Giving thanks for Great Music in November!

FIRST SATURDAY CONTRA DANCE OF NOVEMBER

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 • 8 PM

Bill Wellington calls contra and square dances to music of Alexander Mitchell   (fiddle), Henry Koretzky (guitar and mandolin) and Ralph Gordon (bass). The dance is held at the War Memorial Building, 102 E. German St., Shepherdstown, WV. All levels welcome, no partners needed. Please wear clean, soft-soled shoes to protect the floor. Pot-luck snacks at the break. Free introductory workshop at 7:30. $12; SMAD Members $8; $5 under 12. Info: John Sauer at301-542-3272 or smad.us.

GENTICORUM

Concert: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16. 2019 AT 8PM

Workshop on French Canadian Fiddle and Repertoire at 3-5pm

SHEPHERDSTOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Over the past 18 years the trad Quebec group Genticorum has become a fixture on the international world, trad, folk and Celtic music circuit. The band’s six albums met with critical acclaim in Canada, the United States and Europe, assuring the band a brilliant future. Known for its energy and its stage presence, Genticorum has given more than a 1000 concerts in more than 15 countries.

Firmly rooted in the soil of their native land, the energetic and original traditional ‘power trio’ also incorporates the dynamism of today’s North American and European folk cultures in their music. They weave precise and intricate fiddle, flute and accordion work, gorgeous vocal harmonies, energetic foot percussion and guitar accompaniment into a big and jubilant musical feast. Their distinctive sound, sense of humour and stage presence makes them a supreme crowd pleaser.

Pascal Gemme is a leading light in Quebec’s traditional music scene.Known as much for his original compositions as his fine interpretation of traditional tunes, Pascal is the fiddler, singer and arranger of the band, Genticorum, whose CDs have met with critical acclaim in several countries.    From a young age, the fiddle music and songs of his native province have captivated him.  After graduating with a degree in composition and band arrangements at Montreal’s St Laurent College, he immersed himself in the traditional music around him, playing, collecting and recording music found all over Quebec.  Pascal has developed a vast knowledge and is a leading exponent of the music.

Yann Falquet is a very active and creative acoustic guitar player on the Québécois music scene. He has explored many styles of music and completed a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz. Since then, he has developed a personal guitar style for Québec folk music, inspired by the playing of the accompanists of different cultures (Brittany, Scandinavia, Ireland, North America).   His involvement in the province’s traditional music scene has brought Yann to perform on numerous recordings, and to tour regularly throughout Canada, the U.S., Europe and Australia with Genticorum but also with JUNO award-winning Celtic and world group The McDades, the Jean-François Bélanger Trio and with cellist Natalie Haas.

Nicholas Williams has developed a reputation as a versatile and sought-after musician in the traditional music scenes of Québec and New England.  His rhythmic yet nuanced style of flute playing draws from Irish and Scottish traditions, as well as from his studies of classical North Indian music.  After completing a BFA in world music and composition at York University, Nicholas moved to Québec in 2000,  where he has enjoyed exploring the common ground of his own diverse musical experiences with the rich Québécois musical tradition.  Also an accomplished accordion and piano player, he has been a member of the band Crowfoot since 2005, plays with fiddler Laura Risk, and in the Alex Kehler & Nicholas Williams duo.

Advance tickets are $20 adults, $18 seniors and $15 members and $10 students. At the door: $25 adults, $22 seniors, $20 members and $10 children/students.

Workshop fee is $25, preregistration is highly recommended.  Space is limited.

Advance tickets will be available online from Brown Paper Tickets , by mail (send a check to SMaD, PO Box1293, Shepherdstown, WV  25443 with your order), or for full price at the door.

TRADITIONAL MUSIC FROM DENMARK WITH GANGSPIL
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29 AT 8PM
ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
Gangspil, (Sonnich Lydom (accordion, harmonica),Kristian Bugge(fiddle) and Vidar Skrede (guitar) will take you on an entertaining and variated journey through the traditions of Danish folk music. These lively musicians performs old dance tunes and songs from every corner of their Scandinavian home country. From rural islands like Læsø to the metropol Copenhagen, including a few of their own compositions. Expect everything from wild polkas and jigs to lyrical waltzes, fiery reels and happy hopsas, plus the exotic “Sønderhoning” dance tunes from the famous Island of Fanø, and long forgotten songs from all over the country. An unforgettable live experience spiced up with humor and stories from their many years on the road. They perform and have performed with some of the most exciting and well-know musicians from the Danish and Nordic folk scene. In 2016 after releasing their first album, Gangspil received the”Tradition Award” at the Danish Music Awards (Danish Grammy.)

Sonnich Lydom (accordion, harmonica, vocal) is a master of Irish, French–‐Canadian, and especially Danish traditional tunes. During the last 25 years he’s been leading the revival for diatonic accordion and harmonica in the Danish folk music. Sonnich holds a special place in his heart for the music from the Western Island of Fanø, where his family is deeply rooted. He is best know from his work with the ULC trio and later quintet (adding jazz pianist Peter Rosendal and bassist Mads Vinding). ULC recieved the Danish Music Award (Danish “Grammy”) in the category “Folk Album of the year” in 2001 and 2004.

