Now in its FIFTEENTH year, The Los Angeles Old Time Social is a two day festival in May celebrating American old time fiddle and banjo music in Los Angeles. It starts with a Concert at the magickal Velaslavasay Panorama Theater on Friday, and on Saturday it’s a full day of workshops, family dance, an intimate bar concert, cakewalk and a big ol’ square dance at the American Legion Hall in Highland Park.
We cap of our fun by heading out to the Topanga Banjo and Fiddle Contest at Paramount Ranch on Sunday. You can find LAOTS performers and organizing committee on one of the stages or in the dance barn, teaching a workshop or just jamming under the old oak tree.
This social is all-volunteer run by old time music & dance freaks. Here’s what some from our organizing committee say:
The Los Angeles Old Time Social is a time and a place, once a year, when our community gathers to play, dance, enjoy and share our music and community with old friends and new.
— BenThe Los Angeles Old Time Social is a three day event of concerts, workshops and dancing celebrating old time fiddle and banjo music and dance traditions for old and new audiences in Los Angeles.
— KellyLAOTS is one of the only festivals in Southern California dedicated to old time Appalachian music, maintaining a high level of musicianship and teaching and thus creating community.
—RuthLAOTS is a chance to party with my community and expose new people to homemade handmade old time music and dance.
— Susan Michaels
This year’s festival is our FIFTEENTH Ever and takes place May 15th – 16th. Hope to see you there!