TradMad Camp; Traditional Music and Dance Camp

Saturday August 23 – Friday August 29, 2025, at Pinewoods Camp, Plymouth MA

2025 Staff List

Director: Joy Bennett. Sound: Don Wade, Collegium Sound.

Sheila Kay Adams
Scott Ainslie
Jerry Bryant
Howie Bursen
Andy Cohen
Amy Conley
Alex Cumming
Andy Davis
Jeff Davis
Yann Falquet
Julia Friend
Joe Jencks
Hubby Jenkins
Chris Koldewey
Sally Rogers
Cedar Stanistreet
The Vox Hunters: Surprise guests…
and our talented campers.

Our staff members are not only great performers, they are also excellent teachers, whether it be instruments, styles, or the music of a particular area, collector, or era, etc.

Support artists and their live music! Check out the websites listed for the staff members to see whether they are streaming any concerts, or to get their CDs, etc.

Sheila's face is full of joy as she stands in the spotlight playing a banjo in front of a mic.

Sheila Kay Adams


is a seventh-generation ballad singer, storyteller, and claw-hammer banjo player, born and raised in the Sodom Laurel community of Madison County, North Carolina, an area renowned for its unbroken tradition of of unaccompanied singing of traditional southern Appalachian ballads that dates back to the early Scots/Irish and English Settlers in the mid-17th century. Adams learned to sing from her great-aunt Dellie Chandler Norton and other notable singers in the community such as, Dillard Chandler and the Wallin Family (including NEA National Heritage Fellow Doug Wallin). In addition to ballad singing, Adams is an accomplished claw hammer-style banjo player and storyteller.
Sheila's website
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Black and white, close-cropped photo of Scott with a trimmed, white beard gazing with soft intensity at the camera.

Scott Ainslie


has been a musician all his life. He came of age during the Civil Rights era, and cultivated a powerful affinity for cross-cultural exchange. He has studied with elder musicians on both sides of the color line — in the Old-Time Southern Appalachian fiddle and banjo traditions, as well as Black Gospel and Blues. He plays this music with affection, authority, and power. Armed with a variety of instruments — vintage guitars, a fretless gourd banjo, a one-string, homemade diddley bow (aka cigar box guitar) and carefully chosen historical personal anecdotes of his encounters with senior musicians across the South — Ainslie brings the history, roots music, and sounds of America to life.
Scott's website
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Jerry rests his arms on the body of his acoustic guitar as he smiles warmly at the camera. He is outdoors in fall.

Jerry Bryant


Jerry Bryant is a singer and teacher dedicated to helping all humans to find joy in making music. His repertoire includes hundreds of traditional and contemporary songs, with a special emphasis on maritime music. He sings unaccompanied, and plays concertina, guitar, tenor banjo, and ukulele. Jerry was on staff for fourteen years at Meadowlark Music Camp, and is a regular faculty member at Fiddle Hell. He has also served as a mentor in the Southern New England Apprenticeship Program, sharing his expertise about traditional sea chanteys so that young singers can understand where the songs come from.
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Howie's face is full of joy as he holds the neck of his banjo across his chest.

Howie Bursen


is best known for his gravity-defying, triplet-filled, fiddle-tune variations and is certainly one of today’s foremost practitioners of clawhammer banjo style. He is also an excellent singer, song-writer and guitarist, and frequently performs with Sally Rogers.
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Andy leans into the spotlight and microphone in this side view as he plays acoustic guitar.

Andy Cohen


is a blues guitarist and historian who grew up in a house with a piano and a lot of Dixieland Jazz records, amplified after a while by a cornet that his dad got him. At about fifteen, he got bitten by the Folk Music bug, and soon got to hear records by Big Bill Broonzy and the Jim Kweskin Jug Band, both of which reminded him of the music he grew up to. At sixteen, he saw Rev. Gary Davis, and his course was set. He knew he had it in him to follow, study, perform and promote the music of the southeast quadrant, America¹s great musical fountainhead. Although he's done other things — a certain amount of writing, and physical labor from dishwashing and railroading to archaeology — playing the old tunes is what he does best.
Andy's website
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Amy shows off her triangle ukulele while flanked by an upside down banjo and guitar as they all sit on a couch.

Amy Conley


is a multi-instrumentalist (ukulele, guitar, banjo, harmonica, mandolin, piano) who has been performing & teaching music for all ages since 1986. She has recorded three CD’s for families and is an active member of The Children’s Music Network. Once an active member of FSSGB, Amy now creates community music programs in southern NH such as the Second Friday Song Circle, music jams, concerts and Ukulele Playshops for adults. Her classes emphasize singing and playing for fun. Amy has taught ukulele at all TradMaDs to date and her classes have performed brilliantly in the Camper Concerts.
Amy's website
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Alex stands with the strap of his piano accordion over one shoulder and the deep red bellows arcing downward and out of frame.

