This year the Genesee Country Village & Museum held their annual Yuletide Open House over three weekends in December, with full COVID precautions in place to ensure the safety of all in attendance. FOG was asked to play a series of 30-45 minute sets of traditional holiday music each weekend, consistent with the zeitgeist of the Village’s history. Musicians were limited to small groups, with either a trio or quartet playing at the Brooks Grove Church, and a duo playing at the Freight House Pub. Performers and audience were socially distanced and all required to wear masks. Despite the rules, the Open House was well attended and musicians and audience alike had a great time.
The volunteers musicians found the means and time to pull together set lists and rehearse over the Fall. Fortunately we were able to take advantage of the unseasonably warm weather in October and November to rehearse outdoors or in garages where social distancing could be practiced. Christmas music is not part of FOG’s normal repertoire, but as the songs of the 18th to early 20th century had their roots in hymns and folk tunes of the time, they dovetailed nicely with our organization’s creed.
Below is an audio playlist recorded of some of the performances for your listening pleasure. Thank you again to all that volunteered and contributed
