2008 NEFFA Events

1960s Greenwich Village -- Saturday 7:00pm High School Room 125

An exploration of New York City's hectic and eclectic folk music scene in the early 1960s, presented by someone who was there as a teenager. From Washington Square Park, to Izzy Young's Folklore Center, to Gerde's Folk City and the Gaslight Cafe.

Thumb-driven finger-style 5-string banjo. Especially for guitar pickers, it's all about getting that old-time sound without learning to frail. Also good for blues(!) and of course for bluegrass.

If you like modern contras, you'll love these squares that keep everyone moving nearly all the time.

5-count, 8-count, and 11-count waltzes from the french bal-folk tradition. Experience with traditional turning waltz helpful.

Contras & a set of light squares for the delight of balancing.

Come and sing through some gems of the Balkan choral repertoire - music from Croatia, Bulgaria, and perhaps elsewhere. Some songs are sung a capella, some with instrumental accompaniment. Sheet music and lyrics are provided, and we will have "ringers" on each part to help you along, so come have fun!

Druz(h)ina ("group of friends") offers a high-energy pan-Balkan program performed from the center of the dance circle. Emphasis is on village dances which foster inclusivity. No partners needed.

This lively dance party will be a mixture of Bulgarian, Serbian and Macedonian dance tunes and will feature village dances many of which are easy to follow for newcomers yet pleasing to the experienced crowd.

Rakiya performs a rich mix of modern and traditional Balkan music, including music of the Roma (Gypsies), with jazz and rock influences, electric and ethnic instruments, passionate singing, exotic harmonies, and driving, offbeat, irresistibly danceable rhythm.

Colleen is a 5th generation ballad singer from upstate New York. She sings traditional songs from the British isles & America that have been passed down through her family. Her grandmother, Sara Cleveland, was a well respected singer in the Folk Revival of the "60's. Colleen's family repertoire includes many songs that are rarely heard anywhere else.

Narrative songs which have traveled across New England and New York, with a focus on songs from the Cleveland family.

Songs which tell tales of tricks, some sad, some very funny , all from the traditonal Ballads. Come... enjoy!

The 25 member Sounds of Concord is one of New England's top male vocal ensembles, singing four part close harmonies in the barbershop style with choreography. We feature several quartets, that will teach the audience "tags" and then invite members of the audience to join us on stage.

If we were allowed only one word to describe this session, I would choose "Fun!". Let's get together and sing. Whatever the weather is outside, we will be having a Good Day Sunshine.

Rowdy, easy to learn, energetic dances from the English ceildh and American barn dance traditions danced to our big phat band: fiddle, mandolin, saxes, clarinet, harmonica, drums, guitar, bass, three squeezeboxes and a banjo. Sometimes described as contra and English in army boots - it's a stompin' good time!

Uncomplicated, but fast-moving squares in the southern and traditional western styles. These dances will offer more of a physical than a mental workout.

Something happened on Bleecker Street in New York City's Greenwich Village in the early 1960's.Musicians embraced the folk tradition, addressed the painful issues of the times, and gave us music that helped solve those issues. The music lives on and remains relevant to our problems today.

Barbara and Frank Shaw (two-fifths of the band ShoreGrass) sing old classics, contemporary songs and originals, accompanying themselves on guitar, banjo and maybe more. Think bluegrass, folk, old-time, gospel, early country.

Mouth harp, jews harp, maultrommel, doromb, munnharpa, trump, dan moi. Whatever you call them, mouth-resonated instruments are ancient, diverse, and fun. Brief demonstration and presentation followed by show-and-tell and jamming. If you have one, bring it. If not, try one and enjoy the show.

A cappella harmonies to stir the soul and fire the imagination. Village Harmony directors Patty Cuyler and Larry Gordon lead Boston's non-auditioned adult/teen community world music chorus, Boston Harmony, in a sample performance of authentic folk traditions from South Africa, eastern Europe, Caucasus Georgia, and America. High school chorus was never like this!

"Bound for Glory" is a musical tribute to Woody Guthrie in narrative and song. This is an all-ages program and the audience is encouraged to sing along!

Delightful French dances, in couples, quadrettes, longways sets. Duple and triple metres, fast-moving footwork, all to exciting, unique music!

