New Acadia Farm is ...

a 260 acre hilltop farm, privately owned by Robin Russell, and located in an unspoiled rural historic neighborhood in East-Central Vermont. A century-old octagonal Barn is the defining architectural landmark on the property, and is surrounded by 1000 acres of trails, open fields, forests, homesteads, a one room schoolhouse and abundant wildlife. The cool, refreshing breezes of late summer offer an idyllic climate for outdoor activities in this secluded sanctuary of beauty and nature. The spirit of the land, the natural history and the cultural connections that continue to surface with each visitor throughout the changing seasons contribute to a living tradition that is most meaningful when it is shared.

Food

Simple, organic when possible, locally grown when possible, lovingly prepared and served. Vegetarian options are available at every meal. Late night snacks for registered guests included. Refrigeration may be available for those who bring there own if space permits. Catering by Jean-Pierre Debeuf—an award winning chef who now runs the Tunbridge Village Store, where homemade pastas, sorbets, croissants and other great food can be found.

Accomodations

The Retreat House at New Acadia sits atop its own hilltop with view and features three bedrooms and a common eating/living space. It is available for rent year-round as a Family Vacation House or to small groups for Retreats and meeting space.

Farmhouse B&B Private (double occupancy) and shared (dorm style bunks with 3 — 6/room) with shared bath on the second floor. There is a farm housecat that lives primarily outdoors in summertime—but those with allergies are encouraged to inquire. The resident border collies, Duffy and Banjo only frequent the kitchen area, but animals are part of the dŽcor. A large kitchen and livingroom offer ample lounging space with several pianos, assorted games, library and artwork of local artists.

Campground — The expansive property offers open skies, gentle breezes with few bugs, plenty of shade and water, views and a rolling landscape that isolates the traveling sounds of laughter, music and barking dogs in unique ways without venturing too far apart. There are designated areas for primitive and car camping without access to running water and shelter, as well as a Common Campground with an outdoor kitchen and eating area for people to share their eating and other housekeeping needs.

On larger group weekends, early-to-bed and late-night camping villages are encouraged. Well drained and level areas are available for RV's, though there are no power hook-ups. Extension cords may be utilized in certain circumstances. Campfires are permitted in designated areas only.

Please browse the Facilities links on the website. Updated photos are on the way!

Workshop Descriptions

August 16th (9:30am — 11:30 am and 2pm — 4pm)
Guest Leaders Workshops for Musicians, Callers and Dancers (call for details).
Open to All levels and abilities.

August 17th (10:30am — 12:00 noon)
Kathy Anderson offers a class in calling for Squares. She'll consolidate her one week course taught at Pinewoods Dance Camp. Dancers are welcome to join in for some dancing at the workshop.

August 30th (10am — 11:00am — All levels and instruments welcome.)
Hummingbird offers a 1 hour workshop for all instruments and interested listeners. The content will offer a repertoire of tunes and musical styling vocabulary of that which is "uniquely French". The workshop is followed by a mini-concert featuring music of various regions of France and influences affecting the evolving traditions of New England music.

August 30th (2 - 4:15pm — Intermediate playing level; all instruments welcome.)
Tidal Wave offers a 2 hour workshop for Dance Band musicians highlighting the rhythmic and chord progression styles contributed from the Quebecois culture, past and present. Repetoire for the evening jam will be included.

All these musicians will be appearing at the one-day New World Festival on Sunday, August 31 in Randolph, VT, just 15 minutes from New Acadia Farm. Info at: www.newworldfestival.org. Iron-man Award Dancers can earn their award by traveling the circuit of New Acadia to Montpelier to New World Festival!

About the Music Staff

August 16 & 17
THE CLAYFOOT STRUTTERS
The Clayfoot Strutters (Pete Sutherland, Jeremiah McLane, Lee Blackwell, Peter Davis, Harry Aceto) are a self-styled "New England-based Contradance Jam Band" who specialize in fusing the modes and melodies of traditional American immigrant music, progressive pop and modal jazz harmonies with hot dance-floor grooves from the Latin, Swing, Afropop and Zydeco/Cajun worlds. Since our first dance weekend in 2001, The Strutters have been the featured New Acadia house-band. Pete Sutherland branded and graced our existence with both a waltz "New Acadia Waltz", and a commissioned collage-art piece of the farm's landscape and barn. It's a great honor to have them re-convene each year for this annual event.

