March 2008

27th March

BRIAN BOWERS - note that due to a problem with his work permit there is a slight chance that some of Brian's tour will be cancelled. Please check with the relevant venues although his agent is hoping to deal with the issue in time for it all to go ahead.

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The Highwoods Stringband will get together and give a reunion concert on May 3, 2008, starting at 8 PM. It will take place at the Rongovian Embassy, 1 West Main St PO Box 993, Trumansburg, NY 14886. Tel:  (607) 387-3334.

Be there or ... be not there!

www.rongo.com

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There's a stupendous series of 24 one-hour podcasts/mp3s available to download from Smithsonian Folkways, recounting the Folkways story -

www.folkways.si.edu/learn_discover/folkways_collection.html

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Day of music and dance workshops with evening concert at the Rainham Oast House Community Centre, post code ME8 7SG, Saturday 19 April 2008

Workshops and evening concert: 

Auto harp: Bryan Bowers

Fiddle: Bob Winquist

Percussive dance: Kerry Fletcher

Bluegrass banjo: Rick Townend

Frailing banjo: Graham Anstee

Many people learn to play music, especially violin, and tap dance whilst at school, and some to a high standard.  Many have a yearning to play and dance later in life, but never get round to it.  This is an opportunity to take part in a day of workshops and enjoy an evening concert with brilliant musicians, a local dance class and our guest artist from America, Bryan Bowers.

The music and dance is based around American old time and Bluegrass music, and the aim of the workshops and concert is to demonstrate how exciting and interesting the music is to play and dance to, and how accessible it is throughout the UK.

Auto harp

The auto harp is a very sweet instrument used in a band situation and for vocal accompaniment.  Although not difficult to play it requires a degree of skill and expertise to express the feeling and wonderful sounds this instrument is capable of producing.  If you have an auto harp or thinking of getting one come and take part or you are welcome to watch.

Fiddle

This is an opportunity to dig out your violin and work with a fantastic and experienced fiddle player.  There will be two workshops, beginners and intermediate.  There is no reason to feel intimidated, this is good fun music so come and have a good time.

Five string Banjo

If you have a five-string banjo bring it along, although a few banjos will be provided.

Three finger picking Bluegrass style

Five-string banjo workshop Bluegrass three finger picking style, beginners and intermediate. Come and see how it’s done and have a go.

Frailing old time style

Five-string banjo workshop Frailing style, come and see how easy and versatile and exciting this form of playing is. Come and see how it’s done and have a go.

Percussive dance

Also known as Appalachian dance, a good fun way of expressing American old time music in movement, whilst producing percussive sounds with hands and feet.  Although energetic this form of dancing is suitable for all ages.  Hard soled or tap shoes are used but not essential for the workshop day.

Day of workshops £8, Evening concert £8 or £15 for whole day.

Everybody welcome contact Graham 01634 260281

Workshops start at 10am, Concert starts 8pm.

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If you missed the White Gospel BBC4 TV programme (OK I put the
wrong broadcast date but did get the right day) you can download it from here

All you need is BBC iPlayer to get it.

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Please note that The Bodmin Folk Club is no longer held in The Garland Ox ( see Sara and Keiron gig).  It is now in The Barley Sheaf, Fore St, Bodmin.

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New session in Nottingham - Monday  8.30pm at the Bar Deux, Clumber Ave, Carrington

Singaround session - bluegrass/old-time/gospel/country

Val Gillen 0115 8471637

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There is a square dance on the 11th of April at the Penquoit Centre in Pembrokeshire (map below). The music will be provided by the Grumpy Bush String Band. The night is free, but donations are requested to give something to the venue and the rest will go into the Going To The West Fest festival fund. Starting around 8pm. This dance is a private party rather than a public event, so there won't be a bar or anything like that, so bring your own drinks! And there will be no set finishing time, so bring your instruments if you want to play tunes afterwards! Accommodation in the bunk house may be a possibility - get in touch if you're interested in that - goingtothewestfest@googlemail.com

http://www.mysearchbuddy.co.uk/maps/index.php?id=1439289

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Clogging with Kerry Fletcher:

07703 639 720     www.kerryfletcher.co.uk     

Thursday 27th March – new term starts - Appalachian Clogging at The Alexander Centre, Preston Street, Faversham, Kent ME13 8NY

Improvers 6.30pm to 7.30pm       Intermediates 7.45pm to 9.45pm

12 week term. Please note that there will be no class on May 1st (we will be having a class meal instead!) and no class during half term on May 29th

Term Dates: March 27th (upstairs), April 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, (no class May 1st) May 8th (upstairs), 15th, 22nd, (no class 29th), June 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

