Folk Music Society of New York, Inc.

We make music the old-fashioned way . . .
We play it . . .
	We sing it . . .
		Sometimes we even dance to it.
Traditional Music is Alive and Well in New York We run concerts, weekends, classes, singing parties, and get-togethers, all with an emphasis on traditional folk music of all flavors. For more information, including how to join or get a free newsletter, see About Us. Download 13-15 Feb. Winter weekend flier (pdf)
Our Myspace page / Our Facebook page / Our MeetUp group: Folk Music NYC
FMSNY Events Calendar: March 2015 * April 2015 * May 2015 * . . . and beyond Note especially: Weekend of Song, March 5– 7, and Concert with Martin & Eliza Carthy, Friday 10 April

As well as the events listed below, we have irregular Singing Parties and other social events. Our full newsletter lists these as well as having comprehensive listings of many other events around town. Request a sample copy of our newsletter sent by mail

download updated full March newsletter including FMS events, weekend flier, and other events around town (pdf 2M)

To get on our e-mail notification list, please send your name and e-mail address to maillist (at) folkmusicny.org

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This website is supported by the Folk Music Society of NY, not by advertising. We welcome donations in any amount which are tax-deductible to the extent permissible by law.

You can join the Society for a year using the button below and receive our newsletter and discounts to events.

Detailed info. on other membership options & benefits

Save the date! In celebration of our 50th anniversary, we and a bunch of other organizations are hosting TradMad Camp at Pinewoods Camp in Massachusetts, 29 August – 4 September 2015. Historical note: it was after attending Folk Music Week, run by CDSS at Pinewoods Camp, that people got together and founded our society. This event will feature singers, musicians, and dancers, with plenty of opportunities for everyone to sing, dance, and jam.

March 2015

Sunday 1 March, 2:00 to 4:30 pm: Second Annual Pete Seeger Memorial Sing
Bring your friends, your voices and your instruments to raise the rafters in honor of a great man. Hosted by The New York Packet. Co-sponsored with and at the John Street Church, 44 John St. (east of Broadway and one block south of and parallel to Fulton), near Fulton St. subway stop. Info: 212-957-8386. This event was a big success last year with many folks asking to do it again. Free-will donations accepted to benefit one of Pete's favorite causes: The Clearwater. The venue is an historic landmark and is not handicapped accessible.
Monday 2 March, 8 pm – 11 pm Irish Traditional Music Session
at the Landmark Tavern, 626 11th Avenue at 46th Street, Manhattan, led by Don Meade and featuring Patty Furlong

Ever since she received her first bright red Paolo Soprani, Patty has been lighting up the traditional music scene with her driving, full-bodied button-accordion.

A winner of All-Ireland titles and founding member of the world-famous Cherish the Ladies, she has also shared the stage with luminaries such as the Chieftains during their Northeast tour in 1996. Patty demonstrates brilliant improvisation with sound traditional roots.

"...playing an old fashioned button accordion and honoring the dance momentum of old jigs and reels as she festoons the melodies with improvisations... a highly recommended concert." - The New York Times

Wednesday 4 March, 7 – 10 pm: Folk Open Sing

Join us on the first Wednesday of each month for a family-friendly open sing. Bring your voice, instruments, friends, neighbors, and children. Drop by for a couple of songs or the whole evening. At the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture, 53 Prospect Park West (basement), Brooklyn (near 2nd St.). Directions (pdf format). Take F train to 7th Ave.; Q train to 7th Ave.; 2/3 train to Grand Army Plaza. Hosted by Ethical Culture/Good Coffeehouse, FMSNY, Alison Kelley, and Frank Woerner. Info: : 212-636-6341, or Laura, 718-788-7563.

