2012 Yosemite Flute Festival

I wanted to remind folks that the 2012 Yosemite Flute Festival is now taking shape, and it's going to be an awesome event this year, one that you can't miss. I've been involved with the Yosemite Flute Festival since it's inception and Rick and Linda have put on a quality event every year, but this year they're pulling out all the stops to create a wonderful event celebrating the Native American Flute.

First of all, it's hard to beat the setting. The event was moved last year to the Sierra Sky Ranch, and it's a nice intimate setting for interacting with all of the vendors and other flute players. Plus you can't beat adding a day to go through Yosemite!

As for performers, this year the lineup is incredible. It starts on Friday night with Steven Deruby, Rona Yellow Robe and Joe Young. Rona is an incredible flute player and her signing voice just melts my heart. She backed by her musical partner Bruce Witham (who's an amazing musician in his own write but has found a beautiful synergy with Rona). Rona's is one of the best, up and coming Native artists that I've heard in a long, long time, make sure that you get there by Friday night to catch her on stage. Joe Young has supported the festival for the last 3 years as both an artist and in the sound production. He is an amazing wind instrument artist and plays the sax, clarinet and Native American flute. Joe takes a more modern look at composing for the NAF, but always entertains. My good friend Steven Deruby has been making flutes longer than just about any body in the business. He is definitely one of the living "masters" and has left his mark on so many flute players and flute makers over the years. Steven was one the folks who helped initiate the Yosemite flute festival, and it's always a joy to watch him on stage (I've even had the privilege to perform with him). You never know what instrument(s) Steven will bring together on stage...

And that brings us to the Saturday evening concert. Starting the show on Saturday night we have Al Hollinger of Desert Wind Flutes. Al is an accomplished didgeridoo player and Native American flute player. Randy Grainger is a unique performer... if there's one individual who fits the mold of a modern day Kokopelli, it would be Randy. He's a free spirit and an incredible multi-instrumentalist who plays a variety of instruments, and I quite sure that he can make music out of anything.
Highlighting the evening on Saturday, is of course our very own Mary Youngblood. It's a couple years since Mary last performed at Yosemite, but it sure will be fun to see her again on stage. Mary is the capstone to an incredible lineup this year, and it's one that you won't want to miss. Add to that all of the great workshops and vendors, and you have the recipe for one wonderful NAF weekend. So start saving now (so you don't go home empty handed), get reservations in town NOW (the hotels will fill up quickly).
And we'll see you in Yosemite...

What: Yosemite Flute Festival
When: Sept 21-23, 2012
Where: Oakhurst, CA
Cost: $5.00 for three days (you can't beat this price anywhere...)
Concerts Ticket: TBA (probably in the $20 range)
Info: Yosemite Flute Festival 2012

Yosemite Flute Festival starts Friday!

Just putting one last reminder out that that the Yosemite Flute Festival starts this Friday. It's the fourth year for the event and this year it has a new venue. Still in Oakhurst, California but this year it's at the Sierra Sky Ranch.
Lot's of great performers, including:


FRIDAY 

• The Coyote Brothers (Tim Blueflint and John Kulias)
• Randy Granger 
• Scott August 

SATURDAY

• Rafael Bejarano 
• Ron Korb 
• Rona Yellow Robe

There's also a bunch of great workshops going on all three days. I will be teaching a playshop: "How to Play the Blues on the NAF" on Saturday, 3-5 PM.

Here's the link for all of the Yosemite Flute Festival Workshops.

We still need volunteers, but I will finish the online version tonight. If you can spare an hour as a volunteer, please find me at the front desk.

See you all this weekend!

Yosemite World Music Camp Sept 23-25, 2011

If you're planning to attend this years Yosemite Flute Festival (or even if you can't make it to festival), be sure to check out the the first annual Yosemite World Music Camp taking place the three days prior to the festival.

The event features the following instructors:

Scott August: world flutes and musicianship

Randy Granger: flute, percussion and drumming

Annie Mathias: didgeridoo, Moyo drums, creative play

There will be classes offered each day and a special event each evening.

Cost: $325 for the three days (plus lodging)

Location: Sierra Sky Ranch, Oakhurst CA

To register: worldmusiccamp@gmail.com or call (559) 641-5980

Yosemite Flute Festival, Here I come...

