Traditional Arts in Upstate New York. Traditional Arts of Upstate New York
53 Main Street
Canton, NY 13617
(315) 386-4289

Music & Dance


 
Until a couple of generations ago, traditional music and dancing were common forms of entertainment for North Country people. People gathered with a fiddler and a pianist in large country farmhouses for house parties or around kitchen tables to sing old ballads or love songs. Various immigrant groups also brought Old World traditions here, observing weddings and other celebrations with lively dances and lyrics of the world they left behind.

Each of the following individuals and groups has been selected by TAUNY as exemplary masters of the traditional art or practice listed with their names. Click on the names of each to link to short profiles of them and their achievements and their photograph from the TAUNY North Country Wall of Fame.


Akwesasne Women Singers  (2014)
Akwesanse
Traditional Mohawk Music

Vincent & Louise Boyea  (2006)
Westville, Franklin County   
French American Musicians

Alice Clemens (1993) 
Osceola, Lewis County
Fiddler & Music Historian  

Jim & Colleen Cleveland (1994) 
Brant Lake, Warren County   
Traditional Ballad Singers

The Fraser Family & Friends (2005)
Harrisville, Lewis County   
Celtic Musicians

Fred V. Higby (2002)
Black River, Jefferson County
Harmonica Player

Vic & Paul Kibler (1995)
Vails Mills, Fulton County & Plattsburgh, Clinton County
Adirondack Fiddler & Pianist 
David R. Nichols (2000)
Whippleville, Franklin County
Luthier & Custom Inlay Maker     

Perkins Family Band (2002) 
Plattsburgh, Clinton County
Champlain Valley Dance Music  
 
Ermina Pincombe (2008)
Benson, Hamilton County
Traditional Adirondack Musician

Polish American Citizens Club of Lewis County  (2014)
Glenfield
Polka Dances

Clarence ‟Daddy Dick” Richards (1996) 
Lake Luzerne, Warren County
Country Music Pioneer 

Donald Woodcock (1997)
Kendrew Corners, St. Lawrence County
St. Lawrence River Valley Dance Fiddler


Photos: The Boyea family; Schroon Lake square dance; Fraser Clan at home.







 



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