2008-2009 Schedule

All of our meetings are free to attend except for two special events per year as noted below.

September 7: Four Shillings Short * - We so enjoyed the music that Christy Martin and Aodh Og Tuama arranged for us in 2004 that we’ve invited them to return. Their music is rooted in Celtic and American folk and inspired by Indian Raga and ethnic idioms. Christy sings, plays hammered dulcimer, mandolin, sitar and bodhran and on occasion the mountain dulcimer as well. Aodh Og sings, plays tin whistles, doumbek, spoons, gemshorn and more. Their workshop will once again feature their own arrangement of exciting ensemble music.  Special event fee is $20 for members, $25 for guests.

October 12: Take It Up a Notch - Many members have asked for a time when we can perfect some of the tunes presented at past meetings. So, choose some of your favorites and email your ideas to Peggy Mistak.  We will work on phrasing, dynamics, tempo and generally “polishing” the music. Email Peggy at pmistak @ sbcglobal.com NOTE: You must remove the space on either side of the @ sign to email Peggy.

November 9: At The Movies - Several films in recent years have used traditional folk music as part of the movie or as background. Come join us for a “review” of songs from Song Catcher, Cold Mountain and Oh Brother Where Art Thou. This promises to be a “two thumbs up” afternoon.

There is no meeting in December.
Enjoy the holidays.
See you in 2009!

January 11: Early Music for Recorders and Dulcimers - We will be joined by members of the Park Ridge Recorder Society for an afternoon of music from the Renaissance, Elizabethan, and other early music eras. We may even include a 12th night tribute as we say goodbye to the festive holiday season.

February 8: Jazz and Blues for the Dulcimer - Heidi James has been experimenting with jazz and blues influenced music and will lead us in this workshop. It is bound to be a toe tapping, finger snapping way to beat the winter “blahs.”

March 15: Cathy Barton & Dave Para * - Known for enthusiastically delving into the history of the music they play, Cathy Barton on mountain and hammered dulcimer and Dave Para on a variety of acoustic instruments, (including, yes, the leaf) will share fascinating repertoire and stories behind their music.  Special event fee is $20 for members, $25 for guests.

April 5: Composers & Arrangers Wanted * - Now is the time to share your originality. If you have a tune or song you have created or arranged, bring it to this meeting. Carol Ehrman and Elaine Wagner will lead and offer insight based on their own creative experiences. Please bring at least 10-12 copies of music to share.

May 3: Take It Up a Notch II * - We will end our year with another chance to polish and perfect some of our favorites.  We can take another look at particularly striking pieces from this program year or pieces fondly remembered from past years’ workshops. Email suggestions to Peggy.

* This meeting is not on a 2nd Sunday.

1:30 p.m. Meeting room opens for instrument set-up and tuning.

2:00 p.m. Playing begins.

Players of all acoustic instruments are welcome. Sheet music, mountain dulcimer tab and chord designations are available so
music is accessible to all.