Sing a brother duet! Louvin Brothers, Delmore Brothers, Alice & Hazel, and more. Lyrics provided, duet parts taught. Friendly & fun!

The American Revolution in song and story.

A concert of Bulgarian men's vocal music with instrumental accompaniment.

Enjoy authentic village-style music while you dance to Boston's Friendly Neighborhood Bulgarian Band. This is a _party_ so teaching's at a minimum, but we'll help you get started if you need it.

Read and play Bulgarian music... mostly in funny rhythms.

An eclectic mix of sing-alongs, traditional and contemporary songs and ballads, ranging from chanteys to old time, with tight harmonies, both a capella and accompanied by guitar, banjo, concertina, and more.

Jimmyjo & the Jumbol'ayuhs provide lively Cajun two steps and waltzes from the bayous of Maine.

we will present songs from the original carter family

Cece Borjeson & Ruth George take you around the world in song... "All aboard" in the U.S., with stops in Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, the UK, Nigeria, Romania & more. (Passports not required.) Be prepared to sing, hum, toe-tap along.

Seeking singers- join us on lively Scottish and Irish chorus songs (harmonies welcome) or defy fear and lead one yourself! This year we're having fun with songs based on pipe or harp tunes.

The life of a sailor as told through chanteys and ballads.

Many of today's "folk" dances had earlier incarnations as social dances in the 19th century ballroom. Members of CVD will teach some of the more popular ballroom dances of the mid-19th century, including a mix of couple dances and set dances.

David Jones accompanied by Jerry Epstein in some of the finest of folk songs with classical and classical-type accompaniments, on piano and concertina, by Cecil Sharp, by Jerry, and perhaps others.

This is for beginning clawhammer banjo players and will cover: the basic bum-ditty stroke, drop thumb, double thumbing, slides and whatever else we have time for. A tune in standard G tuning will be taught.

Beginning Appalachian clogging for kids of all ages. Clogging allows everyone to be a member of the band. We ll learn a few basic steps and learn to play with rhythm. Foot-stomping fun for the whole family.

One last big sing-around to end the festival. I have been leading this for the past decade or so...

The Fireside Stringband is a fresh bunch of young musicians native to New England. Using knowledge and experience that is rooted firmly in the soils of Old-Time, Scandanavian, Quebecois, Bluegrass, Folk, and contemporary acoustic music, they create an invigorating sound of strings and vocals that is worthy of shouting about with glee and mirth.

Following the format of last year s presentation, we will lead a guided discussion and open forum on the issue of bringing a younger generation into contra dance. We will discuss dancing both on and off college campuses and encourage participants to become active in their local dances. All ages welcome.

No walk-thru contras called in succession, for experienced dancers only!!

No walk-thru contras called in succession, for experienced dancers only!!

No walk-thru contras called in succession, for experienced dancers only!!

No walk-thru contras called in succession, for experienced dancers only!!

Bring your hand drum or other percussion instrument, and learn how sounds and rhythms from diverse traditions can be great additions to contra dance music.

Dave & Chris will play popular contra dance tunes very slowly. Players of all instruments are welcome to join in.

It's not what you think. These are dances written for, and about, animals. All dancers with approximatly two feet are welcome

Ranging from Carter Family to newer country songs. Lots of great harmonies and chances to sing along on the choruses.

Dance your favorite Croatian dances to live music. Pajdashi ("buddies, friends") is a Boston-based high-energy tamburitza band that delights in playing Croatian traditional dance tunes and popular folk songs.

Come to sing along your favorite Croatian tunes with Pajdashi ("buddies, friends"), Boston-based tamburitza band and chorus. We will warm up your heart with zesty folk songs and will touch your soul with wistful traditional ballads.

Learn the basics and variations of this beautiful, flowing living waltz form.

A workshop for classroom, phys ed, music, special ed teachers who love to dance, want to start doing it with your own students, but aren't sure if you can be a "caller" -- will focus on showing how to use the teaching skills you already have.

The fascinating circle, spiral and line dances of Celtic Brittany

Similar dances in different countries? Sometimed it's coincidence, and sometimes the dances can be seen to cross borders and even retrace history. Come and learn about different countries and cultures through their dance and music.