Kristian Bugge (fiddle) has specialized in the strong Danish folk music traditions. He is very active on the Danish and Scandinavian folk music scene as well as in the rest of Europe and North America, both as a musician and teacher. His debut CD was awarded “Danish debut of the year”, and “Danish Folk Instrumentalist of the year” at the Danish Music Awards Folk 2006 (Danish “Grammy”). At the same occasion in 2012, Kristian recieved the prize as ”Danish Folk Artist of the Year!” In 2016 Kristian was once more awarded “Danish Folk Instrumentalist of the Year”.

Vidar Skrede (guitar) (from Haugesund, Norway) is a freelance Nordic folk musician on guitar, harding fiddle, fiddle and Greek bouzouki. He has a background in the traditional music from Rogaland (South West of Norway), and has a master degree in Nordic folk music at the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm. Vidar has appeared on national television in Norway and Iceland, and has been heard on radio across the Nordic countries and throughout the USA. Vidar has released several CD’s which received many awards and great acclaim in his native Norway. Vidar is a leading musician on the Nordic folk music scene and a popular tune writer – his compositions are played and recorded by bands like Fiddlers’ Bid and Blazing Fiddles besides with his own projects.

Advance tickets are $20 adults, $18 seniors and $15 members and $10 students. At the door: $25 adults, $22 seniors, $20 members and $10 children/students.

Advance tickets will be available online from Brown Paper Tickets , by mail (send a check to SMaD, PO Box1293, Shepherdstown, WV 25443 with your order), or for full price at the door.

END OF NOVEMBER POST…  DECEMBER MARKS OUR 40TH ANNIVERSARY… CELEBRATE WITH US AT OUR HOLIDAY CONTRA AND CONCERT IN DECEMBER!

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Joys of Quebec… October and November bring some great music down from Canada!

First Saturday Contra Dance of October

Saturday, October 5 • 8 pm

Abigail Hobart calls contra and square dances to music by Maivish one of the finest contra dance bands touring the country today, with  Jaige Trudel (fiddle), Mathhew Olwell (flute, percussion, feet) and Adam Broome (guitar). The dance is held at the War Memorial Building, 102 E. German St., Shepherdstown, WV. All levels welcome, no partners needed. Please wear clean, soft-soled shoes to protect the floor. Pot-luck snacks at the break. Free introductory workshop at 7:30. $12; SMAD Members $8; $5 under 12. Info: John Sauer at301-542-3272 or smad.us.

FIACHRA AND SOPHIE WITH ANDRE MARCHAND
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2019 AT 4PM
SHEPHERDSTOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Sophie, Fiachra & André are a group of “musiciens sans frontières who refuse to let the Atlantic sunder their love of their own and one another’s Irish and Québecois musical traditions”.

Comprising of Irish uilleann piper Fiachra O’Regan, Québec fiddler/singer Sophie Lavoie, and guitarist André Marchand, the trio take traditional Irish and Québécois traditional music, blended with Lavoie’s “lithe and masterful” compositions. Their choice of songs will “captivate the most casual listener”

Sophie Lavoie is a fiddler, pianist, singer and composer from Lac-St-Jean in Québec. She has played in various Quebecois bands including L’attisée and Tu m’en diras tant. Since 2008, she has been touring with Irish piper Fiachra O’Regan. “One of the rising stars of Québécois music” (fRoots Magazine), Sophie has recently been awarded a scholarship for a Masters in ethnomusicology at University of Montreal. Her research involves the fiddle style and repertoire of her native region, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.

Fiachra O‘Regan, from Connemara, on the West Coast of Ireland, plays Irish music on the Uilleann Pipes, tenor banjo, and whistle, He is a senior All Ireland Champion on both these intruments. Fiachra has performed throughout the world, touring in his own group as well as with many other artists and groups. He is also sought after as a teacher in private lessons and at festivals.

The duo Sophie & Fiachra has recorded three albums: Sophie & Fiachra (2010), Rewind (2014) and Un Canadien errant (2016), the latter was nominated for Best album of the year at both ADISQ and Canadian Folk Music Award in 2016.

A figurehead in the Quebec Trad scene, André Marchand’s career is marked by artistic projects that have marked the history of traditional music over the last 40 years. Guitarist, singer and composer, he started as co-founder of La Bottine Souriante. From 1976 to 1990, he toured Quebec, Acadia, Canada, the United States and several European countries and participated in the recording of the first six records of La Bottine.

From 1990 to 2009, he became sound engineer and director. He contributed to the birth of nearly 200 projects, giving voice to several emerging artists and other well-known properties, actively contributing to the emergence of the environment.

A singer with a deep voice, warm and well posed, André is a character endearing to the quick wit and the overflowing humor. His unique style of guitar accompaniment, all in nuance and finesse, influences several generations of guitarists evolving today in the Trad Québécois milieu.

