New England Folk Festival 2016 in Mansfield MA
The New England Folk Festival will be held on Friday April 15th to Sunday April 17th at Mansfield High School. This great festival features a wide variety of concerts, dance performances, workshops, family sing-alongs, childrens activities and jamming sessions. You’ll hear blues, ballads, celtic and other traditional songs and music.
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Swirling Dancers in the Main Hall
Participatory Dance – A lot of contra and traditional square dancing, International Folk Dancing, dancing from specific regions, couple dancing, swing dancing, clogging, etc. All levels of expertise are featured. Particular favorites are the contra dance medleys, originated at the NEFFA Festival (we believe).
Dance performances – Costumed ethnic performing groups have been a part of NEFFA since the beginning. About a dozen morris teams dance outside the High School the day on Saturday and Sunday — a welcoming sight to new and returning Festival-goers alike.
Food – About a dozen or so booths and food trucks serve a variety of food, including “kid-friendly” offerings. The food is very good. Prices vary from “Good Value” to “Expensive” (but a good value, compared to restaurants). Come hungry! Breakfast foods are available Saturday and Sunday AM.
Music – Music everywhere! Jam sessions in the halls, instrument workshop sessions, performances of folk music, singing…turn the corner and more music greets your ears. Bring your instruments! Free instrument checking is provided (but no overnight storage). Practice rooms in the Middle School will be available on a sign-up basis for rehearsals and jam sessions.
Crafts – Handmade items are for sale in the crafts room. Demonstrations of craftsmanship happen frequently. The room is open Friday 6 to 9:30pm, Saturday 9:30am to 9:30pm, and Sunday 9:30am to 5:30pm. Here’s a list of the vendors.
Bazaar – Books, records, CD’s, clothing, etc. all for sale in the Bazaar area in the corridors. The Performer Sales Table has items for sale by NEFFA performers; NEFFA souvenirs and T-Shirts (current and past years) are on sale here.
The Activity Room – A hands-on room for kids and adults!
Discussion Sessions – Dance callers, administrators, and dancers all get together to talk about areas of interest. The Festival attracts lots of callers, musicians, and event producers–it’s a great opportunity to network.
Family Events – Dancing, singing, storytelling, puppets, etc. Here’s a schedule! Here is more information that families with young children might need.
Schedule highlights
Friday
Songs of the Seas & Harbors with Harbortown, Friday at 7pm
Traditional songs, tunes and bagpipes with Neal & Joanie, Friday at 7pm
Coal mining songs with Robert Tincher, Friday at 8pm
Songs from the Republic of Georgia with Iveria, Friday at 9pm
Ballads of Sibling Woes with Sue West & Friends, Friday at 9pm
Drinking Songs with April Grant, Friday at 10pm
Saturday
10:00am Clam Chowder & Kangaroos EF — Jean Schwartz — Middle School Rm. 119 (50 min.)
10:00am Family Dance DF — Hunt & Allison Smith — High School Rm. 123 (50 min.)
11:00am Song Writers of the 60’s Folk Revival GF — Trail Mix — Middle School Rm. 105/106 (50 min.)
11:00am Ballads and Banjo Tunes EF — Ralph Bodington — Middle School Rm. 119 (50 min.)
11:00am Play Party Dances and Songs TF — Janet Yeracaris — High School Rm. 123 (50 min.)
12:00noon RazzleDazzle AUTOHARP EF — Drew Smith & Friends — Middle School Rm. 103/104 (50 min.)
12:00noon World Music Harmony Singing EF — Boston Harmony — Middle School Rm. 105/106 (50 min.)
12:00noon Family Fun Contra Dance DF — Linda Leslie, Berlin Country Orchestra — High School Rm. 123 (50 min.)
1:00pm All Around the Kitchen – Singing Games for Children GF — Kim Wallach — Middle School Rm. 119 (50 min.)
3:00pm How to Play the Rhythm Bones TF — Stephen Brown & Friends — High School Rm. 177 (50 min.)
5:00pm Caroline’s Choice GF — Caroline Paton — Middle School Rm. 105/106 (50 min.)
7:00pm A Traditional Jug Band EF — KC Moaners — Middle School Rm. 105/106 (50 min.)
Sunday
10:00am Songs & Singing Games for Children GF — Revels Education & Outreach — Middle School Auditorium Stage (50 min.)
12:00noon Community Dance DF — Chrissy Fowler, Higher Ground — Middle School Auditorium Stage (50 min.)
1:00pm Kids’ Scandinavian Dance DF — Patrick McMonagle & Friends — High School Rm. 123 (50 min.)
2:00pm Family Dance DF — Brooke Friendly, JumpStart — High School Rm. 123 (60 min.)
2:00pm Mill Girls in Song & Story EF — The Proper Ladies — High School Rm. 177 (50 min.)
Friday April 15 2016 7:00pm-11:30pm doors open 6:00pm
Saturday April 16 2016 10:00am-5:30pm doors open 9:00am
4:00pm-11:30pm
Sunday April 17 2016 10:00am-5:30pm doors open 9:00am
(per session) $20 adults, $16 seniors, young adult (13-24) $10, $6 kids, preschool free; NEFFA Members pay less… full weekend rates available
Mansfield High School
250 East Street, Mansfield, MA, 02048