ANNUAL FOLK FESTIVALS,  WORKSHOPS & MUSIC CAMPS -- This web site is maintained by me - Michael Ludgate. I originally started this as a beginner fiddle player who was excited to share everything I learned about folk music with my friends. (more at MySpace.com take a look!) To keep myself and the rest of my musician friends organized I started a music email list and this web page. It has really evolved into more than that. It is a valuable networking resource for the musicians: both beginner and expert, amateur and professional. It really only works if you use the information and stay on the list. It also works better if you help: send me your gigs and other interesting music information and I'll get the word out to the rest of the list. For clarification: I maintain 3 email lists; one each for Customers of Ludgate Farms, another for mostly Folk Music [ Mikes-Music ] and a third for outdoor exercise (Cycle and XC-Ski)... if you want to be on any or all of these email lists just let me know at email Mike Hit reload or refresh every time you visit: this page changes often! [ SUBSCRIBE Mikes-Music ] The music email list generates about 1 email per day ... sometimes more ... sometimes less -:)

This website ... Current Events Home Upcoming Events FORUM & BB Canaan Jams Mike's Other Jams Dancing Instructors Repair Festivals Annual Local Music CDs Local Bands Sheet Music - MP3s Tune Books Photo Album List-Serves Email Visual index to the following web pages [ here ] **NEW** ABC Cafe Back Porch News Bound for Glory [Map] Common Ground Carriage House Cafe [Map] Castaways [Map] Chapter House [Map] CNY Social Dance Calendar Cornell Folk Song Society Crossing Borders Radio Cranberry Coffeehouse - BING Dryden Cafe TCCDancers Contra Felicia's Atomic Lounge Folkstuff Events Folkstuff Newsletter Folkus Concerts - Syracuse Freeville Music Open Mics GigKeeper Hands Four Dancers Haunt Ithaca Journal Music Listing Ithaca Times Music Listing Ithaca Swing Dance Judy Hyman's Calendar Lost Dog - Ithaca [Map] Maxie's  [Map] Nines [MapQuest] Pourhouse [Map] Red Newt Cellars [Map] Rongo [Map] Soul Full Cup Corning NY State Theater [Map] Tioga Trails Cafe [Map] If you are a musician or dancer, however modest or well established,  and you have gigs or other music related items of interest that you want posted here: please email me the info! Most of the info that you see on all these pages here gets to me from you all! Examples: open jams, your gigs, new local CDs, dances, music or dance workshops and so on. -m end google ad

*NEW* Forum BB Topic !! Festivals and Workshops [ here ] http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewforum.php?f=3 This page is prettier to look at but much more time consuming to keep up to date. All the up to the latest festival info is on the Forum now. The big advantage of this is you guys can help me maintain the information. Just log-in and click reply to your festival topic and upload an update or request car-pooling etc.... Thanks -Mike :) The Clearwater Festival June 17 & 18 -- 2006 The Clearwater Festival - The Great Hudson River Revival music and environmental summer festival is America’s oldest and largest annual festival of its kind. This unique event has hosted over 15,000 people on a weekend in June for more than three decades. All proceeds benefit Clearwater, a nonprofit 501(c)3 environmental organization. Join us on the beautiful shore of the Hudson River! Croton Point Park, in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, is Westchester County’s natural park on a spectacular river peninsula of grassy meadows, tree-lined shores, and sweeping views of the river. History of the Festival -- Back in the mid-sixties, after centuries of accumulated sewage pollution and industrial dumping of toxic chemicals, the Hudson River was deemed “dead”. The river’s fragile ecological system was devastated. Not a single fish was found in many areas; the level of commercial fishery dropped dramatically and the once-thriving oyster harvesting industry became almost nonexistent. Recognizing this incredible social and environmental tragedy, Pete Seeger, a popular musician and respected activist, decided “to build a boat to save the river”. Holding small, fundraising river concerts throughout the Hudson River Valley, he literally passed his banjo among the crowd, collecting contributions to build the elegant tall ship that would become a symbol of environmental advocacy, the flagship of the American Environmental Movement, the Sloop Clearwater. This nomadic folk festival picnic continued to travel through out the Hudson River Valley and then in 1978 the festival set down roots at a historic river park, Croton Point, on the Hudson River and was coined The Great Hudson River Revival. However, ten years later, due to pollution problems with the landfill at the park the festival was forced to move from the river. This move resulted in a decade of exile inland at a suburban collage campus. In 1998 the Clearwater board of directors gave a directive, move the festival on or near the Hudson River. A year later in 1999 saw the triumphant return of the