Music at the Courthouse
We’re proud to offer a wide range of musical programs at the Historic Salem Courthouse Community Center and invite our community to join in and be part of the music.
We are honored to work with the Folklife Center at the Crandall Library, presenting national and international musicians who bring eclectic and dynamic music to our space. These artists typically spend a night in Salem and always praise the warmth of our audience and community.
Live! Folklife Concerts are hosted, produced, and funded by the Folklife Center at Crandall Public Library, offered free to the public thanks to grant funding from the New York State Council on the Arts supported by the Governor's Office and the New York State Legislature.
FREE! Live Folklife Concert Series
The Historic Salem Courthouse has launched an exciting new program focused on youth and music. The Hebron Washtub Band is a welcoming group of musicians and aspiring players who gather each Thursday evening to jam together.
Founded in September 2025 by Herb Perkins and Charlie Duveen, the band features guitars, fiddle, piano, washboard percussion, bass, and more. This “motley crew” includes musicians and singers of all skill levels—from seasoned players to true beginners, including Herb and Charlie themselves.
In 2026, the band will expand to include young people interested in learning an instrument in a relaxed, supportive environment. We welcome a wide range of instruments, including mandolin, harmonica, fiddle, spoons, piano or keyboard, conga drum, cello, guitar, bass, and voice. Our goal is to grow a truly grassroots, intergenerational music-making community.
Attendance varies from week to week, with typically 5–10 players gathering in the Courthouse Music Room to work through both classic and contemporary songs. Recent selections include John Prine’s Paradise, The Wellerman, City of New Orleans, Sloop John B, Country Roads, Bob Dylan’s You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere, and even a few historic folk tunes from the 1930s.
“Hebron Washtub Band”
How You Can Help
1. Join the jam.
If you play an instrument—or once did—or simply love to sing, we invite you to join a jamming session. We are an unpretentious, supportive group, always learning new musical skills and rediscovering old songs together.
2. Encourage young musicians.
If you are a young person, or know a school-age youth interested in learning a traditional folk instrument, please send them our way. Youth are welcome to attend with a parent or guardian.
3. Support through donations.
Donations are always appreciated and help us purchase strings, instruments found at bargain sales, and cover repairs through the Courthouse: donate now!
4. Share your teaching talents.
If you are a skilled music teacher with the patience and enthusiasm to help young people succeed, we would love your support—whether lending a hand, an ear, or your voice and expertise.
5. Lend an instrument.
You may have an extra instrument at home that could make a big difference for a young musician—perhaps an old violin or guitar collecting dust. If so, please let us know.
We jam every Thursday from 7:15–9:00 PM in the Courthouse Music Room and occasionally perform at local events. In the coming year, we hope to expand into underused Salem storefronts, churches, and other community spaces.
The harmonies that emerge from these sessions help uplift our rural community spirit—something timeless, deeply human, and shared across generations. For more information: email Herb or email Charlie
A Variety of Offerings
We are dedicated to offering a broad and engaging range of musical experiences that bring people together. Live music enhances many of our lawn events, creating an open, celebratory atmosphere that welcomes the entire community. We are honored to host Caffè Lena on the Road, for an intergenerational concert series that connects audiences of all ages through exceptional performances. Within our Historic Courtroom, we present a diverse array of artists in an intimate setting where history, acoustics, and artistry come together. All of these offerings reflect our dedication to celebrating the arts in many forms and creating meaningful cultural moments at the Historic Salem Courthouse Community Center.
While the Historic Salem Courthouse does not directly provide music instruction, we are pleased to host independent instructors who use our space to teach guitar, piano, voice, and other instruments. When possible, we are happy to connect interested students with instructors currently working in the building. We also welcome individuals who already have an instructor and are simply seeking a welcoming, well-suited space for lessons. If you are interested in music instruction or in using our facilities for teaching and learning, we invite you to reach out for more information.