Albertson was born in Atlantic City and grew up in the surrounding area. From an early age he developed a quick ear for remembering jokes and stories. He attended Montclair State College and studied to become a school teacher. While in college, Albertson once worked backstage during a performance by folk singer Pete Seeger.

The experience changed his life. Albertson was hooked on folk music. He was especially intrigued by sea chanteys and songs celebrating "down Jersey." The music enthusiast even moved his family to lower Cumberland County to explore and record this musical tradition.

In 1974, with the help of Rutgers University professor Angus Gillespie and a few students and volunteers, Albertson started the first New Jersey Folk Festival. For the festival's first fourteen years, Albertson also served as its emcee. Later, he received the festival's lifetime achievement award for his efforts to promote South Jersey folk music and culture. In 1980 he was elected the first president of NJ's Folklore Society, and in 1985, he recorded an album "Down Jersey" on the Folkways label of the Smithsonian Institutes.

Albertson was also known for his storytelling gifts. He is remembered by many people for his ability to tell tales and legends of South Jersey through puppets. In 1999, Albertson performed at the 25th New Jersey Folk Festival on the campus of Douglass College in New Brunswick. The festival was particularly memorable as it brought together and celebrated New Jersey folk artists.

Albertson also presents programs of traditional folks songs, ballads and folk tales that are gathered from a wide range of performing experiences. He accompanies himself on guitar, dulcimer, and penny whistle.

Programs average 45-60 minutes but a time limit can be selected to suit any need.

$250 For One Performance

$450 For Two Performances (At the Same Location)

Added Travel Fee Outside the (609) & (856) Area Codes.

Excellent Programs at Hundreds of Locations Since 1970

New Jersey Folklore Trails

A program of NJ tales and folksongs from the Ramapo Mountains through the Pine Barrens to the Jersey Shore meeting ghosts, pirates, legendary characters, and the Jersey Devil along the way

Down Jersey songs and stories of southern New Jersey

An American Heritage of Folklore and Music

American tall tales and tunes; Legends and stories of folk heroes

Days of the Tall Ships

Sea shanties, ballads and lore of the sea from the era of the great sailing ships

Spooks, Spirits, and Strangers

At Halloween time, a host of things that go bump in the night

A Mid-Winter Celebration

Chase away the gray clouds with unique traditional seasonal stories and songs

Folklore World Wide

A collection of fun songs, legends, and folk tales from around the world

Special Programs can be Arranged for Holidays and other Special Themes