2011 NEFFA Events

A+ Contra Calling -- Friday 9:00pm Middle School Rm. 108

In a sequel to last year's workshop on walk-throughs, learn the tricks and techniques to make your calling the best it can be. We might do a little dancing, but this is really a discussion session.

Latin-style waltzes are up-tempo and exciting. The workshop material includes lunges, pivots and swivels with a "south of the border" feel.

Traditional and original ballads, sea songs and humorous ditties from Alaska, the Last Frontier.

Brad and Suzanne are brother and sister. Together with their partners, Claire and Brian, they like to play and sing traditional music from Brittany (Claire's birthplace), Ireland, and North America.

Banjo tunes and ballads learned from old friends.

Guitar and banjo chords belong to 3 chord families: A, C and E. Learn the "ACE's" in a few open position keys and you'll be at home anywhere up the neck.

Jordan is an acoustic guitarist/vocalist who for over 40 years has performed Scottish and Irish music throughout the US, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Shy about singing in public? Come have fun with simple songs, vocal warm-ups and easy techniques that will help you find your voice

The songs and tunes we sing and play at home for fun, with guitar and banjo, dulcimer and mandolin.

Enjoy authentic village-style music while dancing to Boston's Friendly Neighborhood Bulgarian Band.

Cece and Ruth LOVE ballads, and bring you some favorite story-songs from ancient to modern times, with harmony & humor... Sing along with us at NEFFA.

Fiddle Tunes from Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton, & the Appalachians on Clawhammer Banjo & Fingerstyle Guitar

This year let's sing and dance to "A Hard Day's Night," and other assorted songs from the Beatles' black and white film.

Contras written by Bill Pope.

We'll explore a single piece by a blues master; with some help from chord charts and tablature, some demonstration, and lots of trial and error, you'll learn how to sound like the real thing. In one hour!

Bodhran workshop will introduce the techniques needed to produce a variety of sounds to enhance the accompaniment of melody instruments.

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

Slow, beautiful dances from Macedonia, Bulgaria and beyond, will be taught by Louise Brill with live music by Shining Moon.

Men's Bulgarian singing with instrumental accompaniment

One figure Balkan dances, village style, with varying degrees of difficulty

Sight reading/playing Bulgarian music

A sampling from "Ti'Acadie: By the Sea"!

Learn the Cajun 2-step and waltz and stay to dance!

Learn to power-boost your unaccompanied singing through song setup, body language, arrangements. 2nd half of session= audience members invited to present/perform, & group discussion.

Nordic music from the Middle Ages to contemporary, sung in Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Icelandic and Mediaeval Latin.

Join us in singing Carter Family gems. There'll be some songs you know and love and some songs you want to learn. Lyric sheets will be provided.

Join the Cats for a concert featuring some favorites from their regular gigs. Drawing from all genres, you might be at a bluegrass festival, an Irish pub, a contra dance, a folk concert or anywhere in-between.

A lively Country and Bluegrass stringband trio with exciting 3 part vocal harmonies and hot instrumentals.

Tiffany is a Celtic Fiddler accompanied by her dad on guitar and her mom on bodhran. She has played at numerous venues and won many fiddle contest throughout the New England Area.

Appalachian & Celtic instrumentals with a new-age twist, on guitars, flute, dulcimer, mandolin, bodhran. "An ancient Celtic otherworld is conjured... blockbuster fantasy soundtracks" (Celtic MP3 Music Magazine).

Join-in as we leap, linger, and laugh with some of our favorite songs from Scotland, Ireland, and Across-the-Pond.

Good songs cheap, family silliness encouraged

A selection of some of the great older traditional ballads.

Clawhammer Banjo Workshop focuses on fundamentals and mechanics. Right hand: a thorough exploration of the "drop-thumbing" and "double-thumbing" techniques. Left hand: fingering strategies, perfecting hammer-ons and pull-offs.

Finishing up NEFFA '11 by singing together; all welcome to participate, emphasis on songs with choruses, instruments welcome.