The Dixie Diehards Dixieland Band presents memorable tunes from the early 1900s with emphasis on the 1920s -- the golden age of jazz and American Popular Music -- featuring sing-alongs and unpredictable dance outbursts.

Dublin folksinger Stephen Lindsay joins New England Scots&Irish superfiddlin' phenom Amanda Cavanaugh along with Irish flute master P.g. Mulvaney to bring you a concert of real traditional Irish tunes and songs. Bring hearts, they'll provide the faerie magic.

Glorious gospel pieces -- Rousing, beautiful, sentimental, sometimes amusing. From sheet music (supplied), seated in 4 sections, so if needed you get carried along by your neighbors.

A hands-on workshop exploring some ideas on how to play fiddles and related instruments with less strain, greater comfort and, for most people, better results. Bring your instrument and an open mind.

English Folk Songs and Such. Jollity and choruses for all. Tragedy and tears. The gamut of the human experience in less than an hour.

English Country Dances entitled "Trip to...."

We ll learn: Early this Morning, easy; I Pray for Rain, hard; Nice Pot of Tea, easy, fun with motions; It was Evening all Afternoon, hard, beautiful; Wind in the Cherry Tree, easy; Full Moon Outside My Window, hard; Sing Me A Lullabye, medium; Laudate Nomen Domini, joyous. Program may change.

Folk songs (and more). Singing encouraged!

Fun and easy traditional folk dances from various countries around the world. An intergenerational experience for ages five and up. All dances will be taught.

Exciting and beautiful music presented by Notorious, with Sam Bartlett on the mandolin, Larry Unger on guitar and banjo, and Eden MacAdam-Somer on fiddle and vocals. You will hear American, Eastern-European, and Celtic folk, as well as swing, blues, classical music, and original works. Don't miss it!

A NEFFA hour of popular singing squares, ending with a medley of favorites. Walk-throughs only as necessary.

These sessions have become a true NEFFA tradition! Contra and square dancing to the music of a Contra dance band consisting of many Festival participants -- open to all! If you'd like to join the band, there is no need to pre-register. Just show up with instrument in hand, and play! Conductors and lead musicians will be picking tunes from The Portland Collection and the New England Fiddler's Repertoire, both of which will be available to the Orchestra.

These sessions have become a true NEFFA tradition! Contra and square dancing to the music of a Contra dance band consisting of many Festival participants -- open to all! If you'd like to join the band, there is no need to pre-register. Just show up with instrument in hand, and play! Conductors and lead musicians will be picking tunes from The Portland Collection and the New England Fiddler's Repertoire, both of which will be available to the Orchestra.

These sessions have become a true NEFFA tradition! Contra and square dancing to the music of a Contra dance band consisting of many Festival participants -- open to all! If you'd like to join the band, there is no need to pre-register. Just show up with instrument in hand, and play! Conductors and lead musicians will be picking tunes from The Portland Collection and the New England Fiddler's Repertoire, both of which will be available to the Orchestra.

Join fiddler Jane Rothfield and Banjo player Paul Sidlick for a presentation of wonderful Old Time appalachian tunes and songs.

Teaching Floricica Olteneasca, a difficult dance from Romania. If time permits, an additional dance will be taught.

Modern contras which emphasize connection and smooth transistions danced to the music of Swallowtail.

International folk dances played continously with musical and rhythmic cues to create a lively medley (as in the contra dance medley, no break in-between)

Music for popular International Folk Dances from all over, played without dance instructions. Requests are welcome from the floor!

Join us for a song swap where everyone is welcome to lead or request songs, or just sing along. Instruments are welcome but not required. We'll sing traditional and contemporary folk songs from all over the world.

A collection of modern English dances from the great composers of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Two New Yorkers, Pamela Goddard and Dave Ruch, swap and share traditional songs.

Old-time Scandinavian couple dancing: hambo, polka, shottish, pols(ka), snoa, masurka, etc.

Learning how to dance and have fun with the opposite role is a great way to learn how to be a better dancer. Some dance experienced is preferred but all are welcome to try! This will be a fun and interactive dance session. Dance roles will be identified without use of gendered language or calling (using the "Armband" "Barearm" method.) Ask someone of the same or opposite gender to dance! Swap roles during the dance! Talk to your partners and neighbors and learn what they appreciate in their role as a good dance experience!

