State College Traditions

REMINDER: Next Shape-Note Singing is this Monday, Nov 14th, 7:00-8:30pm

2011-11-14T00:40:00.001-05:00

Our next singing is coming up this coming Monday night, Nov 14th,
7:00-8:30pm at University Mennonite Church. If anyone is inclined to
come a little early to help set up the room, I would be obliged
because I'll be sliding around some cartons from the "Ten Thousand
Villages" annual sale Saturday to make room for the square. Please
drop me a line if you can come a little early to help.

I would also highly recommend stopping by the 10K Villages sale
tomorrow if you like to support fairly traded arts and crafts from
around the world. "Ten Thousand Villages" is an organization committed
to selling seeing that the majority of the profit from these sales
goes directly to the artisans. The years I've been involved, we
unpack all this cool stuff Wednesday and Thursday, and the sale, which
is really popular in town, goes Friday and Saturday. I'm always amazed
at the variety and creativity of the art, and even though I'm not an
arts and crafts person by nature, I somehow always wind up getting
stuff. And the prices are very reasonable.

There is also a "cafe" (downstairs) where they serve delicious
international food and rustle up live music to play (i've been rustled
up again to play banjo with my fiddle/guitar playing compatriots for
the 11:30-12:00 slot I think, or maybe the 11:00-11:30 slot). My banjo
playing is nothing special by a long shot, but the other guys are
good. And the sale is really good. It goes 9:00-3:00 or 4:00, but the
good stuff is generally gone by 3:00. Here's some info on the
organization: www.tenthousandvillages.com

The only downside for me of this whole business is that all the unsold
stuff gets put in cartons and left in the lobby Monday until the
shipper comes to take if back. And there are typically a lot of
cartons, unless all of it is sold of course! So if you can come
Saturday to buy it, or come Monday a little early to slide it around,
either would be appreciated. But most importantly, I certainly hope
that you can come to sing!

If It Keeps on Raining...

2011-09-07T20:25:00.001-04:00

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Posted via email from max.spiegel

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2011-08-30T13:36:00.001-04:00

Go forth monkeys... just don't try to change the world like your dear ol' dad. Choose jolly as your mark and you will live well.

Posted via email from max.spiegel

Tilak of Tibet Reveals Life's Purpose - The Great Change

2011-08-12T04:37:00.001-04:00

Within a chamber sat an old man. The old man was the Keeper of the Ancient Wisdom. Before the old man stood a younger man; an applicant for admission to the Pyramid Rites.

The old man was speaking: "Seeker of the Sacred Heritage, art thou willing to undergo the many tests?"

"I am," replied the younger man.

"The way is long and rough."

"I am well-shod with virtue," replied the young man.

"A custodian of the Ancient Wisdom assumes an eternal responsibility—a responsibility that can never be put aside."

"I would assume that responsibility, most honored Priest."

"Thy name?"

"Max."

"Thou art accepted, Max, as a neophyte."

For over fifteen years Max dwelt with the Keepers of the Sacred Script.

The Great Change

Posted via email from max.spiegel

Montana 2011

2011-08-09T19:51:00.001-04:00

See the full gallery on Posterous

Posted via email from max.spiegel

May basket full of music @ Elk Creek Café + Aleworks

2011-05-05T13:24:00.001-04:00

May basket full of music @ Elk Creek Café + Aleworks

Please find Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks on Facebook!

This Week:

Tonight! - KC Rounders
KC Rounders are local to central Pennsylvania and include Dave Defilippis (mandolin, guitar, banjo, vocals), Chris Rattie (guitar, harmonica, and vocals) and Cory Neidig (banjo and vocals).

Saturday, May 7 - Genghis Gyekis
CD Release Party for “Little Ladder”
Gary Gyekis, Doug McMinn, Anders Olsen, Bill Stetz, and Steve Mitchell.

Next Week:

Thursday, May 12 - Doug McMinn + Andy Tolins featuring Bill Stetz!
Blues, roots + originals!! As only these boys can deliver.

Saturday, May 14 - Erin Condo Band
Singer-songwriter Erin Condo returns to central Pennsylvania more than six years after recording her debut album “Leaving Songs.” Erin will debut her new electric band featuring Mighty Wiggus (guitar), JK (bass) and Kevin Lowe (drums).

Sunday, May 15 - Zeropoint Big Band
Sunday Afternoon Jazz
Featuring opening set by Penns Valley High School Jazz Band
Zeropoint Big Band is a 16-piece big band featuring central Pennsylvania’s top musicians.

Upcoming:

Thursday, May 19 - Poe Valley Troubadours
Local roots music with the Poe Valley Troubadours, Steve Crawford (guitar, vocals), Jeremy Tosten (guitar, vocals), Paul Dix (mandolin, vocals), Steve Buckalew (fiddle) and Jimmy James (doghouse bass).

Saturday, May 21 - Kevin Gordon
"Kevin Gordon was supposed to be a poet, and he wound up playing rock n'roll. His music isn't a career choice, it's a life." - Grant Alden - Oxford American
Over the course of twenty years of writing, recording and touring, Kevin Gordon has built an impressively consistent catalog of songs, a critically-acclaimed stack of albums, and a reputation for dynamic live performances that make first-time listeners life-long fans. A Louisiana native now based in Nashville, Kevin Gordon is a songwriter whose work has been recorded by Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, Levon Helm of The Band, Irma Thomas, Ronnie Hawkins, Webb Wilder, Kate Campbell, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, and others.

Sunday, May 22 - The ReAnnimators
A Blues Tribute to Ann Rabson
Bill Stetz (bass), Steve Mitchell (drums), JT (keys + vocals), Doug McMinn (guitar, vocals and sax) and Ann Kerstetter (vocals).

Thursday, May 26 - J Mac’s Contraband
Born of Jason McIntyre’s desire to gather great musician friends to make great music when his Rustlanders weren’t making great music, this 7 piece all-star ensemble's inception was playing off nights at Elk Creek to hone a unique and fresh Americana sound. Stellar lineup that includes Andy Tolins, Katie Twoey, Daryl Branford, “JK”, Dan Collins, and “the Rev” James Horton, members of multiple bands all.

Saturday, May 28 - Pure Cane Sugar
Sweet, sweet Americana harmonies.
Natalie Berrena (vocals), Kate Twoey (vocals, guitar) Molly Countermine (vocals, percussion) and Ted McCloskey (sticks & snails & puppy dog tails).

Saturday, June 4 - Miss Melanie & the Valley Rats.
Mark Ross, Jack Wilkinson, James (Rev) Harton, John (JK) Kennedy, Melanie Morrison
Playing blues from all eras but also original compositions, there's something for all tastes. And with members of Queen Bee & the Blue Hornet Band (Mark Ross & Jack Wilkinson), call it whatever you'd like. . .but don't call it a comeback. Beginning in the summer of 2010, this band is comprised of seasoned veterans of the State College music scene and a new kid in town. The combination gives way to classic blues with a subtle twist.

For more information on upcoming shows or ticket purchase please visit www.elkcreekcafe.net.
Thank you.

Posted via email from Folk Happenings in Central Pennsylvania

Blue White Weekend Fun With Monkeys

2011-04-17T23:04:00.001-04:00

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Posted via email from max.spiegel

TNBJ Newsletter

2011-04-15T14:28:00.001-04:00

TUESDAY NIGHT BLUEGRASS JAM NEWSLETTER

Vol. 8, No. 50 April 15, 2011

Tuesday Night Bluegrass, Old Time and Gospel Jam, now in its 8th year!
Every Tuesday night at the Pine Hall Lutheran Church, 1760 West
College Avenue, State College, 7-9:30 p.m. Open to the public,
spectators encouraged. Everyone is welcome to join in--or just to
listen. For info or questions, 814-883-0287 or askrug@comcast.net.
Pennsylvania’s most well attended weekly bluegrass jam. A great place
for beginners to get started. Music stands OK. Admission free
(Donations encouraged to defray costs of church utilities. We are
fortunate in that the Pine Hall Lutheran Church graciously allows us
the use of their activities room for the jam every week, so please
contribute. We need, at the least, to help out with the heat and the
light.) Participants are also encouraged to bring potluck goodies
(cakes, pies, cookies, cupcakes, sandwiches, etc.) for the 10-15
minute social break at 8:15 p.m.

Jam etiquette: Jam partipants asked for it--a guide for jam etiquette
for the TNBJ. For a treatise on jam etiquette for the TNBJ developed
from jam participants' input, e-mail your request to
askrug@comcast.net. As this is an on-going project, additional
commentary and suggestions are always welcome.

Events: Note on reliability of data: Information on Tuesday Night
Bluegrass Jam is current and firsthand. Other is secondhand. If you
are traveling a significant distance to any of these other events, you
may wish to verify info prior to departure. Also, be aware that events
are sometimes listed in this newsletter as a courtesy without judgment
or evaluation, except when specifically recommended by Your Ob’t
Serv’nt. Where quotes appear in this newsletter, the included text
originates with a second party, not Your Ob't Serv'nt.

April 15 (Friday) TNBJ practice for Baileyville train song concert,
PHLC, 7 p.m. Sound system setup, 6:15 p.m.

April 16 (Saturday) PHLC’s own Pine Hall Bluegrass Band will present a
concert of train songs at the Baileyville Grange. The concert is
scheduled to start down the tracks at 7 p.m. A $5 admission will
benefit Pine Hall Lutheran Church missions. Refreshments will be
provided by the Grange ladies.

For more information, Ron Strapel at collectorcar@windstream.net.

April 17 (Sunday) Seven Mtns. Bluegrass Association monthly meeting
and jam. Nice folks. "Great music, door prizes and refreshments."
Marysville-Rye Senior Center, Marysville. Plenty of parking; handicap
accessible. Admission free, all are welcome. Held the third Sunday of
every month, 2 – 5 p.m. Directions: Rt. 11 & 15 to Marysville, take
Rt. 850 west for 0.6 mile, left on Leonard Street, go straight to the
T at Locust Point Apartments, look for the sign and turn right, you
are there. For more information, 717-957-4349. Recommended.

April 19 (Tuesday) Tuesday Night Bluegrass Jam at Pine Hall Lutheran
Church, 1760 W. College Avenue, State College, 7 – 9:30 p.m. Public
invited, free admission. For more information, askrug@comcast.net or
814-883-0287.

Pittsburgh, PA (pure) Bluegrass Jam Session every Tuesday Night, 8:00
PM – Midnight.
This is a Bluegrass Jam Session, not an “Open Stage.” Everybody is
welcome...all levels.
Starlite Lounge, 364 Freeport Road, Blawnox PA 15238. Good food at
very reasonable prices.
Directions: Rt 28 to Blawnox Exit, Freeport Road into center of
business district.

Lew Scheinman, lscheinman@yahoo.com.

April 21 (Thursday) Tuesday Night Bluegrass Jam “executive council”
weekly breakfast, Denny's on North Atherton Street in State College,
8:30 a.m. All jammers welcome and encouraged to attend. Guaranteed fun
and laughs. Grand Slam Special $3.99. For more information,
askrug@comcast.net or 814-883-0287.

April 21 (Thursday) Paul Carney Banjo Band practice, Centre Senior
Center, 131 S. Fraser Street, State College. New members welcome. Come
and see what it is about. For more information, Dave Chard, director,
bchard99@comcast.net.