Fun and easy dances for dancers of all ages and abilities!

Contemporary string band filled with epic triple fiddles/nyckelharpa, catchy melodies and driving rhythms full of raw energy and mashy quirk!

Dave & Chris will play tunes that are frequently played for contra dancing very slowly. Players of all instruments are welcome to join in.

Play for couples dancing

Enjoy the harmonies and rythms of Croatia as this group performs choral and traditional tunes.

Learn the basics of this beautiful, flowing modern waltz style perfect for slow waltz tunes.

Jan Pumpr and Jitka Bonusová will teach traditional couple dances from the Bohemian region of Czech Republic.

Featuring dances from the Røros area of Norway, pols tunes as well as more general favorites: reinlander, waltz, polka, and snoa.

Dances from around the world, performed to traditional music and in traditional dance costumes.

English Country Dance & Contra; A celebration of the establishment of the CDS/NEFFA archives at the Dimond Library at the University of New Hampshire.

Alan will sing songs of death and destruction and invite everyone to contribute their own favorites on this topic. Unaccompanied songs or those with instrumental backups are welcome.

Eclectic mix of swing, gypsy jazz & bluegrass played on mandolin, guitar & bass with outstanding vocal harmony.

Covers basic fingering techniques plus rudimentary drumming patterns. Gain insight into the wonderful sounds/tones the doumbek has to offer. Come and enjoy this lively and rhythmical workshop.

You'll get your hands on BB's mountain of percussion goodies as he ignites this interactive drumming play-along with the catchiest melodies and beats that Mansfield Massachusetts will ever hear.

Songs of joy, heartache, devotion, disaster, and drinkin' from notable brother and sister harmony duos such as the Louvin Brothers, Stanley Brothers, Davis Sisters, Acorn Sisters, and more.

Songs from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Lots of harmony/Lots of sing-alongs.

How to play from beginning to advanced for sessions and songs. Improving your technique.

English Country Dances of the Pirate Era: some of the most fun dances were first published just before or just after 1700, and this event explores a mix of easy and more difficult dances of that period.

English Music Hall Songs from the 1890s and on.

Satisfying contras which feature or require good eye contact, with an emphasis on good connection and style.

Join us for contra dances that are fun for ages 5 years and older. We promise to keep everyone smiling!

Easy dances from around the world - for the whole family!

Tradional Faroese Ballad Dance combines storytelling, song and dance. Singers/dancers from the Faroe Islands demonstrate, explain and draw participants into an important part of Faroese culture since the Middle Ages.

A workshop/participatory dance with social dances from our North Atlantic region (Faroes, Shetland, Orkney and Denmark)

Songs and ballads collected over the years, sung a cappella or with autoharp or mountain dulcimer accompaniment.

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.

English dancing in its variety: old and new, lively and lovely, flowing and festive!

Flatfooting is a rhythmic percussive dance. Flatfooting to music is great fun! Learn the basic steps, how they go with the music, and more. For dancers 5 years and older.

A joyful potpourri of traditional and original tunes from fiery/driving to silky/lyrical. Roots from Quebec,New England, beyond. Surprising juxtapositions, spectacular technique, with warmth and and impeccable musicianship.

Non-stop folk dance fun! Segue from one favorite folk dance to another with nary an interruption!

Jump in and have fun at this authentic French Òbal folkÓ dance party! Guidance will be provided as needed, and music will be rich and exciting.

Join us for a folk song swap; we'll go around the room and take turns requesting and leading songs, traditional and contemporary. Instruments are welcome and we'll have copies of "Rise Up Singing" to borrow.

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

Humorous & novelty songs and Hawaiiana played on the ukulele. Lots of opportunity to sing along. Maybe some guests will appear.

You've tried the rest, now try the best- dance the cream of the crop of the OTHER dances written by renowned contra dance choreographer, the late Gene Hubert.

In traditional ballads "Willy" is a very common name. So this year we will search our memories for "Willy" ballads (and a few may give us the "Willys" as well)..