English Country Dance taught in gender-free style.

To paraphrase guitarist Bob Weir, traditional folksongs, jugband tunes, old-time stringband music, rural acoustic blues and other American roots music forms are the mud this legendary band had it's collective feet planted in.

Participatory playing of Greek tunes, all instruments, all levels. Sheet music for a dozen tunes would be given out, including tunes from various regions, with various rhythms, intended for various dances. Tunes from the handout or from participant suggestions would be played. Led by clarinet, lauto, accordion, and doumbek.

I have loved the music of Peter, Paul, and Mary since I heard them at the Yale Bowl when I was 12 years old. This tutorial will explore the chords used in their music and the right hand rhythms that propel the arrangements. "If I Had a Hammer", "500 Miles", "Puff", and "This Train" will be covered.

Demystifying a generic Swedish hambo for dancers at all levels, including beginners. No prerequisites. Also, hambo repairs for experienced dancers.

Triple minor contras and triplets that celebrate the historic New England dance tradition.

Traditional Norwegian Hardanger fiddle tunes and the stories that go with them. Suitable for all ages. Haunting music and stories featuring the unique 9 string Hardanger fiddle.

Tie-up your dance shoes and get ready for a wonderful 90 minutes of English country dancing with talented callers from Philadelphia!

Planet Banjo brings you Country songs from the 40's to 70's. A country band with fun songs, and words provided.

Funny songs, silly songs and other songs to make you laugh.

Couple and circle dances from Hungary and Transylvania.

Enjoy early, traditional, and original tunes on tekero, the Hungarian hurdy gurdy.

The Hutchinson Family Singers of Massachusetts and New Hampshire were America's first social activist performers. Narrated by showman P.T. Barnum, "There's a Meeting Here Tonight!" recreates their performances at emancipation rallies and camp meetings with the great orator and abolitionist, Frederick Douglass.

Some background of the instrument discussed. Different instruments demonstrated. There will be many different styles of songs on the ukulele. Bring one to share. Sing and/or play along.

Entertaining mix of contemporary and traditional songs and tunes. Fingerstyle guitar, concertina, piano, and spoken word. Featuring material on newly released CD, "Ain't Never BEEN Plugged!"

Songs inspired by weird and wonderful events from the past.

International Folk Dance Party

David Diamond sings acapella, with what is left of his English accent. He prefers his songs funny, though some have a serious vein and some are sea shanties, and he has a weakness for parodies and stuff he wrote himself.

Basic melody playing, scales, chords, hand techniques, trills, "cross harp/blues harp," note bending, care and maintenance. A 10-hole diatonic harmonica in the key of C is needed; instruments will be available for purchase at the workshop.

Learn traditional Italian village dances as still done in small mountain villages through Italy today. We will teach circle dances, line dances, and group dances from all over Italy, including a tarantella!

Stories of fools, nitwits, numbskulls, adventurers, conmen, or just organizationally-impared boys with a fondness for pigs. "Jack" is the clever (or not) everyman of English folk tales.

Jewish roots music is where the Bible meets bluegrass, where traditional texts are distilled through Kentucky sour mash. From labor ballads to Jewish humor, it's the American Jewish experience in song.

After you hear what this expressive, recyclable, and FUN instrument can do--blues, jazz, classical, and more--you'll start playing your own jug bass lines and solos. Jugs (2-liter soda bottles) will be provided.

Keen (adj.) 1: Great, splendid, fine. 2: Ardent, enthusiastic. 3: Sharp, vivid, strong. 4: Pungent. All definitions apply in this session of keen contra dances, with fine transitions, splendid music, vivid choreography, and ardent (pungent?) company.

Songs of peace, freedom, and friendship for children and grown-ups. Expect lots of movement (clapping, marching, hand holding, swaying, etc.) as well as singing.

Traditional and silly songs for kids and their families.

Participatory playing of klezmer tunes, all instruments, all levels. Sheet music for a dozen tunes would be given out, including various klezmer forms: Gas nigun, hora, bulgar, terkish, sirba, sher, khusidl. Tunes from the handout or from participant suggestions would be played. Led by piano, clarinet, recorder, and accordion.

