Schedule
2025 Schedule
Pennsylvania Folk Gathering is full of great workshops, concerts, singing, and dancing.
2025Schedule
Friday, September 12, 2025
Friday 3:00 – 5:00 pm Pre-Event Intensive Classes
(separate registration required)
A pre-event intensive is a great way to get a jump-start on the weekend. held just before the rest of the festival gets going.
Class size is limited, and a separate registration fee is required.
2025 Intensive Classes
Basics for Beginners – Henry Koretzky
In this special workshop designed for beginners and advanced beginners of all instruments, we’ll address basic folk music skills that will help you get the most out of the weekend. We’ll discuss how to play melody, learn by ear, play backup, maintain rhythm, sing, jam, and play well with other musicians.
Rhythm Guitar – Richard Sleigh
Learn to be a better rhythm section for your band or for your own voice. Using a variety of folk genres, we’ll look at left and right hand techniques to improve your playing. For guitar players who are used to using a pick, know at least 8 chords, and can switch smoothly between chords.
Better Bowing – Nathan Bishop
Whether you play fiddle, viola, or cello, there will be something here for you. We’ll look at bowing patterns, tone production, backup techniques and more. For all bowed instruments, intermediate and advanced.
Mandolin Techniques – Tom Krumm
A survey of all things mandolin, including playing techniques like tremolo and chording, problem-solving, and generally easing the path to mastering the mandolin. For all levels beyond beginner.
Old Time Banjo – Jay Best
We will explore several different tunings, double thumbing and drop thumbing techniques, hammer-on and pull-offs, and learn a tune or two using these techniques. For all levels beyond beginner.
Chanting – Lynn Margileth
Chanting is practiced worldwide in many diverse cultures to celebrate, meditate, protect, heal, bless, and ask for abundant harvests and beneficial weather. We will learn chants from Hindu, Tibetan, Yoruban and Native American traditions. The form is both call and response and unison singing. Bring your instruments and/or voice and be prepared to tap into your joy! Charts will be provided with words and chords.
Songwriters’ Circle – Diana Wagner
In this friendly gathering, we will invite you to share a song you are working on or a song you have written. We will have conversations about our handiest strategies for making great songs and our favorite strategies for overcoming songwriting challenges. We will also look at tried-and-true songwriting techniques. A handout of “big ideas” in songwriting will be provided.
Folk Band – Simple Gifts
Come join the band! Together as a group, we’ll choose a song, go through the process of arranging it, and then perform it at the start of the Friday evening concert. For all levels beyond beginner.
Pennsylvania Folk Gathering Begins
Friday 4:00 – 5:15 pm
Jamming – Laura Alexander and Peggy Shutes
This will be a fun, relaxed jam for all levels, also a good way to meet other attendees before things get going. All jams this weekend are inclusive, with all welcome and encouraged. Both songs and instrumental tunes will be played, and we’ll try to discourage playing difficult tunes that are hard for others to play or sing along. The goal is to be inclusive, have fun, relax, and enjoy making music with others.
5:30 to 6:30 pm Dinner
Meals are provided for those who pre-paid.
7:00 pm Staff Concert
You’ll meet and hear all of the instructors.
After the Concert
(starts 15 minutes after the concert ends)
Beginners’ Jam – Simple Gifts
People who’ve never jammed are highly encouraged to come. For all voices and instruments, using easy songs and tunes. The jam will be interspersed with discussion about how to jam.
Singing Jam – Mary Madigan & Diana Wagner
A good, relaxed time of singing together. Instruments are welcome, too. The group leaders will provide some song sheets, but feel free to bring 10 copies of any song you’d like us to sing with you!
Celtic & Old Time Jam – Tom Krumm & Nathan Bishop
Play tunes from the Celtic and old time traditions. This will be mostly instrumentals, not so much singing if any.
Blues Jam – Richard Sleigh & Jay Best
Blues pickin’ & singin’
Start Your Own Jam
You are encouraged to start your own jam, now or at any point throughout the weekend. Suggested locations: Nature Center (can go late), Wissahickon (please stop when people in that cabin go to bed), Lake Pavilion (until 10:30), Jam Hut.
Friday 10:30 pm
Night Owl Jam – No Faculty Leader
Jam til you drop!
Young People’s Gathering – Laura Alexander
If you’re younger than most of the people in attendance this weekend, this is a chance to meet and jam with other young folks.
Saturday, September 13, 2025
7:30 to 8:30 am Breakfast
Meals are provided for those who pre-paid.
8:15 am Greetings & Introduction
Meet folks and hear what’s happening for the weekend. Toward the end of this meeting, you’ll have an opportunity to sign up for a 10-minute mini-lesson.
