Colburn Park Trad Music Festival

Dive into the dynamic world of traditional music for a weekend of playing, learning, dancing, jamming, performance, and more. Upper Valley Music Center brings together some of the best traditional musicians in New England, all of whom are dedicated to keeping the tradition alive through performance and teaching. The weekend includes a number of events in Colburn Park which are free and open to the public, as well as ticketed workshops and concerts. Colburn Park Trad Music Festival includes many traditional music styles that have inspired the trad music culture of New England, including Scottish, Irish, French, Quebecois, English, and Appalachian.

2026 faculty includes Jeremiah McLane, Rachel Clemente, Amy Cann, Carol Compton, Liz Faiella, Dan Faiella, George Fowler, & Andrew VanNorstrand.

Friday will include a welcome gathering, pot-luck supper, jam sessions, and a contra dance featuring a band made up of our festival faculty. 

• 5:00 pm : Welcome Gathering
• 5:30 pm: Potluck Supper
• 6:15 pm: Fast and slow jam sessions
• 7:30 pm: Contra Dance

Saturday workshops will give participants a chance to immerse themselves in musical traditions to learn tunes, practice ensemble playing skills, and perform together. Each participant is assigned to a group for the day, and plays with their ensemble for three workshop sessions. Within each group, faculty will teach tunes from the tradition by ear including melody and accompaniment. Instructors will coach each ensemble, exploring stylistic approaches within the tradition, and arranging a set for performance. Each group will have the opportunity to share what they’ve learned in a camp gathering. 

Our Saturday workshops are open to everyone who wants to dive into learning and playing tunes together. All instruments are welcome, and tunes will be taught by ear. Participants should be able to play a few tunes on their instrument already, whether from the trad world or other styles. 

The evening will include a jam session at Salt Hill Pub and a concert featuring the festival faculty. 

Saturday Workshop Schedule

• 10-11:15: Workshop 1
• 11:30-12:45: Workshop 2
• 12:45-2: Lunch break (deadline to place lunch order 7/27)
• 2-3:15 pm: Workshop 3
• 4 pm : Student concert
• 5-7 pm: Jam session
• 7:30 pm: Faculty concert

Sunday will feature a variety of sessions highlighting the many talents of our faculty, including options for trad enthusiasts and newcomers. 2026 workshop topics include O’Carolan Tunes, Harp Circle, Quebecois tunes (all instruments), Slow Jam, Fast Jam, Kids Only Jam, Chords & Accompaniment (all instruments), Make a crankie, DADGAD guitar, Prep to play in the open band, and more!  Sunday participants can pick and choose their path, dropping into multiple sessions or focusing on one area. The Sunday program will include a preparatory session for playing for a dance band, and will culminate with an open-band family dance.

Sunday Workshop Schedule

• 10-11 am: Workshop 1
• 11:15-12:15: Workshop 2
• 12:15-1:30 pm: Lunch Break
• 1:30-2:30 pm: Workshop 3
• 2-3 pm: Instrument Petting Zoo
• 3 pm: Family Dance

Food: The Friday evening gathering includes a pot-luck supper. Optional box lunches will be offered on Saturday, and must be purchased in advance. Saturday’s jam session will take place at Salt Hill Pub, where food and beverage is available for purchase. Light breakfast & coffee will be available both Saturday and Sunday morning. 

Click here for weekend schedule!

Enrollment options: 

Join us for the full weekend of festivities, or choose the program that best suits you! 

• Full weekend: includes all programs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 
• Saturday only: includes all Saturday sessions, plus evening concert
• Sunday only: includes all Sunday sessions
• Free events include Friday evening gathering & dance, Saturday jam session, Sunday Family Dance