Clearwater Festival to its spiritual home, the shores of the Hudson River at Croton Point Park, now the permanent venue for Clearwater’s environmental and music festival. Since these humble beginnings, The Clearwater Festival has grown into the country’s largest annual environmental celebration with music, dance and storytelling, education and activism, attracting as many as 15,000 people of all ages to the shores of the Hudson River. [ more ] The Philadelphia Folk Festival August 18, 19, 20 -- 2006 The Philadelphia Folk Festival is sponsored by the Philadelphia Folksong Society, a non-profit organization founded in 1957 to promote traditional music. The funds raised at the Festival support other projects of the Folksong Society, including: Five scholarships: for undergraduate and graduate study and to support folk musicians Odyssey of American Music: brings musicians into schools to help connect social studies classes to real people and issues of the time being studied Grants in Aid: Funds various programs, including seed grants for other festivals and organizations. Lilac Festival, Rochester Harry Smith Frolic old time music jam/festival in mid July On the Green River at Camp Keewanee, Greenfield, Mass. July 14-16, 2006 Friday 5pm through Sunday 5pm $20/weekend or $10/day At The Gate   Summer day camp facilities including: •Unfurnished cabins to play music in (no beds) •Bathrooms and showers •Picnic pavilion & basketball court •Camping and parking on flat ground •Frolicking in the Green River •Swimming Pool  Ithaca Festival (http://www.ithacafestival.org) I'm on the organizing committee for Musefest (thanks for including it!) and all I can tell you for certain about it right now is that the 2006 date hasn't been set yet; there's talk of moving off of Labor Day Weekend to get away from the Moe.down (a festival in Turin, NY on that same weekend each year that draws 8 - 10 K people. mostly "jam bands"; not a lot of info about the '06 Moe.down yet, but the site is http://www.moe.org/moedown7.html), but nothing's been set yet. I'll let you know once a decision has been made. I've also heard that Trevor MacDonald is considering a concert/festival on 8/19 (not sure if it's one day or more; very early stages right now). The Upper Potomac Fiddle Retreat http://www.home.earthlink.net/~updf/fiddle/ January 14-15 2006, Harpers Ferry WV A bit of a drive but worth the trip for some Ithacans: Featuring workshops, classes, jams, and a contra dance. Workshop leaders include Elke Baker, Jim Eagan, Joe Herrmann, Steve Hickman, Andrea Hoag, Ellen Jacobs, Ken Kolodner, and Laura Light. There are also plenty of mixed-instrument classes for non-fiddlers. Syracuse Country Dancers' http://syracusecountrydancers.org/PhyllaMaeFallFest.html PHYLLA MAE FALL FEST A October 13-15?, 2006 ????? Rochester Thanksgiving Dance Weekend November 24 & 25?, 2006 ?? Great Music! Great Calling! http://www.ggw.org/users/cdr/thanksgiving.html A contra dance weekend (Friday night 7:30 - 11 pm, Saturday 10:30 am to 11 pm) with workshops in Cajun, Zydeco, Salsa, English country & Swing. Band, Music & Caller workshops too. Salem United Church of Christ 60 Bittner St. Rochester, NY Cost for the full weekend is $34 in advance, $39 at the door, separate session pricing also available. Registrations must reach us by Nov. 14 to get the advance price. More details, the schedule and registration form can be found in the flyer (PDF file, printable on 8 1/2 x 14 inch paper). Or print out and mail the text version of the registration form. If you're interested in local accomodations, check out our list of nearby hotels. Information on nearby places to eat can be found here. Turtle Hill Folk Festival September 8, 9 and 10, 2006 The annual Turtle Hill Folk Festival is a family-oriented event, with concerts, workshops, open jamming, campfire singing, dancing, open mics, and a great children's activity area. Because Golden Link strives to encourage the enjoyment of folk music and make it accessible to people of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds, we have decided to make admission to our 2004 festival FREE for children 12 and under. We encourage you to bring the entire family and enjoy a weekend of music and fun. Rough camping is free; there are no hookups. Enjoy a unique variety of craft and food vendors. No alcohol or pets are permitted on the festival grounds. NEW YEARS WINTER CAMP AT ASHOKAN 2006 Thurs, Dec 29 - Sun, Jan. 1 Three nights of Swing, Cajun, Contras & Squares, Waltzes & Blues... plus daytime workshops in dance, fiddle, banjo, guitar, singing and more! NEW YEARS EVE DANCE Sat, Dec 31 8pm-3am Swing, Cajun, Zydeco, contras & squares... plus sumptuous snacks & refreshments. Staff, prices, online applications and all other details at http://www.ashokan.org/ashokan/campnyrs.shtml Or to download a pdf flyer click on http://www.ashokan.org/resources/pdfs/nyrs_2006.pdf MUSICIANS JAY UNGAR & MOLLY MASON with SWINGOLOGY grooving contras, squares,swing and blues plus romantic waltzes. THE RED STICK RAMBLERS authentic Cajun and steamy swing direct from Louisiana. THE GREAT BEAR TRIO exciting