NCFC Spring Flute Festival 2008: Stephen DeRuby

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...

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

NCFC Spring Flute Festival 2008: Jeanne and Jim Callaway (Eagle Heart Flutes)

We're less than a week away from the second annual NCFC/NoNahme Spring Flute Festival 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...


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

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...



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

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...

Next, I wanted to introduce you to a flutemaker who I've known for several years. Russ Veneble has been making flutes since 1995, and has been a long time friend of both Lew Paxton Price and Mary Youngblood for all of those years. Russ lives in New Mexico, but finds his way to California occasionally. He was here last year for the first NCFC/NoNahme Spring Flute Festival. Russ makes wonderfully crafted flutes. He loves to experiment with unique woods and with interesting tunings. If you've got some new idea for a flute tuning and can't find another flute maker to attempt it, talk to Russ. He love a challenge. Russ is also known for being one of the first flute makers to produce dual chambered flutes, and I think that he makes one of the best.

Just look on his website for examples of some of the drone flutes that he's made:

http://www.rvflutes.com/droneflutes.htm

http://www.rvflutes.com/droneflutes2.htm

http://www.rvflutes.com/droneflutes3.htm

Even though Russ makes wonderful flutes, and is always willing to share his knowledge with anyone who's interested, I think that the most memorable thing about Russ is his great laugh and wonderful smile. He's a true 'modern day kokopelli', spreading laughter and joy where ever he goes. Make sure that you find some time to stop by and met Russ at the event.

For more about RV Flutes heres the website: http://www.rvflutes.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 Gathering 2008: Meadowlark 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...

The first flutemaker that I thought I would highlight is John Kulias of Meadowlark Flutes. I've never met John, but his claim to fame are the beautiful clay flutes that he produces. That's right, he makes clay flutes that are in tune! They will definitely be something to add to your collection. On his website, he outlines the process that he uses to manufacture the flutes: http://meadowlarkflutes.com/process.php

I have attempted to make flutes from clay, and it's not a simple process. The hardest part is getting the sound hole working, becuase after you fire the clay, there is very little you can do to correct things. The same is true for the fingerholes, although it is possible to enlarge the finger holes to bring them in to tune, by using a dremel tool with a diamond stone. I have a lot of respect for folks like John who can produce an in-tune clay instrument.

I look forward to meeting John and talking to him about his flute making process. For more about Meadowlark flutes heres the website: http://meadowlarkflutes.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

Weekend Events: April 19 - 20

You can alway check out the Northern California Flute Circle Calendar to see what's happening further out, but I encourage you to login every week to review what's coming up for the weekend events!

Native American Flute related events and other World music events happening in Northern California are posted on the Naflute calendar.

NOTE: If I missed an event for the weekend, please add a comment with event info so that others can know!

Sunday, April 20

• Bay Clan Flute Circle, Los Altos, 2 - 4:30 PM
• Loping Wolf Flute Circle, LOP Clubhouse 1 - 3:00 PM

Upcoming Events

• NCFC/NoNahme Spring Flute Festival, April 26-27, Georgetown, CA

Looking for a microphone to record your Native American Flute?

Barry Higgins of White Crow flutes has put an article online describing the best microphones to use for recording Native American Flute music. If you're in the market for a microphone, or just curious, check out this article:

http://www.whitecrowflutes.com/micprimer.htm

Camping at the upcoming NCFC Spring Flute Festival

Don't forget that the 2nd Annual NCFC/NoNahme Spring Flute Festival is happening on April 26-27, 2008 in Georgetown, CA. Full details on the NCFC website: http://www.naflute.com/calendar.html

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.

Scott August Signature Anasazi Flute

Scott August is proud to announce the Scott August Signature Anasazi Flute and the Scott August Anasazi Flute. These professional quality instruments are made by Geoffrey Ellis of Earth Tone Flutes and are perfect for both beginning and advanced players. Ideal for concert stage, recording studios or just nodding around alone as you discover your true Kokopelli.

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

New Stephen DeRuby Deep Mystic Flutes

Stephen DeRuby has announced the availability of a new line of flutes which he is calling his "Deep Mystic Flute" line. Stephen is using a fipple design which is similar to that which he pioneered with the design of his gypsy flute. Stephen has also engineered these deeper sounding flutes to have closer finger spacing, which should make it easy to play, by more folks. This new, easy to play design is called: "EZ-Reach". For complete spec's on these new flutes, click on this link: http://www.deruby.com/

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!

Weekend Events: April 12 - 13

You can alway check out the Northern California Flute Circle Calendar to see what's happening further out, but I encourage you to login every week to review what's coming up for the weekend events!

