Beginning Native American Flute Class in Nevada City

I wanted to announce that registration is now open for a Beginning Native American Flute class that I will be teaching, starting in April at the newly opened "Greenhouse School of Music" in Nevada City. If you live near Nevada City, or know someone who does, and are interested in learning to play the Native American Flute, then this class is for you.

This is an 8 week class, and no experience is necessary. All ages are welcome, although it will be an evening class.

I learned about Greenhouse School of Music when Rick Aeschliman introduced me to Rick Kirkpatrick at the Winter NCFC Gathering in December that the Loping Wolf Flute Circle coordinated. Rick Kirkpatrick is the program director at the Greenhouse School of Music. Rick had the vision, along with a few other folks, and formed the Greenhouse School of Music over the last year to help fill the need for the waining music and arts programs in our public schools. Together with several other folks, created Greenhouse School of Music as a community resource. Rick Kirkpatrick is a long time guitar teacher and one of the key folks behind "The 13", a teenage music band experience.

I am honored and excited to be a part of this inaugural session of classes starting next month. Most of you know my experience as a teacher, having taught hundreds of individuals over the last 10 years, and as director of the Northern California Flute Circle. I am looking forward to this next adventure on my flute path.

Details:

What: Beginning Native American Flute
When: Wednesday Evenings, 6-7 PM, April 7 - May 26
Cost: Cost / 8 weeks - $160. Registration Deadline: April 2

How to register: Call or visit the school.
138 New Mohawk Road, Nevada City, CA / 530.265.8200
Rick Kirkpatrick 530-477-7586 email: rick@greenhouseschoolofmusic.org

Link to class: http://www.greenhouseschoolofmusic.org/classes/NAF.html

CampOcean Pines & CCFC Flute/Drum Workshop

When: April 8-11, 2010
What: Central Coast Flute Circle Flute & Drum Workshop
Where: Camp Ocean Pines
Address: http://www.campoceanpines.org/about/location


Details:
This weekend gathering, the fourth in the series, will encompass as many as possible of all the suggestions, comments, feelings that we experienced during the Fall workshop, such as, “more drumming”, “more time to practice the new exercise”, “let’s play more". All levels are encouraged to attend. There will be a special beginners class early in the afternoon in flute playing or drumming that will get you started.

See schedule at www.campoceanpines.org.
A one to one session with Vince to address your fluting needs!
Combining flute with drum so you do not have to choose which class to go to!
For more information go to www.campoceanpines.org. or call Bill Timothy at 805 927-3993

Cost:
3 day options
$239 - April 8-11, 2010, 3 nights lodging, 8 meals and all instruction
$205 - April 8-11, 2010, offsite lodging, includes all meals except breakfast

2 day options
$190 - April 9-11, 2010, 2 nights, 5 meals and all instruction
$161 - April 9-11, 2010, offsite lodging, includes all meals except breakfast

Haiti Fundraiser by Burning Wood Flutes

I just heard from Pat and Keith Oberdieck that they want to make a contribution to the Haiti relief. Pat and Keith are running a fundraiser and donating a portion of their profits on flute sales through March 21, 2010.

Keith makes awesome flutes, so this is a opportunity to get a new flute and to help the Haiti situation. It looks like they have a lot of inventory to offer for the fundraisers. There are a lot of flutes in a variety of keys.

For complete details, here's the link to their site: http://www.burningwoodflutes.com/Fundraiser.html

Maidu Museum Opening Day

What: Maidu Museum Opening Day
When: Saturday, February 13th, 2010
Where: Maidu Museum & Historic Site
Address: 1970 Johnson Ranch Drive, Roseville, CA 95661
Phone: (916) 774–5934
Web: www.roseville.ca.us/indianmuseum

Details:
Opening Program: 9:30am
Guided Tours 10am & 1pm/Storytelling 11:30am & 2:30pm
New Exhibits Come Alive 12:00-1pm
Speaker: Dugan Aguilar
Deeper Than Gold 7:00pm

Learn to Improvise on the Native American Flute (with Cello)

What: Learn to Improvise on the Native American Flute (with Cello) with Ann Licater
When: Jan 26th, 2010
Time: 7:15-10 PM
Where: Held at Moonfyre Metaphysical, 401 E. Campbell, Ave. Campbell, CA 95008

Special Guest Suellen Primost, Cellist

Learn improvisation techniques on flute. Enjoy the rare opportunity to play with a master cellist. Explore digital effects and mic technique., This class is for anyone who has taken a Native American flute class or has a fundamental understanding of how to play.
Space is limited.
Call for reservations 408-370-0333 or email classes@fluteforthesoul.com

Musical Echoes 2010 Players competition deadline

I heard that the the deadline for submitting audition materials for the 2010 Musical Echoes PLAYERS competition is rapidly approaching (end of this week!). Entries for the Makers and Arts competitions are not required until the festival weekend.

