Accordions are fascinating machines. We’ll take one apart together and look at the reed blocks, the leather valves that control how sound passes through the reeds, the register selection mechanism, and the bass mechanism.

For Those Who Know English Country Dancing Well: a session of more challenging and less familiar dances, with efficient teaching for maximal dancing.

Wind down your busy dance day with some relaxing original waltzes by Bob Pasquarello

All-woman band Niva play and sing Macedonian tunes in the traditional style, for your dancing pleasure.

Easy dance sequences for dancers of any experience level. We'll get you moving to the music and smiling in no time!

An intermediate level jam focused on A and A Modal old time tunes. For fiddles, cross tune to AEAE, banjos in A or A Modal (aEADE). Bring a tune if you are comfortable leading it.

When Miriam and Sean play together, just about anything goes: Irish, Scottish, English country dance, klezmer, Scandinavian, Brazilian Choro, Balkan, American/old-timey, contradance... even funk and soul. With flute and strings, they share their joy of music.

Join Druid's Flask for a menagerie of tunes and songs from Ireland, Scotland, and beyond!

We will lead Argentine tango tunes. We will provide sheet music for concert pitch, Bb, and bass clef instruments.

Come play and share your favorite Balfolk tunes.

Curious about balfolk? Come learn some of the more commonly done balfolk dances. Balfolk includes couple dances, line, and circle dances.

Balkan Brass band playing songs for traditional folk dances from Serbia, Macedonia, and Bulgaria

cocekberancheusestdevtorka and more

Balkan dancing with music by Rakiya.

Lovely dances done to exquisite Balkan music (much of which is a cappella) which just takes your breath away.

Dynamic, compelling vocals and instrumentals for favorite, well-loved Balkan dances. Join the party!

Come sing along (or just enjoy listening) to "old city songs" and/or dance songs from Macedonia and surrounding areas, evoking the pleasure of singing with old friends at a celebration, or in the village tavern or coffeehouse.

Learn some Balkan warm ups, songs, vocal technique, and stage presence.

"Mama wants me to marry the judge. I don't want to marry the judge. I want to marry that sweet guy Ali" ... Come find out what happens!

Ballads are songs that tell a story that are though of as long, slow, sad, and/or solo songs -- but often they are none, or only some, of these.

An exploration of the joint sound of 5-string banjo and 9-string Norwegian hardingfele, through the performance of "old-time" tunes from the mountain regions of Appalachia and Telemark.

Join us as we sing songs by The Beatles.

Join us for an all-skill-level bluegrass jam! I'll kick things off by explaining how a typical bluegrass jam is structured and lead a few songs that are easy to harmonize with and play along to.

Learn the basic motions and steps of Flatfooting and Buck Dancing. The session is taught using the Appalachian Step Percussion Services system. Everyone will be a happy flatfooter by the end!

Learn the footwork and styling to dances in the Beranche uneven-five rhythm (SQQSQ). Amaze your friends by knowing how to move to these wonderful tunes.

Bluegrass slow jam for all instruments and abilities. We'll play some familiar favorites with 2-3 chords in the open keys of G, D and A.

A calmer session for kids (and adults!); we will read and sing from children’s books adapted from traditional songs with prizewinning illustrations.

The Brattleboro Ball in Brattleboro, Vermont had an amazing multi-decade run. This session is a look back at some of the classic dances that were featured for many years. And yes, we WILL end our NEFFA session with Sellenger's Round, the traditional last dance of every Brattleboro Ball!

Contra dances with creative and unusual chains.

We'll play dance tunes from Bretagne including Hanter Dro, Andro, Laridee, Ridee, Gavottes, Avant Deux, and more. Notation will be provided, learning by ear is encouraged.

Zdravets plays and sings village-style music for dancing, "mostly from Bulgaria," using traditional Bulgarian folk instruments and vocal styles.

Easy Bulgarian dances with music by Bulgarian singing groups Divi Zheni (women) and Zornitsa (men), led by Tatiana Sarbinska.

We'll be singing songs found in New England prior to 1945 and sharing the associated lore. Many of these have roots in Northern Ireland.

Child at heart, or actual child, come share your favorites in one of the few remaining "oral traditions"- camp songs!

Colleyospin returns to lead and coach singers in a cappella singing technique. This workshop is a chance to improve your delivery, confidence, pitch, harmonies, ornamentation and style.

A concert of sea music with group participation highly recommended. Join us as we sing through the great age of sail.

A hundred years ago, Joanna Colcord published her seminal collection ROLL AND GO: Songs of American Sailormen. Come learn about Joanna's exciting life from her birth at sea and childhood under sail to her importance as a source for Stan Hugill and other collectors. And yes, we'll sing some of her chanteys!

