NEFFA Event Catalog
Preliminary Schedule — Subject to Change!
-- Saturday 3:00pm Ritual Dance (Outside Trade Center)
-- Sunday 2:00pm Ritual Dance (Outside Trade Center)
-- Sunday 12:00noon Ritual Dance (Outside Trade Center)
-- Saturday 1:00pm Ritual Dance (Outside Trade Center)
-- Saturday 11:00am Ritual Dance (Outside Trade Center)
-- Saturday 10:00am Ritual Dance (Outside Trade Center)
-- Saturday 12:00noon Ritual Dance (Outside Trade Center)
-- Saturday 2:00pm Ritual Dance (Outside Trade Center)
-- Sunday 1:00pm Ritual Dance (Outside Trade Center)
-- Sunday 11:00am Ritual Dance (Outside Trade Center)
ABCs of American Roots Music -- E Saturday 8:00pm Seminar (Hotel East)
A whirlwind tour of Appalachian, Blues, Bluegrass, Cajun, Celtic, Chanteys, and Early Country music performed on fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, button accordion, along with some wild stories.
Appalachian Flatfooting and Buck Dancing -- TB Saturday 6:00pm Marlborough (Hotel West)
Participants will learn the basics of Appalachian flatfooting and buck dancing.
Argentine Tango Jam -- GS Saturday 4:00pm Westborough (Hotel West)
Play tunes for Argentine tango. I will supply links to sheet music.
Balkan & International Dance -- NS Sunday 4:30pm Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
Balkan and International dancing with music by Sladka.
Balkan Brass Band Dance -- DS Sunday 10:00am Trade Center West
Come listen and dance to a brass band playing music from Macedonia, Serbia, and Bulgaria.
Balkan Dance Party -- NS Sunday 3:30pm Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
Favorite Balkan dances with live music by Rakiya.
Balkan Dances in 11 and 22! -- TS Saturday 5:00pm Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
To honor the year 2024, we will learn dances in the odd Balkan rhythms 11 and 22. Efficient teaching for maximal dancing to great live music.
Balkan Dances to Beautiful Balkan Voices -- DS Sunday 1:00pm Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
Some easy dances done to music which just takes your breath away. Many of these songs and dances were brought to this country by people like Yves Moreau and Martha Forsyth.
Balkan Joy! Balkan Dances -- DS Saturday 6:00pm Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
Fresh tunes for well-loved dances. Joyful and energetic or soulful and haunting: while the dance music may be new to you, it always works for familiar Balkan dances.
Balkan Kefana Singalong -- GS Saturday 2:30pm Princess (Hotel East)
Come sing along (or just enjoy listening) to "old city songs" and/or dance songs from Macedonia and surrounding areas, evoking the pleasure ("kefi") of singing with old friends around the table at a celebration, or in the village tavern or coffeehouse.
Balkan Sing and Play -- GS Sunday 11:00am Duchess (Hotel East)
Sing and/or play Balkan music. Music is provided.
Balkan Singing Workshop -- TS Saturday 4:30pm Southborough (Hotel West)
Learning some Balkan songs, Warm ups, Vocal technique and Stage presence.
Ballads: Stories Told and Sung -- E Saturday 7:00pm Sudbury (Hotel West)
Stories, sung and told, with an emphasis on recitation. Stories told in rhyme after the fashion of Robert Service.
Ballo Liscio from Italy (Waltzes, Tangos, etc.) -- NS Saturday 6:00pm Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
Ballo Liscio from Italy: Polcas, Tangos, Waltzes, Mazurcas
Beatles Contra -- DS Saturday 7:30pm Trade Center West
Some great Beatles songs are perfect for contras. Dance and sing your heart out!
Beatles Singalong -- GF Sunday 2:30pm Princess (Hotel East)
This year we will be singing songs from Abbey Road. We are really looking forward to this one!
Beautiful Waltzes -- NS Friday 9:00pm Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
A variety of lovely waltz music for your dancing and listening pleasure.
Belly Dance Sampler Workshop -- TB Saturday 7:00pm Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
Three styles of belly dance from different instructors: folkloric, cabaret and global fusion. Instructors will demonstrate and teach common moves. With live drumming by the Drum Nomads ensemble.
Best Contras of the 2010's -- DS Saturday 8:30pm Trade Center West
Great contra choreography is alive and well! Come dance some of the best recent dance compositions from all over the country.
Bluegrass Slow Jam - All Are Welcome -- GB Sunday 11:00am Trade Center Tent
Bluegrass slow jam for all instruments and abilities. We'll play some familiar favorites with 2-3 chords in the open keys of G, D and A. All are welcome!
Bretagne Dance -- DB Saturday 11:00am Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
Fabien Goulay and Lisa Tamres will teach dances from Brittany (Bretagne, France) that are popular on the Balfolk dance floors, including hanter dro, laride, gavotte, avant deux, and more.
Breton and French Dances! -- E Saturday 10:00am Trade Center Tent
Ganivelle plays lively traditional French dance music from Brittany, Haute Savoie and the Auvergne, on fiddle, mandolin, crumhorn, cornamuse, recorders, bagpipes, hurdy gurdy, accordion, and concertina.
Bulgarian & More Dance Party -- NS Saturday 9:30pm Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
Zdravets plays and sings village-style music "mostly from Bulgaria," using traditional Bulgarian folk instruments and vocal styles.
Bulgarian Line Dances -- NS Friday 10:00pm Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
Easy Bulgarian dances: music by Divi Zheni and Zornitsa, women's and men's Bulgarian singing groups with instrumental accompaniment.
Cajun Fiddle Workshop -- TS Sunday 2:00pm Westborough (Hotel West)
Cajun Fiddle Workshop. (Int./Adv). Learn a Classic Cajun Tune and seconding.
A Cappella Coachfest -- TS Friday 7:00pm Duchess (Hotel East)
Colleyospin (Bernadette Colley and Richard Yospin) will lead and coach singers in a capella technique. Bring your own songs, or work on others'. This workshop is a chance to improve your delivery, confidence, pitch, harmonies, ornamentation and style. Solos and small groups welcome.
Celtic Harp - From the Past to the Present -- E Saturday 5:30pm Princess (Hotel East)
From Turlough O'Carolan to Loreena McKennitt featuring Clairseach (Traditional Irish wire-strung Harp), Electric Harp, Irish Penny Whistles, Wooden Flutes, Hammered Dulcimer, Bowed Psaltery, vocal harmonies, and more.
Chantey Sing -- GB Sunday 2:00pm Trade Center Tent
An open sing of sea chanteys, forebitters, and other maritime-related songs, old and new. Bring one with a chorus, or just follow along.
Clawhammer Banjo Concert -- E Saturday 2:00pm Seminar (Hotel East)
A Master of melodic clawhammer style presents a varied program of Appalachian and North American Celtic fiddle tunes, with special emphasis on the tunes that Ken collected from traditional fiddlers on Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton.
Closing Sing-Around -- GB Sunday 4:00pm Westborough (Hotel West)
Wind up the festival with a big song-sharing session, voices and instruments welcome, choruses preferred but not required. Allen has led the Closing Sing-Around for 25-plus years.