If you're planning on going and representing Northern California and the festival, be sure to get your application in.

For more details, see our website at:
www.musicalechoes.org

Musical Echoes 2010
April 23, 24, 25
Ft. Walton Beach, FL
Website: www.musicalechoes.org/

Gary Stroutsos and Will Clipman Concert in AZ

Our friends from the Arizona Flute Circle present:

World flutist and cultural storyteller Gary Stroutsos accompanied by percussionist Will Clipman will be appearing Friday, January 29th at 8:00pm at the Kerr Cultural Center http://www.asukerr.com/more/tickets.shtml located at 6110 N. Scottsdale Rd, just south of the Borgata.

"Stroutsos performs world flute music drawn from traditional cultures. Evoking a spirit of place, and the voices of the land, his work includes internationally acclaimed recordings at sacred sites. Gary has had a unique career of recording flute music inspired by his travels. His passion is to share the cultural legacies which have been shared with him. World Percussionist Will Clipman joins Stroutsos for this amazing evening."

Tickets are on sale now at the Kerr http://www.asukerr.com/more/tickets.shtml

Blood, Gold & Medicine: Healing Maidu Country

You're all invited to attend this unique presentation, an audio documentary, "Blood, Gold & Medicine: Healing Maidu Country", on Friday, January 15th, 4:00 PM. This is one of several special presentations offered at the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival taking place in Nevada, City, CA, January 15-17, 2010.

Join KVMR for a unique radio listening experience as part of the Wild & Scenic Film Festival opening night events. This one hour documentary explores the healing journey of the Tsi-Akim Maidu as they recover from the toxic effects of Nevada City's Gold Rush. Q & A with tribal members to follow. During the reception, enjoy the "live" indigenous sounds of flute, drum, and vocals including Neena McNair and Family Singers.

A special Native American venue is added to this year's program with a Q & A panel of film participants to compliment the Wild and Scenic Film Festival which includes actor Patrick Stewart, Visit: http://www.wildandscenicfilmfestival.org/schedule/-special-events-mainmenu-95/native-american-venue

RADIO AT THE FILM FEST!
Blood, Gold and Medicine: Healing Maidu Country
An Audio Documentary January 15th, 2010
Reception: 4:00 PM
Show: 5:00 PM
Q&A: 6:00 PM
106 Union St., Nevada City, CA

A national radio documentary on the local Tsi-Akim Maidu tribe had its debut this past Monday and Tuesday (November 23-24) at 6:30 p.m. on Nevada City radio station KVMR-FM (89.5).

The two-part series -- "Blood, Gold and Medicine: Healing Maidu Country" -- tells the story of the Maidu and their recovery from near-annihilation from settlers and fortune seekers in the 19th century in a pair of 30 minute segments.

Producer Estrella Acosta compiled the documentary over the past year working "in close conjunction" with the tribe after receiving a KVMR National Radio Production grant.

"This is a story that has been waiting to be told," says Acosta. "I'm thrilled to be able to offer it to a national audience."

For more information please visit www.syrcl.org, www.kvmr.org or call Estrella 530-265-2176.

Coming to Nevada City
January 15-17, 2010
8th Annual
SYRCL Wild & Scenic Film Festival
KVMR is proud to once again sponsor SYRCL's Wild & Scenic Film Festival. This year's festival is packed with incredible films as well as new and noteworthy festival additions. Join SYRCL in celebrating eight years of bringing the best in environmental film making to Nevada County.

Happy New Year 2010

As we say goodbye to the naughties, and welcome in the teens, I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to all of the folks who have contributed so much to the Northern California Flute Circle during the last decade.

To Dan, Lisa, Lew, Lynn and Mary - you've been there through it all. Thanks for your continued support through all of the various events and celebrations. We've seen a lot of people come and go, but I love you guys most of all for all what you've contributed in blood, sweat and tears for the organization. You guys are the heart of the flute circle.

