Weekend Events: May 9 - 11

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!

Friday, May 9

• Stanford Pow Wow, 5 PM - 11 PM, Stanford Campus, Palo Alto CA

Saturday, May 10

• Valley Clan Flute Circle, Noon - 5 PM, Napa Valley CA
• Workshop with Scott August, 1 - 2:30 PM, Napa Valley, CA
• River School Benefit Concert with Scott August, 7:30, Napa Valley
• Stanford Pow Wow, 8:30 AM - 11 PM, Stanford Campus, Palo Alto CA

Sunday, May 11

• Call your MOM!
• Stanford Pow Wow, 8:30 AM - 6 PM, Stanford Campus, Palo Alto CA

Hawk Littlejohn G Flute for auction on eBay

There's a really nice Hawk Littlejohn flute for sale on ebay. It's in the key of G from 1994 and looks to be made from cedar. I can't vouch for the seller, but this is an excellent opportunity to own a piece of history. Hawk was far and away one of the most influential Native American flute makers of the 20th century.

Also, the picture above shows the Cherokee Wrap that Hawk fashioned on some of his flutes. Mac Lopez also does this same style of wrap. He learned it from Hawk.

Auction link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120259007464

Mary Youngblood Retreat hosted by Loping Wolf

I just heard from Dan and Sheree this evening about the success of the Mary Youngblood Retreat that they sponsored this last weekend. It was a huge success! There are two dates left at the Loping Wolf Ranch on the calendar and space is going fast. To RSVP: fill out this form: http://www.maryyoungblood.com/Retreat/regformhtml.htm

Folks who attended, had the opportunity to spend some quality time with Mary Youngblood . Here's an outline of the workshop:


11:00 am to 12:00 pm ~ Arrival and Lunch - (Bring your favorite potluck item)

12:00 pm ~ LOPING WOLF
Welcome and Introduction Theme Song ~ “The LOPING WOLF Lope”

Mary Youngblood ~ Welcome Performance

12:30 pm to 1:15 pm ~ Beginning Workshop


Work on your beginning skills with the “First Lady of the Flute”. Breath control, embellishments and techniques. ( Mary will collect your written questions before the workshop.)

~Break ~

1:30 pm to 2:00 pm ~ Intermediate Workshop - Tips on vibrato, improvisation , and embellishment details will be discussed and demonstrated

~Break ~

2:30 pm to 3:00 pm ~ Advanced Workshop - Advanced techniques such as how to duet with another player, composition, phrasing, timing, plus performance and recording readiness will be shared

~Break ~

3:15 pm to 4:15 pm ~ This open mic hour will be “your” opportunity to duet with Mary and learn how Mary takes a player to the “next level”. Sign up to have your duet with Mary recorded on DVD with “you” for an additional fee as a keepsake of this unforgettable day! Autographed pictures of you playing with Mary at this special NAF musical retreat will be available for purchase before you leave!


The next dates are: June 7th and July 5th
Cost: $45

There may be future dates after this, but they have not been confirmed yet!

For more details: Mary website: http://www.maryyoungblood.com/Retreat/music_workshops.asp
Or the Loping Wolf website: http://www.lopingwolf.com/

Stanford Pow Wow May 9 -11, 2008

It's almost Mother's Day 2008, and that can only mean one thing: the 37th annual Stanford Pow Wow! (sorry mom). If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, then you have to attend the Standford Pow Wow. It's one of the biggest Pow Wow's on the west coast, and always has good representation from Flute Makers. I am not sure who's planning to attend this year.

Grand Entry is at 7 PM on Friday evening, but most of the dancing will be on Saturday and Sunday.

Here's the link to the poster: http://powwow.stanford.edu/documents/PosterColor2008.pdf

Video: Blogs in Plain English

Are you curious about what blogging is all about?

I found the perfect explanation of how blogging works, if you're curious.

This short video explains it all, in the simplest terms I've found yet.
(the video is entertaining by itself...)

http://www.commoncraft.com/blogs

Scott August Concert and Workshop, May 10, 2008, in Napa

Scott August will be performing in Napa, CA on May 10th, 2008 for a benefit fund raiser for the River School Music Program. This event will include August's multi-media presentation, a silent wine & flute auction and more.
This is a rare Bay Area appearance by Scott August not to be missed!

Concert Information

When: May 10, 2008
Time: 7:00 PM
Tickets: $20 for adults $10 for children under 12
Location:
Napa High School Little Theater
2475 Jefferson St., Napa, CA 94559

More Info:

(707) 363-2915

Workshop Information

When: May 10th, 2008
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Cost: $40
Location: 793 La Salle Way, Napa, CA, 94559

Details: Class size is limited. To reserve your space send an email to Cedar Mesa Music or take your chances and just show up. For more information please call (707) 363-2915

If you feel you've reached a plateau with your Native American flute playing this workshop is perfect for you. Learn the secrets to spicing up your NAF playing and improvising. Make the leap to the next level. Learn the tricks that make you sound like a pro!

• Vibrato control
• How to make your flute chirp
• Advanced ornamentation including trills and turns
• Tonguing techniques for more expressive articulation
• Flutter tonguing
• How to improvise like a pro

UPDATED: Here's a link to the latest on the NCFC webpate: http://www.naflute.com/valley_august_concert.html

Weekend Events: May 3-4

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!