Sing-a-long to country songs from the 30's to the 60's with Planet Banjo, a real country band. This is country before it went pop. All words are provided.

Why do Good Songs happen to Bad People? Find out as we follow our lyin', cheatin', thievin', dirty double crossin' heroes through several centuries of great songs like "Folsom Prison Blues", "St James Infirmary", "The Banks of the Ohio", "I Got Mine" and more, in the jug band style. Fun for the whole family! A cautionary tale for the children!

Need we say more?

Come listen and sing along to songs of women in struggle, sorrow, joy, and triumph--from handsome cabin boys to mountain women to grandmothers who protest injustice.

Female ensemble rooted in the sounds traditional old timey, gospel music (with a hint of bluegrass), sung in two and three part harmonies.

Historic Pub Songs: these audience-participation songs are always fun to sing, and this program takes them back to their roots.

basic to intermediate instruction on how to play the traditional rhythm bones, with demonstration by a variety of players from around New England

Medieval, renaissance, traditional, and original tunes played on a traditional Hungarian hurdy gurdy.

David sings his own and other people's songs, many with choruses. His British modesty forbids him from confirming the rumor that some of these songs are funny.

How do we combine youthful energy with the experience of long-time dancers in a dance community? Join us in conversation about making intergenerational dance events and building intergenerational community.

Come enjoy Ballads from Norway, Denmark, Serbia, France and Brittany! A very special treat!

Welcome! Enjoy exploring exotic modes and rhythms with your instruments and voices: Greek, Bulgarian, French, Romanian, etc.

Learn basic dances you'll see again and again at folk dances everywhere!

Learn basic dances you'll see again and again at folk dances everywhere!

Anyone can Belly Dance. Great exercise and great fun!

Fun dances from England, for everyone!

Come and join us as we learn the basic calls that will get you started on your Contra dance journey!

Learn the basics you need to know in order to have fun on the dance floor.

Come on and learn the fun you can have at contra dances.

Come on and learn the fun you can have at contra dances.

Come on and learn the fun you can have at contra dances.

English Country Dancing at its most basic. Learn figures and dances along with a little style and a snippet of history. Fun, not stodgy!

Come explore connections in the many moods of English country dance: rowdy, stately, gentle, fierce...

Easy English dancing-- come learn the basics!

Easy English dancing-- come learn the basics!

Easy folk dances that will get you moving on the right (or left!) foot.

Basic folk dances anyone can do, from many countries.

Easy Scandinavian couple dances and mixers. Brief introductions and demonstrations. (Snoa, polka, schottis, vals, polska, hambo, Rørospols, Sønderhoning, mazurka, seksturs, etc.)

Join us in learning some of the basics in order to join in on Scandinavian dances.

Come and join us as we learn the basic calls that will get you started on your Square dance journey!

Learn the basic waltz step!

Learn the basic waltz step!

A friendly introduction to the basics of the fun and accessible ballroom dance of the 1910s -- one-step, two-step, foxtrot.

Follow our Irish ancestors' paths to Great Britain, America, and Australia, chronicled in songs from the late 1700's up through the American Civil War. Participatory group singing encouraged.

Join Mulligan's Fancy in singing a some favorite Irish songs. Selections will include Clancy & Makem classics, toe-tapping songs of seafarers and highwaymen, and songs of unrequited love. Lyric sheets will be provided.

A lot of harps playing Traditional Irish dance tunes, ballads, and airs, and having a dang good time doing it!

We play uptempo Irish/Celtic/Contra Music, very suitable for dancing.

Family-friendly Israeli folk dances, mainly older ones with one or two figures, taught and prompted as necessary. No partners needed.

A selection of simple dances from before the modern era that are still current in Israel but that are rarely seen in the USA.

Open to all musicians, singers, and supporters of Italian music. Participants will take turns leading or singing an Italian tune or song of their choice while others sing and play along as they feel appropriate. Folk, pop, opera, and "tenor" songs in the Italian language and tradition are welcome.

