Traditional music fans have plenty to be excited about with the Princeton Traditional Music Festival returning for its ninth year.
“Every year brings something different,” said Jon Bartlett, organizer of the three-day free festival. “Because we are a free festival, only performers who love the music and a chance to play come and join us.”
Dozens of musicians, excelling in shanties, Canadian logging, fishing and mining songs and songs from England, Ireland and Scotland fill the town for the entire weekend.
The festival takes place in downtown Princeton from Aug. 19 to 21.
A street dance performance takes place Aug. 19, starting at 6:30 p.m. The dances are traditional and this year will be Balkan-based, with a genuine Balkan wedding band to make the music and teach the (very simple) steps. No partners are necessary, and it’s all taught on the spot.
On Aug. 20 and 21 two outdoor stages (under tents and with chairs) and one indoor stage in the local library, are set to feature songs and tunes from over one hundred performers, many from the Interior.
The festival is free due to all the performers, the volunteers and the organizers giving their services for free.
Grants from the provincial and local governments cover the necessary costs of tents, publicity, meals for the performers and the like. “This is what traditional music is all about,” Bartlett said. “It’s skilled, varied, community-based and free.”
For more information, visit the website at www.princetontraditional.org.