Come Sing Along! -- GF Saturday 2:00pm Sudbury (Hotel West)
Bring your kids for a delightful session of songs of peace, love, joy, and justice. Cherished classics include spirituals, songs of Pete Seeger and Ella Jenkins and more.
Community Dance Party with Margaret Bary and Tabbies' Delight -- DF Saturday 10:00am Princess (Hotel East)
Fun and accessible dances for all ages.
Concertina Repair & Maintenance -- P Sunday 4:00pm Duchess (Hotel East)
What's inside your box? Hints on some basic repairs and maintenance.
Connecticut Sea Music Festival Chantey Sing -- GB Saturday 1:00pm Trade Center Tent
Members of the Connecticut Sea Music Festival will lead a chantey sing for all to enjoy. Raise your voices in maritime song!
Contemporary Folk with Traditional Roots -- E Sunday 12:30pm Southborough (Hotel West)
Mostly original folk music.
Contemporary Sea Songs of Survival and Distress -- GS Friday 7:00pm Seminar (Hotel East)
I’ll be leading a number of ballads and chanties I’ve composed and recorded over the years: songs of survival, songs of disasters, songs about very weird things that may or may not have happened on the Seven Seas. There will be time set aside for others to lead similar songs.
Contra Chestnuts Plus -- DS Saturday 5:30pm Trade Center West
We'll dance some of our favorite classic contras, along with some spirited commentary on those dances from NEFFA co-founder Ralph Page. Money Musk may make an appearance.
Contra Choreography -- C Sunday 10:00am Sudbury (Hotel West)
Group discussion about trends in contra choreography.
Contra for Beginners -- DB Friday 8:00pm Marlborough (Hotel West)
Learn the basic figures of contra dancing, as well as tips for how to dance safely and enjoyably! No experience necessary.
Contra for Big Kids (6-12s) -- DF Saturday 2:00pm Marlborough (Hotel West)
A fun contra dance geared to kids ages 6-12. All are welcome!
Contra Medley -- NX Sunday 1:30pm Trade Center West
The traditional no-walk-through extravaganza of six run-on dances and six callers--for experienced dancers with a positive attitude!
Contra Medley -- NX Saturday 5:00pm Trade Center West
The traditional no-walk-through extravaganza of six run-on dances and six callers--for experienced dancers with a positive attitude!
Contra Medley -- NX Friday 9:00pm Trade Center West
The traditional no-walk-through extravaganza of six run-on dances and six callers--for experienced dancers with a positive attitude!
Contra Party! -- DS Saturday 10:30pm Trade Center West
Lively contras for dancers (new and old) who just can't get enough!
Contra Tune Slow Jam -- GS Saturday 8:00pm Trade Center Tent
Dave and Chris will lead a slow jam session of favorite traditional tunes commonly played for New England style Contra Dancing. All instruments and levels welcome! No written music; all tunes will be played by ear.
Contras & Squares with a French Flair with Cindy Larock -- DF Sunday 11:00am Princess (Hotel East)
A selection of easy contra, square and circle dances drawn from or inspired by the Quebecois heritage. Fun for all ages, tykes to "golden-agers."
Contras with Rum & Onions -- DS Saturday 6:30pm Trade Center West
Contra dance to the music of the creative and BIG band Rum & Onions! Some experience helpful.
Couple Sequence Dances -- DB Saturday 12:00noon Marlborough (Hotel West)
Choreographed couple dances from different traditions, pretty, lively, fun.
Create a Mummers' Play! -- GF Sunday 1:00pm Sudbury (Hotel West)
Review, improvise, rehearse and perform an original Mummers' Play. For all ages. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Feel free to bring costumes or props!
Croatian Dance Favorites -- DS Sunday 2:30pm Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
Traditional music and dances from the country of Croatia.
Dance Performances -- Sunday 12:00noon Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
Dance Performances -- Saturday 1:00pm Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
Dances of Anatolia -- DS Saturday 12:00noon Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
Dance to gorgeous music from Armenia and Turkey!
Dances of Yves Moreau -- NX Saturday 10:30pm Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
We will feature some of the most popular Balkan dances of the late Yves Moreau.
Dancing Down the Days -- E Sunday 3:00pm Duchess (Hotel East)
Songs about dances and dancing – barn dances, ballroom dances, dances at country fairs, dances with improbable partners. All rollicking good fun.
David Kaynor Tunes & Contras -- DS Sunday 3:00pm Trade Center West
Dances choreographed by the late great David Kaynor - influential caller and fiddler from Western Massachusetts and known well beyond its borders - paired with tunes composed by, with, or for David.
Django, Jazz, & Bluegrazz -- E Saturday 3:30pm Southborough (Hotel West)
Blue Jersey Band plays jazz, swing, bluegrass, and folk on guitars and mandolin- tight harmonies, masterful flatpicking- something for everyone.
Django Jazz Jam -- GS Saturday 10:00pm Duchess (Hotel East)
For players interested in exploring manouche jazz as exemplified by the music of Django Reinhardt. We will play melodies with possible improvisation on the form.
Double the Fun! -- E Saturday 8:30pm Princess (Hotel East)
Fiddler Cathy Mason and multi-instrumentalist Sarah Jane Nelson will be twinning up on old time tunes. In addition to twin fiddling, we will include viola and another *novelty* instrument to be revealed during the session! A traditional ballad or two will also be in the mix.
Easy Morning Contras -- DS Sunday 10:00am Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
A good warm up session of accessible contras to hot music.
ECD Favorites with the English Open Band -- DS Saturday 8:30pm Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
Familiar favorites from the ECD repertoire, accompanied by the English Open Band, open to all ECD musicians! (Musicians may join a practice session at 1:30 Saturday in Southborough.)
ECD Medley -- NX Saturday 7:00pm Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
English country dances called in succession with no teaching! Dancers are expected to know all of the usual calls and be able to respond quickly.
Echoes of Caledonia -- E Friday 8:00pm Duchess (Hotel East)
The cello played a huge role in Scottish dance bands from the mid-18th century into the 19th. This performance is a reclamation of the tradition, drawing from inspiring baroque cello performance.
English Country Dance: A Gentle Introduction -- TB Friday 9:00pm Marlborough (Hotel West)
Enjoy learning English country dance basics in context through fun, varied dances.
English Favorites Dance Party -- DS Sunday 4:00pm Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
Familiar favorite English dances with great music and minimal teaching. Let's dance!
Exploring Beyond the Traditions -- E Friday 8:00pm Seminar (Hotel East)
Casey Murray & Molly Tucker present a concert of original and traditional tunes in New England, Celtic, and Old Time styles, featuring fiddle, cello, guitar, and banjo.
Family Barn Dance -- DF Saturday 1:00pm Sterling (Hotel West)
Fun dances for everyone, from the child dancing with a parent as one person, to dancers whose grandchildren have left home.
Family Barn Dance -- DF Sunday 12:00noon Princess (Hotel East)
Join Revels North's Artistic Director, Alex Cumming, for a fun hour of dances for the whole family. We'll explore dances from the Ceilidh, Barn Dance, and Contra repertoires.