April 24 (Sunday) Easter.

April 26 (Tuesday) Tuesday Night Bluegrass Jam at Pine Hall Lutheran
Church, 1760 W. College Avenue, State College, 7 – 9:30 p.m. Public
invited, free admission. For more information, askrug@comcast.net or
814-883-0287.

Lew Scheinman, lscheinman@yahoo.com.

April 27-May 1 Spring Carlisle.

April 29 (Friday) TNBJ plays for Centre County Volunteers Luncheon at
the Penn Stater, 11:00 a.m. To 1 p.m. Set up 10:15 a.m. For more
information, Your Obd't Serv'nt.

April 29-May 1 NRA annual meeting in Pittsburgh.

April 30 (Saturday) Open Timber and Allegheny Ridgerunners at the
Baileyville Grange, 7 p.m.

May 1 (Sunday) TNBJ plays at Pine Hall Lutheran Church Gospel Music
Night, 7 p.m. Jammers meet in Heydenreich Hall at 6:15. For more
information, Bob Frederick.

May 3 (Tuesday) Tuesday Night Bluegrass Jam at Pine Hall Lutheran
Church, 1760 W. College Avenue, State College, 7 – 9:30 p.m. Public
invited, free admission. For more information, askrug@comcast.net or
814-883-0287.

Lew Scheinman, lscheinman@yahoo.com.

May 7 (Saturday) “West Loop Bluegrass Jam” run by Rev. Joe Himes at
the West Loop Missionary Church (West Loop road) in the Family Life
Center in Hollidaysburg. Directions from intersection of Rt. 22 and
Rt. 36: Turn left, go across bridge and take Smith Road off-ramp which
circles under the bridge; follow Smith Road as it takes you past Degol
Lumber, crosses Reservoir Road onto West Loop Road; go past farm on
right. As you pass the farm, drive another 30 seconds, look for the
church which will appear to be straight in front of you; it will
actually be on the right after you cross a small bridge. There will be
music from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. along with a covered dish, so bring
something to share if you would like. This will normally be held the
First Saturday of every month, October thru May. For a map and
directions go to www.wlmc.net or you can phone: 814-696-9626 or e-mail
pastorjoehimes@gmail.com. Tom Neff says "It was very good, and well
organized…recommended!"

May 10 (Tuesday) Tuesday Night Bluegrass Jam at Pine Hall Lutheran
Church, 1760 W. College Avenue, State College, 7 – 9:30 p.m. Public
invited, free admission. For more information, askrug@comcast.net or
814-883-0287.

Lew Scheinman, lscheinman@yahoo.com.

May, 2011 (Thursday) TNBJ “Executive Council” handgun shooting class,
Pennsylvania Game Commission Scotia Range, 10 a.m. “Gun Control” is
knowing how to hit your target.

May 22 (Sunday) Howard Bluegrass Jam, J. K. Yearick Center (Fire
Hall), 2-6 p.m. Bands or groups that wish to perform open mic sign up
upon arrival. Jamming in fire hall meeting rooms. Great potluck food.
Donations accepted. For more information, Bob or Judy Waite,
rjwaite@gotmc.net, 814-355-8091. Recommended. Note: An ad hoc group of
TNBJ pickers sometimes performs.

May 27-29 Folk College with Simple Gifts. Three concerts, 65
workshops, two coaching sessions, jam sessions, singing and dancing.
Sponsored by the Huntingdon County Arts Council. “A fun and friendly
weekend of playing and hearing folk music.” Recommended.

June 16-19 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday) Smoked Country Jam
Bluegrass Festival, starts Thursday at 12:00 PM, Quiet Oaks
Campground, Cross Fork, PA

June 22 (Wednesday) Paul Carney Banjo Band plays for Centre Senior
Games Awards Banquet at Mt. Nittany Middle School, 11:30-1:00 p.m. For
more information, Director Dave Chard.

June 25 (Saturday) TNBJ (9 a.m. and 7 p.m.), Paul Carney Banjo Band
(10 a.m.), and other bands play at Cody Stoner's all-day music
festival at the Grange Fairground. Open mic session (12 noon to 1
p.m.). $10 adult, $5 senior and student admission fee benefits the
Penns Valley Charity "Hope."

July 14-17 Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival, Reedsville Fairgrounds.
Advance tickets $35 available at TNBJ. Recommended. For more
information, call R. B. Powell and Bridget Allen at 814-880-5100 or
email NittanyMtTrailRides@gmail.com.

HICKORY FEST

10th Annual Music in the Canyon

August 19-21, 2011

Stony Fork Creek Campground
Wellsboro PA

September 1 TNBJ in the Grange Fair parade, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. It's a
blast! Senior Citizens Day at the fair; 62 and older admitted free
(parking @ $3 not included). Jammers meet in the parade assembly area
at 11:45 a.m.. Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen recommended.

September 29-October 2 Fall Carlisle.

October 4-8 Hershey in the Fall.

Sound system update. We are fortunate to have a professional sound
system for use by the Paul Carney Banjo Band and the Tuesday Night
Bluegrass Jam. We would like to purchase some additional equipment
(monitors, wireless microphones, microphone case, microphone stands,
cords, etc.). We are continuing to seek donations to the sound system
fund. All contributions of whatever amount will be appreciated.

Daily free bluegrass video: A group dedicated to the awareness of
Bluegrass Music is offering a FREE DAILY Bluegrass Music video to all
who sign up for this this "freebee" by going to the following internet
site: http://www.bluegrassonthetube.com/page3.html. At this site is
the information you need to provide your email address and register
for daily email communications with the new videos.

Check out Max Spiegel's old time music website http://www.mudcat.org .
Max says “I think you'd enjoy the traditional song information on the
site. It's an online community of about 22,000 folks just like us.
It's just like the TNBJ but scattered all over the world. Good folks,
good conversation, good research on all the songs we like to sing.”
http://www.mudcat.org/threads.cfm. Recommended.

Diana White's Blog! myspace page www.myspace.com/sadrablue . Note: If
your ob't serv'nt knew anything about “myspace” and blogs he would
tell you more but . . . . Diana says “Want info on some of your
favorite bluegrass bands' upcoming shows? See myspace.com/sadrablue
for links to some of the country's best bluegrass bands' myspace pages
for schedules, music, videos, website links, and fresh updates...just
click on the band's icon in the "friends" section (remember to expand
it to view all friends).”

Looking for a new bluegrass, old time or gospel song to try at the
jam? Check www.bluegrasslyrics.com. Also,
http://home.comcast.net/~barb923/lyrics/ (Indexing all the major
bluegrass lyrics sites on the Web into one master list!).

Bluegrass lessons online: www. Bluegrasscollege.org. Recommended.

For beginning harmonica players, "Bluegrass and Country Music for
Harmonica by Phil Duncan" is recommended. Recommended harmonicas
(suggest starting with a 10-hole diatonic in the key of C) include the
Lee Oskar, the Hohner Marine Band, the Hohner Special 20, Seydel Blues
Session, the Suzuki Blues Master, all for around $30, and Suzuki
Promaster (a great harmonica) for around $45. In SCE, check the Music
Mart.

Richard Sleigh harmonica tuning video link:
http://rsleigh.com/youtube-harmonica-tuning-videos/

and on reed replacement: http://rsleigh.com/reed-replacement-video/

Quality handcrafted guitars built by Oriskany Guitars in Huntingdon,
PA. Also, acoustic instrument repairs. Luthiers Johanna Mutti and
Curtis Rockwell, (814) 643-3588, www.oriskanyguitars.com or
luthiers@oriskanyguitars.com You can listen to Curtis discussing the
building of their guitars on You Tube. Very informative. Recommended.
Also, take a look at their Model A guitar that is currently for sale
at Dream Guitars, www.dreamguitars.com.

For sale: Ibanez Artcore electric hollowbody guitar with three
pickups, $300; Crete Electra guitar with four pickups and Crete G-10
amp, $125. Butch Davies, butch19391@hotmail.com.

For sale: Markley Accoustic Guitar Pick-up, Artist Transducer. Sticks
to any point on your instrument. Used once, but prefer a microphone
for my instrument. List price, $69.95. Will sell for $40.00. For more
information,contact Bob Frederick at 814-234-0981,
bfreder755@dejazzd.com.

David R. Strait, Master Luthier, 460 Mountain Road, Boiling Springs,
PA 17007, Tel - 717 258 6036

www..straituprepair.com. Recommended.

For sale: Left hand Larrivee L-05 guitar, excellent condition,
mahogany and sitka spruce, 1 ¾ inch nut, gorgeous abalone rosette and
bird inlay, nice original hardshell case, $850. askrug@comcast.net or
814-883-0287. Lefty pickers also take note of
www.jerrysleftyguitars.com for quality instruments. Also
www.southpawguitars.com and www.acousticmusicworks.com (He has a
Collings D1A).

Handcrafted violins and instrument repair. Charles Arentz, 116 N.
Juniata Street, Lewistown, PA 17044; 717-242-1530;
cbarentz@verizon.net. Recommended.

For sale: Karl Hofner ½ size violin 4956; Karl Hofner, Bubenreuth
(Germany) 1966; 20 and ½ x 7. Set up at Appalachian Bluegrass Shoppe,
Boone, NC. Includes bow and case. $150 firm. askrug@comcast.net or
814-883-0287.

Plectrum banjo, 5-string banjo and guitar lessons available. Beginners
welcome. $25/hour in my home. Jim Kerhin 814-777-7455;
jimkerhin@yahoo.com. Recommended.

Mike Evock is offering 5-String Banjo Instruction (Bluegrass, Classic,
Clawhammer),

Tenor Banjo, and Piano (Classical, Popular, Improvisation, Theory and
Composition). Instruction available daytime and evening, 814-234-2992;
mikeevock@hotmail.com. Recommended.

For sale: A half dozen sets of nylon guitar strings, $5 for all. Your
Obd't Serv'nt.

Sully's Straps - Quality instrument straps meticulously handcrafted
and custom made from the highest quality saddle harness leather. Also
vintage Instrument straps made from select cleaned and reconditioned
vintage leather. www.sullysstraps.com. Recommended.

For all your auto, lawn tractor and snowblower battery needs, see
Robert at the Battery Warehouse, 1230 E. College Avenue next to Track
and Trail. 814-234-3192. Opens 8 a.m. Recommended.

Car or truck need serviced? TNBJ soundman and antique/classic car
appraiser Ron Strapel is offering custom lube and oil change with
pickup and delivery service. Ron also has Delta tires for your
vehicle, mounted and balanced, at competitive prices. Recommended.
814-692-5578.

For lawnmower or snowblower repairs, sales and service, Wheeler’s
Small Engine in Pine Grove Mills, 814-231-5544 or
wheelerssmeng1@verizon.net. Recommended. Down Pleasant Gap way,
Stoner's Small Engine and Sharpening Shop, 780 W. College Avenue,
814-359-2151. Recommended.

For plumbing supplies, bathroom fixtures, Bi-Lo Supply, 1299 N.
Atherton Street, State College.

814-234-2922; fax 814-234-3722. Recommended.

For auto repairs, Stark's Auto, 1454 W. College Avenue, State College,
PA 16801. 814-237-7256; M-F 9-6. They know what they are doing.
Recommended.

For excavating, site preparation and/or driveway paving, Stephen Ripka
Excavating and Paving, Route 322 South. 814-364-9148. Recommended.