and inventive Celto-American square and contra dance music. PLANET ZYDECO (Sat.) New England's premier Zydeco band. DANCE INSTRUCTORS CINDY OVERSTREET Lindy, swing, blues ESTHER BRILL Cajun, waltz, dance specials JOHN KRUMM contras, squares & singing NILS FREDLAND contras & squares (Sat.) Call 1-845-246-2121 for more information or to receive a flyer by mail. Pickin' in the Pasture Aug 24 - 27?, ?2006? Annual Bluegrass Festival Come and experience four days of fun and world-class bluegrass music in the heart of the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York State. Pickin' In The Pasture hosts some of the finest professional bluegrass entertainment in the country. The event features legendary performers as well as exciting new artists. In a few short years, the event has grown to become the largest traditional bluegrass festival in the state. We appreciate the strong support that bluegrass fans have given the event as we continue to make upgrades and improvements. The Great Blue Heron Music Festival http://www.greatblueheron.com/ 2006 dates are July 7.8.9. The Great Blue Heron Music Festival was first held in 1992. Our initial motivation was the desire to host a Saturday afternoon barbecue/gathering with Donna the Buffalo. But our larger inspiration became the beautiful piece of land on which we stood to plan the party. By the end of that first meeting.we had decided to attempt a three-day event. Located in the Amish-inhabited rolling hills of Western New York's Chautauqua County, the site virtually planned the layout for us. The main stage would fit nicely amid some pines at the foot of a naturally amphitheatric, maple-shaded hillside. The many acres of woods and trails seemed perfect for tent-campers, and we saw that adjacent fields could accommodate those who preferred to attend in campers or RVs. As our enthusiasm grew, we envisioned trucking in sand to create a beach alongside a large pond, the land's signature feature. As for performers, our experience in presenting local club shows had established relationships with many talented folks. As we contacted them with our idea, many went for it; most for little or no monetary reward. They included, along with ‘Donna’; Rusted Root, The Heartbeats, John & Mary, Rasta Rafiki and the late Colorblind James. Cranberry Dulcimer Gathering July 21 - 23, 2006 http://www.jonweinberg.com/cranberry/ at the Unitarian Universalist Church, Binghamton, New York -- Workshops - Concerts - Dancing - Jamming - Hymn Sing -- Vendors selling: recordings, song books, instruments, accessories Food and Primitive Camping available on-site and nearby Falcon Ridge The Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, a four-day community of folk music and dance at the foot of the Berkshires in east-central New York State. This will be our eighteenth year of music, dance, and fun, and hope that you can join us on July 20th through July 23rd, 2006. Yes, it's true. After a long and wonderful history with the Brennans at Long Hill Farm, the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival is moving to a new location for 2006. Our new location is just off Rt. 22, five miles north of the Rt. 22/Rt. 23 intersection in Hillsdale, on County Rt. 7D. We're working on updating the rest of the site over the holidays, as well as taking care of a long, long list of things that have to be done (or redone) to prepare to present the 2006 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. Bear with us, and we'll have more information, for attendees, performers, volunteers and vendors, soon. History -- June 1999 -- Falcon Ridge began humbly and gently 12 years ago as a small New England folk festival nestled at the foot of the Berkshires in Massachusetts. It was a lovely 2 day event created by Howard Randall. Howard was/is a builder and contractor by trade; a trade that he loves and still carries on in the fall and winter months. A few years earlier he experienced bluegrass music for the first time. Almost immediately, without stopping to ponder the possibilities or consequences he created his first festival, the Winterhawk Bluegrass festival. On the heels of those first years, an avid interest in all types of acoustic music, most especially singer/songwriters, took root. Falcon Ridge was born in 1988. "Clifftop" -- Appalachian String Band Music Festival -- Aug. 2-6, 2006 This is the all time favorite for Southern style ... "A five day mountaintop gathering of musicians and friends with contests, concerts, workshops, square dances, camping and a hymn sing. West Virginia masters are presented to an audience of more than 3000 musicians and string band music lovers from around the world. Over the history of this festival, more than 20 foreign countries and 40 of the 50 states have been represented, with many returning year after year to this much loved festival." [ more info ] An Ithaca based band took away a prize in 2005: One of John Hoffmann's bands (Fiddler of UpSouth) recently took third place at this international old-time music gathering commonly known as "Clifftop" this is quite an honor - the competition is fierce ... they performed as The Downward Dogs - listed from Ithaca [ here ] but there was David Winston from Natural Bridge VA, one of the better clawhammer banjo players on the planet, Paula Bradley from Lee MA on guitar - you know her playing (she co-taught the last Molsky workshop), and Abby Ladin from Bloominginton IN, bass player with the Monks.  