A discussion of the songs of Huddie Leadbetter and a demonstration of his unique 12-string guitar style.

"Midnight Special'" The Bo' Weevil Song'" "Pick A Bale Of Cotton," 'Goodnight,Irene." You already know a bunch of the songs Leadbelly,the great African American songster wrote,and yon probably don't even know he wrote 'em! Come help sing these and more - and even hear a few you might not know, with Pete and Bob of Sidekicks. Lyric sheets will be made available!

An all-teaching workshop for one superb Bulgarian dance with six parts. Learn how to do Dobrujanska Reka, a hard, favorite classic women's dance from the Dobrudjan region of Bulgaria. It has arm movements and exciting music. It is intricate but not fast. A syllabus will be available.

Contras and squares from the vibrant dance communities on the West Coast, with choreography shaped by the fresh Pacific air.

Lindy Hop, the original style of Swing, is a fun, exuberant partner dance.

Traditional and tradition-based original songs and tunes with guitar and dulcimer, banjo, harp and mandolin.

Dave Skidmore will briefly teach a few simple dances. The Gogofski Trio plays on the floor, to the dancers, at the dancers. The Trio moves with you.

Shantys, songs of the sea with good choruses, and a ballad or two of the sea.

Demonstration and disscussion of bagpipes and bagpipe playing, including Uillean pipes, Northumbrian small pipes, Scottish small pipes, Border pipes and maybe one or two other types.

Contra dances featuring choreography with men in the middle of the set.

Balkan and International folk dancing with Shining Moon.

Traditional folksong, Maritime songs and English Music Hall. Much audience participation in the singing of choruses.

A blending of two different dulcimers playing traditional, original, and contemporary songs and tunes.

Three part a capella music from the Republic of Georgia, running the gamut from folk and table songs to liturgical pieces.

Scottish traditional Singer Allan Carr presents the best in Traditional Scottish songs and Tunes from the North East of Scotland.

Music as it was played in the parades, funerals, and parks in New Orleans, 1908.

Sing from a new tunebook, "The Norumbega Harmony". We have rescued wonderful old tunes in four part harmony from the New England singing school tradition and added some new ones, all in the style of "The Sacred Harp" and other shape-note books.

Norwegian Songs with translations and family anecdotes.

Open dance for Norwegian telespringar and telegangar enthusiasts. The Boston Spelemann's lag will get your feet moving!

Nyckelharpa (Swedish keyed fiddle) music and lore - traditional and new-traditional tunes, solo, duo, and en masse

A tribute to Utah Phillips, Jim Ringer, Tom Russell, Ian Tyson, and some others you never heard of. Not always in perfect taste, but no whining. Rated PG-13.

Pete Kraemer of Sidekicks steps out for a solo set of songs: blues, cowboy ballads, mountain songs, and maybe something new.

Deb and Peter do a blend of old songs, and new songs that may sound old, some with choruses for all to share.

A variety of songs and tune from a variety of places on a variety of instruments.

A nostalgic and historical look at the legend and myth of the old west through stories, music and visual media. Great for old timers and youngsters alike.

Alan and Bob will perform tunes and songs from the southern Appalachians, some with banjo, some with guitar and some with whatever other instruments they might get their hands on.

Old time banjo tunes and ballads

Walk-throughs of accessible Greek dances from various regions and with various rhythms will be featured; participants will dance these dances to live music. Dances are likely to include the Island Syrtos, Tsamikos, Issos, Rodhitikos, Zeibekiko, Zonaradikos and more.

Open sea music sing for all who will, sponsored by the MIT Chantey Sing.

Open waltzing to dreamy and spicy tunes by Larry Unger, in addition to a mix of other couple's dances such as tango, swing, two-step, hambo, schottis, and polka.

Paul Kaplan will present his most well-known songs along with the traditional songs that inspired them: John Henry/Henry the Accountant, Greenland Whale Fisheries/Call Me the Whale, I Had a Little Overcoat/I Had an Old Coat, Zudio & Shortening Bread/Run, Al, Run, and more. Parodies can be funny, but also poignant.

Songs of enduring beauty and meaning, both old and less old, from English-speaking and Jewish traditions. Some have great choruses and refrains. A capella singing, and guitar, Appalachian dulcimer, and clarinet accompaniments.

