25th Anniversary - Performer Quotes
Page 2
| "Newport set the tone for "folk" festivals in the 1960s but, for me, there have been three that really supported the full range of traditional music and didn't get seduced by "Pop" culture. First, there was Bob Beers' Fox Hollow that served singers so well. Then Estelle Klein converted Mariposa from a Newport-style big concert festival into a workshop-based gathering that also served the burgeoning dance revival. Bob and Estelle and their festivals are both long gone, but we have the best of both and more going strong in Andy Spence's vision that became Old Songs. Long may it thrive!" - Tony Barrand |  |
"From its
inception, the
Old Songs Festival
has been right at the top
of the list of the nation’s
best traditional music
events. Now that I live
in the area, I feel
proud to be a part of it." –John Roberts |
"Old
Songs
is as it describes... getting in touch with what the past has left us
and what the future will bring. It is one of the few places in this world
where you will see all generations, young and old, all classes,
genders and ethnic groups ... together... enjoying their diversity and
celebrating the oneness of us all." –James "Sparky" Rucker
"OLD
SONGS, for
us, means an annual
coming together of the
folk song and dance
community, people who share our love of traditional
music, dance, and crafts.
We are so grateful to Bill and
Andy (and all of the
volunteers) who make
it possible." – Sandy & Caroline Paton
"Old
Songs is my absolute favorite
festival! What
a wonderful weekend of
camping, hearing great
music, eating great food,
socializing and playing music with great people." – George Wilson
"25
YEARS AGOSuch joy I felt, a new festival, Old Songs
Now that dear old Fox Hollow is gone
Again we'll gather to greet each spring
Rain or shine together we'll sing"
–Margaret MacArthur
"Since
our first appearance at Old Songs, back in 1988, it has been our absolute
favorite festival! We have marvelous memories: painting the mural on
the trailer, the Utah Phillips surreal
theatrical experience, the accordion parade, MCing downpour night at
the sheep barn. Even the disasters are wonderful! To a couple of ancient
cheeseheads, Old Songs is like an enchanted beer tent at the crossroads
of creativity and friendship.
Music & friendship = Old Songs!" –Lou & Peter Berryman
"Old
Songs is a place where people
and music converge to make something new out of something old year after
year. It was at Old Songs ages ago that Molly Mason and I were thrown
together to play a swing dance with a musician we knew nothing about
named Peter Davis. We became close friends and have been making music
with him ever since. But it's no surprise. Old Songs is a place where
magic happens!" –Jay Ungar
"Old
Songs is a festival that has consistently maintained its intimate,
warm and welcoming atmosphere over the years. Performers, audience
and volunteers are all part of the same connected fabric celebrating
music, dance and the arts in a world that often forgets how important
these things are." –Priscilla Herdman
"Old
Songs has always been careful to reach as far into traditional folk
music as it can, and is probably the foremost among extant American
folk festivals to champion its value and its relevance. Old Songs has
always reminded us that we Americans actually do have an unpackaged
culture that's deeper and more fun to engage in than anything corporate
commercial radio has to offer. I'm deeply honored to take part in this
festival--it gives me hope that some of my songs might be sturdy enough
to someday become old songs themselves." –Bob Franke