The car is all packed, and I am almost ready to start the adventure to the 2010 Yosemite Flute Festival taking place this weekend in Oakhurst CA. There's still time to join us!

I am excited to see all of my friends, vendors and musicians who will be joining us at the event this year. Rick and Linda Dunlop have put a ton of energy into another exciting event. The books for my Playing the Blues workshop are all printed and I am bringing some fresh copies of my "Absolute Beginners Guide to Playing the Native American Flute" if anyone is interested.

I am hoping to do some blogging from the event. If there's internet access in town, I'll upload some pictures and stories from the event. Stay tuned.

If you're interested check out the Yosemite Flute and Art Festival 2010 website.

Live Blogging from Yosemite Flute Festival 2010

It's fall and that means that the Yosemite Flute Festival is once again happening in Oakhurst, CA, next weekend (Sept 24-26, 2010). This is a wonderful event is a great opportunity to hear some awesome music, meet some wonderful people and play/purchase some incredible instruments. This event is becoming one of the largest gatherings of Native American Flute players on the west coast.

For those of you who can't attend this year, I will once again be "live blogging" from the event. I'll post pictures and stories from the event so that you can at least experience some of the fun. Be sure to check this blog frequently next weekend for the latest posts.

For more information check out the Yosemite Flute Festival website.

Special appearance by Mary Youngblood at Yosemite Flute Festival

It was just announced that the Friday evening concert at the Yosemite Flute and Art Festival, will include a very special guest appearance of Mary Youngblood playing with Tony Redhouse.

WHAT: Mary Youngblood with Tony Redhouse, Joe Young and Albert Tenaya
WHEN: Friday, Sept 24, 2010
WHERE: Oakhurst, CA
WEBSITE: Yosemite Flute Festival Performances

More Details:
If you have not yet purchased tickets for the Friday evening concert now is the time to do this!
To purchase advance tickets call: (559) 641-5980 and tickets will be held for you at will call!
-- www.yosemiteflutefest.com

If you're attending, please consider volunteering some time to help make the event a success:

Volunteers needed for the Yosemite Flute and Art Festival

It's fall, and of course that means that the Yosemite Flute and Art Festival is right around the corner. The event is happening again this year, in Oakhurst CA, over 3 days. There will be a ton of flute makers and other vendors in attendance. While I know that it has been tough economically on many my readers, this is one event that you don't want to miss!

WHAT: Playing the Blues on the NAF Workshop
WHEN: Saturday, Sept 25, 2010, 1-3 PM
WHERE: Yosemite Flute and Art Festival, Oakhurst CA

For more detail about the Yosemite Flute and Art Festival


I am also responsibile again this year for organizing the volunteers who help make this event possible. So if you are planning to attend, and can volunteers a couple hours of your time, we would really appreciate it.



The Yosemite Flute and Art Festival Volunteer Schedule is now online. Please check out the schedule and send an email to: mailto:flutefestvolunteer@gmail.com?subject=Festival with your requested task(s) and times. I am accepting requests on a first come, first served basis. We'll start to fill in the online schedule as the slots fill up.



Thanks for your participation, and hope to see you there!

Learn to Play the Blues on the Native American Flute

The Yosemite Flute and Art Festival is just around the corner, if you haven't made plans yet to attend there's still time. And if you're still on the hump about whether it'll be worth your time to attend, let add that I will be teaching an entirely revised version of my "Playing the Blues on the NAF" workshop.
I've spent the summer rethinking how to improve the workshop and I think that I discovered some great ideas which will make the workshop a great experience. The companion book is completely rewritten, and I am now rerecording some new tracks for the CD which accompanies the book.
The workshop will focus on teaching you the basic 12 bar blues song form. We'll explore various versions of the chord structure of the 12 bar blues. Then we'll learn the basic "Blues Scale" for the Native American Flute and spend the rest of the workshop learning to improvise blues music on the Native American Flute. Past students have really enjoyed the experience of learning one of their favorite music genres on the Native American Flute.

The book and CD will be avialable for purchase outside of the workshop, if you are unable to attend the festival or if you are unable to attend the workshop while at the festival. I'll post a future blog with details on how to purchase the book and CD after the festival.

