Old-Time Music
is the name used as long ago as the 1920's for the dance tunes, songs and solo
pieces people played for entertainment before radio and recordings caused most
people to put their instruments away.
With roots in Ireland and northern Europe, and African influences, the music
adatpted to many American environments as it was played and passed from person
to person. New tunes were "made" and became part of the tradition.
Banjos joined fiddles, and when the era of the mail-order catalog came, guitars
were added, too.
By the mid-1920's, the new recording industry in the United States became interested
in recording the traditional dance tunes. Sentimental and religious songs also
became part of the old-time music captured on heavy 78 RPM discs.
Old-time music at its best is tunes and songs and the stories that give them life.
Played from the heart, the music conveys the feelings and stories of those who
played it first.
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Tom's radio program
In The Tradition
airs on WDIY 88.1 FM
every Wednesday
from 7 to 9 pm
"American music from the
roots to the branches"
He can also be heard
on WXLV 90.3 FM
every Thursday
from noon to 4 pm
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A New Festival!
Little Cat Records (that's us) is proud to be a sponsor of the First Annual Maidencreek Old Time Music Festival,
being held on Sunday, August 30, 2009 at Maier's Grove in Blandon, PA. There'll be workshops, concerts, good times,
and refreshments! Please CLICK HERE to download a
festival flyer, then plan to come out and join us on August 30!
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Upcoming Events
- July 5, 2009
Second Annual Freedom Fest, Allentown, PA
Sponsored by WXLV, and held at the
America on Wheels Museum.
With Tavern Tan and others. Continue your July 4th celebration
by visiting Allentown's newest museum, and helping WXLV celebrate their unique blend of roots music. This one's with
Norm Williams. Listen to 90.3 FM for more details, although you should give them a try anyway.
www.wxlv.org
- July 11, 2009
Music in the Valley Day, Quiet Valley Farm, Stroudsburg, PA
This will be the third Music in the Valley Day at Quiet Valley. You can join all of us for music, take a tour of the farm,
enjoy the animals and the peaceful atmosphere, or go right to the sausage sandwiches and apple dumplings. Regional musicians
lend their time and talents to share with farm visitors and volunteers; we'll end the evening with a square dance (suitable
for families and beginners) called by Kutztown legend
Keith Brintzenhoff. He's funny in two
languages — English and Pennsylvania German. Join us!
www.quietvalley.org
- July 16, 2009
Private Event - Fogelsville, PA
At the Glasbern Inn.
- July 26-31, 2009
Discover Augusta Week at the Augusta Heritage Center, Elkins, WV
A week to spend with family and to experience folk arts, dance and music at the best music and dance program in the United
States. You can start to play dulcimer, guitar, banjo, or fiddle, learn to weave and make baskets, learn from traditional
musicians and artists who are experienced teachers, and enjoy the Augusta experience. Bluegrass Week and Teen Week happen
at the same time.
www.augustaheritage.com
- August 14, 2009 - 7:30 pm
Indian Valley Public Library, Telford, PA
This is one of our favorite places to go back to. People come to listen, to read and listen, ask great questions and enjoy
the music and stories. It's part of their Second Friday event series.
www.ivpl.org
- August 23, 2009 - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Emmaus Farmers' Market, Emmaus, PA
There will be lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and all of the most up-to-date information about the Maidencreek
Festival to come next week. We'll play and sing, watch the children dance to the music, listen to the neighborly
visiting, and shop for good food.
www.emmausmarket.com
- August 30, 2009 - 11:00 am - 8:30 pm
First Annual Maidencreek Old-Time Music Festival, Blandon, PA
We've talked for a long time about starting a festival, and now, with Paula Taylor's and Norm Williams' help, it's going
to happen! There will be workshops during the day, a noontime concert and an evening concert, and food provided by the
Blandon Lions Club. Featured teachers and performers include us, Norm Williams, Ted Fenstermaker, Mike Hertzog, Mike Andrews
and Paula Taylor, Judy Terwilliger, Mighty Fine Line String Band and others. All in a beautiful, shaded picnic grove, with
covered areas for workshops and trees for jamming beneath. Workshops for beginning fiddle, advancing fiddle,
hammered and lap dulcimer, guitar, clawhammer banjo, singing, playing in a string band and a special opportunity for young
students to play with others their own age. You'll need a chair, a recording device, an instrument and tuner, and a
sunny attitude. Some instruments may be available on the day of the festival for daily rental; if you know now that you'll
need to rent, talk with Paula at Meadowoood Music (phone 610-916-1285). Don't miss this old-time, old-fashioned event!
Tickets are available at Meadowood Music and through the Blandon Lions Club.
- September 11-13, 2009
Greenwood Furnace Folk Gathering, Huntingdon County, PA
Last year was our first time at this gathering of musicians and friends for a weekend of mostly old-time, mostly Pennsylvania
music, and we're glad to be going back again. Workshops and jams during the day, camping right in the middle of everything,
dances and sings in the evenings. The gathering takes place at the
Greenwood Furnace State Park,
a wonderful setting for a very friendly event where the emphasis is on sharing music. With
Simple Gifts and others.
www.simplegiftsmusic.com/greenwood
- September 20, 2009 - all day
Lyons Fall Fiddle Festival, Lyons, PA
Fresh cider, the traditional fiddle contest and gospel service at the end of the day, lots and lots of jamming. Not to be missed!
www.lyonsfiddlefest.com
- October 10, 2009 - 2:00 pm
Southern Lehigh Public Library, Center Valley, PA
With Mark Twain (as ably portrayed by C. Kiernan). The Library has planned a full day of events for everyone.
www.solehipl.org
- October 10 & 11, 2009
Harvest Festival, Quiet Valley Farm, Stroudsburg, PA
This is the big fall craft demonstration, with apprentices from the Farm's programs showing their skills and talents, lots
of food, and some musicians, too.
www.quietvalley.org
We also host two old-time jams each month:
- First Tuesday of each month at
Godfrey Daniels
in Bethlehem, an open old-time jam from 7-9:00 p.m. Admission ($2.50 to play or listen)
helps to cover the electric bill!
- Fourth Friday of each month at
Meadowood Music
in Blandon, PA, along Route 222. 7-9:00 p.m. Free.
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