and look around for more info.
10 days May 17-25, 2007: Scottish Dancing through the Greek Isles on a 3-mast Schooner! Dancing on the deck of the M/S Hellenic Beauty to the music of Barbara McOwen & Marianne Taylor. This is a duplicate of the above schooner itinerary, added on by popular demand! See above (May 2-11) for details; more info at Ken's website. Latest news - 3 places left. Think about it for a minute, then sign up immediately! Also, check Ken's website for English dance and contra dance sailings in September!
Saturday May 19, 3:30 - 6:30 pm: Arlington Traditional Music Sessions. All acoustic instruments, musical traditions and levels welcome. About every other week at the Fox Library, corner of Mass. Ave. & Cleveland St, East Arlington, Mass. Final spring date: June 9. For information, email Laura at lbleib doink gis.net.
Saturday May 19th, 2007, 5:30 pm: Scottish Country Dance Party. The Reel & Strathspey Society of Fairlee, Vermont is pleased to announce itsÊ6th annual Spring Fling. The dance will be held at the Fairlee Town Hall, which features a wonderful wood sprung floor. Music will be provided by Viveka Fox (fiddle), Peter MacFarlane (fiddle)Êand Susie Petrov (piano/accordion). The dance begins at 7:00 and, for those interested, there will be a potluck dinner at 5:30 beforehand.ÊWeÊwill also host a walk through of the harder dances at 3:00 at the town hall without additional charge. Info: Gary Apfel, 603-353-4647, garyapfel doink mybluelight.com. Download the FLIER and the DANCE DIRECTIONS.
Sunday May 20, 2007, 3:30-7 pm: The Gaelic Club, at the Canadian-American Club, 202 Arlington St, Watertown. Come play, dance, listen, visit, have a beer/tea/refreshments; group jam at the beginning and end. Very informal and real. Usually 3rd Sunday of the month, Sept-June. Info: email Peggy Morrison at margaret.morrison doink comcast.net. Next date is Sunday June 17.
APRIL 2007
Sunday April 1st, 2-6, 2007: Boston Scottish Fiddle Club. Monthly 1st-Sundays session will feature a workshop by Barbara McOwen. Meetings include workshops, jamming, refreshments, at the Pleasant Street Congregational Church, 75 Pleasant St, Arlington, Mass. Info: contact Anne Kaufman at am.kaufman doink verizon.net or go to the website at BSFC.
Sunday April 1st: The Saint Andrew's Society of Massachusetts is announcing the Dr. Robert D. MacCurdy Memorial Scholarships. "We have the ability to award three or four scholarshps to any student of the Scottish Arts ... " The due date is April 1, 2007. For eligibility and application form, contact the Society via Evelyn Murray, or go to the website at www.st-andrews-of-mass.org.
Wednesday April 4, 7 pm: Concert & Ceilidh featuring the Stornoway Kids. Looks to be an intriguing event, even the flier is fun - download it HERE. The kids are from the Nicholson Institute, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides (isles west of Skye which is west of the Scottish mainland - way out there). Fiddling, Gaelic Singing, Piping, Dancing, Refreshments. Presented by the New York Caledonian Club and the New York Scottish Pipes & Drums. Location: McAlpine Hall, West Park Presbyterian Church, 86th St. & Amsterdan, New York City.
Thursday April 5, 8 pm: Fiddle & Guitar Concert with Maeve Donnelly, Irish fiddler with Tony McManus, guitar. A Duo Not To Be Missed! Location: Blackstone River Theatre. Blackstone River Theatre, Cumberland, R.I. Other New England locations and dates March 30 - April 6 - Info 401-725-9272; download the flier HERE.
Saturday April 7, 2005: Salem Dance Party. Once again in historic Hamilton Hall, Salem, Mass. Info: MaryEllen Scannell at 781-593-5949. Stay tuned for more info on this popular event.
Due Tuesday April 10th: The Scottish Scholarship Fund of New Hampshire is announcing the Evelyn M.E. Murray Scholarship. It is to be postmarked no later than April 10, 2007. For info, contact Jo-Ann St. Pierre, 4 Bridge Street, Berwick, ME 03901-2212. You can download the form HERE. This is often used for music and dance students to take lessons and attend workshops and institutes.
Friday April 13th at 8 pm: Slow Scottish Jam Sessions led by Lance Ramshaw, in Concord Mass. Very friendly and fun. Usually Fridays, about once a month. "Marvellous tunes at moderate tempos." Info: email Lance (NEW EMAIL) at lance.ramshaw doink gmail.com or go to the web Slow Jam, for updates and very useful tune resources.
Weekend of April 13-15, 2007: Lethbridge 25th Anniversary Music & Dance Workshops and Ball. Friday night ceilidh, Saturday workshops, dinner & ball, Sunday combined class. Music class taught by Barbara McOwen, dance classes taught by Robert McOwen, Rebecca Blackhall-Peters, Mairi Hand. Music for classes & ball by Scotch Measure. Location: Lethbridge Lodge Hotel, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. An excellent time to go to beautiful Alberta! Info: email Fiona Miller, fsmiller doink telus.net, or download the flier.
Saturday April 14, 3:30 - 6:30 pm: Arlington Traditional Music Sessions. All acoustic instruments, musical traditions and levels welcome. About every other week at the Fox Library, corner of Mass. Ave. & Cleveland St, East Arlington, Mass. Next dates: May 5, May 19, June 9. For information, email Laura at lbleib doink gis.net.
Sunday April 15, 2007, 3:00 pm: Recital with Anne Hooper Webb (violin), Joel Cohen (cello) and George Kern (piano) performing works of Faure, Martinu and Ravel. No Scottish tunes this time, but perhaps Anne will throw in an up-driven bow here and and a hammer-on there. Location: Follen Church, 755 Mass. Ave., Lexington, Mass. Reception following the concert. From Barbara: I heard the music today - Thursday - and it is strong, lovely, remarkable. Wow! Please everyone go. Here's a nice FLIER, and you can also take a look at Anne's Website.
Sunday April 15, 2007, 3:30-7 pm: The Gaelic Club, at the Canadian-American Club, 202 Arlington St, Watertown. Come play, dance, listen, visit, have a beer/tea/refreshments; group jam at the beginning and end. Very informal and real. Usually 3rd Sunday of the month, Sept-June. Info: email Peggy Morrison at margaret.morrison doink comcast.net. Next date is Sunday May 20.
Week of April 15-22, 2007: Southern Hemisphere International School of Scottish Fiddle. Fiddle teachers for 2007 are Laura Risk, Iain Fraser, and Catherine Fraser. Accompaniment (piano, guitar, cello, etc) teacher is Duncan Smith. Location is a beautiful location in the woods in the south part of the North Island, New Zealand. Directors Catherine Fraser and Duncan Smith. For all info and application materials, go to the SHISF website.
Weekend of April 20-22nd, 2007: NEFFAAAAA! This is the New England Folk Festival Association's festival, and it "is a fabulous blend of dance, music, crafts, and food from many lands." It's been at Natick High School since 1974, but it's MOVING to Mansfield High and Middle Schools, Mansfield, Mass. It will be the 63rd Festival. Among the wonderful variety of music, dance, and crafts, check out the Scottish events on FRIDAY (Marianne Taylor teaching dance; Terry Traub in concert; the Boston Scottish Fiddle Club in concert), SATURDAY (the Strathspey & Reel Society of N.H. in concert; Howard Glasser - Scottish song collector; Neal MacMillan - smallpipes; Tiffany Rozenas - Scottish fiddle; Scottish country dancing with Evelyn Murray and The White Cockade; and Highland Dance Boston in concert) and SUNDAY (McMorland & McIntyre - Scottish ballad singers; the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society in concert). Keep current at the NEFFA website.
Sunday April 22, 2007, 1:30 - 6 pm: Annual Workshop presented by the Glengarry Strathspey & Reel Society. Teaching fiddle will be Ian MacLeod of Glengarry County, Ontario. Location: Alexandria Curling Club, Alexandria, Ont. CANADA. Program includes opening presentations, massed fiddlers, individual guest fiddlers & groups, and the workshop. Light lunch available. For info: Donaldson MacLeod, 613-225-3664, macleodd doink cyberus.ca. Download flier HERE. This is a great group and a great event; highly recommended. They also sponsor the Massed Fiddles at the Alexandria Games, usually the first weekend of August.
Sunday April 22, 2007, 2 pm: The Seisiuns. A one-off concert with a great local cast - Hanneke Cassel, Natalie Haas, Keith Murphy, The Boston Kiltics, Shannon Heaton, Martin Langer. Location: Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St, Arlington, Mass. Info: Regent Theatre or download the Flier. The Boston Kiltics are a new local group, with Doug Lamey, Cliff McGann, Christine Morrison, Pam Campbell; their website is here!
FLASH! Week of April 22-27, 2007: Learn Scottish Fiddle in Spain! Gregor Borland's brand-new "Spanish Fiddle Camp" will take place "in the lovely town of Biar, situated in the mountains north of Alicante. We will have fun in the sun - learning marches, jigs and reels." Get this: it's limited to 8 (eight) people - be one of the Lucky Few! Gregor is one of Scotland's top fiddlers and fiddle teachers, and is currently living in Spain. For info, download the flier, and/or contact Gregor at gregorborland doink yahoo.co.uk.
Saturday April 28, 2007, 10 am - 3 pm: Scottish Music Workshop presented by the Cameron Scottish Music Ensemble. A fun and informative monthly gathering, this month features Calum Pasqua, Scots fiddler & piper. Location: Forest Hills, Long Island, N.Y., easily accessible by subway. Info: Isabelle Smith, 718-793-6238, i.a.smith doink att.net. Download the flier (includes driving & public transportation directions) HERE.
MARCH 2007
Thursday March 1st, 2007: The Glengarry Collection goes to the Publisher! This is the current due date for Barbara, Peggy and Laura to turn in all materials for Angus Grant's long-awaited book. After this date, Barbara might be spotted at these events a bit more often! For info on Angus, check out Aonghas's Website. Release is scheduled for spring 2008. Hold your breath! Update March 14th: Well, it didn't happen, but it will! I'll keep you posted.
Friday March 2nd, 2007, 7:30 pm: Cynthia MacLeod and Gordon Belcher in Concert. Acclaimed Prince Edward Island fiddle and guitar duo is going on tour in the Northeast U.S. March 2-13. This concert takes place at the Unity Centre for the Performing Arts, at 42 Depot Street, Unity, Maine. For ticket information, email show@unitymaine.org or phone 207-948-7469. Info on the rest of the tour dates available soon.
Friday March 9, 2007: Greek Island Music Concert with Beth Bahia Cohen, fiddle, and Paddy League, bouzouki and vocals. Those Scottish dancers going to the Greek Isles in May with Ken McFarland may be particularly interested, but it'll be open to anyone. House concert in Arlington, Mass. With Greek refreshments and dancing. Their concert at Springstep was superb, absolutely beautiful music, and these are top musicians, again we're so lucky in the Boston area. ... Any interest in a Greek fiddle workshop with Beth?
March 9th, 2007: Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas in Concert. Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, Maine. Info: 207-347-6277 or Alasdair's Website.
Saturday March 10, 3:30 - 6:30 pm: Arlington Traditional Music Sessions. All acoustic instruments, musical traditions and levels welcome. About every other week at the Fox Library, corner of Mass. Ave. & Cleveland St, East Arlington, Mass. Next dates: March 31, April 14, May 5, May 19, June 9. For information, email Laura at lbleib doink gis.net.
Weekend of March 16-18, 2007: Cardigan! Weekend getaway at AMC lodge in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Scottish country dancing, cross country skiing, jamming. Very inexpensive, flawlessly organized, comfortable warm rooms, great food by Mary Ellen Scannell, wood fires, puzzle corner, group hikes, moving-table music, comraderie with all the best people, lots more. It's more fun than you can shake a ski-pole or fiddle bow at! Info: email Lance, lance.ramshaw doink bbn.com.
Weekend of March 16-18, 2007: 4th Annual Niel Gow Festival. Dunkeld & Birnam, Perthshire, Scotland. Concerts, workshops, sessions, ceilidh dancing. Watch the Niel Gow website for more info. It is envisaged that through time the festival and other activities will gather enough funds to erect a fitting memorial to Niel Gow in Dunkeld & Birnam.
Saturday March 17, 7:30 pm: J.J. Chaisson and Kevin Chaisson and Friends. Fiddle, guitar, piano and more, from PEI. Location: The Captain Charles Leonard House, 663 Main Street, Agawam, Mass., near Springfield! Info - Meg & Dan Sullivan; and tickets can be reserved by calling 413-789-9267 or email msullgreen doink aol.com.
Sunday March 18, 2007, 3-7 pm: The Gaelic Club, at the Canadian-American Club, 202 Arlington St, Watertown. Look for info on a Special Event for this month's session! - download the Flier. (PS It's always special, the best fiddlers come along EVERY month!) Come play, dance, listen, visit, have a beer/tea/refreshments; group jam at the beginning and end. Very informal and real. Usually 3rd Sunday of the month, Sept-June. Info: email Peggy Morrison at margaret.morrison doink comcast.net. Next date is Sunday April 15.
Saturday March 24th, 2007, 8 pm: Ed Rawson Celebration Dance. This will be the 20th annual celebration of Ed's many and varied contributions to Scottish country dancing. At the First Parish Church, Unitarian in Weston, Mass. Music by Highland Whisky with Guest Fiddler Terry Traub. Proceeds go to The Ed Rawson Fund of the Scottish Dance and Cultural Education Association. Info: download the flier, or go to the Boston Branch Calendar Page.