WHAT: Playing the Blues on the NAF Workshop
WHEN: Saturday, Sept 25, 2010, 1-3 PM
WHERE: Yosemite Flute and Art Festival, Oakhurst CA

More details, click on Playing the Blues on the NAF Workshop

For more detail about the Yosemite Flute and Art Festival

Yosemite Flute Festival 2009 Day 2

Saturday at the Yosemite Flute Festival.

There was lots of live music throughout the day. The open mic went non-stop (except for the drum circle time) throughout the day. It’s really fun to listen to all of the different ways that folks have to express their music through the Native American Flute. Here’s a picture of NCFC members Eric and Allie Ray (from Marysville) on stage. BTW, Eric has been nominated for a Nammy this year, you can vote for Eric here: http://www.nativeamericanmusicawards.com/votenow.cfm

It looks like the drum circle was a huge hit again this year, and is now a permanent part of the tradition of the festival. David Ferrier was kind enough to let folks without a drum (like me) borrow a drum from his inventory to play during the drum circle. Bill Timothy (Central Coast Flute Circle) facilitated the drum circle and kept the music going.

The highlight of the afternoon was the ending of the silent auction. There were lots of great flutes and other raffle items to choose from. The bidding started heating up as the deadline approached. In the end everyone appeared to be satisfied with their purchase, including one gal who won three flutes. Here's some pic's of the winners:

Paul Thompson from Albuquerque NM showed up today, he was here to perform on stage with Gary Stroutsos at the concert. But Paul also brought some flutes to sell. It’s been 8 years since I’ve seen Paul Thompson, and at that time, I wasn’t completely familiar with place in the history of flutemakers in North America nor was I in a place on my path to buy one of his flutes, but I didn’t let that opportunity slip past me this time, as I bought one of Paul black bamboo flutes. Paul has been making flutes since the early seventies and has influenced many, many flutemakers and flute players since that time. His flute will have a special place in my collection. Here’s Tim Blueflint with a birdhead flute by Paul Thompson.

As I surveyed all of the flutes and other artwork for sale this weekend, one flute caught my eye. In Brent Haines booth, I saw a wonderful painting, and when I asked Brent who the artist was, he picked up a flute and showed me the work of Jeremy Johns. Jeremy is a 20 year old artist from Brent’s town. Brent saw another piece of his artwork and asked Jeremy if he’d be interested in painting a flute (or two) for Brent. From that collaboration came this beautiful dragonfly flute (see below). The detail is phenomenal (the picture doesn’t do it justice). You can expect to see more collaboration between Brent and Jeremy in the future.

Finally, the evening ended with a wonderful concert by a large cast of musicians including Stephan DeRuby, Kim, Rick and Linda Dunlop, Gary Stroutsos, Paul Thompson, William Hoshal and Vince Chafin.
I especially enjoyed Gary Strousos and William Hoshal tribute to Paul Horn.
The highlight of the evening was the final piece, a tribute to the Beatles, were all of the performers played a version of Within You Without You. Gary even donned spectacles (like George Harrison) for the final song.

Yosemite Flute Festival 2009 Day 1 – Recap

It’s Saturday morning here in Oakhurst. I am reminiscing about the wonderful day we had yesterday at the event. There’s a wonderful collection of vendors this year, everything from flutes (of course) to drums, to Native art and some great jewelry. I was lucky to find some time yesterday to met almost all of the vendors and survey all of the great art that they’ve brought to the show this year. I plan to get more pictures today of more flutes and flute makers.

Here's Linda Dunlop, setting up the latest creation called "Baby Moyo's".

Here’s this summer’s litter of new drums by David Ferrer. I spent a bit of time in Dave’s booth yesterday “trying out” all of his latest creations. It was hard to leave his tent…


I’ve enjoyed watching David mature in this craft over the last couple years, as he started first by selling his drums at the Loping Wolf winter gathering and now he’s making drums full time and enjoying every moment of it. David lives in the Sacramento area.

The concert was a fun evening. I didn’t get too many pic’s from the concert (other than the previous post of Michael Graham Allen). I did get a few pic’s before the show. Here’s a picture of myself, Kenneth Hooper and Dan Ricketts.

Garth Brooks and Kenneth Hooper took the stage first, in a much anticipated reunion of Elysium Calling. Unfortunately, they had to fight through some problems with the sound system for their first couple songs, but I thought that they handled it professionally, and Garth was able to make light humor of the situation. They entertained with a nice sampling of songs from their albums. I am sure that they made some new fans last night.

