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This online video archive began in April 2020. With your support it will continue to grow for years to come, serving as a valued resource for those who find inspiration in Nature, Music, History, and Art.

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Uke Fest Revue 2023

Steven Espaniola, Neal Chin, Danielle Ate the Sandwich, Eve Goldberg, Gracie Terzian, and Ben Hassenger
The Ashokan Center is proud to present this evening concert to showcase the fabulous 2023 Uke Fest teaching staff. Enjoy a big evening of music and fun from these masters of the ukulele.
Uke Fest 2023

Scottish String Fling Concert 2023

Alasdair Fraser, Natalie Haas, Emerald Rae, Donal Sheets, Jay Ungar, Molly Mason
A lively concert of Scottish fiddle & cello music with the renowned teaching staff of the 2023 Scottish String Fling at Ashokan. Don't miss the grand finale: a rousing medley performed by the entire camp!
Scottish String Fling 2023

Scottish String Fling Concert 2022

Alasdair Fraser, Natalie Haas, Emerald Rae, Donal Sheets, Jay Ungar, Molly Mason
A lively concert of Scottish fiddle & cello music with the renowned teaching staff of the 2022 Scottish String Fling at Ashokan. Don't miss the grand finale: a rousing medley performed by the entire camp!
Scottish String Fling 2022

Waltz-a-Thon 2022

Jay Ungar & Molly Mason invite you to join in as we embark on our first-ever Waltz-a-Thon, a live-streamed concert with generously donated waltz performances from Alasdair & Natalie Haas, Della Mae, David Bromberg, Larry Baione, Sharon Leahy & Rick Good, Tony Trischka, Ruby John, Della Mae, Robin & Linda Williams, Junior Daugherty, Dave Davies, Randy Elmore, Aoife O'Donovan, The Milk Carton Kids, Jacqueline Schwab, The Russet Trio, Mike + Ruthy, Annie & The Hedonists, Spare Parts, Andrew & Noah Van Norstrand, Mitch & Jenn Reed, Wild Asparagus, The Whippersnappers, John & Tom Krumm, Calvin Vollrath, Tim Ball, Karen Axelrod, Mary Lea & Kate Barnes, Russ Barenberg, Pascal Gemme, Lissa Schneckenberger & Bethany Waickman, Ivan & Vivian Hicks, Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole, Pete Sutherland, James Mason, Stanley Fowler, Max Rainwater, Victor Lissabet, Donna Hebert,  AND MORE!!
Waltz-a-Thon 2022

Taking our Water For Their City

April Beisaw
(Broadcast live from Ashokan Dec 5, 2021) April Beisaw reveals her in-depth data and analysis of regional impact in the NY communities of Kent and Olive following land-takings and reservoir construction by NYC. She shares historic maps, articles, and archaeological discoveries pertaining to these displaced communities, including many woman-owned businesses that once thrived along the Ulster & Delaware Railroad in the Town of Olive before the creation of the Ashokan Reservoir.

A Fiddler’s Tale

Jay Ungar
(Broadcast live from Ashokan Nov 14, 2021) Explore the life of musician, composer, and community event organizer, Jay Ungar as interviewed by his daughter Ruth Ungar Merenda on his 75th birthday.

Permaculture Food & Energy Security

Andrew Faust
(Broadcast live Oct 3, 2021) Permaculture designer and educator Andrew Faust of the Center for Bioregional Living shares a vision for greater food and energy independence in our local region.

Evolution of American Jazz Piano

Alan Jay Palmer
(Broadcast live from Ashokan Sept 12, 2021) Musician and educator Alan Palmer shares an interactive history of American Jazz piano as only he can tell it. From early Thelonius Monk, Bud Powell, and Art Tatum to saxophonist/composer/bandleader Jackie McLean (who’s life and music informed Palmer‘s musical upbringing), Palmer traces the evolution as it touched his own life experiences. As he brings to life the living rooms, packed Jazz clubs, and grand international concert stages, Palmer's stories exemplify human connection and creativity, and the value of passing on rich cultural tradition through a very personal form of education.

