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Jay Ungar & Molly Mason host this full week of music and dance from New England, Québec, Sweden, England, and France. It’s a fun and friendly learning vacation with classes in singing, dancing, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, piano, bass, and practical music theory, along with jams, song swaps, band labs, and themed evening dance parties with great live music. Musicians and dancers of all levels and backgrounds are welcome.
Will Mentor, Yann Falquet, Pascal Gemme, Nicholas Williams, Max Newman, John Krumm, Stuart Kenney, Audrey Knuth, Susan Kevra, Tom Krumm, Jay Ungar, Molly Mason
Can’t spend the week? Join us for a BBQ and Dance Sat, July 15, 2022 starting at 6pm.
“The staff were all very friendly and helpful. The site was beautiful and I really enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere.”
The above prices cover meals and tuition. Lodging options vary in price and may be selected during registration. Camping is free.
Available!
July 15, 2023
Dine, dance, or just enjoy a great evening of New England & Québécois music and dancing under Ashokan’s outdoor pavilion! Learn dance basics and then join in the contras & squares with caller Will Mentor and live music by Genticorum and Lighthouse.
ARMAND AROMIN & BEN GAGLIARDI The Vox Hunters – Social Singing 101, Irish Fiddle, Bug Music, Pub Sings and more!
Hailing from the great state of Rhode Island, Armand Aromin and Benedict Gagliardi are seekers and singers of old songs, cultivators of local music, and chronic multi-instrumentalists. They are touted as strong tradition-bearers in their generation, and their genuine affinity for the music is evident in the emotion they draw from it. With a pair of oft-harmonizing voices tastefully garnished with fiddle, free-reeds, and tenor guitar, The Vox Hunters offer an all-natural connection to the living tradition of folk music.
AMY HAKANSON – Swedish fiddle and nyckelharpa
Amy grew up immersed in American roots music and loves teaching. She was introduced to Swedish folk music and the nyckelharpa in 2008, when she heard a performance by Väsen. Her interest in Scandinavian music quickly grew and in 2014 she purchased her first nyckelharpa. Later that same year, Amy was accepted to the year-long course at the Eric Sahlström Institute in Tobo, Sweden, where she studied traditional Swedish nyckelharpa with Olov Johansson (Väsen), Ditte Andersson, Sonia Sahlström, Mia Marine, and Niklas Roswall.
NOAH VANNORSTRAND – contra-style fiddle and mandolin
Noah VanNorstrand’s driving fiddle, feet, and mandolin have been the rhythmic powerhouse behind some of the most popular dance bands of the last decade including Great Bear, Buddy System, Wake Up Robin, and The Faux Paws. He has performed all over North America at nearly two hundred different dance weekends, folk festivals and music camps. Noah first came to Northern Week with his family at age 11. He soon went on to attend Western & Swing, Southern Week and other camps and festivals across the country, learning, absorbing, and transforming what he heard into his own blend of Celtic and Applachian fiddling with elements of rock, newgrass, and pure unfiltered improvisation. His joyful, fun loving presence, and generous willingness to share his skills and knowledge have made him a welcome regular on our Northern Week staff.
YANN FALQUET, Genticorum – Québécois button accordion, DADGAD Guitar
Yann Falquet is nm active and creative acoustic guitar player on the Québécois music scene with a personal guitar style for Québec folk music, inspired by the playing of the accompanists of different cultures (Brittany, Scandinavia, Ireland, North America). Yann has performed on many recording projects, and tours regularly throughout Canada, the U.S., Europe and Australia with Genticorum. He also toured for three years with the award winning Celtic and world group The McDades.
NICHOLAS WILLIAMS, Genticorum – Group singing, piano, piano accordion, flute & whistle
Nicholas Williams is a generous and gifted teacher. His rhythmic and nuanced style of flute playing draws from Irish and Scottish traditions, as well as from his studies of classical North Indian music. After completing a BFA in world music and composition, Nicholas moved to Québec where he has enjoyed exploring its rich musical traditions. Also an accomplished accordion and piano player, he has been a member of the band Crowfoot since 2005, plays with fiddler Laura Risk, and in the Alex Kehler & Nicholas Williams duo, and Québécois trio Genticorum.
PASCAL GEMME, Genticorum – Québécois fiddle
Pascal Gemme is a leading light in Québec’s traditional music scene. Known as much for his original compositions as his fine interpretation of traditional tunes, His work as fiddler, singer and arranger for the band Genticorum has earned critical acclaim around the world. From a young age, the fiddle music and songs of his native province have captivated him. After graduating with a degree in composition and band arrangements at Montreal’s St Laurent College, he immersed himself in playing, collecting and recording the traditional music of Québec and has become a leading exponent of the music. Pascal is now as much in demand as a teacher as a performer.