Advance tickets are $20 adults, $18 seniors and $15 members and $10 students. At the door: $25 adults, $22 seniors, $20 members and $10 children/students. Advance tickets will be available online from Brown Paper Tickets, by mail (send a check to SMaD, PO Box1293, Shepherdstown, WV 25443 with your order), or for full price at the door.

And, last but not least… Quebecois supergroup, Genticorum will be coming in November!

GENTICORUM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16. 2019 AT 8PM

SHEPHERDSTOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Over the past 18 years the trad Quebec group Genticorum has become a fixture on the international world, trad, folk and Celtic music circuit. The band’s six albums met with critical acclaim in Canada, the United States and Europe, assuring the band a brilliant future. Known for its energy and its stage presence, Genticorum has given more than a 1000 concerts in more than 15 countries.

Firmly rooted in the soil of their native land, the energetic and original traditional ‘power trio’ also incorporates the dynamism of today’s North American and European folk cultures in their music. They weave precise and intricate fiddle, flute and accordion work, gorgeous vocal harmonies, energetic foot percussion and guitar accompaniment into a big and jubilant musical feast. Their distinctive sound, sense of humour and stage presence makes them a supreme crowd pleaser.

Pascal Gemme is a leading light in Quebec’s traditional music scene.Known as much for his original compositions as his fine interpretation of traditional tunes, Pascal is the fiddler, singer and arranger of the band, Genticorum, whose CDs have met with critical acclaim in several countries.    From a young age, the fiddle music and songs of his native province have captivated him.  After graduating with a degree in composition and band arrangements at Montreal’s St Laurent College, he immersed himself in the traditional music around him, playing, collecting and recording music found all over Quebec.  Pascal has developed a vast knowledge and is a leading exponent of the music.

Yann Falquet is a very active and creative acoustic guitar player on the Québécois music scene. He has explored many styles of music and completed a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz. Since then, he has developed a personal guitar style for Québec folk music, inspired by the playing of the accompanists of different cultures (Brittany, Scandinavia, Ireland, North America).   His involvement in the province’s traditional music scene has brought Yann to perform on numerous recordings, and to tour regularly throughout Canada, the U.S., Europe and Australia with Genticorum but also with JUNO award-winning Celtic and world group The McDades, the Jean-François Bélanger Trio and with cellist Natalie Haas.

Nicholas Williams has developed a reputation as a versatile and sought-after musician in the traditional music scenes of Québec and New England.  His rhythmic yet nuanced style of flute playing draws from Irish and Scottish traditions, as well as from his studies of classical North Indian music.  After completing a BFA in world music and composition at York University, Nicholas moved to Québec in 2000,  where he has enjoyed exploring the common ground of his own diverse musical experiences with the rich Québécois musical tradition.  Also an accomplished accordion and piano player, he has been a member of the band Crowfoot since 2005, plays with fiddler Laura Risk, and in the Alex Kehler & Nicholas Williams duo.

Advance tickets are $20 adults, $18 seniors and $15 members and $10 students. At the door: $25 adults, $22 seniors, $20 members and $10 children/students.

Advance tickets will be available online from Brown Paper Tickets, by mail (send a check to SMaD, PO Box1293, Shepherdstown, WV  25443 with your order), or for full price at the door.

End of Post for October 2019

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An End of the summer concert and the start of a great fall season!

We’re Back…  with a Scottish smallpipes concert to round out the end of summer, and our first dance.

CAPE BRETON PIPERS: BARRY SHEARS  & THE SHEPHERDSTOWN PIPING COLLECTIVE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24. 2019 AT 8PM

St Peter’s Lutheran Church

Barry Shears, born in Glace Bay, Cape Breton, NS, in 1956, is an acknowledged expert on the history of traditional piping in Nova Scotia and its intrinsic connection to the Gaelic language, music and culture. He comes from a musical family which includes 3 piping brothers. His first lessons in piping were from Angus MacIntyre, whose family came to Cape Breton in 1826, were descended from Duncan MacIntyre, MacDonald of Clanranald’s 1750s family piper.

An accomplished musician, Barry has performed at concerts and festivals throughout North America, as well as in Scotland and Europe, a highlight of which was a live to air broadcast on Radio France where, along with other well known CB musicians – the late John Morris Rankin of the Rankin family, the late violinist Jerry Holland and multi-instrumentalist David MacIsaac, the unique, uplifting and wonderful sound of Cape Breton music was introduced to a wide European audience in 1990.

In 1981 Barry performed with Stan Rogers and John Allan Cameron in a series of concerts in both Nova Scotia and Scotland. His own CD, ‘A Cape Breton Piper’ is his tribute to this traditional, Gaelic- based piping style and has been very well received, not only by lovers of bagpipe music but to fans of all forms of Celtic music. Barry is also a composer of pipe tunes and, along with winning third prize in a world-wide piping composition contest sponsored by the famous Highland single malt scotch producer Grant’s Distillery on its 100th anniversary, his original compositions and arrangements have appeared in books and recordings of other Celtic musicians.