Wednesday 4 March, 8-11pm: Sunnyside Singers Club, a pub-style sing-around. All songs are welcome, as are acoustic instruments. At the Aubergine Cafe, 49-22 Skillman Avenue at the corner of 50th Street in Woodside, Queens. Sandwiches, salads, coffee, tea, wine, and beer are available. Free admission. The nearest subway stop is 52nd Street on the #7 Flushing Local.
Friday 6 – Sunday 8 March 2015: Weekend of Song
at Elisabeth Irwin HS, 40 Charlton St. (south of Houston)
See complete information, including tickets in advance, at Weekend of Song. Concerts Friday and Saturday nights, 7:30 PM. Workshops Saturday and Sunday at 10 AM, 11:15 AM, 1:45 PM, 3:00 PM and 4:15 PM.
with: The Johnson Girls, Triple Play, Andy Cohen, Triboro, Ellen Weiss, Don Meade, Double Trouble, Jan Maier, Erica Weiss (Balkan, Cajun,) Hubby Jenkins, Evy Mayer, Ben Grosscup, Sol Weber, Heather Wood and more.
Bring voices. Bring instruments.
Suggested contribution: Concert only $20.00, Workshops only $25.00, All-day Saturday $40.00, All-weekend $75.00. Full-time students half price. Tickets available online or at the door. Information: President [at] folkmusicny.org
Monday 9 March, 8 pm – 11 pm Irish Traditional Music Session
at the Landmark Tavern, 626 11th Avenue at 46th Street, Manhattan, led by Don Meade and featuring David Doocey.

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts now living in Foxford, County Mayo, David Doocey is at the forefront of a younger generation of musicians.

He has won several awards including All-Ireland medals on both fiddle and concertina and the first ever World Fleadh fiddle championship in 2005. He has also achieved success in the much coveted Feile Oriel trophy, an award previously held by Tommy Peoples.

He is featured on many recordings and has recorded in Nashville with Grammy award winners Tim O’Brien and Allison Brown on Gráda’s ‘Natural Angle’ which was named in NPR’s top ten folk albums of 2010.
Tuesday 10 March, 7:30 to 9:30pm: Alan Friend will lead an old-time jam at the Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain every other Tuesday as indicated. Bring your fiddle, banjo, guitar, etc. and we’ll play old-time music at this small, warm, friendly venue. Acoustic instruments only — no electric ones. Buy some delicious desserts and socialize while you’re here, as well. The Farmacy is located at 513 Henry St. (at Sackett St.) in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Info: alanfriend_music (at) mindspring.com.
Wednesday 11 March, 8-11pm: Sunnyside Singers Club
A pub-style sing-around, with special guest Kathy Wallis. All songs are welcome, as are acoustic instruments.

Kathy is a singer, storyteller and keeper of the tradition. She is a teachers' union officer who is deeply involved with the folk community in Cornwall, where she lives. Over the years, Kathy has developed an extensive knowledge of Cornish folklore, including the songs, stories, and rituals indigenous to the region. Her home, a 16th century farm cottage, has become a hub of folkloric activity where seasonal celebrations still take place as they did hundreds of years ago.

At the Aubergine Cafe, 49-22 Skillman Avenue at the corner of 50th Street in Woodside, Queens. Sandwiches, salads, coffee, tea, wine, and beer are available. A contribution of $10 is suggested when there is a special guest. The nearest subway stop is 52nd Street on the #7 Flushing Local.
Sunday 15 March, 2-5 pm. Shanty Sing We are co-sponsoring the Shanty Sing on the 3rd Sunday of every month. The William Main Doerflinger Memorial Sea Shanty Sessions at the Noble Maritime Collection (to give the official title) are from 2 to 5 pm at the Noble Gallery, Building D, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY. Refreshments are available, including beer and wine for sale. Snug Harbor is accessible by the S40 bus from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal and by car. For more information about the Noble Collection, click on "Visitor Information" for directions and a printable map.
Monday 16 March, 8 pm – 11 pm Irish Traditional Music Session
at the Landmark Tavern, 626 11th Avenue at 46th Street, Manhattan, led by Don Meade and featuring members of the Irish music organization Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, including All-Ireland champions, from the Ards Peninsula in County Down.
Wednesday 18 March, 8-11pm: Sunnyside Singers Club, a pub-style sing-around. All songs are welcome, as are acoustic instruments. At the Aubergine Cafe, 49-22 Skillman Avenue at the corner of 50th Street in Woodside, Queens. Sandwiches, salads, coffee, tea, wine, and beer are available. Free admission. The nearest subway stop is 52nd Street on the #7 Flushing Local.
Friday 20 March, 8:00 pm: concert with The Murphy Beds
The Murphy Beds (Jefferson Hamer and Eamon O’Leary) present traditional and original folk songs with close harmonies and deft instrumental arrangements on bouzouki, guitar, and mandolin. They have performed and collaborated with artists across the folk spectrum including Beth Orton, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, Anais Mitchell, and Sam Amidon.