Paula, Mac and John also took 3rd place two years ago at Clifftop. Old Songs Festival Altamont, NY JUNE 23, 24 & 25, 2006 Old Songs is a family-friendly festival of folk, traditional, Celtic and world music and dance, known for its relaxed atmosphere, interactive sessions and workshops, hands-on experience and participatory nature. In addition to three concerts (see Schedule of Events), there are 120 daytime workshops given by performers. Also featured are a juried craft show, food and instrument vendors, and a well-run children's activity area. 2005 Performers include old-time renaissance man Bruce Molsky, banjo master Tony Tricshka, teen fiddle prodigy Brittany Haas, wacky Canadians The Arrogant Worms, versatile stringband Walt Michael & Company, one-man folk festival Michael Cooney, irrepressible grandma of folk Faith Petric, super folk trio Herdman, Hills, Mangsen, singer/songwriter Bob Franke, Wisconsin lunatics Peter & Lou Berryman, bluesman Guy Davis, dance troup Vanaver Caravan and a whole lot more. See the whole list HERE. Greenwood Furnace Folk Gathering September 8-10, 2006 This new event, presented by Simple Gifts and the Huntingdon County (PA) Arts Council, welcomes musicians of all instruments and levels to a weekend of workshops, jamming, open stage, concerts, and a contradance. Held at Greenwood Furnace State Park in central PA, a gorgeous location with hiking trails, camping, sandy beach, and lake swimming. For info, contact the arts council at 814.643.6220 or send email. Mayville Bluegrass Festival ... Festival Dates are June 17? - 18?, 2006 ??? An all volunteer organized event in the heart of beautiful Chautauqua County. The festival is held at Lakeside Park throughout the weekend, and in a variety of bars and restaurants Saturday night. The park and late-night venues are all within the Village of Mayville on the shores of Chautauqua Lake. Founded by local musician Bill Ward and the local Chamber of Commerce in 2002, the festival’s mission has remained constant: to present world class bluegrass music in a family-oriented environment at the lowest cost possible for the entire Chautauqua County community and beyond. Mayville Bluegrass Festival Continues to Grow ... Mayville, NY 2004 - Buoyed by an extraordinary lineup, good weather, additional contests and workshops, and its unique location, the 3rd Annual Mayville Bluegrass Festival drew thousands to this small western NY lakeside village. The success of this year's festival virtually ensures its continuance for years to come. MBF 2004 was June 19-20 and featured Chris Hillman, Herb Pedersen, Roland White, Al Perkins, Vassar Clements, The Hickory Project, Clay Hess & Jon Garon, The New England Bluegrass Band, Dee Specker & Cornerstone, The Doerfel Family, The Atkinson Family, Ten Mile Drive, Creek Bend, The Lost Boys, Doug Yeomans & Mountain Run, Barton, Barton, Liuzzo & Ward, The Blue Grasshoppers, and The Goodfellas. The festival not only boasted stellar two-day mainstage performances, but extended into the area pubs and clubs on Saturday night, with many of the feature acts performing sets well into Sunday morning. The headliners, obviously taken with the magic of the event, went above and beyond the call of duty. Reunions abounded, with Pedersen and Hillman taking the stage with Perkins and Clements on both days for two completely different flavored sets. Saturday's performance included a bluegrass Byrds medley, even concluding with an acoustic version of "Eight Miles High," highlighted by Perkins inspired Dobro work. On Sunday, the same lineup (plus Hickory Project's Steve Belcher on bass) ended with a Flying Burrito Brothers bluegrass set. Vassar Clements' legendary soaring fiddle was a welcome and nostalgic touch. ASHOKAN FIDDLE & DANCE CAMPS .... Spring is in full bloom and we're busy getting ready for Ashokan 2006. Our up to date Summer Staff lists are now available online (finally) and our online credit card registration system is up and running too.There's still space at NORTHERN WEEK, SOUTHERN WEEK and WESTERN & SWING WEEK and we have a small number of work scholarships available as well. Visit http://www.ashokan.org/ashokan/camp.shtml for complete details. **SOMETHING NEW along with the return of many favorite staffers WESTERN & SWING WEEK features three great dance bands this year -- THE RED STICK RAMBLERS (fabulous swing and western swing!) LINDY HOP HEAVEN and SWINGOLOGY. NORTHERN WEEK features the return of singer SALLY ROGERS and English fiddler DARON DOUGLAS, plus new staffers SARAH BLAIR (contra fiddle), KAREN TWEED (piano accord.) and LA FILLES A GEORGES BAND, along with many of our long time favorites. SOUTHERN WEEK features the return of RAYNA GELLERT, GINNY HAWKER and TRACY SCHWARZ plus new staffer, caller and flat