New World Festival Sept. 2:

Good Times and Good Music

Some entertainment events are difficult to describe because it is hard to capture on paper their energy without resorting to clichés like "a must-see." However, Labor Day weekend’s New World Festival Sunday, Sept. 2 in Randolph is just that—a highly charged, mood-altering, super-friendly extravaganza of good will and good times.

One reason is the overt enthusiasm of musicians and dancers from the UK, US and Canada. When 100-plus performers are having that much fun, it is impossible for listeners not to. Recognized a remarkable six times as one of the Top Ten Fall Events by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, and as an Editor's Choice in Yankee magazine, this popular music festival is in some ways unique.

Conceived 15 years ago as a community spirits-lifter when Randolph suffered three devastating fires downtown, it worked—people felt better having attended, wanted more, and got it. Now an annual event, it is run entirely by 200 willing community volunteers under the excellent artistic direction of musical coordinator Kevin Dunwoody. Performers are accessible, although at times a French translator is in order.

The festival celebrates Vermont’s Celtic and French Canadian heritage by way of the musical traditions that immigrated to the "New World" with French and Celtic peoples. Performances span from the strictly traditional to traditionally-based music that is layered with the new, as in the jazzy Celt stylings of new festival favorite, The McDades, of Edmonton, Alberta.

Newfoundland guitarist and mandolin player Keith Murphy has called the New World Festival "the torch bearer for traditional music in the United States." More than one band has said, "This is our favorite festival" because of its celebratory atmosphere, intimate connection with audiences, cheerful volunteers, manageable size (fewer than 2,500 attendees), and superb acoustics within Bethany church and Chandler Music Hall. Pipers, fiddlers, accordionists, drummers, guitarists, step dancers, puppeteers, and dance callers have and give a great time.

With five colorful performance stages running simultaneously, music lovers respectfully come and go during performances to catch a bit of each, and this is not discouraged.

There’s a dance tent and a family tent with storytelling, marionettes, creative activities, music, and dance by young fiddlers and dancers. The festival store sells performers’ CDs, including some hard to find online or anywhere else. The food tent provides a rich variety of international offerings cooked up (or poured) by civic organizations and restaurants. Otter Creek Brews and ClearSource will provide liquid refreshment.

The dance tent deserves special note. There, dynamic bands with sought-after callers perform different genres of music from noon ’til midnight, for those who love to dance or wish to learn traditional dance styles. Past years have seen traditional contradance, French, Zydeco, and Celtic rock bands galvanize festival-goers. This year’s closing act will be Mango Jam.

Performers this year include Paddy Keenan, Cantrip, RéVeillons!, Atlantic Crossing, the McDades, the Nicholas Williams Ensemble, Five Mile Chase, Raz-de-Marée, April Verch, Norman Kennedy and many more.

Inside the Chandler Gallery and on the streets, Vermont-made jewelry, prints, foodstuffs, instruments, and fabric arts will be for sale, along with crafts from Russia, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe. For a full listing of performers, vendors, lodging and travel information, visit www.NewWorldFestival.com.

Although some venues are moving this year due to the Main Street bridge reconstruction, this pedestrian-friendly festival will remain easily navigable, rain or shine. All venues are indoors or under tents. Once parked at the high school or Gifford Medical Center, cars become unnecessary. The Stagecoach will shuttle people to and from lots for free, as always.

The New World Festival enjoys support from the Vermont business community. The lead sponsor for all 15 years has been Randolph National Bank, joined by Gifford Medical Center, Hydro-Québec, National Life, ClearSource, Vermont Technical College, Rain or Shine Tent Company, Otter Creek Brewing, Robert Williams Associates, Inner Traditions, and Anichini. The Delegation of Québec and Boston’s Canadian Consulate also contribute, for the furtherance of Canadian culture in New England.

All festival proceeds go to support programming for youth at Chandler. The festival runs from noon to midnight on Labor Day Sunday. All tickets are available at the gate on the day of the festival. For group rates, call the Chandler office at 728-9878.

Volunteer opportunities are still available. Free admission to the New World Festival can be earned by working three hours. Call 728-5788 for more information. All performance spaces are wheelchair accessible. No pets, s’il vous plait.

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