Monday, April 28, 2008
Kudos to the NoNahme Clan
Hope to see you all again next year at the Spring Flute Festival.
How To: Hank Drum Building Instructions
So it seems that my "Hank Drum" was a big hit at the Flute Festival this weekend. I had lot's and lot's on inquiries on how to build one, so that I thougtht that I would add a post here with a link to the building instructions on my other blog.
First of all, I want to thank Rick Dunlop and Steven DeRuby for joining me on stage during the open mic session on Saturday. It was a wonderful jam, and one that I'll remember for a long time. I pulled the Hank Drum out at the campfire on Friday evening and Rick (who was camping next to me) was immediately drawn to the drum. He started tooling around on it, and I grabbed a D flute and played with him. It was awesome. The next day, I encouraged Rick to take the drum to his booth and play around with it. Well, it was a great spot for folks to check out the drum. I came down later in the morning and Steven encouraged me to try playing with one of his new low D drones. WOW! Sounded great. I was playing with Rick when Stephen joined in on a diatonic C Major flute and we were all amazed. So I asked both Steven and Rick to join me for open mic!
The drums are not difficult to make if you own a jigsaw and dremel. (and a big pipe wrench) The empty propane tanks cost between $20 & $30 (buy a brand new empty one ONLY). You'll need a digital tuner as well.
Here's the link with instructions: http://foundmusic.blogspot.com/2008/01/how-to-build-hank-drum.html
Please send me pictures or video if you make one using the instructions! I'll keep posting more articles as the tradition continues!!
Save the Dates: Mary Youngblood Musical Retreat
Mary is offering three Musical Retreats:
- May 3rd, 2008
- June 7th, 2008
- July 5th, 2008
Bring ALL your flutes (plus “A” minor’s for the workshops) drums and percussion instruments. Mary Youngblood books, CDs and other merchandise will be available for purchase.
Here's a great video with highlights from the first event earlier this month: http://www.maryyoungblood.com/videos/Clips%20Rev%20b.WMV
For more information and to register: http://www.maryyoungblood.com/Retreat/music_workshops.asp
Friday, April 25, 2008
NCFC Spring Fesitval 2008: Scott August
For a complete list of vendors, check out the festival page: http://www.softcom.net/users/greebo/festival.htm Don't forget that the NCFC/NoNahme Spring Flute Festival is April 26-27, 2008, in Georgetown, CA. 8 AM - 6 PM each day
NCFC Spring Flute Festival2008: Lew Price
What can I say about Lew Paxton Price that hasn't already been said?
If you are new to playing the Native American Flute, then you may not have heard Lew's name before. But almost every modern flute maker (flutemakers who have started making flutes in the last 10 years) has been influenced by Lew's work in some way or another. Lew's is a humble guy, probably one of the humblest people that I've met on my flute path. But Lew's life work has been focused on making the incredibly difficult physics of the flute understandable for the average person. Lew has written well over a dozen books on topics related to the construction of the Native American Flut and other styles of indigenous flutes. In his books, he has outlined the specifications for creating a flute and where to position the holes to get a perfectly tuned instrument. Lew has also helped to create software and spreadsheets to help guide flutemakers as they produce their instruments. If you have any questions about how the flute works, how to make a flute or anything else related to the transmission of sound wave, Lew is a great source of knowledge and an engaging teacher.
Lew and Mary Youngblood are the two folks who helped start the Northern California Flute Circle so many years ago. We consider Lew and Mary to be our "elders" helping to guide us as we grow, prosper and evolve to meet the needs of our membership.
Once you get the chance to met Lew I think that you understand how much we appreciate all that he's done to bring this beautiful instrument back to life!
Be sure to stop by the NCFC/NoNahme booth during the event, where you can meet Lew, check out his books and flutes that he'll have for sale.
