WHAT IS SONG NIGHT?

We are a New York City-based open singing session in the Folk-Roots Tradition, curated and hosted each month by Ken Schatz and Jules Peiperl.

We sing Folk Songs, Blues, Gospel, Old-Time, Appalachian, Sea Songs & Chanteys, Worksongs, Ballads, Railroad Songs, Prison Songs, Lullabies, Forebitters, Broadsides, Hymns, Vaudeville, Camp Songs, Farming, Mining & Factory Songs, Country, Bluegrass, Spirituals, Cowboy Songs, Songs of the British Isles, Labor & Union Songs, Drinking Songs, Children’s Songs, Field Hollers, Music Hall, Love Songs, Parodies, and more...

We welcome singers and listeners! Also instruments and friends!

Each Song Night, we have a loose theme to encourage people to learn new songs and remember ones they haven't sung in a while. Witty rationalizations are welcome. Harmonies and Songs with Choruses are especially appreciated!

We gather in person at Jalopy Theatre and School of Music in Red Hook, Brooklyn one Sunday a month, from 6:00 to 11:00 pm Eastern Time — come as you are, come when you can, go when you must. Please read our COVID protocols and the Song Night Creed before attending.

Song Night is FREE, but we do ask that you please join us, if you can, in supporting our gallant singing venue, the world-famous and excellent Jalopy Theatre and School of Music. You can do this by purchasing food and drinks during Song Night from Jalopy Tavern next door, by enjoying all their fantastic folk offerings, OR by donating directly to Jalopy Theatre, which is an on-purpose not-for-profit. We’re very lucky and grateful to have them.

See you at Song Night!

Click here for How It All Works

Click here for Upcoming Dates, Themes, and Special Guests!

“Is that a folk song?”

“Must be. I never heard no horses sing it.”

— Big Bill Broonzy

“The important thing is: are they good songs? Do they sing well?

Is the poetry so good you can’t get it out of your head?

Are the words true, and do they need saying?

Does the music move you?”

— Pete Seeger