A Family Cabaret -- EF Saturday 1:00pm Sudbury (Hotel West)
Sparkling with energy, wit & whimsy, Jackson incorporates interactive song, movement and stories in a rollicking mix of comedy and music for all ages.
Family Dance -- DF Sunday 3:00pm Marlborough (Hotel West)
Fun and accessible dances for all ages. Everyone welcome!
Family Dances to International Music -- DF Sunday 1:00pm Marlborough (Hotel West)
Easy folk dances, appropriate for families with young children. Line, circle, and partner dances to music from around the world.
Family Fun Dance -- DF Saturday 12:00noon Sterling (Hotel West)
Easy sequences for everyone at any experience level. Enjoy the pairing of dance and music with your fellow participants!
Family Morris Dance Workshop -- DF Sunday 10:00am Princess (Hotel East)
Suitable for all ages and abilities, this will be a chance to learn a dance or few and enjoy the world of Morris dancing as a family.
Family Scottish Country Dancing -- DF Saturday 11:00am Princess (Hotel East)
All ages and abilities welcome for energetic and engaging traditional Scottish social dancing. Geared toward people who are newer to Scottish Country Dancing. Gender-free terminology.
Fat Ton Trad - Bal Folk Tune Workshop -- GS Saturday 4:00pm Sudbury (Hotel West)
Learn the melody and accompaniment for a few traditional French dance tunes, and jam with us. All instruments, intermediate and up.
Favorite Old Time Tunes Slow Jam -- GS Friday 7:00pm Trade Center Tent
Your chance to play some favorite Old Time fiddle tunes at advanced beginner pace. Friends from the Berlin MA OT jam will help get you going on Angeline the Baker, Over the Waterfall, Liberty, Seneca Square Dance and other old favorites..
Festival Orchestra Contras and Sqs—Merry Go Round at 4:35! -- DS Sunday 4:00pm Trade Center West
Join us for our traditional big, open-band finale. We'll dance good, fun contras and the amazing Merry Go Round square to the joyful sound of the Festival Orchestra.
Festive Yet Tasteful ECD -- DS Saturday 3:00pm Trade Center West
A stylish blend of English country dances: from elegant to energetic, playful to thoughtful, flowing to frolicking!
Fiddle without Pain -- C Friday 7:30pm Southborough (Hotel West)
Discussion, chat, question and answers. Discuss fiddle technique, How to play without pain.
'Fishermen's Ballads' 150 Years On -- E Saturday 2:30pm Southborough (Hotel West)
A talk/performance featuring selections from 'Fishermen's Ballads and Songs of the Sea', a compilation of 120 pieces published by the Procter Brothers of Gloucester, MA in 1874
Folk & Fusion Music & Dance -- E Friday 9:00pm Sterling (Hotel West)
This performance features folk songs from various regions of the Balkans, Roma, Middle East, and Mediterranean. We encourage audience members to join us in clapping, singing, dancing, and more!
Folk and Religious Music from the Republic of Georgia -- E Saturday 11:30am Southborough (Hotel West)
Folk songs and hymns from the Republic of Georgia, reflecting their unique polyphony and distinctive musical tradition.
Folk Song Sing Along -- GF Sunday 12:00noon Sudbury (Hotel West)
We will share classic songs with the audience. Participation is warmly encouraged.
The Food of Love Hurts -- E Saturday 1:00pm Duchess (Hotel East)
Songs of desire, despair, and delight from the 16th and 20th centuries set the mood, with lutes, violin, viola da gamba, mandolin, mandocello, and voice performed by Renaissance Jukebox.
Fox Library Open Jam -- GS Saturday 12:00noon Duchess (Hotel East)
As in the years ago open jams at the Fox Library in Arlington, we’ll go around and each person can start a tune, fast or slow, OT, Celtic, Contra Dance, or request a tune or pass.
French Balfolk Sampler -- TB Sunday 11:00am Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
Come learn the most common balfolk dances seen out on the dance floor.
French Jam -- GB Saturday 9:00pm Sudbury (Hotel West)
A guided jam session of French Trad, Balfolk and Breton dance music. Lively, fun and easy! Tunebooks provided. All levels welcome, no prior experience with the genre required. Music session, not a dance.
Front Porch Busking -- E Saturday 8:00pm Sterling (Hotel West)
The Watertonics (Watertown's leading [and only!] Front Porch Busking Troupe), will be playing an eclectic selection of music from Contradance to Folk to Klezmer to Italian Restaurant music.
FSSGB Song Swap -- GB Friday 8:00pm Westborough (Hotel West)
Everyone is welcome to join our folk singing party. The song leaders will get us started but every attendee is welcome to suggest songs that we can sing together.
Fusion Dance -- DB Friday 10:00pm Marlborough (Hotel West)
Fusion is a partner dance trend done to a wide variety of music that borrows elements from blues, contact improv, ecstatic, tango, etc., and spans several aesthetics. Lesson at beginning.
Gallopade! (Lively Set Dances) -- TS Sunday 1:30pm Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
Nineteenth century aerobics! French and English country dances and squares featuring GALLOPING! Guaranteed to leave you breathless! Basic couple dance experience will be helpful.
The Gaze in the Dance: Challenging ECD -- DX Friday 10:00pm Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
Use your visual connection to partners and others to heighten the dancing joy. Challenging figures to exquisite music. Exceptional English Country Dance for advanced, attentive dancers.
Get in the Groove Contras -- DS Saturday 11:00am Trade Center West
Groovy contras with good flow, connection, and balance. Groovy good times!
Ginger Sea 'Neath the Celtic Moon -- E Friday 9:00pm Seminar (Hotel East)
We will be presenting songs from our new project (Ginger Sea 'Neath the Celtic Moon) revolving around the Atlantic Ocean, songwriting, boat building, and red hair...
Go with the Flow! Contras -- DS Friday 9:30pm Trade Center West
Dances that flow choreographically (not necessarily without balances).
Greek Dance -- DB Friday 8:00pm Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
Greek music for dancing! A combination of the most popular Greek festival dances and regional folk dances, with walk-throughs for less-known dances.
A Guide to Harmony Singing -- TS Saturday 10:30am Southborough (Hotel West)
an easy to understand guide to making up and singing harmony - a sprinkling of theory, and a chance to practice. 50 years of singing with vocal groups (the Short Sisters, the Solstice Sisters), and at large group and pub sings.
Hammer Dulcimer - Making Sense -- TB Saturday 9:00pm Westborough (Hotel West)
Let’s demystify the hammered dulcimer! We will demonstrate various tunes and encourage participants to share a piece of music or just learn the basics of how to start playing.
Homecoming Album Launch -- E Saturday 5:00pm Seminar (Hotel East)
Join Alex Cumming as he celebrates the launch of his brand new album, Homecoming, which is fresh off it's launch tour in March with Audrey Jaber and Max Newman. Join Alex for this special solo performance of songs and tunes from the brand new album, along with stories and maybe a special guest or two.