footer, BETH MOLARO, along with many of our regular favorites. Special guests THE MAMMALS will play for a square dance the night before camp and also once or twice during the week. Open SUMMERDANCES Sat before Northern and Southern Weeks http://www.ashokan.org/ashokan/summerdance.shtml Visit http://www.ashokan.org/ashokan/camp.shtml for complete details on all events. Call 1-845-246-2121, or write office@ashokan.org if you have questions. We hope to see you at Ashokan this summer. Sincerely, Jay & Molly Western & Swing Week / June 19-25, 2005 Northern Week / July 24-30, 2005 Southern Week / August 14-20, 2005 MORE DETAILS - NEW ONLINE REGISTRATION SYSTEM ONLINE More MUSIC festivals and workshops [ HERE ] Banjo workshop on a cruise ship February 13 - 18, 2006 "We are going to have beginning to advanced lessons, group workshops, faculty concerts, drawings, giveaways, group dinners and other fun group activities. It will be a helpful and supportive environment for all. Come join us for private mentor sessions, group classes, jamming and interactive sessions. We are going to get in three full days of workshops along with a whole day off in Cozumel, and an afternoon in Key West." The Dance Flurry Festival - "... premier event, a three day festival of music and dance held each February (Presidents' Day weekend) in Saratoga Springs, New York.  The 19th annual Dance Flurry will be held on February 17,18, and 19, 2006.  You can get an idea of what the festival is about by going to the Dance Flurry Festival home page. and looking at information about the 2006 Dance Flurry Festival." Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival July 13? - 16? 2006 ???? Ancramdale, NY Visit http://www.greyfoxbluegrass.com/ Newfield Old Home Days Some Fiddle events usually ... Sept 17 and 18 -- 2004 -- no web info available ???? Anybody with info on this event, please email Mike -:) 23rd Annual Champlain Valley Folk Festival Honoring Traditional Music and Dance in the Champlain Valley at Kingsland Bay State Park on Lake Champlain in Ferrisburgh Vermont 23rd Annual Champlain Valley Folk Festival Honoring Traditional Music and Dance in the Champlain Valley Kingsland Bay State Park on Lake Champlain in Ferrisburgh Vermont Dates: Friday-Sunday, August 4 - 6, 200

Spring (Mountain Man) Festival Music Schedule on the Forum [ here ] The Spring (Mountain Man) Festival on the first weekend in June is sponsored by the Newark Valley Historical Society, as is the Apple Festival during the first weekend of October.  These festivals are held at the Bement-Billings Farm, located just north of the village off of Route 38, just south of the high school. [ from Ithaca take Rt 79 to Richford., turn right head south onto Rt 38 ] The Newark Valley Historical Society also sponsors music every other Friday during the summer at the Railroad Depot, located in the village just off Whig Street.  'Tom & Marie' with guest musicians Hope Grietzer and Jim MacWilliams will be playing there June 16th, and the 'Susquehanna River Basin Band' will be playing there on June 30th. Rhythm and Roots Festival http://www.rhythmandroots.com/ New England’s Hottest Festival of Roots Music & Dance! Labor Day Weekend Sept 1, 2 and 3, 2006 Charlestown, RI The Heart of the Alleghenies Folk Music Festival August 11-13, 2006 BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will host the Third Annual Heart of the Alleghenies Folk Music Festival from August 11-13, 2006. Festival attendees will have an opportunity to attend instructional workshops, dances, and open jam sessions featuring Old time, Bluegrass, Dulcimer, Autoharp, French-Canadian, Irish, and World folk music in an informal college setting. Activities will begin on Friday evening with a concert featuring workshop instructors, followed by a contra dance in Swarts Hall’s O’Kain Auditorium. The cost for these events will be $5. Saturday’s activities will include workshops in the morning and afternoon. Workshops will cover topics like “Fiddle from Scratch” or “The Dynamics of a Home Schooled Bluegrass family band”. These workshops (for all skill levels) will be held in the Frame-Westerberg Commons. An Instrument Exchange will give festival attendees an opportunity to buy, sell, or swap used instruments. This will take place in the Mukiyama University Room all day Saturday. Organized & spontaneous open jam sessions will be happening on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday night will feature a concert headlined by award-winning Pennsylvania folk duo Simple Gifts and an amazingly talented Bluegrass family from Western New York, The Doerfels. The concert will be followed by a contra dance. Both events will be held in O’Kain Auditorium and are open to the public, cost is $10. The University will be providing a unique and relaxing environment for the festival. Camping, Housing & Meals will be available at a very reasonable cost, all workshop, vendor and dance areas are air conditioned, and hotel-style rooms come with hi-speed Internet access. All activities, housing and food will be held in very close proximity to each other. The festival will