For subs, etc., Quiznos in Hill's Plaza, S. Atherton Street, State
College. Recommended.

For wallpaper: The Wallpaper Barn, Spring Mills (five miles east of
Old Fort on Route 45). Interesting place.

For sale: Old oak frame store counter-height glass showcase, 45" long,
22" deep, 38" high, nice, $250. A.S. Krug, 814-883-0287 or
askrug@comcast.net.

Posted via email from Folk Happenings in Central Pennsylvania

Musical Spring Gladness @ Elk Creek Cafe!

2011-04-14T12:37:00.001-04:00

Musical Spring Gladness @ Elk Creek Cafe!

Please find Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks on Facebook!
This Week:
Tonight - Pete “Juke” Sheridan (harmonica) + Josh “XX” Cunningham @ 7:30
Playin’ the Back Porch Blues!
Saturday, April 16 - Evil City String Band @ 8:00
Old-time Good-time from Sister City.
Evil City String Band delivers a high octane mix of traditional and original tunes and song. Their unique sounds reflect a deep understanding of old-time and country music. The group features five established artists: Richie Stearns (banjo and lead singer) is a legendary founding member of the Horse Flies, and tours and records with Natalie Merchant and Carrie Rodriguez. He has recently come out with a solo cd featuring his own compositions and is joined by members of the band. Rosie Newton (fiddle) collaborates with Stephanie Jenkins in the Pearly Snaps and occasionally appears with the Mammals. Steve Selin (fiddle) plays with the Hogwashers and Evil City Trio. Pat Burke (guitar) performs in the duo Burke and Bone and Ben Gould (bass), a former and founding member of Old Crow Medicine Show, round out the ensemble.

Sunday, April 17 - RiverSongs Festival – 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
A three-band benefit for the Penns Valley Conservation Association.
Grain - Original + Classic Acoustic Mountain Music!
Ben Jones (mando, vox), Cory Kodish (guitar), Caleb Tzilkowski (bass, guitar, vox).
Poe Valley Troubadours - Local roots music with the Poe Valley Troubadors, Steve Crawford (guitar, vocals), Jeremy Tosten (guitar, vocals), Paul Dix (mandolin, vocals), Steve Buckalew (fiddle) and Jimmy James (doghouse bass).
Eric Athey and the New Lost Coburn Ramblers - Eric Athey is a roots rock musician based out of Lancaster, PA.
Next Week:
Thursday, April 21 -Troubadour Third Thursday @ 7:30
Local roots music with the Poe Valley Troubadors, Steve Crawford (guitar, vocals), Jeremy Tosten (guitar, vocals), Paul Dix (mandolin, vocals), Steve Buckalew (fiddle) and Jimmy James (doghouse bass).
Saturday, April 23 - Jim Page @ 8:00
Folk Hero from Seattle.
Raised in California. Began playing guitar at 15. Went to New York in 1970, Seattle in '71. Changed street singing laws in '74. Went to Europe in '77, began touring and living abroad. Returned to Seattle in 1983 where he still lives. Jim has been on the scene for more than twenty years and his reputation continues to grow. He has shared the stage with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Dan Bern, Michelle Shocked, Leftover Salmon, Mickey Hart, J.J. Cale, Robert Hunter, Chuck Brodsky, and John Hammond. His songs have been performed by Christy Moore, Michael Hedges, John Trudell, The Doobie Brothers, Joanne Rand, Casey Neill, and (yes) David Soul.
“Jim's been writing great topical songs for as long as I can remember, bringing his acute wit and wry humor to a host of subjects that can really use both. In the tradition of Woody and Dylan, he cuts right to the heart with music you actually enjoy listening to. I'm a longtime admirer.”
- Bonnie Raitt
Upcoming:
Thursday, April 28 - J Mac’s Contraband @ 7:30
J Mac is bringing all his friends.
Stellar lineup that includes Jason McIntyre, Andy Tolins, Katie Twoey, Daryl Branford, “JK”, Dan Collins, and “the Rev” James Horton, members of multiple bands all.

Saturday, April 30 - Tim Warfield Quartet @ 8:00
Smokin’ Jazz Sax Titan!
"Perhaps the most powerful tenor saxophonist of his generation" - Peter Watrous, New York Times. Backed by incredible rhythm section. Tim Warfield (tenor + soprano saxes), Steve Rudolph (piano), Josh Davis (bass) + Phil Haynes (drums)
Sunday, May 1 - Guy Davis @ 5:00
His ‘all’ is the Blues.
He's a musician, composer, actor, director, and writer. But most importantly, Guy Davis is a bluesman.

Thursday, May 5 - KC Rounders
KC Rounders are local to central Pennsylvania and include Dave Defilippis (mandolin, guitar, banjo, vocals), Chris Rattie (guitar, harmonica, and vocals) and Cory Neidig (banjo and vocals).

Saturday, May 7 - Genghis Gyekis
CD Release Party
Gary Gyekis, Doug McMinn, Anders Olsen, Bill Stetz, Steve Mitchell.

Thursday, May 12 - Doug McMinn + Andy Tolins featuring Bill Stetz!
Blues, roots + originals!! As only these boys can deliver.
Saturday, May 14 - Erin Condo Band
Singer-songwriter Erin Condo returns to central PA more than six years after recording her debut album “Leaving Songs” to debut her new electric band featuring Mighty Wiggus (guitar), JK (bass) and Kevin Lowe (drums). At its peak, “Leaving Songs” produced by Bill Wilgus reached the Americana Music Association radio charts top 50 after receiving an enthusiastic response from AAA radio across the country and being named in a number of top 10 lists in 2005. Over the last few years, Erin lived in various parts of the country- from Texas to Northern California, to North Carolina, along the way composing a new set of songs.

Sunday, May 15 - Zeropoint Big Band + Penns Valley Jazz Band 1
Sunday Afternoon Jazz.
Zeropoint Big Band is a 16-piece big band featuring central Pennsylvania’s top musicians. The band plays original charts as well as arrangements by Mike Tomaro, Mark Taylor, Gordon Goodwin, Bob Mintzer and many others.

Saturday, May 21 - Kevin Gordon
"Kevin Gordon was supposed to be a poet, and he wound up playing rock n'roll. His music isn't a career choice, it's a life." - Grant Alden - Oxford American
Over the course of twenty years of writing, recording and touring, Kevin Gordon has built an impressively consistent catalog of songs, a critically-acclaimed stack of albums, and a reputation for dynamic live performances that make first-time listeners life-long fans. A Louisiana native now based in Nashville, Kevin Gordon is a songwriter whose work has been recorded by Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, Levon Helm of The Band, Irma Thomas, Ronnie Hawkins, Webb Wilder, Kate Campbell, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, and others.

Sunday, May 22 - Ann Rabson + the Annimators
Music Makin' Mamma.
Despite worldwide recognition as a distinguished and award-winning musician, Ann Rabson sees herself as simply the vehicle for her art. Seamlessly blending voice, guitar and piano, Ann delivers her music, the blues, in a pure form that delights audiences everywhere. Joined by Bill Stetz (bass) and Steve Mitchell (drums).
For more information on upcoming shows or ticket purchase please visit www.elkcreekcafe.net.
Thank you.

Posted via email from Folk Happenings in Central Pennsylvania

How is 4-H affected by the budget cuts?

2011-03-31T16:48:00.001-04:00

4-H is a unique, nonformal educational youth development program administered by Penn State Extension as part of the land-grant university agreement. 4-H reaches nearly 10 percent of Pennsylvania's youth. 4-H is often the first experience many young people have with higher education.

As Pennsylvania's land-grant university, Penn State provides many important programs and services for the citizens of Pennsylvania through the College of Ag Sciences and Penn State Extension. The 52 percent cut to Penn State in the governor's budget proposal would eliminate more than 30 percent of the funding available to support Penn State Extension programs, including 4-H.

This matter is ongoing and ever changing. We encourage you to stay connected and informed through Ag Sciences' Twitter and Facebook pages and Dean McPheron’s blog.

What can you do?

Feedback from constituents is important to elected officials. Contacting your legislator is an easy and effective way to advocate for Penn State Extension and 4-H. Use this tool to find your elected officials’ contact information: psu.ag/4H-legislator

Here are a few tips for effectively communicating your position:

Note that you are writing to request the legislator intervene to support the future of Pennsylvania 4-H

Note that 4-H is a program provided through Penn State Extension
Include a personal story of the values of 4-H and your experience(s)

Note this program (in addition to many others of great value to agriculture and your region) is funded through the Ag Research and Ag Extension lines in the Penn State budget

Note 4-H and other programs are in jeopardy due to the 52% proposed budget cut to Penn State and higher education

Ask the legislator to intervene to restore the funding in the final budget
Copy Senator Corman on the letters

Time is of the essence, so faxing or emailing the letter would be best

Posted via email from max.spiegel

Music not to miss @ Elk Creek Cafe!

2011-03-24T13:09:00.001-04:00

Music not to miss @ Elk Creek Cafe!
Please find Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks on Facebook!
This Week:
Tonight - Acoustic MARAH @ 7:30
Acoustic performance with Dave Beilanko & Christine Smith.
Saturday, March 26 - Frog Holler @ 8:00
Originally formed as a bluegrass trio from Berks County, Frog Holler has evolved into a genre-defying, mostly electric sextet, releasing six full length recordings since 1996.
Daniel Bower (drums, vocals), Todd Bartolo (guitars, lap-steel, mandolin, vocals),
John Kilgore (guitars, organ), Mike Lavdanski (banjo, electric banjo, harmonies),
Josh Sceurman (bass), + Darren Schlappich (acoustic guitar, lead vocals).

Sunday, March 27 - Miss Tess & The Bon Ton Parade @ 5:00
Miss Tess is a New York City based songwriter and performing musician, who tours regularly with her band, as "Miss Tess & The Bon Ton Parade". In addition to Tess on her 1940s archtop guitar, the current lineup includes Raphael McGregor on lap steel, Danny Weller on upright bass, and Matt Meyer on drums. Encompassing styles of vintage jazz, blues, country, and folk, Miss Tess draws comparisons to artists such as Jolie Holland, Madeleine Peyroux, Regina Spektor, or Ella Fitzgerald, but maintains a style all of her own.

"To classify this singer-songwriter as merely a jazz singer would miss the point – she’s a musical chameleon, recalling at various moments Tom Waits’ barfly humor, the cabaret-rock of Beirut, or even the wink-wink wit of early Bette Midler." – Holly Hughes, Blog Critics.

Next Week:

Thursday, March 31 - J Mac’s Contraband @ 7:30
J Mac is bringing all his friends. Americana. Stellar lineup that includes Jason McIntyre, Andy Tolins, Katie Twoey, Daryl Branford, “JK”, Dan Collins, and “the Rev” James Horton, members of multiple bands all.
Saturday, April 2 - Boulder Acoustic Society @ 8:00
It’s indie-folk that draws from Appalachian roots, gritty gospel and the contemporary urban soundscapes. BAS merges tradition with innovation, producing a unique sound and an unforgettable live entertainment experience. Five years, five albums and relentless touring have honed Boulder Acoustic Society into one of tightest and most entertaining bands of any genre. Are they contemporary music with a dark, folky vibe or folk music with poppy hooks and string band textures? The pulsing percussion and thumping bass of Scott Aller (percussion/vocals) and Neil McCormick (bass) support the dual lead vocals of multi-instrumentalists Scott McCormick (accordion/keys/vocals) and Aaron Keim (guitar/banjo/uke/vocals).