To Frankie, Brian, Doc, Cryss, Dan, Sheree and others who have joined us and jumped in with your whole spirit - you've made the NCFC what it is today and continue to breathe life into our evolving personality. Thanks to you for helping us all become better. You guys are the spirit of the flute circle.

To Bob - where ever you are...
Thanks once again for your creative spirit and amazing organizational ability that enabled you to put a solid foundation into the organization. I pray that you're still playing and entertaining yourself and others with your music. I look forward to a time when we can play together again.

To all of the flutemakers: Keep evolving the instrument, improving the sound, playability and crafting beautiful sounding extensions of your spirit for others to enjoy. Don't ever forget where this instrument came from and honor both its history and its future.
I know that the last year has been tough, especially on you all, but please hang in there. You've been gifted with a special talent that will find value no matter what the economy.

To all of the flute players: Keep on playing! Play for others. Play for yourself. Play for the spirit. Just play. Try to play for someone who hasn't heard the sound of the flute before, and spread the joy that it brings to others lives. Make someone's day. Volunteer at hospice. Take a hike and play for other hikers. Take your flute to work and play during lunch. Play at church. You've uncovered a part of your spirit, now go share it with others.

To the year ahead: I really have no idea what the year ahead holds for us as an organization. I have some ideas, and can promise that there will be some changes. If you're reading this and you're compelled to jump in and help share your special gifts to make this organization better, please consider contacting me. I sure that we can use your skills to a positive effect.

Yours in spirit,

-Mike

Free MP3 from Gentle Thunder and Will Clipman

Gentle Thunder and Will Clipman are offering an early Christmas present for all of their fans. It's a free download of the song Passionate Mystery from their fully mixed and mastered but as-yet unreleased new CD: Translucent.

The song features Gentle Thunder's luscious hammered dulcimer playing, backed by Will's always incredible percussion. And of course, GT on NAF.

Here's the link: http://gentlethunder.com/MP3%20files/Translucent%2004%20Passionate%20Myster%20New%20Age%20320kbps.mp3

Bay Area HangHang Trio

The Green Music Network presents:

Bay Area H A n g h a N G Trio

WHEN: Fri Dec 18th, 2009
TIME: 9 PM
WHERE: 3030 Ingalls, SF, 94124

LUNA GROOVE - SOULSTICE BONFIRE FRIDAY, DEC 18TH 8pm to 3am
Donation toward the talent: $15 at door
Featuring:
Alan Tower
hang, waterphone, bilma, steel angels
Aharon Wheels Bolsta
hang, bansuri, tabla, udu, ehecatl
Gary Muszynski
hang, udu, water phone, steel angel, shakers

LUNA GROOVE - SOULSTICE BONFIRE : House Concert and Brazilified Dance Party

Celebrate Soulstice at the Bayview Winery, for a secret get-away in the city!! Enjoy brilliant music, sweet beats for dance, the magical garden, blazing bonfire circle and potluck kitche followed by the Genie, a virtuoso scratch-guitarist that will set the groove in motion. Then DJ Jazzy Fausto's Brazilified beats at 11pm for your dancing pleasure, with surprise guests to take everyone into the dark night. Fire dancers are very welcome!! Bring something to share and your instruments for fire circle fun!

For more information:
http://www.hangrhapsody.com/The_HANG.html
http://www.greenmusicnetwork.org/gmn/index.html

New INAFA CD Available: Woodnotes Wyld

INAFA is pleased to announce the new INAFA CD called Woodnotes Wyld: Historic Flute Sounds From the Dr. Richard W. Payne Collection. This is the first CD in the International Native American Flute Association’s Historic Flute Series. This CD is an ethnomusicological field recording of the flutes from Dr. Richard W. Payne’s extensive collection. Performed and recorded in Dr. Payne's flute room by Peter Phippen in 2002, the music on Woodnotes Wyld is solely improvisational, meant to explore the voice and parameters of select instruments. The intent of this historically and musically significant endeavor is to maintain the integrity of Phippen’s field recording, opting for a true, honest realization of the flute voices rather than trying to bend them to the Western, commercial ear.

