The Northeast Squeeze-In is a weekend-long gathering of free-reed players, mostly from the NE USA but some who come from a much greater distance. Located in the scenic Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts, it’s a relaxing retreat from daily life and a day-into-night opportunity to learn new tunes, improve your skills, share what you know, sing, dance, and play with an eclectic bunch of friendly musicians. It’s not a music festival. It’s not an instructional weekend. It’s just a lot of fun, run entirely by volunteers, and organized as a not-for-profit event by musicians like you.
The event typically goes like this:
Things start around the middle of Friday afternoon, as the first of us begin to arrive. Jamming starts almost as soon as the cars come to a halt. Most people have signed up for meals, and a buffet-style dinner is served in the dining room, augmented by libations from the cash bar. By Friday night, most of the participants are in attendance. There’s a pub-type sing somewhere, and lots and lots of players are swapping tunes in every available space.
After breakfast on Saturday morning (did the jamming ever stop?), people begin drifting off to the workshops and signing up for the concert. (See “Activities” below.) Lunch brings most of us together again, then off to more workshops and informal playing. After dinner, we march in ragged procession to the spacious barn, where the evening concert starts. After an amazingly varied performance of tunes and songs, the chairs get cleared away and the pick-up band takes its place onstage for the contra dance. Some folks go off to play some more or join the second pub sing instead. When the dance ends, there are snacks in the Manor available to everyone. Some dancers join up with the singers or players. Some stagger off to bed. This can be a very late night for the hardy types.
Sunday morning is for winding down and, of course, more jamming. Enjoy the breakfast buffet, consider that instrument purchase one more time, perhaps find yet another workshop, track down the person with the funny song last night and get the words . . . and by early afternoon you’re packed up and headed home. Although it’s possible to come for just part of the weekend, it’s really a 3-day event and is at its best if you are there for the whole thing.
1. What is offered among the workshops?
As we’ve said, this is a free-form gathering of players of all levels. People post workshop offerings on a bulletin board located on the front porch of the Manor. People also post requests for things they hope someone might agree to lead. Some “workshops” are really tune swaps, often focused on a particular genre, such as Morris or Scandinavian waltzes. Some are for specific instruments, such as Hayden duet concertinas. Sometimes there is a “slow jam” for people who are just learning the tunes or their instrument. There is usually one that is a rehearsal for the pick-up band that plays for Saturday night’s contra dance. It all depends . . .
2. Do I have to go to the workshops?
Definitely not. Some people never go to any and just join in the many jam sessions that spring up in every available corner. This is a weekend for fun and camaraderie, and nothing is required.
3.
I’m a
first-timer. Can I offer a workshop?
Of course. All you have to do, as noted above, is write a brief description on a post-it (provided on the table) and put it in an available location and time slot on the schedule on the bulletin board. You don’t necessarily need to be a teacher, as such – you might just want to be a facilitator for something that interests you, such as an Irish tune seisiún. Post it, and they will probably come.
4. I don’t play a free-reed instrument yet but I’m interested in starting. Will there be anything for me to do?
Absolutely. First, you’ll be able to hear, see, and try out everything from big piano accordions down to a 20-key Anglo concertina. New and used instruments are offered for sale by the Button Box and others. You’ll be able to find people who will talk with you about what they play and why. You’ll hear all kinds of music being played on free-reed instruments and consider which ones seem to relate best to your own musical interests. You might be able to find a teacher who lives in your area. Some workshops are quite suitable for absolute beginners. This is an excellent way to take the first steps toward becoming a player.
5.
My partner
plays the fiddle (guitar, nose flute, etc.) – can she take part in the
workshops?
It would be good manners to ask the workshop leader. Generally, there will be no objection as long as your partner is aware that the activity is primarily for the free-reeders and is probably not the time to ask for advice on bowing technique. Finding a jamming session to join is often a better option. All instruments are welcome in those, and they happen just about continuously.
6.
How does the
concert get organized?