conclude on Sunday with a gospel jam, a morning workshop session and an open stage. The cost for all weekend events is $50, including all workshops (housing and meals not included). The Allegheny Mountain Dulcimers and Bradford Creative & Performing Arts (BCPAC) are sponsoring the festival. More Information can be found on the Internet: http://www.hotafest.org for more information on activities, workshops, performers and registration. This link or call 814-362-7500 for housing, camping and meal information Brattleboro Dawn Dances http://www.dawndance.org/ Memorial Day Labor Day Forksville Folk Festival http://www.forksvillefolk.org/index.html June ??? -- 23, 24 & 25 2006 -- ??? Featuring traditional and contemporary American Folk & World Music, set in the beautiful Endless Mountains of north central Pennsylvania.  Come out and enjoy great music all day on the outdoor stage, evening concerts in the grandstand building, musical workshops, kids' shows, arts & crafts, cultural exhibits, a wide variety of foods including vegetarian options, and more. On-site camping is now availableThe Forksville Folk Festival presents a weekend of folk music, storytelling, arts & crafts, cultural exhibits, children's shows and activities, great food and lots more. The event offers daytime entertainment on outdoor stage and Saturday & Sunday evening concerts inside the grandstand building. This is a great family-friendly event! Lake Genero Old Time Music Gathering 2005 From Gary Talkiewicz (Fiddlins' Fun Host): "Here's a festival that is maybe just over an hour from Binghamton. I've almost made it several times. It's usually in the fall." http://www.sacrasoft.com/Genero/ Finger Lakes Jazz Festival ?2006? ... and the hurricane aftermath Saturday September 16th ????? The New Orleans based Charmaine Nevel band, headliners of this little festival, were scattered to the corners of the country by the effects of the hurricane and some had really harrowing experiences.  The bands piano player, arranger and business manager,  Amasa Miller (Amasy)  was a long time fixture on the Ithaca music scene in the '70's, kingpin of the Chateau Rosenblatt jam sessions, and well remembered as part of the trio Angel Band with Peggy Haine and the late John Sabin.  He's been working tirelessly over the past week to arrange reuniting the band and insuring their future livelihoods.  This festival is the first gig of the rest of their lives.  I will be there to support them and hope that others will have some time free to contribute and enjoy a dynamic performance. [ web site ] Amasy and Charmaine are deeply connected in the New Orleans music community. From long knowledge of Amasy's personal integrity I know that funds raised by his efforts will be funneled directly and entirely into support of the music community in need. Come join us at the The Hector-Logan-Valois Fireman's Field for great food, great company and jazzy song stylings sure to make you get up and dance! We've brought a little bit of New Orleans to Hector for this event, so walk down our Bourbon Street, sample some cajun cuisine from some of our area's best restaurants and enjoy the best jazz you'll hear all year!  [ web site ] Musefest 2006 Aug 4, 5 & 6 .... Musefest is a free three day music festival held every Labor Day weekend near Ithaca, NY. It highlights and promotes the very best music, regardless of genre, the Ithaca music scene has to offer. In addition to great music, Musefest is dedicated to the ideal that when we all pitch in a little and share our talents, we can create something beautiful as well as fun for the entire family. Musefest is about building a community based on love, mutual respect and freedom. So join us and step out of a troubled world and into a loving and peaceful community. Musefest Acoustic Stage 2005: Kevin Kinsella -- Pamela Means -- Ashley Cox Ryan Montbleau -- Joe Crooksten -- Leif James Steve Gollnick -- Alan Rose -- Evil City Trio Linda Stout -- Jake Roberts -- Five 2 David ''Silence'' Besag  -- FOG (Friends Of George) Mark Brutvan Mumford Fiddle Fest Old Time Fiddlers' Fair Saturday-Sunday, August 19,20 2006 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ROCHESTER AREA -- Mumford, NY (AKA - The Mumford Fiddle Fest ... ) A toe-tapping, hand-clapping weekend of music and fun! Continuous  music on four stages. Jamming tent. Rising generation tent. Fiddlers  of all ages and abilities are invited to participate free of charge.  While you're there, check out the amazing Genesee Country Museum  http://www.gcv.org.  This event has been happening for many years,  and attracts hundreds of local and regional musicians to perform and  participate.  