The Shepherdstown Piping Collective combines the talents of Shepherdstown piper, Robert Mitchell with piper, Sean Reidy, percussionist Anna Oyler and multi-instrumentalist, Nicholas Blanton.  Known for an ecelectic repertoire of piping melodies and subtle harmonies, their spirited arrangements will set the mood for the concert.

Advance tickets are $20 adults, $18 seniors and $15 members and $10 students. At the door: $25 adults, $22 seniors, $20 members and $10 children/students.

Advance tickets will be available online from Brown Paper Tickets, by mail (send a check to SMaD, PO Box1293, Shepherdstown, WV  25443 with your order), or for full price at the door.

And our first dance of the season!!

Saturday, September 7 • 8 pm

Greg Frock calls contra and square dances to music by JWalk – Jakob Raitzyk (fiddle, feet), and Jared Kirkpatrick (keyboard, mandolin, fiddle, feet). The dance is held at the War Memorial Building, 102 E. German St., Shepherdstown, WV. All levels welcome, no partners needed. Please wear clean, soft-soled shoes to protect the floor. Pot-luck snacks at the break. Free introductory workshop at 7:30. $12; SMAD Members $8; $5 under 12. Info: John Sauer at301-542-3272 or smad.us.

Watch/listen to them here!!!

And yet again… MORE smallpipes!  This time with harp!

THE REEL SISTERS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 AT 4PM

ST. PETERS LUTHERAN CHURCH

A reel, for those not in the know, is not just for fishing or films. It is also a lively Scottish or Irish dance. And, though The Reel Sisters are not real sisters, they are good friends who have grown closer through their love for traditional Scottish and Irish tunes.

Rosalind Buda plays the Scottish smallpipes, a smaller and quieter cousin to the bagpipes. Kelly Brzozowski plays the Scottish harp. Both Buda and Brzozowski have classical training as well as experience playing traditional folk music. And, while they may not be blood relatives, The Reel Sisters share an easy, familial camaraderie that makes their concerts extra enjoyable.

Rosalind Buda holds a BMUS from the University of Iowa and a MM from New England Conservatory in Bassoon Performance. She has taught and performed throughout the US and Europe. She teaches and performs classical chamber and orchestral music and Celtic music in her in her home of Asheville, NC and throughout Western North Carolina. Keeping to the mountain tradition, Rosalind plays banjo for fun and enjoys contra dance.

Kelly Brzozowski holds a BMUS and a Masters Diploma in Harp Performance and Musicology from the University of North Wales. She has taught and performed throughout Europe and the US. Kelly lives in Atlanta where she maintains a large teaching studio and performs both classical and Celtic music. When she is not performing or teaching, she is homeschooling her son. You will often find them designing and conducting experiments.

Advance tickets are $20 adults, $18 seniors and $15 members and $10 students. At the door: $25 adults, $22 seniors, $20 members and $10 children/students.  Tickets are available from Brown Paper Tickets. 

END OF SEPTEMBER 2019 POST……

The last blast of Springtime… April, into May

Oops! Missed blogging about our lovely April dance with Abigail Hobart calling to Amberwing!  It was a fine dance!

Coming up soon…

BAGPIPES AND MORE WITH ENGLISH PIPING ACE CALLUM ARMSTRONG
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17 AT 8PM

ST PETER’S LUTHERAN CHURCH 

Callum Armstrong is an experimental piper who enjoys exploring the possibilities of the pipes. He studied recorder at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, where for three consecutive years he won the Beryl Maggs Award for recorder and, in his final year, was awarded the Silver Medal for Early Music. He subsequently won the solo prize in 2014 and the ‘Petite Formation’ Prize in 2015 with Cellist George Pasca at the ‘Son Continu’ Festival in France.

Callum started experimenting with the aulos (ancient Greek shepherd’s pipe in 2015. His work developing reeds in an historically informed manner while collaborating with scholars has enabled him to forge his own playing technique and to break new ground reviving the aulos.  He is currently in the US to perform with Columbia University’s production of Euripides’ Herakles, but when I learned that he would be in this country, I encourage him to come to our area to perform and teach a workshop for our local pipers.

Callum’s other recent projects include developing a polyphonic technique for double and triple smallpipes, collaborating with pipe maker Julian Goodacre to develop a chanter with a 3-octave range, and taking part in ‘Nathaniel Gow’s Dance Band’ with Concerto Caledonia. He has played as a soloist with the London Philharmonic orchestra and appeared as the piper in Steven Speilberg’s filmWarhorse. In 2014, Callum won the Château d’Ars solo piping competition and returned in 2015 to win the ‘Petite Formation’ competition with the cellist George Pasca.

He plays multiple kinds of pipes including Cornish pipes, Scottish Smallpipes both Single and Double by Julian Goodacre, Great Highland Bagpipes by Peter Henderson, and Borderpipes in A and D by Jon Swayne.  His concert will be a combination of many things… aulos, recorders and pipes.

