PROGRAMS

'FOLKLORE AND COAL MINING SONGS OF THE NORTHEAST 

An informative yet musical and historical program with original and documented songs of this region during the early 1900's,
highlighting the every day struggles and life of the European coal miner in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Jay's grandfather mined coal in Schuylkill and Carbon County, Pa for over 50 years.
Songs sung by miners, recorded by folklorist/journalist, George Korson of Pottsville, Pa., are performed as well as songs about
more contemporary issues such as “The Fires of Centralia” documenting the 50 year old coal fire that burns until this day
Vocals are accompanied by guitar, claw-hammer banjo, and to emulate the mining musicians of this region, he sings, fiddles, and
flat-foot clog-dances simultaneously to highlight the end of the program. (photo of this performed in a local coal mine is displayed)
N.E.Pa coal books, chronicles, pay scales, photos and related coal mining articles are also displayed at each performance for public
view.

NORTHEAST PA COAL 'N FOLK MUSIC

A program containing some of the above program but also original and traditional folk, bluegrass tunes, guitar and banjo
instrumentals, slide guitar, gospel and flat-foot clog-dancing.(Guitar instrumentals such as “Green Sleeves”, “While My Guitar
Gently Weeps”,and “Amazing Grace” gospel medley are performed on finger style guitar).
Program can be the length of your choice ( performance up to 120 minutes)

HISTORY THROUGH FOLK MUSIC (Interactive Children's Outreach program) (Any age from K on up)

An engaging informative yet musical program, describing similarities and differences of some folk instruments (such as the
difference between a “fiddle” and a “violin” ) and how they are related to each other as well as the mandolin, with some students
“trying their hand” on stage at performing on a few instruments.
Also the “origin of” and the “how to” clog dance is a highlight, with audience participation.
Stories of the NE PA coal region are also incorporated into the program ...such as the invention of the first roller-coaster from a
coal train in Jim Thorpe, Pa titled the Switchback railroad is told and explained with photos!

MASTER GUITAR WORKSHOP (Beginners to Advanced)

Chord formations for beginners to be able to play “almost” any song from folk to rock, plus “open tunings” and their theory.

HEALTHCARE, REHAB AND INDEPENDENT LIVING MUSIC PROGRAMS

OL TIME MOUNTAIN FOLK 'n COAL MINE MUSIC – 3 different versions

An uplifting interactive program of”familial” folk, bluegrass, gospel, mountain and coal mine music performed with vocals accompanied by guitar, claw-hammer banjo, and to emulate the coal mining musicians of North East Pennsylvania, ....singing, fiddling and flat-foot clog-dancing simultaneously on a piece of plywood.....much audience involvement.

OL TYME COUNTRY CHRISTMAS SHOW

Familiar Christmas songs preceded by their origin, as well as easy “bluegrass” Christmas sing-a-longs, a Christmas
song written by a monk in 1646, and a guitar instrumental version of “What Child Is This”. Also flat-foot fiddlin and singin.

VALENTINE'S DAY PROGRAM

Many “different” Valentine's day songs...songs of love of your spouse, places you “love” to go, and “things you love to do”.  Also clogging, fiddling and singing and banjo.

IISH MUSIC : OLD N NEW

A program of familiar Irish sing-a-longs as well as more “traditional” real Irish music of the motherland with mandolin as well as other instruments.

FEES: due to Covid affecting performance venue funding and lack of, fees are comfortably negotiated