The 9th Springtime Cajun Dance Festival May 25, 26 & 27, Memorial Day Weekend Country Fare Antique and Arts Center, Route 82, Stanfordville, NY (845) 724-5270 http://www.injersey.infi.net/~arneb/sville.html It's hard to resist the pull of a Cajun or Zydeco band at full throttle. The pulsation of a thimble on a washboard chestplate, the rollicking chugging of an accordion and a fiddle swinging though the upper registers of a band's melodic conflagration (that's right, conflagration-- burning UP!) brings men and women together in an intimate style of dance. In the Northeast, the Cajun festival season's kickoff is ably assisted right here, in upstate New York, just off the Taconic State Parkway, in Stanfordville…and, whether you're fascinated with antiques or not, they certainly add to the atmosphere. As festivals go, this one is extrmely intimate. A celebration of the Cajun Creole culture of Southwestern Louisiana, each band plays two sets or more in a row. Dance workshops are held Saturday and Sunday ( 10am to Noon ) for beginners, intermediate and advanced. There are music workshops Saturday. In a switch, last year, a dance tent was introduced to eliminate the crowding that was a part of the night dancing in the barn at the Antique Center. The camping area is close to the performing stage and dance tent. No long hikes needed here. In addition to the large dance tent, there's a children's area, all new food services, special Louisiana cooking demonstrations, holistic health & massage booths, and diverse vendors. At presstime, performers include: John Wilson and the Zydeco House Rockers Roy Carrier & The Night Rockers The Magnolia Sisters with Ann Savoy Zydecats Magnolia / River City Slim & The Zydeco Hogs Backroads Zydeco The Back Porch Rockers Cajun Band Plus… Louisiana Chef Patrick Mould At your request, the festival organizers will send you a complete listing of motels and bed and breakfast lodging. For free admission, free onsite camping, meals, you can sign up to be a volunteer. Contact Kathy Hannon at (508) 363 2881 Advance tickets are on sale until May 8th Ticket information : Full Weekend--$ 50 advance, $62 gate, Friday only-- $12 adv. $15 gate Gates open at 2pm, Fais Do Do at 9pm Saturday only (10am to 3am)-- $22 adv. $30 gate Sunday only (10am to Midnight)-- $20 adv. $25 gate -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Clearwater Great Hudson River Revival Music and Environmental Festival June 16 & 17 10am-Dusk Croton Point Park - Croton-on-Hudson, NY www.clearwater.org/festival.html Westchester County´s spectacular natural riverpark, Croton Point, is the setting for Clearwater´s legendary festival. On a sunny summer's day, it's breathtakingly beautiful, Seurat's "A Sunday on La Grand Jatte" come to life with singing, dancing, storytelling, environmental exhibits, children activities, giant puppets, juried crafts, market vendors, social & political activists. There are over 90 performers on five stages combining a blend of contemporary, ethnic and traditional music and dance, from blues to rock, funk to gospel, bluegrass to cajun. Stages powered with 100% solar, wind and biodiesel sustainable alternative energy. it´s a weekend of celebration, creative energy and environmental awareness. Workshops are held with hands-on activities and exhibits on the varieties of sustainable energy options available to consumers. To add to the fun, juggling instructors will be helping beginners and demonstrate the Zen of juggling. All around the festival you´ll find clowns, circus artist, comedians and fools entertaining. Performers scheduled at presstime include: Dave McCloskey Chris & Meredith Thompson Birds of a Feather Bar Scott Ardoin Family Band Akire Bubar Donna the Buffalo Earthtones Flying Tomatoes Erin Mckeown Eric Kollenberg Jeff Lang John Forster Kennedys Jerry Ricks Groovelily Kim & Reggie Harris Victoria Christgau John Hall Matt Turk John McCutcheon Jody Gill Mikhail Horowitz Old World Folk Band Night Sun Peggy Seeger Nancy Kaplan NYC Labor Chorus Tao Rodriguez-Seeger Tom Prasado-Rao Sonando Spice Vivian Berry The Storycrafters Robin Burgess Steve Charney Rik Palieri Vance Gilbert Sonia Walkabout Clearwater Chorus Zucchini Bros. Ticket information: Member Advance Tickets: $20 Day, $30 Weekend. General Advance Tickets: $25 Day, $35 Weekend. Tickets at the Gate: $35 Day, $45 Weekend.Students, Seniors and PWD: $20 Day, $30 Weekend. Admission for children 12 and under is free, although contributions are requested. Credit Card purchased tickets can be ordered online or call 1-800-67-SLOOP / 845-454-7673. There is a $2.00 handling fee per order. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21st Annual Old Songs Festival of Traditional Music & Dance June 22, 23, 24 Altamont Fairgrounds, Altamont, NY. (518) 765-2815 www.oldsongs.org A premier presenter of folk, Celtic and world music and dance, the Old Songs Festival is well known for its relaxed intimate atmosphere, interactive workshops, hands-on experience and family-friendly atmosphere. Performers participate in informative sessions, concert performances and educational workshops. Representation of the music of the British Isles with Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson, Artisan, and Steve Tilston from England, Karan Casey from Ireland and Sara Grey, Alison McMorland and Tom Spiers from Scotland. Traditional folk music of Eastern Europe (representing Hungarian, Slovak, Ukrainian, Romanian, Croatian and Gypsy cultures) will be represented by Harmonia and Simple Gifts. The traditional music of Mali will be played on the kora by Mamadou Diabate, who is descended from a long line of musician-storytellers. From Canada come Finest Kind, Montcorbier and the wacky Arrogant Worms. Old Time Appalachian style music will be performed by Tom, Brad & Alice and the Stillhouse Rounders. American music from many roots as well as contemporary songs will be performed by Silk City, Laurie Riley, Sally Rogers & Howie Bursen, Mark Ross, Donna Hébert, Ben Murray & Siobhan Quinn, Joel Mabus, Akire Bubar, Ruth Pelham, Lou & Peter Berryman, Peter & Mary Alice Amidon, Scuttlebutt, Cindy Mangsen & Steve Gillette. Dancers will contra and swing to the sounds of The Sevens and the Beverwyck String Band with callers David Kaynor and Fred Breunig. The festival is accessible to the disabled, assistive listening devices are available and concerts are signed. For a festival brochure with complete information including camping, write or phone: Old Songs, Inc. PO Box 399, Guilderland, NY 12084. (518) 765-2815 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Greater New Bedford Summerfest Friday July 6 through Sunday July 8 New Bedford, Massachusetts (508) 999-5231 www.ultranet.com/~koro/summfest.htm The most charming aspect of the New Bedford Summerfest is the Historic District with its cobblestone streets and old architecture that give the visitor a taste of a byegone era. Combinations of artists are put together for song swaps and workshops held on six stages in this historic area. What is truly amazing is that the cost of a button which is good for the entire weekend and for admission to all concerts, showcases and workshops is only...$5.00 per person! A talented mix of acoustic-style performers are brought together under canopies that provide an intimate setting. Some workshop/swaps take place in the ampitheater seating in the New Bedford Whaling Museum theater, and other acts, usually the biggest headliners perform solo sets at the waterfront pier . Few sights in any summer festival are more inspiring than watching the calibre of people, as in past years, like Kelly Joe Phelps swap licks with Cliff Eberhardt, or listening to Richard Shindell swap songs with Jack Hardy or James Keelaghan. More than 50 artisans sell their crafts; the famous New Bedford seafood is featured in the dining tent; there are Tall Ships; waterfront activities and much more. At presstime, these artists are slated to appear: Matthew Abelson Joyce Andersen Sam Baardman Kate Campbell Dave Carter & Tracy Grammer Johnny Cunningham Guy Davis Eddie from Ohio Gerasons Paul Geremia Janis Ian Peter Keane Louis Killen Patty Larkin Matapat Lori McKenna Mustard's Retreat David Olney The Patons Alice Peacock Roberts & Barrand Dana Robinson Band Lui Collins Tanya Savory Youssou Sidibe Chris Smither Livingston Taylor Art Tebbetts Steve Tilston Tradition Bearers featuring Ray Fisher and Bob Blair Tony Vacca & World Rhythms April Verch Band and Whirligig. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival July 19, 20, 21, 22 (888) 946-8495 Rothvoss Farm, Ancramdale, NY www.greyfoxbluegrass.com Grey Fox includes four days of: bluegrass and acoustic music, top name acts on the main stage, intimate workshops with musicians, plus hands on teach-ins. There are also exciting children's programs, food, music and craft vendors, rising band showcases, daytime instruction and evening dances and instrument raffles. Grey Fox takes place on a the Rothvoss Farm, a working farm in the town of Ancramdale, NY. The camping area surrounds the festival's five stages, creating a relaxed and festive setting for enjoying some of the best bluegrass on earth. At presstime, the artists scheduled include: Dry Branch Fire Squad...with Vassar Clements David Grisman Herb Pederson and Peter Rowan Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Doc Watson The Whites Jerry Douglas Ricky Skaggs The Del McCoury Band David Grisman Quintet Rounder Records' Women in BG Band w/Laurie Lewis Claire Lynch Lynn Morris Rhonda Vincent and friends Tim O'Brien Band Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver Jerry Douglas Nickel Creek Rhonda Vincent & the Rage The Kruger Brothers Bill Keith Gary Ferguson & Sally Love The Singing Conquerors Plus Showcase Bands -- Buddy Merriam & Back Roads David Via & Corn Tornado James Reams & The Barnstormers Jim & Jennie & The Pinetops Dance Pavilion Bands John Kirk & Trish Miller Fiddlestyx and many others Ticket Information: Order online or call 1-888-946-8495 from 10 - 6 Gates open at noon on Wed, July 18, 2001. Early Bird/Advance price through 6/30; Gate price after 6/30/01. Adult Tickets (Ages 13 and up) 4-day full festival - Camping on the festival grounds. Advance: $90 Gate: $100. One-day tickets - Includes day parking and shuttle bus to amphitheatre area (camping with 4-day ticket only). Thursday Advance: $22 ; Gate: $25 Friday Advance: $32 ; Gate: $35 Saturday Advance: $37 ; Gate: $40 Sunday Advance: $17 ; Gate: $20. Senior Tickets for ages 60 and up, with valid ID. Includes day parking and shuttle bus to amphitheatre area. Thursday $20.00 Friday $30.00 Saturday $35.00 Sunday $15.00 Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied and supervised by adult ticket holder. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Falcon Ridge Folk Festival July 27, 28, 29, Long Hill Farm Hillsdale, NY (860) 350-7992 www.FalconRidgeFolk.com When I tell people what Falcon Ridge means to me, I usually say, "It's like dying and going to Folk Heaven." While it's necessary to take into consideration the fact that my preference in folk music veers sharply in the direction of the singer/songwriter genre, there is enough variety here to satisfy most tastes. The inclusion of a wide variety of styles in the dance tent draws upon an array of traditional flavors, complementing the acoustic folk/pop of many of the mainstage acts. A wide variety of creative programming exists throughout the weekend, from the Friday afternoon 25 new performer showcases on the mainstage, to the themes on the workshop stage that allow the listener close proximity to their favorite artists. Then there are the performer showcases on the midway. Hosted by vendors such as New Jersey's Outpost in the Burbs, New York's WFUV FM Radio and Prime CD, as well as Acoustic Live's own, crowds gather around to hear new talent up close. The atmosphere is one of joyous communion and the excitement is intense and infectious. There are so many great performers year in and year out, that it's no surprise to see so many good acts scheduled for this year. At presstime, the lineup includes: Acoustic Syndicate / Annie Wenz / Auldridge, Bennett & Gaudreau / Beth Amsel / Beth Molaro Christopher Williams Chris & Meredith Thompson Dar Williams Dave Carter & Tracy Grammer Deirdre Flint Eddie From Ohio Entrain Erin Mckeown George Marshall with Wild Asparagus Gillian Welch & David Rawlings The Falcon Ridge House Band Hoopoe the Clowne The Ivy Vine Players Jacqueline Schwab & Bare Necessities Jian Ghomeshi Jeff Lang Jimmy LaFave John Gorka Kathryn Wedderburn Kevin Welch & Kieran Kane Kevin So Kim & Reggie Harris Laurie's Stories Lucy Kaplansky Magpie Mark Erelli Mary Gauthier The Nields Tom Landa & The Paperboys Paul Rosenberg Patti O'Brien Melita Peter Davis & Lindy Hop Heaven Ralph Sweet with Wild Asparagus Reckless Abandon Rotary Pancake Day The Sevens Susan Werner The Storycrafters & Vance Gilbert. Over forty acts will perform their music on four different stages, including an intimate Workshop Stage and our newly expanded Dance Stage, with over 8000 square feet of beautiful wooden dance floor under the big tent. Camping is available onsite, with water, portolets, ice, a variety of foods and limited shower facilities available. A list of motels and campgrounds in the area is also available. First aid and security are available 24 hours a day. Food, craft, and merchandise vendors from around the world bring a wide array of delicious and beautiful items to the festival. Events at the 2001 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival are handicap-accessible and most events will be sign-language interpreted. Falcon Ridge or Winterhawk ticket prices are as follows: *Earlybird Until May 20 **Advanced Until July 1 ***Regular After July 1 3 Day w/Camping *$65 **$70 ***$85 3 Day No Camping $50 $55 $70 Friday Only $30 Saturday Only $30 Sunday Only $25 (no purchase differentiation) Children under 12 are FREE. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Winterhawk 2000 - Bluegrass & Beyond August 3, 4, 5 (860) 364-9396 Long Hill Farm, Hillsdale, NY www.Winterhawk2000.com The sister festival to Falcon Ridge, Winterhawk, takes place in the same place, the following weekend with all the great accomodations intact. The roots-oriented flavor increases although there are still singer/songwriter acts included. At presstime, the lineup includes: Alison Brown Quartet Acoustic Syndicate Beth Molaro Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen Charivari Dave Alvin & The Guilty Men Dave Fry Donna the Buffalo George Marshall with Wild Asparagus Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie Greg Brown The Groovemongers Guy Clark The Hickory Project Hoopoe the Clowne The Ivy Vine Players Jeff Lang The Joint Chiefs Kathryn Wedderburn Laurie's Stories Meg Griffin's Trainwreck featuring Buddy Cage Mark Stuart The McKrells Ralph Sweet with Wild Asparagus Ruthie Foster & Cyd Cassone Slaid Cleaves Solas Stacey Earle Stillhouse Rounders Steve Forbert The Storycrafters Tony Furtado Band Tony Trischka with Skyline Vassar Clements & The Little Big Band The Waybacks The Winterhawk House Band -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival Schwenksville, PA (215) 247-1300 August 24, 25, 26 www.folkfest.org A Singer/Songwriter's Perspective Guest Reporter: Erik Balkey from his Songwriters Tour Guide Following the Newport Folk Festival that started in 1959, the concept of a traditional music in a natural rural setting in the Philadelphia came to life in 1962, once the proper location was found-- The Wilson Farm in Paoli, Pennsylvania. Gene Shay recalls the booking for the first festival, "The day Pete (Seeger) said he would do the Festival we were elated. And when 800-900 people showed up at the farm, we were a certified success." And an institution was born. The 40th Philadelphia Folk Festival will occur this August. 2000, My experience at the 39th Folk Festival On Thursday, August 24th, I headed to rural Schwenksville, PA for the 39th annual Philadelphia Folk Festival. I arrived at nine o'clock to the impressive and well organized campgrounds. Campers go all out with full gear, lighting, decorative signs, light furniture, full coolers and setups with real character. In comparison, my camping setup couldn't have been more modest. I have a very small one-person tent with sleeping bag. This turned out to be convenient, as it was easy to find a sliver of space in the already crowded campgrounds with 5,000 campers. I soon realized that Philly Folk Fest was a bit different other festivals - this was a party! It was a lively scene with lots of noise. It was apparent that the traditions of this festival were based from its origins of the 60s festivals where an uninhibited celebration atmosphere prevailed. Once situated, I ventured around the grounds with songwriting friend Laurie MacAllister. We heard some great traditional music with a good variety of instruments. We found many jams, but few songcircles for songwriters. Eventually we met up with percussionist-songwriter friend Cheryl Prashker playing some great Irish Music with the entertaining "So's Your Mom" for a large crowd of 60 or more folks at the Campfire. They asked if anyone wanted to perform. As most were there to listen and sing along, Laurie and I each got a chance to play and pitched in some classic folk tunes by Tom Paxton and Gillian Welch. I said goodbye to my new campfire friends at about two a.m. with the moon climbing over the east horizon of the still lively tent village. I caught a few hours of sleep, but the moon hadn't made it to mid-sky before I left the campgrounds for work on Friday morning at six am. Back at the festival Friday night, Gene Shay ushered on act after act on the mainstage. The weather was cool after a hot day, and thousands of folks sat in the grass and listened to the fine music including the Nields. Then, I took my turn at the under clear, cool skies at the midnight campfire along with Dan Hart (Boston) and Mike Agranoff (New Jersey). I