Historical Fiction for Young Readers

Lesa Cline-Ransome, James Ransome
(Broadcast live Jan 16, 2022) Meet award-winning children’s author and illustrator team Lesa Cline-Ransome and James Ransome! Their stunning books explore the impact of the Great Migration, the Harlem Renaissance, and Jim Crow laws through intimate childhood portraits. Hear this generous couple enliven history through personal stories, discuss parallels between the past and present, and share the ways in which their own backgrounds and culture inform themes of FAMILY and RESILIENCE in their work. They’ll share their process of writing and illustrating, screen share illustrations, and read from their picture book ‘Before She Was Harriet’ and ‘Leaving Lymon,’ a middle-grade novel. Ask your questions in the Q&A!
Catskill Conversations 2021-22

Birth of the Blues

Sparky Rucker,Rhonda Rucker
Sparky and Rhonda will talk about their blues mentors and teach some of their favorite songs.

Finger Style Banjo

Sam Bartlett
Using rolls, chords, and simple fingering, Sam will help you bring you finger picking into the logic and groove of old time music. Students will learn a few tunes, all by ear in G tuning.

Cajun Jam

Mitch Reed,Blake Miller
A chance to play along on classic Cajun standards and more at easy going tempos.

Mountain Voices

Sparky Rucker,Rhonda Rucker
Songs from the rich heritage of Southern Appalachia, including the African American component of this culture and some of the ballads.

Old Time Guitar in 4/4

Molly Mason
Learn accompaniment techniques for old time songs and tunes from the Skillet Lickers to Jimmie Rodgers.

Toward Freedom & Justice

Sparky Rucker,Rhonda Rucker
Sparky and Rhonda explore songs & stories for social change and justice, celebrating our past with some of the most inspiring stories from history.

Songs of the Civil War

Sparky Rucker,Rhonda Rucker
Sparky and Rhonda discuss highlights of the war and sing some of its songs, including perspectives of the North and South, both black and white.

Old Time Mandolin

Sam Bartlett
Sam will teach the melody and chords to a few choice tunes. This will be done by ear in small, easy to digest sections.

Creole Fiddle

Mitch Reed
Further delving into the lost tunes of Creole music, Mitch will teach a French Creole tune from the Lonce Meg, the music of the Ardoin tradition, as played by Canray Fontenot.

Creole Accordion

Jeffery Broussard
Keys of B-flat, E, D, and G class will accommodate beginners, intermediate, and advanced

Old Time Harmony Singing

Evie Ladin
Using Carter Family-style singing as a jumping off place, we'll find harmony lines that may weave around the melody, cross or create unisons, and develop a better ability to hear and find parts, as well as learn what gives these harmonies their particular old-time country sound, and power.

Slow Jam

Jay Ungar,Molly Mason
Beautiful old time tunes played at a slow, accessible tempos. Some will be familiar standards others may be new to you. All instruments are welcome.

Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys

Jeffery Broussard
Come dance, play along or sit back and enjoy this fabulous band live from Southern Louisiana.

Cajun Fiddle

David Greely
A Cajun dance hall two-step with emphasis on its Caribbean qualities and variation on melody.

Body Percussion

Evie Ladin
Understand syncopation by literally incorporating rhythms on your body. Clap, step, sing with your human instrument.

Old Time Banjo

Brad Leftwich
Some straight-ahead old-time clawhammer banjo tunes in the Round Peak tradition.

Humdingers Concert

Humdingers
A rare opportunity by this amazing old time band in concert—not to be missed!

Old Time Fiddle

Brad Leftwich
Something a little jazzier - rags and two-steps

Cajun Fiddle

David Greely
A dance hall waltz with emphasis on melody variations and syncopated phrasing.

Old Time Banjo

Brad Leftwich
For those more lyrical tunes, the thumb-lead two-finger style of Grayson-Carroll Counties, Va.

Opening Concert & Jam

All Staff
Enjoy a sampling of what each person will be teaching, then sing, play, and dance along!

Old Time Fiddle

Brad Leftwich
Good square dance tunes, with emphasis on propulsive, rhythmic bowing.

Cajun Guitar

Amelia Biere
Learn how to drive a whole Cajun dance with your right hand.

Old Time Jam

Brad,Linda,Sam,Abby,Jay,Molly
All tunes will start slow then pickup a bit. All instruments are welcome. Come and join the fun!

