"I have a sweet tooth for song and music. This is my Polish sin." ~ Pope John Paul II

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

Today will find me at The Old Songs Festival, in Altamont, NY.

"Old Songs is a family-friendly festival of folk, traditional, Celtic and world music and dance, known for its relaxed atmosphere, interactive sessions and workshops, hands-on experience and participatory nature. In addition to three concerts there are 120 daytime workshops given by performers. Also featured are a juried craft show, food and instrument vendors, and a well-run children's activity area."

My mother and one of my sisters have been going to Old Songs for many years. With it right on the heels of closing out a school year, I just didn't get myself to it till a few years ago.  I'm so glad that I finally did! 

Held at the Altamont Fairgrounds, the festival takes place on the grounds and in the buildings (as in cattle barn, sheep barn, etc.), and is spread over a wide, though very accessible area.  There is music from all over the world and if you go to the schedule, you will see that performances are run simultaneously day-in and day-out. This can make it difficult to decide on where to be and when.

Enjoy a clip showing all of the things that the festival has to offer! 

As I did last year, I have poured over the list of performers and their scheduled times for this year's festival, sampling some of their music online in order to narrow the field.  Here are a few examples of those that I hope to see today:

Ellis 

( I saw her perform here last year - amazing!)

Galant, Tu Perds Ton Temps

   

Andrew and Noah Band

Nuala Kennedy

Brother Sun

Cassie and Maggie MacDonald

So - a small sampling of what awaits me today!  I plan to return here on Wednesday with pictures and a full report - until then - Welcome Summer!