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

• Ann Licater Workshop, Advanced Beginner Native American Flute-Technique Class, 1 - 3 PM, rville, CA

Survival Tip: Starting a Fire

Here's a great Youtube video from Christine and Pauline (original NCFC Bay Clan members). This is fun video, narrated by Christine, which shows you how to start a fire in the wilderness (of their backyard) with cotten balls soaked in wax and a steel flint. Christine and Pauline will be visting the bay area in couple weeks. Contact them if you want to get in touch while they're here...

Live Version of Escape of Medicine Man

Here's a live version of the song - Escape of Medicine Man from the album "The Shape of Light" by the Jeff Ball Band

NCFC Winter 2008 Voice of the Circle Newsletter now online

The Winter 2008 NCFC Voice of the Circle Newsletter is now online. It features stories about the upcoming NCFC NoNahme Clan Flute Festival (April 26-27, 2008); Mary Youngblood's Birthday Party (June 21, 2008); The Yosemite Flute Festival (Sept 26-28, 2008) plus an indepth interview with flutemaker Geoffrey Ellis.



Link: http://www.naflute.com/newsletter_archives/VOCWinter08.pdf

NCFC Bay Clan April Flute Circle

EVENT: April Bay Clan 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

Here's a really nice video with Hang Drum played from the CD "Hang Meditations" by Pete Barnhart and Ron Kravitz on Digital Alchemy Music www.damusic.biz

Ann Licater concert and Workshop in Placerville, CA

Two Native Flute events on April 12th in Placerville
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

Weekend Events: March 28 - 31

You can alway check out the Northern California Flute Circle Calendar to see what's happening further out, but I encourage you to login every week to review what's coming up for the weekend events!

NOTE: If I missed an event for the weekend, please add a comment with event info so that others can know!

Sunday, Mar 30

• Joaquin Clan Flute Circle2 PM

Monday, Mar 31

• Ann Licater"How to Play the Native American Flute as a Spiritual Practice", 7-10 PM Campell, CA

Workshop in creating musical Soundscapes

I just 'discovered' the ambient music of Steve Roach. Discovered is a relative term, especially for current fans of Steve Roach, since his has nearly 100 albums to his credit during a 30 year recording career. If you listen to any ambient music, you've likely heard his music.
Steve doesn't play the Native American Flute (as far as I can tell) but he certainly uses it (and many other instruments) in his recordings.

What is Ambient Music? Wikipedia defines it as a musical genre in which sound is more important than notes. It is generally identifiable as being broadly atmospheric and environmental in nature.

Steve Roach is offering a weeklong, hands on Masters Class Workshop in the creation and production of electronic soundscape music, at his ranch in Arizona. Open to 8 participants, the Master Class is for musicians and sound artists who already have a basic foundation of musical and technical knowledge. This Workshop will draw from the wide range of experience tempered by Steve's 30 years of living in the soundcurrent. Time will be divided between experiential music making and recording, deep listening lectures, and interactive sessions on creative and compositional strategies along with demonstrations on the myriad tools and options available today. The next open class is September 15 - 21, 2008.

Here's the link: http://steveroach.com/live/workshops/

I know that many who read this blog will find Steve's music interesting and I encourage you to listen

Incredible lineup of performers and presentors at INAFA 2008

If you haven't already heard the news, here's the list of performers and presentators for the 2008 International Native American Flute Association convention to be held at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, July 9-13, 2008.

Convention registration is open to everyone with an interest in the flute. Evening performances are open to the public, as are the vendors (during the day). For more information about the convention, registration, and the performers, please visit: www.inafa.org

• R. Carlos Nakai [performance and presentation]
• Bill Miller [performance]
• Kevin Locke [performance]
• Lean “Sonny” Nevaquaya [performance]
• Joseph FireCrow [performance and presentation]
• Skip Healy (Irish flute and fife) and Mark Bachand (bodhran) [performance and presentation]
• Michael Graham Allen (Coyote Oldman) [performance]
• Autumn's Child [performance]
• Xavier Quijas Yxayotl [performance]
• The Peter Phippen Quartet [performance and presentation]
• Frank Montano (Anakwad) [performance]
• Scott August [performance and presentation]
• N. Scott Robinson (In-house world percussionist) [performance]
• Rafael Bejarano (In-house didgeridooist) [performance and presentation]
• Flute Dreams Duo (Alice Gomez and Angela Malek) [performance]
• William Hoshal [performance and presentation]
• JazZen (Bobb Fantauzzo, Native American and Chinese flutes; Aaron Kerr, acoustic and electric cello) [performance and presentation]
• Ann Licater [performance]
• Randy McGinnis (Master of Ceremonies) [performance]
• Helen Spielman [presentation]
• Clint Goss and Vera Shanov [presentation]
• John De Boer [performance and presentation]
• Jan Seiden [performance]
• Jonny Lipford [performance]
• Robert Willasch [presentation]
• Ken Light [presentation]
• Randy Granger [performance and presentation]
• Duke Addicks [presentation]
• Michael Joseph Ulery (Native American flute) and Derek Mortland (guitars) [performance]
• John Sarantos [presentation]

Weekend Events: March 21 - 24

You can alway check out the Northern California Flute Circle Calendar to see what's happening further out, but I encourage you to login every week to review what's coming up for the weekend events!

