Sat Apr 06    TRUMANSBURG NY - Casey Carr w/ O’Shanigans - Contra Dance 8-11 pm. Fundraiser for the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts! O’Shanigans: Tim Ball (fiddle), Phil Robinson (guitar), and Michael Ludgate (mandolin). Location: Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts. Adults $10; children under 13 free. Contra dances have been held for hundreds of years in small town halls such as the Conservatory. Come help us revive this tradition in Trumansburg! Each dance is taught, and you can come without a partner. But please bring clean, soft-soled shoes to protect the lovely wooden floor! Sponsored by the board of the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts. Band www.oshanigans.org Venue http://tburgconservatory.org/

Fri Apr 05    COOPERSTOWN NY - Casey Mullaney w/ O’Shanigans - Contra Dance w/ Philip Robinson (guitar) and Mike Ludgate (mandolin) with Tim Ball on fiddle. The delightful Casey Mullaney (Hartwick ALUM) calling the dances in Cooperstown NY. Great little venue with a nice wooden floor. First Presbyterian Church, on the corner of Pioneer and Church Streets in Cooperstown NY. 8-11 pm., $8- www.oshanigans.org

Fri Feb 08 ITHACA NY - Katy Heine with Notes Inégales (notes in-a-gall): Andrea Katz (fiddle, viola) and Mike Ludgate (mandolin) - will be joined by Margaret Ball (fiddle) and Sophie Orzechowski (keyboard). Calling the dances is our fabulous Ithaca caller, Katy Heine http://www.notesinegales.org 8-11 pm 1825 Slaterville Rd Ithaca NY. Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/536339516400038/

Sat Feb 09 ROSE NY - Notes Inégales duo: Andrea Katz (fiddle, viola), Mike Ludgate (mandolin). Casey Carr Calling http://www.notesinegales.org EARLY dance 7:30-10:30 pm MAP http://goo.gl/maps/D0CVS Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/146838455471078/

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Sat Jan 12 BING NY - O’Shanigans Contra Dance w/ Michael Ludgate (mandolin, tenor banjo), Philip Robinson (guitar) and Tim Ball (fiddle) for the BING contra dance. http://www.oshanigans.org/ - Contra dance in Binghamton Saturday, January 12, 2012, EARLY DANCE 7.00 - 10.00 pm intro lesson 6:40 pm Music by O’Shanigans http://www.oshanigans.org/ Caller Casey Carr (from Ithaca) General admission $8 Students with ID and those under 18 $3 Family maximum $17 At Trinity Church, 44 Main Street, Binghamton (enter on Oak Street) http://www.binghamtondance.org/ MAP http://goo.gl/maps/D0CVS Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/409580022451030/

Fri Jan 18 ITHACA NY - NO’Shanigans Contra Dance w/ Margaret Ball (fiddle), Sophie Orzechowski (fiddle & accordion), Tim Ball (guitar) and Michael Ludgate (mandolin). Bethel Grove Community Center 1825 Slaterville Rd., Ithaca NY. 8-11 pm TCCD. http://www.oshanigans.org/ MAP http://goo.gl/maps/D0CVS Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/573713775976966

Sat Feb 09 ROSE NY - Notes Inégales duo: Andrea Katz (fiddle, viola), Mike Ludgate (mandolin). Casey Carr Calling www.notesinegales.org EARLY dance 7:30-10:30 pm MAP http://goo.gl/maps/D0CVS

MUSICIANS BIOS - http://www.oshanigans.org and http://www.notesinegales.org/

VENUE LOCATIONS - New Google Map of Central NY contra venues http://goo.gl/maps/D0CVS