Wednesday March 28th, 2007, 7 pm: Shetland Fiddle Workshop with Chris Stout, a "hot hot hot" young fiddler from Shetland. Location: Lexington, Mass. Space extremely limited, may be sold out. For info, contact Barbara McOwen at bmcowen doink comcast.net.
Saturday March 31, 3:30 - 6:30 pm: Arlington Traditional Music Sessions. All acoustic instruments, musical traditions and levels welcome. About every other week at the Fox Library, corner of Mass. Ave. & Cleveland St, East Arlington, Mass. Next dates: April 14, May 5, May 19, June 9. For information, email Laura at lbleib doink gis.net.
FEBRUARY 2007
Saturday February 3, 8 pm: O'Hanlon's Pub Presents Irish Flute Concert. Traditional Irish flute player Peter Maguire will perform with Eamonn Dillon, a great piper from Belfast, and Billy Kelly on guitar, banjo and vocals. O'Hanlon's is in Ayer, Mass. For info & tickets, contact Peter at chucki80 doink hotmail.com, or call 617-365-0663. According to Peter, the restaurant/pub also has great food.
Saturday February 3, 8 pm: The Ivy Chord Coffeehouse Presents Lissa Schneckenburger and Friends in Concert. Old South United Methodist Church, 6 Salem Street, Reading, Mass. at the Corner of Rte. 28 and Rte. 129. For advance ticket sales, call 781-229-9394 (9 am to 9 pm); for info contact Beth Murray at bethpiano doink rcn.com; you can download the flier HERE. Lissa is one of the New England fiddle stars we are so lucky to have close by.
Sunday February 4, 2-6, 2007: Boston Scottish Fiddle Club. Monthly 1st-Sundays session will feature a workshop by Barbara McOwen. Meetings include workshops, jamming, refreshments, at the Pleasant Street Congregational Church, 75 Pleasant St, Arlington, Mass. Info: contact Anne Kaufman at am.kaufman doink verizon.net or go to the website at BSFC.
Saturday Afternoon February 4, 2007, 3 - 5:30: English-Scottish Party. Program of English and Scottish dancing, with MCs Graham Christian and Marianne Taylor, and music by Anne Hooper & Karen Axelrod. Location: Church of Our Saviour, Brookline, Mass. Info: Marianne Taylor at taylorgorman doink juno.com. Just an idea: plan to stay over for the Brookline class, with a potluck supper between the two events.
Friday February 9th, 2007, 8 pm: Slow Scottish Jam Sessions led by Lance Ramshaw, in Concord Mass. Very friendly and fun. Usually Fridays, about once a month. "Marvellous tunes at moderate tempos." Info: email Lance, lance.ramshaw doink bbn.com; web Slow Jam, for updates and very useful tune resources.
Saturday February 10, 3:30 - 6:30 pm: Arlington Traditional Music Sessions. All acoustic instruments, musical traditions and levels welcome. About every other week at the Fox Library, corner of Mass. Ave. & Cleveland St, East Arlington, Mass. Next dates: February 24, March 10, March 31, April 14, May 5, May 19, June 9. For information, email Laura at lbleib doink gis.net.
Saturday February 17, 7:30 pm: Celtic Fiddle Concert, with Zoe Darrow. Location: The Captain Charles Leonard House, 663 Main Street, Agawam, Mass., near Springfield! Info - Meg & Dan Sullivan; and tickets can be reserved by calling 413-789-9267 or email msullgreen doink aol.com.
Sunday February 18, 2007, 3-7 pm: The Gaelic Club, at the Canadian-American Club, 202 Arlington St, Watertown. Come play, dance, listen, visit, have a beer/tea/refreshments; group jam at the beginning and end. Very informal and real. Usually 3rd Sunday of the month, Sept-June. Info: email Peggy Morrison at margaret.morrison doink comcast.net. Next date is Sunday March 18.
February 21st, 2007: Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas in Concert. Location: Blackstone River Theatre, Cumberland R.I. Info: 401-725-9272 or Alasdair's Website.
Wednesday-Friday February 21-23, 2007: Fiddle Camp and Workshops with Jerry Holland. Take a weekend to play and learn tunes from renowned Cape Breton fiddler Jerry Holland. Location: Brookfield, Vt. All meals included. For info, call Beth Telford at 802-728-6351. Highly recommended!
February 22nd, 2007: Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas in Concert. Location: First Baptist Church, Brattleboro Vt. Info: 802-257-1571 or Alasdair's Website.
February 23, 2007: Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas in Concert. Location: Me and Thee Coffeehouse at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 28 Mugford Street, Marblehead, Mass. The coffeehouse has been presenting great folk music for 30 years. Phone 781-631-8987, web www.meandthee.org or www.alasdairfraser.com.
Saturday February 24, 2007, 3:30 - 6:30 pm: Arlington Traditional Music Sessions. All acoustic instruments, musical traditions and levels welcome. About every other week at the Fox Library, corner of Mass. Ave. & Cleveland St, East Arlington, Mass. Next dates: March 10, March 31, April 14, May 5, May 19, June 9. For information, email Laura at lbleib doink gis.net.
Monday-Wednesday, February 26-28, 2007: Workshops with renowned Cape Breton Fiddle Jerry Holland. Don't miss this if you can! For intermediate & advanced fiddlers. Location - Montpelier, Vt. For information, or to register, please call Beth Telford at 802-728-6351.
JANUARY 2007
Monday January 1st, 2007, 2:30 pm: New Year's Day Dance & Potluck Dinner. Location: Church of the Good Shepherd, 214 Main St, Nashua, N.H. Music by Howard Lasnik, percussion, Beth Murray, piano, Terry Traub, accordion & fiddle, Matt Petrie, pipes. Info: Nashua SCD Website, or download the flier or email Loren Wright at nashuascd doink comcast.net.
Monday January 1st, 2007, 5:30 pm: Northampton New Year's Day Potluck and Dance. Music by Tom Pixton & Ken Allen. First Churches Northampton, Lyman Hall, Northampton, Mass. Potluck at 5:30, dancing at 7:30. Download the flier, or contact Karen at 413-527-3407. A first-class event!
Saturday January 6, 2007, 12 noon - 4:30 pm: Fiddle Workshops with Laura Cortese. Start the New Year off right! Learn to chop, learn THE tunes! With Laura, though she says she lives around here, it's a rare opportunity. "THE CHOP (12-2) Let's get down and dirty with the chop, chords and rhythm. Accompaniment on the fiddle for all levels. HIP TUNES R US (2:30-4:30) Ever wanted to know those hip tunes that come up at sessions. Learn as many as we can in one 2 hour block and I'll record the rest of 'em for future practice. All levels welcome. RSVP soon. Space is extremely limited" - lauracortese doink earthlink.net.
Sunday January 7, 2007, 6:30-10 pm: Twelfth Night Dance Party. Annual dance party hosted by the Brookline Class. Music by the White Cockade. MCs Evelyn Murray & Gillian Charters. Location - Parish Hall, Church of Our Saviour, 25 Monmouth St, Brookline, Mass. A light supper will be served during the intermission - contributions to the refreshments are welcome. Info including driving directions: download the flier.
Weekend of January 12-13, 2007: BCMFest. The Boston Celtic Music Fest. A wonderful showcase for our own brilliant LOCAL musicians. In various historic locations in Harvard Square, Cambridge, Mass. For the schedule and all info, check the bcmfest website.
Here's a note from Sean Smith, to give just a taste of ONE of the performing groups: "My new band Tooremoor will make its grand debut this coming Saturday, January 12, at the fourth annual Boston Celtic Music Fest, which takes place in Harvard Square. We'll be performing at approximately 1:45 pm at the Club Passim Stage, 47 Palmer St.
Our repertoire is tunes and songs mainly from the Scottish tradition - with certain notable exceptions - played in an intimate yet stirring fashion. The talented and ever-amiable Kristin Sherwood is our fiddler, spinning reels, strathspeys, hornpipes and the odd Scandinavian melody; Eugene Rothman bangs out that worldbeat rhythm on various percussive devices, some of which are more commonly found in Israeli and Middle Eastern locales; and I'll be providing the guitar, bouzouki and occasional vocals. If you've never been to BCMFest, come early and stay late: You'll get a real flavor of the flourishing Celtic music and dance scene we're lucky to have in Greater Boston."
Weekend of January 12-14, 2007 Chicago Branch New Year's Banquet and Ball. Plus Concert on Friday Night 8 pm by Jacqueline Schwab and Susan Conant, at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva, 102 S. 2nd St, Geneva, Ill. Banquet and Ball Saturday, Reception 5:30, Banquet 6:30, Ball 7:30, with Music by Barbara McOwen, Anne Hooper, Jacqueline Schwab, at the Ukrainian Cultural Center, 2247 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, Ill. Sunday Brunch 10 am, Scottish Tea Dance 11-1, English Country Dance Party, 1:30-4, at the Bethany United Church of Christ Hall, 4250 N. Paulina, Chicago, Ill. Info: Chicago Branch, or download the flier.
Saturday January 13, 3:30 - 6:30 pm: Arlington Traditional Music Sessions. All acoustic instruments, musical traditions and levels welcome. About every other week at the Fox Library, corner of Mass. Ave. & Cleveland St, East Arlington, Mass. Next dates: January 27, February 10, February 24, March 10, March 31, April 14, May 5, May 19, June 9. For information, email Laura at lbleib doink gis.net.
Friday January 19th at 8 pm: Slow Scottish Jam Sessions led by Lance Ramshaw, in Concord Mass. Very friendly and fun. Usually Fridays, about once a month. "Marvellous tunes at moderate tempos." Info: email Lance, lance.ramshaw doink bbn.com; web Slow Jam, for updates and very useful tune resources.
Sunday January 21, 2007, 3-7 pm: The Gaelic Club, at the Canadian-American Club, 202 Arlington St, Watertown. Come play, dance, listen, visit, have a beer/tea/refreshments; group jam at the beginning and end. Very informal and real. Usually 3rd Sunday of the month, Sept-June. Info: email Peggy Morrison at margaret.morrison doink comcast.net. Next date is Sunday February 18.
Sunday January 21, 2007, 2 pm: Dramatic Reading of Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War. Well, not much to do with Scottish fiddling and dancing, EXCEPT those Scottish dancers in the Boston area who are going on Ken's Aegean cruise in May might be interested. It's at the Museum of Fine Arts, Huntington Ave, Boston, Mass. "Commentary by Donald Kagan, Professor of Classics at Yale University, directed by David Muse, Associate Director of the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington D.C., and performed by the Yale School of Drama. "The Spartans debate whether to go to war; Pericles urges the Athenians not to yield to Spartan threats. Actors bring to life the issues captured in Thucydides' classic account of the epic struggle of ancient Greece that still resonate for us today." Reception follows. To order tickets, go to the MFA Website or phone 617-369-3306.
Sunday January 21, 2007: Alasdair & Natalie Haas in Concert. New York, N.Y. Artists Conference Showcase Info: 888.820.ARTS, or Alasdair's Website.
Weekend of January 26-28, 2007: Scottish Weekend at Mohonk. A New York state mountain castle built in the 1870s in the Hudson Valley, Mohonk is an otherworldly retreat with many intriguing theme weekends. For this particular weekend, enjoy lively Scottish dancing, a single malt scotch talk and tasting, bagpipe and drum classes, a Celtic art workshop, a talk on Scottish history, and a workshop on kilts, clans, and tartans. With the Loch Leven Dancers directed by Naomi Lasher, Sandy Brunson for singalongs, and the band Highland Whisky with Barbara & Robert McOwen playing for dancing and performances. For info, go to the Mohonk website.
Saturday January 27, 3:30 - 6:30 pm: Arlington Traditional Music Sessions. All acoustic instruments, musical traditions and levels welcome. About every other week at the Fox Library, corner of Mass. Ave. & Cleveland St, East Arlington, Mass. Next dates: February 10, February 24, March 10, March 31, April 14, May 5, May 19, June 9. For information, email Laura at lbleib doink gis.net.
Saturday January 27, 2007: A Night of Scottish Music and Dancing. Commemorating the 248th Anniversary of the Birth of Scotland's Immortal Poet, Robert Burns. Presented by the Worcester Kiltie Pipe Band, at historic Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St, Worcester, Mass. Featuring WOW The Battlefield Band! And of course the pipes and drums of the Worcester Kiltie Pipe Band. "Order soon, a complete sellout is likely." You can opt for dinner and concert, or concert only. Info: WKPB Website.
DECEMBER 2006
Saturday December 2, 3:30 - 6:30 pm: Arlington Traditional Music Sessions. All acoustic instruments, musical traditions and levels welcome. About every other week at the Fox Library, corner of Mass. Ave. & Cleveland St, East Arlington, Mass. Next dates: save December 16, and look for the winter-spring flier. For information, email Laura at lbleib doink gis.net, or download the flier.
Saturday December 2, 5:30 pm: Pinewoods Benefit Ball, at a new (to Scottish dancers) but wonderful location: The Scout House, 74 Walden St, Concord, Mass. 5:30 reception, 6:00 potluck supper, 7:30 dancing. Music by Anne Hooper, Ed Pearlman, Beth Murray. Info: Gail Wine & Lance Ramshaw, 978-371-8030, lance.ramshaw doink bbn.com.
Saturday December 2, 8 pm: Springstep is featuring a Greek Night! "Featuring traditional songs and dances, this performance celebrates the diverse influences that have shaped Greek island culture." Musicians Panayiotis (Paddy) League and Beth Bahia Cohen and Dance Director Nikos Bekris with dancers from Mediterranean Greece, as well as Greek communities in the US. Both Paddy and Beth have performed in Boston-area Scottish concerts (in fact Paddy is a native Gaelic speaker as well as Greek speaker!). Go to the Springstep website for ticket info. (This isn't exactly a Scottish fiddle event, but the nutty Scottish dancers who are going on Ken McFarland's Greek trips in May might be interested.)