Sunday, April 3 -Tyne + the Fastlyne @ 5:00
Celtic-Grass-Rock-a-Bluesy. Tyne Replogle (banjo, lead vocals), Jack Wilkinson (drums, vocals), Bill Wilgus (mandolin, guitar, vocals), John “JK” Kennedy (upright bass).

Upcoming:

Thursday, April 7 - Chicken Tractor Econoline @ 7:30
Jimmy James Baughman (bass fiddle, vocals), Nell Hanssen (guitar, vocals), Kai Schafft (vocals, banjo and guitar), American Rural Music.

Saturday, April 9 - Rustlanders @ 8:00
Americana/Folk Rock/Country. Jason McIntyre (acoustic guitar, vocals, mandolin), Chris Rattie (drums, acoustic guitar, vocals), Corry Drake (bass and vocals), Jason Tutwiler (electric guitar) + John Rattie (Hammond B-3, Fender Rhodes and vocals).
Sunday, April 10 - Little Silver @ 4:00
Americana/indie/folk.
Little Silver out of Brooklyn last visited the cafe for the 2010 Harry Smith Festival.
It is a collaboration between Steve Curtis and Erika Simonian. Steve is probably best known for his work with Hem (http://www.hemmusic.com). He’s toured and/or split shows with Beth Orton, Wilco, Dawn Landes, Patti Smith, Elvis Costello, Beck, and Vic Chessnut, among many others. Erika Simonian is a singer and songwriter long associated with the great Sprinkle Genies, an indie alt folk rock band out of the lower east side NYC (http://www.thesprinklegenies.com).
Thurday, April 14 – Pete “Juke” Sheridan (harmonica) + Josh “XX” Cunningham @ 7:30
Playin’ the Back Porch Blues!

Saturday, April 16 - Evil City String Band @ 8:00
Evil city string band delivers a high octane mix of traditional and original tunes and song. Their unique sounds reflect a deep understanding of old-time and country music. The group features five established artists: Richie Stearns (banjo and lead singer) is a legendary founding member of the Horse Flies, and tours and records with Natalie Merchant and Carrie Rodriguez. He has recently come out with a solo cd featuring his own compositions and is joined by members of the band. Rosie Newton (fiddle) collaborates with Stephanie Jenkins in the Pearly Snaps and occasionally appears with the Mammals. Steve Selin (fiddle) plays with the Hogwashers and Evil City Trio. Pat Burke (guitar) performs in the duo Burke and Bone and Ben Gould (bass), a former and founding member of Old Crow Medicine Show, round out the ensemble.

Sunday, April 17 - RiverSongs Festival – 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Hot Licks for Trout Cricks.
A festival of music, trout fishing, art, local food and drink plus other forms of beauty, benefiting the PVCA Environmental Education Program.
    Grain
    Original + Classic Acoustic Mountain Music!
    Ben Jones (Mando, vox), Cory Kodish (guitar), Caleb Tzilkowski (Bass, guitar, vox).

    Poe Valley Troubadours
    Local roots music with the Poe Valley Troubadors, Steve Crawford (guitar, vocals), Jeremy Tosten
    (guitar, vocals), Paul Dix (mandolin, vocals), Steve Buckalew (fiddle) and Jimmy James (doghouse bass).

    Eric Athey and the New Lost Coburn Ramblers
    Eric Athey is a roots rock musician based out of Lancaster, PA.
Thursday, April 21 - Troubadour Third Thursday @ 7:30
Local roots music with the Poe Valley Troubadors, Steve Crawford (guitar, vocals), Jeremy Tosten (guitar, vocals), Paul Dix (mandolin, vocals), Steve Buckalew (fiddle) and Jimmy James (doghouse bass).
Saturday, April 23 - Jim Page @ 8:00
Raised in California. Began playing guitar at 15. Went to New York in 1970, Seattle in '71. Changed street singing laws in '74. Went to Europe in '77, began touring and living abroad. Returned to Seattle in 1983 where he still lives. Jim has been on the scene for more than twenty years and his reputation continues to grow. He has shared the stage with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Dan Bern, Michelle Shocked, Leftover Salmon, Mickey Hart, J.J. Cale, Robert Hunter, Chuck Brodsky, and John Hammond. His songs have been performed by Christy Moore, Michael Hedges, John Trudell, The Doobie Brothers, Joanne Rand, Casey Neill, and (yes) David Soul.
“Jim's been writing great topical songs for as long as I can remember, bringing his acute wit and wry humor to a host of subjects that can really use both. In the tradition of Woody and Dylan, he cuts right to the heart with music you actually enjoy listening to. I'm a longtime admirer.”
- Bonnie Raitt
“Jim Page’s songs get right to the point. He looks at the world clearly and reports what he sees with compassion, humor and a biting sense of irony. And boy! can he sing and play. If you’re ever going to get the message, this is the messenger to get it from.”
- U. Utah Phillips
Thursday, April 28 - J Mac’s Contraband @ 7:30
J Mac is bringing all his friends.
Stellar lineup that includes Jason McIntyre, Andy Tolins, Katie Twoey, Daryl Branford, “JK”, Dan Collins, and “the Rev” James Horton, members of multiple bands all.

Saturday, April 30 - Tim Warfield Quartet @ 8:00
Smokin’ Jazz Tenor Titan!
"Perhaps the most powerful tenor saxophonist of his generation" - Peter Watrous, New York Times.
Backed by incredible rhythm section. Tim Warfield (tenor + soprano saxes), Steve Rudolph (piano), Josh Davis (bass) + Phil Haynes (drums)
Sunday, May 1 - Guy Davis @ 5:00
His ‘all’ is the Blues. He's a musician, composer, actor, director, and writer. But most importantly, Guy Davis is a bluesman. The blues permeates every corner of Davis' creativity.
For more information on upcoming shows or ticket purchase please visit www.elkcreekcafe.net.
Thank you.

Posted via email from Folk Happenings in Central Pennsylvania

Spring thyme moves forward @ Elk Creek Cafe!

2011-03-16T09:03:00.001-04:00

Spring thyme moves forward @ Elk Creek Cafe!

Please find Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks on Facebook!

This Week:

Thursday, March 17 - St. Paddys Day @ Elk Creek
Doug McMinn + Friends @ 4:30
CELTICA @ 7:30
Traditional Irish and British Isles’ melodies.
Special Irish Feast.
Steve Catania (mandolin/dulcimer/bohdron), Flora Eyster (wooden and silver flutes, recorders, penny whistles and percussion family), Gary Gyekis plus special guest Bill Stetz. Doug McMinn (vocals, guitar and clarinet).

Saturday, March 19 - Doug + Telisha Williams and the DTs @ 8:00
Rockin’ Blue Ridge Roots.
What do you get when you mix dead right, honest songwriting, a Telecaster and an upright bass with a little whiskey, a Hammond B3 and some rocking drums? Doug & Telisha Williams and the DT’s take the hauntingly beautiful, yet gritty delivery that Doug & Telisha are known for and turn it up a notch.

Doug and Telisha Williams' recently released sophomore album "Ghost of the Knoxville Girl" just spent 15 weeks in the Americana Music Association Radio Top 40 chart, named one of the Top 100 Records of 2010!

"Every now and again you run across something that just knocks your socks off. This was one of those times...it all combines to obtain near perfection."
--Rod Ames, No Depression

Thursday, March 24 - Acoustic MARAH @ 7:30
Acoustic performance with Dave Beilanko & Christine Smith

Saturday, March 26 - Frog Holler @ 8:00
Originally formed as a bluegrass trio from Berks County, Frog Holler has evolved into a genre-defying, mostly electric sextet, releasing six full length recordings since 1996.

Daniel Bower (drums, vocals), Todd Bartolo (guitars, lap-steel, mandolin, vocals),
John Kilgore (guitars, organ), Mike Lavdanski (banjo, electric banjo, harmonies),
Josh Sceurman (bass), + Darren Schlappich (acoustic guitar, lead vocals).

Sunday, March 27 - Miss Tess & The Bon Ton Parade @ 5:00
Waltzing their way into the Valley. Miss Tess is a New York City based songwriter and performing musician, who tours regularly with her band, as "Miss Tess & The Bon Ton Parade". In addition to Tess on her 1940s archtop guitar, the current lineup includes Raphael McGregor on lap steel, Danny Weller on upright bass, and Matt Meyer on drums. Encompassing styles of vintage jazz, blues, country, and folk, Miss Tess draws comparisons to artists such as Jolie Holland, Madeleine Peyroux, Regina Spektor, or Ella Fitzgerald, but maintains a style all of her own.

"To classify this singer-songwriter as merely a jazz singer would miss the point – she’s a musical chameleon, recalling at various moments Tom Waits’ barfly humor, the cabaret-rock of Beirut, or even the wink-wink wit of early Bette Midler." – Holly Hughes, Blog Critics.

Thursday, March 31 - J Mac’s Contraband @ 7:30
J Mac is bringing all his friends. Americana. Stellar lineup that includes Jason McIntyre, Andy Tolins, Katie Twoey, Daryl Branford, “JK”, Dan Collins, and “the Rev” James Horton, members of multiple bands all.

Saturday, April 2 - Boulder Acoustic Society @ 8:00
It’s indie-folk that draws from Appalachian roots, gritty gospel and the contemporary urban soundscapes. BAS merges tradition with innovation, producing a unique sound and an unforgettable live entertainment experience.
Are they contemporary music with a dark, folky vibe or folk music with poppy hooks and string band textures? Who cares, its BAS and you don’t want to miss them.

Five years, five albums and relentless touring have honed Boulder Acoustic Society into one of tightest and most entertaining bands of any genre. Are they contemporary music with a dark, folky vibe or folk music with poppy hooks and string band textures? The pulsing percussion and thumping bass of Scott Aller (percussion/vocals) and Neil McCormick (bass) support the dual lead vocals of multi-instrumentalists Scott McCormick (accordion/keys/vocals) and Aaron Keim (guitar/banjo/uke/vocals).

Sunday, April 3 -Tyne + the Fastlyne @ 4:00
Celtic-Grass-Rock-a-Bluesy [Tyne Replogle (banjo, lead vocals), Jack Wilkinson (drums, vocals), Bill Wilgus (mandolin, guitar, vocals), John “JK” Kennedy (upright bass)].

Saturday, April 9 - Rustlanders @ 8:00
Americana/Folk Rock/Country. Jason McIntyre (acoustic guitar, vocals, mandolin), Chris Rattie (drums, acoustic guitar, vocals), Corry Drake (bass and vocals), Jason Tutwiler (electric guitar) + John Rattie (Hammond B-3, Fender Rhodes and vocals).

Sunday, April 10 - Little Silver @ 4:00
Americana/indie/folk.
Little Silver out of Brooklyn last visited the cafe for the 2010 Harry Smith Festival.
It is a collaboration between Steve Curtis and Erika Simonian. Steve is probably best known for his work with Hem (http://www.hemmusic.com). He’s toured and/or split shows with Beth Orton, Wilco, Dawn Landes, Patti Smith, Elvis Costello, Beck, and Vic Chessnut, among many others. Erika Simonian is a singer and songwriter long associated with the great Sprinkle Genies, an indie alt folk rock band out of the lower east side NYC (http://www.thesprinklegenies.com).