From the dancers and callers about O’Shanigans and Notes Inegales –  “That was a delightful contra dance last night in Fayetteville … I truly enjoyed the many subtleties of your musical arrangements. And when Nils Fredland joined in on his trombone, it was polyphonic heaven … ” , “Ithaca’s best contra dance band”, “O’Shanigans rock(s)”, ” … such a fun group of people, and the band was awesome … ” , “What a great dance! Nils called some fun and interesting dances, the band was delightful! The place was packed…” , “you guys really GET the dance thing”, “wow …. WOW! That was inceredible!”, “you guys are so much fun to dance to!”, ”O’Shanigans is Ithaca’s hottest new contra dance band.”, “Tim Ball, Mike Ludgate, and Phil Robinson play with energy and style. It’s party time!” “I was happy to see and hear your band play, it was great! The music was the best I’ve heard at a contra for sure. It really got everyone grooving and elicited hooting and hollering … YEAH!” “The O’Shanigans rocked the hall tonight! You guys sure know how to throw a party!” “I was really glad to get to dance to your music- that was tons of fun!!” “Super dance on Friday! You guys were peppy, and there were some imaginative arrangements that made familiar tunes sound fresh. Hooray for the O’Shanigans!” “It was invigorating music, great company and fun caller!” “Do play for us again!” “It was fun dancing and even more so to the tunes of O’Shanigans!” “It was great!” “Mike, you and Phil and Tim were SOLID! I had a blast and my daughter had fun too! Thanks for playing, and thanks to Ray for the goodies!” “We’ve heard great stuff about you guys: We’d love to have you play at our dance!” “Wow! I have not seen that kind of energy at the Friday Dance in long time, you guys were great!” “That was they most amazing medley … was there something Middle Eastern in there?” “You guys were way out there like in Hungary or somewhere? … then you brought it back home with that old-time tune … the best version of that I have ever heard!” “The band was absolutely wonderful last night!”

More information About Contra Dancing:

http://www.greatmeadowmusic.com/music.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contra_dance
http://tedcrane.com/DanceDB/DisplayDance.com/US_NY_ITH_TCCD
http://hands4dancers.org/
http://www.syracusecountrydancers.org/
http://contra.binghamtondance.org/contra_calendar.htm
http://www.thedancegypsy.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTtEOaruqr4
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128273050

NPR: Youth Flock To Contra Dancing — Contra dancing has been around since the 1700s. If you don’t know it — it’s kind of like square dancing but with long lines of dancers. The dance is having a renaissance around the country thanks to a thriving youth scene and incredibly lively acoustic music. Article by Marika Partridge on All Things Considered NPR July 2nd 2010 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128273050

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ITHACA NY - Sunday, February 24 at 4pm at the Unitarian Church in Ithaca Winter Village is very excited to bring the Kruger Brothers to Ithaca for the first time later this month. Cornerstone was fortunate to play with them at the Riverhawk Festival in Florida in 2004ish, and at that time I was impressed my their incredible instrumental ability.  Jens is an amazing banjoist, second to none, and Uwe a top-notch flatpicking guitartist.  In listening to their recorded music, I am struck by their rare combination of technical proficiency, respect for the traditional mountain music of their adopted home in the Carolinas, and their heartfelt original songs.  In concert, they blend their beautiful original instrumentals, folk-tinged original songs, with some bluegrass chestnuts.  And they are not above playing popular, flashy, and fun bluegrass instrumentals like Dueling Banjos or Orange Blossom Special.  Please join us for what should be a great show.

“Jens Kruger is a wonderful banjoist who is one of the most creative and giving and positive musicians I’ve ever met. The Krugers put on a great show and you shouldn’t miss it.” Tony Trischka

Concert at 4pm at the Unitarian Church in Ithaca - 2 sets
Tickets cost $18 in advance (additional Ticket Center fees may apply) and are available exclusively at The Ticket Center on the Ithaca Commons. You can reach Ticket Center Ithaca at 607-273-4497. Tickets can also be purchased online through www.IthacaEvents.com.  Tickets will likely be available at the door for $25. Note that The Krugers travel with their own sound man so the sound should be great in the Unitarian Sanctuary.

Jens Kruger Banjo Workshop at 6pm
Jens Kruger will teach a banjo workshop after the show for 90 minutes.  Cost will be $60 per student with a minimum of 5 students required (all fees to Jens).  Email Rick to register in advance.  Pay Jens directly at the workshop.

About the Kruger Brothers
Born and raised in Europe, brothers Jens and Uwe Kruger were performing regularly by the time they were 11 and 12 years old, and they began their professional career in 1979. Since a formal introduction to American audiences in 1997, their remarkable facility with their instruments and unique take on the American Songbook have made the Kruger Brothers a fixture within the world of acoustic music. Although initially staying fairly close to a traditional repertoire, the group later turned to song writing and composition in order to draw more closely from their personal experiences. The result is a catalog of songs distinguished by rich detail and an insight into the delicacy and complexity of everyday life. The honesty of their writing has since become a hallmark of the trio’s work. The Kruger Brothers personify the spirit of exploration and innovation that forms the core of the American musical tradition. Their original music, composed by Jens Kruger, is crafted around their discerning taste, and the result is unpretentious, cultivated, and delightfully fresh.

The Kruger Brothers were awarded a National Endowment for the Arts grant for Music from the Spring a sym­phonic suite composed and orchestrated by Jens Kruger, which premiered in 2007.  In late 2010, the Kruger Brothers premiered the Appalachian Concerto, a concerto for banjo, bass, guitar, and string quartet. In addition to their regular concert schedule they perform these pieces regularly with select symphony orchestras and string quartets throughout the country. Through their numerous CD releases, radio and television performances, lectures, and collaborative efforts, the Kruger Brothers powerful artistic state­ment inspires and enlightens.

What Colleagues Say About the Kruger Brothers

“The Krugers are nothing short of magnificent.” Bluegrass Journal

“I used to think the banjo was somewhat limited to certain styles, until I heard Jens Kruger. Jens has played some of the most beautiful and expressive banjo I’ve ever heard.“ Ron Block of Alison Krauss and Union Station

“The Kruger Brothers are just about as fine a band as I’ve ever played with … I love to play music with them.” Doc Watson

“It’s a blast playing with them … not only are they all superior musicians, they are the nicest guys you’d ever want to meet.” Adam Steffey

“They are some awesome musicians.” Bobby Hicks

“Jens Kruger has established himself as one of the world’s most musically sophisticated and technically accomplished five-string banjo players.” Happy Traum

Videos on You Tube with Viewer Comments

Jack of the Wood
“Is this what love sounds like?”
“Jens plays and his soul pours out along with the amazing technical performance.”

Forever and a Day
“Lost my mother a few months ago and this song speaks so directly to my heart and the loss I feel. You folks are so evocative in your playing. Thanks so much for putting music to my feelings. I am a life long banjo player and , Jens , your banjo playing is so tonal and nuanced…You are just so refreshing to hear. Excellent, Beautiful, Thanks”
“Absolutely beautiful. I like the northern, ice-flow imagery with the southern pickin’.”
“The Kruger Brothers are AMAZING. Tight, highly skilled musicianship and ensemble PLUS real humanity. I can listen to them for hours.”
“A man could live a lifetime and not experience something that amazing. This song will be played in my home for ever more. Thanks for the music.”

Behind the Barn
These kats are really amazing, world class for sure. I was fortunate to do a session which Jens was also playing on a year or so back , incredibly gracious and talented man, I am in awe of his talent ! A one take genious ! I did get a chance to see them at Merle Fest last year, great set.

Jens Kruger Playing Bach Cello Suite No 1 on Banjo
Bach’s genius created music that can work on many instruments, and Mr. Kruger’s genius brought that music to life. Bravo!

Waterfall Waterfall at Grey Fox Workshop Tent
Todd Taylor is in the Guiness Book of Records as the fastest banjo, playing dueling banjos at 210 bpm. I don’t have a drum machine, but I just listened to it before listening to this of Jens play Waterfall, and I’m pretty sure this is faster, at least 20 bpm! Jens, you should be in Guinness!

ITHACA NY - This station has been great about supporting local live music. WRFI Community Radio (formerly known as Ithaca Community Radio) will be presenting it’s first live on-air fundraising and community radio marathon from Dec. 3 to 9, 2012, on 88.1 FM in Ithaca and 91.9 FM in Watkins Glen. In addition to cornerstone syndicated programs like Democracy Now! and Al-Jazeera News, listeners can expect to hear lots of live radio, featuring the voices of community members from Tompkins and Schuyler counties, playing music, talking about community projects and events, and, of course, about community radio and why it matters. Email info@ithacaradio.org to get involved. WRFI Community Radio • 88.1 FM Ithaca • 91.9 FM Watkins Glen • www.ithacaradio.org

TRUMANSBURG NY Sat Jun 30 - Casey Carr calling contra and square dances (she’s gifted at keeping beginners of all ages comfortable and experienced dancers entertained). Lively music (from Celtic to Quebecois to old-time, Scandinavian to French to Middle Eastern) by the amazing O’Shanigans: Tim Ball (fiddle), Phil Robinson (guitar), and Michael Ludgate (mandolin) http://www.oshanigans.org/. Location: Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts, Congress St. just off Main St., downtown T’burg http://tburgconservatory.org/. Suggested donation $10; children under 13 free; discount for families.

Come celebrate the T’burg community and the area dance community together in a splendid historic building. Contra dances have been held for hundreds of years in small town halls such as the Conservatory. Help us revive this tradition in T’burg! The steps are simple, each dance is taught, and you can come without a partner. But please bring clean, soft-soled shoes to protect the lovely wooden floor! Sponsored by the board of the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts. For info., e-mail mbs19@cornell.edu.

AUDIBLE GEOMETRY: A Benefit Concert of Guitar Music Composed by Bill Gregg to be presented at the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts - On Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 7:00 PM, Trumansburg composer, teacher and performer Bill Gregg will present AUDIBLE GEOMETRY, a concert of his works for guitar in the auditorium of the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts (TCFA) located at Congress and McLallen Streets in Trumansburg, NY. This is the first concert that consists entirely of Gregg’s original compositions featuring acoustic guitar. Although many in Central New York know Mr. Gregg as a composer of computer and synthesizer music as well as a multi-instrumental performer of traditional American folk music, performances of his serious guitar works are rare. All proceeds from this concert will be donated to the Trumansburg Conservatory’s fund to maintain and repair the Conservatory’s magnificent historic building. MORE INFO http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=4753#4753

MORRISVILLE NY - O’Shanigans contra dance band will be playing high energy fiddle tunes with Tim Ball on fiddle, Phil Robinson on guitar and Mike Ludgate on mandolin at Madison Hall in Morrisville for the Syracuse Contra Dance on Saturday December 3rd 2011. The fantastic caller, David Smukler will teach the dances. Madison Hall is on the National Register of Historic Places. A symbol of the town of Eaton and village of Morrisville the building sits in the center of Morrisville, NY 13408 on Historic US Route 20. Madison Hall was constructed in 1865 and was once the county center for Madison County in New York State. See  the links below for dance location and sponoring dance group. See http://www.oshanigans.org/ for more about the band! December 3rd 8-11 pm $7-

Sponsored by Syracuse Country Dancers! Admission $7- Don’t miss this dance! This is an authentic (registered historic site built in 1865) old ballroom style venue with a newly refinished dance floor! Bring clean shoes, a water bottle and YOUR FRIENDS! All dances taught, No partner needed.

DIRECTIONS to this DANCE — Historic Madison Hall is 4/10 mile east of the traffic light on Rte. 20 in Morrisville, NY, about 10 miles east of Cazenovia. Madison Hall is on the south side of Rte 20. Parking is available across the street on the north side of Rt 20.

PARKING — TONS OF EASY PARKING right across the street! Parking is available across the street on the north side of Rte 20. http://www.syracusecountrydancers.org/Directions.html#madison

BAND on WEB http://www.oshanigans.org/
BAND on FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/oshanigans (please click “like”)
VENUE WEBSITE http://www.syracusecountrydancers.org/index.html
EVENT POSTER http://canaaninstitute.org/docs/Oshanigans_current_poster.pdf
FACEBOOK EVENT https://www.facebook.com/events/304382226252350

GOOGLE MAPS DIRECTIONS to this DANCE — http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Madison+Hall+Morrisville+NY&ll=42.898462,-75.641406&spn=0.009321,0.01929&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&fb=1&gl=us&hq=Madison+Hall&hnear=0×89d97e3dfcce6591:0xbd7e214b46903be3,Morrisville,+NY&cid=0,0,973169564827262547&t=m&z=16&vpsrc=0

DIRECTIONS http://www.syracusecountrydancers.org/Directions.html#madison

PARKING — TONS OF EASY PARKING right across the street! Parking is available across the street on the north side of Rte 20. http://www.syracusecountrydancers.org/Directions.html#madison

FROM THE DANCERS AND MUSICIANS about O’Shanigans — “The O’Shanigans rocked the hall tonight! You guys sure know how to throw a party!” “I was really glad to get to dance to your music- that was tons of fun!!” “Super dance on Friday! You guys were peppy, and there were some imaginative arrangements that made even old, familiar tunes sound fresh. Hooray for the O’Shanigans!” “It was invigorating music, great company and fun caller!” “Do play for us again!” “It was fun dancing and even more so to the tunes of O’Shanigans!” “It was great!” “Mike, you and Phil and Tim were SOLID! I had a blast and my daughter had fun too! Thanks for playing, and thanks Ray for the goodies!” “We’ve heard great stuff about you guys: We’d love to have you play at our dance!” “Wow! I have not seen that kind of energy at the Friday Dance in long time, you guys were great!” “That was the most amazing medley … was there something Middle Eastern in there?” “You guys were way out there like in Hungary or somewhere? … then you brought it back home with that old-time tune … the best version of that I have ever heard!” “The band was absolutely wonderful last night!”

HISTORY OF MADISON HALL — Madison Hall was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. A symbol of the town of Eaton and village of Morrisville the building sits in the center of Morrisville, NY 13408 on Historic US Route 20. Madison Hall was constructed in 1865 and was once the county center for Madison County in New York State. The current building is the last of three courthouses built on the same site. The original courthouse built in 1817 was a simple wooden structure and was demolished in 1849. It was replaced with a sturdier more attractive building of Greek Revival features and stood for 15 years. On October 11, 1864 it is rumored that the notorious NY Loomis gang set fire to this building because they wanted to destroy county records since a gang member was on trial. Replacing the burned down building, the present building was erected on the old stone foundation, preserving the previous steps and porch floor. In 1909 the county seat was moved north to Wampsville, NY to more closely associate with businesses and travel along Scenic Route 5 Seneca Turnpike. In 1910 the courthouse became the main instructional and administrative facility on the newly established New York State School of Agriculture which later became Morrisville State College. The historic courthouse now sits on the edge of the college campus. http://www.madisonhall.org/

About Contra Dancing: WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST DANCE Contra dancing is easy to learn. It’s so easy to learn that you don’t take lessons. Just show up at a dance and by the end of the first night you’ll have learned all the dance moves and you will be able to enjoy the next dance even more. People are friendly and welcoming to beginners. The age range is from kids to folks that have been around for a while. Both singles and doubles come to contra dances and women as well as men ask people to dance. It is usual that you change partners after every dance. You will meet people in a relaxed, pleasant, smoke and alcohol free atmosphere. The patterns of the dance can be a tad confusing at first but remember everyone had a first time and that other dancers will help you. Listen to the caller and the music and go with the flow of the dance. Some people find they get dizzy at first. Looking directly at the person you are dancing with eliminates this sensation. For many, the music is what keeps them coming back as it is exciting and lively. People come to dance, hear the music, socialize and have a good time. Adapted from http://www.greatmeadowmusic.com/music.html

WHAT TO WEAR? Wear smooth soled shoes and comfortable light weight clothing. Some halls require non-street shoes so make sure the soles of shoes aren’t bringing grit onto the dance floor. Most people bring a bottle of drinking water. Contra dancing is joyous so it’s important that you bring a smile. Adapted from http://www.greatmeadowmusic.com/music.html

More information About Contra Dancing:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contra_dance
http://tedcrane.com/DanceDB/DisplayDance.com/US_NY_ITH_TCCD
http://hands4dancers.org/
http://www.syracusecountrydancers.org/
http://www.canaaninstitute.org/
http://contra.binghamtondance.org/contra_calendar.htm
http://www.thedancegypsy.com/
http://www.oshanigans.org/
http://www.notesinegales.org/

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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

DÓ — Violin Duo Recital with Tim Ball and William Hurley — Duo violin recital July 31st at 4pm at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Slaterville Springs, NY to benefit the Town of Caroline food bank. The church address is: 2740 Slaterville Rd Slaterville Springs, NY (township of Caroline). They will play under the name DÓ, which is Irish for 2. Program: Selections from the 44 Duos by Bartok. C Major Duo - Op. 70 by Mozart. Irish tunes - TBA. The Sonatina for Two Violins by Honegger MORE INFO http://canaaninstitute.org/mikesmusic/viewtopic.php?p=4177#4177

ITHACA NY — William Hurley and Timothy Ball performing a violin recital Sunday June 19th at 2pm at CSMA Community School of Music & Arts Ithaca NY. Free admission, though donations to CSMA are welcome. http://www.csma-ithaca.org/index.html

The mission of the Community School of Music & Arts is to provide quality instruction to any community member who desires to learn music and arts, to develop and offer cultural and artistic programs and events, and to serve as a resource for professional artists and musicians.