Friday December 8th at 8 pm: Slow Scottish Jam Sessions led by Lance Ramshaw, in Concord Mass. Very friendly and fun. Usually Fridays, about once a month. "Marvellous tunes at moderate tempos." Info: email Lance, lance.ramshaw doink bbn.com; web Slow Jam, for updates and very useful tune resources.
Weekend of December 8-10: Fiddle Hell! "It's a free, informal gathering of fiddlers to meet, jam, learn ... Location: The Stagecoach Inn, 128 Main Street, Route 119, in Groton, Mass. The weekend runs Friday 6 pm - Sunday 5 pm. Come join us for a single day or the whole weekend. Rooms available at the Inn for a group rate." Some featured session leaders: Dave Reiner, Mark Cordova, Paul Harty, Cathy Goode, more. Many fiddle styles, all ages, all levels. Lots more info: Fiddle Hell Website.
Saturday December 9, 7:30 pm: Celtic Harps in Concert. Sophie Dickenson and Friends. Location: The Captain Charles Leonard House, 663 Main Street, Agawam, Mass., near Springfield. Info - Meg & Dan Sullivan; and tickets can be reserved by calling 413-789-9267 or email msullgreen doink aol.com.
Thursday December 14, 8 pm: Ari and Mia Friedman CD Release Party. "Our daughters, Ari and Mia are having their debut CD release concert/party on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14TH AT 8PM AT CLUB PASSIM in Harvard Square. It's going to be a lively and awesome event filled with original and traditional folk music. It's best to buy tickets online because seating is limited. You can purchase them at Club Passim (click on "calendar"). Their restaurant Veggie Planet is a great place to eat before the show." I second the motion!
Friday December 15th, 7:30 pm: Beggar Boys in Concert.. This is a Celtic/Early Music Ensemble, with Michael Albert on fiddle & whistle, Larry Young on fiddle & vocals, Henry Lebedinsky on guitar & bouzouki, with special guest Kate Minogue on guitar and flute. This is a Celtic Christmas performance featuring music from Ireland, Scotland and Wales, including carols old and new as well as foot-stomping dance tunes. Location: First Church, Main & Arbor Sts, Wenham, Mass. For info, phone Larry Young at 978-526-7401, or email larrypromusica doink hotmail.com.
Saturday December 16th, 7:00 pm: Beggar Boys in Concert. See above for details on this very interesting musical ensemble. Location: Abbot Hall in Marblehead. This is a benefit for a wonderful children's charity called Someone Else's Child. For more information on the Marblehead concert please call 781-639-8740.
Sunday December 17th, 3-7 pm: The Gaelic Club, at the Canadian-American Club, 202 Arlington St, Watertown. Come play, dance, listen, visit, have a beer/tea/refreshments; group jam at the beginning and end. Very informal and real. Usually 3rd Sunday of the month, Sept-June. Info: email Peggy Morrison at margaret.morrison doink comcast.net. Next date is Sunday January 21.
Monday December 18, 8 pm: Cambridge Class Holiday Dance Party. Music by Tom Pixton, Debbie Billmers, Ken Allen and Mike MacNintch. MC is Gregor Williamson. Location is Springstep, Medford Square, Mass. Info: Laura Billmers, 781-862-1950, or the Boston Branch Website. Or, download the flier, the Mini-Crib, and the Raffle.
Friday December 22nd, 8 pm: Aine Minogue at Club Passim. Aine is our local Celtic harp star. 47 Palmer St at Church St, Harvard Square, Cambridge, Mass. Info: Aine Minogue website and Club Passim website.
Week of December 24-31: Cindycast. It's a weekly podcast produced by Boston area music organizer/promoter/connoisseur Cindy Howes. This week will feature a brief preview of the events and personalities you'll enjoy at 2007 BCMFest. For more details, go to the Cindycast website and get plugged into BCMFest.
December 28, 2006 - January 5, 2007: New Zealand Branch Summer School. 50th Year! Largest RSCDS branch in the world! Great location: Knox College, Dunedin, South Island, NEW ZEALAND. Dance Teachers TBA, including a music class. Info: website at NZ Branch Summer School 06.
Friday December 29th, 8-11 pm: Early Hogmanay Party. All are invited to a Scottish country dance party hosted by the Weston Class. It will take place in The First Parish Church, Unitarian, 20 Lexington Road, Concord, Mass. The party will conclude with a champagne toast at around 11 pm. Our MC is Flo Hearn and music will be provided by Tom Pixton (accordion) and Debbie Billmers (piano). Come and bring friends and family visiting for the holidays, enjoy great music and lots of fun dances -- how long is it since you did an Eightsome Reel? Contributions to the refreshment table happily accepted. Info, call Heather at 617-244-6914.
Sunday, December 31, 4:15-5:00 pm: Worcester First Night. Howard Lasnik will be leading some audience participation dancing at Worcester First Night, Worcester, Mass. Anyone interested in joining in the fun (either the dancing or First Night itself), come join us! Location: DCU Center Convention Hall, North Hall. Info: First Night Worcester website.
Sunday, December 31, 7:30 - 10:30 pm NEW YEAR's EVE!!!!!!!!!!!! Concert with Laura Cortese, Jake Armerding Band, and Hanneke Cassel with Christopher Lewis, Ariel Friedman, and Jake Armerding. Park Street Church, 1 Park Street. FREE! For info visit Park Street Church Website.
NOVEMBER 2006
Thursday November 2nd, 8 pm: Dance Party in Salem!. Special musicians tonight: Susie Petrov and James Gray. Location: Universalist Church in Salem, Mass. Info: susiepetrov doink earthlink.net.
Friday November 3, 7:30 pm: "The BUC@BC"-Boston Urban Ceilidh at Boston College." Join Laura Cortese and other outstanding local Scottish, Irish and Cape Breton musicians for another installment of Boston's best Celtic dance party. Location: the Irish Room, Gasson Hall, Boston College, Boston, Mass. This event is part of the Boston Celtic Music Fest's community outreach. For more information, see the BUC website and BCMFest website.
Friday November 3rd, 8 pm: Bonnie Rideout in Concert. U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion Bonnie Rideout will be performing with the highly acclaimed City of Washington Pipe Band at the Colonial Theatre, 95 Main St, Keene, N.H. Info: download the flier, or go to the Colonial Theater website, or phone the theater at 603-357-1233. Don't miss this if you can!
Friday & Saturday November 3-4: Bellingham Scottish Country Dancers Ceilidh, Workshops & Ball. Bellingham, Washington. Ceilidh Friday night 7:30. Dance Workshops at all levels on Saturday 9 am - 3:30 pm; Teachers Rebecca Blackhall-Peters, Ruth Jappy, Fred Demarse, Muriel Johnstone; Class Musicians Julie Smith, Janet Wright, Sudsy Clark, Alec Jappy, Lisa Scott. Music for the Ball by Barbara McOwen, Calum MacKinnon & Andy Imbrie. Ball location with a beautiful wooden floor is The Boys and Girls Club of Whatcom County, 1715 Kentucky St. Info: Mary Anderson, andersonmary41 doink aol.com; website Bellingham Branch.
Saturday November 4, 3:30 - 6:30 pm: Arlington Traditional Music Sessions. All acoustic instruments, musical traditions and levels welcome. About every other week at the Fox Library, corner of Mass. Ave. & Cleveland St, East Arlington, Mass. Next dates: November 18, December 2, Éand save the date: December 16. For information, email Laura at lbleib doink gis.net, or download the flier.
Saturday November 4, 5 pm: Jeannie Carmichaell Ball. One of the great and longest-standing east coast Scottish country dance events. Location: Crest Room, Thayer Hotel, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. Music by James Gray, piano and Keith Smith, violin. Info: email info doink rscdsnewyork.org, website CLICK HERE. "Please book early, rooms are limited."
Saturday November 4, 7:30 pm: Hanneke Cassel in Concert with Natalie Haas and Keith Murphy. Barnstormers Theater, Tamworth Village, N.H. Fiddle, cello and guitar - a wonderful combination, and played by three of the brilliant artistes of our age. Info: Barnstormers 603-323-8104, Barnstormers website, Hanneke website.
Saturday November 11, 3 pm & 7:30 pm (two shows): Scottish Concert, presented by the Boston Branch RSCDS, with ballad singer Jean Redpath! also Anne Hooper on fiddle, Jacqueline Schwab on piano, Reinmar Seidler on cello, the Boston Branch Demonstration Dancers, and Highland Dance Boston. Includes dancing for all and refreshments. Location: National Heritage Museum, Lexington, Mass. Directed by Linda McJannet and Anne Hooper. Info: Linda at lmcjannet doink bentley.edu, the Boston Branch Concert Web Page or download the flier.
Sunday November 12, 11 am - 1 pm: Fiddle Workshop with Anne Hooper. It's always a good idea to go to these workshops whenever the opportunity presents itself, and Anne is a superb teacher at all levels. Sponsored by the Teaching & Music Committee of the Boston Branch, RSCDS. Location: home of Lance Ramshaw & Gail Wine, Concord, Mass. Space is limited, so please call to reserve. For info & reservations: 978-371-8030, lance.ramshaw doink bbn.com, or download the flier.
Sunday November 12, 3:30: CD Release Party. Sassanak Lassies - Lynn Rubier-Capron on fiddle and Toni Elderkin on guitar play Scottish fiddle Music with a Touch of Soul. Chili Presbyterian Church, 3600 Chili Ave, Rochester NY 14624. Info: 585-889-9896, website Sassanak Lassies.
Friday November 17th at 8 pm: Slow Scottish Jam Sessions led by Lance Ramshaw, in Concord Mass. Very friendly and fun. Usually Fridays, about once a month. "Marvellous tunes at moderate tempos." Info: email Lance, lance.ramshaw doink bbn.com; web Slow Jam, for updates and very useful tune resources.
Friday November 17, 8 pm: Laura Cortese at Club Passim. "Singer, songwriter and fiddler, Laura Cortese lights up the stage with a radiating smile, dazzling musicianship and uninhibited delight. She deftly strums, plucks and chops her fiddle behind her raw and rootsy voice." 47 Palmer St at Church St, Harvard Square, Cambridge, Mass. Info: Laura Cortese website and Club Passim website.
Saturday November 18, 3:30 - 6:30 pm: Arlington Traditional Music Sessions. All acoustic instruments, musical traditions and levels welcome. About every other week at the Fox Library, corner of Mass. Ave. & Cleveland St, East Arlington, Mass. Next dates: December 2, Éand save the date: December 16. For information, email Laura at lbleib doink gis.net, or download the flier.
Saturday November 18, 6 pm: Eighteenth-Century Ball. Presented by the Greenland Class, Boston Branch, RSCDS. Greenland Parish Hall, Greenland, N.H. This beautiful candlelit event starts at 6 pm with potluck supper, then dancing to the strains of RP Hale on Harpsichord and Vince O'Donnell on fiddle starts at 7:30. 18th century style dress is encouraged but not required. Check the Boston Branch website for more info, or call Laurie Stevens at 603-773-9795.
Saturday November 18, 7:30 pm: Cape Breton Concert, with Kimberley Fraser - fiddle, and Janine Randall - piano. An interesting new concert location: The Captain Charles Leonard House, 663 Main Street, Agawam, Mass., near Springfield! Info - Meg & Dan Sullivan; and tickets can be reserved by calling 413-789-9267 or email msullgreen doink aol.com.
Sunday November 19, 3-7 pm: The Gaelic Club, at the Canadian-American Club, 202 Arlington St, Watertown. Come play, dance, listen, visit, have a beer/tea/refreshments; group jam at the beginning and end. Very informal and real. Usually 3rd Sunday of the month, Sept-June. Info: email Peggy Morrison at margaret.morrison doink comcast.net. Next date is Sunday December 17th.
Sunday November 19, 6:30 - 8:30 pm: Cape Breton Kitchen Ceilidh and CD release celebration. Kimberley Fraser is a highly talented Cape Breton fiddler, and Janine Randall, director of the Ceilidh Trail School of Music, will accompany her on piano. This will be fiddle and piano music in the Scottish/Cape Breton tradition. Alden Inn, town green, Lyme, N.H. The Inn serves beer and wine, and dinner is available. For dinner/concert info and reservations: contact Tom Morrissey at tomm doink woodstove.com or phone 603-795-4003.
Friday November 24th, 5-8 pm: Hearth and Harvest Festival at Lexington's Historic Houses. "Looking for something to do the day after Thanksgiving? Bring your children, grandchildren, relatives and out of town guests to the Lexington Historical Society's Hearth and Harvest event! Music, dancing, magic, and Colonial crafts and fun. All four properties will be decorated for the harvest season, and a shuttle bus will run continuously among all locations. • At the Lexington Depot, dance to the wonderful Scottish fiddle music of Barbara McOwen and Beth Murray with the dances called by the expert Robert McOwen. Light refreshments at the Depot will include mulled cider, coffee, donuts, cookies and fruit. • Buckman Tavern will present fife and drum music and holiday crafts. • Hancock-Clarke House will offer magic and vintage toys on display. • Munroe Tavern will feature British soldiers and mandolin music. Call 781-862-1703 to purchase tickets with a credit card or for more information."
Friday Evening November 24th, 7 pm - midnight: Cape Breton Night. Hold on to your hats: Kimberley Fraser on Fiddle and Brenda Stubbert on piano, with Bonita LeBlanc, fiddler & stepdancer. Square Dancing, Step Dancing & Music. A hot night at the Canadian American Club, 202 Arlington St, Watertown, Mass. Admission paid at the door; seats are limited so arrive early. For more info, phone Gabe Arsenault 781-893-2884, 781-718-4394.