You can also visit Lew's Website:
- http://www.softcom.net/users/greebo/price.htm
- http://www.lewpaxtonprice.us/index.htm
- http://www.lewpaxtonprice.us/fltbks2.htm
For a complete list of vendors, check out the festival page: http://www.softcom.net/users/greebo/festival.htm Don't forget that the NCFC/NoNahme Spring Flute Festival is April 26-27, 2008, in Georgetown, CA. 8 AM - 6 PM each day
Thursday, April 24, 2008
NCFC Spring Flute Festival 2008: David Blonski
David Blonski has been a long time supporter of the Northern California Flute Circle, and is a recording artist with many albums to his credit. David is one of the premier didjeridoo players on the west coast, and you'll want to make sure that you don't miss his performance this weekend! David also will be teaching two didgeridoo workshops, one for beginners and one for advanced players. Dave promises that you'll be able to make some sounds by the end of the beginners workshop. Dave also manufactures a variety of instruments, including didgeridoos, flutes and shakers. Dave will be selling instruments and CD's at his booth this weekend. I expecially enjoy his latest album: "Into the Night" which is a great album for listening to while driving (especially for those late night commutes - it'll definitely keep you awake, tapping to the beat...)
Check out Dave's website: http://www.timelessproductions.com
For a complete list of vendors, check out the festival page: http://www.softcom.net/users/greebo/festival.htm
Don't forget that the NCFC/NoNahme Spring Flute Festival is April 26-27, 2008, in Georgetown, CA. 8 AM - 6 PM each day
NCFC Spring Flute Festival 2008: Vance Pennington (Waking Spirit Flutes)
I first met Vance Pennington, of Waking Spirits Flutes at the first NCFC Spring Flute Festival last year. I was amazed at the craftmanship which Vance puts into his flutes. Vance's skill as a woodworker puts him in the top catagory of flutemakers in the business today. Vance has also pushed the envelope with creativity in the science of flute making because he is one of only a handful of flutemakers who offer a "Tunable Native American Flutes". If you are in the market for a concert-tuned instrument then you definitely need to stop by and experience Vances work. Here's a link which describes his tunable flutes series: http://www.waking-spirit.com/grandfathersVisionFlute/grandfathersVisionFlute.htm
For a complete list of vendors, check out the festival page: http://www.softcom.net/users/greebo/festival.htm
Don't forget that the NCFC/NoNahme Spring Flute Festival is April 26-27, 2008, in Georgetown, CA. 8 AM - 6 PM each day
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Sue Reynolds New Book of Pow Wow Photography
Musical Echos coming up this weekend
Of course, Mary Youngblood is performing at the event. It has become an annual 'pilgrammage' of sorts for Mary, and all those who love her music on the East Coast. We're fortunate to have Mary here with us, and lucky enough to experience her live performances several times a year. I wish Mary nothing but the best at this years event.
Also, this year Frankie Sierra, leader of the Bay Clan, was invited to Musical Echos to compete in the flute players competition. We wish Frankie all the best, and we'll be with him in spirit as he performs on stage. I know that Frankie will make us all proud of the talent we have here on the west coast.
NCFC Spring Flute Festival 2008: Bill Timothy
Bill Timothy isn't a flute maker, but you'll definitely want to check out his handicrafts. Bill makes wonderfully crafted flute wraps. His bead work is impeccable. A flute wrap is the perfect way to dress up a flute and give it that perfect finishing touch. Here's a picture of his booth from last year: http://www.softcom.net/users/greebo/timothy.htm
Be sure to bring along any flutes that you'd like to add a wrap to. Bill will help you size/fit the appropriate wrap for your flute. If Bill doesn't have the right fitting wrap in inventory, I know that he is more than happy to take special orders.
I've known Bill for many years. Bill formed the Central Coast Flute Circle and works closely with the Northern California Flute Circle to help co-market events and workshops. The Central Coast Flute Circle was originally a clan of the NCFC, but it made more sense for the CCFC to start their own flute circle, where they have a 'adopted' the model of the NCFC with their own regional clans. If you're ever visiting the central coast region, be sure to check their calendar for events or flute circles. NCFC members are always welcome to join a CCFC event (and visa versa!).