JACQUELINE SCHWAB – English piano and creative piano stylings
Jacquelin plays the moving and soulful piano music heard in dozens of Ken Burns’ films, including his Grammy-winning Civil War, Baseball, Lewis & Clark, Mark Twain, The War and The National Parks, and PBS documentaries such as The Irish in America and more. She has performed at the White House for President Clinton, and accompanied Scottish singer Jean Redpath on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion and on CBS’ Late Show with David Letterman. She recently collaborated with The American Pops Orchestra, for their Oct. 29, 2022 American Roots PBS special. As a solo pianist, she Jacqueline has performed vintage American music in almost every State of the Union. In concert, Jacqueline enjoys sharing her wide repertoire of familiar old tunes, what Mark Twain would have called “remembrancers,” and speaking about the power of music to transport us into our own past and on to new horizons. Jacqueline loves to teach and has a special gift for finding and serving the needs of individual students.
SUSAN KEVRA – contras, squares, English dance, French songs and dances
Susa is a dance caller, musician and singer who makes her home in Nashville, Tennessee. She travels across the country and occasionally, around the globe to teach contra, square dances, English Country dancing and French dancing. She is an accomplished clarinetist and singer who specializes in French café music and English Country dance tunes. The composer of contra and square dances, Susan represents a new voice in English country dance choreography. Tunes by her bandmate, Rachel Bell, have inspired her to choreograph a dozen English dances and counting, including “Trip to Provence” and “Moonflower” which are making their way onto dance floors and ball programs in the US and England. She is also a professor of French and American Studies at Vanderbilt University, where she teaches a class, “American Social History through Dance.” A born teacher, Susan loves to share her passion for music and dance with students of all ages and backgrounds.
TOM KRUMM – fiddle, mandolin, guitar
Tom is a performer, teacher, composer and arranger who specializes in versatility. Growing up with classical training while being immersed in the world of traditional music, Tom has developed a knack and a passion for learning the intricacies of different styles of music. Tom spent his childhood learning and developing at the Ashokan Fiddle & Dance Camps under the tutelage of Jay Ungar and along with many great fiddlers from a wide variety of traditions. Throughout his childhood, Tom was exposed to music of all types including Classical, Gypsy Jazz, Swing, Old Time, Celtic and more. Continuing his education at the Berklee College of Music, Tom had the opportunity to expand his musical horizons even further while studying with spectacular professors and peers. Tom is currently based in the Philadelphia area teaching and performing on the violin, mandolin, and guitar in a variety of styles including those mentioned above.
RACHEL BELL – English CD music, French band class
Rachel draws her inspiration from Celtic, French, English, and Québécois traditions, cranking out new material while deeply respecting the melodies that have been around for hundreds of years. Based in Brattleboro, VT, she is busy during non-pandemic times touring all over North America and abroad for concerts, contra dances, French BalFolk dances, English country dances, workshops, and festivals.
She thrives on collaborative musical work, especially with her bands Eloise & Co., Peregrine Road, Alchemy, and Old World Charm School. Her playing spans an enormous range of emotion—from nuanced and sensitive to exhilarating and powerful—pushing the boundaries of what is expected from an accordion.
Rachel is also a seasoned educator, with individual lesson and group workshop offerings for both children and adults.
STUART KENNEY – upright bass, clawhammer banjo
Stuart is one of the most in demand upright players on the contra circuit. Stuart’s musical interests range from New England contradance music to Cajun and Blues. His flexibility and personality allow him to play with many successful dance bands. A former 13 year member of Wild Asparagus, Stuart has a long history with many seminal figures in the contradance scene. Although Stuart’s music has brought him coast to coast, his musical home is at the Guiding Star Grange in Greenfield, Massachusetts, where he plays for and hosts many dances. He and his wife Alice host the TopHill Music series of Contradance Parties at the Guiding Star Grange on second and fourth saturday nights. Stuart has a love of teaching and building community through music.
AUDREY KNUTH – English fiddle, English band, contradance music
Audrey makes the room buzz at a higher level. Her fiddling, featured in bands including The Free Raisins, The Gaslight Tinkers, Audacious (with Larry Unger), and Wake Up Robin, has electrified dance and concert halls across the US and Europe. Hailing from Honolulu and now living in California, she cut her folk teeth in the Boston area, attending Berklee College of Music and spending years exploring the thriving New England folk scene. Audrey’s fiddle playing is rhythmically lively and spontaneous; she’s guaranteed to get you up and dancing. She specializes in English dance, New England, Celtic, and Old Time tunes (and did we mention she’s also an audio engineer?!). You might also have taken a workshop with Audrey, as she’s been on staff at camps including a variety of weeks at Pinewoods, Ashokan Northern Week, BACDS American week, New London Assembly and Halsway Manor.