Saturday Evening November 25th, 7:00 pm -12:30 am: Cape Breton Night. A second night of dancing and music with Kimberley Fraser on Fiddle and Brenda Stubbert on piano, with Bonita LeBlanc, fiddler & stepdancer. Square Dancing, Step Dancing & Music. Saturday night only - also featuring the Country Masters. French American Victory Club, 193 Elm St, Waltham, Mass. Admission paid at the door; seats are limited so arrive early. For more info, phone Gabe Arsenault 781-893-2884, 781-718-4394.
Sunday November 26, 2:30 pm: Strathspey & Reel Society of N.H. Gala Concert. The concert will feature Stuart Cassells, a very exciting young piper from Scotland - and of course, the SRSNH ensemble directed by Sylvia Miskoe and Highland dancers from the N.H. School of Scottish Arts, directed by Lezlie Webster. At the Concord City Auditorum, Concord, N.H. For tickets: Ellen Bassett 603-783-4261 or srsnhgala doink yahoo.com, or visit the SRSNH Website for more info.
OCTOBER 2006
Saturday October 7, 3:30 - 6:30 pm: Arlington Traditional Music Sessions. All acoustic instruments, musical traditions and levels welcome. About every other week at the Fox Library, corner of Mass. Ave. & Cleveland St, East Arlington, Mass. Next dates: October 21, November 4, November 18, December 2, Éand save the date: December 16. For information, email Laura at lbleib doink gis.net, or download the flier.
Saturday October 7, 8 pm: Scottish Dance Party to Benefit Springstep. Third Annual! With the Thompson Island Irregulars, our emerging generation of Scottish dance fiddlers. Springstep Center, Medford Square, Mass. MCs Gillian Charters and Gregor Williamson. Fiddle: Barbara McOwen, Sarah Collins, Eden Forman, Katie McNally, Silas Robinson, Kelsey Woerner; Piano: Beth Murray, Meghan Murray; Bass: Robert McOwen; Drums: Howard Lasnik. If you can't make it, you can still donate to this wonderful cause. Info: Beth Murray, 781-229-9384, bethpiano doink rcn.com. Download the flier HERE.
Week of October 9-13: Buddy MacMaster School of Fiddling. "A weeklong course of playing and learning at The Celtic Music Centre in Buddy's home village of Judique. The school will run from October 9th till the 13th of October. Ten instructors will give a sample of different styles from across the island and beyond. Instructors are Andrea Beaton, Stan Chapman, Dwayne Cote, Glenn Graham, Howie MacDonald, Troy MacGillivray, Sandy MacIntyre, Carl MacKenzie, Natalie MacMaster, and Mairi Rankin." Info: Celtic Music Site.
Thursday October 12, 7:30 pm: PEI Fiddle Concert, with Roy Johnstone, fiddle, and Steve Sharratt, guitar. They are both solo artists and join together on many occasions to perform across Prince Edward Island, around Atlantic Canada and New England, and as far as the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Limited seating; for info & reservations, contact Marcia Palmeter at DECeilidh doink aol.com. Check out websites for Roy Johnstone and Steve Sharratt
Saturday October 14, 5:45 pm: Brunswick Fall Dance Party. Potluck Supper at 5:45, Dance at 7:00. Music by Peter MacFarlane on Fiddle and Liz Donaldson on Piano. Info: Patti Tillotson, 207-833-2329, ptillotson doink suscom-maine.net, or download flier.
Sunday October 15, 3-7 pm: The Gaelic Club, at the Canadian-American Club, 202 Arlington St, Watertown. Come play, dance, listen, visit, have a beer/tea/refreshments; group jam at the beginning and end. Very informal and real. Usually 3rd Sunday of the month, Sept-June. Info: email Peggy Morrison at margaret.morrison doink comcast.net. Next date is Sunday November 19th.
Thursday Oct 19th, evening: Childsplay Concert. Latchis Theatre in Brattleboro, Vt. Childsplay consists of over thirty musicians from all over North America who play in a variety of musical styles but whom all have one thing in common: they all play on instruments made by violinmaker Bob Childs of Cambridge, Mass. They are celebrating their 20th year, and featuring Quebecois music. For info: website Childsplay, or download the flier.
Friday October 20, evening: Childsplay Concert at the Portland High School Auditorium, Portland, Maine. Repeat of Oct 19th concert (see above).
Friday October 20th at 8 pm: Slow Scottish Jam Sessions led by Lance Ramshaw, in Concord Mass. Very friendly and fun. Usually Fridays, about once a month. "Marvellous tunes at moderate tempos." Info: email Lance, lance.ramshaw doink bbn.com; web Slow Jam.
Weekend of October 20-22: New York Capital District Fall Frolic. Location: Germania Banquet Haus, Troy, N.Y., Info: Lois New, 518-383-6580, loisanew doink nycap.rr.com.
Saturday October 21, 3:30 - 6:30 pm: Arlington Traditional Music Sessions. All acoustic instruments, musical traditions and levels welcome. About every other week at the Fox Library, corner of Mass. Ave. & Cleveland St, East Arlington, Mass. Next dates: November 4, November 18, December 2, Éand save the date: December 16. For information, email Laura at lbleib doink gis.net, or download the flier.
Saturday October 21, 8 pm: Childsplay Concert. Somerville Theatre in Davis Square Somerville. Childsplay consists of over thirty musicians from all over North America who play in a variety of musical styles but whom all have one thing in common: they all play on instruments made by violinmaker Bob Childs of Cambridge, Mass. They are celebrating their 20th year, and featuring Quebecois music. For info: phone 617-354-1673, website Childsplay, or download the flier.
Sunday October 22, 2 pm: Childsplay Concert at the National Heritage Museum at 33 Marrett Rd., Lexington, Mass. Repeat of Oct 21 concert (see above).
Saturday October 28, 2-5 pm: 1st Annual Autumn Social. Come one come all! Music by Terry Traub on piano and Barbara McOwen on fiddle. At the Fairlee Town Hall, Rt 5, Fairlee, Vt. Note the nice early time, to encourage a beautiful fall drive by out-of-state dancers. Walk-through of dances by Mary Ellen Scannell, 12:30 pm. Info: download the dance instructions HERE, and the flier HERE. Info: contact Gary Apfel at 603-353-4647 or GaryApfel doink MyBluelight.com.
Evening of Saturday October 28, 8 pm: Highland Whisky Birthday Party. Highland Whisky is one of Boston's premier and longest-serving Scottish country dance bands, with Christine Anderson on fiddle, Dave Arnold on piano, Gillian Charters on bass, and Howard Lasnik on drums. One of the neat things about this band is they always hire a Guest Musician, so lots of different people have played with them. They are celebrating 20 years together with a free dance party, including refreshments. Location: Congregational Church, Park Ave. nr. Mass. Ave., Arlington, Mass. Info: hlasnik doink comcast.net.
Saturday October 28, 8 pm: The McKassons in Concert. This is the fab young duo from Washington State, Ryan on fiddle and Cali on piano. They're celebrating their new CD and they'll be at the Blackstone River Theater with guest Laura Cortese, Cumberland, R.I. Info: Blackstone website, or McKassons website.
Sunday October 29th, 5 pm: The McKassons in Concert. The same talented duo as above, with "special Boston Guests!" Hmmmm. Better check this out! Club Passim, Cambridge, Mass. Info: Passim website.
SEPTEMBER 2006
Thursday September 7, 8 pm: 5 Fab Fiddlers. With Jake Armerding, Hanneke Cassel, Laura Cortese, Jeremy Kittel and Eric Merrill. Location: Club Passim, 47 Palmer St, Harvard Square, Cambridge, Mass. Info: Club Passim or Hanneke Cassel.
Friday September 8, 7:30: Irish House Concert with Matt & Shannon Heaton. Hosted by the Friedmans in Newton, Mass. Info: email joycefriedman doink rcn.com.
Friday September 15th at 8 pm: Slow Scottish Jam Sessions led by Lance Ramshaw, in Concord Mass. Very friendly and fun. Usually Fridays, about once a month. "Marvellous tunes at moderate tempos." Info: email Lance, lance.ramshaw doink bbn.com; web Slow Jam.
Sunday September 17, 1-5 pm: Monthly Gathering of the Strathspey & Reel Society of N.H. It's earlier than usual because of the Games. Location: Annicchiaricco Music Theater: 1 Thompson St. Concord, N.H. Everyone always welcome, and it's free. Website: www.srsnh.org.
Sunday September 17, 3-7 pm: The Gaelic Club, at the Canadian-American Club, 202 Arlington St, Watertown. Come play, dance, listen, visit, have a beer/tea/refreshments; group jam at the beginning and end. Very informal and real. Usually 3rd Sunday of the month, Sept-June. Info: email Peggy Morrison at margaret.morrison doink comcast.net. Next date is Sunday October 15th.
Sunday September 17, 8 pm: BCMFest Teaser with Dan Gurney, Matt & Shannon Heaton, Martin Langer, and Tina Lech. Location: Club Passim, 47 Palmer St, Harvard Square, Cambridge, Mass. Info: Club Passim or BCMFest.
Long Weekend of September 21-25: The Fiddle Village. A convenient place to stay for fiddlers, dancers and their friends for attending the N.H. Highland Games. Location: mostly at The Village of Loon condos, across the Kancamagus Highway from the Games entrance. The Fiddle Village is also an idea, a way for fiddle-minded people to get in touch, find the after-hours session, share tunes and stories, meet new and old friends. Contact Barbara McOwen at bmcowen doink comcast.net re Fiddle Village updates and ideas.
Fiddle Village 2006: The Fiddle Village has come and gone, and was a great success! Mostly, it was nice that the condos were so comfortable, that they were near the Games entrance, and that the various Villagers and and Adjunct Villagers were able to stay in communication. I'll plan to do something similar next year; comments are welcome! Next year's dates: September 20-24, 2007. I'll report to Villagers by email, and updates will be on the website: Fiddle Village.
Weekend of September 22-24: New Hampshire Highland Games. Everything Scottish! Includes fiddle concerts, workshops & competitions, and pipe bands, sheepdog trials, Highland dancing, pibroch, shopping, Scottish foods, more! Now back at Loon! Info: website at www.nhscot.org. Some fiddle highlights (times are approximate): workshop with Calum MacKinnon Friday 4 pm. Concert with Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas Friday 8 pm. SRSNH Sat 10 am and Sunday noonish. Fiddle competitions all day Saturday. Dance party Saturday night with the SRSNH playing. Competitors Forum with Calum MacKinnon Sunday 10 am. Alasdair Fraser workshop & massed fiddles Sunday 11 am. Much much more!
Saturday September 23, 9 am - 4:30 pm: New England Regional Scottish Fiddle Competitions. Four competitions: New England Regional Open, New England Regional Junior, Novice, Beginner. Location: Lafayette Room, Mountain Club, Loon Mountain Resort, Lincoln, New Hampshire. Judge: Calum MacKinnon. Competition Chair: Bob Schechter. Entry forms will be available soon. For info on the competitions, contact Bob Schecter at bartscriv doink rcn.com. 2005 Results: Open 1,2,3,3,4: Aaron Hauptman, Deborah Billmers, Andy Reiner, Sue Tillotson, Lynn Rubier-Capron. Junior 1-5: Kelsey Woerner, Katherine McNally, Tiffany Rozenas, Amanda Cavanaugh, Abigail MacQuarrie. More results at the FIRE website.
Weekend of September 29 - October 1: Scottish Weekend at Ramblewood. Location: Camp Ramblewood, Darlington, Maryland. Dance Teachers: Linda Gaul, Alan Thwigg, Ellie Briscoe. Music Teacher: Laura Risk. Music Staff: Liz Donald, Dan Emery, Earl Gaddis, Ralph Gordon, David Knight, Becky Ross, Jim Stevenson-Mathews, Marty Taylor, Dave Wiesler. Info: website at SWR. One of the great Scottish music & dance events on the calendar.
Friday September 29, 7-9 pm: Cape Breton Fiddle & Piano Workshops. With Andrea Beaton and Troy MacGillivray, in Arlington, Mass. Consummate fiddler/pianists and well worth getting to know in a small-group context. Space is limited; contact Mary MacGillivray at mmacgi6771 doink aol.com for info and reservations.
Saturday September 30, 5 - 7:30 pm: Come to a Ceilidh! This just in from Doug Lamey: "The Boston Kiltics will be holding a dance/performance in Newton." Location: Newton Presbyterian Church, 75 Vernon St, Newton, Mass. Info: phone 617-332-9255; or download the flier. Come and enjoy a taste of NPC's Nova Scotian history.
Saturday September 30, 8 pm: Andrea Beaton's CD Release Party! Andrea Beaton, fiddle and Troy MacGillivray, piano. At the Canadian American Club 202 Arlington St, Watertown, Mass. Contact Mary MacGillivray at mmacgi6771 doink aol.com for info.
AUGUST 2006
Weekend of August 4-6: Glengarry Highland Games. Everything a Highland Games should be, plus lots of fiddling. Concert with Massed Fiddles Friday night, Fiddle Workshop on Saturday morning with Ashley MacLeod, and Ceilidh / Solos all Saturday afternoon. Location: Maxville, Ontario, Canada. Fiddle events organized by my LONG-time friend Donaldson MacLeod. To download flier, Click Here.
Week of August 5-12: BOSTON HARBOR SCOTTISH FIDDLE SCHOOL!!! Save the dates. Camp is filling and some classes are close to full. Fiddle Teachers: Douglas Lawrence, Kimberley Fraser, Anne Hooper, Hanneke Cassel. Piano: Troy MacGillivray. Cello: Ariel Friedman. Fiddle classes at ALL levels, Dancing, Island Ambiance, Sessions, Camper-led workshops. Info: email Barbara McOwen at bmcowen doink comcast.net, phone 781-648-3955, website www.scottishfiddle.org. or download the pre-flier by clicking HERE. Hope to see all Scottish fiddle afficionados on Thompson Island in 2006!