Singing our favorite ballads collected by Francis James Child, born 200 years ago this year. Expect ghosts of scorned lovers, curse breaking, and a high body count.

Join experienced session leaders for a rousing round of roisterous chorus songs.

Join Turkey Hill Ragtime Orchestra for a musical picnic. We play vintage orchestrations of rags and popular songs of the 1890's - 1920's. Toe-tapping fun for the whole family!

Fiddle tunes from Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton, and the American South expertly arranged for clawhammer banjo with as much nuance and authenticity as possible.

Finish up the festival with a full-throated sing-around; instruments welcome, choruses preferred but not required, come one, come all! Allen has led NEFFA closing sing-arounds since 1995!

Fun and accessible dances for all ages.

Festival members will host a rousing chantey sing, inviting attendees to join in and lead a maritime song.

Dance to some of the favorite contras of the past several decades.

Petronella, Rory O'More, and others - dance the classic dances that newer contras are based on.

Great contras from before the year 2000!

Inspirations can come from many sources: a dance figure, person, place, event, etc. Let's enjoy some great inspired dances!

Learn a series of flourishes that build upon one another, and how you can start creating your own flourishes on the fly. Participants should be comfortable with basic flourishes like a twirl at the end of a swing.

Let's go over figures most likely to be in the Contra Medley! This is a great refresher for anyone feeling a wee bit nervous about jumping into the no-walk through medley.

Dave and Chris will lead a slow jam session of favorite traditional tunes commonly played for New England style Contra Dancing. All instruments and levels welcome. No written music; all tunes will be played by ear.

English dancers, callers, musicians come together to discuss the relevance of the idea of a core repertoire in the modern era. What can dancers or musicians who've been doing it a while be expected to know? What's falling out of general knowledge that should stay in? Alan will facilitate a discussion.

Play and/or sing Balkan music in 9, 11, 12, 13, 22, mixed meters and beyond! There will be a core group of folks to follow; paper/digital music/lyrics provided. Some minimal instruction on rhythm/lyrics.

Join us on the floor for your favorite exciting kolos and drmes'.

Come find out what Scottish, English, and contra dancing have in common from the Scottish Country Dance perspective! Explore figures common to multiple forms in a fun and engaging Scottish Country Dance social setting. Dances will be taught using non-gendered terminology.

Bring your songs with the tastiest harmonization opportunities, and we'll all sing them together. Big meaty choruses? Of course! Duetting on the verse? Go for it! Wallowing not required.

Learn dances from the Resia valley in Northeast Italy.

Dance to some of our favorite tunes, old and new.

David Kaynor, caller and fiddler from Montague, MA, wrote dozens and dozens of tunes. Reels, Jigs, Waltzes and other styles. Let's play some together.

Bright and cheery contra dances to welcome in the spring!

A mix of bluegrass and gypsy jazz with some tight vocal harmonies and instrumental selections- we play swing, blues, bluegrass, and the music of Django Reinhardt.

Songs about coal mines and the miners that work them, both well-known and newer, will be presented, including songs by Jean Ritchie, Utah Phillips, Eric Andersen, and more.

Simple, fun village dances from the far reaches of the Hungarian diaspora, in Moldavia (Moldva Csángó). Efficient teaching for maximal dancing.

Favorites from the ECD repertoire, including some modern dances with excellent tunes.

A performance of an eclectic collection of a cappella music.

A selection of English and Contra dances that illuminate connections and contrasts between the two forms, how they are connected by history and how they still interweave.

Enjoy learning English country dance basics in context through fun, varied, accessible dances, some designed for this purpose.

English country dances called in succession, no teaching! Dancers are expected to know all of the usual calls and be able to respond quickly.

From 1651 to the present, ECD tunes delight us with their variety. Let’s play melodies from the spritely to the sumptuous. Requests welcome! If you have them, bring Barnes books and music stands to share.

Vince brings tunes from England, taught by ear within a friendly session environment. All instruments and levels of ability are welcome.

Discuss creative ideas from newer organizers and time-honored themes from those who cherish the past. We'll share varied perspectives, add our own thoughts, and consider best practices for the future.

Fun dances for everyone, from the child dancing with a parent as one person, to dancers whose grandchildren have left home.

Sparkling with energy, wit & whimsy, Jackson incorporates participatory song and movement in a rollicking mix of comedy and music for all ages.

Favorite camp games, crankies, songs, and dances for families.

Come enjoy dances from all over the world! Learn basic dance movements while moving to international music. All individuals and families are welcome!

Fun and easy community dancing for families! Partner, circle, and longways dances for all ages.

