What’s New

• January 2025 Song of the Month

  Jeff Gillett introduces “The Unquiet Grave,” Child ballad number 78. In most versions, the dead lover is male and there is a suggestion of violent death as he “lies slain.” This version has a female lover who is simply dead and buried.

• Save the Dates for the 2025 LCA Celebrations!

  Save the dates for the celebrations of our 2025 CDSS Lifetime Contribution Award winners:

  • John Roberts
    May 10, 2025, Schenectady, NY
    RSVP

  • David Surette
    October 19, 2025, Concord, NH

  • Tony Parkes
    November 22, 2025, Concord, MA

• December 2024 Song of the Month

  Pete Coe helps us get ready to “Bring the New Year In.” The song carries on the English tradition of mummers’ plays, which have been performed at Christmas since the 17th century.

• Work with us!

  CDSS has two year-round positions open! Might you or someone you know be the perfect fit? Find more info here, and please help spread the word to folks who may be interested.

• From the Mic Episode 28: David Kaynor

  The newest episode of From the Mic is out now, featuring the one and only David Kaynor (yes, really!). In this episode, host Mary Wesley shares an interview she recorded with David in 2011, ten years before his passing. 

• November 2024 Song of the Month

  April Grant introduces “Jolly Roving Tar.” Although it may sound like an old English sea ballad, the song was written in the United States for the Broadway musical Old Lavender.