Saturday, April 16 - Evil City String Band @ 8:00
The Evil City String Band grew out of the vibrant old time Appalachian music scene that exists in and around the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. Banjo-maestro Richie Stearns, together with Steve Selin on fiddle, Paddy Burke on guitars, Dick Hallet on stratotone, and Ben Gould on doghouse bass.

Sunday, April 17 - RiverSongs Festival – Hot Licks for Trout Cricks. Details to be announced. A festival of music, trout fishing, art, local food and drink plus other forms of beauty, benefiting the PVCA Environmental Education Program.

Thursday, April 21 - Troubadour Third Thursday @ 7:30
Local roots music with the Poe Valley Troubadors, Steve Crawford (guitar, vocals), Jeremy Tosten (guitar, vocals), Paul Dix (mandolin, vocals), Steve Buckalew (fiddle) and Jimmy James (doghouse bass).

Saturday, April 23 - Jim Page @ 8:00
Raised in California. Began playing guitar at 15. Went to New York in 1970, Seattle in '71. Changed street singing laws in '74. Went to Europe in '77, began touring and living abroad. Returned to Seattle in 1983 where he still lives. Jim has been on the scene for more than twenty years and his reputation continues to grow. He has shared the stage with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Dan Bern, Michelle Shocked, Leftover Salmon, Mickey Hart, J.J. Cale, Robert Hunter, Chuck Brodsky, and John Hammond. His songs have been performed by Christy Moore, Michael Hedges, John Trudell, The Doobie Brothers, Joanne Rand, Casey Neill, and (yes) David Soul.

“Jim's been writing great topical songs for as long as I can remember, bringing his acute wit and wry humor to a host of subjects that can really use both. In the tradition of Woody and Dylan, he cuts right to the heart with music you actually enjoy listening to. I'm a longtime admirer.”
- Bonnie Raitt

“Jim Page’s songs get right to the point. He looks at the world clearly and reports what he sees with compassion, humor and a biting sense of irony. And boy! can he sing and play. If you’re ever going to get the message, this is the messenger to get it from.”
- U. Utah Phillips

Thursday, April 28 - J Mac’s Contraband @ 7:30
J Mac is bringing all his friends.
Stellar lineup that includes Jason McIntyre, Andy Tolins, Katie Twoey, Daryl Branford, “JK”, Dan Collins, and “the Rev” James Horton, members of multiple bands all.

Saturday, April 30 - Tim Warfield Quartet @ 8:00
Smokin’ Jazz Sax Titan!
"Perhaps the most powerful tenor saxophonist of his generation" - Peter Watrous, New York Times.
Backed by incredible rhythm section. Tim Warfield (tenor + soprano saxes), Steve Rudolph (piano), Josh Davis (bass) + Phil Haynes (drums)

Sunday, May 1 - Guy Davis @ 5:00
His ‘all’ is the Blues.
He's a musician, composer, actor, director, and writer.
But most importantly, Guy Davis is a bluesman. The blues permeates every corner of Davis' creativity.

For more information on upcoming shows or ticket purchase please visit www.elkcreekcafe.net.
Thank you.

Posted via email from Folk Happenings in Central Pennsylvania

Tonight! Cindy David & Art Wachter at Victor's in York

2011-03-12T16:21:00.001-05:00

Cindy David & Art Wachter

"acoustic blues and fingerstyle guitar"

TONIGHT! Saturday, March 12, 2011, 9:30 - Midnight

Victors Italian Restaurant

www.victorsofyork.com

554 Ogontz Street

York, PA 17403

717-854-7958

Posted via email from Folk Happenings in Central Pennsylvania

Japanese Tea Ceremony on March 27th -- Space is Limited

2011-03-07T15:22:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone!

East West Crossings is a place to

find your center,

warm your spirit

and have conversations with friends.

Japanese Tea Ceremony, Sunday, March 27th @1:00 - Space Limited
& New Hours at East West Crossings

A lecture and demonstration by Tea Master Frey to Celebrate
Cherry Blossom Time

Authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony (Chanoyu)

and lecture

will be held on Sunday March 27^th at 1:00 p.m.,
at East West Crossings. Tea Master Frey, along with two members of his Tea School located in York, PA, will be here to demonstrate the Japanese tea ceremony that is traditionally performed during the Cherry Blossom festival in Japan.

Each guest will receive a tea service of Japanese green Matcha tea and tea sweets, along with a small memento to remember the day.
The cost of the ceremony is $25.00.
Seating is limited and advance reservations are being accepted:
(1) online at http://www.eastwestcrossings.com/ or (2) by purchasing tickets in person at East West Crossings, 201 A Elmwood Street, State College, PA. (814-234-8810)

Mr. Frey is a certified instructor with the Urasenke Foundation and will demonstrate the classical tea ceremony, as passed down from teacher to student, through sixteen generations in the Urasenke tradition. The ceremony will be performed in authentic costume and with explanatory narration of the meaning of the ritualized movements and gestures as it is performed.
Master Frey and his tea school have been featured in Susquehanna Style Magazine. He has performed this ancient art at the Shofuso-En Japanese House in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, as well as at The Philadelphia Gallery of Art.

Announcing New Hours at East West Crossings

Beginning this week, we will be closed on Tuesdays. It's never been one of our customers' favorite days for sipping tea, so we've decided to set Tuesady aside as a day of rest. Spring Hours at East West Crossings will be:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 10:00 - 7:00

Saturday: 10:30 - 6:00

Sunday: Noon to Five

Tuesday: Closed

___________________________________________________

The Exploring Buddhism meetings continue on Fridays at noon. We are currently discussing essays from the Engaged Buddhist Reader, edited by Arnold Kotler and available at East-West Crossings.

Our Sunday High Teas continue from noon to 4 PM (or on weekdays when requested). Please call 234-8810 for reservations.

Thank you for your support.

Joy and Ranadhir Mitra

Posted via email from Folk Happenings in Central Pennsylvania

Irish Session Thursday at Red Horse Tavern

2011-03-07T13:47:00.001-05:00

Thursday, March 10th, 7:00 at the Red Horse Tavern, Pleasant Gap, PA.
Come join us for a friendly, open session where we welcome players of traditional
instruments! Some Irish songs, too.
There are generally around a dozen of us playing, and listeners are always welcome!
We sit around a table and play by ear, as they do in Ireland (no music stands.) The Red Horse reminds us of an Irish pub :-)
The first half hour or so will be a "slow session" in order to give new
folks a chance to play at an easier tempo.
Next hour, medium speed/well known tunes.
The last hour will be for more advanced players, faster, less well-known tunes.
There is a wide range of experience levels, and we try to keep everyone interested.
Many of us arrive early - 5:45-6 or so - and have dinner together - so
please feel free to join us.
NOTE: Be sure to check out our session page on Greg Smits' website.
On it you'll find tune lists and other cool links, plus pictures and
videos of recent sessions: http://www.gregsmits.net/Irishsession/
For info on Irish sessions in general, check out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_traditional_music_session
Also, for wonderful trad music from Ireland Radio RTE, take a listen to the late sessions: http://www.rte.ie/radio1/thelatesession/1015109.html
Session details:
Second Thursday of each month - 7:00 - 9:30 pm
104 N Main St
Pleasant Gap, PA 16823
(814) 359-2082
(at the traffic light in Pleasant Gap, 4 miles past the State College Nittany Mall)
http://www.yelp.com/biz/red-horse-tavern-pleasant-gap
For more info or tune list: Patty 814-692-8966 or 2celtichorses at gmail dot com
Please share this notice with friends who might be interested.
We look forward to seeing you!
Posted via email from Folk Happenings in Central Pennsylvania

CBICC Quality of Life Winner!

2011-03-04T11:06:00.001-05:00

Forward email

Posted via email from Folk Happenings in Central Pennsylvania

CALLANISH - Friday, March 11 - Lewisburg

2011-03-04T11:01:00.001-05:00

Come to Lewisburg and help us kick off the St. Patrick's season!
Friday, March 11th
CALLANISH will be playing from 8pm to 10pm

at the Susquehanna River Valley Celtic Weekend
Celtic Weekend website: http://www.lewisburgartscouncil.com/events/celtic-days/
phone:570-524-5221
Parkview Room, Puirséil’s Irish Pub
15 S. 6th St.
Lewisburg, PA
http://www.puirseilsirishpub.com/
phone:570-523-6000
The evening features two bands and great Irish food.
Lux Bridge, fiddle and guitar duo, 7:00-8:00 pm.
CALLANISH 8:00-10:00 pm.
The restaurant will also feature a dessert and coffee buffet. Tickets for the evening are $12.99.
Puirseil’s will offer a discount admission to anyone who eats dinner in the pub before the entertainment begins.
For more CALLANISH March events, check our website: www.callanishband.com
We'll be at The American Ale House on March 17th,
and at the Red Horse Tavern on March 19th.
May the road rise up to meet you.
    May the wind be always at your back,
        May the sun shine warm upon your face,
           The rain fall soft upon your fields,
               And until we meet again,
                 May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Patty, Carol, Gretchen, Louisa and Holly
www.callanishband.com

Posted via email from Folk Happenings in Central Pennsylvania

Mason Porter return to World Cafe Live

2011-03-01T15:19:00.001-05:00

March 1st 2011

Mason Porter return to World Cafe Live

Friday, March 11th Mason Porter return to the World Café Live. 9pm

Andrew Gray will open the show! Click here for tickets.

Share the event on Facebook.

Tonight: Joe D'Amico Band at The Fire

Tonight I am playing a show at The Fire supporting a great band from Washington called Ivan & Alyosha. Also on the bill are a couple great Philly acts including Joshua Park and The Levee Drivers

Share the event on Facebook.

Upcoming Shows

03/1 Joe D Band, The Fire, Philadelphia, PA

3/11 Mason Porter, World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA

3/18 Mason Porter, Brickette Lounge, West Chester, PA

04/8 Mason Porter, Steel City, Phoenixville, PA

4/16 Mason Porter, Media Roots Ramble, Media, PA

4/22 Mason Porter, Cafe Nola, Frederick, MD

4/23 Mason Porter, Cary St. Cafe, Richmond, VA

Links

Mason Porter

Facebook

MySpace

iTunes

Newsletter Signup

Story Of The Rifle
Available on CD, Vinyl and digital download.

Asleep In My Shoes
Digital download, you name the price!

Forward email

Posted via email from Folk Happenings in Central Pennsylvania

Doug & Telisha Williams and the DT's in Millheim PA

2011-03-01T15:03:00.001-05:00

PRESS RELEASE
ELK CREEK CAFE + ALEWORKS HOST
DOUG AND TELISHA WILLIAMS AND THE DT'S - SAT 3/19
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"Every now and again you run across something that just knocks your socks off. This was one of those times...it all combines to obtain near perfection."

--Rod Ames, No Depression

Doug and Telisha Williams' recently released sophomore album "Ghost of the Knoxville Girl" just spent 15 weeks in the Americana Music Association Radio Top 40 chart, named one of the Top 100 Records of 2010!