Suitable for all ages, come learn a basic Morris dance or two and enjoy the world of Morris dancing as a family.

Scottish Country Dancing is energetic and entertaining. This event is designed to introduce people of any age to this engaging dance tradition.

Family friendly singalong of traditional folk songs led by Green Mountain Radish Revival. GMRR is Merry Trudeau and Jason Baker.

On a Wing and a Song – After our NEFFA debut last year of celestial songs, we are returning with a selection of fine-feathered bird songs.

Join us for a jam of favorite Old Time Appalachian and New England tunes played at a slow to moderate "back porch" tempo. All skill levels welcome.... 'Soldier's Joy', ''St Anne's Reel', 'Spotted Pony' and many others...

Learn to dance Festejo! A lively, high-energy Afro-Peruvian dance, known for its footwork and energetic hip movements, typically accompanied by a guitar, cajón (a box drum), and other Latin percussion.

A traditional way of ending the Festival with satisfying contras and the traditional Merry Go Round Square.

A stylish blend of English country dances: from elegant to energetic, playful to thoughtful, flowing to frolicking!

We will learn tunes in the free-wheeling, notey style from New Brunswick, Canada. With a focus on bowing and ornamentation, this workshop is geared for players who learn by ear.

Discussion, chat, demonstration. We will discuss how to fiddle without pain. All questions encouraged. Any attendee who would like to share their particular problems will be welcome to share, so that by discussing attendees' problems we can discuss issues that may help everyone attending.

This is a beautiful, funky and very recognizable version of Fisher’s and provides a rare window into what African Americans played for themselves as well as for local dances. Patterson’s fiddling is notable for its driving rhythm and astounding melodic patterns and ornamentation.

Join us for a fun and uplifting family-friendly sing-along featuring timeless favorites from Pete Seeger, Holly Near, and Raffi. Come raise your voice in joy and unity as we celebrate the power of music together.

We will present a program of classic folk tunes with a few originals, accompanied on guitar, harmonica, and banjo. Singing along is encouraged.

Sing-around shanty session and songs of the sea.

Learn the dances that were done between contra sets all over New England such as the Salty Dog Rag, Gay Gordons, and Road to the Isles. Then dance them at the following Waltzes and Beyond session!

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Randy Miller/Jack Perron's iconic source book of traditional New England Contra Dance music. We'll play many NEFR tunes that have kept New England dancing for the last 200 years!

A NEFFA tradition for experienced dancers. This is a 20 minute series of no-walk through dances. It's a blast!

International dances for everybody from everywhere!

Everyone is welcome to join our folk singing party. The song leaders will get us started but every attendee is welcome to suggest songs that we can sing together.

Enjoy singing songs, promoting kindness and love, that include lots of hugs, sign language, and instruments for a fun-filled parade.

Learn the traditional right-turning or “rotary” waltz, as done at contra dances and weddings. We teach the basic turning step in a natural way but emphasize good technique, which lets the step travel easily around the room.

Fusion is a partner dance trend done to a variety of music that borrows elements from many forms (blues, contact improv, ecstatic, swing, tango, etc.) and spans several aesthetics. Lesson at the beginning.

We will explore some gavottes, popular dances from Brittany. These include long and short chain, and couple dances. The steps are simple with a variety of formations.

If you've ever wanted to play Gershwin songs on a guitar, but were intimidated by all those weird chords in a piano score, here’s a chance to learn a tune or two, and learn how to create your own arrangements of these classic (and challenging!) songs.

This year we are supporting our new book/recording project, Ginger Sea Neath the Celtic Moon which received a New York State Council on the Arts grant. The songs are about the impact of the Atlantic Ocean on Ireland and beyond and we may do a selected reading from the story.

Contras for all levels that focus on figures that flow and will make you feel like you're gliding on ice!

Traditional Greek dance walk throughs including island and mainland dances.

Grammy winning guitarist Mark Hanson and Young Audiences' 2009 national artist of the year Greta Pedersen provide a lively concert of fun and funny songs -- folk, jazz standards and originals, featuring duo vocals and sparkling guitar solos.

This is a group of 4 experienced hammered dulcimer players who will present a variety of music styles on the dulcimer. Will also include demonstration/ discussion of playing back up, playing for events (concerts, weddings..), and playing for dances.

Somewhat more advanced than our "introductory" bell workshop, this will involve reading music, limited to whole, half and quarter notes, some simple rhythmic patterns, bell notation and performing as a group.

Enjoy a Renfaire-inspired a cappella performance by The Cropper Lads.

Learn the basics of harmony singing, and get a chance to practice. If you already took this last year or earlier in the weekend, come to the second one for further tips, tricks and practice.

