FESTIVAL FEVER: Old Songs Festival Announces First Round of Performers

The Old Songs Festival is back for its 36th year. The three-day fest will be returning to Altamont Fairgrounds in Altamont from Friday-Sunday, June 24-26.

The family-friendly festival of folk, traditional, Celtic, world music and dance is well known throughout the northeast for its relaxed atmosphere, interactive sessions and workshops, hands-on experience and participatory nature. In addition to the three mainstage concerts, there will be plenty of mini-concerts, workshops, dances, jam sessions and other musical activities led by the fest’s performers. Also featured are a juried craft show, food and instrument vendors, and a children’s activity area.

Festival organizers are now offering a sneak peek at the upcoming fest, revealing a handful of the performers who will be participating in the 2016 festival – Matthew Byrne, Barrule, the Gaslight Tinkers, Charm City Junction, the Waxwing Four, Anne Hills, Nanne & Ankie, Joe Jencks, Low Lily and Cassie & Maggie.

This week’s cancellation of the 2016 Clearwater Great Hudson River Revival (also originally slated for June) should serve as a reminder – and a warning – not to take Greater Nippertown music festivals for granted, no matter how established they are.

And on that note, let us remind you that Old Songs in Voorheesville is hosting its annual Sampler Concert at 7:30pm on Saturday (January 23). The concert is a benefit for the 2016 Old Songs festival and will feature performances by Bailiu (Celtic ensemble), Phil Spoor (multi-instrumentalist), Alien Folklife (the singer-songwriter duo of Joan Kosby and Paul Mercer), the New Salem Serenaders (old-time banjo ensemble), Phil Teumim (humorous singer-songwriter) and 2Late (acoustic singer-songwriter duo). Of course, there will also be the usual yummy bake sale and raffle throughout the evening. Tickets are $20; $5 for children ages 12 & under.

ADDITIONAL UPCOMING FESTIVALS FOR 2016:
PEOPLE’S MUSIC NETWORK WINTER GATHERING @ Hackett Middle School, Albany, January 29-31
THE FLURRY @ various locations, Saratoga Springs, February 12-14
BRIDGE JAZZ FESTIVAL @ Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy & the Massry Center for the Arts, Albany, February 26 & 27
HIGH MUD COMEDY FESTIVAL @ MASS MoCA, North Adams, March 11 & 12
MOVE MUSIC FESTIVAL @ various locations, Albany, April 22-24
ROCK ‘N DERBY FESTIVAL @ Schaghticoke Fairgrounds, Schaghticoke, May 20-22
MOUNTAIN JAM @ Hunter Mountain, Hunter, June 2-5
A TASTE OF COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL @ Hunter Mountain, Hunter, June 10-12
CLEARWATER’S GREAT HUDSON RIVER REVIVAL @ Croton Point Park, Croton-On-Hudson, June 18-19 UPDATE: This festival has been cancelled.
FREIHOFER’S SARATOGA JAZZ FESTIVAL @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, June 25 & 26