What do you get when you mix dead right, honest songwriting, a Telecaster and an upright bass with a little whiskey, a Hammond B3 and some rocking drums? You get Doug & Telisha Williams and the DT’s. Doug and Telisha come from a place where old time religion, superstition, run down bars, gravel parking lots, and boarded up factories all mingle together. Their most recent release, “Ghost of the Knoxville Girl”, received wide critical acclaim, and spent 15 weeks in the Americana Music Association Top 40 Radio Chart, landing a spot as one of the top 100 Americana Albums of 2010. Doug & Telisha Williams and the DT’s take the hauntingly beautiful, yet gritty delivery that Doug & Telisha are known for and turn it up a notch.  Catch them in
Millheim PA at Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks

on Saturday, March 19th at 8:00. For further information on this performance, go to www.DandTW.com or http://www.elkcreekcafe.net .

Doug and Telisha Williams hail from Martinsville, Virginia. When they write and sing songs about dying small towns, they know what they’re talking about. The unemployment rate where they live is 20.2 %. When you hear them sing songs about a couple of hard luck kids who made some bad decisions and wound up in jail, you’ve got to remember that Doug & Telisha are still good friends with those kids' family.  The songs for their latest record, Ghost of the Knoxville Girl, weren’t written by people who like to imagine what it’s like “out there,” instead they came from stories told across kitchen tables or between friends after a couple of pitchers at the Ten Pin.

Their hometown sits in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains and you can hear, smell and taste that influence on their new record, Ghost of the Knoxville Girl. Like the very best singer-songwriters, this duo gives a voice to the struggles of everyday people, as well ghosts of the past. The characters in this collection of songs are resilient spirits who face their troubles straight on, never looking away. Telisha’s voice rises from way down deep and delivers the honest truth with a frank clearness that never wavers. You never for one minute doubt that the emotion is real.   Having played and written together since they were teenagers, Doug’s guitar and harmonies follow suit giving soul to heart.

The past few years have been filled with hundreds of shows and thousands of miles for Doug and Telisha. They’ve traveled from Florida to Oregon and Michigan to Texas, they’ve played with some of their most beloved heroes - Lucinda Williams, Darrell Scott, Charlie Louvin, and Joe Ely – and been on stage at Anderson Fair, The Birchmere, The Carolina Theater, Godrey Daniels, Madison Square Park and Floydfest.

No matter how far they roam, Doug and Telisha always find their way back home. A place that holds tight to the intricacies and contradictions of life in the south today. A place where in just one set, Doug & Telisha can still send audience members to their feet in applause, to their knees in prayer, and back to the bar to buy another beer.

Join Doug and Telisha’s fans at Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks on Saturday, March 19th at 8:00 to find out why Darrell Scott says "They now have the old-time, pre-70’s country, mountain & honky-tonk road house music all blended together into their own whiskey - open the jar and have a pull!”

*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *

For print-ready photos and all tour dates, go to www.DandTW.com.

For further information and to schedule interviews, contact Jackie Maddox at Dark Dog Management at darkdogmanagement@gmail.com -or-

Doug Williams - doug@DandTW.com, 276-252-4350

For booking, contact John Laird at the Americana Agency, (johnlaird@americanaagency.com), 919-489-4824.

Posted via email from Folk Happenings in Central Pennsylvania

Red Molly says, "See Jesse Winchester!" Thursday @ the Brew @ WPSU

2011-03-01T10:14:00.001-05:00

Thursday March 3, 7:45 PM at the WPSU Studios

A Special Brew with

Jesse Winchester

"Oh I am so envious that you get to hear the INCOMPARABLE Jesse Winchester on the 3rd. Just got goosebumps thinking of that man's amazing songs and voice" – Red Molly's Laurie McAllister

Join us Thursday for this Special Brew with the all-time great songwriter's-songwriter Jesse Winchester. This show will be broadcast live on WPSU-TV as part of the spring fundraiser, and you can be part of the studio audience for what promises to be an amazing evening of song, while supporting Public Broadcasting.

You could stock a crowd-pleasing jukebox with the songs Jesse Winchester has written and recorded in the last four decades. Bob Dylan called Winchester one of the best songwriters of his generation. The better-known versions of his songs have become hits and album staples for artists ranging from Joan Baez to Elvis Costello to Chris Smither to Jimmy Buffett. Winchester’s skill in capturing vivid small town vignettes, heartfelt love and love-lost situations, and goodtime celebrations has yielded a litany of I-know-that-songs: “Yankee Lady”, "Biloxi", “Brand New Tennessee Waltz”, “Talk Memphis”, “Defying Gravity”, “L‘air de la Louisiane”, and many more. His 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Composters, Artists and Publishers (ASCAP) is one gauge of the music world’s esteem.

Click here to see Jesse Winchester on NPR's Mountain Stage.

Season Ticket Holders: This concert is NOT included with your package, but you will receive a $3 refund when you present your season ticket at the door.

Open Invitation to Planning Meeting: If you're interested in becoming brew volunteer or just want to see what goes on "backstage", join us Wednesday March 9, 2011, 151 Mt. Nittany Rd. 7 p.m. Call 238-8048 for info.

Tickets are available:
ONLINE: Click on the button to get your tickets now.
AND AT :
Webster's Bookstore Cafe
  121 S. Fraser St, State College (814.234.9712)
Nature's Pantry
  2331 Commercial Blvd, State College (814.861.5200)
Students: Show your student photo ID and get a $2 rebate at the door.

CWB = Center for Well Being, Lemont. WPSU = WPSU Studios, Outreach Building, Research Park
Directions, more information about the artists and links to their websites, unsubscribe instructions, and other information can be found on our website: http://www.acousticbrew.org

Click pic to watch a video of Jesse on stage with Neko Case, Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow and Ron Sexsmith

Spring 2011 Schedule

Jan 22 Diana Jones CWB $16 Rural Folk

Feb 5 The Steel Wheels CWB $16 Blues/Bluegrass

Thur
Mar 3 Jesse Winchester WPSU $19 Singer/Songwriter

Mar 19 Foghorn Stringband CWB $16 Traditional

Mar 26 Matt & Shannon Heaton CWB $16 Celtic

Apr 16 Pokey LaFarge &
The South City Three CWB $16 Ragtime/Swing

Apr 30 Four Shillings Short CWB $16 Celtic-Indian-American

All shows start at 7:30,
except Mar 3 at 7:45.
Doors open 1/2 hr before start.

Posted via email from Folk Happenings in Central Pennsylvania

REMINDER: Next shape-note singing this MONDAY, Feb 28th, 7:00-8:30

2011-02-28T17:05:00.001-05:00

Hello all,

This is a reminder that our next shape-note singing is but three days away. So rest your voices, avoid contact with people with nasty sore throats (that would have included me at three weeks ago), and come to our Monday night singing on 2/28 from 7:00-8:30.

At University Mennonite Church, 1606 Norma St., State College, PA -- and still just across from the Autoport after all of these years.

Best,

Hal

814-360-2162

www.statecollegesacredharp.com

Posted via email from Folk Happenings in Central Pennsylvania

March on @ Elk Creek Cafe!

2011-02-28T17:01:00.001-05:00

March on @ Elk Creek Cafe!
Please find Elk Creek Cafe on Facebook!

This Week:
Thursday, February 24 - KC Rounders @ 7:30
KC Rounders are local to central Pennsylvania and include Dave Defilippis (mandolin, guitar, banjo, vocals), Chris Rattie (guitar, harmonica, and vocals) and Cory Neidig (banjo and vocals).
Saturday, February 26 - Cabinet @ 8:00
A tasty blend of banjo, mando, upright bass, guitar, and fiddle.
J.P. Biondo (mandolin, vocals), Mickey Coviello (ac. guitar, vocals), Dylan Skursky (electric/upright bass, vocals), Jamie Novak (drummer), Ted Kopec (fiddle, vocals) Pappy Biondo (banjo, vocals).
Sunday, February 27- Rick Hirsch Quartet @ 4:00
Quartet led by saxophonist Rick Hirsch, This is contemporary jazz at it’s finest that appeals to die-hard jazz fans as well as listeners with no jazz background whatsoever. Rick Hirsch (saxophone), Joe Michaels (bass), Kevin Lowe (drums), Mac Himes (guitar).
Next Week:
Thursday, March 3 – Poe Valley Troubadours @ 7:30.
Local roots music with the Poe Valley Troubadours, Steve Crawford (guitar, vocals), Jeremy Tosten (guitar, vocals), Paul Dix (mandolin, vocals), Steve Buckalew (fiddle) and Jimmy James (doghouse bass).
Saturday, March 5 - Genghis Gyekis @ 8:00
Indescribable! Gary Gyekis (guitar, vocals), Anders Olsen (guitar, vocals), Jake Kline (drums) and Bill Stetz (bass, vocals).

Upcoming:
Thursday, March 10 - Barbara Duncan + Friends @ 7:30
Original, blues-flavored songs of life and love.
Barbara Duncan (vocals, guitar, slide guitar), Doug McMinn (vocals, guitar, clarinet), KJ (vocals, guitar), Joe DeChristopher (electric guitar) and Gary Gyekis (drums).

Saturday, March 12 - Bluegrass Extravaganzy @ 7:30 with Mama Corn, Tussey Mountain Moonshiners and Grain!

Mama Corn - five-piece outfit with a passion for bluegrass, harmony and pickin'.
Jeremy Nelson (banjo), Bruce Forr (guitar), Brett Fanelli (bass), Brad Floyd (mandolin), John Stevens (dobro).
Tussey Mountain Moonshiners - Bluegrass quintet with Steve Buckalew (guitar, fiddle, vocals), Gwen Stimely (banjo, vocals), Karin Hastings (guitar, mandolin, fiddle, vocals), Bryan Homan (bass, vocals) and Paul Brigman (guitar, bass, vocals).
Grain - Original + Classic Acoustic Mountain Music! Ben Jones (mando, vox), Cory Kodish (guitar), Caleb Tzilkowski (bass, guitar, vox).

Sunday, March 13 – Bishop + Wiggus @ 4:00
Bill Wilgus (Tyne and the Fastlyne) joins Eric Bishop (Spider Kelly) with americana favorites on guitar and mandolin, joined by local tribal belly dancing troupe Pepper Lotus Tribal.
Thursday, March 17 – St. Paddys w/ CELTICA plus Doug McMinn @ 7:30
Traditional Irish and British Isles’ melodies.
Members of the band include Rich Grace, singer/guitar/banjo/harmonica; Steve Catania of world-renown, Catania Folk Instruments, on mandolin/dulcimer/bohdron; and Flora Eyster on the wooden and silver flutes (rosewood, C flute, alto flute, bass flute), recorders, penny whistles and percussion family. Doug McMinn (vocals, guitar, clarinet).

