Folk Song Society of Greater Boston

06/25/2023

FSSGB Sing at the Old Songs Festival today! Lots of great songs and singers - from as far away as Australia!

06/16/2023

Hi, FSSGB members and friends,

Please note that due to the forecasted thunderstorms, and the preference of many members to sing outdoors (for safety's sake), we're going to reschedule the singing party that was originally scheduled for Saturday, June 17.

We were hoping to have a rain date ready to announce in this message, but summer weekends are tricky, and it seems important to get the word out as soon as possible about rescheduling (even before a new date is lined up). We'll announce the new date as soon as possible.

The election for the FSSGB Board of Directors will still be taking place on the 17th at 1pm (more like 1:30pm, actually) at the original location in Acton, MA - because there's no time to officially notify members of a change in writing (which is stipulated in the bylaws regarding the annual meeting.) We already have a quorum of folks who are willing to attend to vote for the Board for 2023-2024, so you don't need to haul yourself to Acton just to attend the 5-minute-long meeting...but if you really want to be part of the democratic process, comment here to let us know.

05/03/2023

FSSGB is hosting a Martha Burns House Concert at a private home in Cambridge, MA on Saturday, May 20 at 7pm ET. General admission: $20, $5 for students. Reservations required: email [email protected] for reservations and directions.

COVID-19 rules:
All attendees must assert that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including as many booster shots as you are eligible for. (We're using the honor system; no need to show vax card at the door.) This can be done over email when reserving a seat.
All attendees must wear masks through the entire event.
Antigen tests are recommended but not required.
Please stay home if you feel unwell that day!

Martha Burns sings old-time songs the old-time way. Heart songs, cowboy songs, tragic ballads, and comic ditties. Songs from the mountains and songs from the range. Songs from the earliest period of recorded country music and songs never sung in a studio. Her haunting voice is perfectly suited to her old-time repertoire. An accomplished guitarist, Martha’s accompaniments bring out the pith in a song. She has been singing and playing American folk music since Hoover was in the White House—well, almost—and has performed throughout North America and abroad.

04/15/2023

04/10/2023

The Folk Song Society of Greater Boston is hosting this discussion at the New England Folk Festival - members of folk organizations, concert organizers, and interested folks are invited to join a roundtable discussion about the evolution of folk organizations. How do we grow our organizations? What's the best way to attract new members and keep it all going?

You will have to pay admission to the festival to attend this discussion - more info about all things NEFFA Festival here, INCLUDING INFO ABOUT HOW YOU CAN VOLUNTEER IN EXCHANGE FOR ADMISSION! https://www.neffa.org/fol.../new-england-folk-festival-2023/ #

04/10/2023

It's time to start planning your trip to the New England Folk Festival (called "NEFFA" by it's friends!) - polish up a song to share under the Trade Show Tent at the FSSGB Song Swap. NEFFA is happening live this year and we're excited to be part of this amazing folk festival happening in Marlborough, MA. You will have to pay admission to the festival to attend the FSSGB Song Swap - more info about all things NEFFA Festival here, INCLUDING INFO ABOUT HOW YOU CAN VOLUNTEER IN EXCHANGE FOR ADMISSION! https://www.neffa.org/folk-festival/new-england-folk-festival-2023/ #

03/29/2023

Don't miss our hybrid house concert and in-person workshop coming up in April with Andy Cohen!

Andy Cohen is a virtuoso finger-style guitarist who has been described as “a walking, talking folk-blues-roots music encyclopedia.” He grew up in a home with a piano and lots of Dixieland Jazz records. During the Sixties Folk Revival, he got hooked on the music of Big Bill Broonzy and the Jim Kweskin Jug Band. When Andy was 16, he heard South Carolina’s Rev. Gary Davis perform and the effect on him was profound. He has devoted his life to studying, performing, and promoting traditional blues and folk music of the pre-World War II era. Andy has toured solo, as well as with Martin, Bogan and Armstrong, John Jackson, Rev. Gary Davis, Brother Daniel Womack, Rev. Dan Smith, Jim Brewer, and Honeyboy Edwards. He also worked extensively with Walt and Ethel Phelps, Big Joe Duskin, Pigmeat Jarrett, Etta Baker, Big Boy Henry, and James "Son" Thomas.

Andy has more than a dozen recordings to his credit, including Oh Glory, How Happy I Am: The Sacred Songs of Rev. Gary Davis and Andrew M. Cohen: Dolceola Favorites. An enthusiastic proponent of the dolceola, Andy says he “never leaves home without it.” Described by some as a “miniature piano,” the dolceola has a keyboard, but the strings are struck with wooden mallets.

