Thursday, August 28, 2008

First Nations Films

FIRST NATIONS FILMS are now available to the public on important subjects from Spirituality to Land Claims to Traditional Music to Politics. These award-winning pro-fessional broadcast TV programs are some of the best in North America! Very suit-able for groups, libraries, classroom or individual.

For a complete catalog of their offerings: www.firstnationsfilms.com

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Volunteers needed for the Yosemite Flute Festival

The Yosemite Flute Festival is approaching fast. We need your help to make this event a spectacular success. With Mary Youngblood playing on Friday night and many other talented artists, including Jeff Ball, Mark Holland, Scott August and Vince Chafin. This is the premier west coast Native American Flute event!

WHEN: September 26, 27, 28 - 2008
WHERE: Oakhurst, CA (outside of Yosemite Park)

The Northern California Flute Circle is co-sponsoring this event and this is an all volunteer organization. We know what great smiling faces and passion for the flute all of you have, therefore we are asking for all NCFC members to volunteer at least an hour or more at the event, if you are planning to attend. If you volunteer 6 or more hours you'll get a free event T-shirt, and we'll throw in an NCFC T-shirt as well to current NCFC members who reach the 6 hr mark!
There are many, many different tasks to do. In fact, it's a great way to rest your feet and help the event at the same time! Choose a volunteer task like selling concert tickets, working the silent auction or selling concert t-shirts!

We can't do this without your help, hurry and sign up now before the best slots are taken.

For complete details, and to sign, up goto: http://www.yosemiteflutefest.com/volunteers.html

Indigenous Peoples Day 2008

Indigenous Peoples Day is happening again this year! Bigger and better in 2008. If you live near the foothills, then this is an event not to be missed.

WHEN: Friday, October 10, 2008 - Monday, October 13, 2008
WHERE: Various Sites around Nevada City, CA

Sunday and Monday's events will be live on KVMR Radio 89.5 RM and www.KVMR.org


Hosted by the Tsi-Akim Maidu Tribe

For more information: 530.274.7497
http://www.indigenouspeoplesdays.org/

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Northern California Flute Circle Online Calendar

Be sure to check out the new Northern California Flute Circle calendar online at: http://ncfc.collectivex.com/calendar

All Northern California Flute Circle events, regional Pow Wows, festivals, workshops, retreats and other indigenous music events are posted there. It's the best place to discovery what's happening each week.

LOPING WOLF Retreat with Mary Youngblood

L O P I N G W O L F presents the Last Planned Musical Retreat for 2008 with Two-time Grammy Winner: Mary Youngblood - First Lady of the Flute

WHEN: September 6, 2008
WHERE: LOPING WOLF Ranch, Auburn CA
COST: Each workshop is $45. We are asking for a $5 donation from attendees not taking a workshop to help defray expenses.

DETAILS: Please come and share NAF techniques, attend Mary’s workshops, jam with Mary and attend the closing open mic session to practice what you've learned with the "First Lady of the Flute". Non-workshop attendees will be able to cavort, try out other flutes ‘n’ drums and practice jamming.

We know there are some who were not able to make the previous four retreats held this past summer (“Tempest Fugit!”), so we hope this will give you a chance to attend. Space is limited, so we encourage you to sign up now!

Call to reserve a spot and obtain directions.

Bring ALL your flutes (“A” minor for the workshop), drums and percussion instruments.

Mary Youngblood books, CDs and other merchandise will be available for purchase.

Check out Mike Ely’s video of the first retreat at
http://www.maryyoungblood.com/videos/Clips%20Rev%20b.wmv


11:00am to 12:30pm -Arrival and Lunch (Bring your favorite potluck item)
12:00pm - Welcome and Introduction, Mary Youngblood ~ Welcome Performance
12:30pm to 2:00pm - Beginning Workshop ~ Work on beginning skills: breath control, embellishments and techniques. (Mary will collect any written questions before the workshop.)

Break
2:30pm to 4:00pm - Intermediate / Advanced Workshop ~ vibrato, improvisation, embellishment details, how to duet with another player, composition, phrasing, timing, plus performance and recording readiness will be shared

Break
4:15pm to 5:00pm - This OPEN MIC hour will be your opportunity to duet with Mary and learn how Mary takes a player to the “next level”. Sign up to have your duet with Mary recorded on DVD with you for an additional fee as a keepsake of this unforgettable day! Autographed pictures of you playing with Mary at this special NAF musical retreat will be available for purchase before you leave!

HOSTS - LOPING WOLF - Lake of the Pines Wood Flute 'n' Drum Circle -
http://www.lopingwolf.com/
Sheree 'n' Dan DiCicco / 10492 Gautier Drive / Auburn CA 95602 / (530) 613-4197 Dan's cell /
flutecircle@lopingwolf.com

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

In Remembrance: Sharon Downer

I just learned this morning that a great friend, and fellow flutie, Sharon Downer lost her battle with brain cancer on Monday morning, August 18. My heart aches with her passing, but I know that Sharon's spirit is in a better place.
And what an amazing spirit and huge heart Sharon had. I first met Sharon Downer at one of the Northern California Flute Circles events at Mary Youngbloods house many years ago. She greeted everyone she met with a smile and a hug. I'll always remember her smile, her laugh and especially her eyes, which were always smiling.
She adored the Native American flute and was big fan and student of Mary Youngblood. I know that I'll miss Sharon, and I encourage you to play a song in her memory this week.

Memorial services will be at 11:00 am this Saturday, Aug 23, in Grass Valley and Mary is playing at the memorial service.

Chapel of the Angels
250 Race St
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-2446
www.chapeloftheangels.com

Monday, August 04, 2008

Youtube Video of Mary Youngblood at Moaning Caverns

Here's a video from the event this weekend featuring Mary Youngblood at Moaning Caverns. I couldn't go this time, but I'll post more links, pic's and videos from those who did attend.