It’s a lot like the workshops. There will be a sign-up sheet near the workshop bulletin board. Sign up. You don’t need to be an expert or professional, just willing to share what you do with the friendliest and most supportive audience you’re likely ever to find. Because of the large number of people who usually participate, performers are limited to one song or one short set of tunes. And you don’t need to play a free-reed instrument to perform. We’ve had fiddles, a hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, and unaccompanied singers, among others. And there are often ensembles that have rehearsed by means of a workshop, so you might want to join one of those earlier in the day.
7. Should my non-playing partner/spouse come along?
If your partner likes music, there is a lot to listen to, and some non-players decide to take up an instrument after a weekend of free-reed saturation. There are wooded trails for walking on the extensive Bucksteep grounds, shopping in nearby Lee and Lenox as well as in a large outlet center on Route 20 at the exit from the MA Turnpike, and lots of places to curl up with a book. The cabin/camping area has tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts. The Saturday night concert and contra dance are fun for just about everyone.
1. What’s the difference between the Manor, Lodge, and Annex?
The Manor is the hub of the event. It contains the dining room, the bar, the downstairs common room, and 8 shared rooms upstairs along with another small common room. It’s convenient, lively, and noisy most of the time. The Lodge is near the Manor and is more like a motel, as is the slightly more distant Annex. All of those rooms have private baths, while the 8 Manor rooms share 3 private baths. The Lodge and the Annex are definitely quieter. Note: Bucksteep is now calling those buildings “Karu Lodge” and “Pine Lodge” but our registration form has the old names. The Bucksteep website contains photos and descriptions of typical rooms.
2.
What are the
cabins like?
The cabins are definitely rustic. There is no heat and no electricity, although you’ll be given a battery-powered lantern and flashlight for the weekend. Towels and bed linens are provided, but you may want to bring a warm sleeping bag if the nights are forecast to be cold. There is a central shower/toilet facility at the site. Again, you’ll find photos at the Bucksteep website.
3.
What are the
campsites like?
Most have a fire pit and a picnic table. They share the bath house with the cabins. There is space for an RV, but there are no hookups.
4.
I’m coming
alone. Do I still need to share my room?
All prices for accommodation (except camping) are based on 2 people per room. If you know there is someone else coming that you would like to have for a roommate, note it on your registration form. Otherwise, we’ll set it up, and you’ll have a chance to make a new friend.
1.
Do I have to
sign up for meals?
Except for camping, the rates for accommodation include all meals from Friday dinner through Sunday brunch. There is also a one-day Saturday package that includes workshops, lunch, dinner, and the concert/dance. The dining room is a good place to get to know people, and it’s part of the experience. Campers have the option of signing up for meals or fending for themselves.
2. I’m allergic to [peanuts, strawberries, shellfish, etc.]. Will I be able to eat the meals?
There is a wide variety of food served at each buffet-style meal: salads, fresh fruit, bread, and vegetarian entrees as well as ones for carnivores. Most people can find plenty to enjoy. Ingredient cards are posted, so you’ll know what’s in each thing. Note any food allergies or other serious dietary restrictions on your registration form and we will alert the caterer. If we think we can’t meet your dietary needs, we’ll let you know.
3. I’m planning to camp and cook for myself. Can I buy a meal there if I change my mind?
The food is ordered and planned well in advance. The catering service can handle a few extra portions, but your meal cost is greater than if you ordered and paid ahead of time, and we may not be able to fit you in. It would be wise to make your plans when you register.
4.
Can I use a
refrigerator or get ice for my cooler from the kitchen?
Sorry. The Bucksteep kitchen is small and limited in its equipment. You can get ice and other supplies at any of several locations in Lee (where you would exit the MA Turnpike) and also at the small package store near Route 20 and the Becket Road, if you take that route to Bucksteep. None of it is really close to our site, so you might want to stock up well on your way in.
1. Is there any internet connection available?
There is free Wi-Fi available in the Manor and Lodges. There are no wired connections.
2. What about television?
There are two televisions in the Manor House common rooms, but you are likely to be surrounded by musicians who have no interest in watching (or hearing them). There are no televisions in the rooms in any of the buildings.
3.
What about
telephones?
There are no telephones in any of the rooms. Cell phones generally work there, but it is mountainous, and their brochure states that they “can’t guarantee it.”
Read the reviews of past events and recordings of our concerts here on this website if you want to get a better sense of what it’s all about!