Bennington and Skidmore Colleges launch collaborative Folk Festival
Bennington and Skidmore Colleges will co-host an inaugural Folk Festival, a two-day celebration of American and Celtic folk traditions, from November 7–8.
Students, alumni, faculty, and the public are invited to engage in concerts, workshops, jam sessions, and participatory events on both campuses for all skill levels.
Festival schedule
Friday, November 7 – Bennington College (all events will take place at the Student Center)
4:00 pm – Student music session with faculty and guest musicians
7:30 pm – Performance by Carling Berkhout '19 and Sam Clement '08 followed by contradance band Sycamore, featuring Cedar Stanistreet, Samuel Foucher, and Max Newman.
9:30 pm – Campus dance taught by Quena Crain with live music by Sycamore
All Bennington and Skidmore students with ID will be admitted free. A $10 donation is suggested for the public.
Saturday, November 8 – Skidmore College
1:00 pm – Workshop and jam with Jay Ungar and Molly Mason (Filene Hall)
3:00 pm – Coffee break (Zankel Music Center lobby)
3:30 pm – Workshop with Carolyn Shapiro (Zankel 117)
4:30 pm – Community sing and play with John Kirk and Trish Miller (Zankel 006)
7:30 pm – Performance by Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, with opening act Carolyn Shapiro (Zankel Music Center)
Events at Skidmore are free and open to the public. Donations are encouraged. Tickets to Skidmore events are available on the Arthur Zankel Music Center website.
About the Artists
Jay Ungar and Molly Mason are best known for their performance of “Ashokan Farewell,” the theme from Ken Burns’ The Civil War. The duo earned a Grammy for the soundtrack and an Emmy nomination for the composition. Their concerts blend fiddle tunes, storytelling, and the deep emotional resonance of American folk traditions.
Skidmore alum Carolyn Shapiro is a nationally recognized banjo player and songwriter. Shapiro was named Folk Artist of the Year in New York’s Capital Region following the release of her 2022 debut album. Her 2024 release "Take It Easy" reflects the warmth and spontaneity of making music among friends.
Bennington College alumni Carling Berkhout '19 and Sam Clement '08 are a folk duo whose sound blends expressive clawhammer banjo and guitar-driven folk.
Cedar Stanistreet, Alex Cumming, and Max Newman, are longtime favorites in the New England traditional music scene.
The festival was developed by faculty members Trish Miller and John Kirk, who teach at both colleges, and is presented by the Bennington and Skidmore College Departments of Music. The event creates space for students to learn repertoire, gain confidence, and perform alongside experienced artists.
Image: Sam Clement '08 and Carling Berkhout '19, courtesy of the artists.