“their great feat turns out to be taking what’s best of the classic Irish folk revival without falling into any of its clichés. The resulting album bears repeated listening from start to finish, with ten beautiful, crystalline songs.” -Huffington Post Eamon started playing Irish music while growing up in Dublin through his friendship with the Mayock family, traditional musicians from County Mayo. When he moved to New York City in the early 90's, he immersed himself in the city’s traditional music scene and travelled widely, performing with many of the great players in Irish music. In 2004 he and fiddler Patrick Ourceau released the album Live at Mona’s. Eamon has taught at many traditional music programs in the US and also records and performs original music. His last solo record, Old Clump, was released in 2012. Jefferson is a guitarist and singer based in Brooklyn, NY. In 2013, in addition to The Murphy Beds, he and songwriter Anais Mitchell released Child Ballads, a collection of new adaptations of English and Scottish folk songs which won a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award. In the Oct. 2013 issue, Acoustic Guitar magazine wrote, “A gifted guitarist and singer, Hamer is able to hit close harmonies… and weave gorgeous instrumental lines.” Murphy Beds website

At Pearl Studio #404, 500 Eighth Ave, 4th floor, Manhattan (between 35-36th Sts). Handicapped accessible. (Note venue change.) Contribution: General public $20, members $18.
Monday 23 March, 8 pm – 11 pm Irish Traditional Music Session
at the Landmark Tavern, 626 11th Avenue at 46th Street, Manhattan, led by Don Meade.
Tuesday 24 March, 7:30 to 9:30pm: Alan Friend will lead an old-time jam at the Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain every other Tuesday as indicated. Bring your fiddle, banjo, guitar, etc. and we’ll play old-time music at this small, warm, friendly venue. Acoustic instruments only — no electric ones. Buy some delicious desserts and socialize while you’re here, as well. The Farmacy is located at 513 Henry St. (at Sackett St.) in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Info: alanfriend_music (at) mindspring.com.
Wednesday 25 March, 8-11pm: Sunnyside Singers Club, a pub-style sing-around. All songs are welcome, as are acoustic instruments. At the Aubergine Cafe, 49-22 Skillman Avenue at the corner of 50th Street in Woodside, Queens. Sandwiches, salads, coffee, tea, wine, and beer are available. Free admission. The nearest subway stop is 52nd Street on the #7 Flushing Local.
Monday 30 March, 8 pm – 11 pm Irish Traditional Music Session
at the Landmark Tavern, 626 11th Avenue at 46th Street, Manhattan, led by Don Meade.

April 2015

Wednesday 1 April, 7 – 10 pm: Folk Open Sing

Wednesday 1 April, 8-11pm: Sunnyside Singers Club, a pub-style sing-around. All songs are welcome, as are acoustic instruments. At the Aubergine Cafe, 49-22 Skillman Avenue at the corner of 50th Street in Woodside, Queens. Sandwiches, salads, coffee, tea, wine, and beer are available. Free admission. The nearest subway stop is 52nd Street on the #7 Flushing Local.
Monday 6 April, 8 pm – 11 pm Irish Traditional Music Session
at the Landmark Tavern, 626 11th Avenue at 46th Street, Manhattan, led by Don Meade.
Tuesday 7 April, 7:30 to 9:30pm: Alan Friend will lead an old-time jam at the Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain every other Tuesday as indicated. Bring your fiddle, banjo, guitar, etc. and we’ll play old-time music at this small, warm, friendly venue. Acoustic instruments only — no electric ones. Buy some delicious desserts and socialize while you’re here, as well. The Farmacy is located at 513 Henry St. (at Sackett St.) in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Info: alanfriend_music (at) mindspring.com.
Wednesday 8 April, 8-11pm: Sunnyside Singers Club, a pub-style sing-around. All songs are welcome, as are acoustic instruments. At the Aubergine Cafe, 49-22 Skillman Avenue at the corner of 50th Street in Woodside, Queens. Sandwiches, salads, coffee, tea, wine, and beer are available. Free admission. The nearest subway stop is 52nd Street on the #7 Flushing Local.

Friday 10 April, 8 pm: Legends Series concert featuring Martin & Eliza Carthy

Martin Carthy is one of folk music's greatest innovators, one of its best loved, most enthusiastic and, at times, most quietly controversial of figures. His skill, stage presence and natural charm have won him many admirers, not only from within the folk scene, but also far beyond it. His daughter, Eliza, is a truly inventive and innovative singer and fiddle-player, and a gifted musical conceptualist. She is arguably, the most impressive and engaging performer of a generation. Last year, they released a CD together, The Moral of the Elephant.