Week of August 5-12: Alasdair Fraser's Skye Fiddle Course. Fiddle Tutors: Alasdair Fraser, Karen Steven, Louise MacKenzie. Location: Sˆbhal M˜r Ostaig, Sleat, Isle of Skye, Scotland. Info: Website - click HERE.
Week of August 6-13: T.A.C. Summer School for all Scottish country dancers. New Location: Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ont. CANADA (with air conditioning!) Dance Teachers: Ruth Jappy, Robert McOwen, Rebecca Blackhall-Peters. Class Musicians: Bobby Brown, Laird Brown, Mara Shea, Jim Stevenson-Mathews. Band: Bobby Brown & the Scottish Accent. Discount for SCD teachers also attending the AGM Weekend (August 4-6). Info: website TAC.
Two Weeks August 6-13 and August 13-20: Rocky Mountain Scottish Fiddle Camp. "It's Not Just for Fiddlers!" Location: High Peak Camp, Estes Park, Colorado. Teachers TBA, including fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, piano, bass, all levels, many styles (Scottish, Irish, Cape Breton, swing). Info: website at RMFC.
Tuesday August 8th, 2:30 - 9:30 pm: Scottish Fiddle Concert & Session. Visitor's Day on the Island! Nominal fee covers round-trip ferry to Thompson Island, Boston Harbor, World-class concert 3:30-4:30, chicken/veggie dinner 6-7. Performers include Douglas Lawrence from Scotland, Kimberley Fraser from Cape Breton, Troy MacGillivray from Nova Scotia, Hanneke Cassel, Anne Hooper and Ariel Friedman from Massachusetts. Registration in advance is required; contact the Folk Arts Center at fac doink facone.org; for info call 781-662-7475; to download the flier click HERE.
Friday August 11, afternoon: Sanbornton Farmers Market, Sanbornton, N.H., with performances by the Strathspey & Reel Society of N.H. Lots of corn! (to eat, I mean). For info, contact Brian & Mary Mokler, 603-286-8211, marybrian doink post.harvard.edu.
Week of August 14-18: Gaelic College Vermont, at the Bishop Booth Conference Center, Burlington, Vermont. Courses offered for 4 levels in Cape Breton Fiddle, Pipes, Cape Breton Step Dance, Harp, Gaelic Language, Song, Scottish Highland Dance, Piano Accompaniment, Scottish Smallpipes. Info: Gaelic College Vermont.
Friday August 18th at 8 pm: Slow Scottish Jam Sessions led by Lance Ramshaw, in Concord Mass. Very friendly and fun. Usually Fridays, about once a month. "Marvellous tunes at moderate tempos." Info: email Lance, lance.ramshaw doink bbn.com; web Slow Jam.
Week of August 25-September 2: Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddle School. Directed by Alasdair Fraser. Fiddle Teachers: Alasdair Fraser, Andre Brunet, Laura Risk, Hanneke Cassel, Linda Danielson, Deby Benton-Grosjean. Cello: Natalie Haas, Aria Di Salvio & Renata Bratt. Mandolin & Guitar: Eric Beaudry, Steve Baughman, Tristan Clarridge. Piano: Cali McKasson. Gaelic Singing: Christine Primrose. Percussion: Gary Campus. Dance: Laura Cortese & Erik Hoffman. Location: Camp Campbell, Santa Cruz Mountains, California. The Classic! Info: website VOM.
Weekend of August 25-27: Hillsborough Highlands Weekend. Long-running great weekend of Scottish country dancing and music. Teachers: Jeanetta McColl, Kent Smith, Ralph Stoddard. Musicians Marianne Taylor, Music Director, and Anne Hooper and Terry Traub. For sure, one plus is the great food. Location: Hillsborough Camp, Hillsborough N.H. Info: phone Morven Troost at 207-967-3813, email Lauren Wright at nashuascd doink comcast.net, or download the flier HERE.
Saturday August 26: Westbury Highland Games on Long Island. From Isabelle: "The Cameron Scottish Music Ensemble has been asked to play at games again this year. If you were there last August, you know what a great event this was so I hope you'll come to workshops where most of the music we'll play this year will be presented." Barbara McOwen to direct. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful private grounds. Info: Isabelle Smith, phone 718-793-6238, or email i.a.smith doink worldnet.att.net. For the Cameron website click HERE, for the Games website, click HERE, and to download the music, click HERE.
Saturday August 26: Quechee Scottish Festival. Massed pipe bands, childrens' games, Highland Dance Competitions, music performances, falconry, individual & pipe band competitions, kilted mile, sheepdog trials, More! Quechee Polo Field, Quechee, Vermont, nr White River Junction. For more info, click HERE.
Sunday August 27, 2-6 pm: Strathspey & Reel Society of N.H. Annual Picnic. At Sylvia's, 102 Little Pond Road, Concord. Potluck; bring instrument, food and drink to share. Buy a copy (or many!) of the NEW SRSNH CD! Renew membership! Play tunes! Meet like-minded people! Info: smiskoe doink aol.com.
JULY 2006
Saturday July 1: BCMFest Performer Applications Due. Applications for the January 12-13, 2007 festival are up on the performer page. FYI, the new application policy is that if you've performed in the past, you DO need to send in an application, but do NOT need to send in a new sound file.
July 3-7: English Scottish Pinewoods Session. Location: Pinewoods Camp, nr Plymouth, Mass. Dance Teachers: Ron Wallace, Gene Morrow, Doug Creighton, Jim Morrison. Musicians: Karen Axelrod, Daron Douglas, Anne Hooper, Ken Allen, Doug Creighton, Dan Emery, Vince O'Donnell. Same amenities as below; from Those Who Know it's always a good idea to go to this session! Info: phone Marianne Taylor at 603-463-7771. Click HERE for info on web, and click HERE to download flier / application.
Week of July 7-15: Scottish Pinewoods Sessions I & II. Location: Pinewoods Camp, nr Plymouth, Mass. Dance Teachers: Gail Michener, Stella Fogg, Charlie Inglis, Jen Schoonover. Music Teacher: Dave Wiesler. Musicians: Hanneke Cassel (Music Director), Laura Risk, David Knight, Susie Petrov, Eric Breton, Nicholas Williams, Robert McOwen, Dan Emery, Dave Wiesler. Classes at all levels, dance party every night, music classes & sessions, swimming, great food, great parties, great friendships, spontaneous creative fun 'n games. Info: web Boston Branch RSCDS.
Week of July 10th - 14th: Ceilidh School of Celtic Music. One big week only this year; register early to be sure of admission. Fiddle, Piano, Stepdance taught by Richard Wood, Kimberley Fraser, Troy MacGillivray. All levels welcome. Location: Inverness, Cape Breton, N.S. CANADA. Lots of fantastic dancing and music revolve around Inverness in the summer, so it's the place to be! Info: website at www.ceilidhtrail.com.
Week of July 16-22: Celtic Week at The Swannanoa Gathering. Location: Warren Wilson College, nr Asheville, N.C. Partial Staff Listing: Patrick Mangan, Sarah-Jane Fifield, Jesse Winch, Michael Newton, Erin Reid, Jim Malcolm, Oisin Mac Diarmada, Damien Stenson, Julee Glaub, John Doyle, James Keane, Kathleen Conneely, Jerry Holland, John Skelton, David Power, Laura Risk, Jane McMorran, Billy Jackson, Ed Miller, Robin Bullock, Claudine Langille. Wow! Scottish, Cape Breton & Irish fiddling, folklore, bodhran, flute, whistle, guitar, more! Other weeks of music courses too. Info: website at Swannanoa Gathering.
Friday July 21st at 8 pm: Slow Scottish Jam Sessions led by Lance Ramshaw, in Concord Mass. Very friendly and fun. Usually Fridays, about once a month. "Marvellous tunes at moderate tempos." Info: email Lance, lance.ramshaw doink bbn.com; web Slow Jam.
Week of July 26-30: North Atlantic Fiddle Convention 2006. A once-every-three-years event! Star lineup for fun-filled days, at the Elphinstone Institute, Aberdeen, SCOTLAND. News from Carley Williams in Aberdeen, Convention Assistant: "We anticipate the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention 2006 to be one of the most exciting events of the year, and hope that you will be as inspired as we are to help this celebration truly connect cultures." Some features, more to come: Alasdair Fraser, Natalie Haas, Jerry Holland, Kimberley Fraser, Mac Morin, Catriona MacDonald, Annbjorg Lien, Lawrence 'Teddy Boy' Houle, Gšran Premberg, Karin Eriksson, Mats Nilsson, Ingegerd Sigfridsson, Aonghus Grant, Douglas Lawrence, Iain Fraser, Mats Melin, James Alexander, Carmen Higgins, Sara Reith, and Paul Anderson. More to be announced. So many fiddlers, so little time! Info: website at NAFC06.
Week of July 29-August 6: The Jink & Diddle School of Scottish Fiddling. Fiddle Teachers: John Turner, Colyn Fischer, David Gardner, Andrew Dodds, Melinda Crawford. Dancing led by Moira Turner. Location: Valle Crucis, in the mountains of North Carolina. Info: website at www.fiddletree-music.com, or download the flier by clicking HERE.
Week of July 31-August 4: Fiddling Demystified. Location: Amherst, Mass. Fiddle Teachers: Donna Hebert and George Wilson. Lots of other great fiddle & Celtic music activities & camps too. Check out Donna's website HERE.
JUNE 2006
Saturday June 3, 5:30 pm: Northampton Class End-of-Year Party. Potluck Supper (5:30) and Scottish Country Dance Party (7:30). Program / MC Kent Smith. Musicians: Barbara McOwen, Fiddle and Robert McOwen, Guitar. Info Karen Levallee-Tente, 413-527-3407. Download flier HERE.
Sunday June 4, 2-7 pm: Boston Scottish Fiddle Club. Regular 1st-Sundays Session, September through June, with workshops, jamming, refreshments, at the Pleasant Street Congregational Church, 75 Pleasant St, Arlington, Mass. Next meetings: September 3rd, October 8th. Info: contact Anne Kaufman at am.kaufman doink verizon.net or go to the website at BSFC.
Saturday June 10th: Irish Connections Festival, with Highland Dance Boston and many stellar Irish and Celtic artists. Location: Irish Cultural Centre of New England, 200 New Boston Drive, Canton, Mass. 02021. Info: 781.821.8291, email office doink irishculture.org, web ICCNE.
Sunday June 11, Afternoon, Time TBA: Hold this date for a possible Scottish student/faculty recital in Manchester, N.H. Check back soon for more details.
Week of June 11-17: Northeast Heritage Music Camp. Location: Johnson State College Campus, Johnson, Vermont (nr Stowe). Instructors: Sandy MacIntyre, Mary MacIntyre, Daniel Lemieux, Normand Miron, Alan Jabbour, Seamus Connolly, Pete Sutherland, David Kaynor, Grey Larsen, Peter Langston, Ken Perlman on fiddle, guitar, banjo, vocals & dance calling, flute. "This camp celebrates the acoustic music and folk dance traditions of New England and eastern Canada, along with related traditions from Scotland, Ireland, and the southeastern United States." Info: website at NHMC.
Saturday June 17, 6:00-8:30 pm: BCMFest Benefit Sail: The Wave of the Future! Join a 'crew' of BCMFest performers for a floating fun(d)raiser and sunset sail onboard the schooner Thomas E. Lannon out of Gloucester, Mass. Your donation reserves a spot on deck of the 65' schooner as it sails around beautiful Gloucester harbor, while some of the Boston area's finest Celtic musicians fill the air with tunes and songs, all to rev up for and benefit BCMFest 2007! Info and reservations: www.schooner.org or www.bcmfest.com or 978.281.6634. Check out the weather: it's gonna be PERRRRRFECT!
Saturday June 17, 7:30 pm: Downeast Fling! Scottish Country Dance party at Kennebunk Town Hall, Maine. Potluck supper 6 pm at nearby Christ Church. Music by Highland Whisky with Special Guest Anne Hooper. Contact Morven Troost for more info, phone 207-967-3813.
Sunday June 18, 3-7 pm: The Gaelic Club, at the Canadian-American Club, 202 Arlington St, Watertown. Come play, dance, listen, visit, have a beer/tea/refreshments; group jam at the beginning and end. Very informal and real. Usually 3rd Sunday of the month, Sept-June. Info: email Peggy Morrison at margaret.morrison doink comcast.net. Next date is Sunday September 17th.
Sunday June 18, 7:30 pm: BCM Fest Benefit Concert!! One of in a series of concerts to benefit Boston's Celtic Music Festival. An uncommon solo appearance: I, Barbara McOwen, will be performing at the legendary Club Passim this coming Sunday. After years of telling my friends, colleagues, and students, "Just do it!" (perform, compete, start a new tune at a session, etc), now I'm doing it. It's part of a GREAT cause, the BCMFest (4th Annual Boston Celtic Music Festival, January 2007), not to mention a support to the Club Passim spirit of showcasing great music from local and out-of-town artists. There are a lot of fiddle tunes I love, and I - along with that wondrous guitarist Robert McOwen - will be playing a few of them. Also performing in the round robin are Robbie O'Connell (Irish Singer / Songwriter), and Jacqueline Schwab (Celtic piano). Great auction items too - lessons and original tunes! Location: Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, Mass. Find out more about BCM Fest at BCMFest, and about Club Passim at Club Passim.
