Old-Time Music
is the name used as long ago as the 1920's for the dance tunes, songs and solo
pieces people played for entertainment before radio and recordings caused most
people to put their instruments away.
With roots in Ireland and northern Europe, and African influences, the music
adatpted to many American environments as it was played and passed from person
to person. New tunes were "made" and became part of the tradition.
Banjos joined fiddles, and when the era of the mail-order catalog came, guitars
were added, too.
By the mid-1920's, the new recording industry in the United States became interested
in recording the traditional dance tunes. Sentimental and religious songs also
became part of the old-time music captured on heavy 78 RPM discs.
Old-time music at its best is tunes and songs and the stories that give them life.
Played from the heart, the music conveys the feelings and stories of those who
played it first.
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Tom's radio program
In The Tradition
airs on WDIY 88.1 FM
every Wednesday
from 7 to 9 pm
"American music from the
roots to the branches"
He can also be heard
on WXLV 90.3 FM
every Thursday
from noon to 4 pm
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Back Home
Our new CD! Recorded live in performance at Godfrey Daniels in
Bethlehem, PA and at our home, it includes songs from the Carter family, Dave Bing,
Uncle Dave Macon, Julie Miller, Bob Dylan, and more.
For online ordering information, please visit our merchandise page.
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Upcoming Events
- September 7, 2008 - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Emmaus Farmers' Market, Emmaus, PA
Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, maybe mums, garlic, jams and jellies and some dance tunes for your restless feet.
www.emmausmarket.com
- September 12-14, 2008
Greenwood Furnace Folk Gathering, Huntingdon County, PA
The Greenwood Furnace Folk Gathering is a weekend of music workshops, jamming, concerts and dancing at Greenwood Furnace
State Park in Central Pennsylvania, and this year they will celebrate their fifth year. The park is on the western edge
of an area of Central Pennsylvania known as the Seven Mountains. It is an area of "rugged beauty, abundant wildlife,
breathtaking vistas and peaceful solitude" according to the
park website —
and the photos are beautiful! We'll be there for the weekend, with details of workshops to be announced later.
www.simplegiftsmusic.com/greenwood
- September 19, 2008 - 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Global Libations, 21 East Main Street, Kutztown, PA
A first musical visit to this fine coffeehouse that offers music every Friday night. Betty recommends their mocha lattes.
We'll be in the front window, not on a front porch, but we hope to keep the same effect. 484-646-9683 for more information
about Global Libations.
- September 21, 2008 - all day, into the evening
Lyons Fall Fiddle Festival, Lyons, PA
Always a fall highlight if you like bluegrass and/or old-time music, or just old-time community events with food prepared
by local church groups and great ice cream. Bring your lawn chairs, and be in time for the special musical guest, famed
bluegrass star Jesse McReynolds. Listen or play in the many jams, enjoy the fiddle contest and end the day with the
Bluegrass Gospel church service at 6:00 p.m.
www.lyonsfiddlefest.com
- September 26, 2008 - 7:30 pm
St. John's UCC Church, Laury's Station, PA
Join us for an evening of "old-time tunes and rare song gems from the past."
Russ Rentler will also be appearing. Tickets: $10.00.
www.stjohnslaurys.org
- October 4, 2008 - Time TBA
Arts Walk, Emmaus, PA
This will be the third annual Arts Walk — an opportunity for you to explore the front porches and sidewalks
of this beautiful, old-fashioned town. Enjoy and perhaps purchase art, crafts, and music as you walk along. The plan is
for all of the musical entertainment to be in one location this year, and all events will happen whether the sun shines
or the rain falls. Sponsored by the Emmaus Arts Commission.
www.emmausarts.org/Emmaus_PorchWalk.html
- October 5, 2008 - 12:00 noon
Harvest Moon Festival, Coverdale Farm, Greenville, DE
The Delaware Nature Society works hard to protect habitat and natural resources in Delaware. They also sponsor more than
300 hands-on environmental education programs each year for kids and adults. Come and enjoy the two days (October 4 and 5)
and help support their work. The annual Harvest Moon Festival includes music, farm experiences, country and festival foods,
cow milking, sheep shearing and a turtle race! The Farm is not far from the Pennsylvania border, and their beautiful
website has much more information and clear directions.
www.delawarenaturesociety.org/hm_festival.html
- October 11 & 12, 2008
Harvest Festival
Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, Stroudsburg, PA
Crafts, demonstrations, farm animals, and lots of good old-fashioned food like apple dumplings (Betty personally recommends
these!). Music, too, on stage and on porches. Hope it's a little cooler than October 2007!
www.quietvalley.org
- October 24, 2008 - 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Global Libations, 21 East Main Street, Kutztown, PA
Spend a cool autumn evening listening to tunes and enjoying some coffee and the surroundings. 484-646-9683.
- April 4, 2009 - 8:00 pm
Mountain Moon Coffeehouse, Wheeling, WV
Over the mountains of Western PA, to a city filled with hills, highways, rivers and railroads. We often tell stories
about the beautiful building that houses the Mountain Moon concert series — the real Tiffany windows dripping
with rosebuds, the tin ceiling in the concert room, the checkered tablecloths and Barb's fine cookies. Bob Heyer and his
wife Barbara have managed The Mountain Moon for many years; Bob is a fine singer and musician himself (visit
www.bobheyer.com to find out more) and we hope he'll join us for
a song or two.
www.oionline.com/mountainmoon
We also host two old-time jams each month:
- First Tuesday of each month at
Godfrey Daniels
in Bethlehem, an open old-time jam from 7-9:00 p.m. Admission ($2.50 to play or listen)
helps to cover the electric bill!
- Fourth Friday of each month at
Meadowood Music
in Blandon, PA, along Route 222. 7-9:00 p.m. Free.
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