For a complete list of vendors, check out the festival page: http://www.softcom.net/users/greebo/festival.htm
Don't forget that the NCFC/NoNahme Spring Flute Festival is April 26-27, 2008, in Georgetown, CA. 8 AM - 6 PM each day
NCFC Spring Flute Festival 2008: John Stillwell
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
NCFC Spring Flute Festival 2008: The Fairy Ring Mushroom Company
NCFC Spring Flute Festival 2008: Stephen DeRuby
I have known Stephen DeRuby longer than just about any other flutemaker. I first met Stephen at the DeAnza PowWow many years ago, and we've been friends ever since. He has seen my kids grow up each year at the PowWow. I've purchased many, many flutes from Stephen over the years and I have only seen his skill and craftsmanship improve with each passing year. In my opinion, Stephen makes the best, inexpensive flute on the planet. If you're a beginner, be sure to stop by Stephen's booth and check out his "Trail Flute" series. (see picture below). If you have small hands, check out the flute in the key of A. Prices have gone up over the years so I can't call it the "Best Flute under $100" anymore, but if you are an NCFC member, Stephen will give a discount off the list price.
Stephen also makes excellent flutes in many other keys and styles, including his new "Mystic" series with EZ-Reach(TM). I can't wait to check out these new flutes. Stephen is also famous for his "Drum beats to accompany Native American Flute" a CD which is an excellent pick for playing along with.
To see Stephen's complete range of flutes and flutes accessories: http://www.deruby.com
For a complete list of vendors, check out the festival page: http://www.softcom.net/users/greebo/festival.htmDon't forget that the NCFC/NoNahme Spring Flute Festival is April 26-27, 2008, in Georgetown, CA. 8 AM - 6 PM each day
Monday, April 21, 2008
NCFC Spring Flute Festival 2008: Jeanne and Jim Callaway (Eagle Heart Flutes)
I first met Jim and Jeanne Callaway many years ago at the (no defunct) DeAnza College Pow Wow in Cupertino. Jim and Jeanne live near Clearlake CA, where they have a workshop in some beautiful country. Jim is often inspired by the animals he sees on his property and during hikes. He does wonderful inlay work on his flutes and I'd say that he is famous for inlaying animal footprints across the flutes. I've seen him create flutes with bear trask, deer tracks, racoon tracks, and many others. Jim's flutes have a playful spirit to them and each is a unique work of art in themselves. Be sure to stop by and check out his latest creations.
For a complete list of vendors, check out the festival page: http://www.softcom.net/users/greebo/festival.htm
Don't forget that the NCFC/NoNahme Spring Flute Festival is April 26-27, 2008, in Georgetown, CA. 8 AM - 6 PM each day
NCFC Spring Gathering 2008: Igor Sedor
I met Igor Sedor for the first time at the NCFC Spring Gathering last year. He lives near Las Vegas, NV and drove over with a caravan of folks from the Las Vegas Clan of Loping Wolf. He had a handful of his wonderful flutes with him last year, and I expect that he'll have even more this year. Be sure to stop by his booth and/or the Loping Wolf Tent and check out his handiwork.
For a complete list of vendors, check out the festival page: http://www.softcom.net/users/greebo/festival.htm
Don't forget that the NCFC/NoNahme Spring Flute Festival is April 26-27, 2008, in Georgetown, CA. 8 AM - 6 PM each day
Sunday, April 20, 2008
NCFC Spring Gathering 2008: Russ Veneble Flutes
We're less than a week away from the second annual NCFC/NoNahme Spring Gathering in Georgetown, CA. To highlight the event, I thougth that I would feature a short introduction or review of each of the vendors who will be selling flutes next weekend. There will be a lot of other vendors with awesome crafts for sale, far too many for me to talk about each of them. But since I know personally, or know of all of the flutemakers, I thought that I would spend a few moments letting you know what's in store so that you bring a few extra bucks with you, just in case...