Caller, Kathy Anderson from Ohio—the regular caller extraordinaire for the Strutter's Pura Vida Dance Camp held in Costa Rica, will arrive Saturday from Ashokan. Kathy is a joy to have around anywhere, but particularly calling for a dance with the Strutters. This is sure to be our best dance weekend yet!

Guest Teaching Staff

Workshops for callers, musicians and dancers lead by experienced teaching staff of New England dancing traditions. Come share ideas, get tips and experience catered to your interests & abilities. Open to all ages, abilities and levels.

August 29, 2008
NIGHTINGALE
Nightingale is Becky Tracy (fiddle), Keith Murphy (mandolin, guitar, foot percussion), Jeremiah McLane, (accordion, piano) "Inspired by the traditions of Quebec, Newfoundland, Ireland, France, Scandinavia, Nightingale creates a sound of unmistakable power and beauty."

Caller, Steve Zakon-Anderson — It's taken 5 years to bring Steve to New Acadia Farm. Well loved throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts, we welcome him to Vermont. This is truly a year for miracles—don't miss this one! www.dancegypsy.com — dance leaders listings.

August 30, 2008
TIDAL WAVE
Sabin Jaques (button accordion), Rachel Aucoin (piano), Stuart Kinney (bass & banjo), Eric Favreau, (fiddle) "Although grounded in traditional Quebec rhythms and melodies, this music is innovative and refreshing. Tidal Wave, or Raz-de-MarŽe, with its cross-border personnel, proves that music not only transcends national boundaries, but brings people together. Prepare to be swept up in this glorious, perfect musical storm."

AND

HUMMINGBIRD
Jeremiah McLane's fifth release Hummingbird, recorded with Seattle-based fiddler, Ruthie Dornfeld, received the French music magazine "Trad Mag" BRAVO award for 2003. Jeremiah & Ruthie also are core members of Le Bon Vent, the good wind, a sextet formed in celebration of the music of France and the lands touched by French culture.

"The extraordinarily grooving Miss Dornfeld is one of my favorite fiddlers on earth!" —Matt Glaser, string chair, Berklee College of Music

Registration & Fees

Each Camp offers a Weekend Package or a-la-carte selection of activities to suit your preferences.

PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM & SEND WITH YOUR DEPOSIT.

Each participant is also asked to sign up for one or more housekeeping tasks to facilitate the comfort and enjoyment of the weekend community. Our rates are already discounted to allow for this expectation, as we function with a very small crew of paid administrative, hospitality and maintenance staff. As a result guests enjoy the ambience of a non-institutionalized operation along with the luxury of a privately held site that caters to your comfort and independent needs as well as the desires to form a community of friends. We do this through music and dance, shared work and customized hospitality.

Packages:

Farmhouse B&B: $220
Campground Sites: $175

Included: all Dances, workshops, 5 meals, Concerts, Jam Sessions & Facilities

• Open Air Dance Pavilion and Group Activities Areas
• Indoor bunks, On-site camping & meal options by reservation
• Swimming pond, hiking, biking, historical sites, campfire areas
• Group cooking facilities

Work Exchanges are available for a $15/hour exchange off the full rate for up to 6 hours work. Barters may be specially arranged with Robin. Children & family rates are available, but children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No pets please.

A—la-carte Rates

Open Air Evening Contra - Dances: $15
Day Rate: 9:30am — 4:30pm $15
(use of recreational trails, picnicking, jamming — all else separate fees)
Morning & Afternoon Instructional Workshops: $20 each
Meal Package (5 meals Friday—Sunday) $55
Brunch & Porch Concert - $20
Breakfast $10
Dinner $20
Evening Concert & Jam $20
Primitive Camping one night $15 (no services)
Dorm bunk one night $40 (includes showers/shared bath)

Sponsorships

New Acadia Farm's mission of stewardship, education, outreach and conservation is generously supported by Partnering Sponsorships. Funds received supplement the price differential for the year-round maintenance, operational and administrative costs of this manifesting dream. Our food and many services are provided in partnership with local businesses dedicated to improving our local economy and community. Personal donations are also gratefully accepted.