BROOKTONDALE NY (near Ithaca) - Laura Cortese w/ Mariel Vandersteel at the Canaan Institute - Wed May 8th - Fiddle workshop at 5:00 pm followed by a House Concert at 7:00 pm followed by a jam session. Workshop alone $20-, Concert alone $15-, both together $25- RSVP to mike@cinst.org to reserve your space in any of these. http://www.thisislauracortese.com/ and http://www.marielvandersteel.com/

Workshop - Bow, Grooves and Arrangement
Bow techniques, Grooves, Chords and Arrangements for fiddles, violas and cellos. Make your bow work for YOU not the other way around. This class is the foundation for learning jamming and arrangement techniques as a fiddler. We’ll adapt the workshop to accommodate all skill levels; talk to Mike when you RSVP mike@cinst.org

Directions http://canaaninstitute.org/mn/mus_jamcann.html

Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/509851765743287/

Laura Cortese BIO - scroll past photo
http://www.thisislauracortese.com/

Laura Cortese to Release New Album “Into the Dark” April 23
Full East Coast, West Coast Record Release Tours; Midwest Support Dates

“Ambition often follows talent, and Laura Cortese has an embarrassment of both. Her open-armed approach to her art reveals a determination to spread the word about folk music without watering down its distinctiveness.” - John Wenzel, Denver Post

Fiddle player and folk-pop singer-songwriter Laura Cortese takes to the road this April and May in support of her forthcoming full-length release, “Into the Dark” (street date April 23, 2013). American Songwriter describes the title track, which the publication premiered, as a “fiddle-drenched, Americana gem.” The rest of the record follows suit as all ten tracks feature Cortese’s stunning vocals backed by lush string arrangements on both her original, dark folk songs and a few carefully curated covers.

Cortese grew up in San Francisco and moved to Boston to study violin at Berklee College of Music. She has since immersed herself in the city’s vibrant indie music scene and enjoyed a busy sideman career, which has included appearances with Band of Horses at Carnegie Hall, Pete Seeger at Newport Folk Festival, and Patterson Hood and Michael Franti for Seeger’s ninetieth birthday celebration at Madison Square Garden. She performs frequently with Jocie Adams of the Low Anthem and can be heard on Adams’s upcoming album.

The finest moments on Into the Dark occur when Cortese spins out a metaphor as fluidly as she plays. She wrote the album’s first song, “For Catherine,” about an incident in her hometown in which a young woman was sexually assaulted by a group of high school boys. “For Catherine” bends and shifts as if through an alcoholic haze, playing on the dual meanings of “brandy” as both a libation and a woman’s name. As the song nears its mournful conclusion, the strings soar and the drum strikes a doleful beat. But Cortese always has the last word. When the cacophony subsides, her voice rings out alone. More http://www.thisislauracortese.com/

Mariel Vandersteel BIO - scroll past photo
http://www.marielvandersteel.com/

Somewhere between the fjords of Norway and mountains of the Blue Ridge, the fiddle-playing of Mariel Vandersteel intones the strains of elevation, clarity and tremendous feeling. It is uncanny that she hails from a very different set of mountains: those of northern California. Mariel came of age musically nurtured by the Bay Area’s rich revivalist traditional music scene, receiving a cultural grant to venture to the traditional music archives in Dublin, Ireland, and attending Boston’s Berklee College of Music for violin performance. After graduating, Mariel moved to Norway to study Hardingfele, the country’s national instrument at Hogskolen i Telemark folk music school. Returning to Boston in 2009, Mariel continued to work with acoustic-roots conjurers Blue Moose and the Unbuttoned Zippers, exploring musical connections between Scandinavia and the United States.

On her new record, Mariel aims to bridge old and new worlds, organically melding the sounds, ornaments and accents of the fiddle communities in which she has delved; Boston and Norway, Ireland and California. In making the record, the goal was to give an aural snapshot of the textures of those communities. Collaborating with the Boston-area’s finest acoustic musicians, including producer/composer Jordan Tice, Scottish harpist Maeve Gilchrist, Tristan Clarridge, Samson Grisman, Dominick Leslie and Duncan Wickel, Mariel’s new music incorporates lush instrumental dialogues, playful timbral exchanges between fiddle and hardanger, and evocative interpretations of old-world melodies. The record endeavors to capture the incredible energy and ingenuity of the musical community Mariel has surrounded herself with: warmly inviting the listener to the fjord, the Sierra or the living room.

Along with her solo project, Mariel tours nationally and internationally with Blue Moose and the Unbuttoned Zippers, Laura Cortese’s Acoustic Project and a duo with Emma Beaton. More http://www.marielvandersteel.com/

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BROOKTONDALE NY (near ITHACA) - Andrew and Noah VanNorstrand - Sat Mar 16th House Concert & Workshop - Spend the whole day at the Canaan Institute or take it in “a la carte”. Details and suggested contributions listed here: Contra Musicians’ workshop 2:00-4:30 pm $20, Potluck dinner 5:00-6:30 pm bring something to share, House Concert 7:00-9:30 pm $15, Music Jam after the concert - bring your instrument, or $25 for the whole day. This takes place at a private residence, please email Mike for reservations and directions mike@cinst.org. Telephone 607-539-6153. The Canaan Institute: www.cinst.org

Here is a video clip from the March 16 concert … they played this song spontaneously from a request by an audience member.

CONCERT DETAIL - The VanNorstrands have been bringing their brand of high-energy alternative folk music to concert halls, festival stages, and dance floors across North America for more than a decade, but this concert is a return to the brothers’ musical roots. They began their musical careers learning old-time fiddle tunes, but soon became proficient on an astonishing variety of instruments; guitar, banjo, bouzouki, bongos, mandolin, bodhran, and even didgeridoo. Recently they’ve branched out into an edgier, more improvisational style including jazz, rock and world-beat percussion.  Their stunning abilities as both performers and composers, combined with energetic, heartfelt performances, have built a large and loyal following. This show presents a special opportunity to hear these remarkable musicians in a cozy, close-up setting.