A sampling from the Garden State's best dance writers; Don Flaherty, Melanie Axel-Lute, Mark Widmer, and Bob Isaacs.

Wild and wacky songs from the Jug Band craze of the 1930s and the 1960s revival. Blues and early jazz played in that fascinatin' jug band style. We'll be blowin' and clangin' jug band instruments including the jug, washboard, stovepipe and kazoo. Wow!

Songs of peace, freedom, and friendship for children and grown-ups alike. Lots of singing, moving, and clapping. Even some holding hands.

Participatory playing of klezmer tunes, all instruments, all levels. Sheet music will be provided, including various klezmer forms: hora, bulgar, terkish, sirba, sher, klezmer swing, etc.

Explore tango essentials, partnering skills & musicality

Werner Ceusters makes French dancing come to life with his ease of teaching and depth of understanding. Learn bourree, mazurka, an dro, and more while Montage provides energetic, authentic music.

We will teach Zwiefachers, wonderful turning couple dances to patterns. We will cover pivot and waltz turns, how to combine them, and how to listen to the music.

What more needs to be said?

Come sing the whaling and fishing songs of the deep water sailors. There is a chorus to EVERY song. Bring your voices and a full set of lungs!

Mostly original songs on a broad range of topics, frequently about love or food (or both). Come and be entertained; try not to come hungry!

Grab your PAJDASHI ("buddies") and join the circle for a drmes!

Come learn and sing beautiful rounds in Latin with us: Ego Sum Pauper, Non Nobis Domine, Laudate Nomen Domine, Dona Nobis Pacem (Schickele), and Jubilate Deo.

International line and couple dances we learned from Marianne Taylor

Group chorus singing with a maritime flavor. Lead one or join in the chorus.

Marvelous euphoria-inducing contras, with fabulous music.

Demonstration and talk of bagpipes featuring Northumbrian Small Pipes and Uilleann Pipes and maybe some others. Come and ask questions and hear some good tunes.

Hungarian couple dance from Transylvania. Fun, not easy, yet excitingly coupled! Some prior experience with lead-follow type couple dancing would be helpful.

Learn Middle Eastern drumming rhythms on the darabukka/doumbek (the hour-glass shaped drum). We will be practicing a variety of rhythms and techniques, especially as used for folk dancing. Bring your own drums! I have a few extras to use for practice.

A concert of village-style music from Bulgaria (and possibly some of her neighbors). ZDRAVETS uses traditional Bulgarian folk instruments and vocal styles. In this concert you will hear selections for listening, as well as some of our dance music.

What is a Mountain dulcimer? Come learn about this friendly American instrument, its history and playing styles. Extra instruments will be available so all participants can play some simple tunes together

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

The Native American flute was the primary melodic instrument of the Indians of North America. Almost extinct in the mid-20th century, it has seen a resurgence in recent years. This presentation will survey the history of the Native American flute and its contemporary styles with performances on historic and modern instruments.

A mixture of songs from the British Isles and New England, with new songs of Family, friends, and songs of the sea. Performed with guitar, banjo, and acapella.

The actual music as it was played in Neworleans in 1911.

Sing from a new shape-note tunebook "The Norumbega Harmony". We have rescued old tunes in 4-part harmony from the New England Singing School tradition and have added some new ones, all in the style of "The Sacred Harp" and the old shape-note books.

Traditional Norwegian Telespringar and Telegangar dance tunes played by the Boston Spelemannslag. The group plays the music on traditional Norwegian Hardanger fiddles.

Just what it sounds like. We'll start with a contra dance and diversify from there.

Old and new tunes on one, two, or three nyckelharpas (Swedish keyed fiddles), along with some of the instrument's legends and traditions.

Old Friends are our longtime favorite touchstone songs, and New Loves are our exciting new discoveries. Old friends and New loves also inhabit and animate the stories that our songs tell.

Old and new songs in glorious three part harmony. Tales of vikings returned, ghosts, outlaws, presidents, love, economics, most with choruses, and some very clever rounds.