Not to be missed! Genesee Country Village Fiddlers' Fair Flint Hill Rd., Mumford, NY Fiddlin's Fun Festival 2006 Binghamton chapter of NYSOTFA: Saturday, September 9th    Noon to 5PM    Roberson Museum and Science Center    30 Front Street, Binghamton, NY This year we have moved the Festival to September. Please join us for a wonderful celebration of regional old-timey music. There will be an open stage, workshops, an off stage jam area and plenty of wonderful performers from our area. Come picnic at the Roberson Museum and enjoy some of the best traditional music of our region. Featured performers for the day include…. City Fiddle with Phil and Gretchen Banaszak Wild Rose with  Amy Shapiro, Tom Quigley, and Beth Hogan Hope Grietzer and Jim MacWilliams with fiddle and guitar Randy Kerr, a member of the Fiddlers’ Hall of Fame in Osceola, NY and Jessie Gotham Hope, former Rocky Mountain Fiddler of the Year, will be leading   free fiddle workshops …. Beginning Fiddle Workshop 12:30 Intermediate Fiddle Workshop 1:15 There will be open stage sign ups for interested fiddlers and a very nice all day jamming area by the river. Donations of $3 will be used to support Fiddlin's Fun, the Southern Tier Chapter of the New York State Old Tyme Fiddlers Association. In the event of rain, the Fest will be held in the Museum's Visitor Center. For further information call Laura at 724-3699. Binghamton chapter of NYSOTFA: "On August 7th, we are holding our annual Fiddle Fest. We set up some tents, and local fiddlers take the stage and play. People bring lawn chairs to picnic, hang out and listen. I would really like some of the jam groups from your region to take the stage if at all possible. Not "performers", per se, but groups of fiddlers, guitars, mandolins, banjos, et al, who play together in a jam.   i.e., the Java Jo Jammers from the Tuesday night jam here (in Binghamton) at the Cyber cafe take the stage for a set.  We will also be having open stage sign-ups for the middle of the day. There's a space where folks jam.  It's really a nice day." - Laura  Lamash 724-3699 Finger Lakes Grass Roots Festival July 20, 21, 22, 23 -- 2006 The Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance started 14 years ago as a concert to benefit local AIDS support organization AIDSwork at the State Theater in Ithaca NY. Featured artists were Donna the Buffalo and pals The Horse Flies, and Neon Baptist. Encouraged by the success of that night, members of Donna the Buffalo conspired to create a festival that would continue to raise money for the fight against AIDS and other worthy causes, provide regional and national exposure for excellent local musicians, and expose the local and regional music lovers to excellent national and international artists. In the intervening decade, GrassRoots has grown from humble beginnings to become a nationally recognized event, unique in its focus on traditional and contemporary roots music, and one of the few self sustaining non-profit arts organizations in the state. Northeast Heritage Music Camp Directors: Ken Perlman & Peter Langston Sun June 11 - Sat June 17, 2006 Located in the heart of northern Vermont's Green Mountains, the Northeast Heritage Music Camp celebrates the acoustic music and folk dance traditions of New England and eastern Canada. Come join us next June for a week of music instruction by world class players from these great traditions, dance to their music at our nightly contras, hear them in concert, and -- if you're so inclined -- jam with them or fellow tunes-aficionados into the wee hours. Jamming: We hope to wind up our evening programs early enough to leave time for spirited jams in a variety of genres; including scheduled jams at different levels led -- at least in their early stages -- by members of the faculty. Our current thinking is that on alternate nights, we'll schedule big faculty led jams that focus on the following genres: Quebecois, New England, Cape Breton/Scottish and Appalachian old-time. Alternatively, there is plenty of space for small or medium sized groups to organize their own jams at just about any time after the conclusion of the main program. Kinds of Instruction: NHMC offers three instructional formats. First, students have the opportunity to learn in the general way offered by most weekly music camps. Each teacher offers daily classes in his or her specialty at both intermediate and advanced levels, and students work throughout the week in the learning situations most appropriate to their playing level. Second, each teacher offers an additional daily "specialization class." This focuses on those unique aspects of technique or repertoire whose mastery helps students achieve an authentic playing sound. Finally, our last class session each day will be devoted to a series of special one-time workshops and round-robin demonstrations, where instructors address specific technical issues, teach additional or specialized repertoire, or offer quick introductions to their instruments. Fiddler Magazine Fiddle workshops and camps .. this is an extensive international list of fiddle and folk music workshops and camps. The Folk College June 16-18, 2006 with Simple Gifts Folk College One of the most demanding (and rewarding) learning experiences at the folk college is the opportunity to play in a student band and perform on stage. You are thrown together with mostly complete strangers and have about 2 hours to pick a couple tunes, come up with an arrangement, create a name for your band and then perform the arrangement on stage in front of an audience consisting of 