Cajun Accordion

Blake Miller
Learn to play out of the home position with an old-fashioned Cajun two step.

Cajun Accordion

Blake Miller
Playing a waltz with octaves and using the trick finger.

Cajun Dance Party with the Old-Fashioned Aces

Blake Miller,David Greely,Amelia Biere
Come dance, play along or sit back and listen to an hour of great Cajun waltzes and two steps with this superlative band.

Farewell Gathering/Jam

All Staff
One last chance to sing, play, and dance along!

Clogging (Beg/Int)

Abby Ladin
Learn the fundamental steps, how to string them together and keep a rhythmic pulse. If you already clog, Abby will challenge you with syncopation and beginning improvisation.

Contra Dance Fiddle

Becky Tracy
Learn a great tune for dancing, and what makes it tick with lots of work on the bowing of the tune.

Swedish Fiddle

Lena Jonsson
We will learn a Swedish polska by ear. We´ll work on bowings, ornaments and other details that is typical for Swedish fiddling.

Québécois Piano

Mathieu Baillargeon
Learn the stylistic basics of Québécois piano accompaniment.

Soirée Française

Becky Tracy,Rachel Bell,David Surette,Susie Burke
A Northern Week tradition for all instruments and levels. We'll demo dance steps so you can join in and dance bourree, an dro, hanter dro, rond de st. vincent, and more!

New England Jam

Becky Tracy,Rachel Bell,Jay Ungar,Molly Mason
An hour of great New England dance tunes — jam along, dance, or just sit back and listen.

Waltzes & Airs Jam

Jay Ungar,Molly Mason
Play along, dance or listen to a wide variety of original and traditional tunes along with interpretive tips and techniques for instruments and all levels.

Singing

John Krumm
We'll sing songs with great choruses, rounds, part songs, any anything you want to throw into the pot.

Playing for English Country Dancing

Karen Axelrod
Learn what makes playing for English Country Dancing different than just "playing the notes." Danceability, lift, flow and energy. Material will come from Volumes 1 and 2 of the Barnes books.

Nyckelharpa

Markus Svensson
Learn tunes from Gotland ("The isle of lime") in the baltic sea. All instrumentalists are welcome to join.

Québécois Cinq a Six

Martin Aucoin,Susie Lemay,Mathieu Baillargeon
Northern Week's traditional Québécois jam for all instruments and levels. Bring a tune to share!

Contra Dance Fiddle

Becky Tracy
Continuing the path started on Saturday, we'll learn another great dance tune, working to get life and groove into our playing. It is not neessary to come to Saturday's class to join this one.

Waltzes & Airs Jam

Jay Ungar,Molly Mason
Play along, dance or listen to a wide variety of original and traditional tunes along with interpretive tips and techniques for instruments and all levels.

Song Swap

John Krumm
Come join this classic song swap. Bring songs and instruments. Anything goes!

English Tune Jam

Karen Axelrod,Rachel Bell
Come join us as we play through some of our favorite English Country Dance tunes from all 3 volumes of the Barnes books. We will do a variety of tunes - slow, fast, minor, major, waltzes, jigs, reels and ones in 3/2. All levels welcome.

Swedish Fiddle

Lena Jonsson
We will learn a Swedish polska by ear. We´ll work on bowings, ornaments and other details that is typical for Swedish fiddling.

Nyckelharpa

Markus Svensson
Nyckelharpa workshop. Tips, trix and tunes for nyckelharpa. All questions allowed.

Métis Fiddle

Ruby John
Learn a Métis tune by ear, and hear about the culture and how Ruby, an Odawa fiddler, learned Métis Fiddling.

Québécois Accordion

Susie Lemay
You are looking for Quebec repertoire or improving skills, join us in the Québécois accordion workshop

Farewell Gathering/Jam

All Staff
One last chance to sing, play, and dance along!

Opening Concert & Jam

All staff
Enjoy a sampling of what each person will be teaching, then sing, play, and dance along!

Riffin’ Together Part I

Kevin Wimmer,Tom Mitchell
Learn a string arrangement of "Through for the Night" for melody and chord players.

A Voice to Sing, A Story to Tell

Laurel Massé
A singer's workshop focusing on sound production techniques and emotional connection through storytelling.