Do you want to confidently sing in harmony at jams, gatherings, or maybe just with a friend? Join us as we play around with drones, rhythms, and sounds of all types in a quest to get everyone singing.

Come and sing English traditional folk songs in harmony and learn how to create your own spontaneous harmonies! This workshop will include a range of approaches to harmony, it will be taught by ear with words and notation available for those who want them.

Connecticut based singer-songwriter Corey Lewin weaves heartfelt, insightful songwriting with thoughtful storytelling, exploring the deepest thoughts, feelings, and little moments we all experience as human beings.

Terrific dances that feature fun hey choreography. Ricochets and Dolphins may appear!

English country dances involving a variety of heys. ECD musicians are welcome to sit in with the Open Band; rehearsal at 10am in Sterling for those who will.

Homemade Music is Tidewater Troubadour Bob Zentz' signature "edu-tainment" program of singalong songs -- old and new, traditional and originals -- with unplugged folk instruments from around the world that encourage everyone to join in.

Sing honky tonk country songs with Planet Banjo country band. Songs from artists like Hank Williams, Merle Haggard and Patsy Cline. All words are provided.

From the American songbook and elsewhere, tunes about love and relationships: the good, the bad and the rest. Bernadette Colley and Richard Yospin accompany themselves on guitars, mandolin, keyboard and clarinet. (www.colleyospin.com)

Introductory, moderate, and advanced technique on how to play the bones. Basic instruction, various techniques and styles of different music. No experience necessary.

A demonstration of handling technique and exploration of Irish music rhythms. We'll consider session etiquette, play some tunes with the fiddler, explore ornamentation. Bring a bodhran or a substitute.

Moderately-paced Old-Time Jam. Improve your jamming skills and lock in with other musicians for a rollicking good old time!

The Dancing Crane Georgian Cultural Center presents a concert of Georgian songs by the Iberia Children's Song Group led by Eka Chichua.

I'll be leading songs I have composed about Chipmunks, Raccoons, Elephants, Vultures, Bluejays, and other critters domestic and wild. All songs have choruses or refrains to join in on.

Beautiful music and dances from the Balkans and beyond in unusual meters!

International dancing, mostly Balkan, with music by Sladka.

International dancing, mostly Balkan, with a wide range of difficulty.

Tango originated in Argentina around 1900 and quickly spread to Europe and America. This vintage form of American tango is easy to learn and it’s fun to do! We teach the basic steps and a handful of useful variations that you can do to various types of tango music.

Intro to Balkan Dancing featuring live music with the NEFFArious Goats. Dance to Balkan rhythms showcasing the magnificent Gadja (Macedonian bagpipe)..

Casino Rueda is a called partner dance akin to a circle mixer, that originated in 1950's Cuba. Danced to salsa or timba music, Rueda is spirited, yet laid back and fun, and features frequent and creative partner changes.

Learn the basics (or try out the other role) through a series of short, easy contra dances. All are welcome, beginners and experienced dancers alike!

Learn the basics or try a role you haven't danced before. Beginners and experienced dancers all welcome!

Whether you’re brand new, want to brush up on your basic contra skills, want to learn a new dance role, or share your love of contra with new dancers, this session is for you!

Learn the basic steps and figures of English Country Dance while dancing to beautiful music.

In this workshop, even complete beginners can learn to make a good sound with a hand drum and then learn to play common rhythms from a variety of cultural sources. Drums will be available to borrow.

Learn the basics of Balkan and other international folk dance styles. Enjoy efficient, cheerful teaching and fabulous live music!

Learn some accessible international folk dances, and by way of this, learn basic principles of the dance idiom and some basic moves, which will give you the grounding to attend the many international folk dance events at the festival!

The Connecticut Handbell Musicians will perform a short, easy piece of handbell music, followed by a "hands-on" workshop. Participants will learn basic ringing techniques and be able to perform as a group by the end of the session.

Irish tunes and convivial conversation... What could be better?

Open Celtic session for fiddle, mandolin, accordion, flute/whistle, banjo, and Uileann pipes

Traditional Irish tunes at slow and moderate tempos, by ear (the traditional way), starting with more common session tunes. Tunes include jigs, reels, waltzes, hornpipes, polkas, slip jigs, and more.

Family-friendly Israeli folk dances with simple patterns taught efficiently and cheerfully. No partners needed...you can do these!

Dance favorite old (oldies) Israeli dances from 1948-1980. No teaching.

Jookin' Blues is bringing the party! Originally danced in jook joints, honky tonks, and rent parties in Black communities, these dances involve rhythmic movement in small spaces. We'll explore fun footwork, body shaping, and music awareness, to help you boogie down on the dance floor. Attendees will take turns leading and following with multiple partners.