Michael Graham Allen, (AKA Coyote Oldman) took the stage next, and provided an incredible sampling of music and sound from a variety of his historical recreations. Michael is now building (and selling) an array of flutes based on his research into all of the different flutes and flute tradition from across North America. Michael has brought these sounds back to life, and it was mesmerizing to hear him play all of these flutes. Like I said in my earlier post, I really think that Michael Graham Allen may be a living “Kokopelli”, spreading the ancient sound of the flute traditions to a new generation. Michael invited Rick Dunlop on stage for a couple of pieces, including one where Rick played him Moyo drum in an Anasazi-tuning. It was one of those magical moments of the evening.

Here's a picture of Michael Graham Allen (l) and Rick Dunlop (r)

Scott August took the stage last, and he entertained us with a selection of many of his best songs. Like Michael Graham Allen, Scott has become one of the most proficient performing artists on the Anasazi flute. When Scott combines the Anasazi with all of the sound textures that Scott is able to coax out of his computer in the studio, it’s an incredible thing.

So now I am off to day 2 of the event. But one memory stands out from yesterday. Geri Littlejohn is in town, and it was fun to see her again. I think that I hardly saw her throughout the day when she wasn’t giving hugs to someone. Geri brought Zebb along for the trip, and I think that at eight, he’s already a great “flute salesman”. He challenged me to a game of “corn hole” (tossing the corn filled bags at a target), and he beat me 11-9. I’ll remember that game for a long time.

PS – Happy Birthday to Rick Dunlop (it was it birthday yesterday). Nothing like throwing yourself a big party, complete with 30+ flute vendors and a huge concert!!

Yosemite Flute Festival 2009 Day 1

It's Friday morning. A crisp autumn morning in the Sierra's.
Last night, we had the volunteer and vendor BBQ. It was a fun event, and a great chance to chat with everyone in a real relaxed atmosphere. All of the flutemakers are here and most of the performers. I am looking forward to a great day.

Live Blogging from Yosemite Flute Festival 2009

Stay tuned this weekend, as I'll be "live blogging" from the Yosemite Flute Festival.
I'll update the blog as often as I can with pictures, stories and hopefully a few interviews of flute makers and artists.

What: Yosemite Flute and Art Festival
Where: Oakhurst, CA
When: Friday Sept 25 - Sunday Sept 27, 2009

Link: http://www.yosemiteflutefest.com/

Yosemite Flute Festival Sept 25 - 27, 2009

Just a quick reminders that the Yosemite Flute and Art Festival is happening next weekend, in Oakhurst CA. I hope to see many of you there, and I hope that you'll look me up and say hi!

For those who can't make it, stay tuned to this blog, as I'll be 'live blogging' from the event, posting pictures and stories of what's going on...

There's a lot happening, so I hope that you're planning to be there all three days. Lot's of great music, workshops, jam sessions and of course: some great instruments for sale!!

It's unfortunate that we won't have Mary Youngblood playing this year, but there are some other great musicians who will be performing this year, including a reunion of our very own: Elyium Calling on Friday night. That's right! Kenneth Hooper and Garth Brooks are back together, and I can't wait to see them perform. Please, if you can only make one night of music, be there to show your awesome NCFC support for Kenneth and Garth on Friday evening. They'll have CD's available, but if you want to listen to their music on the ride down to Yosemite, you can download their music from iTunes.
Also performing on Friday evening is a rare west coast appearance by Coyote Oldman (AKA Michael Graham Allen). And one of our longtime friends: Scott August, from Southern California.
Saturday evenings performance lineup includes: Gary Stroutsos (from Washington), Vince Chafin and "local boy" Stephen DeRuby. Both nights promise some great entertainment.

Click here for more info: http://www.yosemiteflutefest.com/flutefestperformers09.html

Don't forget to check out the great workshops: http://www.yosemiteflutefest.com/flutefestworkshops09.html

And the lineup of awesome flute makers and other vendors: http://www.yosemiteflutefest.com/flutefestvendors09.html

Finally, I want to personally ask you to help out the event by volunteering a hour or more of your time. I am personally responsible for coordinating all of the volunteers for the event. And this year, if you dedicate 4 or more hours of time, you'll get a discount on your evening concert ticket prices.