RSVP mike@cinst.org to reserve your place! Let us know what part of the day you want to participate in.  This will be an all day event.  Spend the whole day at the Institute or take it in “a la carte”.  Details and suggested contributions listed here:

Contra Musicians’ workshop 2:00-4:30 pm - $20 alone
Potluck dinner 5:00-6:30 pm - bring something to share
House Concert 7:00-9:30 pm - $15 alone
Music Jam after the concert - bring your instrument
$25 donation covers the whole day

DIRECTIONS to this event http://canaaninstitute.org/mn/mus_jamcann.html
Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/143069282522156/

WORKSHOP DETAIL - Here is a mini-summary of possible workshop topics: great for contra dance musicians!

Crowd Control: rhythm, dynamics and communication
Bigger on the Inside: tune deconstruction and arrangements
The Perfect Fit: working with callers, matching tunes with dances
Between the Sheets: improvisation and finding the soul of a tune

More about Noah and Andrew VanNorstrand:

www.andrewandnoah.com
www.facebook.com/andrewandnoahband
www.sonicbids.com/andrewandnoah

PHOTO - Noah on the left, Andrew on the right

Andrew and Noah VanNorstrand are two of the most exciting and creative musicians on the folk music scene today. This special show will be a rare, all acoustic performance by the duo, featuring a finely crafted blend of old-time country songs, mountain fiddle tunes, swing, and bluegrass, as well as some originals. The intimate setting of the Canaan Institute is the perfect venue for this kind of concert.

The VanNorstrands have been bringing their brand of high-energy alternative folk music to concert halls, festival stages, and dance floors across North America for more than a decade, but this concert is a return to the brothers’ musical roots. They began their musical careers learning old-time fiddle tunes, but soon became proficient on an astonishing variety of instruments; guitar, banjo, bouzouki, bongos, mandolin, bodhran, and even didgeridoo. Recently they’ve branched out into an edgier, more improvisational style including jazz, rock and world-beat percussion.  Their stunning abilities as both performers and composers, combined with energetic, heartfelt performances, have built a large and loyal following. This show presents a special opportunity to hear these remarkable musicians in a cozy, close-up setting.

Andrew & Noah are DIY musicians with some hard-earned credentials. They’ve been featured performers at the Lake Eden Arts Festival in NC, Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival and Falcon Ridge Folk Festival in NY, KVMR Celtic Festival in CA, Suwannee Springfest in FL, Midpoint Music Festival in OH and many others. They’ve toured extensively, often playing for contra dances as The Great Bear Trio with their mom Kim on piano. They’ve taught at various music camps including Ashokan Fiddle & Dance, CDSS Pinewoods and the Augusta Heritage Center. Andrew is also the program coordinator for the annual Ashokan Guitar Camp. They performed live on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” when they were in their teens. They maintain their own independent label (Great Bear Records) and produce an annual music and dance festival in Oswego, NY called The Groove.

Andrew and Noah are a true brother duo in the line of the Stanleys, the Louvins and the Everlys. Their finely-honed vocal harmonies bespeak over two decades of common musical experience, but it’s their differences that make them truly dynamic. Both brothers started out playing fiddle at age eight. Andrew was always drawn to bluegrass, swing, old-time country and cowboy songs, which eventually led him to take up the guitar and banjo. Noah, on the other hand, dug deeper into Celtic, Appalachian and contemporary acoustic roots music; branching out on the mandolin, tenor guitar, didgeridoo, drums and percussion. They recorded several albums in their teens of all original material and in 2004 they appeared on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion. Now in their twenties, the brothers continue to write, record and tour all over North America with several bands including The Great Bear Trio, Giant Robot Dance and of course, the Andrew & Noah Band. They maintain their own independent label (Great Bear Records) and produce an annual music and dance festival in Oswego, NY called The Groove.

Press quotes:

“Their material is original, yet sounds timeless, demonstrating a depth of musical understanding seldom found in musicians double or triple their ages.” – Rob Weir, Sing Out!

“These folks are going places!” – Jay Ungar, performer, composer

“Their eclectic arrangements show both considerable technical ability and an ear for orchestration.” – Tom Nelligan, Dirty Linen Magazine

“These two brothers are fun, talented, and above all, great showmen!” – Bill Knowlton, Bluegrass Ramble, WCNY-FM

ANDREW & NOAH BAND
www.andrewandnoah.com
www.facebook.com/andrewandnoahband
www.sonicbids.com/andrewandnoah

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HUNTINGDON PA  — Musicians of all ages, instruments and skill levels are invited to attend Folk College 2012, where they’ll have the opportunity to learn from locally and nationally-known folk musicians in a fun and friendly environment.

The event will be held May 25-27 at Juniata College in Huntingdon PA (near State College and Penn State) and will feature workshops, concerts, jam sessions and more, culminating in a student concert where participants can show off the skills they learned throughout the weekend. Workshops range from beginner to advanced and cover genres including blues, old time and world music.

The Folk College 2012 musical staff include:

• Atwater-Donnelly: Atwater-Donnelly performs a unique and thrilling blend of traditional American and Celtic folk music and dance, along with original songs and poetry. The highly praised husband-wife duo blends gorgeous vocals with an astonishing array of instruments including the mountain dulcimer, old-time banjo, tin whistle, guitar, limberjack, mandolin, harmonica, feet and more.
• Four Shillings Short: Four Shillings Short is part of the creative fusion that is happening in World Music today.  Blending Celtic, East Indian and American Folk music with Medieval, Renaissance and original compositions, the international duo have carved out a musical identity all their own.
• Simple Gifts: Three women plus twelve instruments equals one good time when Simple Gifts takes the stage. Drawing on an impressive variety of ethnic folk styles, th award-winning trio of Linda LIttleton, Karen Hirschon and Rachel Hall play everything from lively Irish jigs and down-home American reels to hard-driving Klezmer frailachs and haunting Gypsy melodies, spicing the mix with the distinctive rhythms of Balkan dance music, the lush sounds of Scandinavian twin fiddling, and original compositions written in a traditional style.