Saturday, March 19 - Doug + Telisha Williams and the DTs @ 8:00
Rockin’ Blue Ridge Roots.
"Telisha’s vocals carry the twang of Steve Earle and Nanci Griffith, while Doug’s bluesy, country guitar conveys both rhythm and harmony..."
--Performing Songwriter
Thursday, March 24 – Acoustic MARAH @ 7:30
Acoustic MARAH with Dave Beilanko & Christine Smith.
Saturday, March 26 – Frog Holler @ 8:00
Originally formed as a bluegrass trio from Berks County, Frog Holler has evolved into a genre-defying, mostly electric sextet, releasing six full length recordings since 1996.
Daniel Bower (drums, vocals), Todd Bartolo (guitars, lap-steel, mandolin, vocals),
John Kilgore (guitars, organ), Mike Lavdanski (banjo, electric banjo, harmonies),
Josh Sceurman (bass), + Darren Schlappich (acoustic guitar, lead vocals).
Sunday, March 27 – Miss Tess & The Bon Ton Parade @ 5:00
Miss Tess is a New York City based songwriter and performing musician, who tours regularly with her band, as "Miss Tess & The Bon Ton Parade". In addition to Tess on her 1940s archtop guitar, the current lineup includes Raphael McGregor on lap steel, Danny Weller on upright bass, and Matt Meyer on drums. Encompassing styles of vintage jazz, blues, country, and folk, Miss Tess draws comparisons to artists such as Jolie Holland, Madeleine Peyroux, Regina Spektor, or Ella Fitzgerald, but maintains a style all of her own.

"To classify this singer-songwriter as merely a jazz singer would miss the point – she’s a musical chameleon, recalling at various moments Tom Waits’ barfly humor, the cabaret-rock of Beirut, or even the wink-wink wit of early Bette Midler." – Holly Hughes, Blog Critics.

Thursday, March 31 – J Mac’s Contraband @ 7:30
J Mac is bringing all his friends. Americana. Stellar lineup that includes Jason McIntyre, Andy Tolins, Katie Twoey, Daryl Branford, “JK”, Dan Collins, and “the Rev” James Horton, members of multiple bands all.

Saturday, April 2 – Boulder Acoustic Society @ 8:00
It’s indie-folk that draws from Appalachian roots, gritty gospel and the contemporary urban soundscapes.
Five years, five albums and relentless touring have honed Boulder Acoustic Society into one of tightest and most entertaining bands of any genre. The pulsing percussion and thumping bass of Scott Aller (percussion/vocals) and Neil McCormick (bass) support the dual lead vocals of multi-instrumentalists Scott McCormick (accordion/keys/vocals) and Aaron Keim (guitar/banjo/uke/vocals). Hometown: Denver/Boulder

Sunday, April 3, Tyne + the Fastlyne @ 4:00
Celtic-Grass-Rock-a-Bluesy [Tyne Replogle (banjo, lead vocals), Jack Wilkinson (drums, vocals), Bill Wilgus (mandolin, guitar, vocals), John “JK” Kennedy (upright bass)].

Saturday, April 9 – Rustlanders @ 8:00
Americana/Folk Rock/Country. Jason McIntyre (acoustic guitar, vocals, mandolin), Chris Rattie (drums, acoustic guitar, vocals), Corry Drake (bass and vocals), Jason Tutwiler (electric guitar) + John Rattie (Hammond B-3, Fender Rhodes and vocals).
Saturday, April 16 – Evil City String Band @ 8:00
The Evil City String Band grew out of the vibrant old time Appalachian music scene that exists in and around the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. Banjo-maestro Richie Stearns, together with Steve Selin on fiddle, Paddy Burke on guitars, Dick Hallet on stratotone, and Ben Gould on doghouse bass.

Sunday, April 17 – RiverSongs Festival – Hot Licks for Trout Cricks.
Details to be announced.
Saturday, April 23 – Jim Page @ 8:00
Raised in California. Began playing guitar at 15. Went to New York in 1970, Seattle in '71. Changed street singing laws in '74. Went to Europe in '77, began touring and living abroad. Returned to Seattle in 1983 where he still lives. Jim has been on the scene for more than twenty years and his reputation continues to grow. He has shared the stage with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Dan Bern, Michelle Shocked, Leftover Salmon, Mickey Hart, J.J. Cale, Robert Hunter, Chuck Brodsky, and John Hammond. His songs have been performed by Christy Moore, Michael Hedges, John Trudell, The Doobie Brothers, Joanne Rand, Casey Neill, and (yes) David Soul.
“Jim's been writing great topical songs for as long as I can remember, bringing his acute wit and wry humor to a host of subjects that can really use both. In the tradition of Woody and Dylan, he cuts right to the heart with music you actually enjoy listening to. I'm a longtime admirer.”
- Bonnie Raitt
“Jim Page’s songs get right to the point. He looks at the world clearly and reports what he sees with compassion, humor and a biting sense of irony. And boy! can he sing and play. If you’re ever going to get the message, this is the messenger to get it from.”
- U. Utah Phillips

Sunday, May 1 – Guy Davis @ 5:00
His ‘all’ is the Blues.

For more information on upcoming shows or ticket purchase please visit www.elkcreekcafe.net.
Thanks.

Posted via email from Folk Happenings in Central Pennsylvania

TNBJ Newsletter

2011-02-28T10:43:00.001-05:00

TUESDAY NIGHT BLUEGRASS JAM NEWSLETTER

Vol. 8, No. 43 February 26, 2011

Tuesday Night Bluegrass, Old Time and Gospel Jam, now in its 8^th year! Every Tuesday night at the Pine Hall Lutheran Church, 1760 West College Avenue, State College, 7-9:30 p.m. Open to the public, spectators encouraged. Everyone is welcome to join in--or just to listen. For info or questions, 814-883-0287 or askrug@comcast.net. Pennsylvania’s most well attended weekly bluegrass jam. A great place for beginners to get started. Music stands OK. Admission free (Donations encouraged to defray costs of church utilities. We are fortunate in that the Pine Hall Lutheran Church graciously allows us the use of their activities room for the jam every week, so please contribute. We need, at the least, to help out with the heat and the light.) Participants are also encouraged to bring potluck goodies (cakes, pies, cookies, cupcakes, sandwiches, etc.) for the 10-15 minute social break at 8:15 p.m.

Jam etiquette: Jam partipants asked for it--a guide for jam etiquette for the TNBJ. For a treatise on jam etiquette for the TNBJ developed from jam participants' input, e-mail your request to askrug@comcast.net. As this is an on-going project, additional commentary and suggestions are always welcome.

Washtub Base. The TNBJ has a washtub base. If you would like try your hand at this mighty fine classical instrument, give Your Ob't Serv'nt an e-mail or call and it will be brought to the jam for you.

Note: The St Marks Lutheran Church of Alfarata is looking for acoustic musicians who would like to play at this new coffee house venue on the second Saturday night of each month. The location is seven miles north of Lewistown on Rt. 522. Crowd is around 50 persons, good food and non-alcoholic beverages. A nice room and appreciative crowd. Please call R. B. Powell and Bridget Allen at

814-880-5100.

Events: Note on reliability of data: Information on Tuesday Night Bluegrass Jam is current and firsthand. Other is secondhand. If you are traveling a significant distance to any of these other events, you may wish to verify info prior to departure. Also, be aware that events are sometimes listed in this newsletter as a courtesy without judgment or evaluation, except when specifically recommended by Your Ob’t Serv’nt. Where quotes appear in this newsletter, the included text originates with a second party, not Your Ob't Serv'nt.

February 27 (Sunday) Howard Bluegrass Jam, J. K. Yearick Center (Fire Hall), 2-6 p.m. Bands or groups that wish to perform open mic sign up upon arrival. Jamming in fire hall meeting rooms. Great potluck food. Donations accepted. For more information, Bob or Judy Waite, rjwaite@gotmc.net, 814-355-8091. Recommended. Note: An ad hoc group of TNBJ pickers sometimes performs.

March 1 (Tuesday) Tuesday Night Bluegrass Jam at Pine Hall Lutheran Church, 1760 W. College Avenue, State College, 7 – 9:30 p.m. Public invited, free admission. For more information, askrug@comcast.net or 814-883-0287.

Pittsburgh, PA (pure) Bluegrass Jam Session every Tuesday Night, 8:00 PM – Midnight.
This is a Bluegrass Jam Session, not an “Open Stage.” Everybody is welcome...all levels.
Starlite Lounge, 364 Freeport Road, Blawnox PA 15238. Good food at very reasonable prices.
Directions: Rt 28 to Blawnox Exit, Freeport Road into center of business district.

Lew Scheinman, lscheinman@yahoo.com.

March 3 (Thursday) Tuesday Night Bluegrass Jam “executive council” weekly breakfast, Denny's on North Atherton Street in State College, 8:30 a.m. All jammers welcome and encouraged to attend. Guaranteed fun and laughs. Many issues resolved. No, on second thought, points out Tom Fox, perhaps not resolved but at least identified. Grand Slam Special $3.99. For more information, askrug@comcast.net or 814-883-0287.

March 3 (Thursday) Banjo player Judy Marti - the last apprentice of celebrated folk artist Ola Belle Campbell Reed! Schlow Library, 211 S. Allen Street, State College, in the Downsbrough Community Room, 7:00pm – 8:00pm. Free admission. More information can be found at http://www.schlowlibrary.org/content/adults/banjo-pickin-girl. Contact the library with any questions you may have.

March 8 (Tuesday) Tuesday Night Bluegrass Jam at Pine Hall Lutheran Church, 1760 W. College Avenue, State College, 7 – 9:30 p.m. Public invited, free admission. For more information, askrug@comcast.net or 814-883-0287.

Pittsburgh, PA (pure) Bluegrass Jam Session every Tuesday Night, 8:00 PM – Midnight.
This is a Bluegrass Jam Session, not an “Open Stage.” Everybody is welcome...all levels.
Starlite Lounge, 364 Freeport Road, Blawnox PA 15238. Good food at very reasonable prices.
Directions: Rt 28 to Blawnox Exit, Freeport Road into center of business district.

Lew Scheinman, lscheinman@yahoo.com.

March 11 (Friday) TNBJ practice for Baileyville train song concert. PHLC, 7-9 p.m.

March 12 (Saturday) “West Loop Bluegrass Jam” run by Rev. Joe Himes at the West Loop Missionary Church (West Loop road) in the Family Life Center in Hollidaysburg. Directions from intersection of Rt. 22 and Rt. 36: Turn left, go across bridge and take Smith Road off-ramp which circles under the bridge; follow Smith Road as it takes you past Degol Lumber, crosses Reservoir Road onto West Loop Road; go past farm on right. As you pass the farm, drive another 30 seconds, look for the church which will appear to be straight in front of you; it will actually be on the right after you cross a small bridge. There will be music from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. along with a covered dish, so bring something to share if you would like. This will normally be held the First Saturday of every month, October thru May. For a map and directions go to www.wlmc.net or you can phone: 814-696-9626 or e-mail pastorjoehimes@gmail.com. Tom Neff says "It was very good, and well organized…recommended!"

March 15 (Tuesday) Tuesday Night Bluegrass Jam at Pine Hall Lutheran Church, 1760 W. College Avenue, State College, 7 – 9:30 p.m. Public invited, free admission. For more information, askrug@comcast.net or 814-883-0287.

Pittsburgh, PA (pure) Bluegrass Jam Session every Tuesday Night, 8:00 PM – Midnight.
This is a Bluegrass Jam Session, not an “Open Stage.” Everybody is welcome...all levels.
Starlite Lounge, 364 Freeport Road, Blawnox PA 15238. Good food at very reasonable prices.
Directions: Rt 28 to Blawnox Exit, Freeport Road into center of business district.

Lew Scheinman, lscheinman@yahoo.com.

March 16 (Wednesday) TNBJ and Paul Carney Banjo Band play for Centre Senior Center St. Patrick's Day Luncheon, 11:30-1:00 p.m. Set up 10:45 a.m. For more information, Your Ob't Serv'nt.