To volunteer, go here: http://www.yosemiteflutefest.com/volunteers09.html

Links: http://www.yosemiteflutefest.com

Yosemite Flute Festival MySpace page

The Yosemite Flute Festival is happening again this year, Sept 25 - 27 , 2009. I hope that you'll be able to join us for another awesome weekend of flute music. Get your hotel/campground reservations now!

The crew has also started a MySpace page with pictures and a blog: http://www.myspace.com/yosemiteflutefest

My Apologies

I promised to 'live blog' from the Yosemite Flute Festival, and although I was able to post a couple entries, I just was too busy running around to take pictures and submit posts. I regret that I didn't capture more of the experience for those who couldn't attend.

HOWEVER - if you attended, and have pictures, I'd be happy to post the best of them as memories from the event. You know how to get a hold of me...

Can you say "Flutie Hangover"?

Wow, it's been three days now, since I returned from the Yosemite Flute Festival, and I am still suffering from a "flutie hangover".

First of all, huge kudo's and thanks go to Rick and Linda Dunlop & Steven DeRuby, for all of their hard work to make this event a reality.

Second, thanks to all of the flute makers who attended (many who traveled a long way), and showed off their individual crafts. It was so fun to see all of the different style flutes.

Third, thanks to all of the performers who entertained us with their talents: Mary Youngblood, Vince Chafin (and friends), Scott August, Mark Holland and Jeff Ball (and his band). The concerts were (in my opinion) the highlight of the weekend. Having all of these talented folks showcasing their music side by side was an inspiration. We had the chance to hear five different styles of music, all featuring the Native American Flute. The NAF was definitely the star.

Finally, thanks to everyone who attended the festival and spent their precious dollars (in this economy) on flutes, art, food and fun.

The best news is that the Yosemite Flute Festival will happen again next year. I don't have the exact dates handy, but it'll be the same weekend in the fall in 2009.

If you attended, I appreciate your comments to this post, about those things that are most memorable to you.

Blogging LIVE from the Yosemite Flute Festival

If you can't make it to the Yosemite Flute Festival this year, then stay tuned to this blog later this week and weekend. If I can get a strong enough ATT signal at the event, then I'll be blogging live from the events from my cell phone (amazing that they can do that now...?!).
I'll try to capture events as they unfold.

Don't Forget to Volunteer at the Yosemite Flute Festival

The Yosemite Flute Festival is fast approaching, and we need your help to make it a success. If you are planning on attending, please consider volunteering an hour or more to help make this event a success. In fact, it's a great way to rest your feet for an hour!

Please check out the Volunteer page on the festival site for more information:

Link: http://www.yosemiteflutefest.com/volunteers.html

Michelle Carlino Workshops at Yosemite Flute Festival

"Yoga for Flute Playing: The Balance of Body and Breath"

Join Michelle Carlino for a wonderful way to embrace the morning or a rejuvenating afternoon break as you support learning through this ancient opening of the body and the breath.

This class will include gentle stretching and asana(posture) to open the body; breath work to build lung capacity and control; and relaxation to place one in the most optimal alignment for learning and play.

Hatha Yoga is a more than 6,000 year old system which supports and builds health in the dimensions of body, mind, and spirit. This practice supportsthe necessary qualities for flute playing of a steady breath moving from a balanced and relaxed body and focused mind.

Open to all ages
Appropriate for all levels
Please bring a towel or mat
Cost: $10


For more workshops happening at the Yosemite Flute Festival: http://www.yosemiteflutefest.com/flutefestworkshops.html

Jeff Ball Workshops at Yosemite Flute Festival

Jeff Ball will be providing a variety of opportunities to learn at the Yosemite Flute Festival.

15 Minute Tutorials With Jeff Ball
Get your questions answered, professional feedback, and tips from ISMA and NAMMY winning NAF recording artist Jeff Ball. Bring your flute and the desire to learn.
Cost: $20.00.

Template for Success with Jeff Ball

This seminar covers everything you've wanted to know about getting your music heard.
Minimize false starts and money pits...start building your fan base today!
Learn what you must have to get bookings now. Should you try to get signed
with a record company or go it alone? Does Myspace work? Which distribution
company is best and should you sign with more than one? Should you accept 90 net?
Does your album really need to be mastered? All these questions and more will be addressed.

Cost: $50.00

For more workshops happening at the Yosemite Flute Festival: http://www.yosemiteflutefest.com/flutefestworkshops.html