I wanted to remind everyone that the Yosemite Flute Festival starts in exactly three weeks!
What: Yosemite Flute Festival
When: Sept 21-23, 2012
Where: Oakhurst, CA
The lineup of musicians is familiar as they have all performed at one or more past events, but never in this configuration. Friday night's performance looks to include one of my dearest friends (and master flutemaker) Stephen Deruby. Stephen has been making flutes longer than just about any of the modern generation of flute makers and as good as he is a making flutes, he's also a talented musician. I expect to see a variety of instruments on stage with Stephen. Following Stephen on Friday night will be Rona Yellow Robe. This will be Rona's third year at the festival, and I've fallen in love with both her voice and and her flute playing. Along with her musical partner Bruce Witham, they have created some incredible songs and on stage they share one heart when it comes to performing. Filling out the bill on Friday evening is Joe Young. This will be the second year that Joe performs at the event and Joe brings a unique talent to the Native American flute with his many years of woodwind and brass experience. He is a gifted composer and musician and has supported the festival the last three years as sound engineer.
Saturday nights starts with Al Hollinger. Al creates all of the instruments which he uses on stage, including flutes and didjeridoo, so expect a unique sound experience. Following Al on stage will be Randy Granger, and if ever there was a modern day Kokopelli, Randy could quite possibly be the one. Randy's unique personality comes through in his music whether it's on the flute, hang drum or any combination of other percussion instruments. Expect to surprised with Randy's performance. Finally, rounding out the evening and headlining the festival on Saturday night will be Mary Youngblood, who of course needs little introduction. However, the lineup this year is going to deliver a super fun weekend of entertainment.
As for the rest of the festival, the workshops are already planned and signups are happening now. If you are interest in a workshop at the Yosemite Flute Festival, you need to reach out to Rick and Linda and get you're reservation in.. Here's a link to the Yosemite Flute Festival Workshops (PDF). I will be offering a playshop: Playing the Blues, and it's already half full, so if you're interested be sure to sign up early.
Finally, of course are all of the wonderful vendors at the Yosemite Flute Festival. Looks like there are currently over 25 vendors signed up to attend.
