hammer dulcimer

Beltaine – 8/2/14 – Archive

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Beltaine – Celtic Fusion band comprised of John Keys, Brian Baker and Kris Chase – played a fabulous outdoor concert – in 90 degree weather, no less! The personable folks of Beltaine not only connect well with the audience, but foster the connection of the audience amongst itself. As the music progressed, we were clapping along or using our egg shakers (rhythm instruments). It was a most fabulous evening, in a beautiful setting. We look forward to you all coming back again!

Always a pleasure getting to perform with Beltaine!!

Always a pleasure getting to perform with Beltaine!!

 

What will you do with your special BELTAINE shot glasses???

What will you do with your special BELTAINE shot glasses???

Always point your toes while playing music!

Always point your toes while playing music!

 

Special thanks to Annie Haynes and Pamela Perry for the lovely pix!

Hammer Dulcimer Jam 6/28/14 – archive

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(Marianne’s casual writing style and less than stellar filming quality here. I’m just jotting down some memories. I don’t claim to officially speak for the group).

What a fun gathering we had here in LO! 8 hammer dulcimerists (I just made up that word), 1 guitarist and 2 flutists. A good time was had by all – and a few of us even hit a pub afterwards. And we had someone join the group who was visiting from Hawaii!!

Enjoy the video below. Please know that the emphasis is on fun, learning and camaraderie. While we aspire to play each song with clean precision, sometimes we just don’t. It’s a process and we’re always improving. We want anyone considering joining to know that this is not about perfection and that all instruments are welcome.

The next jam will be in West Linn, Saturday July 26, from 2:00-4:00pm. Contact me to get on the mailing list and/or to get directions to the venue.

 

Check out the jam!

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Since I can post tags only on the homepage (here), I want to draw your attention to the newly created “Hammer Dulcimer Jam” page. Let’s get together and create some fun and fab music. If you don’t play the hammer dulcimer yet, you know you want to!! Holler with any questions or comments.

 

Hammer Dulcimer

Hammer Dulcimer

 

Strings of Happiness

Strings of Happiness

 

Post Concert Thoughts

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We had another successful House Concert in Lake Oswego, May 10, 2014, with Mick Doherty and Kevin Shay Johnson, aka Folk City. It’s been my dream to create Community through Music – whether through house concerts or music jams. With 27 audience members and 2 musicians, a good time was had by all. Enjoy the videos below. (Please know that my brief clips on my iPhone do not do these concerts justice! You’ll just have to come here and see them in person.)

One of the highlights of this concert was getting to dance with George in the kitchen, during the famous “Metal Detector” song, while I was making him some green tea. What I learned is that lighting musicians from the front is favorable to back lighting!

Carl Thor and Carolyn Cruso – 4/10/14

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For the Archives!!

Our very first concert and it was a success. We had a small enough group to where we could all chat and get to know each other during dinner. One of the highlights for me was that the audience was in no hurry to leave after the music finished (yay!) and we got to chat with Carl and Carolyn until midnight. What I learned is that dinner guests actually need utensils with their meal. Who knew?

Carl Carolyn 41014

 

Short clips from my iPhone. The filming shall improve with practice and a larger device! Enjoy.