Join us in sharing joy and harmony through graceful, flowing rounds. We'll teach and lead songs like This Pretty Planet, Sing All Ye Joyful, and Now I Walk in Beauty.

Come dance your heart out to Outrageous Fortune's rootsy jug band stylings of classic '20s and '30s blues and jazz. Stationary listeners are also welcome!

Calling all kazoo hummers (guitar, banjo, and uke players and singers too!) Jam on some jazzy, bluesy songs from the 1920’s and 30’s, lyrics and chords (and washboards!) provided!

Some useful movements to incorporate into our lives so that our bodies are more comfortable and can continue to dance and make music. Suitable for all bodies of any age and ability!

Slack key guitar is a style of guitar playing developed by the people of Hawaii. Come listen to the mellow sounds of the islands.

A jam session aimed at kids, but everyone is welcome. We will be playing easy tunes from the modern contra dance repertoire. Tunes and chords at lilywise.com/kidsjam Bring your instrument!

Klezmer jam session with audience participation and music leadership

Mellow, playful English country dancing to relax before leaving. Favorites and new material. For those already familiar with basic English figures - not a class.

Learn all of the dances for this year's English dance medley! Includes tips for expeditious recoveries. No obligation to participate in the actual medley.

Do you like instrumental music but really want to sing it on nonsense syllables? Always wanted to use your voice like a fiddle? Come sing with us - feel free to have a tune in mind that you'd like to teach. Beginners welcome.

Dance up a storm in styles Balkan and beyond, played by up-and-coming young musicians from the local international dance community!

Richard Gehrts has mined a rich vein of traditional material from diverse sources, artfully arranged, as well as a bevy of original compositions that are thought provoking, contentious, humorous and beautiful.

Recitation (Think “Casey At the Bat”.) was legitimate stage entertainment in the days of vaudeville and English Music Hall. In the right hands, it is still a powerful medium.

The celibate, communal United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, of whom only two now survive, are famed not only for their furniture and other crafts, but the boisterous singing and dancing in their religious services. Join Boston Area Shaker Study Group member E. J. Barnes for a selection of Shaker songs.

Sweet and soothing songs to help settle children after a long and stimulating day. Especially for children who have been at the festival all day - come in your pajamas and bring a pillow and something to cuddle.

In the tradition of Django Reinhardt a participatory jam session led by a small group of musicians familiar with the style.

4-Face-4s are an underloved cousin in the contra world, but now it’s their turn to shine; come dance some delightful 4x4s and see all that this formation has to offer!

Dave and Chris will lead a slow jam of favorite tunes composed by Bob McQuillen, a New England piano and accordion player who inspired many of us. Music will be provided, but playing by ear is encouraged. All instruments and levels welcome.

Focusing on the skills that go into playing note-for-note authentic versions of Celtic & Appalachian fiddle tunes - drop-& double-thumbing on all strings in every combination, alternate-string pull-offs, syncopation, how to get around the neck, etc.

Join us for a real slow jam where groovy old time tunes will be played for a long time - we give you plenty of time to learn the tune *and* play with bowings and rhythm. Fiddles, banjo, guitar, bass, others welcome.

Circle, square and line dances for the very young, very old, and all in between. No partner necessary - if you want to dance as a couple with both of your kids, great!

Many wonderfully danceable tunes have been composed during the first quarter century of our young millennium! This is a slow jam session for some tunes that have the potential to join a next generation of classics.

The group will perform songs that we have learned from the International dance repertoire that are both interesting and beautiful. Our performance will also include some non-dance songs from Eastern Europe and beyond.

Come enjoy the world of Morris dancing as a family while learning a basic traditional dance. Suitable for all ages.

An introduction to Cotswold Morris dancing, open to everyone from those who’ve never tried it to experts looking for an opportunity to hop into a morris set.

The Insolent Willies play an unconventional blend of folk, blues and roots-rock.

We will be hosting a jam of our favorite Scandi tunes. We'll have a tune book available for those new to the tunes.

Easy goin' contra dances so you can get your groove on with the music.

Folk music, cavalry songs, work songs, love songs, hymns, and liturgical chants from the Republic of Georgia.

Scottish and Cape Breton tunes arranged by Neil Pearlman bring a unique sound while keeping to tradition. Our big fiddle sound is enhanced by flute, whistle, guitars, mandolins, cellos, accordions and more.

Songs from the Balkans, Roma, Middle East, Mediterranean and more with dance performances and audience participation! Music featuring vocals, violin, lute, guitar, bass, drums and percussion. Experience eastern melodies, world rhythms, mesmerizing solos, and beautiful dancers.