Callum will be teaching an afternoon workshop from 3-5pm on melodic ornamentation and techniques for becoming more relaxed as you play.  Pre-registration is advisable, workshop is $25, or $40 for both workshop and concert.

Concert admission is $20 adults, $18 seniors, $15 SMaD members, and $10 students.  Advance Tickets available from Brown Paper Tickets.

Mayday Celebration… a smaller event than year’s past… a May Day cannot be fully appreciated without weaving the Maypole… On the McMurran Lawn at 12:00 noon on Saturday May 4.  Singing, dancing and other celebratory revelry.

May Contra Dance
Saturday, May 4, 8pm 

Come join us for this high energy dance at the Shepherdstown War Memorial Building as Brian Hamshar calls an amazing round of contras and squares to high-energy band from the Shenandoah Valley, The Bouncers with Jim Harrington (accordion), T. J. crow (mandolin), Richard Adams (horns and bass), and Bill Wellington (guitar and banjo).  Beginners workshop at 7:30, the dance starts at 8pm. No experience necessary, no partner needed.  Potluck snacks at the break.  Wear soft-soled shoes to protect our nice floor!
New Admission prices $12 adults, $8 members, $10 students and $5 under 12. New student membership price!  $10/yr.

Our last Monthly Contra Dance until September… we will have a concert or two coming up… including a concert with Piper Barry Shears from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia in August!

END OF APRIL/MAY 2019 BLOG POST

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March Madness! Lots of surprises!

We have some great things coming up in the month of March!   We start off with our monthly contra dance!

March Contra Dance
Saturday, March 2, 8pm 

Come join us for this high energy dance at the Shepherdstown War Memorial Building as Ron Buchananan calls an amazing round of contras and squares to the Boneshakers!  With a lineup that includes Joe DeZarn on fiddle, Gina Faber on mandolin, guitar, fiddle, bodhran and more, Paul Hammerton on guitar and Ralph Gordon on bass.  Beginners workshop at 7:30, the dance starts at 8pm. No experience necessary, no partner needed.  Potluck snacks at the break.  Wear soft-soled shoes to protect our nice floor! Admission $12 adults, $8 members, $5 students under 12. New student membership price!  $10/yr.

Later in the month we collaborate with the Upper Potomac Spring Music Weekend to bring a concert and a dance!

Celebration of Strings: English Dance Music and our annual Hammered Dulcimer Showcase
Friday, March 22, 8 pm
Shepherd University Storer Ballroom

The hammered dulcimer is alive and well in Shepherdstown, West Virginia; not only does the area boast two of the instrument’s most respected builders and designers, but also is home to the Upper Potomac Music Weekends, where hammered dulcimer players, fiddlers and other musicians share tunes and techniques and explore a range of musical styles over three days of workshops, concerts and jam sessions on Shepherd University’s campus and the surrounding historic buildings several times each year. The concert this year features special guests, Belgian-born multi-instrumentalist Paul Oorts and pianist Dave Wiesler, who play inspiring dance music in such bands as Cabaret Sauvignon, Gigmeisters, and Goldcrest . Representing our dulcimer staff will be Dave Neiman, Tina Bergmann and Randy Marchany playing a range of repertoire from Classical to Cuban and from Celtic to Klezmer.  Come and be amazed!
Admission: $20 adults, $18 seniors, $15 SMD members, $10 students. For more information call Joanie at (304) 263-2531 or email updf@earthlink.net.

Special Dance Event!  English Country Dance Program!

Afternoon English Workshop and Evening Dance
Saturday, March 23,  2-5 pm  and 8-11pm 

English Country Dance music combines the intricate melodies and refined qualities of chamber music with the liveliness of the folk traditions into a dance form that has stood the test of time from the Renaissance to the present day. New dances and melodies are being written today, and the program may feature a few dances from dance choreographer, Gary Roodman’s latest collection, Calculated Figures, Volume 12.

Melissa Running will be teaching and calling the figures.  The afternoon music will be provided by Becky Ross on fiddle and Liz Donaldson on piano.  The evening dance will feature a big band of teachers and students … The Oorts-Wiesler Orchestra, led by Paul Oorts and Dave Wiesler, which promises to be a whole lot of fun!  The workshop and dance are $15 each or $25 for both for non-members and $12 each or $20 for SMaD members.  Come experience this unique and vibrant dance form!  Potluck snacks at the break!

Kinobe: Music of Africa
Saturday, March 30, 8pm

St Peter’s Lutheran Church 

KINOBE (pronounced chi-no-bay) is a Ugandan singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose work has been described as “some of the most exquisite music coming out of Africa today.” For more than 15 years, he has captivated audiences with his soothing African rhythms, understated vocals and powerful world-roots-dance melodies that emanate from the diversity of the many traditional instruments he customized to develop his unique sound.

Born along the shores of Lake Victoria and the Nile River, Kinobe developed his passion for traditional African music as a child while listening to the hypnotic drumbeats that reverberated from the Royal Palace—located meters away from his home—all day and into the night.

