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