NOTE: If I missed an event for the weekend, please add a comment with event info so that others can know!

Saturday, Mar 22

• Valley Clan Flute Circle, 3 - 5 PM, Napa
• Nonahme Clan, Flute Circle, 1 PM at the Golden Gecko, Georgetown, CA
• Ann Licater Concert, East West Bookstore, Mtn View 7:30PM

Sunday, Mar 23

• Go for a hike and play your flute - surprise someone with music on the trail!

Monday, Mar 24

• Ann Licater "How to Play the Native American Flute as a Spiritual Practice", 7-10 PM, Campell, CA
  

SAVE THE DATE: River School Benefit Concert with Scott August May 10

River School Benefit Concert with Scott August on the calendar for May 10 , 2008 in Napa Valley, CA. More details to follow when they are available.

Join 8,000 drums worldwide on March 21, 2008

I encourage you to be a part of this worldwide drumming event. To help spread peace and heal mother earth.

"According to a Sacred Prophecy revealed at the Otomi Ceremonial Center by the Otomi Elder Sages as a Vision of our Venerable Ancestors, the day when the sounds of 8,000 Sacred Drums join together will be the beginning of the healing of Mother Earth"

WHEN: March 21, 2008

TIME: 10 AM - 12 PM (CST) / 8 AM - 10 AM (PST)

WHAT: Play your drums prayfully. Send your prayers for understanding, tolerance, healing and happiness to those around you.

For more information: http://www.indigenousuniversity.org/sacred_drums.htm

NAF Playing Tip #29: Native American Flute Pairings for 3rd and 5th Harmony

Barry Higgins (White Crow Flutes) has a really nice representation of minor 3rd and 5th harmonies listed on his website.

Here's the link: http://www.whitecrowflutes.com/duets2.htm

The diagram on Barry's website is one more way to look at the pairing of flute keys when preparing play a Native American Flute duet in harmony with another flute player. In musical terms, the the "3rd harmony" and the "5th harmony" are the most pleasing to the ear (at least in western musical theory). A "3rd harmony" is actually 3 half steps/semitones (i.e. adjacent keys on the piano) from the primary note. A "5th harmony" is actually 7 half steps/semitones from the primary note. The 5th harmony is also known as the "perfect fifth".

Related musical theory articles:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmony
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minor_third
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfect_fifth
  

Related blog posts and duet exercises:

• http://naflute.blogspot.com/2006/04/naf-playing-tip-15-compatible-flute.html
• http://naflute.blogspot.com/2006/06/playing-tip-23-flute-keys.html
• http://naflute.blogspot.com/2006/04/naf-playing-tip-16-echo-canyon.html
• http://naflute.blogspot.com/2006/04/naf-playing-tip-17-follow-leader.html
• http://naflute.blogspot.com/2006/05/naf-playing-tip-18-butterfly-exercise.html
• http://naflute.blogspot.com/2006/05/naf-playing-tip-19-catch-up-exercise.html
• http://naflute.blogspot.com/2006/05/naf-playing-tip-20-tag.html
• http://naflute.blogspot.com/2006/06/playing-tip-21-composition.html
  

This Playing Tip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.5 License

.

Weekend Events: March 14 - 16

You can alway check out the Northern California Flute Circle Calendar to see what's happening further out, but I encourage you to login every week to review what's coming up for the weekend events!

NOTE: If I missed an event for the weekend, please add a comment with event info so that others can know!

Saturday, Mar 15

• Loping Wolf at California River Festival
• Azteca Mexica New Year, San Jose, CA with Guest Flute Player: Xavier Quijas Yxayotl, Noon

Sunday, Mar 16

• Loping Wolf Flute Circle1 - 3 PM
• Azteca Mexica New Year, San Jose, CA continues

Upcoming

• Mar 22 - Ann Licater Concert, East West Bookstore, Mtn View 7:30PM

Ann Licater in concert

Flute for the Soul Concert with Ann Licater


WHEN: Saturday, March 22

WHERE: East West Bookstore

ADDRESS: 324 Castro St. Mt. View CA

TIME: 7:30pm

TICKETS: $12 advance, $18 day of event

To Reserve Tickets,

Please Call 800-909-6161 or http://www.eastwest.com/march_events.html#22b

DETAILS


Ann will perform using more than a dozen indigenous wood and clay flutes from around the globe. Her CD Following the Call reached No. 14 on the Top 100 NAR charts. SPECIAL MUSICAL GUESTS: Destiny, The Harpist from the Hood, Didjeridoo Artist: Paradiso Turturici, and Suellen Primost,cellist-extraordinaire.