Along the way, Andy earned a Master’s Degree in anthropology. His passions come together in his essay on “The Hands of Blues Guitarists,” published in Ramblin’ On My Mind: New Perspectives On the Blues, edited by David Evans (2008).

At an Andy Cohen concert, expect to hear blues rooted in Mississippi, the Piedmont, Memphis, and Chicago, as well as some ragtime, gospel, and original tunes.

In 2011 Andy received the Eisteddfod Award from The Eisteddfod Traditional Music Festival. Festival Director Dr. Jerome Epstein said, “We decided to give the award to Andy, one of this year’s performers, because of his outstanding contributions to the field of traditional music, as performer, collector, and advocate.” In 2012 Andy received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the California Autoharp Gathering.

01/22/2023

01/19/2023

Please join us online on Jan. 21, 2023 at 7 pm ET for the annual FSSGB Members' Concert! This is a favorite event of the year for many of us — an opportunity to delight in the rich and diverse talents of FSSGB members, old and new. The show will be co-hosted by Paul Beck and Lori Fassman.

All performers will be in the Zoom meeting (muted during others' performances), and the show will be livestreamed to Facebook so everyone else can watch. (You don't need to have a Facebook account to watch the livestream.) Check the Events page on FSSGB for details on how to watch: https://www.fssgb.org/fssconc.shtml
We will accept donations during the performance which will benefit FSSGB scholarships to enable young Boston-area musicians to attend folk music camps.

01/04/2023

All FSSGB members are invited to sign up to perform one song or tune at the upcoming FSSGB Members' Concert. Please contact Lori Fassman ([email protected], 978-264-9710) by January 15 to reserve a spot.

Please join us online on Jan. 21, 2023 at 7 pm ET for the annual FSSGB Members' Concert! This is a favorite event of the year for many of us — an opportunity to delight in the rich and diverse talents of FSSGB members, old and new. The show will be co-hosted by Paul Beck and Lori Fassman.

All performers will be in the Zoom meeting (muted during others' performances), and the show will be livestreamed to Facebook so everyone else can watch. (You don't need to have a Facebook account to watch the livestream.)

We will accept donations during the performance which will benefit FSSGB scholarships to enable young Boston-area musicians to attend folk music camps.

12/18/2022

Please join us online on Jan. 21, 2023 at 7 pm ET for the annual FSSGB Members' Concert! This is a favorite event of the year for many of us — an opportunity to delight in the rich and diverse talents of FSSGB members, old and new. The show will be co-hosted by Paul Beck and Lori Fassman.

All FSSGB members are invited to sign up to perform one song or tune. Please contact Lori Fassman ([email protected], 978-264-9710) by January 15 to reserve a spot.

All performers will be in the Zoom meeting (muted during others' performances), and the show will be livestreamed to Facebook so everyone else can watch. (You don't need to have a Facebook account to watch the livestream.)

We will accept donations during the performance which will benefit FSSGB. Once we're allowed to convene in public again, much of that money will go to scholarships which enable young Boston-area musicians to attend folk music camps.

12/04/2022

Please join us!

12/04/2022

It's almost here! Join us on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2 pm for the virtual FSSGB Holiday Singing Party!

12/04/2022

Today (Dec. 4) at 2 pm! Check our Events page on our website for more information about how to join us on Zoom or watch the livestream. https://www.fssgb.org/

12/01/2022

Join us for a virtual FSSGB Holiday Singing Party - Sunday Dec. 4 from 2-4 pm. Several folks will kick off the event by sharing seasonal songs, then we'll open the virtual floor to anyone else who would like to share. Got a favorite winter song? It's your turn to shine!

We'll build in some time for people to socialize, before and after the singing. This should be a lot of fun! Keep an eye on the website (https://www.fssgb.org/) and watch your email for details - you'll be able to zoom in or watch the livestream on our page.

11/24/2022

A fitting song for tonight. Sending you peace and love at Thanksgiving.

11/20/2022

Join the Folk Song Society of Greater Boston for an afternoon of seasonal songs!

It's almost time to snuggle down and tune in to the FSSGB Holiday Singing Party! Join us Sunday, Dec. 4 starting at 2 pm ET - no reservations necessary for this virtual event.

A few people will take turns leading songs, and others will be able to sing along from their homes. (We know, it's not as much fun as all singing together in person, but it's the best we can do for now.)