9:00 to 10:00 am
Rhythm is the backbone of music and a great place to start. For total beginners, we’ll talk about the importance of rhythm, learn some rhythm patterns, and apply them to folk music.
Pennsylvania Songs from Smoked Country – Mary Madigan
Smoked Country Jam is an annual festival that includes a songwriting contest for songs about Pennsylvania. Learn the best of the winning songs.
How to Jam– Simple Gifts
Learn skills that will help you join in jams. How do you figure out what to play, and what do you do if you don’t know the song?
Easy Old Time Tunes – Henry Koretzky
We’ll learn a few easy tunes from the old time repertoire, with attention to both melody players and rhythm players. Tunes will be taught by ear with music available if needed. For all instruments, advanced beginner level.
Belcher’s Reel– Dani Hawkins
Learn a tune by Alva Belcher (~1819-1900), a renowned Black fiddler and caller from Delhi, New York. We’ll work by ear, with music available if needed. For all instruments, all levels beyond beginner.
Tunes with Flats – Tom Krumm
Most folk tunes are in keys that have sharps (like D, G, or A). Learn some tunes that have flats instead! For all instruments, all levels beyond beginner.
Mini-Lessons: Old Time Banjo, Fiddle, Guitar – Jay Best
Sign up for a 10-minute one-on-one session with Jay on the instruments indicated or for feedback on general musicianship. Signup sheets will be available Saturday morning.
10:15 to 11:15 am
Try a Mountain Dulcimer – Peggy Kaiser
This is a fun and easy instrument that’s a great choice for someone who doesn’t play anything at all and wants to get started with music. We’ll start at the very beginning and have you step by step learning how to play something really pretty! Dulcimers will be available for you to try.
Singing Well with Others – Mary Madigan & Diana Wagner
Whether you sing in a choir or as the lead in a band, how do you play well with others so that your voice(s) blend and complement each other? In this fun workshop, you’ll learn some warmup strategies, blending strategies, and participate in group and solo singing. For fun, we might even sing some rounds!
Have No Fear, Learn by Ear – Jay Best & Laura Alexander
Playing music by ear is difficult for a lot of people. We’ll look at various approaches to learning the tunes you want to play, using ears, eyes, voice, and brain. We will work with old time tunes, and there will be information for both melody and chord players. For all instruments, advanced beginner level.
Easy Contradance Tunes – Tom Krumm
Come learn a few fun and easy tunes played at contradances. Sheet music and chords will be provided. There will be tips for both melody and backup players.
Pennsylvania Tunes – Henry Koretzky
Working by ear, you’ll learn tunes collected in Pennsylvania. For all instruments, all levels beyond beginner.
Balfolk Tunes – Dani Hawkins
Working from sheet music, you’ll learn tunes from this beautiful French folk tradition, with instruction for both melody and backup players. And then come play them with Dani in Philadelphia sometime! For all instruments, all levels beyond beginner.
Mini-Lessons: Fiddle, Mandolin, Guitar, Bass – Karen Hirshon
Sign up for a 10-minute one-on-one session with Karen on the instruments indicated or for feedback on general musicianship. Signup sheets will be available Saturday morning.
11:30 am Group Photo
Meet outside the lodge. Bring your instrument and a smile! If it’s raining, we’ll postpone until Sunday right before lunch.
12:00 to 1:00 pm Lunch
1:15 to 2:15 pm
Honoring Pennsylvania Heritage Jerry Zolten – Lynn Margileth
An important initiative of the Pennsylvania Folk Gathering is to examine the musical traditions of Pennsylvania–to gain a better understanding of what Pennsylvania music is and to preserve and perpetuate this musical heritage. Each year we identify a musician with a unique musical background and perspective, invite them to the festival so that all can learn from them, and honor them as a Pennsylvania Heritage Musician. This year we honor Jerry Zolten.
Jerry is from the gritty Pennsylvania steel mill town of McKeesport just southeast of Pittsburgh where he came up listening to urban R&B, gospel, and jazz. As an undergrad at Penn State, he was president of the Penn State Folklore Society and mentored by renowned folklorist Samuel Bayard, experiences that influenced him to write about and become a performer in roots music genres including folk, Western swing, gospel, and blues. His creative output includes a multitude of concert productions, public presentations, album liner-notes, producing and appearing in documentary films, authoring books and articles, producing, narrating, consulting, and guesting on NPR and PBS programs, and performing on and producing musical albums. He currently performs in the eight-piece soul/R&B band Code: Blue and as half of The Jive Bombers with his musical accomplice for close to fifty years, Richard Sleigh.