John Gass and Brenda Fingold weave the gorgeous tones of the Native American Style Flute with guitar, voice, and percussion to create a blend of soothing songs and contemporary Native American Flute music.

I'll be leading some of the nautical poems I've adapted for singing by John Masefield, Bill Adams, Burt Franklin Jenness, and Hamish Maclaren. Most of the songs have choruses or refrains to join in on.

Learn more about how NEFFA (the organization) works! Meet new and old members of the Board! Learn what volunteer opportunities are available

Funny songs, silly songs, and other songs to make you laugh. Audience participation is encouraged.

Themed songs of the Boston Molasses Flood, Spin- a mill song, The Darn Man, East Thompson Train Wreck and the Lost Shirt Sea Shanty, all with New England roots from my album "Work Can't Wait For Beauty"

Writing new songs in the folk tradition, Laurel seeks to fill some of the vital historical gaps in the English folk song repertoire while consoling her climate grief and sharing her main loves (nature, folk arts and ice cream).

A Jam, for any instrument, focussing on Northern New England and French Canadian dance tunes.

Bring your voices to an Old Time Gospel Sing where we'll sing songs and hymns from the old time tradition, including songs sung by the Carter Family, EC & Orna Ball, and others.

A toe tapping good time with old-time fiddle, banjo and song!

Songs are my way in to knowing what I'm thinking or feeling, give me comfort and allow me to communicate what would otherwise remain silent. I'll sing my current favorites, and talk a little about the process of writing and choosing songs.

17-18th Century Ottoman Court music

HeartSoulVoice, with voice, harp, and fiddle, will present an hour of world-music influenced original songs and tunes on the themes of peace building, protest, love, and longing. Come listen to music that validates, inspires, and calms.

A discussion of the basic concepts of performing for senior audiences: getting jobs, planning presentation & repertoire, even getting paid for it!

All morris dancers welcome, with or without team or kit.

Many styles of music allow for improvisation and there are many different approaches to spontaneous melody-making. We’ll dig into one approach to improvisation which forms the basis of jazz improvisation, but applies to any music rooted in Western harmony.

Come and plan to lift your voices! As Power Harmonies, Lynn Noel and Ken Mattsson sing with depth, power, and passionate attention to the spirit in the song. Their duo sound can be described as "ballroom dancing for the voice."

Bring an original or classic protest song to share. Sing on your own or invite us to sing with you :) Facilitated by Nora Borealis Maynard, experienced NVDA song & chant leader, leader of WholeTone Music Academy's Queer Protest Choir for 2 seasons (2017, 2019) in Somerville.

A relaxed pub sing atmosphere! Bring a song with a chorus, or just yourself and a willingness to sing along

We may not have a pub, but we can still raise the rafters! A traditional English-style pub sing, emphasizing chorus songs. Bring one to share, or just follow along.

Montreal-based band Les Quatre Patates will lead a session of tunes from Quebec at a moderate tempo. All instruments and levels welcome!

An introduction to the basics of French Canadian step dancing (la gigue).

In historical record and the modern community, queerness is threaded through sea songs from Sweet Mary Starbuck to the Handsome Cabin Boy. Learn about sailors, singers, and the queer sea.

Experience the couple dances of the ragtime era (1911-1914) including the one-step, foxtrot, tango and blues. Though these dances are from a particular period they are wonderful for music of any time period.

This is an opportunity to prepare for the repertoire we'll use in the "The Hey's the Thing" ECD dance session.

John Roberts (5 May 1944 - 2 February 2025) left us a rich legacy of songs, tunes, and friendship. We are ten times less by one. Let's sing for John and share the songs he gave us.

Structured jam session for Renaissance music—English and French dance tunes, polyphonic vocal and instrumental pieces, and whatever else tickles our fancy! All instruments (and voices) and skill levels welcome.

A concert exploring the intersection and influence of the music of the English Renaissance lutenist songwriters of the late 16th and early 17th centuries and the renaissance of personal songwriting in the English-speaking world in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Enjoy exciting and challenging dances of Russia. Each dance is accompanied by the beautiful and thrilling (live!) choral music from the region. Music provided by the Bjelalitsa Chorus, directed by Julia Poirier.

Simple, fun contras to help you ease into the day

Play Romanian music. Sheet music provided, and some instruction.

Group participation of singing rounds.

Contra dance to the music of the creative and BIG band Rum & Onions!

We play dance tunes from the Røros region of Norway for your dancing pleasure - vals, reinlander, hoppvals (polka), and of course Rørospols.

