When you wake up humming

It dawns on me from time to time that when I catch myself humming a tune early in the day, it's a tune that I should probably pay attention to. What better reason to learn a new tune? It's already starting to work it's way into your consciousness.

I heard a version of Twinkle Little Star, at least I think that's the title (and not the kid's song, a different one), at a festival quite a few years back already. Far ago enough that I should have forgotten it by now. But, it's a catchy little tune. So, I've made a note of it in my latest little notebook. And, I resolve to play it more often. Not just in my head.

Wendy's World

I've had a link to Wendy Anthony's site over on my link list for quite some time. Recently, I took a tour through the world of Wendy again, and she has added some really cool stuff and links. Tip of the hat for a really enjoyable site!

One of my favorite things... She's listed her tunes by theme. Extensively. Not just the usual "How many rabbit tunes can you name?" Way beyond that. Click the post title for more.

Thanks Wendy!

Some tunes from Clifftop jams

Hi all,

Some fresh tunes on my tunes site. Look over to the right and click on FESTIVAL RECORDINGS.

Enjoy!!! And, play along, if you'd like.

The Craggs from Tasmania are here in the US

Watch for The Craggs around the Oneonta area this month. Also, they'll be performing at Bethel Woods on Sunday September 27th. And, they include some beautiful images from Tasmania in the performance.

And, of course, you can find them on Myspace.

Time for the Fiddlin' Bear gathering over Labor Day weekend

Wow, it's the 15th year for the gathering at Lake Genero, near Hamlin, PA. This gathering is very close to my heart, with many memories of the more expert folks taking time to explain and show me ways to improve my jamming skills. When I first started going, I'd lug all my music books along with me. Didn't take me too long to look around and notice that no one else was reading dots. Well, maybe a few others had books, but the folks that were my role models seemed to catch on to the tunes, even the tunes they said they didn't know well, without a book in sight. So, don't be shy. All skill levels will find some batch of folks to play with. And, for those of you who like that sort of thing, fires are allowed.

Oh, and I meant to say for those of you who are new to this blog, there's a link over to the right for 'Festival Recordings'. You can have a listen to some of the tunes that I've recorded at Lake Genero over the past few years. Probably a good time for me to stand up on my soap box: the time that you invest in recording and then listening to the tunes yields a good bit of return in improving your ear playing. Listen. Listen. Listen. The notes and bowing will come.

Almost heaven, West Virginia

Next up, Clifftop, WV. Stop by and play some tunes you don't know.

Off to Camp Kee-waanee

Won't get drunk no more
Won't get drunk no more
Won't get drunk no more
Way down the Old Plank Road

Or, way down the Glenbrook Drive.

:-)

Time for the Harry Smith Frolic!