Weekend of June 22-25: Cape Cod Celtic Festival. Irish & Cape Breton Concerts, Buffet Dinners, Cultural Fair, Ceili. Cape Bretoners include: Beolach (Wendy MacIsaac, Mairi Rankin, Patrick Gillis, Mac Morin, Ryan J. MacNeil) and The Cape Breton Tradition (Dave MacIsaac, Kimberley Fraser, Troy MacGillivray), more. Ticket package can include lodging. Tickets & info at The Music Meister, 508-760-8199, or email Lew Taylor at lew doink themusicmeister.com. For lots more info, go to the website at www.capecodcelticsociety.org.
Ten Days, June 22 - July 2: Scottish Dancing in French Chateaux, envisioned, created and led by Ken McFarland. Musicians: David Knight & Liz Donaldson. For this and other fab dance/nature/history tours, check Ken's web page often, at www.reeljig.com/mcfarland.
Saturday June 24: U.S. National Scottish Fiddling Championships. Two competitions, Junior Nationals and Open Nationals. This year held at and sponsored by the Ohio Games, Wellington, Ohio. Judges: Carl Mackenzie, Melinda Crawford, Ed Pearlman. Info: Bonnie Gordon, phone 440-648-5660, email b4gordon doink hotmail.com. Sanctioned by Scottish Fiddle Revival Inc., website Scottish FIRE. 2005 Results: Open 1-4: Colyn Fischer, Melinda Crawford, Brendan Carey Block, John Napier. Junior 1-4: Rebecca Lomnicky, Mary Andrews, Katie McNally, Laura Searles. More results at the FIRE website.
Week of June 25-July 1: Alasdair Fraser's Sierra Fiddle Camp. Location: just outside Nevada City, California. Fiddle Teachers: Alasdair Fraser, Bruce Molsky, Laura Risk, Hanneke Cassel, Deby Benton-Grosjean. Guitar: Tony McManus. Percussion: Gary Campus. For info: website at Sierra Fiddle Camp.
Weekend of June 23-25: Scottish / Victorian Weekend, with workshops taught by Dale Birdsall (Scottish) and Martha Griffin (Victorian), and very special unique dance party with music by Anne Hooper and Barbara McOwen, fiddles, Bill Matthieson, piano, and Liz Stell, Flute. Intriguing location: Senexet House, 276 Senexet Road, Woodstock, Conn. Registration in advance is definitely required! Click HERE to download very informational brochure, and click HERE to go to the website. Info: Veronica McClure, 781-321-0675, veronica_mcclure doink harvard.edu.
Sunday June 25, time 2-6: Scottish Traditional Music Workshop. Presented by the Cameron Ensemble. Leader this month will be Anne Hooper. Location: St. Marks Episcopal Church, Jackson Heights, Long Island, New York. Info: Isabelle Smith, phone 718-793-6238, or email i.a.smith doink worldnet.att.net; website at website at Cameron Ensemble.
Monday June 26, 8 pm: Cambridge Class End-of-Year Party. Location: NOT at Springstep; CHANGED to the West Medford Congregational Church, 400 High Street (Rt 60), Medford, Mass. Program & MC Dale Birdsall. Music by Vince O'Donnell (fiddle), David Arnold (piano), Robert McOwen (bass). Info: Laura Billmers, at billmers doink rcn.com. Download the updated flier.
Friday June 30: Vote for the Scottish National Anthem! The Royal Scottish National Orchestra is holding an election; there are five choices - Scotland the Brave, Scots Wha Hae, Flower of Scotland, Highland Cathedral and A Man's A Man. Anyone can vote! I heard it on the WBUR program Here and Now. You can click HERE to listen to the segment and click HERE to go to the RSNO website to vote. Actually the deadline is today, June 30, 2006. The result will be announced on July 1st at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
So, the winner was Flower of Scotland. More details at the website above.
MAY 2006
Friday May 5, 8 pm: Friday Night Welcome Dance. Music by Terry Traub & David Knight. Program & MC: Howard Lasnik. Location: Springstep, Medford Center, Mass. See info below for Boston Highland Ball.
Saturday May 6: The 50th Boston Highland Ball. Quite the gala and historic event! The band will be TULLOCHGORUM! Barbara McOwen & Anne Hooper, Tremendous Twin Fiddles, Peter Barnes Piano, Robert McOwen Bass, Paul Henle Drums, with Lezlie Webster Pipes. Location: Nevins Hall, Framingham, Mass. Weekend activities include Friday night welcome dance, Saturday night dinner & ball, Sunday brunch. Info: web Boston Branch RSCDS; download PDF Flier
Weekend of May 5-7: The Pearl Holmberg Workshop for Teachers and Musicians. Presented by the Vancouver B.C. Branch, RSCDS. Dance Teacher: Ann Dix. Music Teachers: Elke Baker & Liz Donaldson. Band: Terpsichore. This unique event happens every other year. Info: Wendy Swaine at 604-984-6998, wendys doink rscdsvancouver.org.
Wednesday May 10, 8 pm: Hanneke Cassel CD Release Party. With Rushad Eggleston, Keith Murphy, Dave Wiesler, More. Hanneke's exciting new recording Silver features lots of great stuff, including a certain little tune called "Raivlin Reel." Location: Club Passim, 47 Palmer St, Harvard Square, Cambridge, Mass. Info: Club Passim or Hanneke Cassel.
Saturday May 13, 10 am - 3 pm: Scottish Traditional Music Workshop. Presented by the Cameron Ensemble. Leader this month will be Barbara McOwen with some new and old tune treats. Location: St. Marks Episcopal Church, Jackson Heights, Long Island, New York. Info: Isabelle Smith, phone 718-793-6238, or email i.a.smith doink worldnet.att.net; website at Cameron Ensemble.
Sunday May 14, 7:30 pm: Amanda Cavanaugh and Abbie MacQuarrie in Concert at Club Passim. Wow! Guests include 5AM, Doug Lamey, and others...Not a concert to be missed! Please come and support your local Boston musicians! Info: Club Passim.
Weekend of May 19-21: Pawling Weekend. Scottish Country Dance workshops & Ball. New York Branch; Location is Hopewell Junction, N.Y. Music will be provided by Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent, as well as by pianist Jim Stevenson-Matthews. The teachers are Les Lambert (Scotland), Elinor Vandegrift (Washington State) and Boston's own Robert McOwen. As well as outstanding music and teachers, Pawling always has great after-parties! Info: Phone Sheila Wilson at 212-849-8282, or go to web page at New York Branch.
Saturday May 20th, 3-5 pm & 8 pm: Fiddle & Guitar Workshops & Concert - featuring the fabulous Irish/Scottish fiddler Lissa Schneckenburger, and Corey Dimario on bass & guitar, both from New England and now living in New York. Location: 28 Auburn St, Concord, N.H. Info: phone Ana Burtnet at 603-228-5535, and email at aphauser doink excite.com. Great opportunity!
Saturday May 20, 3 pm: Fairlee Spring Fling. Location: Fairlee Town Hall, (Route 5) Main St, Fairlee, Vt. Musicians: Viveka Fox & Peter MacFarlane, Fiddles and Susie Petrov, Piano. Walkthrough 3 pm, Potluck Supper 5:30 pm, Dance 7 pm. Info: phone Gary Apfel at 603-353-4647, email garyapfel doink mybluelight.com, web Boston Branch RSCDS.
Saturday May 20, 8 pm: Jacqueline Schwab in Concert - "New Rigged Ship: Neotraditional Tunes & Tales from Scotland and the Shetland Islands." (Original date was March 18th.) With cellist Reinmar Seidler. Location: First Parish in Watertown, 35 Church St., Watertown, Mass. From Jacqueline: "In this new duo featuring nontraditional instrumentation, we'll stop playing second fiddle but still aim to satisfy fiddle-philes, with soulful airs and stirring strathspeys, reels and jigs. This concert, co-sponsored by the Folk Song Society of Greater Boston and First Parish Watertown, benefits Girl Scouts Beyond Bars, for the children of inmates of MCI Framingham." Info: 617-924-6143, fssgb, or Jacqueline Schwab.
Sunday May 21, 3-7 pm: The Gaelic Club, at the Canadian-American Club, 202 Arlington St, Watertown. This month a VERY special Concert, come one come all be there or be square. Click HERE to download flier with lots of info. Usually 3rd Sunday of the month, September through June. Next dates: June 18, September 17, October 15. Info: email Peggy Morrison.
Weekend of May 27 afternoon & evening: Penobscot Bay Scottish Country Dance Weekend. Location: American Legion Hall, Belfast, Maine. Dance Workshop by MaryEllen Scannell, time TBA. Potluck 6:30, Dancing 8:00 to music by David Knight (fiddle) and Liz Donaldson (piano). Info: Dave Thompson, 207-469-3293.
APRIL 2006
Saturday April 1, 9 am - 4 pm: Manchester Indoor Games. Piping, Highland Dancing, Fiddle. Info: email nhssa doink comcast.net or bmcowen doink comcast.net; web N.H. School of Scottish Arts. Download the Fiddle flier HERE. CONCERT in the evening (8 pm?) featuring world-class pipers Alasdair Gillies, Ed Neigh, Adrian Melvin, Reid Maxwell and Oran Mor Pipe Band. Location: N.H. Institute of Art, 148 Concord St. Manchester, N.H. Come all ye!
Saturday April 1, 12:30 pm: Opening Ceremonies of the World Curling Championships, featuring Highland Dance Boston and other entertainment. Tsongas Arena, Lowell, Mass. Info: World Men's Championship, or HDB.
Saturday April 1, Afternoon & Evening: Scottish Country Dance Workshop, and Salem Monthly Party. Teacher for workshop is Norah Link of Montreal. Location for workshop: First Universalist Church, Salem, Mass. Info: Roberta Lasnik, 781-643-3977. Location for dance: the historic Hamilton Hall. Reservations required. Info: Mary Ellen Scannell, 781-539-5949. Download the flier HERE.
Saturday April 1, 5:30 pm: Rerr Terr. Scottish Country Dance Ball at First Presbyterian Church, 64 Passaic St, Hackensack, N.J. Band: Highland Whisky with guests Barbara McOwen & Jim Stevenson-Mathews. Fish & Chips dinner catered by the Thistle Restaurant. Info: Babs & Ken Van Acker, 973-595-5629, info doink rscds-nj.org, or N.J. Branch.
Saturday April 1, 7:30 pm: Cape Breton Concert & Dance. Jeffrey Gosse, fiddle and Janine Randall, piano; watch for star-turn guests. Benefit for Theresa Avery's son, in need of surgery.
Saturday April 1, 8 pm: Celtic Connections featuring Laura Risk and Paddy League, with special guest Kieran Jordan. "Fiddler Laura Risk and guitarist/vocalist/percussionist Paddy League bring together their diverse experiences in a joyful and virtuosic celebration of Celtic music, from Ireland and Scotland to Cape Breton and Quebec. Veteran Irish step dancer Kieran Jordan will join Laura and Paddy on several tunes, adding percussive sounds and impressive footwork." Info: website Springstep.
Sunday April 2, 2-7 pm: Boston Scottish Fiddle Club. Regular 1st-Sundays Session, with workshops, jamming. Next sessions: May 7, June 4. Info: website at BSFC.
April 5-12: My grand old 89-year-old Uncle Arthur is coming for his first visit to Boston! He lives in Berkeley, Calif., and has been active in the local fencing scene for many decades. He teaches fencing at College Prep High School, and the students flock to his classes. He's quite a fascinating fellow! If you think you'd like to meet him, let me (Barbara) know. We could have a soiree for an evening or afternoon; and a music session isn't out of the question. And perhaps a day trip somewhere.
Saturday April 8, 8 pm: Cape Breton Dance, with music by Kinnon, Betty Lou and Andrea Beaton. Location: Canadian American Club, 202 Arlington St, Watertown, Mass. Complementary Tea, Coffee, Irish Bread. Info: Mary Lamey at mlamey doink bidmc.harvard.edu.
Sunday April 9, 1-5 pm: Cape Breton Ceilidh, with music by Kinnon, Betty Lou and Andrea Beaton. Location: Canadian American Club, 202 Arlington St, Watertown, Mass. Complementary Tea, Coffee, Irish Bread. Info: Mary Lamey at mlamey doink bidmc.harvard.edu.
Wednesday April 12, 7 pm: Trad Tunes, played by Bob, Linda & Rob, at the Main Streets Market and Cafe, 42 Main St, Concord, Mass. Info: phone the Cafe at 978-369-9948. They're playing more gigs too; contact Bob Phillipps at bobphil30 doink hotmail.com.
Friday April 14, 8 pm: Cape Breton House Concert. "Please join us for a night of great music with Dougie Lamey from Massachusetts and these three Cape Breton fiddle players - Glenn Graham, Leannie Aucoin, and Andrea Beaton. Food and drink will be provided. Bring your instruments to join in at the end of the concert." Location: Arlington, Mass. Space is limited; contact Mary MacGillivray to make reservations and get directions: email mmacgi6771 doink aol.com or phone 617-489-1860.
Friday April 14, 8:15 pm: Bruce Molsky with Paula Bradley in Concert. Location: Jewett Auditorium at Wellesley College, 106 Central St, Wellesley, Mass. Also fiddle & guitar workshops 3-5 pm. Presented by Emerald Rae, who tells us "Bruce Molsky & Paula Bradley have lifetimes of devotion to American traditional music between them; together, their music rings joyfully with depth and exhilaration." Info, Maps, Locations, Fliers: click HERE.
Friday April 14, 8 pm: Laura Risk & Paddy League in Concert. Location: Westford Museum, 2 Boston Rd, Westford, Mass. "A joyful celebration of Celtic music - from Ireland and Scotland, to Cape Breton and Quebec!" Info: Mike Harde at museum doink westford.com, or 978-692-5550.