• The Horse Flies: A longtime favorite of critics and fans, The Horse Flies blend Americana roots with indie rock, ethnic percussion, creative songwriting, and a fierce, percolating groove. With a love of both the traditional and the modern, The Flies have consistently explored the intersection of the two to create a musical world all their own.
• The Twilite Broadcasters: The Twilite Broadcasters are the missing link between vintage country, old time, early bluegrass and rockabilly. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, the band creates traditional American music directly inspired by the likes of the Louvin Brothers and Bill Monroe.
• Tomás Lozano and Polly Ferber: Barcelona born Tomás Lozano’s music incarnates his mix of cultural roots; a history of conquest and resistance masterfully expressed through his smooth voice, the vibrant fingerwork on his guitar and the soothing droning of his hurdy-gurdy. He will be joined by Polly Ferber, a percussionist, music educator, performer, and recording artist who specializes in hand percussion from the Middle East, the Balkans, Spanish Andalusia, and North Africa.

The weekend will also feature teacher training for the Mark O’Connor method of fiddle playing. This intensive workshop is designed for music teachers interested in learning O’Connor’s unique method of fiddle instruction.

Folk College is hosted by Simple Gifts nd sponsored by the Huntingdon County PA Arts Council. Those who register before April 1 can take advantage of a $200 “early bird” pricing; the cost is $235 after April 1. Meals and lodging in Juniata College residence halls are also available for additional fees.

Folk College 2012 will be held May 25-27 at Juniata College in Huntingdon PA. For more information, visit folkcollege.com or contact the Huntingdon County Arts Council at 814-643-6220.

Open Jam at The Canaan Institute every Wednesday 7:00 - 10:00 pm - The focus is Celtic, American and world fiddle dance tunes suitable for contra dance. NOT a slow jam, but newcomers are always welcome. All instruments: Fiddles, Guitars, Mandolins, Banjos and etc are welcome! Sheet music and MP3’s available. This is the Ithaca area’s longest running contra tune jam and the launching point for many new bands and jams! WORKSHOPS offered and DIRECTIONS to http://canaaninstitute.org/mn/mus_jamcann.html

YFN Open Band opportunity: Annual Boy Scout Troop 13 Spaghetti Dinner Trumansburg NY Mar 31st 4-7 pm RSVP to Mike. Details http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=4628#4628

APR 22 - Musicians’ Workshops with NYS fiddle champ Phil Banaszak and Traditional NYS song and tune expert Dave Ruch from The Canal Street String Band at The Canaan Institute. Phil and Dave will teach 2 workshops concurrently: one in the farmhouse and one in the music building at the Canaan Institute (Mike Ludgate’s place). See http://canaaninstitute.org/mn/mus_jamcann.html Sunday April 22nd 2012 2:00-4:30 pm RSVP to Mike - Workshop details http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=4650#4650

ITHACA NY - Fiddlehead Frolic Apr 28 (Musicians: There will be JAMMING and musician’s WORKSHOPS at this event.) Schedule on pdf file below. Hands Four Dancers of Ithaca will host its fifth Fiddlehead Frolic, a day of music and dance featuring one of the region’s hottest contra dance bands, TUNESCAPE (Tim Ball on fiddle, Rachel Bell on accordion, Nadine Dyskant on flute, Jodi Austin on keyboard, and Peter Blue on percussion and nyckelharpa). Calling with them will be Ron Buchanan of Pittsburgh. Contra and waltz sessions with August Wheat, a square dance session with the Uphill Battle Boys, and a panoply of skillful local callers. Register in advance and pay the low, low price of only $22 for the whole day! You’ll find a PDF of the brochure (with registration form) INFO THREAD http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=4598#4598 REGISTRATION FLYER http://canaaninstitute.org/docs/Fiddlehead_Frolic_2012_Brochure.pdf

FOLK COLLEGE 2012 - May 25-27 - A festival by musicians, for musicians, recognized and supported by the National Endowment for the Arts! A weekend of musical fun in a college setting in Huntingdon Pennsylvania, on the picturesque Juniata College campus. Featured performers-teachers: The Horse Flies, Atwater-Donnelly, Four Shillings Short, The Twilite Broadcasters, Tomás Lozano & Polly Ferber and many others, including T’Burg and Ithaca’s own Gordon Bonnet, Debbie Rifkin, and Kathy Selby.”  LEARN MORE register now for early discounts! http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=4547#4547

Ithaca Festival JAM TENT — Probably will be in Dewitt Park this year. I started a 2012 news thread here http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=4641#4641

Contra Dancing on the Ithaca Commons - Starts on the Monday right after Ithaca Festival Monday June 4th. Open band and contra dancing all summer long 7:30-10:00 pm every Monday night.

BROOKTONDALE NY - Music Jam Event at the Canaan Institute (Mike and Raylene’s workshop) with mountain dulcimer musician extraordinaire Bing Futch! Wednesday November 9th 5-10 pm Bing will teach a Mountain dulcimer workshop from 5-7 pm cost is $25. This will be followed by the regular MUSIC JAM at the usual time 7:00-10pm the music jam is FREE. The music jam is also open to ALL instruments! It is OK to come to only the dulcimer workshop OR only the music jam (or both of course). RSVP to mike@cinst.org to reserve a seat at the workshop and for directions.

Some of you may have seen Bing at Old Songs this year. More about this fabulous musician: With roots in both African and Seminole Indian tribes, Bing Futch’s window on America is a unique landscape of music, words and imagery. He began playing Appalachian mountain dulcimer at Knott’s Berry Farm theme park in 1986, working at a Ghost Town shop for Bud & Donna Ford.

That same year, Futch founded techno-punk band Crazed Bunnyz, a trio that grew popular in the international underground college radio scene and has remained a fan favorite long after disbanding in 1988. Since then, he has enjoyed a diverse and prolific solo career, composing dozens of scores for film, theater, themed attractions and television.

After working closely with producers of the hit NBC series “Quantum Leap” while shooting his first documentary in 1992, Futch left his California hometown of Los Angeles in 1993 to pursue production opportunities in central Florida where he set up a multimedia company called J.O.B. Entertainment Inc. Some of his early projects include the travelogue “Disney Overload”, a reality series called “Toastin’”, serving as musical director and composing an original score for the Stage Left Theater production of “Jungle Book: The Musical” and writing/performing portions of the soundtrack for The Castle of Miracles at Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee, Florida.

In 1999, Mohave was born. The award-winning Americana band has performed in a variety of venues including multiple shows at The House Of Blues at Walt Disney World, Hard Rock Live Orlando, The Bamboo Room, Freebird Live, The Orlando Fringe Festival, The Central Florida Fair and they’ve also opened for national acts Molly Hatchet, Subject To Change, St. Somewhere and The Crests.