Honky Tonk Singalong -- GB Sunday 1:30pm Sterling (Hotel West)
Sing along to classic country and honky-tonk songs with the Planet Banjo Country Band. Songs by Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard… All words provided.
Hootenanny Singalong -- GF Sunday 11:00am Sudbury (Hotel West)
Singalong to some well-known folk songs that are fun and have easy to sing choruses! We will sing songs from different cultures that have informed the American folk song tradition.
Hot Music, Cool Dances (ECD) -- DS Saturday 10:00am Trade Center West
English Country dance party.
How to Apply to NEFFA -- C Saturday 4:00pm Seminar (Hotel East)
NEFFA has been welcoming new performers for 80 years. Are you thinking about becoming a performer? Wonder about how to submit a successful application? How can we encourage new performers to apply? Come join this discussion on how the Program Committee works and how we can help you join our community of performers.
How to Play the Bones -- TB Saturday 4:00pm Duchess (Hotel East)
basic instructions on how to play, how to get better and demonstrating various styles
How to Play the Irish Bodhran -- TB Saturday 3:00pm Westborough (Hotel West)
Jeanne Hansberry, Dave Miller Introduction to Irish Bodhran: a demonstration of handling technique. Explore Irish music rhythms. We'll consider session etiquette, play some tunes with the fiddler, explore ornamentation.Bring a bodhran or substitute.
How to Talk to Your Sound Engineer -- C Saturday 7:30pm Princess (Hotel East)
How to work with an engineer to get the best sound with the least aggravation. What's possible; what isn't; what you can do to avoid feedback and more.
Humor Us! -- E Saturday 6:00pm Sudbury (Hotel West)
Humorous songs, played on the ukulele. Lots of sing-alongs.
Hypnotic Old-Time Jam -- GS Saturday 7:00pm Sterling (Hotel West)
Hypnotic, moderately paced Old-Time Jam. Improve your jamming skills and lock in with other musicians in a moderately-paced Southern old time jam.
In the 'Made Up Here Lately' Tradition -- E Sunday 12:00noon Westborough (Hotel West)
David sings a cappella with an English accent, drawing on British and American sources in his songs and parodies. Moments of seriousness may occur, but not many. Songs with choruses encourage participation.
International Dance Party! -- NS Saturday 8:00pm Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
Come dance to a variety of our favorite International tunes from the Balkans and beyond!
International Folk Dance -- NS Friday 9:00pm Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
A mixture of easy, moderate, and advanced international dances. A perfect dance for beginners, experienced dancers, and those who need to jog their International Dance memories and muscles.
International Folk Dance Party -- NS Saturday 4:00pm Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
Old and new international folk dances with old and new musical arrangements.
Intro to Balkan Dancing -- DB Saturday 5:00pm Marlborough (Hotel West)
Intro to Balkan Dancing featuring live music. Dance to Balkan rhythms showcasing the magnificent Gajda (Macedonian bagpipe).
Intro to Casino Rueda (Cuban Dance) -- TB Saturday 9:00pm Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
This upbeat called partner dance originated in 1950's Cuba and is continually evolving. We'll learn the basic step, partner switching, and more while grooving to salsa & timba.
Intro to Colonial Dance -- DB Saturday 7:00pm Marlborough (Hotel West)
The dances of the American colonial period lay the foundation for our dancing today. Come learn how contradances used to be done, with some of the period steps and styling.
Intro to Contra -- DB Sunday 11:00am Marlborough (Hotel West)
Learn the basics or try a role you haven't danced before. Beginners and experienced dancers all welcome!
Intro to English Country Dance -- DB Saturday 11:00am Marlborough (Hotel West)
Learn the basic steps and figures of English Country Dance while dancing to beautiful music.
Intro to English Country Dance -- DB Sunday 2:00pm Marlborough (Hotel West)
Come learn the basic figures while dancing to beautiful music.
Intro to Folk Waltz -- TB Saturday 10:00am Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
In this intro to waltz session we'll learn how to create a satisfying dance connection with a partner, how to use dance frame to communicate with a partner, basic steps, and basic turns. You will leave with a solid understanding of fundamental folk waltzing and be well on your way to having melty, lovely waltzes! This session is for the type of folk waltzing usually done at contra dances, not ballroom waltz.
Intro to International Dance -- TB Saturday 1:00pm Marlborough (Hotel West)
Come learn the basics of Balkan and other International dance styles. Enjoy efficient, cheerful teaching and wonderful live music!
Intro to International Folk Dance -- TB Friday 7:00pm Marlborough (Hotel West)
Learn dances from many different countries. No partner needed. Enjoy efficient, cheerful teaching, and good music.
Intro to International Folk Dance -- TB Sunday 10:00am Marlborough (Hotel West)
Basic concepts and a repertoire of steps to give you the confidence to join in the dances at international folk dance sessions at the festival or at your local dance!
Intro to Quebecois Step Dancing -- TB Sunday 12:00noon Marlborough (Hotel West)
Fun and easy introduction to French Canadian step dancing (aka jigging or "la gigue"). Learn basic steps combined into a routine to fit a classic Quebecois reel.
Introduction to Bollywood Dance -- TB Saturday 2:00pm Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
A dynamic and highly theatrical dance style seen in Indian films. Dance with your entire body including neck and head movements, hand movements, feet placement, facial expressions, and more!
Introduction to Contras -- DB Saturday 10:00am Marlborough (Hotel West)
Beginners will come away with a good understanding of the basic figures used in this style of dance.
Introduction to English Handbell Ringing -- TB Saturday 10:00am Westborough (Hotel West)
We will perform a short, simple piece, followed by a hands-on workshop. Participants will learn basic ringing techniques and perform as a group at the end of the session.
Introductory Hand Drumming Workshop -- TB Saturday 6:00pm Trade Center Tent
For anyone interested in learning the basics of hand drumming, this workshop will show you how to get a decent sound from a variety of hand drum types and then you will learn how to play common rhythms from a variety of cultural traditions. No prior experience required. Enough drums will be available for 40 people to participate (you are welcome to bring your own drum if you can).
Irish Slow Session -- GB Sunday 12:00noon Duchess (Hotel East)
Traditional Irish tunes at slow and moderate tempos, by ear (the traditional way), starting with more common session tunes. Tunes include jigs, reels, waltzes, hornpipes, polkas, slip jigs, and more.
The Irish Tradition Influence -- E Friday 9:00pm Princess (Hotel East)
Jim Sharkey is a singer-songwriter who grew up in County Roscommon, Ireland. His songs blend traditional Irish influences with contemporary issues of family, society, and friendships.
Israeli Dancing for All -- DB Friday 7:00pm Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
Join the circle to dance Israeli favorites with easy to follow patterns. All dances taught and cued.
Israeli Oldies Dance Party -- NX Saturday 10:00am Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
Israeli Dances from 1948 to 1980 will be played and danced.
Jam Session: English Country Dance Tunes -- GS Saturday 12:30pm Princess (Hotel East)
From 1651 to the present, ECD tunes delight us with their variety. Let’s play melodies from the spritely to the sumptuous. If possible, bring Barnes books and music stands to share.
