The 19th Annual Northern Roots Traditional Music Festival returns to the Brattleboro Music Center on Saturday and Sunday, January 24–25, celebrating the rich traditional music heritage of the region. Directed by Keith Murphy, Northern Roots explores the musical traditions that have shaped New England’s sound, with Irish, English, Scottish, French-Canadian, Scandinavian, and New England roots all sharing the spotlight. The festival is a beloved cornerstone of the region’s traditional music calendar.

Saturday Workshops run from noon to 5:30 p.m. at the BMC and will feature Swedish, Irish, and French-Canadian tunes, along with a full day dedicated to traditional song.

At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, the BMC hosts the popular Northern Roots Evening Concert, including a special tribute to the late John Roberts by Traddleboro 2026, featuring Andy Davis, Fred Breunig, Arthur Davis, Amanda Witman, and Keith Murphy. Roberts was a beloved figure in traditional music circles, best known for his work with Tony Barrand and for his many performances to devoted audiences throughout New England and beyond.

Sunday Pub Sessions take place January 25 from 1 to 5:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 32 Linden Street, Brattleboro. Musicians and listeners are all welcome.

Saturday Evening Concert Performers:

Laura Risk, internationally acclaimed performer and teacher of Québécois and Scottish fiddling. Her latest album Traverse won Quebec’s OPUS Prize for Album of the Year — Traditional Québécois Music. (Sponsored by the Délégation du Québec.)

Liz Knowles and Kieran O’Hare, members of the trio Open the Door for Three. Knowles is known for her work with Riverdance, Cherish the Ladies, and The String Sisters. O’Hare is a master performer of Irish traditional music on uilleann pipes, flute, and tin whistle.

lydia ievins, a leading figure in traditional Swedish music and the only fiddler in the U.S. to earn both a bronze Zorn Medal and a “diplom efter bron” for Upland-style fiddling.

Sara Grey and Kieron Means, performing songs from American traditions including Appalachian, Ozark, New England, blues, and gospel, with special attention to the journey of songs from Great Britain and Ireland to America.

Tickets:
Workshops: $40 adults / $15 youths (14 and under)
Workshops + Saturday Evening Concert: $55 adults / $20 youths
Sunday Pub Sessions: Admission by donation

To reserve tickets, visit bmcvt.org, call 802-257-4523, or email info@bmcvt.org