As a solo performer, Bing’s high-energy, crowd pleasing shows and unique approach to the mountain dulcimer combined have made him a much-sought national act from California to Connecticut. Named 2006 “Songwriter of the Year” by the Songwriters Showcases of America (with a 2007 “Song of the Year” award for “Crazy Feels Like”), Bing has become a regularly featured artist at festivals, house concerts, Irish and British pubs and other venues across the country. He’s opened for Grammy-award nominated artists Sam & Ruby, bluesman Scott Ainslie, singer/songwriter Larry Mangum, shared the stage with Zydeco king Chubby Carrier, Tom Constanten (The Grateful Dead), national fingerstyle guitar champion Michael Chapdelaine, produced numerous recordings and has published several songbooks.

Alongside his performing career, Bing has become a popular instructor of the mountain dulcimer and Native American flute and his video podcast, “Dulcimerica”, has been seen and downloaded by over half a million unique viewers.

Along with the music and video, Bing is also an accomplished podcaster, published writer and roller-coaster fan whose music columns in Jam, Ink-19 and Connections Magazine have been a Florida scene staple for over ten years. He and his wife Jae live in Orlando, so close to Walt Disney World that you can see the fireworks from their interstate exit. — bio by Dean Rezzen

Bing Futch’s Website http://www.darkstudios.com
Canaan Institute Website http://www.canaaninstitute.org

ELLIS HOLLOW (near ITHACA) NY — We’ll have an awesome array of live music at the Fair, featuring the traditional tunes and songs that have been heard at NY country fairs since pioneer days. We have performances by talented Ellis Hollow musicians, five hours of open jamming, and an open mic hour. Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=274823775863022

Saturday Sept 10, 12 noon - 5 pm 2011
At the Fairground next to the Ellis Hollow Community Center on Genung Road
http://www.ellishollowcc.org/Ellis_Hollow_Fair

JAM TENT, 12 noon - 5 pm
The genres played will depend on who shows up, so bring an acoustic instrument and join us! (In previous years, jams have included New England and Celtic, Southern old-time, Americana, folk and blues…) All levels of expertise are very welcome!.

OPEN MIC, 2-3 pm
If you would like to play or sing at the Performance Tent, please contact Kathy Selby at <ks295@cornell.edu> or Mike Mojo <mojonator9@yahoo.com>. All ages, experience levels, genres and instruments are welcome.

THE PERFORMANCE TENT, 12 noon - 5 pm
Showcasing musicians from the Ellis Hollow area
12-1 Crooked Sixpence (Kathy Selby, Gordon Bonnet and John Wobus) play Celtic and New England tunes on fiddle, flute and keyboard.
1-2 Cielle - Ellis Hollow’s own original singer-songwriter Cielle delivers bluesy vocals over an indie groove.
2-3 Open mic hour - your chance to play or sing for us all!
3-4 Four String Mojo (Mike Mojo and friends) play americana, folk, blues, parlor, rags and ukulele too.
4-5 Ramblin’ Train (Karen O’Brien, Dave Richman and John Young) play Appalachian Bluegrass and Old County from the South, in the Style of Doc Watson, Dan Crary and Tony Rice, on guitars, banjitars and upright bass.

LAST MINUTE UPDATES AT HIS FORUM THREAD http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=4289#4289

Ithaca Festival Acoustic Music Jam Tent ALL DAY Sunday June 5th 2011 at Stewart Park - Come join in!! MAP to find JAM TENT; DETAILS; UPDATES http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=3971#3971

PHOTOS Here are the 2011 Ithaca Festival Parade Photos http://www.canaaninstitute.org/ also 2010, 2009 and 2008 please go here and click the “like” button! https://www.facebook.com/canaaninstitute

Ithaca Festival Jam Tent 2011 - sponsored by Ithaca Guitar Works and Ludgate Farm and Market.

Sunday June 5th 2011 from 11:30 am until 9:00 pm
at Stewart Park at the Jam Tent (near the entrance and family fun
tent). We have 6 jams again this year. These are all jams loosely
related to jam sessions and sings that happen in and around the Ithaca
area on a regular basis. Time slots and band leaders subject to change
at the last minute. See this music forum thread for updates http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=3971#3971

11:30 am - 1:00 pm – CAJUN JAM
(Traditional Cajun maybe a little Zydeco) — The origins of Cajun music
started in the north when the Acadians were forced to migrate from Nova
Scotia to Louisiana in the late 1700’s. This is a rich and unique
American music style. This will be an open acoustic only instrumental
jam as are all the others in the Ithaca Festival Jam Tent listed below.
Contact person: Greg Grodem rjgreg@lightlink.com

1:00 PM - 2:30 pm – SINGING JAM
(Folk Songs) — This is a sing-a-long, where anyone can lead. Songs your
parents sang when you were little, songs you sang at camp, songs that
mean a lot to you right now. Instruments are welcome for back up, but
the focus for this jam is on voices. Bring a song to share, chime in on a
chorus or just listen, everyone is welcome! Contacts: Jim Harper jharper@jimharpermusic.com or Richie Holtz richard_holtz@verizon.net

2:30 pm - 4:00 pm – OLD-TIME JAM
(Appalachian Fiddle Tunes) — Southern old-time music was born when
African rhythms and syncopation began to influence the fiddle dance tune
tradition. Old-time jams often include guitar, clawhammer banjo,
fiddle, mandolin, dulcimer, voices, and tapping feet to keep the rhythm.
Tunes are usually passed along by oral tradition, but chord charts are
available for many of the tunes, and musicians of any level are welcome.
The emphasis is on getting into a groove for each tune. Contact: Laura
Taylor lbt1@cornell.edu

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm – BLUEGRASS JAM
(Traditional Bluegrass) — Bluegrass is American roots music comprising
a rich fusion of traditions from the British Isles, jazz, blues, and
country. This jam features fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar, dobro,
upright bass, and vocals, and each instrument has the opportunity to
improvise around the melody in wildly creative ways. All skill levels
are welcome! Contact: Philip Robinson philip.robinson@cornell.edu