Jug Band Blues and Swing Dance -- NS Saturday 10:00pm Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
Come dance your heart out to Outrageous Fortune's rootsy jug band stylings of classic '20s and '30s blues and jazz. Listeners are also welcome!
Keen Contras -- DS Friday 8:00pm Trade Center West
Keen (adj.) 1: Great, splendid, fine. 2: Ardent, enthusiastic. 3: Sharp, vivid, strong. 4: Pungent. All definitions apply here, with fine transitions, splendid music, vivid choreography, and ardent (pungent?) company.
Keeping Our Bodies Dancing As We Age -- GB Saturday 10:00am Sudbury (Hotel West)
Useful movements to incorporate into our lives so that our bodies are more comfortable and can continue to dance and make music. For bodies of any age and ability!
Kids Contra Jam -- GF Sunday 2:00pm Sudbury (Hotel West)
Come play tunes with us! All ages welcome, but kids especially welcome. We will be playing contra repertoire tunes; see https://lilywise.com/tunes
Klezmer Jam -- GS Sunday 11:00am Westborough (Hotel West)
Eastern European Jewish music from the Old/New world
Kudos to Kynaston (ECD) -- DS Saturday 4:00pm Trade Center West
We'll explore some English country dances created in the early 18th century by Nathaniel Kynaston.
Learn Rørospols! (Norwegian Cpl Dance) -- TS Sunday 12:00noon Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
Learn Rørospols, a Norwegian dance popular all over the world in Scandinavian and International folkdancing circles. Efficient teaching, with maximal moving to music.
Learn the ECD Medley Dances -- DS Saturday 12:00noon Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
Learn all of the dances for this year's English dance medley! Includes tips for expeditious recoveries. No obligation to participate in the actual medley.
Lilting Jam: Singing the Tunes -- GB Saturday 5:00pm Sudbury (Hotel West)
We'll start out with a little primer on how to lilt and learn a few example tunes by ear and then attendees will be invited to request or teach their favorite tune for us all to sing.
Little People, Big Feelings -- GF Saturday 11:00am Sudbury (Hotel West)
Participatory family concert, with songs to help young children understand, cope with, and express their big feelings safely, and to help them understand the feelings of others.
Long Neck Banjo Workshop -- P Sunday 3:30pm Southborough (Hotel West)
Learn about it's history and purpose, hear basic playing concepts explained and demonstrated, and sing along to some songs!
Maritime Ballads: Context from Content -- P Saturday 6:00pm Seminar (Hotel East)
Context from Content in Maritime Music – Chris Koldewey - Deciphering "clues" that were left for us in the work songs and ballads of 19th and early 20th C maritime trades and folksongs. We’ll look at singing the songs that might contain obscure, or confusing references and terms, and explore potential meanings and definitions in order to sing them with more intent and understanding. Although some chanteys may be used, the sources will be largely from the “non-work song” maritime themed ballads and songs.
McQuillen Tune Slow Jam -- GS Sunday 1:30pm Princess (Hotel East)
Dave and Chris will lead a slow jam session of favorite tunes composed by Bob McQuillen, a New England piano and accordion player who inspired many of us. Music will be provided, but playing by ear is encouraged. All instruments and levels welcome.
Melodic Clawhammer Banjo Workshop -- TS Sunday 1:00pm Westborough (Hotel West)
Clawhammer banjo. How to play authentic-sounding Celtic reels in clawhammer style.
Mike Kennedy Remembrance (1946-2023) -- GB Saturday 8:30pm Southborough (Hotel West)
Mike (1946-2023), a longtime NEFFA workshop leader, was known for traditional sea songs, Cicely Fox Smith poems, and original compositions. We’ll lead songs from Mike’s 2023 CD, A Dog’s Life, and invite audience participation.
Missouri Fiddling: The Little Dixie Region -- TS Saturday 1:00pm Seminar (Hotel East)
This is a workshop on Missouri fiddling from the Little Dixie region (Central Missouri). We will learn the tune "Marmaduke's Hornpipe".
More Celtic Misery & Mayhem -- E Sunday 2:30pm Sterling (Hotel West)
Some of the most beautiful Celtic tunes relate to sad lyrics- lost love, life, home. But tempered with some lively mayhem!
Mostly Celtic Tunes and Songs -- E Saturday 3:00pm Sterling (Hotel West)
Concert by Boston-Based contra dance band Good Company. Mostly celtic, but we're not too picky. Expect tunes, songs, laughs, and friends.
Mostly Swedish Jam -- GS Saturday 3:00pm Duchess (Hotel East)
We will be hosting a jam of our favorite Scandi tunes. We'll have a tune book available for those new to the tunes.
Music Concert of Unusual Instruments -- E Saturday 7:30pm Southborough (Hotel West)
Fiddle tunes from all over plus various unusual instruments.
Music of Scotland and Cape Breton -- E Saturday 2:00pm Trade Center Tent
Scottish and Cape Breton tunes arranged by Neil Pearlman bring a unique sound while keeping to tradition. Our big fiddle sound is enhanced by flute, whistle, guitars, mandolins, cellos and more.
NEFFA Annual Meeting -- C Sunday 2:00pm Seminar (Hotel East)
Learn about NEFFA the organization! Meet new and old members of the Board!
NEFFA at 80! -- C Sunday 3:00pm Seminar (Hotel East)
This is the 80th NEFFA Festival. Where have we been, and where might we be going in the future?
NEFFA Funny Song Swap Hour! -- GB Saturday 8:00pm Duchess (Hotel East)
Funny songs, silly songs, and other songs to make you laugh. Audience participation is encouraged.
Next Level Folk Waltz -- TS Saturday 2:00pm Trade Center West
Ever have an incredibly melty, molasses-y waltz and wonder how to re-create that? Learn how to enhance the maximum melt factor with delightful flourishes. For those comfortable with folk waltzing.
Not the SOS -- E Saturday 6:00pm Sterling (Hotel West)
Original music and some covers.
Nyckelharpa or not? -- E Sunday 11:30am Southborough (Hotel West)
Swedish fiddle and nyckelharpa concert with tunes old and new, traditional and modern. What makes a tune feel more at home on one instrument than the other?
Old Time Backup Guitar Basics -- TS Friday 8:00pm Sterling (Hotel West)
Get your rhythm on in this interactive session for budding old time guitarists. We'll start with the basic boom-chuck and quickly move on to iconic bass runs that get your from one chord to the next (and back). You'll walk away with your next few months of practice material. It's easy, once you know how! It is helpful to know your chords in the most often heard keys of C, G, D, and A.
Old Time Fiddle and Banjo Duets -- E Friday 9:30pm Southborough (Hotel West)
Fiddle and Banjo go together like chips and salsa! This concert will bring out the best in each instrument as we explore Southern Appalachian music, both old and new.
Old Time Gospel Sing -- GB Sunday 10:00am Trade Center Tent
Bring your voices to an Old Time Gospel Sing where we'll sing songs and hymns from the old time tradition, including songs sung by the Carter Family, EC & Orna Ball, and others.