At the age of 8, he began playing music at the church where his parents sang. Over the next few years, he learned to play multiple instruments including the Kora (West African Harp), Akogo (Kalimba), Endongo (Bowed Lire), Endingidi (Tube Fiddle), Adungu (Ugandan Harp), Tama (West African Drum), Ngoni (West African Lute) and Balafon (Wooden Xylophone).

Although he enjoys performing and recording, Kinobe’s greatest dream has been to teach children how to use the power of music to inspire others to see the world as a global village and that we are all more similar than different. His passion has led him to work closely with M-Lisada—an orphanage in Uganda, UNICEF, the Tender Mercies Foundation, and the Harmony Foundation in Canada, where he serves as a World Ambassador.

In 2013 he co-founded the Dance of Hope Foundation—a nonprofit organization that uses the transforming power of music, dance and storytelling to educate and empower young people to become independent global citizens and improve life quality in impoverished communities.

Join us for a unique evening of beautiful African melodies and rhythm on a score of traditional instrument.

Tickets are $20 adults, $18 seniors, $15 members and $10 students,  and will be available  online from Brown Paper Tickets,by mail (send a check to SMaD, PO Box1293, Shepherdstown, WV  25443 with your order), or at the door.

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  • Holiday Concert and into the New Year

Holiday Concert and into the New Year

Scandinavian Holiday Concert with Andrea Hoag, and Melissa Running
Sunday, December 23, at 4pm
St Peter’s Lutheran Church 

Scandinavian music is enchanting for it’s unusual rhythms and it’s ethereal harmonies, and the perfect music to usher in one of the darkest nights of the year.  Grammy Award nominee, Andrea Hoag, one of America’s finest Swedish fiddlers will be joined by Melissa Running on the Swedish keyed-fiddle, the nykelharpa.  Located in the lovely intimate atmosphere of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, it’s the perfect way to usher in the holiday season.

Tickets are $20 adults, $18 seniors, $15 members and $10 students,  and will be available  online from Brown Paper Tickets, by mail (send a check to SMaD, PO Box1293, Shepherdstown, WV  25443 with your order), or at the door.

Fiddle Summit Showcase
Friday, January 4, 8pm
Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church

This annual concert presents some of the finest fiddlers from a variety of traditions, including French Canadian, English, Scottish, Irish, New England, and Appalachian into a showcase concert with some extraordinary accompaniment.  Sean Heely is a national Scottish Fiddle champions whose fiery renditions of Scottish and Irish fiddle music are in great demand, French Canadian fiddler, Pascal Gemme is the dynamic fiddler who drives the music of super star band Genticorum, highlights of last year’s Washington Revels.  Old-time fiddle wizard, Rachel Eddy, has been steeped in the traditional music of West Virginia all her life, and has garnered praise and prizes for her music both at home and abroad.  She regularly performs with the Pittsburgh band, The Early Mays, and with Ken and Brad Kolodner. Baltimore-based clawhammer banjo player, Brad Kolodner, represents the next generation of Old-Time musicians pushing the boundaries of the tradition into uncharted territory. Regarded for his delicate touch, expressive style, and original compositions, Kolodner has rapidly gained national attention for his unique approach to the banjo.  Joined by  his father, the highly acclaimed hammered dulcimer player and fiddler, Ken Kolodner, they form a powerful trio.  Fiddler, Jaige Trudel and guitarist Adam Broome form the heart of two dynamic contra dance and English dance bands, Crowfoot and Maivish.  Their driving beat and intricate arrangements make them a delight to listen and dance to. Together, this incredible line-up promises to bring a night of enchantment to all who love the folk violin. Co-sponsored with Upper Potomac Fiddle Retreat. Jam session to follow.Visit the web page to get more information to sign up for classes. Early bird discount before Dec. 1!  Admission is $20 adults, $18 seniors, $15 SMD members, $10 students. For more information call Joanie at (304) 263-2531 or email updf@earthlink.net.  Tickets Available from Brown Paper Tickets here.

January Contra Dance
Saturday, January 5, 8pm 

Come join us for our first Dance of the year at the Shepherdstown War Memorial Building as Janine Smith calls an amazing round of contras and squares to the Fiddle Retreat Open Band!  Always a great time as our band swells to fill the front of the hall with energy and a unique sound as this years students and teachers provide the music for the dance.  Beginners workshop at 7:30, the dance starts at 8pm. No experience necessary, no partner needed.  Potluck snacks at the break.  Wear soft-soled shoes to protect our nice floor! Admission $12 adults, $8 members, $5 students and included in Fiddle Retreat tuition.