Learn to sing Latvian folk songs from the collection of “Father of the Dainas” Krišjānis Barons and other sources! Lyric sheets, translations, and pronunciation guides will be provided.

Join us for shape-note singing from the Sacred Harp, in the traditional "hollow square."

Please join a moderated panel discussion for dance organizations and dance community leaders about dance safety and how it's more effectively and easily put into action.

A NEFFA tradition for experienced dancers. This is a 20 minute series of no-walk through dances. It's a blast!

We will play dance music primarily from the repertoire of Massachusetts accordionist Nils Lundin (1921-2014) who is known for his American Wooden Shoe polka and his Saturday night dances at SAC Park in Shrewsbury, MA. We will play a selection of hambos, schottisches, snoas, waltzes, polkas, polketts, and a tango.

We will play standard Scottish tunes, including jigs, reels, hornpipes, marches, and strathspeys, in sets suitable for Scottish Country Dance (SCD). We aim to play at a slow to moderate tempo and discuss some concerns unique to SCD music.

A rare opportunity to hear Alistair Hulett's arresting 9 ballad cycle telling the story of early 20th century Glasgow-centered anti-war/human rights struggle.

Fun Scottish figures and great tunes

Scottish country dancing is a fun activity enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds in Scotland and across the world. Come try out easy dances to great tunes. We will teach from the basics and help you enjoy the fun of dancing.

Come All Ye! Jigs, Reels, Slow Airs, Strathspeys, Marches from the Scottish and Cape Breton fiddle repertoire. Barbara on fiddle and Robert on guitar will take requests and make suggestions, and keep the tempo accessible.

Just like conventional squares, except you are seated. Great fun for all ages, but may be particularly fun for people with mobility issues or who cannot participate in other dances.

Join us to learn and practice shape note singing. This step by step approach will have you singing the rich and powerful 4-part harmonies that brought generations of communities together and is still widely popular today.

Shape-note singing from the Shenandoah Harmony. Loaner books available.

Bring your voices. This is especially for those who like to sing. There will be plenty of opportunities to sing along.

Join early childhood music specialist Nancy Hershatter as we explore songs with stories inside, and stories which have become songs. Sing, dance, play and laugh along.

Come swap songs where the whole room can join in: pub songs, chanteys, call-and-response, simple catchy choruses, and more! Bring one to share, or just sing along.

Join other singers as we sing rounds and canons. Anyone present may request or teach a round.

Songs, fingerplays, dances for children (and young-at-heart adults)!

Sing along with some well-loved traditional Greek folk songs. Lyrics, translation, and teaching provided.

Traditional squares to singing calls in the old New England style

Sing shape-note music from the time of the American Revolution, from our tunebook, "The Norumbega Harmony."

Get together to sing, play and jam with others - song circle style, slanted folkie but - song choice is up to the players; families welcome

We love reels for their energy and drive, but how do we inject the lift that keeps dancers flying high? In this slow jam, we’ll explore some excellent reels of different types and learn how to feel the pulse and lay down the groove.

Join Becky and Nicole for a concert of a cappella traditional and trad-adjacent songs that involve snappy comebacks, revenge, swooning, dreaming, and great harmonies, with plenty of sing-along opportunities too.

At least five songcatchers (mostly women) were active in New England from 1890 through 1945. We will present their stories and methods.

We will lead a participatory singing session featuring traditional and folk songs about birds of all kinds. We’ll share duo performance of some of their favorites and open up the space to bird song suggestions from attendees.

What music got you through the days of Covid-19 and other trauma in your life? This session is meant to inspire and acknowledge your resilience. Let your voice be heard!

The Grunya ensemble will perform a program of authentic East Slavic village music from various regions of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. The songs represent a variety of traditional genres: seasonal ritual songs, lyrical songs, religious songs, comic songs, dance songs and folk games. The concert will include performances on traditional instruments such as the balalaika, Pskov folk psaltery (gusli), Kursk herdsman's horn (rozhok), eastern European hurdy-gurdy (kolesnaya lira/kolavaya lira), Belarusian bagpipe (duda), folk flute (dudka), and more.

Step away from the bustle of the festival for quiet singing with Laurie and Micah. Come join in on old favorites, learn some new ones, or just sit and vibe.

MACINTYRE!!!! Get ready to stamp your feet, clap your hands, and raise the rafters with boisterous song! Call-backs encouraged, as well as silly hand gestures and anything else that you and your friends do to make a song special. Participatory singing to the MAX!

In this workshop we'll explain the most common terminology used by sound engineers, and along the way get a better understanding of how sound engineering works.

A refreshing assortment of English Country Dance, including well-loved classics and a few bubbly new concoctions.