Old-time Songs -- E Sunday 3:00pm Sudbury (Hotel West)
Heart songs, cowboy songs, tragic ballads, and comic ditties. Songs from the mountains and songs from the range.
One String More Clawhammer -- E Sunday 3:00pm Westborough (Hotel West)
Clawhammer banjo tunes, sharing the particular fun, versatility and deeper voice of banjos having a low sixth string in addition to the usual five.
Open Drum Circle -- GB Sunday 12:00noon Trade Center Tent
Celtic music featuring fiddling, Gaelic songs, , and percussive dance from Scotland, Cape Breton, Ireland, and America, fused with percussion from South America, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Middle East.
Original Acoustic Songs -- E Saturday 7:00pm Seminar (Hotel East)
Acoustic folk duo The Mail will play original songs written by Jeremy Van Cleave on the guitar accompanied by Nathaniel Diamond-Jones on fiddle.
Ottoman Turkish Makam Music -- E Saturday 5:00pm Sterling (Hotel West)
Ottoman court music from 17-18th century
Parlor Party - Sing and Jam -- GS Saturday 3:00pm Trade Center Tent
In the 1800's groups gathered ‘in the parlor’ to play music using whatever instruments were at hand. This participatory workshop includes songs by Stephen Foster, Isaac Baker Woodbury, Henry Clay Work, and others. Instruments welcome.
Philly's Phinest Contras -- DS Saturday 2:00pm Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
Exciting contras written by Philadelphia-area callers and choreographers, including Rick Mohr, Donna Hunt, Scott Higgs, Jim Kitch, and Ridge Kennedy!
Pioneering Women of Old-Time -- E Saturday 7:00pm Duchess (Hotel East)
This program showcases groundbreaking female musicians from the 1920's and beyond, their stories, songs and struggles. Artists include Jean Ritchie, Cousin Emmy, Lilly Mae Ledford and more.
Pleasing Progressions in ECD -- DS Sunday 11:00am Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
This session features a variety of progressions to surprise and delight you.
Polish Folk Show -- E Sunday 2:00pm Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
A 50-minutes showcase of various Polish folk dances
Power Harmonies -- E Saturday 3:00pm Seminar (Hotel East)
Come and plan to lift your voices! As Power Harmonies, Lynn Noel and Ken Mattsson sing with depth, power, and passionate attention to the spirit in the song. As experienced dancers of contra, English country, and Scandinavian gammaldans, their duo sound can be described as "ballroom dancing for the voice." They are noted for inspiring harmonies and making the rafters ring.
Pre-dance Open English Band Practice -- TS Saturday 1:30pm Southborough (Hotel West)
Come practice the tunes that will be played at the English Open Band ECD session on Saturday evening (8:30 pm in Ballroom CDE)
Protest Songs: Sharing & Leading -- GB Saturday 12:00noon Trade Center Tent
A group sharing circle of songs for direct actions & other protests. Optionally, you can practice song-leading too!
Pub Sing -- GB Friday 9:00pm Trade Center Tent
We may not have a pub, but we can still raise the rafters! A traditional English-style pub sing, emphasizing chorus songs. Bring one to share, or just follow along.
Pub Sing with Jack in the Green -- GB Saturday 7:00pm Trade Center Tent
Join with Jack in the Green Morris for a traditional Pub Sing. No experience needed. Bring a song to share (preferably with a chorus for others to join in with) or just come to sing along! Spectators welcome.
Queer as Folk Dance (Contras) -- DS Saturday 4:00pm Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
A variety of contras all written by queer choreographers!
Queer Maritime Music -- E Saturday 3:00pm Sudbury (Hotel West)
In historical record and the modern community, queerness is threaded through sea songs from Sweet Mary Starbuck to the Handsome Cabin Boy. Learn about sailors, singers, and the queer sea.
Raga Music of the East -- E Sunday 3:30pm Sterling (Hotel West)
I play a melodic musical instrument called Sarod. It is truly a majestic instrument derived from an instrument called Rabab in Afghanistan. Typically, my performance involves myself on the Sarod and another artist accompanying me in traditional North Indian Classical drums, called Tabla. It starts off with a melodic segment, followed by a duet involving the Tabla and myself.
Ragtime Foxtrot -- TB Sunday 10:00am Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
Super-easy couple dancing! The original foxtrot of the 1910s before it became a standardized ballroom dance. Lively and fun!
Recent English Country Dance Delights -- DS Saturday 7:30pm Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
Enjoy lively and lovely ECD dances from the past 5 years.
Remembering Christine Helwig (ECD) -- DS Friday 8:00pm Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
Christine Helwig was a role model, both in dance and in her support of others. She was a dance writer, leader, organizer, and reconstructor. These dances most remind me of Christine.
Remembering Phil Ochs -- GB Saturday 9:00pm Duchess (Hotel East)
Join us as we celebrate the life of Phil Ochs, whose songs about society and struggle are as timely now as they were in the 1960s.
Romanian Jam/Teach -- GS Friday 7:00pm Westborough (Hotel West)
Play Romanian music. Music for C instruments is provided. Some guidance offered on Romanian styling.
Roros Norway Dance Party -- NX Sunday 12:45pm Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
We play dance tunes from the Røros region of Norway for your dancing pleasure - vals, reinlander, hoppvals (polka), and of course Rørospols.
Routes of the Blues -- E Saturday 5:30pm Southborough (Hotel West)
The blues have travelled many routes through American music. Join Cousin Louis for a few stops along the way to sample the sounds that the blues have made.
Sacred Harp Singing -- GS Saturday 5:00pm Trade Center Tent
Join us for shape-note singing from the Sacred Harp, in the traditional "hollow square."
Sad Song Swap -- GS Saturday 8:00pm Sudbury (Hotel West)
A gathering to share tender moments of sweetness, sadness and melancholy. Bring your voice, your tissues and your best 2 AM pub night songs.
Sad Songs to Smile About -- E Sunday 1:00pm Duchess (Hotel East)
The words may be sad, but it feels so good to sing them! We'll do melancholy covers from Leonard Cohen, Jeffrey Foucault, Gordon Bok, Cyril Tawney, etc. plus Ergo Canto originals.
Sagebrush to Silver Screen: Cowboy Songs -- GB Saturday 11:00am Seminar (Hotel East)
From authentic cowboy songs collected 1880-1920, to "singing cowboy" Tin Pan Alley songs written for the movies, the American cowboy's image has been shaped by the songwriter's art. Many choruses for audience participation.
Scandi Jam Session -- GS Sunday 10:00am Duchess (Hotel East)
Come and request your favorite Swedish tunes to play or listen to. You may learn some new favorites as well.
Schottis from the Bright Side -- TB Saturday 8:00pm Marlborough (Hotel West)
Learn Scandinavian Schottis basics and variations as both leader and follower. We'll all be partners!
Scottish Ceilidh Party -- DB Saturday 1:00pm Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
Hila and Torrent present a variety of set and circle dances traditionally found at a ceilidh, designed to get folks mixing, mingling and having a great time on the floor.