American songs in the old-time southern tradition, including ballads, comic songs, sentimental songs, love songs, songs chronicling historical events, protest songs, work songs, nonsense songs, play party songs and others, sung with old-time-style guitar and (occasionally) unaccompanied.

Different styles of old-time, 5-string banjo playing will be demonstrated and discussed by three versatile banjo players.

A variety of Greek dances danced with a leader, some with walk-throughs - including both widely-known dances (e.g., Tsamikos, Kalamatianos, Syrtos) and regional dances (e.g., Ikariotikos, Rodhitikos, Tikfeskos).

Play for Scandi dancing

Full audience participation singing whatever shanties come up..

Mini-concert of New England dance tunes including traditional and contemporary reels, jigs, airs and waltzes played on piano, fiddle, flute and piccolo.

Contras and squares from the West Coast, vibrant choreography with Pacific twists, three states of dancing.

Parlor songs were played at home or after church, with family & friends singing & playing whatever instruments were handy. Songs ranged from pathos to comedy, often with rollicking choruses. Explore 1800's songwriters Isaac Baker Woodbury, Hattie Nevada, Stephen Foster, Henry Clay Work, and others. Bring your voice, an instrument, a song to share.

Do you know a good song parody? Come and share it. Do you like good song parodies? Come and enjoy!

Participatory playing of traditional Greek music, all instruments/levels. Sheet music for about a dozen tunes given out, representing a broad variety of Greek music. Brief cultural and/or musical context remarks.

Dan and Peter will sing "Poems..." accompanied by guitars, mandolin, and other instruments or unaccompanied. Poets will include some of Cicely F. Smith, Kipling, Henry Lawson, and others.

Come to sing full-voiced a capella harmony. There will be many choruses, with songs mostly from the English and American traditions.

Bring a song to share, or just join in on the choruses! Drinking songs, sea chanteys, Gospel songs -- anything with a chorus or refrain that people can pick up.

Traditional Quebecois music: straight & crooked tunes, call & response songs, & a hint of step dancing. a trio of fiddle, piano & accordion, & fretted instruments.

Thomas Ravenscroft was one of the first people to collect and publish English Folk Music, including rounds and ballads. This workshop will be a chance for participants to sing (or play) some of this music.

A demonstration of what the AUTOHARP is capable of. From Blues to Bluegrass, to music from around the world.

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.

Gender role-free contra dancing is fun for anyone who wants to enjoy dancing from a new perspective. You choose to dance either the traditional gent's role or the lady's role, regardless of your gender. Colorful armbands indicate who's who on the dance floor.

Favorite old Romanian line dances

Sight reading/playing of Romanian music selections

Rounds led by leaders AND members of AUDIENCE

Dances associated with the Roma with a hot modern twist.

Contras for all, to the music of one of the biggest bands in the galaxy.

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

Being a survey of the many songs sung in, or about, the maritime trades over the last couple of hundred years.

Delightful instrumentals, and songs of love, labor and humor from the UK to the Western plains.

Fiddle workshop exploring the difference between the schottische and the strathspey, even though they use the same kind of tune.

Scottish Country dancing is the folk dancing of Scotland, danced by all, children through seniors. The dances will be taught and prompted, and are fun. The live music adds to the enjoyment.

Enjoy a variety of lively tunes played in the Scottish, Cape Breton, and related traditions, including tunes performed by Boston-area composers.

Historic Sea Songs & Chanteys: this is an opportunity for everyone to sing along and have fun with great songs from the roots of this genre.

Sea Songs and Shanties.

Werner teaches Seannos, a 300+-year-old Irish dance. His extensive experience both dancing and teaching this style will provide a successful learning experience for both beginners and advanced dancers.

Seated square dances are just like regular square dances, except you are sitting down! It is fun for everyone, but is particularly enjoyable for people with temporary or chronic mobility issues.

Singing School Early New England style. This quick primer will have you singing the powerful 4-part harmonies that brought colonial communities together. No experience necessary! Bring your friends and family.