Saturday, April 19, 2008
NCFC Spring Gathering 2008: Meadowlark Flutes
Weekend Events: April 19 - 20
NOTE: If I missed an event for the weekend, please add a comment with event info so that others can know!
Sunday, April 20
Upcoming Events
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Looking for a microphone to record your Native American Flute?
http://www.whitecrowflutes.com/micprimer.htm
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Camping at the upcoming NCFC Spring Flute Festival
If you are interested in camping during the event, we've secured a discount at the American River Resort in Coloma, which is about 15 miles away from Georgetown, but alongside the South Fork of the American River, a very beautiful and historic area, where gold was discovered. It's a favorite for rafters and kayakers as you can view "Troublemaker" a class 3.5 rapid, or launch your raft or kayak from that area.
I'll be camping there on both Friday and Saturday evenings, so listen for the flute music and please come over and introduce yourself!
Festival attendees get a discount. An RV site with full hookup during the off season runs $30. a nite for 2 people. Our festival attendees can have it for $25.00 a nite for two. Any additional people would be $10. Tent sites and cabins are also available at a discount.
Please check out the website at www.americanriverresort.com . Call Chris Gendron manager of the resort, at 530-622-6700 to make reservations.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Scott August Signature Anasazi Flute
Scott recorded several tunes on his latest CD: Lost Canyons, on the Anasazi flute. So if you have fallen in love with the sound of this instrument on Scott's recordings, then it's time now to own one for your very own.
Scott and Geoffrey worked closely together to construct a flute that had the distinctive warm, low sound that Scott strives for in his recordings while still keeping ease of playing in mind. Several prototypes were constructed and extensively tested. The final designs were then field tested by members of Scott's beginning Anasazi flute class before Scott and Geoffrey made their final decision. The result is a warm, resonant low tone with a silky smooth response.
To satisfy both the collector and the everyday flute player these flutes will be available in two lines: The Scott August Signature Ansazi Flute and The Scott August Anasazi Flute Series.
Shown below is the Scott August Signature Anasazi Flute.
- Note that the design on the is inlaid turquoise. Each year a different design will be created and produced.
- Price: $350.00
- One of 25 Signed and numbered flutes. Keys available: Ab and A
- Comes with a certificate of authenticity, a bag and maintenance kit
Shown below is the is the Scott August Anasazi Flute Series
- Price: $220.00.
- Keys available: Ab and A. Other keys to be anounced.
- Comes with a bag and maintenance kit
Only twenty five signature flutes will be offered per year, each year will its own distinct design. Made of eastern red cedar The Scott August Signature Anasazi Flute is tastefully accented with a crushed turquoise Cedar Mesa Music logo and Bore Rings in a style reminiscent of Chaco Canyon jewelry. Each flute will be signed by Scott August, Numbered and come with a certificate of authenticity, a bag and maintenance kit.
For more information, and to order one for yourself, click here: http://www.cedarmesa.com/news/eftm_spring_08.html#sigflute
Upcoming Anazasi Workshop
Scott is teaching a beginning Anasazi flute class at the upcoming NCFC/NoNahme Spring Flute Festival on April 26-27, 2008. He'll also be performing in a concert on Saturday afternoon. This event will be held in Georgetown, CA.
For more details about the event, check out the NCFC Calendar online: http://www.naflute.com/calendar.html
Monday, April 14, 2008
New Stephen DeRuby Deep Mystic Flutes
There are several styles of flutes available:
- Low D, C#, B in Pentatonic Minor scale
- Low D, D#, B drone in Pentatonic Minor scale (shown in picture above)
- Low C in Diatonic Major scale
- Contrabass F#, E in Pentatonic Minor
Stephen will have an inventory of this new flute line for sale at the upcoming NCFC / NoNahme Clan Spring Flute Gathering on April 26-27, 2008. Be sure to stop by his booth and check out the flute!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Weekend Events: April 12 - 13
NOTE: If I missed an event for the weekend, please add a comment with event info so that others can know!
