Image Credit: oldsongs.org

The 28th annual Old Songs Festival takes place June 27-29, at Altamont Fairgrounds in Altamont, New York.  Produced by Old Songs, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in the New York State Capitol Region that seeks to keep traditional music and dance alive through this event, as well as twice monthly concerts, monthly dances and educational programs, the festival will feature an array of folk, Celtic and multicultural musicians.

This year’s music will range from the acoustic blues guitar riffs of Scott Ainslie to the Indian vibes of Galitcha, the traditional Quebecois sounds of Le Vent du Nord, and the fine fiddling and step-dancing of the Ottawa Valley’s April Verch and her band.  Also featured will be such talented singer-songwriters as Joe Jencks and Si Kahn, the eclectic string band Walt Michael & Co., American folk and blues traditionalists Sparky and Rhonda Rucker, the Scottish quintet Malinky, Irish singer and instrumentalist Andy Irvine, and the Irish fiddle and guitar duo of Liz Carroll and John Doyle, among others.

Main Stage concerts are slated for Friday and Saturday evening, as well as Sunday afternoon, while eight stages will feature music and dance on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  A special production of the Visitors: a two-hour, full folk-theatre concert  delving into the history, music and songs of the Adirondacks is set for late Friday afternoon  and will feature Dan Berggren, Joe Bruchac, John Kirk, Peggy Lynn, Trish Miller, Bill Spence, Toby Stover, George Ward and George Wilson.  Festival performers also will conduct Friday afternoon classes focusing on various instruments and singing styles.  A very participatory event, the Old Songs Festival also features “sacred harp” or shape-note singing on Saturday and Sunday mornings, four-part choral singing and a gospel sing on Sunday afternoon, late-night contra dances, as well as lots of festival performer-led and impromptu jam sessions.  The family-friendly event also features a dedicated children’s area, as well as a wide array of artisans, vendors and food.

Individual day tickets and all-festival tickets (with or without camping), and senior citizen and student discounts are available at the gate.  For more information, visit  www.oldsongs.org/festival.