Solo Jazz Dances

Brian Lawton
Learn fun and accessible solo jazz dances like the Charleston and more!

Listening to Louis, Billie and Lester

Matt Glaser
Matt will take you on a deep dive into the recordings of Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, and Lester Young, to deduce some of the improvisational secrets of these master musicians!

Country Backup Guitar

Emily Miller
Explore chord shapes, runs, and rhythmic stylings to accompany several classic country songs. This class is for players who know basic open chords on the guitar and desire to up their game in the realm of country music.

Let’s Decompose, then Recompose…The art of Song Modeling in Songwriting

Vinnie Martucci
Great songwriters often take their inspiration from an existing song to create a new work. We’ll examine how a song can be broken down to its essentials and then rebuilt into a new piece of music.

Jam, Sing, or Dance Along with Jay & Molly

Jay Ungar,Molly Mason
Repertoire will include romantic country waltzes, classic Western two steps, and slow sultry swing standards.

Singalong Song Swap

Peter Davis
Come and join the fun during the Singalong Song Swap.

Swing Mandolin

Don Stiernberg
Learn chord voicings, progressions, and explore some classic solos by swing mandolin masters.

Honky Tonk Jam

Emily Miller,Holly Tashian,Barry Tashian,Junior Daugherty Family Band
Sing-along, play-along, dance-along, and offer a song for others to join in.

Swing Jam

Tom Mitchell,Jay Ungar,Molly Mason
Jam, sing, dance, or bring a song to share.

Gypsy Jazz Violin

Tim Kliphuis
Learn the elements and stylistic nuances of Gypsy Jazz violin improvisation.

Intro to Swing Rhythm Guitar

Larry Baione
Learn swing backup basics through the rhythm guitar style of Freddie Green.

Western Swing Mandolin

Don Stiernberg
Learn chord voicings and progressions and explore some classic solos by Western swing mandolin masters.

Country Fiddle

Emily Miller
Explore the role of the fiddle in classic country music through melody, fills, and more. This class is for fiddlers who can play tunes up-to-speed on the fiddle, but are new to the country style.

Performance Coaching

Barry Tashian,Holly Tashian
Present a song and Barry and Holly will help you polish your performance.

Chord Families: How Chord Progressions Work

Peter Davis
Peter masterfully demystifies the wonderful world of harmonic progressions.

Riffin’ Together Part II

Kevin Wimmer,Tom Mitchell
Learn a string arrangement of "Through for the Night" for melody and chord players.

A Voice to Sing, A Story to Tell

Laurel Massé
A singer's workshop focusing on sound production techniques and emotional connection through storytelling.

Solo Jazz Dances

Brian Lawton
Learn fun and accessible solo jazz dances like the Charleston and more!

Home On The Range for Fiddlers

Jay Ungar
Jay will use this classic American melody to teach his approach to expression, rhythmic inflection, harmony lines and accessible double stops.

Home On The Range – Guitar Accompaniment

Molly Mason
Learn chords, voicings, runs, and more for this Western classic.

Let’s Decompose, then Recompose…The art of Song Modeling in Songwriting

Vinnie Martucci
Great songwriters often take their inspiration from an existing song to create a new work. We’ll examine how a song can be broken down to its essentials and then rebuilt into a new piece of music.

Gypsy Jazz Violin

Tim Kliphuis
Learn the elements and stylistic nuances of Gypsy Jazz violin improvisation.

Swing Guitar (Int–Adv)

Larry Baione
Melody and chord players will learn a swinging arrangement of a classic vintage jazz tune.

Listening to Louis, Billie and Lester

Matt Glaser
Matt will take you on a deep dive into the recordings of Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, and Lester Young, to deduce some of the improvisational secrets of these master musicians!

Country Fiddle

Emily Miller
Explore the role of the fiddle in classic country music through melody, fills, and more. This class is for fiddlers who can play tunes up-to-speed on the fiddle, but are new to the country style.

Play, Sing or Dance-Along with Barry & Holly

Barry Tashian,Holly Tashian
Ten fun songs including Country, Bluegrass, Swing, and beyond. Chords and lyrics provided in the resource folder.