Ti' Acadie means "a little Acadia". We're from Maine and while we didn't grow up speaking French, have been playing tunes and singing songs from our neighbors in French-speaking Canada for 20-odd years. More recently we became interested in Cajun music, waltzes, two-steps, ballads (also in French) from southwest Louisiana. Come enjoy these related musical forms form opposite ends of North America.

Parlor songs were family fun and entertainment, after dinner or after church. People played whatever instruments were handy, and joined in for sad songs, rollicking songs, novelties, or whatever came to mind. Explore and sing songs by Stephen Foster, Isaac Baker Woodbury, Hattie Nevada, Henry Clay Work or bring songs of your choice.

Soothing songs from around the world sung by a fascinating women s sextet. Like a beautiful night sky, Constellations will surround you with their enchanting sounds in duets, trios, quartets, etc., a cappella or with guitar, flute, violin, and percussion. Come join us to sing along, or just to bask...

Have you ever wanted to teach a workshop? We'll cover how to develop your idea into a successful learning experience, from planning through delivery.

Hear tunes and songs played on the autoharp that are not typical for the instrument. We'll combine autoharp with other instruments and blend their sounds.

Join us as we celebrate the life and music of Phil Ochs, whose topical songs are as relevant today as they were 40 years ago. Personal stories shared by audience participants always make this a special session.

Revels Teaching Artists host a Play Party full of traditional and contemporary songs and singing games. Adults and children of all ages are invited!

Singalong for all using Rise Up Singing. Annie will perform a concert of Appalachian folk songs and British ballads immediately after the singalong.

Lively Romanian dancing for all levels

Dances of the Balkan Gypsy People

Some excellent rounds led by the Rounds Galore and More Singers, but mostly YOU get a chance to lead one of YOUR favorites.

A lively set of quadrille (square) figures from the early 19th century featuring reels every which way!

Contra Dance Band from Princeton, NJ, that plays for an annual Halloween dance. We re-emerge in Spring for NEFFA, playng excellent music and in our costumes!

Enjoy exciting and challenging dances of Russia, featuring the music and movements of the Cossacks. Each dance is accompanied by the beautiful and thrilling choral music from the region.

Dances from around the Røros region of Norway -- mostly reinlander, waltz, polka, snoa, and of course Rørospols -- played in the Brekken style.

Join us for shape-note singing from the Sacred Harp in the traditional hollow square.

English country dances from the sublime to the fiery, with titles that call to mind saintly or devilish personnages/aspects.

Scandinavian dances for all ages to dance together, from kids to grandparents. Easy mixers and fun dances that anyone can do. No experience needed.

Stämbandet, a Scandinavian vocal ensemble with a reputation for excellence both as an a cappella ensemble and a World Music vocal group. Presenting songs rarely heard outside of Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, this captivating vocal band often breaks into six- and seven- part harmonies sung in six languages.

Traditional Scottish Music

Fun Scottish dances for those who like to dance to the reels, jigs and strathspeys of Scotland. Dances will be walked through and called, just some general dancing ability required!

Every year since the 60s the village of Guca in Serbiahas hosted a folk trumpet competition and festival. We will show an excellent documentary created in 2005 on this festival and three of the competitors. The festival attracts dozens of Serbian Brass Bands and over 200,000 visitors. The documentary is partly in English and the rest with sub-titles. We will only be showing as much of the 71 minute documentary as time allows. We attended this festival in 2002and will be happy to answer questions.

Put yourself in the harmonic fast lane. By the end of this one little workshop you will be singing raw, haunting, 4-part, early American style open harmonies. Don't read music? No problem. This singing school method sucessfully taught whole towns to sing together using a simple scale of shaped notes.

Simple, delightful songs and dances for kids (even little kids) and adults. Come out and play!

Join members of Animaterra women's chorus in songs of peace, justice, and just plain fun.

Participatory Rounds Sing, including rounds of all types -- original and traditional, silly and sublime. All rounds will be taught and printed copies distributed. Come make fun, gorgeous, instant harmony together!

My father didn't remember all the words, but he sang what he did recall with gusto. Songs from the WW II era, all with choruses, for other folks who like to sing.