World flutist and scholar Peter Phippen was Dr. Payne’s friend and student, kindred spirits fascinated by the flute sounds of the world. Dr. Payne spoke highly of Peter’s spirit, enthusiasm, and talent: “Peter is a real phenomenon! He has shown a real talent with early Native American aerophones.” (www.peterphippen.com)

Dr. Richard W. Payne (1918-2004) was a physician, pioneer, scholar, collector, and INAFA advisory board member who had a genuine interest in world flutes and cultures. He was a prolific individual who greatly contributed to the resurgence of interest in the Native American flute tradition. His research yielded several books that have truly inspired and educated, such as The Native American Plains Flute, The Hopi Flute Ceremony, and Indigenous Aerophones of the Northwest Coast. Dr Payne’s spirit and joy is still felt within the Native American flute community. His dedication and scholarship are gifts that will endure for generations.

The music on Woodnotes Wyld, as well as all publishing rights, was donated to the organization by Peter Phippen. All proceeds generated from this CD will benefit the INAFA and its mission and goals.

INAFA is now taking preorders. Orders will begin shipping starting next week.

Cost: $15 with free shipping. Send check or money order payable to:

INAFA, 3351 Mintonville Point Drive, Suffolk, VA 23435

Credit Card Through Paypal to: INAFA@AOL.COM

Online Drum Machine

If you're looking for a drum machine to accompany your playing, but not ready to invest in a hardware solution, here's a great online source for drum beats. You can selec the style and speed of the backing drum track:

http://www.cyberfretbass.com/jam-zone/index.php

Gary Stroutsos has a new website up

Gary Stroutsos has his new website redesign up and running. Check it: http://www.garystroutsos.com/

Albert Tenaya's CD Release House Concert

Albert Tenaya's CD Release House Concert is coming up this weekend.

WHEN: Sunday October 18, 2009
WHERE: 3396 Royal Ct. Napa, CA
TIME: 4-7 PM with an open mic at 4, chili dinner at 5, concert at 5:30
RSVP: Please RSVP for this event: 707-738-3093 or LPeck35938@aol.com

About Albert Tenaya

Albert is a very accomplished Native American flute player and Valley Clan Flute Circle is pleased to support his new CD release.
For more info: http://www.alberttenaya.com

Directions to 3396 Royal Ct. Napa:

From Highway 29 in Napa, exit 1st Street/Browns Valley Rd and go west/left over the overpass.
Follow First Street until it turns into Browns Valley Rd. You won't notice the change. About 2/3 blocks after Browns Valley Market shopping center you will turn leftish, following Browns Valley Rd. At the stop sign turn left onto Buhman Rd. Drive passed the school another few blocks, turn left on Crestview Way. Turn left at Royal Ct. Lynn's cell phone will be on 707-738-3093

Jam time!

I was searching around on the internet for Jam tracks as part of an upcoming project that I am putting together. (Make sure that you're planning on attending the upcoming Loping Wolf / NCFC Winter gathering in December!). While checking out various sites, I stumbled on this cool site with various jam tracks in what they call the "Jam Machine". So grab your flutes, and don't plan on going to bed until late tonight! (becuase I guarantee that you'll be up late playing with this...)

Key G: http://www.jamcenter.com/jammachineg.html
Try the "Rock" or "Ballad" settings with a E flute
Try the "Funk" or "Blues" settings with a G flute.

Key C: http://www.jamcenter.com/jammachinec.html
Try the "Ballad" or "Major" settings with an A flute

Key A: http://www.jamcenter.com/jammachinea.html
Try the "Jazz", "Blues" or the "Cool" settings with an A flute

Key E: http://www.jamcenter.com/jammachinee.html
Try the "Rock", "Cool" and the "Blues settings with an E flute

If you find other sites, please let me know.

Mary Youngblood Moaning Caverns Concert 2009 Cancelled

I just got word that Mary Youngblood's concert tomorrow (Oct 3, 2009) at Moaning Caverns has been cancelled because Mary is ill. I don't have any specifics on Mary's condition, but add her to your prayers for a speedy recovery.

If you have tickets, contact Moaning Caverns for information on what to do about your ticket. I am not sure that it will be rescheduled, but if I hear anything, I will post the information. Feel free to add a comment if you know more.

Yosemite Flute Festival 2009 Day 2

Saturday at the Yosemite Flute Festival.