5:30 pm -7:00 pm – FIDDLE TUNE JAM
(New England, Contra and Assorted Fiddle Tunes) — We will be playing
“fiddle tunes” suitable for contra or square dancing. These tunes
originate from New England, Canada, British Isles and parts of Europe .
This is an open instrumental jam where typical instruments are fiddle,
guitar, mandolin, banjo (4 or 5 string), accordion, acoustic bass and
occasional woodwinds such as flute or clarinet. This group typically
works from the Ithaca “YFN tuneset”. But any fiddle tunes are
approrriate if someone can lead it! All skill levels welcome, come join
us! Contact person: Michael Ludgate michael.ludgate@gmail.com

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm – IRISH SESSION
(Traditional Irish) — This session will be run in traditional Irish
session style, which is generally full speed ahead and often stringing 2
or 3 tunes together at a time. All skill levels welcome: the tunes are
fast, but the only way to “get the feel” is to jump in and try! Contact
persons: Ed McGowan, Scott Whitham or Mark Bickford scott.whitham@gmail.com

Saturday, April 16, noon to 11 pm
Boynton Middle School, 1601 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca

As fern fiddleheads push their way through winter-squashed litter and tardy snow, dancers and musicians will also unfurl in 11 hours of nonstop contra, English country, squares, waltzes, instrumental workshops, and jamming. Fabulous New England-based band Elixir, with Ethan Hazzard-Watkins on fiddle, Anna Patton on clarinet and vocals, Jesse Hazzard-Watkins on trumpet and flugelhorn, Owen Morrison on guitar and foot percussion, and multi-talented caller-trombonist-vocalist Nils Fredland, will ignite the crowd with the brassiest contra dances around. It’s a happy fusion–with finesse–of big-band, traditional Celtic and French Canadian, Dixieland jazz, swing, reggae, and rock. The tone ranges from raucous to serene; always creative and impossible for dancers to resist! Nils Fredland is an inventive, wildly popular and gifted caller who wowed the crowd at the 2007 Fiddlehead Frolic with fun, interwoven dances never before seen in Ithaca. Nils and Elixir will also do some singing squares learned from grand master Ralph Sweet, will provide flowing tunes for English country dances taught by Pamela Goddard, and will lead an instrumental workshop. Energy to spare!

Ithaca’s own O’Shanigans (in high demand throughout the region), with Tim Ball on soulful fiddle, Michael Ludgate on mandolin, and Phil Robinson on guitar, will offer more contras (called by Katy Heine), waltz sessions, and a contra medley. http://canaaninstitute.org/oshanigans.html

Mad Goat String Band (Peter Fraissinet on fiddle and banjo, Joe Hayward on banjo, Tom Ruscitti on mandolin and hammered dulcimer, Marianne Marsh and Nancy Spero on [double] bass) will play for an old-time square dance with Nancy Spero calling. Informal jam marathons will occur afternoon and evening (no charge for those who come just to jam).

If high spirits and sublime, hot music are not fuel enough, there will be sandwiches/light lunch and a waltz jam at noon and a community potluck supper at 6:15 pm. There’s also a silent auction (with wonderful donated goods and services). Whether it’s your fingers or feet that are flying, you’ll find hours of delight in spring-celebratory company at the Fiddlehead Frolic, hosted by Hands Four Dancers of Ithaca.

Prices vary by session (afternoon, evening, all-day); discount for HFDI members. Full schedule and details at http://www.hands4dancers.org/frolic/2011/index.html or call 607-539-3174. Out-of-towners who need a place to stay should contact Susan Arnsten-Russell at 607-277-0770 or sarnsten@gmail.com. Newcomers are welcome; each dance is taught, there a just a few basic steps, and the dance community is friendly and happy to help beginners. You don’t need to bring a partner, but you will need clean, soft-soled shoes (to protect the floor). Hands Four Dancers is a community-run, all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to promoting great dances in the region, and the Frolic is our home-grown festival, guaranteed to induce euphoria!

RSVP ON FACEBOOK! See who else is coming!! https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=140384776025805

—Margaret Shepard

TONIGHT — Nancy Spero w/ Contrapasso, The MacGillicuddies., SAT — The Ageless Jazz Band, The Hogwashers, Ithaca Community Orchestra., SUN — Black Walnut Band.

Fiddle tune books make great GIFTS! Yes Mike sells tune books! Portland Selection I&II, Waltz Books I,II&III, New England Fiddlers Reperatoire III, many more! Complete list here http://canaaninstitute.org/mn/mus_sound.html

Scroll down for general calendar … also take a look here! http://canaaninstitute.org/mn/musicnt.htm

Musicians: Looking for gigs? http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewforum.php?f=6 =and= Classifieds: Buy sell want need? http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewforum.php?f=2

Fri Dec 10    Cielle - (Original acoustic songs) - Dinner Hour 7-9 PM at The Rongovian Embassy to the USA, Trumansburg NY (607) 387-3334 http://www.rongo.com/

Fri Dec 10    Contra Dance every Friday at Bethel Grove Community Center ITHACA NY — 8 pm $6- dance sponsored by TCCD http://tedcrane.com/TCCD/ FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=31552309563 AND http://www.ludgatefarms.com/mus_dance.html AND http://canaaninstitute.org/photos/TCCD_Insert_current.pdf — Dec.10: Nancy Spero w/ Contrapasso Yes, it’s Tim Ball and Roberta Truscello.

Fri Dec 10    El Caminos - (Electic Americana) - 10 PM at The Rongovian Embassy to the USA, Trumansburg NY (607) 387-3334 http://www.rongo.com/

Fri Dec 10    ELMIRA NY — Christmas Show with Curt Osgood on Dulcimer and RJ Siegers on banjo and guitar, Express Café & Bakery, 164 N. Main St. Elmira, NY (607) 732-2250 info@expresscafebakery.com for more visit www.curtosgood.com

Fri Dec 10    Friday at Felicia’s with The MacGillicuddies 5:30-8:30 pm http://www.atomicloungeithaca.com/calendar.php — “THE MACGILLICUDDIES. The MacGillicuddies play an eclectic blend of zydeco, old-time, rock and country, with enough energy to blow up a building. $2 Yuenglings, $4 Cosmos/Lychees/Bloodys, and $2.50 Drunken Dogs boiled with beer and topped with homemade ketchup, homemade mustard and homemade relish.  Flatbread pizzas also available. No cover.”