A family-friendly sing-along of multicultural songs, with guitar or cello accompaniment. Sing old favorites and new gems; sing in languages you don't even speak!

For duet newbies and pros. Lyrics and duet parts taught for Everly, Louvin, Bailes, Delmore and other great brother duet acts.

Singing in harmony is wonderful for your physical, mental, and emotional health. Come sing with Allison Aldrich and members of Animaterra Women's Chorus of New Hampshire as they celebrate with songs of hope, joy, and just plain fun.

Come join us on the "back porch" and sing choruses with several NEFFA performers once again.

If EC Ball had been willing to travel, he and his wife Orna could have achieved a fame equal to the Carter Family's. They chose to remain at home and run local singing conventions. Join us in singing some of the outstanding gospel songs for which they are remembered.

Come sing and play with Revels, as we do traditional children's play parties and singing games passed down through the ages.

Slow, dreamy and romantic Polish dances, including Ada's Kujawiak.

Colleen sings songs & ballads from her family's collection of traditional material from the British Isles & America. She learned songs from her grandmother, Sara Cleveland, a well known ballad singer in the 1960's, and is continuing a 5 generation legacy of keeping this music alive. Her songs range from Child ballads to local upstate New York based tunes, both funny & tragic. Mostly unaccompanied, but maybe a bit of guitar, banjo or mtn. dulcimer.

Traditional songs from Brittany (the Celtic region of France) and Serbia; some simple Breton dances will also be taught, accompanied by singing.

A round robin presentation of C Fox Smith poems set to music.

Gary Blanchard presents original and traditional songs that promote peace and unity.

Songs of the Irish immigrant experience in America -- arrival, employment, discrimination, conflict, with final success/acceptance tempered by nostalgia for the "old country." Familiar and obscure songs, many choruses, participation invited.

Songs of railroaders, truckers, boomers, tramps, hoboes, and others whose employment (or lack of employment) took them from one place to another.

A Serbian native sings traditional songs from Serbia and Macedonia, with explanations and cultural history, on themes of war, love, and nature.

From the Canadian Maritimes, Stan Rogers was perhaps the best contemporary songwriter to weld life's joys and tragedies into songs steeped in the folk tradition. Come join us on choruses.

Patty Cuyler, Larry Gordon and members of Boston Harmony will teach several thrilling South African folk, struggle and church songs in four part harmony. Accessible to anyone who likes to sing, ages 10 and up.

Dances to put a spring in your thoughts and your steps.

Contra dances featuring different types of stars.

Stories for grownups of all ages.

Diane Taraz presents songs based on wild and wonderful events from New England's past, with dulcimer and guitar.

Sharing ideas and techniques for telling great stories in traditional songs. Have 'em on the edge of their seats.

ALL instruments are welcome in this jam! Everyone will have a chance to lead a tune or song with the group. Great experience for all levels. And, it's FUN!

A session of Swedish polskas and gammaldans (schottis, hambo, waltz...) to traditional fiddle music.

"Three Cats and a Dog" adds horns and percussion to turbo-charge the Songs in their swing dance repertoire. East Coast and West Coast dance standards made popular by artists such as Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, Bob Wills and Asleep at the Wheel. Come dance while we sing!

Triple minor dances, where you take hands 6, not hand 4. Yes, you still get to swing your partner!

Come learn to play basic tango! This will be a jam facilitated by members of Tango Mucha Labia. Chord charts and sheet music will be provided, all instruments welcome!

Easy dances to klezmer music, which can be followed with a minimum of teaching. Klezmer is the traditional folk music of Eastern European Jews. Mostly circle dances, such as the freylakhs, bulgar, slow hora, chusidl, and terkisher.

Learn tarantellas from the southern Italian Mountains, dances still done today for carnival and other festivals.

Soulful, exciting Swedish tunes with traditional twin-fiddle harmonies.

Ibsen's epic poem "Terje Vigen" will be presented along with poems/ballads of the North Sea region (Norse and Scottish in content.