Ann's website: http://www.fluteforthesoul.com/

Wanna promote your event? check out upcoming.com

I just stumbled into a cool new online site dedicated to promoting events. It's called "Upcoming.com" (http://upcoming.yahoo.com/). I haven't used it yet, but it looks like a great place to look for events as well as promote events online. The best part is that it's free.

Play around with it. Try entering some different searches into the "find events" search box. I could find any "Native American Flute" events, but hopefully (with a little word of mouth marketing like this) more things will appear. I am going to submit some of the NCFC events and see how it works. If you have a local flute circle, are a recording artist or are organizing any event, be sure to post it there.

Post a comment of what you think about this (or other similar) event marketing resource.

Flute Racks by Old Turtle Flutes

I discovered another source for nice looking flute racks. Check out these beauties from Mike Knight / Old Turtle Flutes: http://oldturtleflutes.com/Racks%20and%20Stands.html

With prices between $41 - $60, they are definitely reasonable.

Meadowlark Ceramic Flutes by Jon Kulias

WOW. Check out these flutes by Jon Kulias of Meadowlark flutes. I have not played or held one in my hands, but I sure want to. Jon exhibited his flutes at the Potomic Flute festival. Check out all of the amazing works of ark on his website. He also includes a set of pictures highlighting how the flutes are made: http://meadowlarkflutes.com/process.php

Design of the Week Award:

Also, I have to give kudos to the design of the "Fluton" a bean-bag cusion for your flute.

Here's a pic:

Loping Wolf "Barn Raising" this weekend

Sheree and Dan DiCicco are getting ready to sell their home. As many of you know, they put a tremendous amount of their personal energy and resources into scheduling and delivering all of the great flute circle events for the central and northern Sacramento area.
They need some help this weekend (Saturday, March 8) to help tidy up and prepare their (empty) Lake of the Pines home to get ready to put it on the market.
If you can help between the hours of 9 AM - 2 PM, it will be a great way to say "thank you" to Dan and Sheree for all of their time which they dedicate to helping make the Loping Wolf Clan such a success.

Afterwords, everyone is invited to their new ranch for a potluck and flute/drum circle.

For more info, check out the Loping Wolf Clan website: http://www.lopingwolf.com/
To get access through the Lake of the Pines gate for this event, contact Dan DiCicco at:
flutecircle@lopingwolf.com

New Flutes from Earthtone Flutes

Geoffrey Ellis has some beautiful new flutes which are looking for homes. As you can see from the image above, Geoffrey has been perfecting his craft of inlay the last year and he's doing some amazing things with it now. Take a look at his latest inventory here: http://www.earthtoneflutes.com/

Also, check out the Flute Portal: http://www.fluteportal.com/

YouTube video from Xavier Quijas Yzayotl

Here's a nice video of Xavier Quijas Yzayotl:

Great Resource for Guitar Songs/Chords

I just stumbled upon an excellent online resource of songs with lyrics and guitar chords. I've picked up my guitar again recently and I've been playing alot, so I was looking for some good songs to practice. Here's the link: http://www.heartwoodguitar.com/chords.htm

Rob also has an excellent tutorial for his text-based song notation: http://www.heartwoodguitar.com/chordguide.htm

World Wide Telescope coming this Spring

If you are like me, and love to look at the stars, you'll be amazed by a new project coming this spring from Microsoft Reseach. It's called the World Wide Telescope and it promises to do for the universe, what Google Earth did for navigating the planet. It stitches together the greatest images from all of the telescopes of all of the viewed universe. It provides tours of beautiful images, all in correct orientation. It will be a free download.

Here's a couple links:

• http://www.worldwidetelescope.org/


• http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/224 (download the High Def version of the video...)

Awesome online sound clips of Central American flutes

Clint Goss sent me this link to a set of instruments housed in the Princeton Art Collection. The link shows pictures of several clay flutes and ocarinas, along with a map of where they originated in central America. There are sound clips for each instrument.

Link: http://princetonartmuseum.org/Jaguar/jaguar.html

Good Heart Journey to the Sutter Buttes

Stan Padilla Invites you to Join Him With a Good Heart Journey to the Sutter Buttes

WHEN: Sunday, March 30, 2008
TIME: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm

The Sutter Buttes have been recognized as a sacred place for generations. The Buttes, the geographical, spiritual and magnetic center of the Sacramento Valley bio-region, is a very serene and contemplative place. Join in this pilgrimage with like-minded people for a day of walking,exploring, and contemplation. This will be the only private walk which Stan will be doing this Spring. To make reservations for the March 30th walk, please contact Stan as soon as possible. The walks fill up fast!