Scottish Country Dancing -- DS Saturday 5:00pm Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
Fun Scottish figures and great tunes.
Scottish Country Dancing for Beginners -- TB Saturday 4:00pm Marlborough (Hotel West)
Come try out easy and fun Scottish Country dances! We will teach a few steps and figures and enjoy dancing to great tunes.
Scottish Gems Rarely Heard -- E Sunday 10:30am Southborough (Hotel West)
From 50+ years of listening, here are favorite songs from 4 centuries of collections, ballads of the Travelling People, trad & newer songs learned from Willie Scott, McMorland & McIntyre, Andy Hunter, mostly absent in concert & media. As usual, songs to take, choruses to join.
Sea Chanteys - How Were They Used? -- P Sunday 11:00am Seminar (Hotel East)
Ever wonder just how those old sea chanteys were used during the age of sail? Join Chris in singing and “virtual” demonstration of the working of a 19th century square-rigged sailing vessel, and the specific songs that helped get the jobs done together and more easily. By use of a Powerpoint demonstration, and Chris’ knowledge gained after a 20-year association as Chanteyman with the demonstration squad of Mystic Seaport Museum and sailing square-riggers, participants will “sail” a 19th century vessel through Cyberspace, singing as we go. In addition to the songs themselves, we’ll learn how the form, pace, and style changed depending on their specific use. We’ll learn about shipboard life aboard a 19th C square-rigger as well as some of the “rituals” that included their own songs.
Sea Chanteys 101 -- TB Friday 8:00pm Sudbury (Hotel West)
Chanteys are work-songs, fitted for task and purpose. Learn about the tasks chanteys were used for, the choruses to common chanteys, and how to lead a chantey with confidence even if you don’t know the words.
Sea Chanteys and Songs of the Sea -- E Sunday 1:00pm Trade Center Tent
Three Sheets will perform a variety of sea songs, chanteys and instrumental pieces with great cheer to abound. Audience participation to sing along is welcomed.
Seated Square Dance -- DB Saturday 4:00pm Sterling (Hotel West)
Seated square dances are great fun for all, and may be particularly enjoyable for people with mobility issues or those who cannot participate on the main dance floors.
The Secret History of Chanteys -- P Saturday 12:00noon Seminar (Hotel East)
A talk on the research for a forthcoming book on sailor work songs, their history, origins, context, use, decline, and their place in contemporary culture.
Shape Note Workshop -- TB Saturday 4:00pm Trade Center Tent
Join us for a singing school, early New England, shape-note style. We will have you singing the rich and powerful 4-part harmonies that brought colonial communities together. No experience necessary.
Shetland Fiddle Workshop -- TS Saturday 4:30pm Princess (Hotel East)
This workshop will introduce players to a traditional Shetland reel or march, and a slow listening tune. Geared for fiddlers who learn by ear; other instrumentalists are also welcome.
Slow Jam: The Pulse of a Jig -- GS Saturday 6:30pm Southborough (Hotel West)
The pulse of a jig can vary so widely, from light-hearted to lyrical to military march. Learn to play jigs in different styles, and to choose the best style for a given dance.
Smooth and Crunchy Contras -- DS Friday 7:00pm Trade Center West
A mix of elegant and rowdy contra dances.
Social Singing 101 -- C Saturday 10:00am Duchess (Hotel East)
Nervous to lead a song, sing along, or harmonize? Join us for a workshop on tips and etiquette, and a structured sing to get even the shyest singers comfortable.
Song Swap Party -- GS Saturday 9:30pm Princess (Hotel East)
An open folk song sing-around. Bring a song to share — preferably something that others can pick up and join in on — or just come sing and listen along on the choruses and harmonies.
Songs from All Over -- E Friday 8:00pm Princess (Hotel East)
A concert of songs from Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and beyond.
Songs from the Osterie (Italian Taverns) -- GB Saturday 5:00pm Duchess (Hotel East)
Tavern singing from Italy and Italian immigrant families.
Songs in Languages Other Than English -- GB Sunday 2:30pm Southborough (Hotel West)
The event would be a participatory event, in which participants are asked to contribute a song in a language other than English.
Songs of Earth, Moon, & Beyond -- E Saturday 6:00pm Duchess (Hotel East)
Jackson Gillman with a mix of earthy, loony, and heavenly songs, accompanied by his favorite star, daughter Jillian Estelle.
Songs of Mine and Mill -- E Saturday 2:00pm Westborough (Hotel West)
19th and 20th century songs about miners and mill workers, their lives, their work, and their unions. Many have choruses or refrains.
Songs of Road and Rail -- E Saturday 7:00pm Westborough (Hotel West)
Songs about highways and railways, and the folks who built them, worked on them, or traveled on them. Many songs have choruses or refrains.
Songs with Boisterous Shouting!! -- GS Friday 8:00pm Trade Center Tent
Open sing focused on very enthusiastic group participation! Get ready for callbacks, hand motions, stomping your feet, and a great time! Come raise your voices in a joyous cacophony of song!
Sound Basics -- TB Friday 7:00pm Princess (Hotel East)
Just what is "gain"? What is a "DI" and how is it related to an "XLR"? When there's feedback, who or what is doing it? In this workshop we'll explain the most common terminology used by sound engineers, and along the way get a better understanding of how sound engineering works.
Southern New England Fiddle Tunes -- P Friday 8:30pm Southborough (Hotel West)
Rhode Island and Connecticut have strong fiddling traditions stretching back to Colonial days. We will present tunes from the repertoire of Freedman Occramer Marycoo (b1746), Uncle Joe Shippee (b1856) and Frank Moon (b1916) and others. Sheet music provided for audience participation.
Springtime Tunes- Flute, Feet, Piano -- E Sunday 12:00noon Seminar (Hotel East)
Nadine contributes flute/foot-percussion, Barbara contributes piano, and both contribute the joy of tunes from driving to lyrical, featuring originals and arrangements of tunes from Quebec, Ireland, England and beyond.The interplay of flute and feet adds special energy. Touches of Latin and blues appear.
Squares for Contra Dancers -- DS Saturday 12:00noon Trade Center West
Not wild about squares? We get it. Which is why these squares are designed for contra diehards, with minimal walkthroughs, fun moves, and lots of swinging. You might even like it.
Start and Grow a Dance Series -- C Saturday 11:00am Duchess (Hotel East)
Organizers, callers, musicians and dancers: come to this knowledge-sharing session. Aimed at those who are growing a dance series or starting one from scratch. What worked? What failed? What new ideas are you trying? Why isn't everybody here?!
Stellar Hits from the First 20 Years! -- E Saturday 3:30pm Princess (Hotel East)
We invite you to celebrate our 20 years together in stellar song and sing our greatest hits with us! Our galaxy includes works by traditional, original, and contemporary songwriters around the globe. You will be immersed in a harmony-rich blend of music that empowers and inspires, as well as honors the natural world. There will also be a song or two that tickles your funny bone!
Stories for Grownups -- E Saturday 8:00pm Westborough (Hotel West)
Traditional and original stories on adult themes
Stream of Contraness (Contra Hash!) -- NX Saturday 10:00pm Trade Center West
Non-stop, no walkthrough, continuously changing contra dance medley!
Succession! -- C Saturday 12:30pm Southborough (Hotel West)
Over the long-term, thriving groups find ways to identify core values, nurture new leaders, and hand-off the reins to the next generation. We can all agree with that concept, but "the devil is in the details." Join us for lively conversation about success stories, best practices, and strategies to help your group thrive.
Supernatural Songs and Stories -- GB Friday 9:00pm Sudbury (Hotel West)
Bring a song, story, ballad, or anecdote about ghosts, supernatural phenomena, or local cryptids to share!
Swedish Couple Dancing -- NS Saturday 9:00pm Marlborough (Hotel West)
A session of Swedish couple turning dances -- regional polskas along with hambo, schottis, waltz, and more.
A Tale or Two -- E Friday 7:00pm Sterling (Hotel West)
A Tale or Two invites you to join our family in stories of times long gone, misadventures, and farm life. Some stories are told, some sung, and... we have Crankies!
There and Back Again Contras -- DS Sunday 12:30pm Trade Center West
Surprising, satisfying contras that take you away from your hands four and back again
Traditional Music of E. Europe, Georgia, & the Balkans -- E Saturday 12:00noon Westborough (Hotel West)
The Yale Slavic Chorus will perform SSA arrangements of traditional folk music from Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Georgia.
Tribute to Tony Parkes -- DS Sunday 11:00am Trade Center West
A happy celebration of the iconic contra and square dance caller, Tony Parkes. We will dance and enjoy material Tony wrote or made popular, all to fabulous music.
Tricky Balkan Dances -- TS Saturday 3:00pm Ballroom AB (Hotel East)
In honor of Yves Moreau, I will teach some of his more difficult dances, breaking them down into their component parts to make them accessible and enjoyable to most dancers.
Triplet Time (3 Cple Sets) -- DS Saturday 3:00pm Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
Contras in 3-couple sets.
Tunes from Old England -- TS Friday 9:00pm Duchess (Hotel East)
Having recently moved from England to New England, Tim brings tunes from home, taught by ear within a friendly session environment. All instruments and levels of ability are welcome.
Tunewriting Workshop -- TB Sunday 10:00am Westborough (Hotel West)
Group will write a tune and Larry will explain and demonstrate how he writes them.
Uke Power -- G Saturday 5:00pm Westborough (Hotel West)
Any type of song on the ukulele. You can bring a song to perform, listen, or sing along.
Ukulele Off the Page -- GS Saturday 11:00am Westborough (Hotel West)
Have you been an ukulele player who is always asking "Where's the songsheet?" This is your chance to get off the page! We'll be playing easy songs that everyone knows that have three or four chords (C, Am, F, and G). If you're not sure which chord to play, there are only a couple options to try. There will be no handouts, and this will help players who tend to be attached to a songsheet to practice hearing chord changes and play along.
The Ultimate Parody Jam! -- GB Saturday 1:00pm Westborough (Hotel West)
Take a tune everyone knows. Write new words. Make it fun and easy to sing along with and share it with everybody at NEFFA. It's the Ultimate Parody Jam!
Veracruzan Flute and Son Jarocho -- E Sunday 1:00pm Seminar (Hotel East)
A performance of music from the south of Veracruz, Mexico, called Son Jarocho. This music is reinterpreted for flute, voice, and jarana.
Waltz Jam -- GS Saturday 6:30pm Princess (Hotel East)
An open session of multi-instrumentalists playing 3/4-Time Music for more than 2 decades at NEFFA. Led by Bob Alessio and Boston area acoustic musicians. Sheet music booklet provided.
Waltz Party! -- DS Sunday 3:00pm Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
We play for waltzing, you dance.
Watch Out!: Warnings, Wrongdoing, and Wrath -- E Saturday 2:00pm Duchess (Hotel East)
Becky and Nicole sing traditional songs and songs-in-the-tradition with beautiful poetry, enchanting stories, and delicious harmonies. In this concert they’ll share songs involving various bad decisions and their consequences, with many opportunities for the audience to sing along.
Wavy Contras -- DS Sunday 2:00pm Trade Center West
Short waves, long waves, ocean waves, you name it! This session will feature dances that make use of the wavy line formation in fun and creative ways.
We Meet Again Contras -- DS Saturday 1:00pm Trade Center West
Contras with plenty of Neighbor interaction and maybe a Shadow or two.
Welcome to NEFFA ECD! -- DS Friday 7:00pm Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
All kinds of English country dances: old, new, familiar, different, gentle, lively... all fun!
Well, That Didn't End Well! Tragic Ballads -- GS Saturday 9:30pm Southborough (Hotel West)
If you have a tragic ballad, bring it! We will be sharing the sad and tragic story songs that haunt us. Expect adult themes, bloodshed, death, and unhappy endings.
West Gallery Music -- GS Saturday 1:30pm Princess (Hotel East)
Sing and play music from rural English churches, from the time of Thomas Hardy, Jane Austen, and King George III. For all voices and melodic instruments.
Whistling Whorkshop -- TS Friday 9:00pm Westborough (Hotel West)
Techniques for whistling with the lips, with special focus on dance tunes, as well as considerations for performance in general.
Will They, Won't They Contras -- DS Friday 10:30pm Trade Center West
Dancers come together and drift apart. Partners are lost and reunited. Contras to toy with your emotions and build anticipation.
Women of Folk -- E Sunday 3:30pm Princess (Hotel East)
We wish to perform folk music either written or accomplished by women.
Women's Rights and Wrongs Songs -- G Sunday 4:00pm Sudbury (Hotel West)
The presenter will start with a few lesser-known songs on the topic followed by general sharing from attendees. Any era, country, or language is fine. Chorus songs encouraged but optional.
Woodbury Family & 1800s Parlor Songs -- GS Saturday 9:00pm Sterling (Hotel West)
Early American parlor songs written by Maury's ancestors, noted songwriters Isaac Baker Woodbury (1819-1858) and Hattie Nevada (1861-1953). Sing along or bring your own parlor songs; audience participation welcome.
World Music Concert -- E Saturday 11:00am Trade Center Tent
Boston Harmony, a multi-generational community choir, will perform a variety of singing traditions from the Balkans, Caucasus Georgia, and South Africa, as well as American shape-note songs and early music.
You Can Count With Me -- GF Saturday 12:00noon Sudbury (Hotel West)
Counting songs, finger plays, zipper songs for young children. 3-7 year olds will get the most out of this, but all are welcome. Sing along, move along, circle along!
You Can Take the Girl out of Gloucester... -- G Sunday 2:00pm Duchess (Hotel East)
Shanties and maritime ballads sung by a born and raised Gloucester girl. Come ready to sing along!
Zwiefachers: EZ to Hard Z -- NS Saturday 11:00am Ballroom CDE (Hotel East)
Zwiefachers go way back in the Bavaria region. They’re dance tunes where the rhythm changes back and forth. We’ll warm up with a few easy ones, then raise the bar.


New England Folk Festival Association