Spring Weekend of Folk Music May 23, 2008

Enjoy a friendly music-filled weekend at bucolic Kislak Adult Center in Lake Como, PA. Concerts, workshops and classes by Serre l'Écoute -from Quebec; Lissa Schneckenburger, fiddler extraordinaire; Robbie Wedeen, singer/songwriter; Chris Koldewey, singer and chanteyman; and David Harvey, expert dance caller. Plus a camper concert where the applause is for you. Plenty of opportunity for informal participatory and singing and jamming, socializing, walking, swimming (heated outdoor pool), and relaxing.

Folk Music Society of New York, Inc. / New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club, an all volunteer organization, tries to maximize participation in traditional music by running events that are so much fun that no one can resist joining in. The spring music weekend kicks off with dinner followed by a "Meet the Staff' and "Get to know each other" program on Friday evening. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday are filled with music and dance workshops/classes including fiddle (both French-Canadian and New England styles), French-Canadian song, New England song, song writing, dance (both French-Canadian and New England squares and contras), and a host of others. A schedule will be posted on our web site, www.folkmusicny.org. In the evenings there are staff concerts, followed by dancing for all levels. Late-night jamming and singing is encouraged. And there’s also walking, chats, and lots of opportunities for informal participatory jamming and singing; or you can simply enjoy the scenery and unwind.

Serre l'Écoute, from Quebec, is composed of Gabrielle Bouthillier, (voice, accordion), Liette Remon (voice, fiddle and foot tapping), and Robert Bouthillier, (voice). They are singers, musicians and song collectors who sing mostly songs coming from their own collections and stay as close as possible to the traditional expertise and style.

Fiddler and singer Lissa Schneckenburger is a master of the traditional music of New England. A winsome, sweet-voiced singer who brings new life to old ballads, and a skillful, dynamic fiddler who captures the driving rhythm and carefree joy of dance tunes old and new.

Robbie Wedeen is a singer-songwriter of warmth and wit with original songs drawn from diverse musical forms. Her songs express a modern view of women within the creative vitality of the American folk tradition.

David Harvey has been calling contra, square, circle and couples dances in the New England tradition for over 15 years. David is also an avid step dancer and, has performed at festivals and concerts both in the Appalachian and Cape Breton traditions. David currently organizes and calls at the monthly NYC Barn Dance held in Manhattan.

Chris Koldewey joins us as a chanteyman. Chris brings a wealth of knowledge of American history and an impressive arsenal of instrumental and vocal skills with him, as well as an irrepressible sense of humor.

Camper led workshop/classes are participatory sessions led by the wonderful musicians and singers attending the weekend. Two Camper Concerts invite everyone to come and sign up to strut your stuff, be it singing, playing, reciting a monologue, or whatever.

Camp Kislak is approximately three hours from New York City by car, and Short Line bus transportation is available. A transportation coordinator may be able to arrange rides to the camp.

More information and a reservation form with rates are available at www.folkmusicny.org. Or reservations may be made directly at www.springfolkweekend.eventbrite.com/. Information: 718-549-1344 (after 11AM).

Official Website: http://www.folkmusicny.org