got some breakfast and coffee at the campground kitchen on Saturday morning. What a great morning, the weather was absolutely amazing! I made it over to the afternoon stage by way of the crafts booths and children's activities. Jeff Lang impressed. Then I caught a harmony theme workshop with, among others, the charming Dave Carter & Tracy Grammer. Gene Shay emceed the mainstage again on Saturday that featured a stunning set from Nickel Creek. Then, the highlight of my weekend was the Saturday night feature. I sat on the cool grass with friends along with a few thousand folks while John Gorka played his greatest hits. After the headlining set, I met a few songwriters including friends Greg Simon (Delaware) and Jim Colgate (New Jersey) and we started a songcircle that included Cheryl Prashker, Laurie MacAllister and Katherine Pritchard (New York City). I missed the third day of festivities, as I headed back to Philadelphia for some good shuteye and family plans in New Jersey on Sunday. I recently relocated to Philadelphia after 12 years away from home, and this was my first trip to the legendary Philadelphia Folk Festival. I look forward to this annual weekend of fun, community and great music. At presstime, scheduled acts for 2001 include: Steve Blackwell and Friends David Bromberg Charivari Michael Cooney Lila Downs Kat Eggleston Ruthie Foster w/ Cyd Cassone Give & Take Jugglers Groovelily Arlo Guthrie Esther Halpern Kim & Reggie Harris Anne Hills Janis Ian Eileen Ivers Jimmy Johnson Billy Jonas Laurie Lewis Laura Love Band Erin McKeown Jay Ungar, Molly Mason & Swingology Nickel Creek Jackie Pack Rik Palieri Tom Paxton Utah Phillips Tom Rush Gene Shay Chris Smither Solas SONIA Strauss/Warschauer Duo Tarbox Ramblers Tempest Dave Van Ronk Wayfaring Strangers w/Andy Statman, Tony Trischka, Matt Glaser John McGann, Ruth Ungar, Jennifer Kimball, Jim Whitney Annie Wenz Whirligig Erik Balkey is a singer-songwriter from Philadelphia. His "Songwriters Tour Guide" can be found at www.ErikBalkey.com/STG.shtml Ticket Information : At the gate, *Advance Purchase: All Festival, $80 * $73, All Festival w/camping $117 * $110; Friday- All Events, $33 * $28; Saturday 11am-6pm $80 * $73; Saturday Eve $33 * $28; Saturday Day & Eve $47 * $40; Sunday 11am-6pm $29 * $25; Sunday Eve $33 * $28; Sunday Day & Eve $47 * $40; Reserved Seating/Eve Concerts-- w/All-Festival Ticket $18; Fri, Sat, Sun, ea. $6 (No advance purchase difference) Order on line or call (215) 247-1300 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rhythm & Roots Festival Ninigret Park, Charlestown, RI August 31 - Sep 2 (888) 855-6940 www.rhythmandroots.com If there's the slightest chance that you think you might be in the mood for a big party during Labor Day weekend, this is the best place to be. The music is staggeringly good and the food is sublime. I will definitely have to swear off my Weight Watchers discipline for this one. A trip to New Orleans for Cajun cuisine is too far off and the Jambalaya is too good to pass up (make that four or five times). Then there's the crawfish and the award-winning chili. Only with supreme will power do we take a pass on the Mississipi Mud Pie. Luckily, I'll be in better shape this year, though, to make good use of the hot music and dance those calories off. Between the long Cajun/Zydeco sets there will be some terrific Swing as well. In recent lazy, slug-like years I've witnessed many dancers sweat through one tee-shirt after another (extras are a staple for dancers at any festival). This year I'll be anxious to join those wildmen and women on the dance floor. Steve Riley's intense "Elvis-of -the Bayou" performances produce a trance-like state of ecstasy. He seems to kick each number up a notch until it seems the crowd's spirit is floating 10 feet above the dance floor. His band really rocks, especially in that last, late-night session when they close out the festival. At presstime, the stellar linup includes: Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Asleep at the Wheel, Terrence Simien & the Mallet Playboys, Marcia Ball, Natalie MacMaster, Chris Ardoin & Double Clutchin', John Mooney & Bluesiana, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, Savoy Family Cajun Band, Donna the Buffalo, Big Sandy & the Flyrite Boys, Jim Kweskin Band with Samoa Wilson, Charivari, Slaid Cleaves Band, Tom Russell & Andrew Hardin, Leroy Thomas & The Zydeco Roadrunners, with more to be announced. Ticket Information: Not available at presstime. Call: 1-888-855-6940