Fri Dec 10    Friday Jazz Happy Hour at Oasis Dance Club - live music and dancing - http://www.ithacaoasis.com/ — This Friday Jazz Happy Hour, The Oasis is featuring THE ECLECTICS from 6:00pm-9:00pm, no cover.  Iska Ziver will be giving the free swing dance lesson at 7:15pm on their break.

Fri Dec 10    JAM — Bluegrass Jam - open jam at LONGVIEW 6:30 - 8:30 pm every other Friday — Bluegrass only - all levels welcome! This jam is being slightly restructured (Starting Oct 1st 2010) to help promote a higher skill level of pure bluegrass. It is still open and friendly, but the emphasis will be on bluegrass only … we will try and have a jam leader at each session to assist in this transition! Keep on pickin’! :-) MORE INFO http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=3679#3679

Fri Dec 10    SYR NY — Contra Dance — Bob Nicholson will be calling to the tasty music of the Salt Potatoes. http://syracusecountrydancers.org/

Fri Dec 10    The Festive Concerto: December 10-12 A celebration of music for strings, including Bach’s 3rd Brandenburg Concerto. More http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=3568#3568

Fri Dec 10    THE NUTCRACKER RETURNS TO THE STATE THEATRE IN ITHACA DECEMBER 10-12 — Magical toys, dancing snowflakes and belly dancers, all topped off with visions of sugar plums dancing on the stage! It’s time for the return of a holiday tradition at the State Theatre in Ithaca with the Ithaca Ballet’s Nutcracker December 10-12. Once again, the Friday evening performance at 7:30 will be particularly magical because it features the Finger Lakes Symphony Orchestra conducted by Diego Garcia playing the familiar Tchaikovsky score live. The Saturday and Sunday matinee performances are at 3:00 PM. FULL STORY TICKETS http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=3790#3790

Fri Dec 10    Tom Quigley will be appearing at Tioga Trails Cafe this Friday evening, December 10th, starting at 7pm.  Tom will be playing covers on acoustic guitar of songs mostly from the 60’s and 70’s, plus a little folk and bluegrass  Tioga Trails Cafe is located at 50 Lake Street, Owego, NY, and their website is http://www.tiogatrailscafe.com/.

Sat Dec 11    BING NY — Contra Dance — Caller: Sharon Perry. Music by Confluence. Trinity Memorial. Contradance http://www.binghamtondance.org/

Sat Dec 11    JACKSONVILLE NY — Old-Time Dance Night 8 pm. Live music by The Hogwashers with Nancy Spero calling Squares. Close Hall on Rt 96 Jacksonville NY $7- beginners welcome, no partner needed http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=3776#3776

Sat Dec 11    KennyT and WildFire at Spark’s Tavern (Waverly NY) Saturday December 11th 9pm to 1am

Sat Dec 11    NEWARK VALLEY NY — Holiday Magic at Newark Valley, Municipal Building 7-9 pm,. Curt Osgood on dulcimer with Annie Simpson on guitar and Bill Myers on whistles

Sat Dec 11    Swing Dance with The Ageless Jazz Band  — Ithaca Swing Dance Network with the Ageless Jazz Band Annual December benefit for CSMA Sat Dec 11, 8:30 pm (dance lesson at 7:30) 3rd Floor Performance Space, CSMA Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) 330 E State Street Ithaca MORE INFO http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=3803#3803

Sat Dec 11    SYR NY — Jonathan Dinkin & Klezmercuse will be performing as part of the “Second Saturday” concert series at the Westcott Community Center, 826 Euclid Avenue, Syracuse, N.Y., on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. Admission: $10 ($8 for WCC members, $5 students with ID). For reservations call the Westcott Community Center at (315) 478-8634. http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=3791#3791

Sat Dec 11    The Festive Concerto: December 10-12 A celebration of music for strings, including Bach’s 3rd Brandenburg Concerto. More http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=3568#3568

Sat Dec 11    The Ithaca Community Orchestra’s 2010 Winter Concert on Saturday, December 11, 2010 4 pm at the First Baptist Church of Ithaca, DeWitt Park — The orchestra will premiere a commissioned piece by local composer Mer Boel, as well as perform works by Elgar, Saint-Säens, and Brahms. The concert begins at 4 pm and will be held at the First Baptist Church of Ithaca on DeWitt Park . The concert and reception that follows are open to the general public. There is a $5 suggested donation for adults. Funding for this concert is provided with grant support from the Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County. http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=3800#3800

Sat Dec 11    The Lost Sailors - (Grateful tribute) - 10 PM at The Rongovian Embassy to the USA, Trumansburg NY (607) 387-3334 http://www.rongo.com/

Sat Dec 11    THE NUTCRACKER RETURNS TO THE STATE THEATRE IN ITHACA DECEMBER 10-12 — Magical toys, dancing snowflakes and belly dancers, all topped off with visions of sugar plums dancing on the stage! It’s time for the return of a holiday tradition at the State Theatre in Ithaca with the Ithaca Ballet’s Nutcracker December 10-12. Once again, the Friday evening performance at 7:30 will be particularly magical because it features the Finger Lakes Symphony Orchestra conducted by Diego Garcia playing the familiar Tchaikovsky score live. The Saturday and Sunday matinee performances are at 3:00 PM. FULL STORY TICKETS http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=3790#3790

Sat Dec 11    Watkins Glen, NY - The Purple Valley returns to the Rooterfish Brewing Company in Watkins Glen (http://www.roosterfishbrewing.com/) from 8-11PM. Great beer and food and a really friendly place to hang out and enjoy/

Sun Dec 12    Black Walnut Band at Maxie’s - Live music on Tuesdays and Sundays 6-10 pm http://www.maxies.com/events.html

Sun Dec 12    Blue Skies at Americana Vineyards, Winery & Cafe This SUNDAY December 12, (4-6 pm) 4367 East Covert Road, Interlaken (off rt 96)  2 miles N. of T’Burg www.americanavineyards.com and www.myspace.com/blueskiesithaca

Sun Dec 12    JAM — Old Time Jam every Sunday late afternoon; playing fiddle tunes in the southern old time tradition. This open jam floats around the Ithaca area to various jammers homes and has a separate email list. Email Mike L or Laura T for more info. This jam stays in one key (A, C, D, or G) for the entire session, and rotates to a new key each week.