If you do go, don't forget to pack a few flutes to play along the way.

Reservations are made by sending a check for $50 per person to:

Stan Padilla
P.O. Box 3097
Auburn, CA 95604

All reservations must be paid in advance.
For more information:
Call Stan at (530) 637-4158 or email atstanpadilla@hughes.net

A map of meeting place, time, and other information will be sent when areservation is made.

The Middle Mountain Foundation is sponsoring an open walk on March 16th. To make reservations, contact www.middlemountain.org

Azteca Mexica New Year Ceremony

Mark your calendars. The Azteca Mexica New Year Ceremony is planned for the weekend of March 15-16, 2008 @ the National Hispanic University in San Jose, CA. Xavier Quijas Yxayotl will be playing on Saturday at Noon. Every year, this is a specatular event. It's an opportunity to experience the culture of native Mexico, and a great opportunity to see Xavier perform.

Here's a complete agenda for the event:

Saturday March 15

• 6AM - Sunrise Ceremony
• 10 AM - Ohlone Nation
• 11 AM - Zuni Nation
• 12 noon - Danza Azteca, Naming Ceremony, Guest Flute Player Xavier Quijas Yxayotl
• 10 AM - 5 PM: Arts & Crafts Vendors, Children's Activities, Community Resource Booths
• 6 - 8 PM: Silent Auction for the Peace & Dignity Journey: Winner Announcements

Sunday: March 16

• Official Schedule still being confirmed
• More Danza Azteca
• Danza Maya de la Yucatan
• More to be confirmed...
• 10 AM - 5 PM: Arts & Crafts Vendors, Children's Activities, Community Resource Booths

For more information contact:

Yei Tochtli Mitlalpilli

Calpulli Tonalehqueh

408.510.1377: cell

Weekend Events: Feb 22 - 24

You can alway check out the Northern California Flute Circle Calendar to see what's happening further out, but I encourage you to login every week to review what's coming up for the weekend events!

NOTE: If I missed an event for the weekend, please add a comment with event info so that others can know!

Saturday, Feb 23

• The Marysville Indian Pow-Wow, Noon - 6pm
  Allyn Scott Youth & Community Center (YES- the event is inside!!)
  1830 B Street (Hwy 70)
  Marysville, CA 95901
  Loping Wolf Clan members will be attending and playing the flute
  

Sunday, Feb 24

• Joaquin Clan Flute Circle2 PM

Yosemite Flute and Art Festival, September 26 - 28

Mark your calendars! The First Annual Yosemite Flute and Art Festival is scheduled for September 26 - 28, 2008, in the town of Oakhurst, CA.

This event is being presented by our friends in the Yosemite Flute Circle. The Northern California Flute Circle is going to help sponsor this event, and everyone is invited to come enjoy the music surrounded by the beauty of Yosemite.

Details are still in the works, but you can count on some great live music, excellent flutes for sale, unique arts and craft, brilliant workshops and beautiful surroundings. Plan on staying for the weekend to get the full experience. This is the first year of the event, but this will grow into an annual event at Yosemite.

For more detail about the event, contact Rick Dunlap at: yosemitefluteandartfestival@gmail.com

Weekend Events: Feb 15 - 17

You can alway check out the Northern California Flute Circle Calendar to see what's happening further out, but I encourage you to login every week to review what's coming up for the weekend events!

NOTE: If I missed an event for the weekend, please add a comment with event info so that others can know!

Friday, Feb 15

• Main Street Cafe in Georgetown, 9:30 AM - Cliff Habig with his cowboy poetry, harmonica, and Native American flute, accompanied by Marion "Doc" Cole and Mignon on their NA flutes and drum.

Saturday, Feb 16

• Valley Clan Flute Circle, Napa, 3-5 PM

Sunday, Feb 17

• Loping Wolf Flute Circle, Lake of the Pines Clubhouse, 1-3 PM

Sacred Mountain Drums Online Drum Making Video Series

I stumbled onto an excellent 5 part video series on how to make a Hoop Drum. It goes through the complete process of building a drum.