Alex Cumming


is a traditional singer, accordionist, pianist, and dance caller hailing from Somerset, England, now living in Brattleboro, Vermont. He performs songs and tunes from around the United Kingdom and America with a great depth of knowledge of the tradition. Alex has made his mark on the folk scene with his rhythmic, danceable accordion style, strong voice, and his fun and engaging stage presence. After over a decade of performing with bands such as The Teacups and Bellwether, Alex's debut solo album (with Max Newman & Audrey Knuth), Homecoming, is available from bandcamp. Alex is Artistic Director of Revels North, and bookings manager for Live to Your Living Room.
Alex's website
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Andy is caught mid-song as he strums his banjo in front of a log home.

Andy Davis


is known nationally as one of the finest piano accompanists for contra dance music and is an outstanding performer on piano accordion and banjo. He taught music in several schools in Brattleboro, where he makes his home, and runs the successful operation of New England Dancing Masters, with recordings and publications that make New England dance forms available for use in schools. Andy is a leader of popular community dances. He was a longtime member of Nowell Sing We Clear.
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Jeff's eyes are closed in concentration as he plays a large, round-bodied, dark wood instrument and he sings in front of a black background with a banjo and guitar on stands behind him.

Jeff Davis


plays fiddle, banjo, mandocello, guitar, spoons, jaw’s harps and a few instruments hand-made by folk craftsmen. He has toured extensively throughout the United States and to festivals in Canada, England, Ireland, The Netherlands, and Norway. He recently released a solo album, Some Fabulous Yonder. He also worked on an English Anthology, called Song Links, of old English songs and their American variants. His latest CDs are a collection of thirteen Civil War Naval Songs with an all-star crew of singers and musicians including Dan Milner and David Coffin; and Sharp's Appalachian Harvest with Brian Peters. Jeffperforms also with Dave Ruch as The New Boys of Old New York.
Jeff's website
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Yann gazes serenely at his guitar as he plays in a soft-lit room.

Yann Falquet


From Montreal, QC, but now living in Brattleboro, VT, Yann Falquet is among the most creative folk singer and acoustic guitarists in today’s Québécois music scene. Over the last 25 years, he has recorded seven albums and toured the world with French Canadian power trio Genticorum. He has developed a unique personal guitar style for Québécois folk music, rhythmically powerful yet subtly complex. His involvement in traditional music scene brought Yann to perform on and produce numerous recordings, and to regularly tour throughout Canada, the United States, Europe and Australia.
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Julia's long hair flows over her shoulder as she stands, backlit, in front of a bright window.

Julia Friend


Julia Friend sings pub songs, sea shanties, ballads, and more. She loves exploring the power and vulnerability of the human voice. She appears occasionally at folk festivals or as teaching staff at music weeks but is happiest swapping songs and blending harmonies in community. She co-authored the Country Dance and Song Society Folk Singing Starter Kit, helped launch Youth Traditional Song Weekend, and cheers for singing in all its genres. She plays banjo and lives in Brattleboro, Vermont.
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Joe leans against an ornate door, displaying his black guitar and smiling.

Joe Jencks


is an international touring musician, award-winning songwriter, and celebrated vocalist known for his performances of musical beauty, social consciousness, and spiritual exploration. A 20-year veteran of the international folk circuit, Jencks has released 15 CDs in that time. Merging conservatory training with his Irish roots and working-class upbringing, Joe delivers engaged musical narratives filled with heart, soul, groove and grit. Blending well-crafted instrumentals and vivid songwriting, Jencks serves it all up with a lyric baritone voice that has the edgy richness of a good sea-salt caramel.
Joe's website
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Hubby smiles reverently with his eyes closed as he plays his banjo on stage.

Hubby Jenkins


is a NYC based multi-instrumentalist and songwriter known for his authentic and soulful interpretations of traditional American music. He specializes in early blues, old time, ballads, and ragtime. Hubby developed his style and repertoire from busking in NYC subways and many other cities around the US. Hubby has performed at many NYC venues including: The Jalopy Theatre, The Mercury Lounge, and Joe's Pub and is currently on tour with the Grammy award winning Carolina Chocolate Drops. As part of Music Maker Relief Foundation Hubby has performed at the Shakori Hills Festival of Music and Dance and The 5th Annual Congressional Blues Festival. He also performed and participated at the 2nd Black Banjo Gathering.
Hubby's website
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Chris holds his acoustic guitar on his lap as he plays in front of a mural of a tall ship at sea.

Chris Koldewey


was born into a family with a rich maritime history. His lullabies as a child were songs of the sea. Raised by the water on the north shore of Long Island, he was influenced by the wonderful enclave of performers of traditional folk music. Chris performs a wide range of traditional and contemporary folk music with a focus on the songs of the sea, from lively and boisterous to heartwarming and emotive. accompanying them on a variety of acoustic instruments or singing them a capella. Chris worked at Mystic Seaport with the Chantey and Interpretation Departments for 20 years, giving him a wide range of practical and insightful perspectives into the songs of the 19th century. He crewed the last wooden whaling ship, the Charles W. Morgan on part of her historic voyage in 2014. Chris' 32-year career in teaching public school music gives him a natural and experienced approach in presenting folk music to children as well as "non-children." He engages his listeners and encourages audiences to sing along.
Chris's website
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Sally tilts her head to the side as she smiles warmly while hugging her dulcimer with it's heart-shaped cut outs.