Sun Dec 12    Klezmer Christmas Chaos Brookton’s Market 2-3:30  Join renowned story teller Regina Carpenter, CU Klezmer Ensemble and Uncle Joe and the Rosebud Ramblers for an afternoon of holiday craziness.  Fun stories and music for the whole family. Brookton’s Market 491 Brooktondale Road Brooktondale, NY 14817 http://www.brooktonsmarket.com/ http://www.myspace.com/unclejoerosebudramblers http://www.soaringstories.com/web/

Sun Dec 12    Myra Kovary is performing the Benjamin Britten Ceremony of Carols at the First Presbyterian Church in Ithaca on Sunday morning, December 12, 2010 at 10 am.  The piece is a beautiful work for harp and choir written in 1943.  The carols are not at all the traditional Christmas carols.  She often plays in orchestra where the harp is only a small part of the ensemble.  In the Britten, the harp is the only instrument accompanying the choir and there is also a solo harp Interlude — so, you’ll really be able to hear the harp!  The performance is part of the regular church service and is free and open to the public.  The First Presbyterian Church is at the corner of Court and Cayuga Streets in Ithaca. www.myrakovary.com

Sun Dec 12    Oasis Dance Club — This Sunday Open Blues Jam and Swing Dance will be hosted by FRANK JOSEPH AND THE HIPSHAKERS from 5:00pm-8:00pm, no cover.  All musicians, dancers and music lovers welcome.
”

Sun Dec 12    Sunday at Felicia’s with Free Little Birds with Marie Burns  www.marieburns.com 7 pm http://www.atomicloungeithaca.com/calendar.php — “FREE LITTLE BIRDS WITH MARIE BURNS. Country, old-time and other awesomeness with Marie Burns, Eric Aceto and Rich Dipaolo. $1 off menu drinks, $5 pizzas. No cover. www.keirneuringer.com, www.myspace.com/stevegollnick”

Sun Dec 12    The Festive Concerto: December 10-12 A celebration of music for strings, including Bach’s 3rd Brandenburg Concerto. More http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=3568#3568

Sun Dec 12    THE NUTCRACKER RETURNS TO THE STATE THEATRE IN ITHACA DECEMBER 10-12 — Magical toys, dancing snowflakes and belly dancers, all topped off with visions of sugar plums dancing on the stage! It’s time for the return of a holiday tradition at the State Theatre in Ithaca with the Ithaca Ballet’s Nutcracker December 10-12. Once again, the Friday evening performance at 7:30 will be particularly magical because it features the Finger Lakes Symphony Orchestra conducted by Diego Garcia playing the familiar Tchaikovsky score live. The Saturday and Sunday matinee performances are at 3:00 PM. FULL STORY TICKETS http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=3790#3790

Sun Dec 12    WITH-FM is pleased to announce that Ithaca radio personality Tracey Craig will produce and host a new weekly radio program, Rootabaga Boogie. The show will air Sundays from 10 a.m to noon on FM 90.1 in Ithaca, starting December 12. Rootabaga Boogie will feature an eclectic selection of folk and roots music, plus live music and conversation about music. WRUR-FM 88.5, WITH-FM’s sister station in Rochester, New York, plans to broadcast the program in early 2011. FULL STORY http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=3804#3804

Sun Dec 12    WVBR’S Bound for Glory — From DECEMBER 12 through JANUARY 16, Bound for Glory will be Albums from the Studios.  Catch the Winter Solstice show on DECEMBER 12,  the Christmas special show on DECEMBER 19, and the New Year’s special on DECEMBER 26.  Holiday songs you won’t hear in the shopping malls.  Give Phil a call at 607-273-2121.  Next Live Bound for Glory?  JANUARY 23, 2010, with BILL STAINES. Give Phil a call at 607-273-2121 WVBR’s BOUND FOR GLORY, North America’s longest running live folk concert broadcast, Ithaca, NY, since 1967. Sunday nights, 8 -11 pm Broadcast live at WVBR-FM, 93.5 and 105.5, web stream http://wvbr.com Presented by long-time host Phil Shapiro.

ATTENTION: Musicians! Send me your gigs! Guidelines http://canaaninstitute.org/mn/musicnt.htm#listings — HERE IS THE IMPORTANT PART — if you want to get the word out, the earlier you send me the gig, the more web coverage it gets. Increasingly folks (non-subscribers) are commenting that they get their information about what is happening from my web-pages and not from the emails (this is disappointing to me, but true), The number of readers on the email is in the hundreds while the number of readers (web clicks or hits) is in the many thousands per week. I only update the events grid once per week! Send them early! If you send the listings last minute, your news is missing a large part of the music news hungry audience :-)

UNSUBSCRIBE — Send email to Mikes-Music-request@icycle.org?subject=unsubscribe (with the word “unsubscribe” in the subject line) ==OR== you can simply email Mike (reply to this message) at michael.ludgate@gmail.com anytime. PLEASE never use the “spam” button to get off ANY list: that is poor e-etiquette it causes more problems for the administrator of the list AND other subscribers AND for yourself. Take the time to properly unsubscribe. Please tell me which list: I have five! Thanks! :-)

DIGEST MODE — Not recommended for this list [Mikes-Music]. The digest mode is really only useful on busier list-serves. Since I usually only send one message per day, it will not change your email volume as the digest is also one message per day. The non-digest version is easier to read because it includes HTML formatting and the wider screen of text.