Saturday April 15, 10 am - 12 noon: Workshops for Fiddle, Guitar & Bodhran, taught by Laura Risk & Paddy League. Fiddle workshop: "What makes a tune sound Scottish?" The bodhran workshop "will explore the history, techniques and playing styles." The guitar workshop "will focus on accompanying traditional dance tunes on the guitar in DADGAD tuning." Location is Westford, Mass. To register, contact Mike Harde at 39mainstreet doink gmail.com, or 978-692-2039.
Saturday April 15, 8 pm: Cape Breton Concert & Dance. With Glenn Graham, Doug Lamey, Emerald Rae, Andrea Beaton, Leanne Aucoin. Great lineup, some local, some direct from Cape Breton, all young and happening fiddlers & pianists. Square Set Dance Review, 7 pm. Canadian American Club, 202 Arlington St, Watertown, Mass. Info: email mmacgi6771 doink aol.com, web CAC.
Sunday April 16: No Gaelic Club, as today is a holiday. See May 21 for the next Gaelic Club.
Week of April 18-24: Southern Hemisphere International School of Scottish Fiddle. Location: Camp Akatarawa, Upper Hutt, North Island, New Zealand. Fiddle Instructors: Catriona MacDonald (Shetland/Scotland), Hanneke Cassel (USA), Catherine Fraser (Australia). Accompaniment: Duncan Smith (USA/Australia). Info: web Catherine Fraser. Or, to download the flier & reg form, click HERE.
Weekend of April 21-23: NEFFA Festival! New England Folk Festival Association Festival! All together now! Location: Natick High School, Natick, Mass. Friday evening through Sunday afternoon, chock full of dancing, music, FOOD, sessions, classes, performances, FOOD, spontaneous combustion, shops, crafts, FOOD. Among MANY activities: Barbara to lead a Scottish jam session on Sunday afternoon, Robert to dance with Highland Dance Boston on Saturday night, and the Boston Branch Demonstration Team performance on Sunday. A preliminary schedule grid and lots of info is now available at the NEFFA website.
Friday April 21, 7:30 pm: Kate Chadbourne in concert. "Kate, who holds a Ph.D. in Celtic Languages and Literatures, is a singer, song-writer, scholar and teacher whose strong interest in myth and folklore has shaped her life and work. Nearly all her songs are grounded in myth and folktale." Location: Commander's Mansion, 440 Talcott Ave, Watertown, MA. (Near Arsenal Mall). Call or email for reservations Alan Casso, 617-972-8300 ext 22; acasso doink revels.org; Revels.
Saturday April 29, 2-4 pm (CHECK DATE): Sound System Workshop. Presented by the Boston Branch RSCDS. With not One, not Two, but a Trio of Techs: Lance Ramshaw, Cal Howard, Peter Tandy. "Running a sound system isn't all that hard, and the Branch can use some more folks who can help out in that line. Besides, it gives you a good excuse to schmooze with the musicians!" Location: Concord, Mass. ACTUALLY, the date has moved, so contact Lance for date, info & driving directions: lance.ramshaw doink bbn.com.
Thursday April 27, 7:30 pm: Review of Highland Ball dances; AND sale, donation or trade of party clothing. Location: Bolles Hall (Home of the Wee Bluets) Bridge St, Salem, Mass. Info: contact MaryEllen Scannell at 781-593-5949 or scannell doink gis.net.
Saturday April 29, 11 am - 7 pm: Scottish Country Dance Workshops. Classes, light supper, social dancing. Sponsored by the Brunswick, Topsham and Kennebunk SCD classes. Location: Topsham Grange Hall, Topsham, Maine. Download pdf flier HERE. Info: Patti Tillotson 207-833-2329, David Thompson 207-469-3293, Joanne Hulsey 207-967-0458.
Saturday April 29, 7 pm: Radiance. Springstep Fundraiser. "A night like no other.... support the future of Springstep... indulge in great food and rich desserts... drink fabulous wine... dance the night away... Live and silent auction!" Thanks Deb! Info: website Springstep.
Saturday April 29, 8 pm: Concert to Benefit Childsplay, with Buddy MacMaster, Cape Breton Fiddle Legend & Liz Carroll, Renowned Irish Fiddler. Accompanied by Dedo Norris, piano and Mark Simos, guitar. With Kieran Jordan, Step Dancer, and Childsplay Fiddlers Sheila Falls-Keohane, Laurel Martin, Bonnie Bewick. Location: First Parish Unitarian Church, 3 Church St, Harvard Square, Cambridge, Mass. Or, to download the very beautiful flier for this most exciting concert, click HERE.
Saturday April 29, 7:30 pm: 10th Annual Healing Garden Music Fest. "An astounding array of Canadian and US talent will unveil their wondrous wizardry on acoustic guitars, piano, fiddles, mandolin, banjo, whistles, flutes, vocals, percussion, and basses!" Featured headliners will be J.P. Cormier (Cape Breton, NS), Five2 (Ithaca, NY), Terry Tufts (Fitzroy Harbour, ON), The Laws (Gananoque, ON), and The McDades(Edmonton, Alberta). National Heritage Museum, Lexington, Mass. Info: email musicfest doink patiorecords, phone Terry Eagan at 781-894-0706.
Sunday April 30, 1-5 pm: Strathspey & Reel Society of New Hampshire. Regular Last-Sunday-of-the-Month session, with Music Director Sylvia Miskoe. Go over tunes of the month, potluck refreshments, round-robin session. Next meetings: May 28 (with Barbara McOwen), June 25. Info on meetings & memberships: phone Sylvia, 603-225-6546, email smiskoe doink aol.com, website SRSNH (note new web url).
MARCH 2006:
Saturday March 11, 2-4 pm: Cameron Workshop with Jerry Holland. From Isabelle: "Yes, 'Mr. Cape Breton' will be with us. What can you say about a legend, known world-wide. I hope you will put this date on your calendar and plan to spend a few hours with Jerry." Location: St. Marks Episcopal Church, Jackson Heights, Long Island, New York. Info: Isabelle Smith, phone 718-793-6238, or email i.a.smith doink worldnet.att.net; website at Cameron Ensemble.
Saturday March 11, ca 3-8 pm: March Into March Scottish Fiddle Session. Marches to our hearts' content! Location: Leominster, Mass. For info, phone Jerry & Nancy Bell, 978-840-1799.
Saturday March 11, 8 pm: Jerry Holland in Concert. Big Grey Concert Series. Location: Searing-Roslyn United Methodist Church, 134 I. U. Willets Rd, Albertson, Nassau County, Long Island, New York. Big Grey runs a Celtic concert series every 2nd Saturday evening, Oct-May, so check their website. Info: phone 718-219-7006, email marybgeary doink biggrey.com, website Big Grey.
Saturday March 11, 8 pm: Hanneke Cassel in Concert, with Keith Murphy. Location: Congregational Church, 17 Middle St, S. Dartmouth, Mass. Info: Hanneke Cassel.
Sunday March 12, 2:30 pm: Childsplay Concert. An orchestra of violins all made by our local fiddle maker star, Bob Childs. Location: Fitchburg Public Library, Fitchburg, Mass. Info: Fitchburg Concerts.
SUNDAY (sic) March 12, 3:30 - 7:00 pm: Fox Library Sessions, Mass Ave, Arlington, Mass. Very friendly, old-time & Celtic, everyone welcome to suggest tunes. Usually two Saturdays per month. Cost $1. Future dates: Saturdays, Apr 8, Apr 29, May 13, May 27, Jun 17. Info: email Laura Leibensperger at lbleib doink gis.net.
Sunday March 12, 7:30 pm: Emerald Rae CD Release Party!!! "Emerald is celebrating the release of her debut solo album Contemplaytion. This album is a high energy exploration of contemporary fiddle music with a traditional twist!" At Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, Mass. Concert includes Natalie Haas, Matt Heaton, Janine Randall, Eugene Friesen, Eden Forman, Maeve Gilchrist, Hanneke Cassel, Stephen Webber. Info: Club Passim, Emerald Rae, and/or buy the album at cdbaby.
St Patrick's Day! Friday March 17, 8 pm: Matt & Shannon Heaton Band play an all-ages St. Pat's show at Bull Run, 215 Great Rd, Rt. 2A, Shirley, Mass. Bring an instrument for tunes after! From Laura Cortese: "Matt and Shannon Heaton have been the core of the Irish Urban Ceili at BCMFest for the past 3 years and also have an awesome new CD out. Enjoy the show!" Info: phone 978-425-4311 or 877-536-7190 Toll Free, website Bull Run Restaurant.
Saturday March 18, 3:30-5:30: Session in honor of St. Paddy's. Traditional Irish tunes & songs, round-robin, all welcome. Hosted by Edmund Robinson. Location: First Church in Belmont, nr. Concord & Common Sts. Pot-luck refreshments. Info: edmuund doink aol.com (note sic 2 u's in edmuund).
Sunday March 19, 3-7 pm: The Gaelic Club, at the Canadian-American Club, 202 Arlington St, Watertown. Come play, dance, listen, visit, have a beer/tea/refreshments; group jam at the beginning and end. Very informal and real. Usually 3rd Sunday of the month, Sept-June. Info: email Peggy Morrison at margaret.morrison doink comcast.net. NOTE: No Club on Sunday April 16, because of the religious holiday.
Saturday March 25, 8 pm: Ed Rawson Celebration Dance. Location: First Parish Church, Weston, Mass. MC/Program: Jeanetta McColl. Music: Marianne Taylor, Anne Hooper, John Chambers. Net proceeds go to the Ed Rawson Fund. Info: phone Nancy Rawson at 781-894-7754, web Boston Branch RSCDS.
FEBRUARY 2006:
Wednesday February 22, 7 pm: Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas in Concert. Location: Makor/Steinhardt Center of the 92nd Street Y, 35 West 67th St, New York City. Close enough! Info: phone 212-601-1000; website HERE.
Monday February 6, 8 pm: Hanneke Cassel with Folktracks Live. Location: Club Passim, 47 Palmer St, Harvard Square, Cambridge, Mass. Hosted by Dave Palmeter. Info: website at www.clubpassim.org.
Weekend of February 10-12, 2006: Cardigan! Weekend getaway at AMC lodge in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Scottish country dancing, cross country skiing, jamming. Info: email Lance, lance.ramshaw doink bbn.com.
Thursday Evening February 16: Laura Cortese CD Release Party. Location: Club Passim, 47 Palmer St, Harvard Square, Cambridge, Mass. The CD is titled "Even the Lost Creek" and features Laura on fiddle & vocals, with Hanneke on fiddle & piano, others. Info: Laura Cortese.
Weekend of February 17-20: San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers Winter Weekend! Location: Bishop's Ranch, Healdsburg, California, a wonderful retreat location in the wine country. Pre-registration required, usually a waiting list. To find out more about the SFSF and Winter Weekend, go to the website at www.sfscottishfiddlers.org.
Weekend of February 3-5: WinterJam Weekend, sponsored by the Folk Arts Center of New England. Music, Singing, Dancing, Fun! Celtic Music with Laura Risk, Balkan singing with Erica Zissman, Drumming with David Skidmore. Plus skiing, trails, home cooking, fireplace, friendship. Info: website FAC.
Sunday February 5, 3-5:30 pm: English-Scottish Dance Party. Location: Church of Our Saviour, 25 Monmouth St, Brookline, Mass. MC/Program: Marianne Taylor. Music: Anne Hooper & Ken Allen. Followed by a pot-luck supper. Brookline Class dance party follows, 6:30-8:30 pm. Info: web Boston Branch RSCDS.
JANUARY 2006:
Sunday January 8, Evening: Brookline Twelfth Night Party. Location: Church of Our Saviour, Brookline, Mass. Info: phone Evelyn Murray at 617-661-5899, email athollbrose doink verizon.net, web Boston Branch RSCDS.
Saturday January 28, 10 am - 3 pm: Cameron Music Workshop with Barbara McOwen. Location: St. Marks Episcopal Church, Jackson Heights, Long Island, New York. Tunes by ear & eye, all welcome! Info: Isabelle Smith, phone 718-793-6238, or email i.a.smith doink worldnet.att.net. The website at Cameron Ensemble might be helpful too.
Saturday January 21, 7:30-10:30 pm: Party and Presentation in Honor of Marianne Taylor. Marianne is one of the continuing brightest lights of the Boston Branch, and of all traditional dance and music in New England. She was awarded the RSCDS Scroll of Honour and it will be presented at this celebration event. Music: Sylvia Miskoe, Cal Howard, Ralph Jones, Vince O'd5Donnell, Tom Pixton and others. MCs: George Fogg, Evelyn Murray, Dan Pearl, Judith Stames-Hamilton, and Andy Taylor-Blenis. Location: Church of Our Saviour, Monmouth St, Brookline, Mass. Info: web Boston Branch RSCDS; download PDF Flier.
Weekend of January 13-15: The Boston Celtic Music Festival! AKA the BCMFest. Concerts and events Friday night and all day Saturday & Saturday night, and Sunday. Locations: Springstep in Medford; and First Parish Church and Club Passim in Harvard Square, Cambridge, Mass. Also open sessions on Saturday (bring instruments!) and workshops on Sunday. AND the Boston Urban Ceilidh at Springstep on Friday Night. Info: web www.bcmfest.com. A very useful grid is on the web HERE, and for (recommended) advance tickets for the Friday night concert at Club Passim with TULLOCHGORUM and EMERALD RAE, click HERE.
BTW, Wha TULLOCHGORUM? Tullochgorum is Barbara & Robert McOwen's Scottish dance band, established waaaay back in 1980, making it the premier (first) Massachusetts-based Scottish dance band, as far as we know. "Tullochgorum" literally means "blue-green hills," and the local native-American word "massachusetts" means "blue hills." Neat huh? Featuring the duo fiddlers Barbara McOwen & Anne Hooper, with the creative piano-bass duo of (variously) Peter Barnes, Marianne Taylor or Beth Murray with Robert McOwen, and our percussion STAR Paul Henle. Watch out! We finally got old, and we're good!