Singing Jam – Henry Koretzky
This will be a relaxed, fun time of singing old favorites and perhaps some new favorites as well. For all voices and instruments.
Instrumental Jam – Jay Best & Laura Alexander
An easy-going jam where we’ll play a variety of instrumental (i.e. non-singing) tunes–anything goes!
Hiking – Ginny Mutti
We’ll explore the Blue Diamond grounds and the state forest that surrounds it.
2:30 to 3:30 pm
Try an Ukulele – Holly Foy
Discover why these little instruments have captured the heart of people everywhere. It’s so much fun and easy to do. Learn a few chords and songs. The session is targeted to total beginners, and instruments will be available for you to use.
Singing Old Favorites – Jay Best
This will be a fun time singing and playing songs we all (well, maybe most) know.
Awesome Easy Tunes – Tom Krumm
Tunes don’t have to be challenging to be awesome! In this class, we will work by ear to learn some wonderful tunes from several different traditions, all of which are easy to play. For all instruments, with tips for both melody and backup players. Advanced beginner level.
Contradance Band Practice – Nathan Bisho
We’ll look over the music that the open band will play at the evening dance. Music and chords will be provided. For all instruments, intermediate/advanced level. Note: If you miss this session, it’s still ok to play for the dance. It’s also ok to attend this session but not play for the dance.
From Stage Fright to Stage Craft – Diana Wagner
This workshop will provide performance opportunities while examining the symptoms, causes, and strategies for overcoming everything from mild to paralyzing fear.
Jamming with PA Heritage Musician Jerry Zolten – Lynn Margileth
A fun jam featuring Pennsylvania Heritage Musician Jerry Zolten. This will be mostly jamming, but also some chatting and hearing more of Jerry’s stories.
Mini-Lessons: Fiddle, Old Time Banjo, Hammer Dulcimer – Linda Littleton
Sign up for a 10-minute one-on-one session with Linda on the instruments indicated or for feedback on general musicianship. Signup sheets will be available Saturday morning.
3:45 to 4:45 pm
Singing for Beginners – Peggy Kaiser
You CAN sing! Learn some techniques for gaining control of your singing voice and then practice them while we sing easy folk songs together.
A Capella Songs and Rounds – Diana Wagner
Learn some simple and beautiful songs. Just voices, no instruments in this one.
Easy Irish Tunes– Laura Alexander & Holly Foy
Working from sheet music, we’ll learn a few easy-to-play Irish tunes, with tips for both melody and chord players. For all instruments, advanced beginner level.
Experimental Music – Nathan Bishop
Are you curious about free improvisation? Do you want to look into 20th century ideas of tune composition? Maybe you’d like to learn how to use uncommon sounds on your instrument to support the text in a song? If so, this class is for you!
Beyond Contradancing – Bob Nicholson
A contradance usually includes dancing a waltz, and sometimes there are other special dances, especially polka and schottische. You’ll learn the basics of each of these dances. This is for all levels of dancers.
All Styles Jam – Richard Sleigh
Songs, instrumentals, jamming on whatever you suggest.
Mini-Lessons: Mandolin, Guitar – Henry Koretzky
Sign up for a 10-minute one-on-one session with Henry on the instruments indicated or for feedback on general musicianship. Signup sheets will be available Saturday morning. Please have a question or issue ready to discuss.
5:00 to 6:00 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Concert
Simple Gifts & Midnight on the Water
After the Concert
Contradance – Bob Nicholson, caller, Midnight on the Water, band leader
Bob will teach and call the dances. Live music will be provided by an open band led by Midnight on the Water, with music and chords provided. Come to dance, play, or both!
Singing Jam – Richard Sleigh & Mary Madigan
This will be a relaxed, fun time of singing old favorites and perhaps some new favorites as well. For all voices and instruments.
Instrumental Jam – Laura Alexander
For all instruments, all levels beyond beginner.
Start Your Own Jam
You are encouraged to start your own jam. Suggested locations: Lodge Basement, Tent, Nature Center, Lake Pavilion
After the Dance
Night Owl Jam – No Faculty Leader
Jam til you drop!
Lodge
Sunday, September 14, 2025
8:00 to 9:00 am Breakfast
9:15 to 10:15 am
Holly will show you how to play this popular Irish drum. Makeshift bodhrans (made from pizza boxes!) will be available, and we’ll also have a few real bodhrans available for you to try. Besides learning mechanics of playing, we’ll touch on which rhythm pattern to use for reels, jigs, hornpipes, etc.
We’ll sing and play a variety of hymns, with lyrics and chords provided. For all voices and instruments.