Fun contras to celebrate the new season.

Join fellow dance organizers in a mutually beneficial exchange of joys, challenges, ideas, solutions and innovations as they relate to STARTING, BUILDING or EXPANDING dance communities.

Stories traditional and stories personal, usually a theme.

Heather Lee sings some of her favorite traditional ballads with friends. The songs are old, and we’ve added some lyrical instrumental solos. Instruments include hammered dulcimer, violin, viola, flute and piano.

A mixture of slightly skewed original songs and rockin’ arrangements of jigs, reels, and other melodies from the British Isles and beyond.

Come dance with us to contras that get you movin' and groovin'! We'll explore ways to be stylish, with fairly accessible choreography great for nearly all dancers!

A Neffa tradition for experienced dancers. This is a 20 minute series of no-walk through dances. It's a blast!

Come share your song or story about sirens, selkies, or other supernatural specters.

A session of Swedish couple turning dances -- regional polskas along with hambo, schottis, waltz, and more.

An enjoyable collection of triple minor longways English: great music, memorable dances.

A contra dance tribute to caller and Neffa organizer extraordinaire, Dan Pearl.

Learn the melody and accompaniment for a few traditional French dance tunes, and jam with us. All instruments, intermediate and up.

Professional Georgian dancers Tako and Ilia will lead a class in dances from the Georgian tradition. It is not necessary to have a dance background or to know about Georgian culture.

Wonderful and seminal contra dances from the 1970's and 80's that have stood the test of time.

Learn some more difficult Balkan dances, presented in a very accessible format.

Contras where you take hands-six from the top.

I will demonstrate how I make up tunes, take questions, and then lead the group in making up tunes on the spot.

You can play a song, or sing along/listen to a song played on the ukulele. You can also play along, but songs will not be taught. This is a jam. All ukulele players are welcome.

Have you been an ukulele player who is always asking, "Where's the songsheet?" This is your chance to get off the page! There will be no handouts, and this will help players practice hearing chord changes and playing along.

Concert featuring tiny harmonicas and fiddles; jaw harps; harp-guitar, marxophone and marxolin, plus fiddle and guitar.

Join "Three Quarter Time" an acoustic folk instrumental group playing Traditional 3/4-Time Folk Waltz Melodies. This "Open-to-all-Instruments-and-Levels" jam has been a NEFFA tradition since 2001. Play by ear or use music notation that you bring with you. Dancers and listeners are welcome.

Lots of waltzes, but also schottische, polka, maybe a tango, *plus* the beloved "break standards" taught at the preceding workshop: Gay Gordon's, Road to the Isles, & Salty Dog Rag.

The waltz originated in the late 1700s and has been an essential part of ballroom dancing ever since. We will illustrate waltzes from various eras with commentary on the historical development of the waltz.

We'll play for waltzing with no dance instruction.

Start the weekend off with joyful dances to glorious tunes.

If you have a tragic traditional ballad, bring it! We will be sharing the sad and tragic story songs of long ago that still haunt us today. Expect adult themes, bloodshed, death, and unhappy endings.

Sing and play music from rural English churches, from the time of Thomas Hardy, Jane Austen, and King George III. For all voices and melodic instruments.

Techniques for whistling with the lips, with special focus on dance tunes, as well as considerations for performance in general.

Boston Harmony, a multigenerational community choir, will perform a variety of music including American shape-note songs and traditional songs from Corsica, Caucasus Georgia, the Balkans, and South Africa.

Join us for a journey with drum rhythms drawn from around the world. We will accompany the rhythms with a variety of melodic instruments and will be joined by dancers in colorful costumes.

Songwriting interpolations in folk music, is about how songwriters incorporate pre-existing melodies or lyrics into a new composition to create something new and unique. This can be a powerful tool for songwriters writing genre-based songs.

Dance some set and couple dances from the Ashkenazi Jewish tradition! Dances such as the Sher, Patch Tantz, set "Bulgar", Mitzvah Tantz, and perhaps others. All dances will be taught and prompted.

Songs about events that are wild AND true! Drunken seagulls attacking beach-goers, death by garden decorations, and more. Bring a song to share about some wacky event that actually happened and tell us all about it!

Elevate your calling or spoken word performance. Learn correct microphone technique and related sound system controls. Master hands-on skills for optimal vocal quality and impress your future audiences!

Boost your endorphins, and your heart rate, with high-energy contras that keep you moving!

Zwiefacher couple dances originated in Bavaria. Each “Z” has a rhythmic pattern that changes, to which dancers do waltz and pivot footwork. We’ll include Z’s ranging from easy to challenging.