We'll build in some time for people to socialize, before and after the singing. This should be a lot of fun! Keep an eye on the website (www.fssgb.org) and email for details - you'll be able to zoom in or watch the livestream on our page.

11/20/2022

It's almost time to snuggle down and tune in to the FSSGB Holiday Singing Party! Join us Sunday, Dec. 4 starting at 2 pm ET - no reservations necessary for this virtual event.

A few people will take turns leading songs, and others will be able to sing along from their homes. (We know, it's not as much fun as all singing together in person, but it's the best we can do for now.)

We'll build in some time for people to socialize, before and after the singing. This should be a lot of fun! Keep an eye on the website (www.fssgb.org) and email for details - you'll be able to zoom in or watch the livestream on our page.

11/13/2022

Join us!

10/19/2022

FSSGB is hosting a Larry Kaplan House Concert on Sunday, November 13, 2022, at 1:30pm ET on Zoom and FB Live. (There is no longer an in-person element for this concert.)

Join us on Zoom to chat before and after, or watch the livestream on this page live.
Donations will be requested via PayPal during the livestream.
Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81165620059?pwd=MlZpd0pOanZHMjBVOUhHeWIvdDV0dz09
FB Live:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100048914636506&sk=live_videos

"Old Zeb," "Song for Gale," "Song for The Bowdoin", "Get Her Into Shore," "Selling The Isabel" -- just a few examples of the extensive offering of some of the best contemporary ballads from New England, along its shores, and beyond you will find in modern folk music today. His songs have been performed and recorded by many respected artists and audiences around the world—compositions respectful of tradition, poignant stories in song, honest, highly singable… always memorable.

Born in Boston, Larry now calls both London, England, and Essex, Connecticut home. He worked for many years on traditional vessels in Maine, sailed on and helped restore the Schooner, Bowdoin, and has released four CDs through Folk Legacy Records, "Worth All The Telling," "Songs For An August Moon," "Furthermore," and his newest, "True Enough." No Depression, the Folk Roots Magazine has called Larry’s music "some of the most finely crafted songs in folk music today." He is the recipient of multiple best folk CDs of the year by leading folk radio programs across the US and Europe, and tours regularly in Europe as well as across the US. A multi-instrumentalist and fine singer, Larry is very pleased to share his fine music with us.

10/06/2022

We've decided to postpone this concert until Spring of 2023. Thanks everyone!

09/20/2022

THIS CONCERT IS POSTPONED TO SPRING 2023.

Martha Burns sings old-time American folk songs the old-time way. Heart songs, cowboy songs, tragic ballads and comic ditties – songs from the mountains and songs from the range. Songs from the earliest period of recorded country music and songs never sung in a studio. Her haunting voice is perfectly suited to her old-time repertoire. An accomplished guitarist, Martha's accompaniments bring out the pith in a song. She has been singing and playing American folk music since Hoover was in the White House - well, almost - and has performed throughout North America and abroad.

Martha grew up in Greenwich Village in the 1950s and sixties, during the height of the Folk Revival. The New Lost City Ramblers and the Friends of Old-Time Music were first bringing the greats of early country music to national attention. Harry Smith’s pioneering Anthology of American Folk Music, the first major re-issue of early folk music 78s, came out the year she was born—the New Lost City Ramblers Songbook, when she was twelve. Martha gained much of her education in folk music on Sunday afternoons in Washington Square Park. When Doc Watson played at the tiny Gaslight Café on Macdougal Street, she was there—with her mother.

More info: www.fssgb.org

09/16/2022

Just a couple of quick reminders before our concert with Windborne tomorrow night!

We are accepting only cash at the door, and it would really speed things up if you can bring exact change ($20).

Spotlighting the Covid-19 precautions -

All attendees must assert that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including as many booster shots as you are eligible for. (We're using the honor system; no need to show vax card at the door.) This will be done at the door when you pay admission.

All attendees must wear masks through the entire event. There will be no refreshments served so there's no need to remove masks.

See you soon!

The Folk Song Society of Greater Boston is thrilled to present the highly-acclaimed group, Windborne, in a live concert in Watertown, MA on Saturday, September 17 at 7 pm. The doors will open at 6:30 pm at the First Parish of Watertown, 35 Church Street, Watertown, MA. There will be a $20 cash general admission, and all children 17 and under are free. Tickets can only be purchased at the door and this is a live, in-person event. The venue is handicapped accessible.

Special COVID-19 rules:

All attendees must assert that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including as many booster shots as you are eligible for. (We're using the honor system; no need to show vax card at the door.) This will be done at the door when you pay admission.