At St. John's Church, 81 Christopher Street, Manhattan. Contribution: general public, $25; members, $20; fulltime students and children under 15, $15.

Since we expect this concert to be a sellout, we recommend booking haead. You can order via Eventbrite (extra charge applies) or send a check (made out to FMSNY) to FMSNY, 444 West 54th Street #7, New York NY 10019. Info: (646) 628-4604.

Sunday 12 April, 7 pm: Third Annual Woody Guthrie Brooklyn Hoot Round Robin Songfest
Featuring Don Friedman, Alan Friend, Beth Kotkin, Joel Landy, Anne Price, and Steve Suffet.

Woody's songs, familiar and not-so-familiar, with plenty of opportunities to sing along.

co-sponsored with and at the Jalopy Theatre, 315 Columbia Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Jalopy is located in Red Hook, just a few hundred yards from where Woody shipped out when he served in the US Merchant Marine during World War II. Cover $10. Venue information 718-395-3214.
Monday 13 April, 8 pm – 11 pm Irish Traditional Music Session
at the Landmark Tavern, 626 11th Avenue at 46th Street, Manhattan, led by Don Meade.
Wednesday 15 April, 8-11pm: Sunnyside Singers Club, a pub-style sing-around featuring Matt & Deirdre Connolly. All songs are welcome, as are acoustic instruments. At the Aubergine Cafe, 49-22 Skillman Avenue at the corner of 50th Street in Woodside, Queens. Sandwiches, salads, coffee, tea, wine, and beer are available. A contribution of $10 is suggested when there is a special guest. The nearest subway stop is 52nd Street on the #7 Flushing Local.
Sunday 19 April, 2-5 pm. Shanty Sing We are co-sponsoring the Shanty Sing on the 3rd Sunday of every month. The William Main Doerflinger Memorial Sea Shanty Sessions at the Noble Maritime Collection (to give the official title) are from 2 to 5 pm at the Noble Gallery, Building D, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY. Refreshments are available, including beer and wine for sale. Snug Harbor is accessible by the S40 bus from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal and by car. For more information about the Noble Collection, click on "Visitor Information" for directions and a printable map.
Monday 20 April, 8 pm – 11 pm Irish Traditional Music Session
at the Landmark Tavern, 626 11th Avenue at 46th Street, Manhattan, led by Don Meade anaad featuring Matthew Byrne. Matthew was born into a family of Newfoundland music makers and his repertoire is heavily influenced by his unique musical lineage. This tradition thrives on the song – the weaving of a great story with a beautiful melody – and Matthew’s music reminds us how satisfying traditional songs can be when stripped down to these basic elements. His live performance offers tasteful and honest interpretations of folk songs delivered with polished guitar work and powerful vocals. His repertoire transcends time and place with traditional songs from both sides of the Atlantic. Matthew's website.
Tuesday 21 April, 7:30 to 9:30pm: Alan Friend will lead an old-time jam at the Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain every other Tuesday as indicated. Bring your fiddle, banjo, guitar, etc. and we’ll play old-time music at this small, warm, friendly venue. Acoustic instruments only — no electric ones. Buy some delicious desserts and socialize while you’re here, as well. The Farmacy is located at 513 Henry St. (at Sackett St.) in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Info: alanfriend_music (at) mindspring.com.
Wednesday 22 April, 8-11pm: Sunnyside Singers Club, a pub-style sing-around. All songs are welcome, as are acoustic instruments. At the Aubergine Cafe, 49-22 Skillman Avenue at the corner of 50th Street in Woodside, Queens. Sandwiches, salads, coffee, tea, wine, and beer are available. Free admission. The nearest subway stop is 52nd Street on the #7 Flushing Local.
Monday 28 April, 8 pm – 11 pm Irish Traditional Music Session
at the Landmark Tavern, 626 11th Avenue at 46th Street, Manhattan, led by Don Meade.
Wednesday 29 April, 8-11pm: Sunnyside Singers Club, a pub-style sing-around. All songs are welcome, as are acoustic instruments. At the Aubergine Cafe, 49-22 Skillman Avenue at the corner of 50th Street in Woodside, Queens. Sandwiches, salads, coffee, tea, wine, and beer are available. Free admission. The nearest subway stop is 52nd Street on the #7 Flushing Local.

