Weekend of Folk Music Held at Camp Kislak Lake Como, PA 5/28-31

Enjoy a friendly music-filled weekend at bucolic Camp Kislak. Concerts and workshops by Sharon Katz - creator of electrifying jazz-folk-rock fusion with South African roots, Paul Kaplan - captivating American singer-songwriter, Ralph Bodington - authentic old-time singer and banjo player, Heather Wood - veteran English singer, plus dances and a camper concert. Plenty of opportunity for informal jamming and singing, socializing, hiking, swimming (heated outdoor pool), and relaxing.

Sharon Katz created a large multiracial musical group in her native South Africa in 1992 and traveled throughout the country by train to promote the first free elections. She and her Freedom Train group went on to tour Africa, the United States and Europe, recording with Sting, Paul Simon, Elton John, and other artists. In the U.S. crowds respond to her uplifting songs: staccato, twinkling notes fly from the frets of her guitar, maintaining a muscular rhythm: an uplifting aural swirl of funk, jazz and African folk music.

Paul Kaplan, is a super-talented singer/songwriter, with a fine repertoire of serious and funny songs -- he has a rare gift for writing and singing songs in the old troubadour tradition. He has been an enthusiastic participant in the folk music world since the late 1960s when his early anti-Vietnam war songs were published in the protest magazine Broadside. He has appeared at numerous festivals and his songs have been recorded by such artists as Sharon, Lois, and Bram, Claudia Schmidt, and Jay Ungar and Molly Mason as well as on his own albums. He and Dan Milner authored the book The Bonny Bunch of Roses, a compilation of traditional music of England, Ireland & Scotland.

Ralph Bodington is a superb performer of banjo tunes and ballads from the old-time Southern mountain tradition. Ralph is deeply respected by musicians who have devoted their lives to Southern Mountain Music. A 2009 tour introduced him to audiences in Britain who were as enthusiastic as those who have flocked to his performances at the New England Folk Festival and the Eisteddfod. His newly released CD, Old Paint is treasured by musicians & singers.

Heather Wood is a veteran singer from the English revival for some 40+ years, dating from her days with The Young Tradition. She has a great repertoire of ballads, historical songs, love and agricultural songs, and a lot from the humorous side. In addition to the old songs, she has written some dynamite new ones.

Ted Crane has been organizing weekly dances in Ithaca, NY, his hometown and a hotbed of Old-Time and Celtic music, since the early 1980s. These musical influences fed Ted's interests in the energetic rhythm of dancing and music. His characteristic style, a high-energy fusion of dry New England calls with lively, rapid patter, follows the flow of the music as it fuels the dancers.

The spring music weekend kicks off with dinner followed by a "Meet the Staff'" and "Get to know each other" program on Friday evening. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday are filled with music and dance workshops, crafts, hiking, chats, and lots of opportunities for informal jamming and singing! Two afternoon Camper Concerts invite everyone to come and sign up to strut your stuff, be it singing, playing, reciting a monologue, or whatever. In the evenings there are staff concerts, followed by dancing for all levels. Late-night jamming and singing is encouraged. Or you can simply enjoy the scenery and unwind. Camp Kislak is approximately three hours from New York City by car, and Short Line bus transportation is available.

More information and a reservation form are available on-line at www.folkmusicny.org. Or reservations may be made directly at http://springfolkmusicweekend.eventbrite.com. Information: 718-672-6399.

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