WILL MENTOR – contras, squares and callers workshop
Will is a contra and square dance caller from Northern Vermont known for his clear teaching, upbeat wit, and relaxed stage presence. He loves to choreograph evenings with a variety of dances and tempos that at times surprise and always delight. As he once said, “I usually have a great time calling. Between the demographics of the dancers, the band, the hall, the temperature, etc. — every evening of contra dances has its own identity.” And always, he keeps intact his guiding principle as a caller: “It’s about the dancers!”
MAX NEWMAN – contra-style guitar and mandolin
Max is a favorite among dancers and dance musicians across North America. His versatile accompaniment on guitar is sought after for both its musicality and its danceability. With a keen interest in New England music and dance, Max has graced many a dance hall playing with luminaries of the style. As a community member, Max has been involved with a number of next generation and multi-generational events and is currently co-directing CDSS’s American Week at Pinewoods. His playing has been featured in Flatpicking Guitar Magazine. Max is appreciated for his warm, generous teaching style. Teaching at Ashokan Northern Week is one of his favorite activities.
lydia ievins – Swedish fiddle and nyckelharpa
Based in Montague MA, lydia plays 5-string fiddle and nyckelharpa for Scandinavian and English Country dancing. She loves improvising rich harmonic lines; in the Zoom era she’s been refining the ability to play duo gigs alone with looper-pedal magic. As an avid dancer herself, she infuses her playing with rhythmic clarity and sensitive phrasing to produce irresistible dance music. lydia has earned a bronze Zorn medal for her fiddling in the Uppland tradition. Her most recent CD, Koivu (2018), debuts a collaboration with Helsinki-based pianist and composer Juha Kujanpää.
Inspired by her year of study at the Eric Sahlström Institute with some of Sweden’s best fiddle and nyckelharpa teachers, lydia has since focused her teaching on finding fun and effective ways to share those insights. Together with fiddler Andrea Larson she developed Träd Weekend, a popular intensive workshop for Scandi-interested dance musicians: work on Swedish tune repertoire, learn about engaging your core rhythm, explore how dance and movement inform your role as a musician, and practice the skills of playing for dancers. This same mission animates all her teaching, whether in-person or by Zoom, individual or group. She has taught and/or played on staff at a variety of camps including Nordic Fiddles and Feet, Scandia Camp Mendocino, Northern Week at Ashokan, Fiddle Hell, CDSS English Week at Pinewoods, CDSS Family Weeks at Pinewoods and Ogontz, Folklore Village, and Berea Christmas Country Dance School.
JOHN KRUMM – fiddle, guitar, community chorale
John has been performing traditional and original music as a singer and multi-instrumentalist for more than five decades. Best known as a caller and dance musician, he also has an international reputation as a composer of Rounds.
He has spent most of his life creating musical communities by teaching traditional songs, dances, and children’s games from many cultures. Drawing on his vast repertoire, he helps bring people together and express solidarity in diversity.
John has played a key role in Ashokan’s Music & Dance Camps since their inception in 1980. His supportive teaching style has introduced countless people of all ages to the wonderful world of traditional music and dance.
JAY UNGAR AND MOLLY MASON, Your Hosts! – fiddle, guitar, piano, waltzes and airs ensemble
Jay & Molly are masters of music and storytelling who generously share their lives and their music with audiences. There are so many moments and strands to savor in the course of an evening of their music.
Jay’s fiddling is brimming with playfulness, drama, soulfulness and technical verve, as he explores the many musical styles and idioms that he has internalized and made his own. Molly’s total mastery and inventiveness on piano and guitar is always spot-on, as she supports the tunes and follows the flow of the melody. Her rich and expressive vocals along with the resonant strains of Jay’s violin, reveal the deep emotions that flow in the duos veins.
This protocol meets or exceeds current CDC and NY State Department of Health guidelines and is subject to revision based on changing conditions and changes in those guidelines. We’ll notify registered campers if there are any significant changes before camp begins. We trust our caring community to find the right balance of caution and fun within these parameters, to make safe decisions, and to treat fellow campers with respect.
In Advance:
Everyone is required to test negative for COVID-19 in the 24 hours before arrival.
If you test positive, do not attend.
If you have COVID symptoms, do not attend regardless of test results.
If you come in close contact with someone COVID positive within 6 days of the start of the event, do not attend regardless of your test results.
If you’ve recently recovered from COVID and have been symptom free for 5 or more days without the use of fever-reducers, you may attend.
All refund requests due to COVID exposure, or COVID-related concerns will be honored.
Longhouse bunk rooms will be capped at 1/2 occupancy.
Overall camp attendance will be limited to provide ample space for distancing.
On Site:
The Ashokan Center will provide onsite rapid testing upon request or as needed.