May 2015

Sunday 3 May, 2:00 – 4:30 pm: Folk & Maritime Song & Music Session:
Hosted by The New York Packet. Co-sponsored with and at the John Street Church, 44 John St. (east of Broadway and one block south of and parallel to Fulton), near Fulton St. subway stop. Info: 212-957-8386. Suggested contribution $5. The venue is an historic landmark and is not handicapped accessible.
Monday 4 May, 8 pm – 11 pm Irish Traditional Music Session
at the Landmark Tavern, 626 11th Avenue at 46th Street, Manhattan, led by Don Meade.
Tuesday 5 May, 7:30 to 9:30pm: Alan Friend will lead an old-time jam at the Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain every other Tuesday as indicated. Bring your fiddle, banjo, guitar, etc. and we’ll play old-time music at this small, warm, friendly venue. Acoustic instruments only — no electric ones. Buy some delicious desserts and socialize while you’re here, as well. The Farmacy is located at 513 Henry St. (at Sackett St.) in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Info: alanfriend_music (at) mindspring.com.

Wednesday 6 May, 7 – 10 pm: Folk Open Sing

Wednesday 6 May, 8-11pm: Sunnyside Singers Club, a pub-style sing-around. All songs are welcome, as are acoustic instruments. At the Aubergine Cafe, 49-22 Skillman Avenue at the corner of 50th Street in Woodside, Queens. Sandwiches, salads, coffee, tea, wine, and beer are available. Free admission. The nearest subway stop is 52nd Street on the #7 Flushing Local.
Monday 11 May, 8 pm – 11 pm Irish Traditional Music Session
at the Landmark Tavern, 626 11th Avenue at 46th Street, Manhattan, led by Don Meade.
Wednesday 13 May, 8-11pm: Sunnyside Singers Club, a pub-style sing-around, featuring Valerie Seal. All songs are welcome, as are acoustic instruments. At the Aubergine Cafe, 49-22 Skillman Avenue at the corner of 50th Street in Woodside, Queens. Sandwiches, salads, coffee, tea, wine, and beer are available. A contribution of $10 is suggested when there is a special guest. The nearest subway stop is 52nd Street on the #7 Flushing Local.
Monday 18 May, 8 pm – 11 pm Irish Traditional Music Session
at the Landmark Tavern, 626 11th Avenue at 46th Street, Manhattan, led by Don Meade.
Tuesday 19 May, 7:30 to 9:30pm: Alan Friend will lead an old-time jam at the Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain every other Tuesday as indicated. Bring your fiddle, banjo, guitar, etc. and we’ll play old-time music at this small, warm, friendly venue. Acoustic instruments only — no electric ones. Buy some delicious desserts and socialize while you’re here, as well. The Farmacy is located at 513 Henry St. (at Sackett St.) in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Info: alanfriend_music (at) mindspring.com.
Wednesday 20 May, 8-11pm: Sunnyside Singers Club, a pub-style sing-around. All songs are welcome, as are acoustic instruments. At the Aubergine Cafe, 49-22 Skillman Avenue at the corner of 50th Street in Woodside, Queens. Sandwiches, salads, coffee, tea, wine, and beer are available. Free admission. The nearest subway stop is 52nd Street on the #7 Flushing Local.
Friday 22 – Monday 25 May: Spring Folk Music Weekend
at the Hudson Valley Resort and Spa. Great location, great staff, great music. Be there!
Monday 25 May, 8 pm – 11 pm Irish Traditional Music Session
at the Landmark Tavern, 626 11th Avenue at 46th Street, Manhattan, led by Don Meade.
Wednesday 27 May, 8-11pm: Sunnyside Singers Club, a pub-style sing-around. All songs are welcome, as are acoustic instruments. At the Aubergine Cafe, 49-22 Skillman Avenue at the corner of 50th Street in Woodside, Queens. Sandwiches, salads, coffee, tea, wine, and beer are available. Free admission. The nearest subway stop is 52nd Street on the #7 Flushing Local.

Future Events are listed on our Summary of events page

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Traditional Music is Alive and Well in New York

FMSNY Events Calendar: March 2015 * April 2015 * May 2015 * . . . and beyond

Note especially: Weekend of Song, March 5– 7, and Concert with Martin & Eliza Carthy, Friday 10 April

March 2015

April 2015

May 2015

Future Events are listed on our Summary of events page