Presentation of Ewan MacColl songs written for the 1950's BBC radio show, and maybe a few taken from the sequel series done more recently.

Songs of the Erie Canal, and of the canal era, with background and history, performed in costume on restored period instruments. Many choruses, familiar and less-familiar songs, audience participation encouraged.

Renaissance Music for the Rest of Us Leave your courtly manners behind! We'll tune up our bagpipes, shawms and rauschpfiefs and get cranking on the hurdy-gurdy. Raucous authentic medieval and renaissance music played on period instruments that will have you dancing, laughing and clapping.

A mixture of slightly skewed original songs and rockin' arrangements of jigs, reels, and other melodies from the British Isles and beyond.

For thousands of years, the people of Brittany have performed these simple, hypnotic, spiral and circle dances. Now it's your turn!

Songs of endurance, and songs that endure through "the general flow of balderdash", with strong vocals, choruses, and workmanlike guitar accompaniment.

Some of the best traditional songs celebrate birds, beasts, the moon and stars, oceans and forests, and other natural wonders. This group of singers will share some of their favorites.

Classic Delta and Piedmont Blues in the styles of the Masters; John Hurt, Son House, Robert Johnson, Leadbelly, and the likes of Sleepy John Estes, Tommy Johnson and Tommy McClennan

Humorous songs and parodies of traditional and trad-style songs. Tom Smith joins us in a round robin that'll keep you laughin' !

Kathy Westra sings traditional songs--and newer songs that sound like they could be traditional. Lyric songs, ballads and hymns from English, Scots, and North American sources, with guitar accompaniment.

Liam Hart explores the ballad tradition, in English and Irish, with a particular emphasis on songs of emigration and songs in praise of home.

Traditional New England barn dances such as Virginia Reel, Grand March, Portland Fancy, Paul Jones, The Tempest, La Plogeuse.

Traditional songs and tunes from North America and the British Isles, featuring pipes and concertina. Uilleann Pipes, Northumbrian Small Pipes, fiddle, citern, concertinas and voice will be used

Some dances from the Balkans are easy and quite accessible; others are tricky. In this workshop I will teach some trickier dances, but in a way that makes them accessible--and fun!

English country dances, all with "Trip to ___" as their title, a mix of dances from past centuries and more recent compositions

Jolly reels, lilting jigs, bouncing polkas, even a waltz or two -- Spinning Lily mixes fiddle, piano, autoharps, guitar, mandolin and more to set your toes tapping and your head spinning!

We play Turkish Folk Music from previous Ottoman lands: Crimea, Hungary, Balkans, Anatolia, Caucasus and Kirkuk (Irak).

Delight in the famous heroes, grand adventures, and great sentimentality of the Victorian Era. Songs from 19th Century Britain and America.

Please join "Three Quarter Time", a Boston area acoustic instrumental group that plays and leads 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 by ear, or use music notation that will be provided.

Waltz to the sumptuous sound of a nine piece orchestra playing everything but the usual standards.

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

Contras that feature heys, in various forms and configurations.

Sit this one out and really listen to the traditional contra dance music harmonies of strings and reeds as played by The French Connection: Deck Nieforth on Harmonica, Feet and Spoons; Dan Lanier on Fiddle and Guitar; Mike Fischman on Guitar and Mandolin.

Participatory dancing with Divi Zheni Women's Bulgarian Chorus and Band.

A panel of windplayers demonstrate the wide variety of wind styles among genres and individuals.

A musical look at women's relationships with the sea - and with sailors. Superb songs, salty to supernatural.

A voices on workshop for singers of traditional songs, covering all aspects of the effective communication of songs, use of the voice with power and accuracy, story telling, narrative, style

60 powerful adult and teen voices led by Village Harmony Directors Patty Cuyler and Larry Gordon present a thrilling range of world harmony singing traditions.

Yiddish Songs of Social and Political Struggle

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.

Dancing to a selection of Zwiefachers, easy to hard.