Because we are running over the Easter holidays, I am charging a drop in rate for weeks 1 - 4

Cost: Improvers Week 1 -4 £6/£5 per class         Week 5- 12 (8 weeks) £48 / conc. £40

Intermediates:    Week 1 -4 £10/£8 per class      Week 5- 12 (8 weeks) £80 / conc. £64

Youth – conc. rate for 15-25year olds

Monthly Appalachian Clogging Workshops. Pirton Village Hall, Herts

Saturday Sat 5th April – 9.30-10.30 Beginners / 10.45-12.45 Intermediates / 1-2 Performers

Sat 10th May 9.30-10.30 Beginners / 10.45-12.45 Intermediates / 1-2 Musicians

Sat 7th June 9.30-10.30 Beginners / 10.45-12.45 Intermediates / 1-2 Informal performance & shared lunch

Cost: Beginners/performers / musicians session £5 / Intermediate session £10

Contact: Baya Salmon-Hawk 

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Anybody in the Cleveland, Ohio area, Waking Up Tillie will be playing two sets of old-time tunes and songs (mostly old-time) at Rocky River Presbyterian Church this Sunday, March 30. Please forward to people in

the area if you think they might like to hear some old-time/early country music.

Waking Up Tillie consists of Randy Johnson, Pete Peterson, Terry Burtyk and Kellie Allen. They will be doing songs they got from Washington Phillips, DaCosta Woltz's Southern Broadcasters, Frank Jenkins' Pilot Mountaineers, Cooke Duet, Grandpa & Ramona Jones, Charlie Poole, the Carter Family, Louvin Brothers, Carson Robison, Oscar Ford, Skillet Lickers and more...

You name it; they maim it. Fun for the whole family.

The concert starts at 4 PM.  Info re venue: http://www.riverpres.org/

Info re Waking Up Tillie: www.wakinguptillie.com

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Kate Lissauer and Buffalo Gals News and Events.    www.katelissauer.comwww.buffalogals.co.uk 

Buffalo Gals’ “Won’t You Come Out Tonight”, recently released on the up-and-coming  Get Real Records label, has been released for distribution via Pinnacle.  Look for it worldwide on iTunes, buy it on Amazon, ask for it in your record shop, or buy it on the website.

Buffalo Gals’ next album “Won’t Get Trouble in Mind” is soon to be released, as is Kate Lissauer’s “Stately Mansion” a companion piece to Walk Chalk Chicken, with Dave and Tim Bing, Jim Martin, Katrianne Lissauer, Woody Lissauer, Johnny Whelan and Chris Stockel. 

Events:

April 4, Friday—The High Lane Bluegrass and Old Time Night, High Lane Conservative Club, Buxton Road, High Lane, doors open at 7.30pm.  Admission is £8 and tickets are available from Tom Travis on 01457 861789.

April 5-6, Saturday and Sunday--Peak Village, Chatsworth Road, Rowsley, near Bakewell, 12-4pm, Free, One in a series of monthly music weekends at the Peak Village shopping centre over the summer.

April 5, Saturday Square Dance with the Downtrodden String Band.  Derbyshire.  For details contact Steve Wise

May 3-10, Saturday-Saturday--Old-Time Music Week in Andalucia, banjo, fiddle and guitar workshop holiday with Kate Lissauer, Dave Bing, John Whelan, Pete Dunn.  A week’s holiday, room, board and tuition in this fabulous Andalucian highland oasis. Contact klissauer@mbzonline.net for further information. 

Sunday, May 18 The American Museum in Bath, with Buffalo Gals,  free concert 2pm-5pm,  www.americanmuseum.org , Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath, BA2 7BD, 01225 460503

20th March

Here's one for FOAOTMAD members (what! you mean you aren't? Why not join us - application forms can be downloaded here)

Old Time News editor, Colin Meadows, wants to add in a few regular features which need YOU to sent him information:

"Where can I find a teacher?" - listing brief contact details and instrument(s) taught.

"News from around the regions" - if you would like to send in brief reports on what is going on in your local scene.

A correspondence column - in need of people to write to the editor, as Colin says "anyone who can put pen to word processor...."

Aim your submissions to or, if you want to use real paper and ink, to The Editor, Old Time News, 9 Fairstone Close, Hastings, TN35 5EZ

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Channel M (Manchester's satellite TV channel), filmed the Bluegrass/Old Time session at the Frigate Pub in Whitefield, Manchester last night (18 Mar 08).  Hugh Connor, Christine & Trevor did vox pop interviews, and were filmed us playing for about an hour.  It will be featured on a forthcoming programme - date TBA so watch this space.