99% musicians. The bands are coached by experienced professional musicians. In 2005 I managed to catch (low quality) recordings of a couple of the bands with Ithaca students! The first mp3 has Jonathan Kirsch performing on mandolin with other Folk College students: the name of their band was DTS -- here is a photo. The second mp3 is a band called Noah's Arkestra with Mike Ludgate and Bill Mutch on fiddle - photo here. The Folk College has moved from Clarion to Juniata College. Juniata (JUNE-ee-aa-ta) is located in the central PA town of Huntingdon, about 30 miles south of State College PA. Simple Gifts is organizing the event, along with the Huntingdon County Arts Council and Juniata College. The dates were May 27-29, for 2005 the Friday-Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. I'll send more details once we have them, but wanted to let you know about the move and the dates. [ MapQuest ] It's time to register for Folk College! Folk College with Simple Gifts will be held at Juniata College in Huntingdon PA. It's the same program we've held at Clarion University but at a new location this year. Juniata College is in the beautiful Allegheny Mountains of Central Pennsylvania. For those of you who've made the trek from Philadelphia or the DC area, you'll appreciate the shorter drive! Folk College is a fun and educational weekend for folk musicians of all levels and instruments, plus there are events for non-musicians too. Activities begin Friday afternoon, May 27 and continue through late afternoon on Sunday, May 29. New this year is an optional extra day Folk Intensive with Simple Gifts on Monday, May 30. If you're on the mailing list, you should have received a brochure, so if you didn't get one, please contact Ilona Ballreich (contact info below). CONTACT INFORMATION: Folk College is sponsored by the Huntingdon County Arts Council Ilona Ballreich, Executive Director hcac@adelphia.net 814-643-6220 We're VERY excited about the lineup of staff and our beautiful new location. I hope you'll be able to join us! -Linda Littleton Ashokan Fiddle and Dance Camps  "FIDDLE & DANCE is now in its 24th year of sponsoring programs at Ashokan, a field campus of the State University of New York in the Catskill Mountains. These programs, hosted by Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, are a meeting ground where people of all ages learn new skills, make new friends and share good times in a secluded woodland setting. GREAT FOOD is part of the Ashokan experience. Delectable meals, continuous beverages plus late night snacks each evening are provided by Chef, Michael Hughes. Choose regular meals, vegetarian, or no red meat plans. ................." Introduction to NERFA The Annual NorthEast Regional Folk Alliance Conference will be held on ??? November 10, 11, 12, 2006 ??. We are very pleased to be returning to Kutsher’s Resort and Conference Center in Monticello, New York. With just one conference at our new home we have become one of their favorite groups and the staff really bends over backwards to please us. Those of you attending either of the last two year’s conferences have experienced this for yourselves. Although Kutsher’s is somewhat spread out, everything is under one roof. No walking or driving a half mile to get to the main building. In fact, as you know, we are able to devote several areas of the resort to showcasing and all night jamming. http://www.nefolk.org/ The Busy Bird Family Bluegrass Festival The 3rd Annual Busy Bird Family Bluegrass Festival will be held on July 7th,8th, & 9th of 2006.  The new location :  Newark Valley N.Y.  Corner of Wilson Creek Rd. and Ketchumville Rd.  More info call   Terry   (607) 642-5611 web site : www.busybirdbluegrass.8k.com E-mail : birdsbluegrass at aol dot com Advance weekend tickets (all prices are per person): $20.00 At gate $25.00 Friday $ 7.00 Saturday $14.00 Sunday $ 8.00 Rain or Shine Cover Provided Bring your lawn chairs New England Folk Festival ... The 2006 NEFFA Festival, scheduled for April 21-23 2006 in Natick Massachusetts (near Boston). Participatory Dance  - A lot of contra and traditional square dancing, International Folk Dancing, dancing from specific regions, couple dancing, swing dancing, clogging, etc. All levels of expertise are featured. Particular favorites are the contra dance medleys, originated at the NEFFA Festival (we believe). Dance performances - Costumed ethnic performing groups have been a part of NEFFA since the beginning. Some performances are done in the round (in the Main Hall, a large gym), or on stage (in the Auditorium). About a dozen morris teams dance on the green during the day on Saturday and Sunday -- a welcoming sight to new and returning Festival-goers alike. Music - Music everywhere! Jam sessions in the halls, instrument workshop sessions, performances of folk music, singing...turn the corner and more music greets your ears. Bring your instruments! Free instrument checking is provided (but no overnight storage). The South Room will be available on a sign-up basis for rehearsals and jam sessions.

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