By Sharon Turano
Howard Blumenthal is looking forward to jamming with about 159 of his closest friends during this year’s Old Time Music Festival at Bradford’s Crook Farm. “When you play music, sing, your whole brain lights up,” he said.
That may be why he has done so at the farm for about 25 years.
A website about the event boasts that those coming can enjoy fresh air, camping, lots of pickin,’ post-pandemic relaxation and fun with friends. That is just what Blumenthal likes. He coordinated the music portion of what was once a larger event at the Crook Farm. When it did not continue, the music did.
Blumenthal expects about 150 musicians Aug. 26-29 to the 476 Seaward Ave. Bradford location. There will be impromptu jam sessions, and if musicians feel like hosting a workshop or two, there will be those, along with a gospel sing and maybe a pot-luck dinner if folks feel like preparing food. The main feature, however, is the music and friendship.
Blumenthal said he has played music his whole life, played in bands but always comes back to amateurs getting together and enjoying playing together at folk festivals. He said they are the kind of people who may be learned an instrument as a student, got away from it and came back to playing for fun.
“It’s a lot of fun,” he said, adding the musicians are not out to be amazing, but rather share their talents. “That’s why they call it playing,” he said.
Some also jam from 7 pm-10 pm Tuesdays at the farm. The farm is owned by the Bradford Landmark Society. Other upcoming events include a creative Women’s Day Sept. 17.
The farmhouse was constructed in 1847, according to the society’s website. It is undetermined whether it was built by Mr. Crook, who bought the 80 acres with his wife, Betsy. The society purchased the farm in 1974, and the house is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been restored and furnished in 1870s style. There is a school house building, built in 1850. In 1975, the building was donated to the society.
Fourth and fifth graders from New York and Pennsylvania visit to be instructed by teachers dressed in period clothing. They dip candles, weave on a loom and more. There is a carpenter shop, craft barn and candle shop.
The barn was constructed on the farm by Friends of the Society. It serves as a meeting house, craft shop, and dancing and music are held there, especially Aug 26-29.
Bradford Landmark is an all-volunteer community project dedicated to preserving of the Tuna Valley and Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania and is in-need of volunteer help. The Mission of the Bradford Landmark Society is to promote interest in the history of the Tuna Valley by acquiring and preserving artifacts and by presenting its heritage. More information about the society is available at814-362-3906 or by visiting http://bradfordlandmark.org. They can be emailed at: info@bradfordlandmark.org.