The Short Sisters sing songs from their thirty year group repertoire. Wise, witty or woeful by turns, harmony songs from American and British tradition will entice you to join in the chorus. Even the new songs sound traditional! Some songs will be a capella, others accompanied by Fay on banjo, Kate on autoharp or guitar, and Kim on guitar or banjo.

Songs of the labor, civil rights, anti-war, and other progressive movements. Come prepared to sing along, clap, shout, and show everyone which side you are on.

What happens in the Great Hereafter? What s it all about? Come enjoy old and new, light and serious folk songs of speculation and inspiration from many traditions and viewpoints. We ll teach some choruses.

A journey through the seasons in song. A program of mostly traditional songs from the Celtic countries marking the cycle of the year. Some audience participation.

Songs presented and tauht by some members of the New England region of the Children's Music Network, an international organization that disseminates children's music for a healthy planet.

Hornpipes, jigs, rousing reels, strathspeys, and slow airs played in session. We are dedicated to keeping the traditional music of Scotland and Cape Breton alive, and having a good time doing it!

A South African singing workshop, led by Village Harmony/Boston Harmony directors Patty Cuyler and Larry Gordon. Come learn one or more South African choral arrangements for four voices, complete with dance steps. Great for choral directors, a fun workshop for families, an eye/ear-opener for all singers. Word sheets will be handed out; you may audio- or video-tape this workshop.

Songs, Tunes, and Humor from Southern Appalacia

A historical musical drama, interweaving songs of the late 1930s with letters written by two young lovers, idealists and political activists, separated by war. George Watt, 23, fought fascism in Spain, 1937-38; his bride, Ruth, 22, suspended from college for Peace demonstrations, organized support in New York City. Audience participation, words provided.

Yep! It's an introduction to Square Dancin'! Yee Haw!! Well, squares come in different flavors, and we'll taste a bunch of 'em.

English Country Dances with steps! Polka, Rant, Pas De Basque, Schottische, Hornpipe, Waltz, Single skip, Double skip, and gallop.

Stewart Family of Ullapool -- Scots Gaelic songs and tunes collected in 1960

A little of this style, a bunch of that tradition, pinches of flavorful harmony, and you have a delectable spicy soup of songs!

Energy, enthusiasm and a sense of rhythm. From prehistoric times through the present-day, these are fun tales for all generations by an award-winning storyteller and author. You could meet Og, the caveman, a mischievous wise-woman, Scotto (the man with the watermelons) and perhaps visit Charlie Parker Stories and songs.

Come share a tale. No formal experience necessary. Listeners welcome!

An open jam session for all instrumentalists, to play with each other, or lead a tune or song.

Participatory and for all ages, Sam Bartlett's show is based on his books of the same title. Topics covered: Êparlor tricks, the perfection of useless technique, and the art of avoiding boredom with the use of everyday objects . Typical stunts include picking Êa shopping bag Êoff the floor with your teeth, Ê15 ways to amuse yourself with a straw, and how to sign your name backwards and forwards simultaneously . ÊIn Bartlett's words, "A good stunt is something you can learn in a few minutes and then spend ten years perfecting."

Swedish village polskas and gammaldans - traditional couple turning dances with that special Swedish feeling.

Subtle Swedish rhythms and soulful harmonies - dance tunes and listening tunes on one, two, and three fiddles.

Three Cats and a Dog adds horns and percussion to turbo-charge the Songs in their swing dance repertoire. East Coast or West Coast - Duke Ellington, Chuck Berry, Bob Wills and Sweet Georgia Brown - there will be something for everybody.

Your hired caller just phoned in to say they are stuck in a snow drift 100 miles away. The dance starts in 20 minutes. WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU DON'T HAVE A CALLER? Oh, wait! There's one now! Where?? Look in the mirror, sweetpea! General principles for getting through an event, along with specific easy-to-call dances will be discussed.

Playing techniques for tunes and song accompaniment

Songs of love from all sides - the good, and the bad, the fumy and the sad - from the Anglo-American tradition.

An old-school folkie. A kitchen musician who enjoys getting out of the kitchen once in a while to share music with others who like simple, direct folk music that has stood the test of time, combined with contemporary and original music in the same mold.