For the complete video on DVD: http://www.sacredmountaindrums.com/

• Video 1


• Video 2


• Video 3


• Video 4


• Video 5

Sponsor a participate on the Longest Walk

Just a reminder that the Longest Walk starts on February 11. It costs about $10 a day to sponsor a walker. Longest Walk participants will embark on a 5 month journey from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. arriving on July 11th. The Longest Walk south route is being led by AIM co-founder Dennis J. Banks. It is an extraordinary grassroots effort on a national level to bring attention to the environmental disharmony of Mother Earth, sacred site issues, and to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the original longest walk. If you are moved to help the success of this event, you can get more information online at their website: http://www.longestwalk.org/

Ronald Roybal on Youtube

Ronald Roybal has added a Youtube site where he has posted several video clips of his guitar and flute music plus short clips from his DVD: 'The Blood Cries Out".

Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/RonaldRoybal

New Sierra Clan Forming!!

It is with great enthusiasm that we're proud to announce the formation of the new "Sierra Raven Clan" of the Northern California Flute Circle. This clan is led by Cryss Blackwolf and will serve folks in the living near Sonora California.

Cryss has been playing Native American Flute for a while and I met him for the first time at the Moaning Caverns Concert with Mary Youngblood. Moaning Caverns is in Cryss's "backyard" and when he witnessed how many folks attended the event, he was excited about starting a new flute circle in the region. The Sierra Raven Clan held their first small event at Cryss's house earlier this month and is gearing up for their next flute circle. Cryss has also started a website and a blog for the Sierra Raven Clan. We've also setup a page on the NCFC Website for the Sierra Raven Clan, plus you'll find all of their events on the NCFC Calendar page.

Related Links:

• NCFC Sierra Clan Page: http://www.naflute.com/sierraravenclanpage.html
• Sierra Raven Clan Webpage: http://www.sierraravenclan.com/index.html
• Sierra Raven Clan blog: http://ravenclan.blogspot.com/
• Cryss's email: sierraravenclan AT naflute DOT com

Calling Back the Salmon Ceremony, Pictures

Here's a nice online video capturing the events that took place during the Calling Back the Salmon ceremony at Bridgeport this summer. The event was lead by the Tsi-Akim Maidu tribe elders.



http://syrpa.lindberglce.com/parkvideos/Salmon_Ceremony.htm

Weekend Events: Jan 25 - 27

You can alway check out the Northern California Flute Circle Calendar to see what's happening further out, but I encourage you to login every week to review what's coming up for the weekend events!

NOTE: If I missed an event for the weekend, please add a comment with event info so that others can know!

Saturday, Jan 26

• Valley Clan Flute Circle, Napa, 3-5 PM

Sunday, Jan 27

• Joaquin Clan Flute Circle, Modesto, 2 PM

Weekend Events: Jan 18-20

You can alway check out the Northern California Flute Circle Calendar to see what's happening further out, but I encourage you to login every week to review what's coming up for the weekend events!

NOTE: If I missed an event for the weekend, please add a comment with event info so that other can know!

Saturday, Jan 19

• NoNahme Clan Flute Circle, Golden Gecko, 1 PM
• Mary Youngblood Concert, Placerville, 7:30 PM

Sunday, Jan 20

• Loping Wolf Flute Circle, LOP Clubhouse, 1-4 PM

New forums up and running on the Flute Portal

I wanted to let everyone know that there are new forums up and running at the Flute Portal. I encourage you to login and check it out. This will be a great resource to ask questions, get answers, meet other people online and just talk about this instrument that we all love so much.

Here's the link: http://www.fluteportal.com/forums/

Jeff Ball band w/Hang Instrument

Here's an awesome video by Jeff Ball. I love the Hang instrumentation on this song.

The Gift of Vernon

I uploaded a video from the Loping Wolf performance at Auburn Unity Church in September, 2007. This is a song, titled "The Gift of Vernon", which I wrote in memory of Vernon Peckover, my first hospice patient. Vernon and I become friends during his final months at Palo Alto VA Hospice. He was a wonderful man and I was fortunate to share the end of his life with RuthiE Nielson who was his hospice nurse before his transfer to Palo Alto, and who supported me during my time with him. If you know RuthiE then you know what a great champion she is for flute music in Hospice. Thank you Ruthie!

I hope that you all enjoy this performance.

Lakota Nation secedes from the United States

This story occurred on Dec 17, 2007, but I haven't heard about it from any mainstream news organization. I am posting it here, in the hopes that someone will provide some additional information (in the comments) about the truth of the story.

According to the story, several 'representatives' of the Lakota Nation declared that they are seceding from all treaties with the United States and Canada. Upon further research on the web, I learned that the group making the statement is called Lakota Freedom and the leader of this group is Russell Means. There seems to be some discussion about the representation of Russell and Lakota Freedom for the larger Lakota Nation.

It's also interesting, I tried to goto this link today: http://www.lakotafreedom.com/
But I got a message in my browser saying that "HTTP: Bad Request"... Seems like the site has been pulled down for some reason.