All attendees must wear masks through the entire event. There will be no refreshments served so there's no need to remove masks.

Windborne’s captivating show draws on the singers' deep roots in traditions of vocal harmony, while the absolute uniqueness of their artistic approach brings old songs into the present. Known for the innovation of their arrangements, their harmonies are bold and anything but predictable.

With a 20-year background studying polyphonic music around the world, Lauren Breunig, Jeremy Carter-Gordon, Lynn Rowan, and Will Rowan share a vibrant energy onstage with a blending of voices that can only come from decades of friendship alongside dedicated practice. The ensemble shifts effortlessly between drastically different styles of music, drawing their audience along on a journey that spans continents and centuries, illuminating and expanding on the profound power and variation of the human voice. The singers educate as they entertain, sharing stories about their songs and explaining the context and characteristics of the styles in which they sing.

BBC Traveling Folk describes Windborne as “subverting expectations and redefining the genre… just absolutely phenomenal!” Audiences and critics lavish praise upon the singers not only for their technical mastery, but for the passion, engagement, and connection with each other and the audience that imbues each performance with a rare power.

But there’s another, crucial dimension to Windborne that guides and roots their artistry. They are adherents to folk music’s longtime alliance with social activism, labor and civil rights, and other movements that champion the oppressed, the poor, and the disenfranchised. Their latest project, Of Hard Times & Harmony, explores themes of social consciousness, singing in four languages and showcasing the depth of emotion their voices can evoke, as well as moments of true hilarity and wit

The group is committed to bringing vocal traditions to a younger audience and over the past year has found surprisingly viral success on TikTok for such unlikely genres as Corsican polyphony or early 20th century labor anthems.

09/14/2022

Hi all! We're looking for someone to help us at the front door for the Windborne concert coming up this Saturday (Sept 17), 7pm. You get free admission in exchange for your labors, but may miss the first few minutes of the concert. Doors open at 6:30pm so volunteer should be there a wee bit before that. You'd help take money from people as they file in ($20 a person so no need to make change unless people come in with fancy bills) and ask a couple of COVID screening questions. Since this is a money handling job, ideally this person would be "known to us" (you know who you are. ;)) Comment here or send email to [email protected] if you're interested.

09/07/2022

The Folk Song Society of Greater Boston is thrilled to present the highly-acclaimed group, Windborne, in a live concert in Watertown, MA on Saturday, September 17 at 7 pm. The doors will open at 6:30 pm at the First Parish of Watertown, 35 Church Street, Watertown, MA. There will be a $20 cash general admission, and all children 17 and under are free. Tickets can only be purchased at the door and this is a live, in-person event. The venue is handicapped accessible.

Special COVID-19 rules:

All attendees must assert that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including as many booster shots as you are eligible for. (We're using the honor system; no need to show vax card at the door.) This will be done at the door when you pay admission.

All attendees must wear masks through the entire event. There will be no refreshments served so there's no need to remove masks.

Windborne’s captivating show draws on the singers' deep roots in traditions of vocal harmony, while the absolute uniqueness of their artistic approach brings old songs into the present. Known for the innovation of their arrangements, their harmonies are bold and anything but predictable.

With a 20-year background studying polyphonic music around the world, Lauren Breunig, Jeremy Carter-Gordon, Lynn Rowan, and Will Rowan share a vibrant energy onstage with a blending of voices that can only come from decades of friendship alongside dedicated practice. The ensemble shifts effortlessly between drastically different styles of music, drawing their audience along on a journey that spans continents and centuries, illuminating and expanding on the profound power and variation of the human voice. The singers educate as they entertain, sharing stories about their songs and explaining the context and characteristics of the styles in which they sing.

BBC Traveling Folk describes Windborne as “subverting expectations and redefining the genre… just absolutely phenomenal!” Audiences and critics lavish praise upon the singers not only for their technical mastery, but for the passion, engagement, and connection with each other and the audience that imbues each performance with a rare power.

But there’s another, crucial dimension to Windborne that guides and roots their artistry. They are adherents to folk music’s longtime alliance with social activism, labor and civil rights, and other movements that champion the oppressed, the poor, and the disenfranchised. Their latest project, Of Hard Times & Harmony, explores themes of social consciousness, singing in four languages and showcasing the depth of emotion their voices can evoke, as well as moments of true hilarity and wit

The group is committed to bringing vocal traditions to a younger audience and over the past year has found surprisingly viral success on TikTok for such unlikely genres as Corsican polyphony or early 20th century labor anthems.

