Berkeley Old Time Music Convention

10/05/2026

Sharing on behalf of BOTMC founder Suzy Thompson - this isn't strictly old-time music but there will be some included in this show: I'm excited about my "Suzy Sings Siebel" concert coming up at St. Albans (in Albany Calif.) on Sunday Oct. 18, from 4-6 PM, which will be live-streamed for those of you too far away to attend in person. Besides Paul Siebel's wonderful songs that are on "Suzy Sings Siebel, Volume 1" (including one he never recorded plus material destined for Volume 2), I'll perform other rootsy Americana that Paul loved and which greatly influenced his writing: songs from Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams (with yodeling!), old-time fiddle music, Cajun dance tunes. Looking forward to making this music with great backup: Eric Thompson on guitar, resonator guitar and mandolin, and the fabulous Mark Schatz on bass and feet (yes, he'll do some flatfooting while I play the fiddle!). St. Albans is a beautiful little church with fantastic acoustics, right on the Albany-Berkeley border. Tickets here (including tickets to the livestream):

Suzy Thompson’s soulful folk homage to Paul Siebel: blues, bluegrass, Cajun & a lost gem.

09/30/2026

Please take our survey if you attended the 2026 BOTMC! It helps us with funding support, and for improving the festival to your needs. THANKS in advance!

09/30/2026

Did you attend the Berkeley Old Time Music Convention this year? Please do take our survey! It helps us with funding support, and for improving the festival to your needs. THANKS in advance! (Link in Comments)

09/30/2026

We love this band! Don’t miss a rare and special night!

09/24/2026

Jams.Dances.Workshops.Concerts!
A few snapshots from an awesome 2026 festival. Major thanks to all the artists and guests who traveled to celebrate with us, and especially all the volunteers that helped it go. We ❤️ in all its forms! 🪕🎻🎶🔥

Justin Robinson Black Banjo & Fiddle Fellowship KarenCelia Evie Ladin Alice Gerrard Reed Stutz Stone & Sue Joseph Decosimo Stephanie Coleman Elliot Kennedy Robin Fischer Connor Maguire Jere Canote Greg Canote Darcy Ford Ashkenaz ☮︎ The Freight

09/23/2026

Oh to be in the room The Freight when our beautiful barefoot elder Alice Gerrard sings of Going Home. Chillbumps! Grateful every time she can join us, sharing her unwavering voice, and the stories she holds and shares in her new memoir Custom Made Woman - that just flew off the merch table. May we all be as hearty and full of humor and song for all of our days! W/ Reed Stutz in the best supporting role.

09/22/2026

Last waltz Ashkenaz ☮︎ from Elise Engelberg - our local band who kicked off the raging Saturday night dance. Catch them every Tuesday 5-7 The Page Bar San Francisco for tunes & a b**r. Dog treats for your pup!

09/21/2026

Last Waltz! Counted 9 sessions at the park for an awesome wrap to a truly wonderful 2026 BOTMC. Thanks for bringing it home Joseph Decosimo / and thanks to all the artists that traveled from far and wide to join our local old time community in celebration of the most human of things - making music and dancing together.

09/20/2026

Dance with your family!! We’re wrapping up the 2026 BOTMC today w/ Workshops, this awesome Family Dance and a pickin party at Ohlone Park. Sessions for everyone. Come loll in the grass and enjoy the music! What a great year!

Thanks Manning Music Robin Fischer Rowan McCallister for the Family Dance Band!!

09/19/2026

Listen to Justin Robinson - the POINT of the music is to DANCE to it. After an incredible show at The Freight last night we’re stoked to get to the POINT and dance at the big Ashkenaz ☮︎ TONIGHT!

Instruction from Guest Caller Janine Smith from DC and local fave Evie Ladin

Live stringband music from Elise Engelberg (SF), Robinson, and Joseph Decosimo Stephanie Coleman & lots of Friends.

PLUS back room song circle & stringband jam w Stone & Sue Elliot Kennedy

Justin Robinson