I'd like to learn more about this story. It's an interesting idea, seceding from the United States. One which I think the indigenous nations are entitled to if their treaties are bogus, but something that is likely to garner a interesting response from the president and the nation if indeed it's true.

Related links:

http://censored-news.blogspot.com/2007/12/mohawk-warriors-support-lakotas.html
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Descendants_of_Sitting_Bull_Crazy_Horse_1220.html
http://www.powwows.com/gathering/native-issues/42242-harjo-2007-mantle-shame-awards.html

Happy Holidays

NCFC Central wants to send everyone out there in flute land a very happy holiday. Enjoy your family and friends this holiday season. Play the flute, and make everyone's day better...

50th Annual Grammy Awards Announced

And the nominees are (envelope please...):

Best Native American Music Album
(Vocal or Instrumental.)

• Oklahoma Style
  Walter Ahhaitty & Friends
  [SOAR]


• Watch This Dancer!
  Black Lodge
  [Canyon Records]


• The Ballad Of Old Times
  Davis Mitchell
  [SOAR]


• Reconnections
  R. Carlos Nakai, Cliff Sarde, William Eaton & Randy Wood
  [Canyon Records]


• Totemic Flute Chants
  Johnny Whitehorse
  [Silver Wave Records]
  
  

Best New Age Album
(Vocal or Instrumental.)

• Faces Of The Sun
  Peter Kater
  [Silver Wave Records]


• Sacred Journey Of Ku -Kai, Volume 3
  Kitaro
  [Domo Records, Inc]


• One Guitar
  Ottmar Liebert
  [Spiral Subwave Records]


• Southwest
  Eric Tingstad
  [Cheshire Records]


• Crestone
  Paul Winter Consort
  [Living Music]

For a complete listing: http://www.grammy.com/Grammy_Awards/50th_show/list.aspx

INAFA Convention 2008 Announced

Here is an update concerning the 2008 International Native American Flute Association convention to be held at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point on July 9-13, 2008.

The evening performers list is as follows, thus far ... (each evening features three performers):

• R. Carlos Nakai
• Kevin Locke Joseph Fire Crow
• Sonny Nevaquaya
• Michael Graham Allen (Coyote Oldman)
• Xavier Quijas Yxayotl
• Ash Dargan
• Autumn's Child
• The Peter Phippen Quartet
• Rafael Bejarano
• FIFTH WORLD: The New World Music of Will Clipman, Ash Dargan, and Andrew Begay

So it looks like there will be several group performances at the next INAFA convention. This should be a very entertaining event.

INAFA welcomes performance, presentation, and workshop proposals on a variety of subjects dealing with world music, world flutes, Native American music, Native American culture, Native American flutes, and anything that is of interest to their membership and the convention participants.

For further information, please visit the INAFA Web site at: http://www.inafa.org/2008convention.htm

Special Thanks to Loping Wolf

Wow. I can't believe that the week is half over and I haven't had a chance yet to post a HUGE THANK YOU to Dan, Sheree and the rest of the Loping Wolf crew for pulling together such a wonderful event last weekend!

The day started early and slow with folks starting to trickle into the event starting with vendors before 9 AM. There were lot's things to look at. Fairyring Mushroom, Brian Revheim and Lew Price all had flutes for sale. Robin and Ricardo had some wonderful jewelry and handmade arrows and Dave the Drum maker had a selection of Ashikos and Djembes.

Mike and Alex set up the sound system early and a few brave souls serenaded the early arrivals. Things kicked off a little after 10 am with Ricardo presenting an opening blessing. This was followed by Doc who danced and told us some wonderful stories. Food was served around 11 AM and following this there were some wonderful open mic performances until the workshops started a little after noon.

I presented an "Absolute Beginners Workshop" to a wonderful group of 17 newbies, who all tried every exercise I asked them to and exceeded my expectation (Great Job!).

Dan R presented the next workshop along with his recording partner Pat who played the piano keyboard. The focus of this workshop was on playing with other instruments. Dan and Par have just completed the recording of a new CD with piano music which is designed to easily play along with on your pentatonic tuned flutes. Dad demonstrated several songs and Pat played live while the students all had the chance to experiment with the song. The students all left with a copy of the CD.

Finally Mary Youngblood presented a workshop on Ornamentation to an excited group of folks. Lots of wonderful sounds came from the workshop room during this workshop. Mary was there all day selling CD's, songbooks and generally greeting everyone who wanted to chat.

We were amazed with the view of a wonderful sunset from the Lake of the Pines clubhouse with the lake in the background and the colors of the sunset painting the water a memorable hue.

Once again a fun event all around. Thank you Loping Wolf!

Weekend Events: Dec 14 - 17

You can alway check out the Northern California Flute Circle Calendar to see what's happening further out, but I encourage you to login every week to review what's coming up for the weekend events!