Anyone who tests positive or develops symptoms consistent with COVID will be asked to leave the event and will be entitled to a refund.
Masks are recommended while gathering indoors (except when eating or performing.) N-95 masks can be provided on request.
Whole room exhaust fans in the Performance Hall & Dining Hall will draw a constant stream of fresh air.
Daily cleaning includes disinfectant for all door handles, tables, and any frequently touched surfaces.
You may pay in full or hold your place with a deposit of $200 per person. If making a deposit, full payment is due 4 weeks before camp begins. If you register within 4 weeks of camp full payment is required.
To cancel your camp registration, email events@ashokancenter.org
• We retain $50 per person for cancellations requested up to 4 weeks before camp begins, and for COVID-related cancellations made at any date.
• We retain $200 per person between 4 and 2 weeks before camp.
• We retain the full registration amount within 2 weeks of camp.
SUNDAY
MONDAY-FRIDAY
SATURDAY
You may choose to pay up front or pay a deposit and balance. Balance payment is due 4 weeks before the event.
Registration includes all activities and meals. Lodging is optional and camping is free.
Children under 5 attend for free. Campers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
All meals are included. You may indicate your dietary restrictions when registering. We make every effort to include a range of allergen-free dishes and to inform diners of meal ingredients.
The Ashokan Center is licensed to serve beer and wine in Esopus Lodge (the main building). The bar is generally open from late afternoon to early evening. Sorry, by law, guests are prohibited from bringing their own alcoholic beverages into this licensed building.
LONGHOUSE BUNKS: Rooms hold up to 12 people (50% capacity) and are designated women, men, or all gender. Place your belongings on a top or bottom bunk after you check in to claim it. Pillows are available, please bring your own blankets, sheets, pillowcases, and towels. There are a small number of light blankets for those bunkhouse residents who are unable to bring one of their own. If you will need us to provide one, please let us know well in advance.
PRIVATE ROOMS: There are a limited number of private rooms that must be reserved in advance at extra charge. Pillows are available, please bring your own sheets, pillowcases, and towels. There are light quilts in each private room.
CAMPSITES: Camping is available with access to bathrooms and outdoor showers. Please park by your campsite only if you plan to leave your car in place for the duration of the camp.
If you’re lodging with us please remember to bring a blanket and linens (or sleeping bag), towel, toiletries, soap, flashlight, earplugs (for light sleepers). There are light quilts in each private room and we have a small number of light blankets for bunkhouse residents who can’t bring one of their own. Let us know well in advance if you’ll need one.
Flashlight, recording device, camera (or maybe those are all your phone!)
Comfortable informal clothing for wet and dry weather. Some may also bring dressy, wild or fun clothing as well but that is up to you! There’s no laundry on site so bring enough clothes for the camp.
Please, no pets or drop-in guests.
Incoming mail
Your Name c/o Ashokan Music & Dance
477 Beaverkill Rd,
Olivebridge, NY 12461
Outgoing mail leaves each weekday at 4pm.
Music & Dance Camp Phone (845) 657-8333 x 3
Cell phone reception is available but spotty. Calls may be dropped but texts are reliably received.
High speed Wi-Fi is available in all buildings.
Physical Address:
Ashokan Center, 477 Beaverkill Rd, Olivebridge, NY 12461
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
Take NY State Thruway (1-87) to Kingston exit #19.
From traffic circle take Route 28 West (toward Pine Hill).
In 12 miles (shortly after Mobil & Citgo) turn left onto Reservoir Rd.
Cross the Ashokan Reservoir, turn left at the Tee.
Head down the hill, pass the first left (Rt 28A East) and merge onto 28A West.
Take next left onto Beaverkill Rd.
Follow Beaverkill for about one mile, then turn right into the Ashokan Center driveway and follow the signs.
AIRPORT Albany, NY (ALB) is the closest major airport (about 1.5 hours away). Public transportation is available from the airport to the Kingston bus station, where you can take a taxi to Ashokan. Or contact us at least one month before your program begins for a list of people driving from the Albany area who may be able to give you a ride.
If there are no camp spots or private rooms available above, you may add your name to this waitlist. If space opens up we will contact you.
The Ashokan Center builds community through shared experiences in nature, history, music and art. We have hosted traditional Music & Dance Camps at our 385 acre nature preserve for over 40 years. In 2020 we learned how to host them online and in 2021 we began to reimagine how to gather in person once again.
Come join the Ashokan family to celebrate, learn, connect, deepen your music, make new friends, and brighten your day. Our events are open to all folks, all ages and all orientations.
The Ashokan Center
477 Beaverkill Rd.
Olivebridge, NY 12461
General Inquiries
info@ashokancenter.org
845-657-8333
Music & Dance Camps
camps@ashokancenter.org
845-246-2121
Ashokan Center programming is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature
