Folk E-News - 2004

December 2004

First, Two Very Important Questions
One, before I relate upcoming events, I am putting out an emergency request to you all. Does anyone know of a space in Albuquerque with a wooden floor for 60-90 dancers from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month? We also are looking for a spot for our 2nd Sunday dance that needs a space from 6:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. As you know our dances are alcohol free and smoke free. Children and adults are welcome. Do you know of any school small gymnasiums, church floors, community centers, ballroom centers, martial arts studios, performing halls, or private facilities that might be available to FOLKMADS? We have been paying about $75 a night rent for our dance hall. So the $650 a night American Legion Post #13 ballroom is out of our league. :-) Let me know if you know of any Albuquerque spaces that we might use consistently either for 1st and 3rd Saturdays or 2nd Sundays or for all 3 dances. Thanks very much.

Two, if the Albuquerque 2nd Sunday English/contra dance were held on 2nd Fridays instead, would you still attend? Let me know.

Now on to December folk news.

December 3rd Singing, Friday, Corrales
FOLK SONG CIRCLE, FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH
On December 3rd, the theme is "Winter Holidays". Special schedule and format for the day: gather early, at 6:00, and have a holiday potluck. From 7:00 to 8:30, singing of traditional carols. From 8:30 to midnight, anything goes, with thematic/seasonal songs still encouraged. Each participant in the circle may lead a song, do a solo, request a song, or pass. Bring enthusiasm, songbooks, instruments, beverages/potluck dishes, kids, and friends.

Contact: Laurie McPherson, 898-6978
Email: lauriemcpherson@hotmail.com or lmcpherson@salud.unm.edu

Directions: 114 Coronado Road, Corrales, 87048
(Directions: 2 miles North of Alameda and Coors, pass the Chevron station,
pass the feed store, turn left on Coronado Road. Post office is too far.
First house on the right, come in past the barns to park.)

Las Cruces Contra Dance, Friday, December 3
The December contra dance will be the FIRST FRIDAY Dec. 3. We are looking forward to a festive occasion with a special list of callers and and the great-sounding SNMMDS House band. 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. Mesilla Community Center, 2251 Calle de Santiago, 522-1691 for more info.

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, December 4
Becky Nankivell from Tucson calling; music by the hot new band Hey!; 8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. Heights Community Center, 823 Buena Vista SE, Albq. $5 members, $6 others. The FOLKMADS calendar says the Nabobs are playing, but it ain't so!

Multiple Concerts, Sunday, December 5
Singer/songwriter RICHARD BERMAN is back for a return engagement at Albuquerque's PSM House Concerts on December 5. He'll be up at the Soule House in Santa Fe on December 3rd. For the Albuquerque show, contact daniel@danielboling.com. For Santa Fe, contact Octavia at octavia38@earthlink.net or 466-2209.

Or on December 5, you'll have the opportunity to mix good music with a good cause. The CONCERT FOR PEACE TALKS will give you a chance to enjoy an evening with wry Americana singer MARY GAUTHIER, Hispanic folkie TISH HINOJOSA and Native American BILL MILLER - all in one evening at the Kimo in Albuquerque. The show benefits the independently produced Peace Talks radio, which can be heard the last Friday of every month at 8 am on KUNM. Tix through the Kimo box office and TicketMaster. And if you want more info on the radio show, check out www.peacetalksradio.com

OR you can catch EFFREY FOUCAULT (without Brian Keane) in Santa Fe, at the house concert-like setting of Santa Fe's Eldorado Community Center on December 5. Contact Rick at Rva1115@aol.com for more details.

Albuquerque House Concert, Dec. 8
AMP Concerts & Thirsty Ear present Neko Case with The Sadies and Dexter Romweber
Wednesday, December 8
8:00 pm, Lobo Theater (3013 Central NE, in Nob Hill)
All ages - general admission seating
$18 in advance, $22 at the door, $16 at the Jeffrey Foucault show
Advance tickets available at:
The Book Stop (268-8898)
Bound to be Read (828-3500)
and on-line at http://www.abqmusic.com

AMP Concerts is excited to be working with Thirsty Ear again, this time to bring alt-country diva NEKO CASE to the Lobo Theater on December 8. Neko possesses what may be the most striking voice in Americana music. It's smokey and lush, full of heartache and passion. The show will be opened by DEXTER ROMWEBER (of the Flat Duo Jets) and Canadian psychedelic alt-country group THE SADIES (who will also serve as Neko's backing band). Neko's touring behind her new live album - "The Tigers Have Spoken", which features the Sadies and a number of guests on a mix of
covers and original tunes. Check out their new web site www.abqmusic.com for more info on Neko and the crew.

Blues Legend Gives Two Concerts
You'll have two chances to catch 90-year old blues great DAVID "HONEYBOY" EDWARDS. This is a very rare opportunity to see a bluesman who hung with all the legends. You can do it in Santa Fe at the Gerald Peters Gallery (as part of the Thirsty Ear Gallery Series) on December 10, or in Albuquerque at the Outpost on December 11.

Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, December 11
Contra Dance in Santa Fe happens Saturday, December 11. 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd., Richard Wilson calling, Hands Five playing (the Santa Fe debut of this new band!). $5 members, $6 others. Instruction at 7:30 p.m.

Second Sunday Dance, Sunday, December 12
Richard Wilson, Steve Thornton and Larry Daughenbaugh calling English country and advanced contra dances; music by Della & Gemma; 7:00 - 9:30pm, Heights Community Center, 823 Buena Vista SE, Albq. $5 admission; Bring someone new & get in free; info: 344-6779. This will be the last 2nd Sunday dance at the Heights for awhile.

Richard Smith in Albuquerque, Dec. 14
Info on guitar virtuoso Richard Smith comes with praise from Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel. I wouldn't want you to try to do a web search on RICHARD SMITH, so if you are curious, point your browsers to www.richardsmithmusic.com/richard.html Or trust the experts and make your reservations with Gretchen for December 14. The contact info is gcnewma@sandia.gov or 266-6928.

Old Time Concert in Placitas, Dec. 17
If the old time string music is your thing, check out this duo. KC GROVES (from the all female string band UNCLE EARL) will be peforming with SHARON GILCHREST (of New Mexico's sadly defunct MARY & MARS) at a house concert in Placitas on Friday, December 17. Contact John at jmcnair105@comcast.net for reservations and info.

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, December 18
Merri Rudd and Larry Daughenbaugh calling and Megaband playing holiday tunes. 8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. Heights Community Center, 823 Buena Vista SE, Albq. $5 members, $6 others. Red attire welcome, as well as any other. This will be our last regular contra at the Heights for awhile.

Note: no Santa Fe Contra Dance on Christmas Day, Saturday, December 25, 2004! But you can dance the next day at the...
4th Sunday Contra Dance, Albuq., Dec. 26
Artie Walsh calling, One Good Turn playing. 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, 5506 Coal SE (2 blocks south of Central, 1.5 blocks east of San Mateo). $5 all. Call Artie for more info: 266-6322.

MARK your calendars for Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005--the 1st Albuquerque contra dance in 2005, debuting a new band for the new year, cake at the break, and other festivities. 8-11 p.m. Albuquerque Square Dance Center, www.asdc.org for directions or FOLKMADS members should get a newsletter in December with more details. Glamorous attire welcome. If you're in town, you must attend!

Santa Fe Music Jams Revived!
Katherine Bueler & Gary Schiffmiller are hosting 1st and 3rd Thursday music jam sessions at 7 p.m. at their house, 924 Osage Ave, Santa Fe, 995-1125. They are planning jams for Thursday, Dec. 2 and Thursday, December 16 and presumably on into January etc. Currently it's a slow jam the 1st Thursday (focus on the newer players), then a fast jam the 3rd Thursday, depending as always, of course, on the mix and interests of who actually turns up. It's just about getting together and having a fun time and an opportunity to play, with no fixed agenda. If desserts or snacks show up, they eat them! Stop by if you're interested. From St. Michael's and Cerrillos Roads, go north on Osage Ave. past the three stop signs and they're the fourth house on the left (two stories, adobe wall); park in the cul-de-sac across the street. From Agua Fria and Osage Ave, they're the 12th house on the right.

Annual Holiday Garden Fair
Unrelated to folk stuff, but of interest to many of you, the annual Albuquerque Holiday Garden Sale is Friday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas NE (just east of Eubank) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Christmas wreaths, cacti, holiday centerpieces, crafts, food and other delightful goodies will abound. Free admission. Check it out.

If you know of others who want to receive these folk emails, please have them send me their email addresses. Or if you want to be removed from my list, let me know that too. I was working on updating my email list, which now includes over 300 of you. If you receive two of these emails, let me know. Finally, if you have folk events for me to post, please let me know at least 2 weeks prior to the event.

Happy Holidays to All!!!

Thanks, Merri Rudd, www.merridancing.com

November

Well, Folkies,

I added a few of your email addresses from Boo Camp list to this folk e-news. Let me know if you don't want to receive it! Thanks, Merri Rudd

Santa Feans Dee Peters and Don Wentz got married at Santa Fe's Boo Camp at the Hummingbird Music Camp in Jemez Springs, NM on Oct. 24, 2004. A hundred friends, family and folkies cheered them on. The wedding was on Sunday, after a full day of Sat. workshops and dancing. See wedding photos of lots of people you know at:
http://www.cnsp.com/garanda/Dee&Don/Home.html

I've now officiated at 6 folk weddings (one of the above photos shows 5 out 6 of the couples, minus a few brides), and I have a 7th wedding coming up soon, I think. I also called the Boo Camp with Tucson's Privy Tippers ("we're not worthy," the dancers screamed, as they bowed at the band). A rockin' time was had by all, kids carved pumpkins, the weather and setting were beautiful, the dancing and music were FINE!

I've also called Austin's Fire Ant Frolic weekend in Austin this past weekend with Rodney Miller and Airdance. Fifteen New Mexicans and Arizonans accompanied me, and a fantastic time was had by all 200 participants. Selected photos are posted on my web site:

www.merridancing.com

What's coming up in NM:

Contra Dance in Santa Fe, Saturday, Nov. 13
The 2nd Sat. Contra Dance in Santa Fe Sat., Nov. 13, 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd., Lausanne Allen calling, Nabobs playing. Admission is $5 members, $6 others. Instruction at 7:30 p.m.

Second Sunday Dance, Sunday, Nov. 14
For experienced dancers. Noralyn Parsons and Merri Rudd calling elegant English and zesty contra dances (Merri is calling an English dance!); music by Cypher; 7:00 - 9:30pm, Heights Community Center, 823 Buena Vista SE, Albq. $5 admission. Bring someone new & get in free; info: 344-6779.

Las Cruces Contra Dance, Friday, Nov. 19
Lonnie Ludeman calling, basics class for the newcomers at 7:30 pm. Good old-timey stringband sound by the Southern NM Music & Dance Society House Band. Cost is $4. Dance is at the Mesilla Community Center, 2 blocks west of plaza. For info, call Judy 505-521-7586.

Albuq. Contra Dance, Sat., Nov. 20 & FolkMADS Board Elections!
Third Saturday Albuq. dance on Saturday, Nov. 20, 8 p.m. Donna Howell calling and Megaband playing. Heights Community Center, 823 Buena Vista SE, $5 members, $6 others. Acoustic Jam at 7 p.m., Instruction at 7:30. Come sign up to be on the Board, or at least vote...

Contra Dance in Santa Fe, Saturday, Nov. 27
The 4th Sat. Contra Dance in Santa Fe Sat.,Nov. 27, 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd., Janine Sammeth calling, Rambling Pitchfork playing. Admission is $5 members, $6 others. Instruction at 7:30 p.m.

4th Sunday Contra Dance, Albuq., Nov. 28
The 4th Sunday Contra Dance in Albuq. is Sunday, Nov. 28. Artie Walsh calling, One Good Turn playing. 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, 5506 Coal SE (2 blocks south of Central, 1.5 blocks east of San Mateo). $5 all. Call Artie for more info: 266-6322.

AMP House Concert #68, Nov. 11
AMP House Concert #68
Prince Diabate
Thursday, Nov 11th
7:30 pm
$12 suggested donation
Reservations Required (Contact Jeff at 842-5073 or abqmusic@att.net)
**********************************************************************

The house concert will feature:
Prince Diabate on kora, kamelen n'goni and vocals;
Ken Rosser (from the US) on acoustic guitar
Fara Tolno (Guinea) on djembe.

This program is more classic in nature, designed to project a mellow atmosphere in an intimate setting and will feature repertoires from both the djeli (oral historian) tradition of the Mandingue countries of West Africa (Prince's own people;) and also from the hunter-warrior tradition from the Wassolou regions of Guinea and Mali. The Wassolou pieces are Prince Diabate's original compositions and are played on the kamelen n'goni, a six-stringed hunter's harp, tuned to the pentatonic scale, which produces a rich, bluesy sound: Prince Diabate's so-called "Desert Blues."

#################################################################
An AMP Dance Party featuring Prince Diabate - A Dance Party with seating

Saturday, November 13
8:00 pm
Airdance Artspace
3030 Isleta SW (at Rio Bravo)
$12 in advance, $15 at the door
($10 at the Prince Diabate House Concert)

Advance tickets available at:
The Book Stop (268-8898) and Bound to be Read (828-3500)
#################################################################

The Prince Diabate Dance Party promises to be an evening of dynamic Mandingue fusion music from West Africa. Known as the "Jimi Hendrix of the kora" because of his dazzlingly fast technique and electrifying stage presence, Prince Diabate has incorporated reggae, rap, funk, zouk and other rhythms into his work, while still remaining true to his Malinke roots. On stage with Prince Diabate will be his full fusion band from Los Angeles, consisting of guitar, traditional contrabass, backing vocals/flute two percussionists on djembe, doundounba and drum set.

The party will be held at the Airdance Artspace
(http://www.airdanceartspace.com). This is a beautiful black box theater in south valley. It's big, open, and has wood floors that are ideal for dancing. Check out the pictures on the web site.

DIRECTIONS:
Take I-25 south, past the airport
Exit at Rio Bravo (The same exit used to get to Journal Pavilion)
Turn right on Rio Bravo
Turn right on Isleta
Look for the Airdance Artspace on the right.

Let me know of other folk events, and I'll include them next time.

October

Part 2 of 2 (Part 1 is below)

Howdy, Folkies,

I won't be able to send another folk e-news until after November 7, so here is what I know until then. Hope I haven't forgotten anything. As always, let me know if you do not want to receive this e-news. Thanks, Merri Rudd

Bob Cornish & Linda Starr married on Sunday, October 3, 2004 Long-time dancers Bob Cornish & Linda Starr married on Sunday, October 3, 2004. Best man Bill Bentzen looks on, as does Linda's son Dylan. I officiated... Photo by Peter McCurdy.

Albuquerque Concert, October 22
This Friday, October 22, is the date for the James King Band concert at Covenant Presbyterian Church (9315 Candelaria Rd. NE, Albuquerque). The concert starts at 7:30 pm with admission prices of $12 for non-members and $10 for members (kids under 16 get in free). James King is one of the pre-eminent mountain singers of his generation; his band is a terrifically talented group of acoustic musicians. If you enjoy traditional Bluegrass music, you should not miss this concert.

No Santa Fe Contra Dance this Saturday, Oct. 23!
Remember: do NOT show up at the IOOF hall in Santa Fe on October 23. There is no 4th Sat. contra dance due to Boo Camp in Jemez Springs, NM. Hope you signed up for it, cuz I think it's too late now.

Artie's Dance, Sunday, October 24
After you get home from Boo Camp, you can go to the 4th Sunday Contra Dance in Albuquerque on Sunday, Oct. 24. Artie Walsh calling, Juli Palladino and friends playing. 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, 5506 Coal SE (2 blocks south of Central, 1.5 blocks east of San Mateo). $5 all. Call Artie for more info: 266-6322.

Chanting Concert, Albuq., October 24
If you've been waiting for an "evening of chanting, rocking tablas and bamboo flute", wait no more! Experience AN EVENING OF SACRED CHANTING Featuring SHANTALA (Benjy and Heather Wertheimer) plus special guest, Himalayan Flautist, MANOSE. They'll be rocking the house on Sunday, October 24, 2004, 7:00 PM High Desert Yoga, Nob Hill Studio, 4600 Copper NE in Albuquerque. Contact Bea Doyle 505-265-8548 or yogainfo@highdesertyoga.comor tickets, and see www.shantalamusic.com for more info on the performers.

New CD from Randal Bays/Roger Landes + Concerts Galore!
" House to House" - a brand new LIVE CD by Randal Bays and Roger Landes is now available. You can order it now from http://www.housetohousemusic.com plus find out their concert schedule (summarized below).

"Randal Bays and Roger Landes are two Americans who play extraordinary Irish traditional music. They're a classic fiddle and bouzouki duo who play with a straightforward passion that is hard to find in any genre. Their repertoire also includes solos and duets featuring Randal’s fingerstyle guitar or Roger’s mandolin wizardry." The music on "House to House" was recorded entirely live at a series of house concerts around the U.S. in the spring of 2004. The audio quality is superb; the best tracks were carefully selected and are presented with minimal editing and no overdubbing or added effects. You can hear the tapping feet, the occasional creaky chair, and all the excitement and good energy of those evenings.

Please visit http://www.housetohousemusic.com to purchase CDs, view Randal and Roger's tour schedule, and learn how to put on your own house concert.

Tuesday, October 26th, House concert, 7:00pm, Parfitt Violin Studio, 1304 Arenal Ct., Santa Fe, NM, Admission $15
for reservations call or email Roger Landes: 505.751.3512 email: rwlandes@taosnet.com

Friday, October 29th, Concert, 7:30pm, Western Sky Cafe, 1398 Weimer Road,
Taos,NM. Advance tickets $12 available at Western Sky or $15 at door.
Contact: Roger Landes 505.751.3512 rwlandes@taosnet.com

Saturday, October 30th, Santa Fe Beginning and Intermediate Fiddle Workshops, Admission $25, for reservations call or email Roger Landes: 505.751.3512 email: rwlandes@taosnet.com

Saturday, October 30th, House Concert, 8:00pm, Albuquerque, NM, Admission $15 at the door. Contact: Martina Mesmer, hm 505 237-1033 or 505 620-0211 or email: martina@hubwest.com

Randal is available for a few private lessons during the week - contact: Roger Landes: 505.751.3512 email: rwlandes@taosnet.com

Bela Fleck in Albuq. on Halloween
Hot Cajun tunes on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2 p.m. in Albuquerque. That's what I hear. Call the Kiva Auditorium or Ticketmaster if you want to go! There's nothing left to say about BELA FLECK and the FLECKTONES, except why is he playing in Albuquerque, in the middle of the afternoon, on Halloween? http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1E003927A5A83C96or
www.flecktones.com for more info.

Nov. 5th Singing, Friday, Corrales
FOLK SONG CIRCLE, FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 8:00 P.M. TO MIDNIGHT
Singing as usual at 8:00 pm on Friday, November 5, 2004. Each participant in the circle may lead a song, do a solo, request a song, or pass. Bring enthusiasm, songbooks, instruments, beverages/snacks, kids, and friends.

Contact: Laurie McPherson, 898-6978
Email: lauriemcpherson@hotmail.com or lmcpherson@salud.unm.edu

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, Nov. 6
Richard Wilson calling; music by One Good Turn; 8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. Heights Community Center, 823 Buena Vista SE, Albq. $5 members, $6 others.

Santa Fe Clogging Workshop, Saturday, Nov. 6
Clogging Workshop, Saturday, November 6, Celtic de Santa Fe Studio, Santa Fe, $15. Call Ruth Alpert, 471-2278 or email: ruthalpert@newmexico.com to register and for more detailed directions.

Renaissance Quodlibet Concert, Sunday, Nov. 7
Renaissance Choral Ensemble, Sunday, Nov. 7, 4 p.m., St. Michael's and All Angels Episcopal Church, 601 Montano NW (west of 4th St.), $5 advance tickets, $7 at door. "All my Alleluias," directed by Marilyn Alletzhauser with the First United Methodist Church Choir under the direction of John Clark. Call 856-5797 for advance tickets.

Part 1 of 2 (Part 2 is above)

Hi, Folks,

THANKS to those of you who attended my 50th b-day dance. It was lots of fun and great treats too! Thanks also for the good wishes others of you sent. I'm putting the Lunasa concert first, because I don't think it's public yet and there are only 400 tickets.

Lunasa in Concert, Tuesday, Oct. 12, Albuq.
AMP Concerts presents Lunasa, with special guest ILGI at the Lobo Theater on Central just east of Girard. Lunasa is a dynamic, well regarded instrumental Celtic band. They sold out the Kimo a few years ago (I was there!). More info on Lunasa: www.lunasa.ie Openers ILGI brought their rocked up traditional Latvian tunes to the Outpost last year. They'll open as a duo featuring Ilga and Maris.

If you won't be at one of the AMP house concerts (where you can get tickets for $18 to Lunasa), you can pick them up for $20 at either the Book Stop in Nob Hill (268-8898) or Bound to be Read in the Far North Shopping Center (Acadamy and San Mateo). Please pass the word on to anyone you might know who loves Irish music.

October 1st Singing, Friday, Corrales
FOLK SONG CIRCLE, FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 8:00 P.M. TO MIDNIGHT
Singing as usual at 8:00 pm on Friday, October 1, 2004. Each participant in the circle may lead a song, do a solo, request a song, or pass. Bring enthusiasm, songbooks, instruments, beverages/snacks, kids, and friends. The theme for October is "Food and Drink".

Contact: Laurie McPherson, 898-6978
Email: lauriemcpherson@hotmail.com or lmcpherson@salud.unm.edu

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, October 2
Steve Thornton & Merri Rudd calling; music by the hot new band Hey!; 8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. Heights Community Center, 823 Buena Vista SE, Albq. $5 members, $6 others.

Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, October 9
Contra Dance in Santa Fe happens Saturday, October 9. 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd., Katherine Buehler calling, One Good Turn playing. $5 members, $6 others. Instruction at 7:30 p.m.

Second Sunday Dance, Sunday, October 10
12th Anniversary Dance!! This means lots of edible goodies (potluck desserts and snacks) and thrift store prom dresses. William DeRagon calling English country and advanced contra dances; music by Della & Gemma; 7:00 - 9:30pm, Heights Community Center, 823 Buena Vista SE, Albq. $5 admission; Bring someone new & get in free; info: 344-6779.

Eric Bibb at Albuq. Outpost, Friday, October 8
The Outpost in Albuquerque continues to bring great acoustic blues performers to town. This time it's the return of ERIC BIBB on Oct 8. Eric is a very warm and gracious performer. He has the same spirit as Ruthie Foster, and is a mighty tasty
guitar player.

House Concert, Saturday, October 9, Albuq.
AMP House Concert #67
Vienna Teng
Saturday, Oct 9th
7:30 pm
$10 suggested donation
Reservations Required (Contact Jeff at 842-5073 or abqmusic@att.net)
**********************************************************************

Vienna has been in Santa Fe a few times but not Albuquerque. She's an Asian-American singer and classically trained keyboard player. Her music is very sharply arranged and her piano playing is varied and interesting. Strong melodies and even a touch of jazz sneak in. Vienna is another one who can pen tunes that will sneak into your subconscious. Her songs have a lushness that puts Sarah McLachlan to mind, but her songs are much more detailed and elaborate. She appeared on the Letterman show a year or so ago and Dave was really smitten by her. She's very engaging and loves to tell the stories that inspired the songs. You can find out more info on her at www.viennateng.com

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, October 16
Kris Jensen calling and Megaband playing. 8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. Heights Community Center, 823 Buena Vista SE, Albq. $5 members, $6 others.

Boo Camp enrollment is going very well. Sign up now so you can join the fun and festivities! More info at www.folkmads.org

That's all for now. If music be the food of love, dance and play on, with apologies to Bill Shakespeare...

Merri Rudd

September

Part 2 of 2 (Part 1 is below)

Howdy, All, We're back from Red River, where I turned 50 and hiked among the golden aspens in the high country. Swam a mile this morn just to prove I'm still kicking, so to speak. Here is some folk news as I know it.

Taos Contra Dance, Friday, Sept. 17
Taos can't get the hall Saturday so their dance is Friday, September 17. It's at the Talpa Community Center on Archuleta Road, off Rte. 518. The Dance begins at 7:30, with beginner's instruction at 7:00. The caller will be Jim Buechler. The Taos Contraband will be playing the melodies. Please call Jim at 776-1580 or Ellen at 758-7382 for more info.

Las Cruces Contra Dance, Friday, Sept. 17
Special guest callers Lewis Land, Cynthia Walukewicz and Bill Elliott will teach and call the dances all evening, while Allen Wright will teach basics for the newcomers at 7:30 pm. Good old-timey stringband sound by the Southern NM Music & Dance Society House Band. Cost is $4. Dance is at the Mesilla Community Center, 2 blocks west of plaza. For info, call Judy 505-521-7586.

Don't Forget: Merri's 5-0 B-day Dance, Sat., Sept. 18
It's the regular 3rd Saturday Albuq. dance on Saturday, Sept. 18, 8 p.m. Doc Litchman and Noralyn Parsons calling (my teacher and my student) and Megaband playing. Heights Community Center, 823 Buena Vista SE, $5 members, $6 others. I'm bringing a big cake, ice cream, and cream puffs; bring other snacks if you wish. Thrift store prom dresses welcome, but not required.

Contra Dance in Santa Fe, Saturday, Sept. 25
The 4th Sat. Contra Dance in Santa Fe Sat., Sept. 25 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd., Donna Howell calling, Five Dog String Band playing. Admission is $5 members, $6 others. Instruction at 7:30 p.m.

4th Friday Contra Dance Moves to 4th Sunday!
The 4th Friday Contra Dance in Albuq. will now happen on the 4th Sundays. First one is Sunday, Sept. 26. Artie Walsh calling, One Good Turn playing. 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, 5506 Coal SE (2 blocks south of Central, 1.5 blocks east of San Mateo). $5 all. Call Artie for more info: 266-6322.

Santa Fe Traditional & Bluegrass Festival,
Contest Winners
All the winners are listed on their web site now. You'll recognize some FOLKMADS members. Congrats to all! http://www.southwestpickers.org/festivals.html

AMP House Concert #66
Tim Harrison
Monday, Sept 27th
7:30 pm
$10 suggested donation
Reservations Required (Contact Jeff at 842-5073 or abqmusic@att.net)
**********************************************************************

The AMP folks were hearing some buzz about Tim on a house concert mailing list. A quick listen to the clips at http://www.timharrison.ca were enough to make them perk up, and when the CD arrived in the mail, it didn't disappoint. He tends to be a little more traditional then a lot of what we put on. Think: a cross between Gordon Lightfoot and Richard Shindell. The songwriting is exceptional. The title track of his latest album "Wheatfields with Crows" mixes the whirl of color and action from Van Gogh's final pictures with similar feelings of being out all night with good friends.

It starts like this:

Wheatfield with crows
One more image as the palette overflows
One more step before the forks in the road
Separate us and we're gone

Young rebels in the night
Drew thin lines around what's wrong and what is right
Clutching fingers grasped at straws and held on tight
Young lovers sang their songs

And there was music
The streets came alive
We ran into the dawn
Dreams of freedom drove us on

And it continues with great singing and strong melodies. The album is full
of songs that stick in your head, popping back unbidden later in the day.
There are protest songs, relationship songs, songs inspired by literature
(Poe, Shakespeare), and even a good folky cover ("There But For Fortune" by
Phil Ochs).

Wow--Concert News, Albuquerque, October 12!
On October 12th, AMP Concerts will feature Celtic instrumental supergroup Lunasa. To top it off, the two lead performers from Latvian group ILGI will be in town and will be performing an opening set. This show will be at the Lobo Theater in Nob Hill. It's been renovated by The City on the Hill church and they are willing to open it up for public use. It's a great space that can hold 400 people but still feels cozy. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and $18 if you buy them at a house concert.

October BOO CAMP Flyer/Registration On Line
Boo Camp (Fall Harvest Camp) is set for Oct. 23 and 24 at Hummingbird Camp in Jemez Springs, NM. Visit FOLKMADS web site to view the brochure: http://www.folkmads.org/Fall04CampBrochure.pdf

Registration form is at: http://www.folkmads.org/2004FallCampReg.pdf You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them. Or dance tables and your newsletters should have brochures. The Privy Tippers are a very fun dance band, so don't miss this camp!

That's all for now. Now that I'm 50, I have to go to sleep at 9 p.m. :-)

Merri

Part 1 of 2 (Part 2 is above)

I have some Santa Fe Fiddle and Banjo Contest winners from this past weekend:

Five-Dog String Band (David Margolin, Steve Huestis, Rick Olcott playing all original David Margolin tunes) picked up 1st place in the Old-Time Band category; a new band whose name I don't know (Pat Aruff, Erika Gerety, John Brinduse, and Peter Esherick) came in 2nd playing Rodney Miller tunes; Hey! (Linda Vik, Jane Phillips, Chris Carlson, and Tim Shaffer) came in third (Hey! will be playing for several contra dances this fall).

Peter Esherick won 1st in the Mandolin contest.

HEY!'s fiddler/banjo player Chris Carlson won first place fiddle and first place old-time banjo.

Send me more results, and I'll post them next e-news.

October BOO CAMP Flyer/Registration On Line

Boo Camp (Fall Harvest Camp) is set for Oct. 23 and 24 at Hummingbird Camp in Jemez Springs, NM. Visit FOLKMADS web site to view the brochure: http://www.folkmads.org/Fall04CampBrochure.pdf

Hurrah for web-mistress Jane Phillips for all the great web work she does for FOLKMADS! Thousands of people use her site as a resource: www.folkmads.org

Sept. 3rd Singing, Friday, Corrales

FOLK SONG CIRCLE, FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 8:00 P.M. TO MIDNIGHT
Singing as usual at 8:00 pm on Friday, Sept. 3, 2004. Each participant in the circle may lead a song, do a solo, request a song, or pass. Bring enthusiasm, songbooks, instruments, beverages/snacks, kids, and friends. The theme for September is
" Change -- including Regime Change".

