Press Release

The 44th annual 3-day Old Songs Festival of Traditional Music and Dance will be held on June 28, 29 & 30, 2024 at the Altamont Fairgrounds, in Altamont, NY near Albany, 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 evening concerts each night, there are over 100 daytime workshops, dances, and performances. Also featured are craft, food and instrument vendors, and a well-run children’s activity area.

There are three main stage concerts, each featuring multiple artists on Friday & Saturday from 6:30 – 11 pm, and Sunday 3:30 – 7 pm in the leafy, open-air main stage area (rain site also provided).

Music with Roots! Old Songs celebrates Folk, Celtic, Quebecois, Roots, Americana, and World music; from Ireland, England, the Middle East, West Africa, South Africa, China, Quebec, the Midwest. Appalachia, New England, and more. Hear traditional, fusion, and new music from Contemporary Musicians, Singers and Songwriters.

Sing, Dance, Jam, and Listen at this highly participatory event for the whole family, Old Songs encourages audience members to join jam sessions, take part in learn-how sessions, classes, sing sacred harp, or move their feet to our great dance bands.

School-age children who play an instrument can participate in the “Great Groove Band” during the festival with the help of music coaches and musical instruction. The band does a stage performance on Sunday.

Listen to featured performers, representing many regions and countries: with John McCutcheon • Les Arrivants • Walt Michael & Co. • Arise & Go • Robin & Linda Williams • Reggie Harris & Pat Wictor • Grosse Isle • The Ebony Hillbillies • Joe Jencks • Sharon Katz & the Peace Train • Cathy Fink, Marcy Marcer, & Chao Tian: From China to Appalachia • Yacouba Sissoko Trio • Rhythm Future Quartet • Cris Williamson • Kay Justice & Sam Gleaves • Elizabeth LaPrelle & the Family Band • Annie & the Hedonists • Larry Hanks & Deborah Robins • Anne Hills • Rory Makem • Dirty Blue Shirts • Stove Dragon • The Moving Violations • Dave Eisenstadter • Adina Gordon • Lee Murdock • George Wilson • John Roberts • Deb Cowan • Steve Turner • Deirdre & Sean Murtha • Chris Koldewey • Stefan Amidon • John Dickson • Alan Thomson • Ron Gordon • Ron Bruschi • Jake Thomas • The Great Groove Band • Roger the Jester • and more!