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And even more TV - White Gospel - BBC4 Friday 19th, 9pm - 10pm (and probably at least one repeat overnight)

I quote:

The story of America's most enduring and obscure musical sub-culture, from the sound of ancient harmonies sung in remote country churches through to the modern fiery anthems of the religious right.

Elvis Presley's favourite musical genre, White Gospel is the foundation of Country music. It taught generations of southerners the principles of harmony, and produced its own legends and stars, such as The Louvin Brothers, Dottie Rambo and The Blackwood Brothers. [S]

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The Court Sessions club now reopened at a new venue - The Selkirk, 60 Selkirk Road, Tooting, SW17 0ES

A new guest list will apear shortly

http://sessioneast2.tripod.com

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Peggy Seeger UK Tour, May 2008

Thurs. May 1 Bristol. St Georges Bristol  

Fri. May 9  Reeth, Reeth Memorial Hall with Norma, Martin and Mike Waterson  

Sat. May 10  Birmingham Red Lion with Norma, Martin and Mike Waterson  

Wed. May 14 Newcastle Under Lyme New Vic Theatre, Staffordshire with Norma, Martin and Mike Waterson

Bury. Met Arts Centre, Lancashire with Norma, Martin and Mike Waterson

Fri. May 16  Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, with Norma, Martin and Mike Waterson  

Sat. May 17   Bedfordshire  

Sun. May 18  Yorkshire. Shepley Spring Festival,with Norma, Martin and Mike Waterson. Dedicated afternoon concert.  

Thurs. May 22  Thurlby, Peterborough. St Firmins Church  

Fri. May 23  Pocklington. Pocklington Arts Centre  

Sat. May 24  Hammersmith. Irish Cultural Centre, with Norma, Mike and Martin Waterson  

Sun. May 25  London. Blackheath Halls with Norma, Martin and Mike Waterson. 23 Lee Road Box Office: 020 8463 0100  

Wed. May 28  Magpie's Nest Upstairs at the The Old Queens Head, 44 Essex Road, Nearest Tube: Angel Buses: 30, 38, 43, 73, etc.  Islington, London

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The March 2008 edition of Worlds of Trad Internet radio is now uploaded, will be on-line until Wednesday April 9th, and features three hours of the very best in traditional folk, ethnic, world, roots, blues, old time country and early jazz; in fact traditional music from absolutely everywhere

There’s lots more beside and the full playlist is at http://profilemyspacecom/indexcfm?fuseaction=userviewprofile&friendID=160651486 and http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=109420

www.live365.com/stations/oneworldmusic

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More radio - BBC Radio 4 this time, an interesting item on the Today Programme for 20th March - Shirley Collins talking about her work with Alan Lomax on his Southern Journey field trip in 1959. Only three minutes long, but you should be able to find it via the Listen Again facility, during the 8:00 to 8:30 section

www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/listenagain

Also, Tuesday March 25, there's a BBC Radio 4 programme called Love, Death and the Lady; the Life and Music of Shirley Collins. 11-30 am to 12:00.

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13th March

South London - banjo help required.

George Arrol, who lives in Purley, would like to be put in contact with someone in the South London area who can give him some lessons, or maybe just the occasional pointer in 'old time' banjo.

If you can help out please contact him: 

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Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain - Gigs for March - May

March

Thu 20th Cecil Sharp House, London
Mon 24th-Thu 27th Berlin, Tipi. Große Querallee, 10557 Berlin-Tiergarten

April

Fri 4th Drill Hall, 16 Chenies Street, London
Sun 6th Teatr Wspolczesny, Wroclaw ul. Rzeznicza, Wroclaw, Poland.
Wed 9th Malvern Theatre,  Malvern, Worcestershire
Thu 10th Wakefield Theatre, Wakefield, WestYorkshire
Fri 11th SOLD OUT Harrogate
Sun 13th Gala Theatre, Durham
Mon 14th Theatre by the Lake, Keswick, Cumbria
Tue 15th Alnwick Playhouse, Alnwick
Wed 16th Arts Centre, Darlington
Thu 17th Arts Centre, Pocklington, York
Fri 18th Playhouse, Norwich
Fri 25th Central Theatre, Chatham, Kent

May

Thu 8th Playhouse, Epsom, Surrey
Sat 10th Blackheath Halls, London
Thu 15th Cecil Sharp House, London
Sat 24th Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire

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For a beautiful lesson in Old Time fiddle styles try www.unctv.org/folkways/fiddle/index.html

This is a TV program in which David Holt interviews some great Old Time fiddlers - Red Wilson, Benton Flippen, Arvil Freeman and Josh Goforth - and gets an analysis of their styles. He also interviews fiddle maker Audrey Hash Ham (daughter of Albert Hash) on how she makes fiddles in her late father's style.