NOTE: If I missed an event for the weekend, please add a comment with event info so that other can know!

Friday, Dec 14

• Remember Hawk Littlejohn - Please take a moment at sunrise or sunset to play a song in rembrance of Hawk Littlejohn. Hawk's influence is a part of almost every flute makers path whether they knew him personally or not. As result we need to all be thankful for the wonderful spirit that Hawk preserved this this instrument that we all love so much...
  If you never had the opportunity to meet Hawk, purchase or borrow the "Songkeepers" video and you'll be able to understand how Hawk was able to influence the path of so many people.

Saturday, Dec 15

• NoNahme Clan Flute Circle, Golden Gecko, 1 PM

Monday, Dec 17

• Bay Clan Christmas Music Concert 6:30 PM to 8 PMLucille Packard Chidrens Hospital

Mark Holland: The Greatest Gift

I've spent the morning listening to Mark Hollands' new holiday CD: The Greatest Gift.

WOW! 'Tis the season, and I've had my Christmas music playing on my iPod for the last 3 weeks while I work. I've anxiously awaited the arrival of Marks' new CD as the latest holiday CD in my collection. Mark Holland is an inspired composer and arranger, pushing the pentatonic Native American Flute to new places. It's especially challenging on many of these classic tunes since many of the notes require cross-fingering to get the right note. But Mark does it masterfully.

As for the orchestration and arrangement, I love the variety of instruments and musicians that Mark brings together for this album. Autumns Child has always been a loose collection of musicians built around a semi-perminant core of folks. There are many names on the liner notes for this album as Mark pulled in skilled players of a variety of instruments, including cello, setar, hang, hammered dulcimer, piano, harp, guitar and a variety of percussion.

I'll have copies for sale at the Loping Wolf Winter Gathering on Sunday. Otherwise you can sample the songs and order directly from Mark at his website: http://www.autumnschild.com/ or from CDBaby: http://cdbaby.com/cd/autumnschild072

Sale for Stellar Flutes: Dec 9

On December 9th, Stellar Flutes will have a sale from 9 am to 2 pm. Tom Stellar makes wonderful sounding (and looking flutes). I had the pleasure of meeting Tom at INAFA Convention 2006 in Belmont. It sounds like there be discounts up to $50 offer regular prices. Prices range from $90 to $375. Looks like a great opportunity.

Here's the link: http://www.stellarflutes.com/replayofsale.htm

T0 get the discount, make sure that you tell you are a Northern California Flute Circle member and heard about it here...

Weekend Events: Dec 7 - 9

You can alway check out the Northern California Flute Circle Calendar to see what's happening further out, but I encourage you to login every week to review what's coming up for the weekend events!

NOTE: If I missed an event for the weekend, please add a comment with event info so that other can know!

Saturday, Dec 8

• NoNahme Clan Flute Circle, Golden Gecko, Garden Valley, 1 PM

Saturday, Dec 9

• Loping Wolf Winter Gathering, Lake of the Pines Clubhouse, Auburn, 9 AM - 7 PM
  (Note you must RSVP before the event to attend)
• Bay Clan, Holiday Concert at Ronald McDonald House, 520 Sand Hill Road, Palo Alto, CA , 3-5 PM

New Music Book from Jessica Walsh

I discovered a wonderful new songbook for anyone who's looking for new music to play on the Native American Flute. It's called "Music for Native American Flute, Volume One", by Jessica Walsh. The publisher sent me a review copy and I fell in love with it.

First of all, this book has been around for a while (2005), it just hasn't been very well advertised until now. The book has the sheetmusic (Nakai Tab + flute pictographs) for 40 songs. There is a companion CD included on which Jessica plays all of the songs on a variety of flutes.

What I really love about this book is the variety of world music included. Jessica
a has songs from around the world, including folk tunes from Scotland, Ecuador, France, Walsh, Ireland, Japan, Greece, Israel, Palestine, Canada plus a few classical tunes. No where else have I seen a such a refreshing collection of tunes all transcribed for the modern-tuned (pentatonic 6-hole) Native American Flute. There are nine tunes written entirely in the basic pentatonic scale and will be easy for beginners to start with (no cross-fingering). Beyond that the rest of the songs will keep any advanced beginner to intermediate flute player challenged for a while.

Here's my favorite quote from the book:

"Flutes are like horses; they act as mirrors of the spirit"

This book is listed as "Volume One". I sure hope that Jessica is successful enough with this publication that she continues to deliver more high quality and unique songbooks like this one.

If you're interested in purchasing this book, I will have it for sale at the Loping Wolf Winter Gathering this weekend (Dec 9, 2007). Otherwise you can contact me directly for purchase.