Sally Rogers


is a gifted performer and musician, but she is also a passionate educator, always trying to find the best window into learning. Sally will be teaching mountain dulcimer at camp. She is committed to using her skills as an educator, artist, and musician to help ALL learners reach their highest potential as human beings. Then sing about it!
Sally's website
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Cedar's hair is tied back as he bows his fiddle with studious attention.

Cedar Stanistreet


grew up playing both classical violin and traditional fiddle music, and studied violin performance at the Crane School of Music. For the past ten years he has played for contra dances across North America with bands including Nor’easter, Cardinal Direction, Maivish, and Cloud Ten. His spirited, rhythmic playing and clear tone keep dancers on their feet. In between gigs, Cedar can be found at home in Brattleboro, VT, growing vegetables, baking bread, and birdwatching. He also repairs violins, violas, and cellos.
Cedar's Facebook page
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Ben's arm is around Armand's shoulder as Ben holds his concertina and Armand his fiddle and bow.

The Vox Hunters


is (or are?) Armand Aromin, Benedict Gagliardi, and Flannery Brown, who are musical symbionts that sprouted from a mutual loam. Soon after, they began to hum in sympathy, eventually buzz in synchrony, and now whomp with full-lunged abandon. Like a lively fungus on the branches of tradition, they nourish themselves on its ancient heartwood and burgeoning boughs-to-be. They are the Pope's frown, a wagon of porcupines, that cup of tea next to the worm bin. They sing for you and each other. As for the birds? Especially so.
The Vox Hunters' website
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Armand fiddles in this side view in front of a window overlooking a green space.

Armand Aromin


is a violin maker and musician based in Providence, Rhode Island. He has studied at Berklee College of Music and the University of Limerick, and is a graduate of the North Bennet Street School in Boston, MA where he earned his diploma in Violin Making & Repair. Picking up the fiddle and tin whistle in his mid-teens, Armand learned much of his music from renowned Irish musicians and tunesmiths Jimmy Devine and Patrick Hutchinson, both of whom helped to foster an interest in the lyrical and colorful styles of older musicians such as Denis Murphy and Julia Clifford, Bobby Casey, Johnny Doherty, and Tommy Reck. In addition to being the 2010 Mid-Atlantic Fleadh Cheoil Champion for Senior Fiddle, Armand was also a finalist at the Séan Ó Riada Gold Medal Fiddle Competition held in Cork, Ireland in 2011. Since 2010, he has taught fiddle and tin whistle for the Reynolds-Hanafin-Cooley branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann in Boston. Much to Ben's delight and dismay, Armand is working on incorporating English concertina into his repertoire of instruments.
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Flannery, caught through the open blinds of a window, is lost in the moment as she plays her cello.

Flannery Brown


is a folk cellist, singer, and tune-writer with a passion for the dark and dismal side of traditional music. Raised in the stompy, stinky, and shouty folk scene of Providence, RI, she takes a rock-and-roll approach to folk music, and specializes in funky fiddle tunes with rhythm and groove accompaniments. Flannery studied ethnomusicology at Bard College and is influenced by a plethora of musical styles including old-time, blues, English, Scottish, Breton, and Balkan folk traditions.
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Benedict plays the concertina and sings with heartfelt quiet.

Benedict Gagliardi


is a Providence-based singer and musician whose style has been shaped by the eclectic musical of New England. He is a versatile and inventive Anglo concertina player who wields the instrument equally well for song accompaniment as well as tunes. Likewise, Benedict is an avid researcher of old songs (especially those related to Rhode Island, insects, and various other themes), an advocate of oral tradition, and an organizer of local social singing. In real life, he works full time at The Nature Lab at Rhode Island School of Design.
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Joy, in an elegant close-up.

Director

Joy Bennett


has been involved in folk music most of her life. As a member of the quartet Water Sign for 13 years, she explored the close-knit harmonies of both traditional and contemporary folk music. Joy is also a founding member of the all-woman chantey group The Johnson Girls. The "J-Girls" bring a sound and energy to sea and work songs that has brought entire audiences to their feet. They not only have beautiful harmonies, but raw power, allowing audiences a glimpse of the situations in which the chanteys were used. She has performed solo, with Water Sign, the Johnson Girls, Chris Koldewey, and with guest artists in the US, UK, Canada, and Europe. Joy is the Executive Director of Old Songs, an organization that presents the annual Old Songs Festival - Music with Roots, a year-long concert series, community dances, and instrument classes.
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Don, behind his mixing board and crates of equipment.

Sound

Don Wade, Collegium Sound


has over four decades of experience in sound reinforcement and recording. He has worked at everything from concerts to large festivals and is particularly familiar with Folk, Classical, and Jazz. Don is co-founder of Minstrel Records, which has produced some fine albums.
Don's website
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