Squeeze the Bag!
Saturday, January 19, 8pm
Shepherd University, Reynolds Hall

The bellows-blown bagpipe is a quieter, more parlor-oriented cousin to the great highland bagpipes most folks are familiar with. You’ll see pipes that are far more likely to be played with flutes, guitars, mandolins, bouzoukis, drums and other instruments in a session-like atmosphere for concerts or dances in smaller, more intimate settings. Four kinds of bagpipes will be featured: the Scottish smallpipe, the quieter cousin of the great highland pipes, the Irish uilleann (or Union) pipes, Northumbrian smallpipes and the Border pipes which are played in the border region between Scotland and England.
The concert is divided into three sections… We’ll open with the tiny Northumbrian pipes of England with Dick Hensold , then we’ll move to Irish section of the program with an outstanding uilleann piper, Jerry O’Sullivan whose reputation for technical and melodic mastery of the instrument is unsurpassed. The Scottish section of the concert will feature piper, Nick Hudson, a renowned performer on highland, border and smallpipes, as well as Tim Cummings, who has a diverse repertoire which includes French, Appalachian and other traditions, and Iain MacHarg, a versatile piper who grew up steeped in piping from French, Scottish and Irish traditions who runs the Vermont Institute for the Celtic Arts.  It will all be tied together by our host piper, Bob Mitchell and more, in a set of music from the highlands and border regions of Scotland and Cape Breton on both Scottish smallpipes and Border pipes.
The concert will take place at Shepherd University’s Reynolds Hall.
Co-sponsored with the Upper Potomac Pipers Weekend. Classes available in many kinds of bellows blown bagpipes, flute, whistle and mixed-instruments. More information is on the web page.
Admission: $20 adults, $18 seniors, $15 SMD members, $10 students. Tickets available from Brown Paper Tickets here. For more information call the Upper Potomac office at 304.263.2531 or email updf@earthlink.net. Come on out and watch these pipers Squeeze the Bag..

 

Scottish Music and some fine dances…

Scottish Fiddler Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas
Thursday, October 25, 8 pm
Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church

Come out and join us for what is sure to be one of the most popular concerts of the season as Scotland’s premier fiddler, Alasdair Fraser returns to Shepherdstown, with cellist, Natalie Haas.

The musical partnership between consummate performer Alasdair Fraser, “the Michael Jordan of Scottish fiddling”, and brilliant Californian cellist Natalie Haas spans the full spectrum between intimate chamber music and ecstatic dance energy. Over the last 18 years of creating a buzz at festivals and concert halls across the world, they have truly set the standard for fiddle and cello in traditional music. They continue to thrill audiences internationally with their virtuosic playing, their near-telepathic understanding and the joyful spontaneity and sheer physical presence of their music.

Advance tickets are $20 adults, $18 seniors and $15 members and $10 students. At the door: $25 adults, $22 seniors, $20 members and $10 children/students. Advance tickets are available at O’Hurley’s General Store or from Brown Paper Tickets.
For more information call Joanie at (304) 263-2531 or email updf@earthlink.net.

 Contra Dance with Devine Comedy

Saturday, November 3 at 8pm at the Shepherdstown War Memorial Building

Join us for our November contra dance as Bill Wellington leads us through a rousing evening of contras to the music of Devine Comedy, with Steve Hickman on fiddle, Marty Taylor on flute and concertina, and John Devine on guitar.  These fine musicians and caller have been favorites at dances here for over 30 years… find out why!

There will be our usual beginners workshop at 7:30pm, the dance starts at 8pm.  All levels of dancers are welcome, no partner is necessary.  Potluck snacks at the break.

The dance costs $12 for non-members, $8 members, and $5 for dancers under 12 yrs old. For more information, call our dance chair, John Sauer at 301-542-3272.

Back in the saddle again! September 1 starts up our 2018-2019 season!

Saturday, September 1 at 8pm

Contra Dance with Janine Smith calling to Critton Hollow String Band

Join us for the first contra dance of the season with our old West Virginia Favorites… the Critton Hollow String Band with calling by Janine Smith. The band features the fine fiddling of Joe Herrmann, Sam Herrmann on hammered dulcimer and mandolin, Joe Fallon on melodeon and bass, and David McLaughlin on guitar. Beginners workshop at 7:30pm. Dance starts at 8pm. Potluck snacks at the break.

No potluck dinner before the dance, but some of go to Maria’s for a quick dinner before the dance.   

Beginners welcome, no partner necessary. At the Shepherdstown War Memorial Building.

Irish Music Concert with Bua!

Thursday, September 27 at 8pm at the Shepherdstown Prebyterian Church

We start up our concert season with the exciting Irish band, Bua. “Bua evokes the good times that Irish traditional music so often celebrates ,” playing in a manner “largely forgotten in today’s overly polished Irish music world .” With “a precision and intensity that is rarely heard on this side of the Atlantic,” their sound stands out among modern bands in the genre by “keeping the music down the path of tradition” while still being able to “raise the rafters with their playing, charm with their singing, and delight with their contemporary energy.” Based in Chicago, Illinois—a long-celebrated center of Irish traditional music—Bua “has established itself individually and as a group in the eyes and ears of the traditional community,” and their 2011 release, Down the Green Fields, finds Bua exploring the forgotten sounds from the heyday of Irish music in the City of Big Shoulders with a blend of enchantingly stark song arrangements and bold, pulsing dance tunes. Lauded by The Bluegrass Situation as being the top Irish album of the past five years, Down the Green Fields stands as “a testament, from beginning to end, of the lasting essentials of the Irish tradition”.

