Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

A Whole New World

Twelve hours. Six stages. Nearly 100 performers. Randolph’s New World Festival is a bustling mecca for fans of traditional music and dance. The 18th annual blowout tips its hat to Vermont’s Celtic and French Canadian heritage by drawing acts from all over northern New England, Canada and the British Isles. Some musical must-sees: The Press Gang’s energetic Irish tunes, Skellig’s Celtic rock, Québecois fiddling by Claude Méthé, and the young musicians’ showcase. Meanwhile, the Midnight Capers rock Morris dance moves and double-footed jumps in the street, and callers Nils Fredland and Adina Gordon lead organized steps in the dance tent. Throw traditional crafts and international food into the mix, and half a day will fly by fast.