06/30/2022

There are still seats available for the Sam Gleaves and Deborah Payne house concert (outdoors in Acton MA) this Saturday (rain date: Sunday, which is looking likely!) Send email to [email protected] to make a reservation.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1432595587184726

06/17/2022

Anyone coming to tomorrow's singing party (2-5pm in Acton) from the Belmont area? We have a lovely couple looking for a ride to and from the party. Comment here if you can help out, or send email to [email protected].

https://www.facebook.com/events/732519371207351

06/13/2022

Some of you were in Essex this weekend to witness the birth of the new Connecticut Sea Music Festival. If you weren’t there, you’ll have to put it on your calendar for next year! Either way, you’re sure to enjoy Jerry Bryant’s new song about the festival: https://youtu.be/uBe4-uVmkHQ

Our beloved Jerry Bryant presenting his new song, to the melody of Mary Ellen Carter, commemorating the new Connecticut Sea Music Festival, 2022, in Essex, C...

05/06/2022

Join us!

05/01/2022

We are thrilled to have Ian Robb with James Stephens House Concert (online) on Friday, May 6, 2022, 7 pm ET - since it's virtual, anyone, anywhere can tune in!

Please join us on Zoom (so you can chat with us before and after the concert) - find the link on our Concerts and Events page at www.fssgb.org - or - this concert will be livestreamed to Facebook (no Facebook account required) - just come to our Folk Song Society of Greater Boston page at the time of the concert and look for the livestream (*LIKE* our page to make it easier to find!). No reservations are required. Audience is encouraged to make a donation for the performers. We will share the donation link at the concert.

A founding member of the award-winning Friends of Fiddler’s Green, and a third of the acclaimed vocal harmony trio Finest Kind, Ian Robb is one of North America’s most respected singers of English traditional song, with a singing career spanning more than 30 years. He bought his first English concertina in the 1970s, using it first for song accompaniment, and gradually evolving a solid, rhythmic style of playing dance tunes. Ian has been a long-time builder and advocate of the folk music scene; he co-founded the Old Sod Folk Music Society of Ottawa, served several years as a regular columnist for Come for to Sing and Sing Out! Magazines, and has been a board member of the Canadian Folk Music Society and Canadian Vice-President of Local 1000, the travelling musicians’ union. In addition to his work with The Friends of Fiddler’s Green and FinestKind, Ian has three previous solo albums to his credit.

Perhaps best-known as a record producer (winner of the 2003 Porcupine Award as Producer of the Year), James Stephens is one of Canada’s most versatile and inventive fiddle players, mastering a multitude of styles from Cape Breton to Bluegrass, Québecois to Appalachian Old Time, Irish to Ottawa Valley. James plays "anything that has four strings", and works his way through viola, violin, mandolin and tenor guitar in the course of a performance. He has played with a Who’s Who of Canadian folk music, from Lynn Miles to Finest Kind, and has a shady previous life in classical and rock music.

"James has worked with such a variety of singer-songwriters, traditional musicians, fiddlers and God knows what over the years, I think every one of them has informed his ability," said Ian from his Ottawa home. "It’s one of the reasons I had no hesitation in asking James to be on this project. I’ve worked with him for many years, and I know he understands where I’m coming from and my aesthetic when it comes to traditional music."

Ian and James have been making music together for 25 years, and there's a strong mutual admiration between the two artists.

04/18/2022

Join us this Friday night, April 22, 2022 at 7 pm online (in the Chorus Room) for a special Folk Song Society of Greater Boston Singalong at the virtual NEFFA Festival. We will have Lynn Feingold, Lori Fassman, Cate Clifford, Jeff Keller, Merle Roesler, Deb O'Hanlon and Peter Fischman sharing some great folk songs with us - you can sing along at home (on mute!).

You must register online at www.neffa.org to be able to come to the online Festival to see us! Registration is free but we hope that you consider donating something to help support this amazing festival!

HINT: Go to www.neffa.org and hit the big blue "Register" button to enter your name and email address, then hit the big blue "Register" button on that page. The next page you see will be the "lobby" of the festival with big red buttons for the different rooms (each one is a different zoom room) where the entertainment is happening. We'll be in the Chorus Room!

01/23/2022

Join us!

12/13/2021

Join us!

12/05/2021

Please join us!

11/05/2021

Please join us!

06/19/2021

06/13/2021

02/05/2021

What an amazing concert we were treated to tonight! Congratulations to John McCutcheon and his guests for one of the best virtual performances of the pandemic! ❤️