Thanks for reading,
Mike :-)

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MUSIC HOME — CURRENT CALENDAR http://canaaninstitute.org/mn/musicnt.htm tons of music links
MUSIC BLOG — ARTICLES OF INTEREST http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusicblog/ ask how to become an author!
MUSIC FORUM — DETAILS on many things musical — http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/
FUTURE CALENDAR — UPCOMING LISTINGS http://canaaninstitute.org/mn/mus_upcom.html
WEDNESDAY - every week 7-10 pm “The Contra Jam” — http://canaaninstitute.org/mn/mus_jamcann.html 8 years running! All are welcome
Mike on MySpace http://www.myspace.com/michael_ludgate
Mike on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/michael.ludgate
The O’Shanigans Band http://www.canaaninstitute.org/oshanigans.html (Tim Ball, Phil Robinson and Mike Ludgate)

Contra Dancing in Central and Upstate NY http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=31552309563
The Wednesday Jam at Canaan Road http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=346116175882
Bluegrass music in Upstate and Central New York http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=59418231754
Open Dance Bands http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2378078998

Weekly Wednesday night jams at Canaan Rd
http://www.ludgatefarms.com/mus_jamcann.html

This is still happening! The best thing to do is get on my email list for up to the minute details. Send me a ‘hello’ -Mike

Every Wednesday 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm *new time*

NEW FORMAT! 15 minute refreshment break at around 8:45 pm and then we play the last hour until 10:00 pm without sheet music: ear only! It is great fun! Come try!

FACEBOOK GROUP for this jam session gang and affilated events! http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=346116175882

Other events …

Brendan Taaffe Oct 3rd 2010 …
“DADGAD guitar back-up for dance tunes”

Sunday Oct 3rd 2010 — Instrumental workshop for guitar players with Brendan TaaffeBrendan Taaffe. DADGAD guitar back-up for dance tunes at the Canaan Rd workshop from 2:30-4:30 pm. It will be open to all guitar players, intermediate level and up. $20- each participant. RSVP’s are requested as the number of participants is limited. Email Mike at michael@canaaninstitute.org to reserve a seat. Brendan has a Masters in Performance from the Irish World Music Centre, University of Limerick. FULL STORY and MUSICIAN’S BIOGRAPHY HERE:
http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=3627#3627

=====

Nightingale Oct 16th 2010 …
“Arranging traditional songs and instrumentals”

Saturday Oct 16th 2010 — Nightingale instrumental workshop for Nightingalemusicians on Oct 16th 2010 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Canaan Rd music workspace. It will be open to all instruments, intermediate level and up. $25- each participant. Nightingale is Jeremiah McLane (accordion, piano), Keith Murphy (voice, guitar, mandolin, piano, foot percussion), and Becky Tracy (fiddle). RSVP’s are requested as the number of participants is limited. Email Mike at michael@canaaninstitute.org to reserve a seat. FULL STORY and MUSICIANS’ BIOGRAPHIES HERE: http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=3557#3557

Next Big Jam is Sat Oct 30th Halloween!
Potluck dinner and Music Jam Costume Party

ITHACA NY - Music at the Ellis Hollow Fair Saturday Sept 11, 12 noon - 5 pm at the Fairground next to the Ellis Hollow Community Center on Genung Road — JAM TENT open jam 12 noon - 5 pm, OPEN MIC, 2-3 pm CONTACT INFO TO SIGN UP and PERFORMANCE TENT SCHEDULE: http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=3603#3603

Ithaca Festival Jam Tent 2010 - sponsored by Ithaca Guitar Works and Ludgate Farms.
http://www.guitarworks.com/ and http://www.ludgatefarms.com/

More info on the forum http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=3322#3322

Sunday June 6th 2010 from 11:30 am until 9:00 pm at Stewart Park at the Jam Tent (near the entrance and family fun tent). We have 6 jams again this year. These are all jams loosely related to sessions and sings that happen in and around the Ithaca area on a regular basis. Time slots and band leaders subject to change at the last minute. See this music forum thread for updates http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=3322#3322

11:30 am - 1:00 pm – CAJUN JAM (Traditional Cajun maybe a little Zydeco) — The origins of Cajun music started in the north when the Acadians were forced to migrate from Nova Scotia to Louisiana in the late 1700’s. This is a rich and unique American music style. This will be an open acoustic only instrumental jam as are all the others in the Ithaca Festival Jam Tent listed below. Contact person: Greg Grodem rjgreg@lightlink.com

1:00 PM - 2:30 pm –SINGING JAM (Folk Songs) — This is a sing-a-long, where anyone can lead. Songs your parents sang when you were little, songs you sang at camp, songs that mean a lot to you right now. Instruments are welcome for back up, but the focus for this jam is on voices. Bring a song to share, chime in on a chorus or just listen, everyone is welcome! Contacts: Jim Harper jimh@jhdesigns.com or Richie Holtz richard_holtz@verizon.net

2:30 pm - 4:00 pm — OLD-TIME JAM (Appalachian Fiddle Tunes) — Southern old-time music was born when African rhythms and syncopation began to influence the fiddle dance tune tradition. Old-time jams often include guitar, clawhammer banjo, fiddle, mandolin, dulcimer, voices, and tapping feet to keep the rhythm. Tunes are usually passed along by oral tradition, but chord charts are available for many of the tunes, and musicians of any level are welcome. The emphasis is on getting into a groove for each tune, allowing each musician room to improvise within the structure of the tune. Contact: Laura Taylor lbt1@cornell.edu

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm – BLUEGRASS JAM (Traditional Bluegrass) — Bluegrass is American roots music comprising a rich fusion of traditions from the British Isles, jazz, blues, and country. This jam features fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar, dobro, upright bass, and vocals, and each instrument has the opportunity to improvise around the melody in wildly creative ways. All skill levels are welcome! Contact: Philip Robinson philip.robinson@cornell.edu

5:30 pm -7:00 pm – CONTRA TUNE JAM (New England Fiddle Dance Tunes) — We will be playing “fiddle tunes” suitable for contra or square dancing. These tunes originate from New England, Canada, British Isles and parts of Europe . This is an open instrumental jam where typical instruments are fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo (4 or 5 string), accordion, acoustic bass and occasional woodwinds such as flute or clarinet. This group typically works from the Ithaca “YFN tuneset”. All skill levels welcome, come join us! Contact person: Michael Ludgate michael.ludgate@gmail.com

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm — IRISH SESSION (Traditional Irish) — This session will be run in traditional Irish session style, which is generally full speed ahead and often stringing 2 or 3 tunes together at a time. All skill levels welcome: the tunes are fast, but the only way to “get the feel” is to jump in and try! Contact persons: Ed McGowan, Scott Whitham or Mark Bickford scott.whitham@gmail.com