Old Songs Festival, June 27/28

Bloomfield · Post by **Bloomfield** » Wed Jun 18, 2003 10:45 am

I just heard about this Festival. Thought some might be interested.

Top-billing act is Fairport Convention. Well. I would have loved to see them in 1969, or even 1975. But in 2003? ( But maybe that's just me.)

But there are other acts that sound very interesting like uillean piper Brian MacNamara from Clare. It may also be one of the last chances to see and hear Faith Petric. And quite a bit of contra dances for those who appreciate it.

http://www.oldsongs.org/festival/index.html

There is also an interesting sounding band, Le Vent Du Nord, from Quebec. Does anybody know about them?

TomB · Post by **TomB** » Wed Jun 18, 2003 10:56 am

This is probably not particulary helpful, but I do know that one of the members, Benoit Bourqe, was formerly a memeber of the group Matapat. I had the pleasure of seeing Matapat perform several years ago, and it was great fun. Very infectious music and great showmanship. If Le Vent Du Nord is anything like that, it would be a good time.

All the Best, Tom

brewerpaul · Post by **brewerpaul** » Wed Jun 18, 2003 11:59 am

Old Songs is a terrific festival, run largely through the efforts of the nice people at Andy's Front Hall. In addition to many varied performances of all sorts of traditional music, there are opportunities for contra dancing, dealers of various crafts including musical instruments. My friend Eric Marczak who makes terrific Native American flutes will be showing them there. I hope to get over for at least a coupla hours, maybe on Sunday afternoon. A great way to expose yourself to new/old and interesting types of music.
If anyone plans to be in the area, drop me a line-- I live about 45 min away.

Bloomfield · Post by **Bloomfield** » Wed Jun 18, 2003 12:03 pm

I just saw that they will also be offering pennywhistle classes. Beginners with George Ward, and intermediate with Ray Wall. Sorry to say I don't know either of them.

http://www.oldsongs.org/festival/Classes.html

brewerpaul · Post by **brewerpaul** » Thu Jun 19, 2003 11:26 am

Both George Ward and Ray Wall are semi-local players, and both are great. Ray is an Irishman who owns a terrific Mexican restaurant in Albany ( el Cafe Loco), and plays killer pipes and hammer dulcimer in addition to whistle and flute. I went to his workshop several years ago, and found it very helpful.