GottaGetGon 2024
The GottaGetGon is a family-friendly folk music festival put on by the volunteers of the Pick-in' and Singin' Gatherin' every Memorial Day Weekend at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds in Ballston Spa. It welcomes adults, teens, and children to enjoy a weekend sharing music and friendship.
You can purchase discounted tickets in advance or full price at the gate. Purchase tickets online (a small processing fee will be added) at this link https://buytickets.at/pickinsingingatherin/1161356
If you prefer not to pay online, print this order form and mail it with your check (follow instructions on form).
Four headliners will offer formal concerts and workshops. Everyone participates in casual jamming on the campgrounds throughout the festival. All concerts and workshops are under cover in 4H buildings and pavilions so it’s on, rain or shine.
Our Headliners are:
Rani Arbo and daisy mayhem
Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem are Rani Arbo (fiddle, guitar), Andrew Kinsey (bass, banjo, ukulele), Anand Nayak (electric and acoustic guitars) and Scott Kessel (percussion). Harmony, rhythm, indelible songs are the hallmarks of Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem, the New England based folk quartet now in its 17th year. From the Newport Folk Festival to the California World Music Festival and beyond, this band’s steadfast brew of wit, camaraderie, and musicality leaves audiences everywhere humming and hopeful, spirits renewed.
The Vox Hunters
Hailing from the great state of Rhode Island, Armand Aromin and Benedict Gagliardi are seekers and singers of old songs, cultivators of local music, and chronic multi-instrumentalists. They are touted as strong tradition-bearers in their generation, and their genuine affinity for the music is evident in the emotion they draw from it. With a pair of oft-harmonizing voices tastefully garnished with fiddle, free-reeds, and tenor guitar, The Vox Hunters offer an all-natural connection to the living tradition of folk music. The Vox Hunters
Crys Matthews
Already being hailed as “the next Woody Guthrie,” Crys Matthews is among the brightest stars of the new generation of social justice music-makers. A powerful lyricist whose songs of compassionate dissent reflect her lived experience as what she lightheartedly calls "the poster-child for intersectionality," Justin Hiltner of Bluegrass Situation called Matthews’s gift "a reminder of what beauty can occur when we bridge those divides." She is made for these times and, with the release of her new, hope-fueled, love-filled social justice album Changemakers, Matthews hopes to take her place alongside some of her heroes in the world of social-justice music like Sweet Honey in the Rock and Holly Near. Of Matthews, ASCAP VP & Creative Director Eric Philbrook says, “By wrapping honest emotions around her socially conscious messages and dynamically delivering them with a warm heart and a strong voice, she lifts our spirits just when we need it most in these troubled times.
Faux Paws
They continue to remain a singularly unique outfit in the acoustic music community, always on the fringes, always memorable and with an increasing number of die-hard fans who feel like they’ve uncovered a secret.
Is it bluegrass? Not usually. Old-time? Occasionally. Is it Celtic? Can’t quite say that. Is it Folk? Americana? Jazz? Singer-songwriter? None of the above, but members of the Paws have deep ties to all of these traditions and blend their elements effortlessly to serve whatever musical idea is being presented. The Faux Paws – Andrew, Noah & Chris (thefauxpawsmusic.com)
There will be a Potluck Dinner Friday evening, a Barn Dance Saturday night with live band. Join us for a Sunday Morning Gospel Sing and an a Capella Sing Sunday at dusk.
Camping is included and encouraged with your weekend fee. Please be sure to follow the State and Fairground regulations. Electric hookups are available. There is plenty of camping space - but not a lot of shade, so plan accordingly. Food trucks will be available on site, and downtown Ballston Spa and environs have lots of dining options.
State and Fairground Regulations
Tent/Camper Placements.
New York health and fire codes require that:
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Tents must be 10 feet apart. Pace it out or use a length of string available at the gate.
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There are clear roadways among tents to allow for emergency service access. These are clearly marked. Do not place tents in marked roadways.
Save yourself the hassle of having to move to correct an error.
Dogs
No dogs are allowed on the fairgrounds at any time with the exception of certified service dogs, and they must be leashed and have proof of current rabies vaccination
COVID Policy
Everyone makes their own decisions about masking, vaccination and distancing when they go food shopping, to church and so forth, and our festival is no different. We hope all festival-goers who can, are vaccinated and boosted. Wearing masks mitigates infection risk both to yourself and to others, as does distancing where possible. When making these choices, remember that some concert-goers have health conditions that increase their risks associated with COVID. Because of their careers, the performers are also particularly vulnerable. We ask that all attendees be respectful of each other's choices to mask up or maintain social distancing.