As we say goodbye to the naughties, and welcome in the teens, I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to all of the folks who have contributed so much to the Northern California Flute Circle during the last decade.
To Dan, Lisa, Lew, Lynn and Mary - you've been there through it all. Thanks for your continued support through all of the various events and celebrations. We've seen a lot of people come and go, but I love you guys most of all for all what you've contributed in blood, sweat and tears for the organization. You guys are the heart of the flute circle.
To Frankie, Brian, Doc, Cryss, Dan, Sheree and others who have joined us and jumped in with your whole spirit - you've made the NCFC what it is today and continue to breathe life into our evolving personality. Thanks to you for helping us all become better. You guys are the spirit of the flute circle.
To Bob - where ever you are...
Thanks once again for your creative spirit and amazing organizational ability that enabled you to put a solid foundation into the organization. I pray that you're still playing and entertaining yourself and others with your music. I look forward to a time when we can play together again.
To all of the flutemakers: Keep evolving the instrument, improving the sound, playability and crafting beautiful sounding extensions of your spirit for others to enjoy. Don't ever forget where this instrument came from and honor both its history and its future.
I know that the last year has been tough, especially on you all, but please hang in there. You've been gifted with a special talent that will find value no matter what the economy.
To all of the flute players: Keep on playing! Play for others. Play for yourself. Play for the spirit. Just play. Try to play for someone who hasn't heard the sound of the flute before, and spread the joy that it brings to others lives. Make someone's day. Volunteer at hospice. Take a hike and play for other hikers. Take your flute to work and play during lunch. Play at church. You've uncovered a part of your spirit, now go share it with others.
To the year ahead: I really have no idea what the year ahead holds for us as an organization. I have some ideas, and can promise that there will be some changes. If you're reading this and you're compelled to jump in and help share your special gifts to make this organization better, please consider contacting me. I sure that we can use your skills to a positive effect.
Yours in spirit,
-Mike
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Free MP3 from Gentle Thunder and Will Clipman
Gentle Thunder and Will Clipman are offering an early Christmas present for all of their fans. It's a free download of the song Passionate Mystery from their fully mixed and mastered but as-yet unreleased new CD: Translucent.
The song features Gentle Thunder's luscious hammered dulcimer playing, backed by Will's always incredible percussion. And of course, GT on NAF.
Here's the link: http://gentlethunder.com/MP3%20files/Translucent%2004%20Passionate%20Myster%20New%20Age%20320kbps.mp3
The song features Gentle Thunder's luscious hammered dulcimer playing, backed by Will's always incredible percussion. And of course, GT on NAF.
Here's the link: http://gentlethunder.com/MP3%20files/Translucent%2004%20Passionate%20Myster%20New%20Age%20320kbps.mp3
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Bay Area HangHang Trio
The Green Music Network presents:
Bay Area H A n g h a N G Trio
WHEN: Fri Dec 18th, 2009
TIME: 9 PM
WHERE: 3030 Ingalls, SF, 94124
LUNA GROOVE - SOULSTICE BONFIRE FRIDAY, DEC 18TH 8pm to 3am
Donation toward the talent: $15 at door
Featuring:
Alan Tower
hang, waterphone, bilma, steel angels
Aharon Wheels Bolsta
hang, bansuri, tabla, udu, ehecatl
Gary Muszynski
hang, udu, water phone, steel angel, shakers
LUNA GROOVE - SOULSTICE BONFIRE : House Concert and Brazilified Dance Party
Celebrate Soulstice at the Bayview Winery, for a secret get-away in the city!! Enjoy brilliant music, sweet beats for dance, the magical garden, blazing bonfire circle and potluck kitche followed by the Genie, a virtuoso scratch-guitarist that will set the groove in motion. Then DJ Jazzy Fausto's Brazilified beats at 11pm for your dancing pleasure, with surprise guests to take everyone into the dark night. Fire dancers are very welcome!! Bring something to share and your instruments for fire circle fun!
