Issue #8
April 2002
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Commentary Community art, mourned as murdered by radio, television, DVDs and computer games, is actually alive and well, though reduced in scale. Those who look back nostalgically to the days when the family gathered around the parlor piano to sing songs, or joined in playing guitar, fiddle and banjo on the front porch, should visit NEFFA when it comes around again next year.
NEFFA, the New England Folk Festival that takes place annually in Natick, Massachusetts, is a do it yourself institution of enormous scope and expertise. Presenting performances and workshops in an incredible variety of dance, song and instrumental music styles, the participants are often non-professional groups that give professional-level performances. The Festival draws local musicians, foreign dance groups, regional performers of all kinds and all U.S. regions, and professional pickers and singers willing to perform for free to support and encourage their audiences.
NEFFA is a place where performers swap songs, licks and dance moves, and where amateurs hold jam sessions in the halls. It is the only place I know where you can round a corner and come upon four hurdy-gurdy players and an accordionist playing 16th century French dance music, then round another corner and find eight people of various skill levels and instruments, who've never met before, do a creditable job on Cajun tunes, Celtic pipe music or Appalachian hymn tunes.
Tired of TV? Your kid turning into a couch (or computer chair) potato? Feeling isolated in the big city or small town? Learn from NEFFA. Join a local G&S light opera company. Take contra-dance lessons. Send your son or daughter to Step Dancing school. Learn clogging, country swing or square dancing. Take lessons on a musical instrument, any instrument, and get together with others who are at the same level you are. If you can stand the ridicule, join a Morris Dance group. Making bad music together can be exhilarating, and more exciting than listening to good music made by others.
Almost every city, suburb and town has plenty of these groups, often meeting in schools and churches. You can find them on the internet, or through any of the many state, regional or national societies that gather these groups together. Do a Google search: you'll find more than enough.
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