Easy Swedish Tunes – Dani Hawkins
Learn beautiful Swedish tunes, with sheet music provided. For all instruments, advanced beginner level.
Playing Blues Standards – Henry Koretzky & Richard Sleigh
For all instruments, all levels beyond beginner.
Legacy of Samuel Bayard (discussion) – Jerry Zolten
Samuel Bayard (1908-1997) was a Central Pennsylvania-based folklorist and musicologist who collected fiddle and fife tunes in Pennsylvania. Jerry Zolten was mentored by Sam while Jerry was a student at Penn State. Learn about Sam Bayard and the important work he did in Pennsylvania. This workshop will be a discussion, not a play-along.
Mini-Lessons: Old Time Banjo, Guitar, Fiddle – Jay Best
Sign up for a 10-minute one-on-one session with Jay on the instruments indicated or for feedback on general musicianship. Signup sheets will be available Saturday morning. Please have a question or issue ready to discuss.
Mini-Lessons: Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin – Tom Krumm
Sign up for a 10-minute one-on-one session with Tom on the instruments indicated or for feedback on general musicianship. Signup sheets will be available Saturday morning. Please have a question or issue ready to discuss.
10:30 to 11:30 am
Try a Cajon – Jeff Parker
This will be a basic intro to an easy and fun instrument. A cajón is a box-shaped percussion instrument that you can sit on and play by slapping and tapping the front, side, or rear faces with your hands. (Drum brushes work too.) A few cajóns will be provided, and we’ll take turns playing them. Bring your own if you have one.
Three-Chord Songs – Jay Best & Diana Wagner
Come sing and play easy songs that have no more than three chords each. Lyrics and chords will be provided.
Easy Pennsylvania Tunes – Simple Gifts
Learn easy versions of some of the best tunes collected in Pennsylvania. Sheet music will be provided. For all instruments, advanced beginner level.
Swing Tunes – Jerry Zolten & Richard Sleigh
Learn some swing tunes! For all instruments, all levels beyond beginner, with sheet music and chords provided.
Irish Tunes – Nathan Bishop
Working by ear (with music available if needed), you’ll learn a few Irish tunes in the traditional way. There will be tips for both melody and backup players. For all instruments, all levels beyond beginner.
Mini-Lessons: Mandolin, Guitar – Henry Koretzky
Sign up for a 10-minute one-on-one session with Henry on the instruments indicated or for feedback on general musicianship. Signup sheets will be available Saturday morning. Please have a question or issue ready to discuss.
Mini-Lessons: Mountain Dulcimer, Piano – Peggy Kaiser
Sign up for a 10-minute one-on-one session with Peggy on the instruments indicated or for feedback on general musicianship. A piano will be available, so no need to bring your own. Signup sheets will be available Saturday morning.
11:45 am to 12:45 pm
Try a Hammered Dulcimer – Linda Littleton & Holly Foy
Hammered dulcimer is easier than you might think. Learn the basics and give it a try. A few instruments will be provided.
Pennsylvania Songs: Colerain Collection – Lynn Margileth
Colerain Forges Mansion is a historic home in Huntingdon County and is currently being used as an artists’ retreat and education center. Learn some of the songs that were historically played in the mansion.
Easy Waltzes – Laura Alexander & Karen Hirshon
The waltz is one of the oldest and most romantic dance forms. In this class, we’ll explain the rhythm and basic sound of waltzes and then, working by ear, we’ll play a few easy waltzes. There will be tips for both melody and backup players. For all instruments, advanced beginner level.
Minor Key Tunes – Dani Hawkins
The deep, melancholy, and dark minor keys evoke longing, romance, and mystery. Learn some instrumental tunes that will grab the heartstrings! Sheet music and chords will be provided. For all instruments, all levels beyond beginner.
Performance Band – Nathan Bishop & Tom Krumn
Join the band! We’ll work on an arrangement of a song, then perform it at the start of lunch. For all instruments, all levels beyond beginner.
Just Enough Music Theory – Bill Arden
Learn music theory that will help you understand your instrument and the songs/tunes you play on it. Using any instrument (or voice), you’ll learn concepts about notes, scales, and chords.
Mini-Lessons: Harmonica, Guitar – Richard Sleigh
Sign up for a 10-minute one-on-one session with Richard on the instruments indicated or for feedback on general musicianship. Signup sheets will be available Saturday morning. Please have a question or issue ready to discuss.
1:00 to 2:00 pm Lunch
1:30 to 3:00 pm
The Last Jam – Midnight on the Water
Don’t be in a hurry to leave. Stick around and jam some more! For all instruments, voices, and levels.
* Schedule subject to change