If you're an Old Time player with broadband, don't miss this.

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Due to circumstances beyond his control, Derek Parsons has had to revise the date of his 'Not Stanchester' weekend. It is now June 13th to 15th.

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6th March

Late breaking news, Ira Bernstein and Riley Baugus will be at the Black Box, 18-22 Hill St., Cathedral Quarter in Belfast on Wednesday March 12th. 7:30 pm doors for 8pm. Introductory dance workshops 6-7:30. www.openhousefestival.com   

Kieran Gilmore  02891 454754 

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The Down Trodden String Band will be hosting a new monthly old-time session in the Devonshire Arms, Baslow, Derbyshire, DE45 1SR, 01246 582551  on the first Monday of each month. As well as being a nice room to play in, there is a wooden floor which would be suitable for dancers. The pub also boasts a decent selection of beer.

Contact DTSB on for details.

And more news from the DTSB...

There are a number of video clips of them, Piney Woods and Adam Hurt & Beth Hartness on their 'video channel' - www.youtube.com:80/downtroddenmusic.

DTSB and friends at Peak Village, Chatsworth Road, Rowsley, 12-4pm, Free

A series of monthly music weekends at the Peak Village shopping centre over the summer. Other artists booked to appear so far are Kate Lissauer, The Algerine, Up the Pike, Snakey Terrain, Last Call, Buckshot Soup and Breeze and Wilson. Each weekend there will be two acts on Saturday and two on Sunday playing between 12 and 4. The dates are:

5-6 April

24-25 May

7-8 June

5-6 July

2-3 August

20-21 September

Also:

Sunday March 16th - Old Poet's Corner, Ashover,  9 pm, Free

Friday March 21st - Full Circle Folk Club, Three Merry Lads, Cutthorpe, nr Chesterfield  9 pm

And finally, their new cd, 'Land of Sky' is available in the UK direct from them - for details

It's also available via CD Baby (physical CD) and efolkmusic (mp3 download).

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By popular request – for the 8th year!

KILLINGTON LAKE, CUMBRIA, AMERICAN OLD-TIME MUSIC & DANCE WEEKEND SESSION, July 11th – 13th 2008

Plenty of room for caravans, camper vans and campers. Bring your own food and drink – water and Portaloos provided

DANCE FLOOR, BARBECUE, SWIMMING, GOSPEL SESSION, LATE NIGHT JAMS UNDER THE BERBER TENT

Tel. 015395 60534 for details or cloggingchris@tiscali.co.uk

NO NEED TO BOOK – JUST TURN UP FOR A GREAT WEEKEND!

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Turn The Water On, Boy!, the new CD from London-based Bluegrass band The Coal Porters is out.

Go to www.MySpace.com/thecoalporters to hear them.

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Alec Anness has been making Hammered Dulcimers since 1991 & more recently( 1994) Chromatic & Diatonic Autoharps.

As far as he knows he's the only British professional Harp maker. No need to go to the States to buy a custom or budget priced harp as he offers both.

More information on new website which is : www.alecanness.co.uk and he would welcome comments from interested persons.

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Sore Fingers

If there are still people who are wondering whether to go to the Sore Fingers Old Time Fiddle class, here's a fine example of Thomas Bailey the instructor playing Hangman's Reel on YouTube.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=trh08_Of0Lk

Another video features Old Time banjo instructor Brett Ratliff with the Clack Mountain String Band playing Sourwood Mountain.  You can't see him, but you can hear him well, and there's some great dancing!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=XW6AV0dM398

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One for the autoharp enthusiasts:

Bryan Bowers UK Tour

Sat 5th Apr Swallow Theatre, nr. Whithorn, Scotland    01988 850368

Mon 7th Apr Workshop, South Machars Community Centre, Whithorn  01988 501077

Thu 10th Apr ROyal Oak Folk Club, Lewes, E.Sussex    01273 478124

Fri 11th Apr Folk Club, Keighley    01535-605310

Sun 13th Apr Folk Club, Warrington, Lancs,    01925 812725

Mon 14th Apr Folk Club, Devises    01380 726594

Tue 15th Apr Great Knight Folk Club, Northampton       01604 766154

Thu 17th Apr Trooper Inn, Stourton Caundle, Dorset  01963 365259

Fri 18th Apr Folk Club, Swindon ,Wiltshire   eric.stott@virgin.net   01793 5213 01

Sat 19th Apr Folk Club, Gillingham, Kent  01634 260281

Sun 20th Afternoon  American Museum, Bath 

Sun 20th Evening  Folk Club, Walthamstow  0208 5242855

Mon 21st Apr Folk Club, Stockton on Tees  01642 869697


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