Usually called Singing for the Confidence Impaired, this workshop will help regain voices shut down by harsh critique. You can learn to sing, no matter what anyone ever told you!

Traditional dances from New England and Quebec that everyone of all ages and abilities can do with no experience: Virginia Reel, Portland Fancy, Paul Jones, Le Papillion.

A wide sampling of songs and tunes from rural tradition across New York State - lumbercamp ballads, fiddle tunes (on mandolin!), canal ditties and more.

Traditional song and tunes from North America and the British Isles featuring Uillean pipes, Northumbrian small pipes, fiddle, concertina and more.

This could be a somewhat intimate event in one of the smaller rooms. To many this will be a concert, but those who know Transylvanian dancing could use a small amount of space to whirl around.

Songs that move your, one way or the other

We play Turkish village music for listening, dancing, and entertainment from Anatolia and prior Ottoman territories including Crimea, Balkans, Caucasus and Kerkuk (Iraq). We use instruments saz (long necked lute), violin, oud, doumbek, zills (finger cymbals) and kasik (spoons).

The members of Off'n Ensemble perform their favorite tune and song arrangements - the ones they can not play for a contra dance.

"Unusual" tunes to tap your feet to!

Contras for those with little or no contra dancing experience.

Great Balkan dances introduced at least 25 years ago. Expedient teaching for maximal dancing.

Songs in French (and a smidge of English) about the French-Canadian experience as settlers and travelers, especially women. Lyrics will be translated, and you will be encouraged to sing along!

Elegant waltzing plus some Hambos, Schottishes, and polkas.

Please join "Three Quarter Time", an acoustic instrumental group that plays traditional 3/4-time and folk waltz melodies. You will be participating in an "open-to-all-instruments" jam that has been a NEFFA tradition since 2001. You can play along by ear, or use music notation which will be provided.

These songs of pilgrimage and hardship tell the traveller's story in the Appalachian tradition, including "Cotton Eyed Joe", "Wayfaring Stranger" and "Shenandoah". Finger-style guitar, harmonica, and vocal harmony.

Come and join us to learn about and enjoy some typical West African music and dancing!

Sing and play the music from English rural churches, from the time of Thomas Hardy, Jane Austen, and King George III. For all voices and melodic instruments.

Come back with us to the days of Moby Dick. We have shanties and ballads, some a capella, some with concertina, mandolin, guitar and harmonica.

A multimedia presentation on the square dance fad of the 1940s and '50s. Hear the great callers! See incredible album covers!

The New England Folk Festival is going to swing and sway as you get your hands on a beautiful array of drums and percussion trinkets. Everyone accompanies BB as he launches some of the world's most engaging songs and rhythms at this intergenerational, interactive-drumming hoot.

Easy to learn, challenging to master, the tinwhistle is the entryway to Irish and contradance music. Bring a six-hole "D" whistle and learn scales, ornaments, and a tune!

Songs and tunes from the "deep catalogue." Rick, Dave, and Bill dive for traditional pearls. Join us to sing and play some gems.

A discussion group for performers who work extensively with senior audiences, covering repertoire, presentation, marketing, do's and dont's, and related issues.

Blue Moose & the Unbuttoned Zippers features the Swedish nyckelharpa, 2 fiddlers rotating 5-string, 4-string, octave and hardanger fiddles, and guitar, fusing Swedish, Old Time Appalachian and Celtic styles with original tunes and monster grooves.

Duo specializing in Yiddish folksongs with tsimbl (Jewish hammered dulcimer) accompaniment

'Ruby and Friends'(vocals, fiddle/banjo, accordion) will perform Yiddish songs of labor and struggle. Some songs will be participatory. Word sheets will be provided for those.

Contras that are full of balance.

These sessions have become a true NEFFA tradition! Contra and square dancing to the music of a Contra dance band consisting of many Festival participants -- open to all 21 and under! If you'd like to join the band, there is no need to pre-register. Just show up with instrument in hand, and play! Conductors and lead musicians will be picking tunes from The Portland Collection and the New England Fiddler's Repertoire, both of which will be available to the Orchestra.

A session of zwiefachers from simple to challenging. Zwiefachers originated in the Bavaria and Austria region. Each dance has a different combination of waltz and pivot steps.