Advance Sale Tickets available from Brown Paper Tickets.

Keep on the lookout for our October events, including a rare concert with Scottish fiddle wizard Alisdair Fraser and cellist Natalie Haas on Thursday, October 25 .  This concert is sure to be a highlight of our fall season!

END OF THE SEPTEMBER 2018 BLOG POST.

Hooray, Hooray, the first of May!

Winter went by so quickly, with it’s Fiddle, Piping and Dulcimer programs, that I didn’t get the opportunity to blog about them… so it’s on to May… with our first Saturday Contra Dance, May Day and a special Mexican concert with duo Dulcemelos, from Queretaro, Mexico!

May Day is Saturday May 5

May Day Program

Saturday May 5, 2018

Join us to celebrate the May with song and dance.

10am Morris Dancing on King Street in front of Town Hall

11:30am Line up for the Parade on Church Street

Noon  Parade down German Street to the May Pole — Morris teams dance to Winster Processional, with a show figure in front of the Shepherdstown Library.  Community groups and interested individuals are welcome and encouraged to participate.

General Revelry will follow on the green — Sellengers Round, Morris Dances, songs, poetry and more. Each team will perform something under the MayPole.

3PM  Morris Stand with local team Hicks with Sticks and Mason Dixon Border Morris at Rumsey Monument Park.

5 PM Show Dances on King Street

8PM Contra Dance to Otter Loop with Susan Taylor calling. Beginners Workshop at 7:30PM.

Join us for our monthly dance with this fun, high energy, big, traditional band featuring

Julia Borland on fiddle, Robin Wilson on flute, concertina, and sax, Jim Besser on concertina, Larry Robinson on mandolin, guitar and more, Jim Voorhees on melodion, and Charlie Pilzer on piano, melodeon, and bass.  What could go wrong with all those reeds!  Potluck snacks at the break.

Video of Maypole wrapping…

Video of Padstow Hobby Horse and song!

Music from Mexico with Dueto Dulcemelos

Dulcemelos
Wednesday, May 23, 8pm
Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church

Dulcemelos are a duo comprised of Alejandra Barrientos and Héctor Larios from Querétaro, Mexico who are working to keep alive the hammered dulcimer (salterio) repertoire in Mexico. Their diverse repertoire includes Mexican folk pieces, European baroque music, salon and chamber music from the 18th Century and more recent compositions for plucked dulcimer and piano.

Admission is $20 adult, $18 seniors, $15 SMaD members and $10 children.  For information, call (304) 263-2531 or email upperpotomac@gmail.com

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March Madness… Cape Breton music, hammered dulcimers and a contradance with Contratopia bring bright days to the end of winter!

Whoa! Where did January go! Fiddle Summit, Open Band and Squeeze the Bag were all so great and happened so quickly they didn’t even make it to the blog… although an email did go out… so if you aren’t on the email list, you should sign up to get all the latest news. Follow the link on the right of the page!

Contra Dance with ContraTopia!  Saturday, March 3, at 8pm at the War Memorial Building.

Ted Hodapp calls, puns and guides you through a swirl of contra dances with the Minneapolis, Minnesota-based band ContraTopia!  The band features the talents of Erik Sessions (fiddle), Patrice Pakiz (piano, oboe, percussion), Pat O’Loughlin (english concertina and banjo), John Goodin (mandolin and guitar) while Ted Hodapp calls, does foot percussion, plays melodeon and concertina and more!  An annual favorite!  Potluck snacks at the break… FREE beginners workshop at 7:30. No partner necessary.  Please bring clean soft-soled shoes to wear to protect our wonderful floor.  Admission $12 adults, $8 members (you should join), and $5 for dancing kids under 12 or Shepherd University students with valid ID.

Celebration of Strings Concert! Featuring a Hammered Dulcimer Showcase, and Cape Breton fiddle and piano duo Troy MacGillivray and Andrea Beaton  Friday March 9, 8pm at the Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church.

The hammered dulcimer is alive and well in Shepherdstown, West Virginia; not only does the area boast two of the instrument’s most respected builders and designers, but also is home to the Upper Potomac Music Weekends, where hammered dulcimer players, fiddlers and other musicians share tunes and techniques and explore a range of musical styles over three days of workshops, concerts and jam sessions on Shepherd University’s campus and the surrounding historic buildings several times each year. The concert this year features special guests, Troy McGillivray and Andrea Beaton from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia on piano, fiddle and maybe a little step dance. Representing our dulcimer staff will be  Karen Alley, Tina Bergmann and Mick Doherty playing a range of repertoire from Classical to Cuban and from Celtic to Klezmer.  Come and be amazed!
Admission: $20 adults, $18 seniors, $15 SMD members, $10 students. For more information call Joanie at (304) 263-2531 or email updf@earthlink.net.

Take workshops with all of these great musicians… at the Upper Potomac Music Weekends, and hone your skills on your instrument!

End of the February/March Blog…