Friday January 13, 8 pm: Pipeline in Concert. Celtic multi-instrumentalists Dermot Hyde and Tom Hake play dance music, songs and airs on pipes, whistle, voice, bouzouki, guitar, harp. Produced by Billie Hocket and Music For Robin. Location: First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 630 Mass. Ave., Arlington, Mass. Tickets available at the door. Info: phone 781-862-7837; website Music for Robin.
DECEMBER 2005:
Friday, December 9, 7:30 pm: Dance: Seven Times Salt, an English consort including Karen Burciaga on fiddle, will be the "house band" for the Harvard ECD Society's December dance, featuring English, Irish, and Scottish dances of the 18th century. Location: Cambridge Friends' Meeting House, 5 Longfellow Park, Cambridge Mass. $6/$3 students. Info: web Seven Times Salt.
Friday December 16, 8 pm: Weston Class Holiday Scottish Country Dance Party. Location: First Parish Church, Weston, Mass. Info: 781-894-7754, web Boston Branch RSCDS.
Monday December 19, 8 pm: Cambridge Class Holiday Dance Party. Location: Springstep, Medford Center, Mass. MC & Program by Jeanetta McColl. Music by Tom Pixton & Laura Cortese. Potluck Refreshments & Holiday Raffle. Info: web Boston Branch. Download download pdf flier.
Week of December 28, 2005 - January 5, 2006: All our friends might as well come to New Zealand with us! The New Zealand Branch RSCDS presents the annual Summer School, held at Unitec, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand. Barbara McOwen will be teaching music classes for the week, and there will be a full complement of dance teachers including Robert McOwen, and activities. Info: phone 64-9-820-4111; email Ruth Budden at ruth.budden doink xtra.co.nz, download 1st pdf flier and 2nd pdf flier; and web New Zealand Summer School.
Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, December 3,4,6: A Scottish Christmas, New England performances. Saturday December 3 at the Flynn Center in Burlington Vt; Sunday December 4 at the Music Hall in Portsmouth N.H.; Tuesday December 6 at the Maine Center for the Arts in Orono Maine. This is Bonnie Rideout's big holiday program which she produces all over the country every December; it doesn't always come to New England, so catch it this year. The evening Portsmouth performance is already sold out, so they are adding an afternoon performance. The Scottish Christmas ensemble includes Bonnie Rideout (fiddle), Jerry O'Sullivan (Uillean Pipes), William Jackson (Harp), Matthew Bell (Percussion), Bryan Aspey (Guitar), with dance performances by Robert McOwen, Jen Schoonover, and Lindsay Page. Info on entire schedule: web Bonnie Rideout. Info on Portsmouth concert: web Portsmouth.
NOVEMBER 2005:
Saturday November 5-6, All Day: The Fall Highland Dance Competition and Workshop. Location: Hanover Streeet, Manchester, N.H. Adjudicator and Teacher: Carol MacCrimmon, Canada. Info: phone Lezlie Webster at 603-621-9949; email nhssa@comcast.net; web N.H. School of Scottish Arts.
Saturday November 5, Evening: Fab Triple Bill Concert with Halali, Jake Armerding, Crooked Still. Somerville Theater, Somerville Mass. Info: Somerville Theater.
Saturday November 5, Evening: Jeannie Carmichael Ball. Historic Scottish country dance event includes Saturday night dinner & ball and Sunday brunch with dancing. Music by Jim Lindsay, accordion & Muriel Johnstone, piano. Location: The Thayer Hotel at West Point (yes the military academy). Info: phone Mary Zagami, 718-823-0119, email info doink rscdsnewyork.org, or web New York Branch RSCDS.
Sunday November 6, 4-8 pm: CD Release Party for Ken Perlman, Banjo & Alan Jabbour, Fiddle. Sit'n'Bull Tavern, Maynard, Mass. Info: email kathy doink planetbanjo.com, web Planet Banjo. This is the closest of Ken Perlman & Alan Jabbour's New England tour; for more info on this and other tours, plus Ken's banjo CDs and books, go to the website Ken Perlman.
OCTOBER 2005:
October 16-23: The Scottish Fiddle College. Fiddle instructors are Paul Anderson, Douglas Lawrence, Gregor Borland. A new event in the Strathspey District of Scotland. Info: phone (from the U.S.) 01144-1771-653320.
Weekend of October 28-30: The San Francisco Branch RSCDS presents the Asilomar Weekend Workshop. Outstanding location and accommodations on the beach near Monterey, Calif. Friday night band: Barbara McOwen, Deby Benton Grosjean, Micah Reinhold & Andy Imbrie. Saturday night band: Fiddlesticks & Ivory. Dance Teachers: Fiona Carnie, Juliet Davoren, Mairi Hand, Bob McMurtry, Mary Murray, Geoffrey Selling. Info: phone 650-722-0473; email Julee Montes at julm-hcs doink pacbell.net, web S.F. Branch.
Saturday October 29, 7:30 pm: Concert "Celtic Fiddle and Dance" featuring fiddlers Andrea Beaton and Laura Cortese, pianist Janine Randall, and a cast of more than two dozen step dancers. Location: The Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St, Arlington Center, Mass. Tickets are $22 (adults) & $18 (under 14), available at the Regent Theater Box Office, 781-643-4488, or at the website for the Regent Theatre; download PDF Flier.
Weekend of October 29-30: Fall Frolic. Scottish country dance workshops, dance party and Sunday brunch. Music by Elke Baker, Liz Donaldson & Ralph Gordon. Teaching by Terry Glasspool, Dale Birdsall and Norah Link. Location: Germania Banquet Haus, 309 3rd Avenue, Troy, N.Y. Info: Lois New, phone 518-383-6580, email loisanew doink nycap.rr.com; web Boston Branch RSCDS, download PDF Flier.
Sunday October 30, 1-3 pm: Cape Breton Fiddle Workshop, taught by Andrea Beaton. Location: Ann Lambertus home in Lexington. Cost: $20. Space is limited; email Judy Wong at wongja doink charter.net to reserve a spot. There will be a jam session afterwards, so plan to stay a wee while.
SEPTEMBER 2005:
Friday September 9, 6:30 & 8:30 pm: Pre-BASH and BASH, a benefit for the BCM Fest - Boston Celtic Music Festival (see January 13-14 below). BASH ($15) features Live Auction (really good art & services), collection taken for Hurricane Katrina relief, entertainment by Patrick Murray and Friends. Pre-BASH ($75 for both) also features food & drinks, entertainment by Halali. Location: Harvard Square's First Parish, 3 Church Street, Cambridge, Mass. RSVP please, to loshea doink glic.com.
Saturday September 10, 3:00 - 5:30: New Book Workshop. Scottish country dance workshop. Teacher: Loren Wright. Musician: John Chambers. Location: Springstep, Medford Square, Mass. $10. All dancers welcome! Info: Loren Wright, lonwright doink comcast.net.
Saturday September 10, 8 pm: Scottish Country Dance Party and Springstep Fundraiser. Musicians: Anne Hooper, Barbara McOwen, MC Archer, Jeremy Van Cleave, Sarah Perlmutter, Sam Swan, Kelsey Woerner, Jamie Rees on Fiddles, Beth Murray & Megan Murray on Piano, Robert McOwen on Bass, Howard Lasnik on Drums. Cost: $20 for dancers & listeners. Location: Springstep, Medford Center, Mass. Program by Loren Wright. Info: phone 781-229-9394, email bethpiano doink rcn.com, download PDF Flier.
You'll want to check out the Fiddle activities (as well as many other fun things to do) at the New Hampshire Highland Games, the 4th weekend of September 2005. The draft schedule is out, and available at New Hampshire Highland Games website. For a place to stay, and great fun on Saturday night, take a look at The Fiddle Zone. Get your application forms in early and often!
Fiddlers, it's time to start working up your tunes for the Fiddle Competitions to be held at the Games, on Sunday September 25th. Paul Anderson of Aberdeenshire will be the judge for all competitions, and competing is both a learning experience and significant moment in your fiddle career. To download the form, click HERE.
Saturday September 17, 3:00-6:30 pm Glenn Graham's CD Release Party. Location: Kingston, Mass. $10, includes concert with Glenn Graham, fiddle, with piano accompaniment, good company and extra-nice refreshments. Call Judy McKenzie at 781-422-2230 for more info. Friends & family invited! RSVP.
September 22-26: The Fiddle Village! Bed & Breakfast for the N.H. Highland Games (see below), and a big Saturday night dinner and dance party and session with Alasdair Fraser, Paul Anderson, Marianne Taylor, Laura Cortese & The Boston Urban Ceilidh Band, and You. More details and Registration Forms are now available. Info: phone 781-862-1950, email bmcowen doink comcast.net, web The Fiddle Village; download Fiddle Village Flier or Merrimack Assembly Flier.
Weekend of September 23-25: New Hampshire Highland Games. A great, historic event. Many piping and highland dance activities, plus fiddle competitions on Sunday, Fiddle & Dance Ceilidh Hall Fri-Sat-Sun, Alasdair Fraser Concert Friday night, Scottish country dancing, jam sessions, more. Info: phone 603-229-1975, email beth doink nhscot.org, web New Hampshire Highland Games. Tickets for the Games and Concerts can be purchased by phone (800-358-7268) or on the web.
Sunday September 25: Fiddle Competitions at N.H. Highland Games. Judge is Paul Anderson, Chief Steward is Isabelle Smith, Chair is Bob Schecter. Four competitions: Novice, Jr Novice (2 tunes), and Open Regional & Junior Regional (4 tunes). Download Fiddle Info & Application. Info: 508-820-7789, bartscriv doink rcn.com
Saturdays starting September 24: Teen Scottish Country Dance Class at Springstep, Medford Center. Taught by Beth Murray with live music. Third year for this great class! Flier available soon. Info: phone Beth at 781-229-9394, email bethpiano doink rcn.com, web Springstep; download PDF Flier.
AUGUST 2005:
Three weeks, August 1-19: Ceilidh Trail School of Celtic Music. Great teachers, Great location! Three weeks, one level each week. Info: email Janine Randall at j9randall doink comcast.net, web Ceilidh Trail.
Week of August 6-13: Boston Harbor Scottish Fiddle School, Thompson Island, Boston, Mass. Yes it's on an island! Teachers: Paul Anderson, Hanneke Cassel, Calum MacKinnon, Laura Risk, Beth Murray. Info: phone 781-648-3955; email Barbara McOwen at bmcowen@comcast.net, web Scottish Fiddle.
Tuesday August 9, 2:30-9:30 pm: Visitors Day at Boston Harbor Scottish Fiddle School. Concert, dinner & session, $30, includes round-trip ferry. This is a very unique event! Pre-registration required. Info: Phone the Folk Arts Center at 781-662-7475; email FAC at fac doink facone.org; web at www.scottishfiddle.org; or download the pdf flier.
Sunday Evening August 14: Dinner & Scottish Fiddle Concert with Paul Anderson. In Arlington, Mass. Register in advance with Bob Schecter, phone 508-820-7789, email bartscriv doink rcn.com.
Two Weeks, August 7-21: Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp. "It's not just for fiddlers!" Huge wonderful teaching staff, including Angus Grant and Arlene Patterson. Location: High Peak Camp, Estes Park, Colorado. Info: phone 303-753-6870, email Mark Luther at mfluther doink aol.com, web RMFC.
August 15-19, 10-4 pm: Cape Breton style Fiddle Camp at the Community Center in the historic Pond Village part of Brookfield, Vt. Instructors are Jerry Holland and Beth Telford. All ages/all levels. Great swimming and/or boating during the mid-day break (at your own risk!). Cost $275 includes snacks at breaks and a buffet dinner on Friday at 5 pm, followed by a ceilidh and dance. For information, or to register, please call Beth or Clint at 802-728-6351.
Two Weeks, August 16-26: Scottish Dancing Among the Farthest Hebrides, with stops in Skye, Stornoway (Lewis), Benbecula, and Castlebay (Barra). Barbara and Robert McOwen highly recommend this trip! Other trips by Ken McFarland are full, but there may be spaces on this one. Download pdf flier; for more info on this and other trips by Ken McFarland, email Ken at ken_mcfarland doink earthlink.net, web Ken McFarland.
Friday August 19, 8 pm: Slow Scottish Jam Sessions led by Lance Ramshaw, in Concord Mass. Very friendly and fun. "Marvellous tunes at moderate tempos." Info: email Lance, lance.ramshaw doink bbn.com; web Slow Jam.
Week of August 21 - September 3: Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School. Fiddle Teachers: Alasdair Fraser, Andre Brunet, J.P. Cormier, Laura Risk, Hanneke Cassel, Linda Danielson, Deby Benton Grosjean; Piano: Andy Imbrie. More great teachers & instruments, plus dancing. Info: phone 415-566-4355; email VOM at vom doink monitor.net, web VOM.
Weekend of August 26-28: Hillsboro Highlands. Scottish Country Dance Weekend of workshops & parties. Dance teachers are Dale Birdsall, Norah Link, MaryEllen Scannell, Musicians are Christine Anderson, Anne Hooper, Terry Traub. There may be a few spaces left for this most wonderful dance & music retreat. Location: Hillsboro Camp, near Peace Lake, N.H. Info: 603-435-8643, sdhaines doink earthlink.net.
August 27, All Day: Long Island (N.Y.) Scottish Games. Location: Old Westbury Gardens, Long Island, N.Y. The Cameron Scottish Music Ensemble with Barbara McOwen and Alice Backer will be performing! Info: web Long Island Scottish Games.
