international Celtic scene, since forming in 1998, has been underpinned by outstanding musical prowess, fruitful artistic evolution and a maturity well beyond their years. Malinky first emerged at Glasgow’s prestigious Celtic Connections festival in 1999, as winners of a Danny Kyle Open Stage award. At a time when most new Scottish bands were focusing on instrumental sounds, their song-centered repertoire immediately marked them out from the crowd. A further key asset was the superb original songwriting, by founder members Karine Polwart – now pursuing a stellar solo career - and Steve Byrne, which featured alongside astutely chosen traditional fare. Six years on, at Celtic Connections 2005 – after two rave-reviewed albums, Last Leaves (2000) and 3 Ravens (2002) – a sellout crowd witnessed Malinky opening an exciting new chapter in their career. That night marked the farewell appearance of both Polwart and accordionist Leo McCann, together with triumphant debuts by singer and cellist Fiona Hunter, and multi- instrumentalist Ewan MacPherson. Following the success of the band's third album on Greentrax Recordings, 2005's The Unseen Hours, Malinky enter 2008 with a busy international touring schedule in the offing, with dates in the USA, Canada and Germany beckoning. The line-up now comprises Fiona Hunter on vocals and cello, Steve Byrne on vocals, bouzouki, cittern and guitar, fiddler Jon Bews, Mark Dunlop on whistles, bodhrán, vocals and uilleann pipes, along with latest recruit, David Wood on guitar and bouzouki. Among the five, they share a diverse wealth of influences and backgrounds, including Byrne’s staunch affiliations with his native Angus region, Hunter’s specialist interest in the songs of Scottish travellers, and the Antrim-born Dunlop’s roots in Ulster tradition. As a former member of young Anglo-Scots/Irish five-piece CrossCurrent, (not to mention a graduate of the Newcastle University Folk Music Degree course), Wood brings his extensive knowledge of traditions south of the border to the mix, while Bews, a stalwart of Edinburgh’s lively session scene, has worked with artists as diverse as Basque singer-songwriter Mikel Urdangarin, and Fence Collective star James Yorkston. Malinky's third album, The Unseen Hours, was released like its predecessors on Greentrax, Scotland’s leading folk label, in November 2005. A tremendous collection of nine songs and three instrumental tracks, it embodied a resounding riposte to anyone who’d questioned the band’s future following Polwart and McCann’s departure. The vivid phrasing, lyrical poise and earthy piquancy of Hunter’s singing are showcased in such classic ballads as “Edom O Gordon”, “Clerk Saunders” and “My Ain Countrie”. Byrne’s commanding, richly plangent tones feature to equal advantage in both the traditional “Hughie the Graham”, and “Flowers of Saskatchewan”, by Canadian singer-songwriter David Francey, while Dunlop contributes a graceful, haunting version of “Seán Ó Duíbhír A’Ghleanna”, from the singing of the great Len Graham. With the vocals complemented throughout by arresting yet sensitive backing arrangements, the tune sets - again comprising a mix of traditional and contemporary material - bring Malinky’s superb ensemble playing potently to the fore, aligning vibrant layers of melodic colour and texture with arresting rhythmic flair. “I think the key difference from when we started out is that everybody now has an equal part to play, so the way we work is much more cohesive and integrated,” says Byrne of Malinky’s sound today. Indeed, most bands would be more than happy with one lead singer to match the richly contrasting qualities of Hunter, Byrne or Dunlop, let alone all three. Small wonder that Living Tradition magazine described The Unseen Hours as “almost like getting several bands for the price of one.” It’s precisely this balance of old-fashioned virtues and youthful vitality, fidelity to tradition and willingness to move it on, that has paved the way for Malinky’s burgeoning success to date. With recording on a fourth album scheduled to begin in 2008, a year kicked off by dates in New York and another headline date at Celtic Connections, their progress shows no sign of slowing. More at: www.malinky.com
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| • Performers 2008 | |
| • Peter & Mary
Alice Amidon - choral singing, folk songs |
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