Contact: Laurie McPherson, 898-6978
Email: lauriemcpherson@hotmail.com or lmcpherson@salud.unm.edu

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, Sept. 4

Doc Litchman calling; music by the famous Virginia Creepers; 8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. NOTE DIFFERENT LOCATION: Albuq. Square Dance Center, 4909 Hawkins NE, one full block west of I-25 and 1/2 block north of Ellison. $5 members, $6 others. For map, scroll to bottom of page at www.squarez.com/ASDC

Albuq. House Concert, Monday, Sept . 6

AMP House Concert #65
The Creekdippers (Victoria Williams & Mark Olson)
Monday, September 6th (Labor Day)
7:30 pm
$10 suggested donation
Reservations Required (Contact Jeff at 842-5073 or abqmusic@att.net)
**********************************************************************

Mark Olson's band The Original Harmony Ridge Creekdippers have shortened their name, released several new albums and hit the road with a different group of musicians. Still headed by former Jayhawk Mark Olson and luminous country-folk underground legend Victoria Williams, they'll be bringing the latest incarnation of their band to the house for a special Labor Day concert.

When Mark and Victoria hooked up, they formed The Original Harmony Ridge
Creekdippers. Taking loose to a whole new level, they recorded a series of
albums that sound like a bunch of friends jamming on the back porch of their
home in Joshua Tree, CA, which is pretty much what they are. The albums have
a real down home charm and warmth that is the hallmark of a Creekdippers show.

Be forewarned: A Creekdippers show tends to be one of the least polished mishmashes of a concert you will see. Victoria has one of the most amazing spirits I have ever seen. She is one of the few performers I've seen who radiates sweetness. She's a freewheeling spirit, and the band is usually chasing after her, trying to figure out where she is going and to stay somewhere in her general vicinity. The shows always seem to be on the edge of chaos. Also, Victoria's voice is the kind of voice that inspires people to say things like quirky, idiosyncratic, distinctive and off-kilter. But it's a very strange voice and there are some people who find it
plain unbearable. I always feel like people should be won over once they get
used to it, but it isn't always the case. You have been warned! :)

See http://www.creekdippers.com for official bio's, pet photos and more.

Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, Sept. 11

Contra Dance in Santa Fe happens Saturday, Sept. 11. 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd., Will McDonald calling, the award-winning HEY! (see above) playing. $5 members, $6 others. Instruction at 7:30 p.m.

Second Sunday Dance, Sunday, Sept . 12

For experienced dancers. Noralyn Parsons, Kris Jensen, & Larry Daughenbaugh calling English country and advanced contra dances; music by Cypher; 7:00 - 9:30pm, Heights Community Center, 823 Buena Vista SE, Albq. $5 admission; Bring someone new & get in free; info: 344-6779.

Merri's Big 5-0 Birthday Dance, Sat., Sept. 18

I don't usually ask for much, but for my 50th birthday dance, I am wishing for 100 dancers and a giant megaband! It's the regular 3rd Sat. Albuq. dance on Saturday, Sept. 18, 8 p.m. Doc Litchman and Noralyn Parsons calling (my teacher and my student) and Megaband playing. Heights Community Center, 823 Buena Vista SE, $5 members, $6 others. So please plan to come and dance that night. I'm bringing a big cake; contributions of other snacks welcome but not required... I want folks outside of Albuq. area to show up too--this mean YOU Santa Fe'ers, Las Crucans, etc.

Miscellaneous

Jeanie McLerie and Ken Keppeler, New Mexican musicians extraordinaire, report that they are back from their wonderful European trip. They drove 16,600 kilometers (I don't even know how far that is, but it sounds like a lot of miles!). Their Albuq. Biopark concert, the last of the season, drew 2,086 folks, the biggest of the summer. Thanks to all of you who attended!

It's not too early to think of the perfect holiday gift for your dancer and musician friends. Check out: www.boltpeople.com for some really cool metal sculptures of all kinds, all instruments, dancers, sports, professions, etc. They make great paperweights or points of interest/art talk pieces!

That's all for now. Send me news for the 2nd half of this enews for mid-September.

Cheers, Merri (I'm off to Oregon to drown my old sorrows at a spectacular dance camp over Labor Day! :-) )

Please contact Merri Rudd.

Free Hit Counter