Founded in Ithaca in 1960 in the home of Eunice and Clayton Weber, CSMA is now a private, 501 (C) (3), non profit organization, governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees.

When describing CSMA and its mission, one must look at its philosophy, a deep belief that the arts are an intimate part of human nature, and that instruction in music, dance, theater and art should be made available to any community member who desires to learn. CSMA commits its resources to students and faculty, and to the larger group of artists in the Ithaca community. The Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) is more than a place where students of all ages receive quality instruction in music, dance, theatre and the visual arts. At CSMA the emphasis is on learning, exploration and discovery.

The Community School has grown and now enrolls 1,700 students a year, taught by seventy faculty members with vast teaching experience, high academic and professional credentials, international standing, and a strong commitment to excellence. John Villani, author of ” The 100 Best Small Towns in America”, notes that the Community School of Music and Arts is noted for its art courses, and is praised for being “one of the nation’s best small-town centers for the arts.”

Each year need-based scholarships are awarded to students who qualify. The scholarship program is one way CSMA ensures that its mission is met: that anyone who is interested in learning the arts has the opportunity.

Charity Concert for Japan
Saturday, July 2nd, 7:30–9:30pm
Anabel Taylor Chapel, Cornell University

Annette Richards, organ • David Yearsley, organ
Jayne Demakos, harp • Sahoko Ichikawa, Shakuhachi
Kyoko Selden & Marc Keane, Sung Poems

The monies raised will be sent to support the work of the Tohoku Disaster
Relief NGO Center (www.ivyivy.org/e/), in Yamagata Prefecture, located
directly west of Miyagi Prefecture, where about 40,000 people are living
in emergency evacuation centers. Using local human resources, they
have been delivering relief supplies and sending volunteers to evacuation
shelters and hospitals every day. They also initiated a program called
“Cash for Work” that offers much-needed jobs and income to the tsunami
victims, and allows them to take part in rehabilitation efforts.

Tickets
Minimum donation $20/ticket
no one turned away for lack of funds
Tickets will be available at the door. Reservations accepted.
We can accept checks or cash but not credit cards.
Please make checks out to: CTA
(The Center for Transformative Action)

Ticket Reservations & General information
Contact: Marc Keane  <info@mpkeane.com>

Hello, friends-

Last year we wrote to you pointing out an Ithaca Journal article highlighting the increased burden on food pantries in our community. Last year, Tompkins County saw an 30% increase in demand for these vital services, with half of all food distributed to the elderly. This year has seen another 25% increase in demand on top of that. Obviously, our help is needed more than ever.

So we’re happy to be returning to St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Slaterville Springs for our 3rd annual holiday benefit concert to help support the efforts of St. Thomas and the Caroline Food Pantry. 100% of your donation, as well as a portion of our profits for the evening’s CD sales, will go directly to the Food Pantry.

The concert will feature music from our Christmas CD, Duo Seraphim and from our latest recording, some new arrangements for lute and voice of music from many traditions, as well as one or two surprises. Those of you who have been with us in past years know what an exceptional space St. Thomas is for this intimate music, and if you haven’t seen the the newly restored stained glass windows in this National Historic Register building, this would be an excellent opportunity. The sanctuary will be decorated for Christmas, and our wonderful hosts Cullie and Polly Mowers are notorious for providing a splendid array of wine and cheese for our after-concert delectation.

Remember, you can painlessly multiply your contribution by bringing a friend - or several! We hope you’ll join us in supporting this important work as generously as you can, while treating yourself to a peaceful and reflective antidote to the holiday madness.

Mignarda lute song duo presents
Duo Seraphim: a benefit for the Caroline Food Pantry
Wednesday, December 22nd at 7:30pm
St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church
2720 Slaterville Road (RT79) in Slaterville Springs, New York
(15 minutes from Ithaca Commons)
Admission: free-will donation to the Caroline Food Pantry

Details and directions at www.mignarda.com/concerts.html

Hope to see you next week -

all the best,
Ron & Donna

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Ron Andrico & Donna Stewart
Mignarda lute song duo
www.mignarda.com