Saturday, May 3

• Loping Wolf presents: Retreat with Mary Youngblood

Kudos to the NoNahme Clan

I want to send a heart felt thanks to all of the NoNahme clan members who produced an awesome event this weekend. The weather was perfect, the setting was beautiful, and everyone had a great time. It was a lot of work to pull the event together but the results were worth the effort. There were lot's of beautifully crafted musical instruments and other works of art for sale, too many to list here.

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

Loping Wolf is sponsoring several workshops with two time Grammy Winner Mary Youngblood. This is a great opportunity to learn how to play and improve your playing with one of the best Native American flute players.

Mary is offering three Musical Retreats:

• May 3rd, 2008
• June 7th, 2008
• July 5th, 2008

The events take place at LOPING WOLF RANCH. A nominal fee of $45 will buy you 6 hours of fluting and drumming fun including a workshop of your choice. Workshop space is limited and can only be offered to the first registrars.

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

NCFC Spring Fesitval 2008: Scott August

The second annual NCFC/NoNahme Spring Gathering starts tomorrow in Georgetown, CA. I saved the best for last in my articles this week leading up to the event. Headlining the event this weekend is recording artist Scott August.

Scott August will be presenting both an Anasazi Flute Workshop on both Saturday and Sunday mornings, starting at 10PM. There is a limited number of seats, so check in early to see if there is still room. Scott will also be presenting an Advanced Flute Playing Techniques workshop on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Check the Festival website for more details: http://www.softcom.net/users/greebo/festival.htm

Scott August will also be headlining the concert on Saturday afternoon. The concert starts at 3 PM on Saturday afternoon, in the amphitheater. Tickets are $10 and there are a limited number of seats. Be sure to purchase your tickets first thing after arrival to the festival. Tickets will be sold at the NCFC/NoNahme booth near the entrance to the festival. You'll get the chance to hear teh Anasazi flute during Scott's performance. The Anasazi flute is more difficult to learn than the other styles of Native American flutes, and Scott has emerged as one of the premier recording artists on this style of flute. His latest recording: Lost Canyons features this instrument.

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

The second annual NCFC/NoNahme Spring Gathering starts tomorrow in Georgetown, CA. To highlight the event, I thought 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...

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

NCFC Spring Flute Festival 2008: David Blonski

The second annual NCFC/NoNahme Spring Gathering starts this weekend 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...

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)

The second annual NCFC/NoNahme Spring Gathering starts this weekend 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 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

New this year, Vance is also now manufacturing what he calls "Sensory Harps". I hope that Vance brings a few with him to this event, as I am anxious to play one.

Vance also does wonderful beadwork. Be sure to stop by and checkout the selection of wraps that he'll have available for sale: http://www.waking-spirit.com/fluteSocksBagsandWraps/beadedflutewraps.htm

Check out his website: http://www.wakingspiritflutes.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

Sue Reynolds New Book of Pow Wow Photography

Sue Reynolds has recently published a new compilation of stunning photographs of Native American Pow Wow's titled "Proud People". As the title implies, the book is full of images which capture the emotion, excitement, beauty and color which is such a part of the tradition of Pow Wow's. Sue took the photographs at a variety of events over the last few years.

Sue will have copies of the book for sale at the NCFC Flute Festival this Saturday, April 26, 2008. Be sure to stop by the NCFC/NoNahme booth at the event for information about Sue's book, to browse a copy and to meet Sue personally.

Here's some other examples of the spirit and emotion captured by Sue's work: http://www.susanreynoldsphotography.com/nativecelebration/nativecelebration.htm

Musical Echos coming up this weekend

I wanted to take a moment to send out best wishes to two of our own who are heading out to the Musical Echos event this weekend in Florida.

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

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...


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

We're a few days 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...

A few years ago, I had one of those wonderful experiences of finding a triangular shaped shipping box sitting on my doormat when I got home from work. As most of you know, that can only mean one thing: a new flute. This flute however was very unique, it was one of the first flutes that John Stillwell had produced and he wanted the opinion of a few folks to see if he was on to something...

Well, I have to tell you, John Stillwell is a craftsman! His style of manufacturing flutes is unique in the industry. It's something that you have to see with your own eyes and feel with your own hands to understand. John does amazing things by joining various types of wood together before he ever mills or machines it. The results can be spectacular. In addion, John give his flutes a unique triangular shape that feels great in your hands. You'll definitely want to stop by his booth to check out the latest creations. John doesn't get up to our neck of the woods all that often so this is a rare chance to see his flute up close. Here's a link where John shows the steps in making his flutes: http://www.atflutes.com/making.html

Check out his complete line of flutes and accessories: http://www.atflutes.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: The Fairy Ring Mushroom Company

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...

Loren Parlee and Lonnie Murphy are twin sisters who, together, make wonderful musical creations together. These two are definitely 'cut from the same' cloth. And what a wonderful cloth it is! They make flutes, whistles, drums, claves and other amazing instruments. You never know what's gonna show up in their booth! Their company is the Fairy Ring Mushroom Company. You can find some of their latest creations on their website: http://www.fairyringmushroom.com/

But be sure to stop by their booth and make sure that you have some time to browse their collection of crafts. I don't know how they do it, but they always have a huge inventory of instruments for sale (well OK, I guess I do know how they do it, there's TWO of them...) :-)

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: 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...)