March 18-19-20 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) Bluegrass festival: Clarion Bluegrass Festival
Clarion, PA. For info, (814) 226-8760.

March 20 (Sunday) Seven Mtns. Bluegrass Association monthly meeting and jam. Nice folks. "Great music, door prizes and refreshments." Marysville-Rye Senior Center, Marysville. Plenty of parking; handicap accessible. Admission free, all are welcome. Held the third Sunday of every month, 2 – 5 p.m. Directions: Rt. 11 & 15 to Marysville, take Rt. 850 west for 0.6 mile, left on Leonard Street, go straight to the T at Locust Point Apartments, look for the sign and turn right, you are there. For more information, 717-957-4349. Recommended.

March 22 (Tuesday) Tuesday Night Bluegrass Jam at Pine Hall Lutheran Church, 1760 W. College Avenue, State College, 7 – 9:30 p.m. Public invited, free admission. For more information, askrug@comcast.net or 814-883-0287.

Pittsburgh, PA (pure) Bluegrass Jam Session every Tuesday Night, 8:00 PM – Midnight.
This is a Bluegrass Jam Session, not an “Open Stage.” Everybody is welcome...all levels.
Starlite Lounge, 364 Freeport Road, Blawnox PA 15238. Good food at very reasonable prices.
Directions: Rt 28 to Blawnox Exit, Freeport Road into center of business district.

Lew Scheinman, lscheinman@yahoo.com.

March 29 (Tuesday) Tuesday Night Bluegrass Jam at Pine Hall Lutheran Church, 1760 W. College Avenue, State College, 7 – 9:30 p.m. Public invited, free admission. For more information, askrug@comcast.net or 814-883-0287.

Pittsburgh, PA (pure) Bluegrass Jam Session every Tuesday Night, 8:00 PM – Midnight.
This is a Bluegrass Jam Session, not an “Open Stage.” Everybody is welcome...all levels.
Starlite Lounge, 364 Freeport Road, Blawnox PA 15238. Good food at very reasonable prices.
Directions: Rt 28 to Blawnox Exit, Freeport Road into center of business district.

Lew Scheinman, lscheinman@yahoo.com.

April 16 (Saturday) TNBJ Train Songs Concert at Baileyville Grange, 7 p.m.. $5 admission benefits Pine Hall Lutheran Church. Refreshments by the Grange ladies. For more information, Ron Strapel, collectorcar@windstream.net.

April 21 (Thursday) Paul Carney Banjo Band practice, Centre Senior Center, 131 S. Fraser Street, State College. New members welcome. Come and see what it is about. For more information, Dave Chard, director, bchard99@comcast.net.

April 27-May 1 Spring Carlisle.

April 29 (Friday) TNBJ plays for Centre County Volunteers Luncheon at the Penn Stater, 11:00 a.m. To 1 p.m. For more information, Your Obd't Serv'nt.

May 1 (Sunday) TNBJ plays at Pine Hall Lutheran Church Gospel Music Night, 7 p.m. Jammers meet in Heydenreich Hall at 6:15.

May, 2011 (Thursday) TNBJ “Executive Council” handgun shooting class, Pennsylvania Game Commission Scotia Range, 10 a.m.

June 16-19 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday) Smoked Country Jam Bluegrass Festival, starts Thursday at 12:00 PM, Quiet Oaks Campground, Cross Fork, PA

June 22 (Wednesday) Paul Carney Banjo Band plays for Centre Senior Games Awards Banquet at Mt. Nittany Middle School, 11:30-1:00 p.m. For more information, Director Dave Chard.

June 25 (Saturday) TNBJ and Paul Carney Banjo Band play at Cody Stoner's all-day music festival at the Grange Fairground. Festival benefits the Penns Valley Charity "Hope."

July 14-17 Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival, Reedsville Fairgrounds. Advance tickets $35 available at TNBJ. Recommended. For more information, call R. B. Powell and Bridget Allen at 814-880-5100 or email NittanyMtTrailRides@gmail.com.

September 1 TNBJ in the Grange Fair parade, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. It's a blast! Senior Citizens Day at the fair; 62 and older admitted free (parking @ $3 not included). Jammers meet in the parade assembly area at 11:45 a.m.. Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen recommended.

September 29-October 2 Fall Carlisle.

October 4-8 Hershey in the Fall.

Sound system update. We are fortunate to have a professional sound system for use by the Paul Carney Banjo Band and the Tuesday Night Bluegrass Jam. We would like to purchase some additional equipment (monitors, wireless microphones, microphone case, microphone stands, cords, etc.). We are continuing to seek donations to the sound system fund. All contributions of whatever amount will be appreciated.

Daily free bluegrass video: A group dedicated to the awareness of Bluegrass Music is offering a FREE DAILY Bluegrass Music video to all who sign up for this this "freebee" by going to the following internet site: http://www.bluegrassonthetube.com/page3.html
At this site is the information you need to provide your email address and register for daily email communications with the new videos.

Check out Max Spiegel's old time music website http://www.mudcat.org . Max says “I think you'd enjoy the traditional song information on the site. It's an online community of about 22,000 folks just like us. It's just like the TNBJ but scattered all over the world. Good folks, good conversation, good research on all the songs we like to sing.” http://www.mudcat.org/threads.cfm. Recommended.

Diana White's Blog! myspace page www.myspace.com/sadrablue . Note: If your ob't serv'nt knew anything about “myspace” and blogs he would tell you more but . . . . Diana says “Want info on some of your favorite bluegrass bands' upcoming shows? See myspace.com/sadrablue for links to some of the country's best bluegrass bands' myspace pages for schedules, music, videos, website links, and fresh updates...just click on the band's icon in the "friends" section (remember to expand it to view all friends).”

Looking for a new bluegrass, old time or gospel song to try at the jam? Check www.bluegrasslyrics.com. Also, http://home.comcast.net/~barb923/lyrics/ (Indexing all the major bluegrass lyrics sites on the Web into one master list!).

Bluegrass lessons online: www. Bluegrasscollege.org. Recommended.

For beginning harmonica players, "Bluegrass and Country Music for Harmonica by Phil Duncan" is recommended. Recommended harmonicas (suggest starting with a 10-hole diatonic in the key of C) include the Lee Oskar, the Hohner Marine Band, the Hohner Special 20, Seydel Blues Session, the Suzuki Blues Master, all for around $30, and Suzuki Promaster (a great harmonica) for around $45. In SCE, check the Music Mart.

Richard Sleigh harmonica tuning video link: http://rsleigh.com/youtube-harmonica-tuning-videos/

and on reed replacement: http://rsleigh.com/reed-replacement-video/

Quality handcrafted guitars built by Oriskany Guitars in Huntingdon, PA. Also, acoustic instrument repairs. Luthiers Johanna Mutti and Curtis Rockwell, (814) 643-3588, www.oriskanyguitars.com or luthiers@oriskanyguitars.com You can listen to Curtis discussing the building of their guitars on You Tube. Very informative. Recommended. Also, take a look at their Model A guitar that is currently for sale at Dream Guitars, www.dreamguitars.com.

For sale: Ibanez Artcore electric hollowbody guitar with three pickups, $300; Crete Electra guitar with four pickups and Crete G-10 amp, $125. Butch Davies, butch19391@hotmail.com.

For sale: Markley Accoustic Guitar Pick-up, Artist Transducer. Sticks to any point on your instrument. Used once, but prefer a microphone for my instrument. List price, $69.95. Will sell for $40.00. For more information,contact Bob Frederick at 814-234-0981, bfreder755@dejazzd.com.

David R. Strait, Master Luthier, 460 Mountain Road, Boiling Springs, PA 17007, Tel - 717 258 6036

www..straituprepair.com. Recommended.

For sale: Left hand Larrivee L-05 guitar, excellent condition, mahogany and sitka spruce, 1 ¾ inch nut, gorgeous abalone rosette and bird inlay, nice original hardshell case, $850. askrug@comcast.net or 814-883-0287. Lefty pickers also take note of www.jerrysleftyguitars.com for quality instruments. Also www.southpawguitars.com and www.acousticmusicworks.com (He has a Collings D1A).

Handcrafted violins and instrument repair. Charles Arentz, 116 N. Juniata Street, Lewistown, PA 17044; 717-242-1530; cbarentz@verizon.net. Recommended.

For sale: Karl Hofner ½ size violin 4956; Karl Hofner, Bubenreuth (Germany) 1966; 20 and ½ x 7. Set up at Appalachian Bluegrass Shoppe, Boone, NC. Includes bow and case. $150 firm. askrug@comcast.net or 814-883-0287.

Plectrum banjo, 5-string banjo and guitar lessons available. Beginners welcome. $25/hour in my home. Jim Kerhin 814-777-7455; jimkerhin@yahoo.com. Recommended.

Mike Evock is offering 5-String Banjo Instruction (Bluegrass, Classic, Clawhammer),

Tenor Banjo, and Piano

Posted via email from Folk Happenings in Central Pennsylvania

Mason Porter's Story Of The Rifle Liner Notes

2011-01-18T17:09:00.001-05:00

My pals in Mason Porter asked me to write the liner notes for their new CD, Story Of The Rifle. So I did. They ended up using 3, maybe 4 sentences of the following:

Some folks said he played a hand or two with Stagger Lee and Billy Delyons. Word had it that he was the very rounder that Delia fell head over heals for. I heard he had money on John Henry winning that race and that he said he may have preferred to lose that bet. It’s on the record that he stood up in court for Frankie and was a pall bearer at Albert’s funeral. They say he visited her in the asylum all the way up until the very day she died.

A quiet, unsung, witness to it all. A storyteller, to be sure. How do you think we came to know any of these stories anyhow? Mason Porter, he kept on moving, telling anyone who’d bother listening the things that he had seen.

When I met these boys, I was fresh back from Mexico. Spent a few years playing bassoon in one of the grittier traveling carnivals below the border. I was still dusty, still looking over my shoulder for something that should be 2000 miles behind me and just itching to fight someone who spoke English again.

It was a chicken-wire-around-the-stage sort of place, I think it was called The Briquette Lounge. Cowboy boots and pool tables, ladies dancing in their plaid country dresses and gents in their still dark, and clean, blue jeans. Before I could get a beer to my lips, they pulled me into a world long gone, at least I thought it was gone.

My Creole Belle and Wayfaring Stranger fit like your grandfather’s favorite old shirt and get you to buy into the world they’re laying out for you. Then they just throw a good old fashioned John Wayne bitch slap at you with something like Hotel Yorba or Take This Hammer. That there’ll get you up and kicking someone if the face if any songs ever could.

Frankie and Albert goes down like a good ol’ country waltz, it was good to see them old folks still do that two step slow dance. Old Paul sure makes us feel the Bob and the Johnny in North Country Fair and I just wanna crawl into that snare drum to listen to the slide guitar from there.

And on it goes just like that, providing tender moments and hootenanny foot stompers. It’s like spending an afternoon walking through the fall goldenrod with your sweetheart, drinking moonshine corn whiskey at the barn dance and then winning a bar fight.

Good times. Good band. Good record. So quit reading this here jacket and buy it, or I’ll stab you in the face.

Max Spiegel

Folklorist

mudcat.org

Posted via email from max.spiegel

BIG Fire on the Mountain Today.

2011-01-02T11:40:00.001-05:00

Posted via email from max.spiegel