The Old Songs Festival might have some things in common with other festivals in the area, like music and children’s entertainment, but festival director Andy Spence believes its cozy atmosphere makes Old Songs unique.
It’s not like the big festivals, Spence said. `It’s one of the most intimate and friendly festivals in the area.`
That’s not to say the Old Songs Festival plays to small crowds. Now in its 28th year, the festival is expected to be a big draw at the Altamont Fairgrounds Friday to Sunday, June 27 to 29. Spence said repeat visitors are common: `Our experience has been, once they get there, they love it and they come back.`
The lure of the festival, Spence said, is that there’s something for everyone. Even if visitors aren’t familiar with the folk, traditional, Celtic and world music and dance performers who are the heart of the weekend, they can enjoy a craft show, food and an assortment of vendors. There are family activities, too, including plenty for the younger set to do, and people can camp out on the fairgrounds for the duration of the festival.
Having been around for nearly 30 years, the festival attracts people from all over, Spence said. And that’s not just true of the audience; performers hail from Seattle, British Columbia and Ontario.
Spence said `old songs` generally refers to acoustic music, played on instruments such as harps, accordians and fiddles. Considering the festival’s long history, Spence said organizers have a good idea where to go to get musical talent for the weekend.
`We try to have a mixed bag of artistry,` she said.
That means the weekend’s acts range from Chuck and Albert, billed as `musical comedy from Prince Edward Island` to the Festival Jug band to Groovemama, a Franco-American stringband.
Also on tap is Le Vent du Nord, a Canadian band that specializes in Quebec traditional music. It’s renowned for its high-energy shows.
`They’re a lot of fun,` Spence said.
Fellow performers Galitcha also hail from Canada, but the group’s specialty is Indian music. Spence said the audience can’t help but dance when Galitcha is on stage, noting that the group’s members are `very exciting as musicians.`
Malinky, a Scottish quartet, can also be counted on for a dynamic show. `They’re all young. They come and bring their energy,` Spence said.
While the featured performers are all working musicians, part of the festival’s charm stems from the shows amateurs put on. There is a street corner area where people congregate and stage harmonica or a capella jams. There are drum circles and open mic opportunities. The Great Groove Band is made up of school-aged musicians who meet throughout the weekend and then perform early Sunday afternoon.
The kids aren’t the only ones who can learn during the weekend. The festival features more than 100 workshops, covering topics such as choral harmony singing, building parade puppets and playing the mountain dulcimer.
Spence said people are welcome to come for just part of the weekend, or stay for all three days. On the festival’s Web site, people can sign up to carpool. Spence hopes some people take advantage, not only because of the rising gas prices but because bus service from Albany to Altamont doesn’t run during the weekend.
Everyone is encouraged to bring a chair. The fairgrounds are set up so that people with high seats sit in one area, and those with lower seats sit in another, which is designed eliminate the problem of people with higher seats blocking others’ views.
`We started this process years ago, and it’s worked out well,` Spence said.
The festival kicks off Friday with in-depth classes starting at 2:30 p.m. The main stage will host a concert from 7 to 11:30 p.m., followed by a contra dance that will run until 1:30 a.m. On Saturday, there will be mini-concerts, dances and jam sessions throughout the day, with the night again ending with a main stage concert and contra dance. Sunday offers more mini-concerts and sessions earlier in the day, with the Great Groove Band performance at 12:30, a concert by Tree of Life at 1:15 p.m. and a choral harmony performance afterward. A main stage concert from 3:30 to 7 p.m. wraps things up.
For information or to purchase tickets, visit www.oldsongs.org/festival.“