For more information:
http://www.hangrhapsody.com/The_HANG.html
http://www.greenmusicnetwork.org/gmn/index.html
Bay Area H A n g h a N G Trio
WHEN: Fri Dec 18th, 2009
TIME: 9 PM
WHERE: 3030 Ingalls, SF, 94124
LUNA GROOVE - SOULSTICE BONFIRE FRIDAY, DEC 18TH 8pm to 3am
Donation toward the talent: $15 at door
Featuring:
Alan Tower
hang, waterphone, bilma, steel angels
Aharon Wheels Bolsta
hang, bansuri, tabla, udu, ehecatl
Gary Muszynski
hang, udu, water phone, steel angel, shakers
LUNA GROOVE - SOULSTICE BONFIRE : House Concert and Brazilified Dance Party
Celebrate Soulstice at the Bayview Winery, for a secret get-away in the city!! Enjoy brilliant music, sweet beats for dance, the magical garden, blazing bonfire circle and potluck kitche followed by the Genie, a virtuoso scratch-guitarist that will set the groove in motion. Then DJ Jazzy Fausto's Brazilified beats at 11pm for your dancing pleasure, with surprise guests to take everyone into the dark night. Fire dancers are very welcome!! Bring something to share and your instruments for fire circle fun!
For more information:
http://www.hangrhapsody.com/The_HANG.html
http://www.greenmusicnetwork.org/gmn/index.html
Thursday, December 10, 2009
New INAFA CD Available: Woodnotes Wyld
INAFA is pleased to announce the new INAFA CD called Woodnotes Wyld: Historic Flute Sounds From the Dr. Richard W. Payne Collection. This is the first CD in the International Native American Flute Association’s Historic Flute Series. This CD is an ethnomusicological field recording of the flutes from Dr. Richard W. Payne’s extensive collection. Performed and recorded in Dr. Payne's flute room by Peter Phippen in 2002, the music on Woodnotes Wyld is solely improvisational, meant to explore the voice and parameters of select instruments. The intent of this historically and musically significant endeavor is to maintain the integrity of Phippen’s field recording, opting for a true, honest realization of the flute voices rather than trying to bend them to the Western, commercial ear.
World flutist and scholar Peter Phippen was Dr. Payne’s friend and student, kindred spirits fascinated by the flute sounds of the world. Dr. Payne spoke highly of Peter’s spirit, enthusiasm, and talent: “Peter is a real phenomenon! He has shown a real talent with early Native American aerophones.” (www.peterphippen.com)
Dr. Richard W. Payne (1918-2004) was a physician, pioneer, scholar, collector, and INAFA advisory board member who had a genuine interest in world flutes and cultures. He was a prolific individual who greatly contributed to the resurgence of interest in the Native American flute tradition. His research yielded several books that have truly inspired and educated, such as The Native American Plains Flute, The Hopi Flute Ceremony, and Indigenous Aerophones of the Northwest Coast. Dr Payne’s spirit and joy is still felt within the Native American flute community. His dedication and scholarship are gifts that will endure for generations.
The music on Woodnotes Wyld, as well as all publishing rights, was donated to the organization by Peter Phippen. All proceeds generated from this CD will benefit the INAFA and its mission and goals.
INAFA is now taking preorders. Orders will begin shipping starting next week.
Cost: $15 with free shipping. Send check or money order payable to:
INAFA, 3351 Mintonville Point Drive, Suffolk, VA 23435
Credit Card Through Paypal to: INAFA@AOL.COM
World flutist and scholar Peter Phippen was Dr. Payne’s friend and student, kindred spirits fascinated by the flute sounds of the world. Dr. Payne spoke highly of Peter’s spirit, enthusiasm, and talent: “Peter is a real phenomenon! He has shown a real talent with early Native American aerophones.” (www.peterphippen.com)
Dr. Richard W. Payne (1918-2004) was a physician, pioneer, scholar, collector, and INAFA advisory board member who had a genuine interest in world flutes and cultures. He was a prolific individual who greatly contributed to the resurgence of interest in the Native American flute tradition. His research yielded several books that have truly inspired and educated, such as The Native American Plains Flute, The Hopi Flute Ceremony, and Indigenous Aerophones of the Northwest Coast. Dr Payne’s spirit and joy is still felt within the Native American flute community. His dedication and scholarship are gifts that will endure for generations.
The music on Woodnotes Wyld, as well as all publishing rights, was donated to the organization by Peter Phippen. All proceeds generated from this CD will benefit the INAFA and its mission and goals.
INAFA is now taking preorders. Orders will begin shipping starting next week.
Cost: $15 with free shipping. Send check or money order payable to:
INAFA, 3351 Mintonville Point Drive, Suffolk, VA 23435
Credit Card Through Paypal to: INAFA@AOL.COM
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Online Drum Machine
If you're looking for a drum machine to accompany your playing, but not ready to invest in a hardware solution, here's a great online source for drum beats. You can selec the style and speed of the backing drum track:
http://www.cyberfretbass.com/jam-zone/index.php
http://www.cyberfretbass.com/jam-zone/index.php
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)