Fun with Chord Progressions

Peter Davis
A practical, hands-on exploration of popular chord progressions and how they work.

Special Dinnertime Concert

Nokosee Fields & Ryan Nickerson
Nokosee & Ryan will be playing great old time fiddle and guitar music live from Lafayette, Louisiana at the dinner hour. Nokosee won the Clifftop Appalachian Fest fiddle contest in 2019. This will be some superb rockin' Old Time. We are very proud to welcome them for their first time at the OT Rollick!
Online Old Time Rollick 2021

String Bass

Molly Mason, Jay Ungar
Get the low-down on building a solid, pleasing bass line for Old Time tunes and songs. Learn basic techniques for making a good sound and creating a supportive groove for other musicians!

Nic Gareiss: Extended Flatfoot Techniques

Nic Gareiss
This class for intermediate-advanced percussive dancers will focus on the technical possibilities of Appalachian flatfoot techniques. We'll hone in specifically on North Carolina dancer L.C. King's Shelton Laurel Backstep as a starting place to explore, expand, deconstruct, and develop rhythmically and gesturally.

Sat Night Jam with Staff

All Staff
Come and jam with one big Rollicking staff! Tunes (in G!) will be played slowly a couple of times through to help you pick them up and then up to speed. Listen, play or dance along. FUN!

Song Swap with Val

Valerie Mindel, Emily Miller
Sing along with staff and students in this fast-moving, no-teaching song swap featuring old-time and country songs. Sign-ups for slots will happen through the chat while the swap is taking place, but even if you do not lead a song, you'll be able to join in on everything, thanks to the wonder of the mute function on Zoom.

Opening Concert & Jam

All Staff
Let's kick off the 2021 Rollick! Each Rollick teacher will play a piece and talk about their classes. Just a great way to settle in and get inspired for this amazing Old Time Rollick weekend!

Old Time Duets Val and Emily

Valerie Mindel,Emily Miller
We'll learn one or two lesser-known songs in the genre, looking at lead and harmony options and challenges as well as strategies for practicing and singing together in these socially distanced times.

Rhythm Explosion: Banjo Uke, Mando & More

Debra Clifford, Jeff Claus, Becca Wintle, Judy Hyman
Rhythm Explosion: Banjo Uke and Mandolin with and for Fiddle Tunes with Jeff Claus and Debra Clifford. The banjo uke, often called a drum on a stick, can create a compelling groove in Southern stringband music. Jeff will demonstrate briefly how to make a solid, basic rhythm on the banjo uke, then we’ll spend the bulk of our time playing fiddle tunes with his best friend and spouse, Judy Hyman. Debra Clifford will be a partner in all of this, playing and talking about how to use the mandolin in a similar role with Becca on fiddle. Banjo uke, regular uke, and mandolin played in this style require rock steady motor skills, and the best way to develop these is to play a lot at a moderate tempo. This is what we’ll do, with tunes selected to help us feel, create, and maintain a solid groove.

Gospel Sing

Ginny Hawker, Valerie Mindel, Emily Miller, Riley Baugus, Debra Clifford, Becca Wintle, Maggie Shar, Sarah Hawker, Ruth Ungar & Lyn Hardy
Sing along with some of our favorite gospel songs for a beautiful old fashioned Sunday morning sing. Led by your wonderful Rollick staff with a few extra special guests!

Fiddle III

Emily Schaad
A tune from Marion Thede's The Fiddle Book. We will break apart and learn the tune, and talk a bit about this resource.

Slow Jam

Jay Ungar,Molly Mason
A slow jam for all instruments with Jay Ungar and Molly Mason

Banjo -Tips & Tools for Jamming

Maggie Shar
Learn to use chords, scales, and tools to free up your playing up and down the neck.

Earl White Stringband Concert

Earl White, Adrienne Davis, Victor Furtado, Stephanie Wolf
Join the Earl White Stringband at their first time at the Rollick! This will be a hot one hour old-time concert live from Floyd, Virginia. The band consists of Earl on fiddle (known for his many great tunes) Adrienne Davis on guitar, Victor Furtado on banjo (Winner of the 2015 Clifftop Banjo Contest and the 2019 Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass) and Stephanie Wolf, String Bass. This will be rockin & rollickin, don't miss it!