Saturday, April 12
- Ann Licater Workshop, Spirit Flute Workshop - "Learn to Play Native American Flute", 10 AM - 3 PM, Coloma, CA
- Ann Licater in Concert at Cosmic Cafe, 8 pm- 10 p.m., Placerville, CA
Sunday, April 13
Survival Tip: Starting a Fire
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Live Version of Escape of Medicine Man
Monday, April 07, 2008
NCFC Winter 2008 Voice of the Circle Newsletter now online
Link: http://www.naflute.com/newsletter_archives/VOCWinter08.pdf
Sunday, April 06, 2008
NCFC Bay Clan April Flute Circle
DATE: Sunday, April 20th, 2008
TIME: 2:00 to 4:30 PM
LOCATION: 707 Sunshine Drive, Los Altos, California 94024-3155
HOST: Pat Scheid 1-650-967-6576, junetodec25 at comcast dot net
ORGANIZER: Frankie Sierra 1-408-242-6464, f dot sierra at comcast dot net
SCHEDULE: 2:00 PM: Arrive, socialize, show flutes.
2:30 PM: Open fluting time.
3:00 PM: Snack break.
3:30 PM: Open mike, with audience feedback.
We will have a couple of minutes after
each player short performance to constructively
praise and comment on the musical piece.
NEW FOR THIS MEETING:
1. Audience participation. Be prepare to share your
thoughs of what worked well, and what could be fine
tuned, during the second Open mike session.
WHAT TO BRING:
Flutes, drums, and any other musical instrument you would like
to play with.
In addition, some snacks and drinks to share would
be appreciated by all.
DIRECTIONS:
Contact Frankie Sierra or Pat Scheid (see email above)
Downstream Video with Hang Music
Ann Licater concert and Workshop in Placerville, CA
Concert and Workshop by Flutist, Ann Licater
EVENING CONCERT:
Who: Ann Licater in Concert
What: A Performance of Native American and World Flutes
When: Saturday April 12th 8 p.m.
Where: The Cozmic Café 594 Main St. Placerville, CA 95667
Cost: $10 Advance, $12 Door
Tickets: www.thecozmiccafe.com or 1-530-642-8481
More Info:
Native American flutes are sacred instruments, and when played by Ann
Licater, the sound is hauntingly beautiful. Her original compositions and
intuitive improvisations bring the listener to a place of glorious peace and
tranquility.
In concert, Ann performs on a dozen or more flutes made of wood and clay
including a nose flute from Maui, a five-hole flute made from clay found in
the Mayan region of Mexico and a flute made of reclaimed redwood from a wine
vat that once held Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon. When Ann performs, she
connects with her audience by incorporating stories of origin about each of
her flutes using her warm style and engaging stage presence.
Ann’s acclaimed CD “Following the Call” was recently featured in Organic Spa
Magazine and nominated for Best Native American Album by NAR 2007 LifeStyle
Music Awards. Ann is excited to make her second appearance at The Cozmic
Café. Read more about Ann on her Web site at www.FluteForTheSoul.com
All DAY WORKSHOP—LEARN TO PLAY THE NATIVE AMERICAN FLUTE:
Who: Ann Licater teaches “Learn to Play Native American Flute”
What: Flute Workshop for BEGINNING Students
When: Saturday April 12th 10 AM – 3 PM
Where: Coloma Resort right on the American River (www.colomaresort.com)
Cost: Flute and Workshop fees www.sacredyou.com or www.Fluteforthesoul.com
More Info: 408-499-1300 or 530-295-7264
More Info:
If you ever wanted to learn to play here is a great opportunity in
Placerville, CA. Ann Licater, Best Native American Album NAR 2007 LifeStyle
Music Awards Nominee, teaches this beginner workshop (no musical background
required). Flutes are available for purchase in addition to workshop fee.
Learn more by calling 530-295-7264 or 408-499-1300 or email
info@sacredyou.com or info@fluteforthesoul.com
www.fluteforthesoul.com
Ann Licater
Cell 408-499-1300
Home Office 408-379-2403
annlicater@sbcglobal.net