All Inclusive* 3-night Program Starting At:

$660/person - Double Occupancy

$885/person - Single Occupancy

* Includes lodging, meals, program activities and access to optional daily activities and recreational equipment. Learn More about the Great Camp Sagamore experience.

Program Overview

In isolated Adirondack communities, music and story-telling provided not only respite from work but a means of passing along traditions and values. Barn dances were entertainment, recreation, and a way to connect with neighbors. Explore these traditions in this beloved and longstanding Adirondack music and dance workshop at Great Camp Sagamore. Develop your talents and abilities, discover those you didn’t even know you had, join in lots of shared activities, and a grand finale student showcase where everyone is guaranteed a standing ovation! Enjoy daily concerts and expert instruction from well-known regional musicians, songwriters, and storytellers.

Over the course of this extended weekend program, take advantage of opportunities to learn new instruments, new melodies and songs, and to learn about the traditions behind what you will play. Bring your musical instrument(s) of choice (including your voice!), and play and learn in the company of others.

Instructors include Adirondack and North Country musicians, song writers, and story tellers, Dan Berggren, Dan Duggan, Peggy Lynn, John Kirk, Trish Miller, and Kent and Nanette Knappenberger.

Along with the music, enjoy campfires, bowling in Sagamore’s historic outdoor bowling alley, dining in the historic Dining Hall, paddling on secluded Sagamore Lake, hiking on miles of Adirondack Forest Preserve trails, or just relaxing by the water.

Program Activities

• Expert instruction and collaboration on instruments, songwriting, new songs & the history of the music

• Instructor concerts

• A traditional Barn Dance

• Grand finale student showcase

Program Instructors

Dan Berggren

A tradition-based songsmith, Dan Berggren writes with honesty, humor and a strong sense of place. His songs explore the many dimensions of home, hard-working folks, taking care of our planet and each other. 

While his roots are firmly in the Adirondacks where he was raised, Dan's music has branched out across many borders. The award-winning educator and musician has entertained audiences from Kentucky to Michigan, Belgium to Bulgaria, and Zimbabwe to Transylvania.

Dan Duggan

Dan Duggan, nationally touring performer and teacher, is rapidly being acknowledged as one of the finest dulcimer players and composers in the country. A recipient of the prestigious National Hammered Dulcimer Championship, Dan's renditions of traditional Irish and American tunes reflect his study and understanding of their original context. Whether re-creating 18th century harp pieces or vibrant 19th century dance tunes, Dan has engaged audiences nationwide in an excursion of musical styles and moods.

Peggy Lynn

Peggy Lynn, singer, songwriter, author, and educator, brings an infectious enthusiasm to all her endeavors. Peggy ranges from folksy to blues with equal ease, alone or harmonizing with others. With a sultry, yet powerful alto voice, Peggy gives a clear message of the passion underlying her songs. While her style and range give meaning and emotion to all her work, her most powerful message is for the contributions and burdens of women.

John Kirk & Trish Miller-

Fiddle tunes, folksongs and fancy footwork will be featured from this acoustic duet – John Kirk is the primary vocalist and instrumental wizard on fiddle mandolin & more, Trish Miller plays banjo, guitar and provides fancy footwork with percussive dance steps. Together, this married couple has been working and teaching in upstate New York for over three decades.  They present traditional tunes and witty songs with unique arrangements and warm clear vocals.

Kent & Nannette Knappenberger

Kent Knappenberger has been a music educator at the Westfield Academy and Central School since 1989. At Westfield Academy and Central School, he is responsible for the six choirs as well as general music study in the high school, two college-level classes, the school musical, drama club, five handbell ensembles, four steel pan ensembles, and a Celtic/American string band.

Nannette Richardson Knappenberger is a 1991 graduate of the State University of New York at Fredonia, with a B.M. in Music Education-Voice. She has been a vocal music teacher for the Little Valley, Bemus Point, and Westfield school districts and currently teaches private voice from her home. 

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