There was lots of live music throughout the day. The open mic went non-stop (except for the drum circle time) throughout the day. It’s really fun to listen to all of the different ways that folks have to express their music through the Native American Flute. Here’s a picture of NCFC members Eric and Allie Ray (from Marysville) on stage. BTW, Eric has been nominated for a Nammy this year, you can vote for Eric here: http://www.nativeamericanmusicawards.com/votenow.cfm

It looks like the drum circle was a huge hit again this year, and is now a permanent part of the tradition of the festival. David Ferrier was kind enough to let folks without a drum (like me) borrow a drum from his inventory to play during the drum circle. Bill Timothy (Central Coast Flute Circle) facilitated the drum circle and kept the music going.

The highlight of the afternoon was the ending of the silent auction. There were lots of great flutes and other raffle items to choose from. The bidding started heating up as the deadline approached. In the end everyone appeared to be satisfied with their purchase, including one gal who won three flutes. Here's some pic's of the winners:

Paul Thompson from Albuquerque NM showed up today, he was here to perform on stage with Gary Stroutsos at the concert. But Paul also brought some flutes to sell. It’s been 8 years since I’ve seen Paul Thompson, and at that time, I wasn’t completely familiar with place in the history of flutemakers in North America nor was I in a place on my path to buy one of his flutes, but I didn’t let that opportunity slip past me this time, as I bought one of Paul black bamboo flutes. Paul has been making flutes since the early seventies and has influenced many, many flutemakers and flute players since that time. His flute will have a special place in my collection. Here’s Tim Blueflint with a birdhead flute by Paul Thompson.

As I surveyed all of the flutes and other artwork for sale this weekend, one flute caught my eye. In Brent Haines booth, I saw a wonderful painting, and when I asked Brent who the artist was, he picked up a flute and showed me the work of Jeremy Johns. Jeremy is a 20 year old artist from Brent’s town. Brent saw another piece of his artwork and asked Jeremy if he’d be interested in painting a flute (or two) for Brent. From that collaboration came this beautiful dragonfly flute (see below). The detail is phenomenal (the picture doesn’t do it justice). You can expect to see more collaboration between Brent and Jeremy in the future.

Finally, the evening ended with a wonderful concert by a large cast of musicians including Stephan DeRuby, Kim, Rick and Linda Dunlop, Gary Stroutsos, Paul Thompson, William Hoshal and Vince Chafin.
I especially enjoyed Gary Strousos and William Hoshal tribute to Paul Horn.
The highlight of the evening was the final piece, a tribute to the Beatles, were all of the performers played a version of Within You Without You. Gary even donned spectacles (like George Harrison) for the final song.

Another great day at Yosemite

So another day ends, and where did it go? I apologize to everyone, I
had good intentions of posting more often throughout the but it turns
out to be difficult to post from the small screen of the phone. I took
alot of pictures and I'll post my favorites tomorrrow.

Yosemite Flute Festival 2009 Day 1 – Recap

It’s Saturday morning here in Oakhurst. I am reminiscing about the wonderful day we had yesterday at the event. There’s a wonderful collection of vendors this year, everything from flutes (of course) to drums, to Native art and some great jewelry. I was lucky to find some time yesterday to met almost all of the vendors and survey all of the great art that they’ve brought to the show this year. I plan to get more pictures today of more flutes and flute makers.

Here's Linda Dunlop, setting up the latest creation called "Baby Moyo's".

Here’s this summer’s litter of new drums by David Ferrer. I spent a bit of time in Dave’s booth yesterday “trying out” all of his latest creations. It was hard to leave his tent…


I’ve enjoyed watching David mature in this craft over the last couple years, as he started first by selling his drums at the Loping Wolf winter gathering and now he’s making drums full time and enjoying every moment of it. David lives in the Sacramento area.

The concert was a fun evening. I didn’t get too many pic’s from the concert (other than the previous post of Michael Graham Allen). I did get a few pic’s before the show. Here’s a picture of myself, Kenneth Hooper and Dan Ricketts.

Garth Brooks and Kenneth Hooper took the stage first, in a much anticipated reunion of Elysium Calling. Unfortunately, they had to fight through some problems with the sound system for their first couple songs, but I thought that they handled it professionally, and Garth was able to make light humor of the situation. They entertained with a nice sampling of songs from their albums. I am sure that they made some new fans last night.

Michael Graham Allen, (AKA Coyote Oldman) took the stage next, and provided an incredible sampling of music and sound from a variety of his historical recreations. Michael is now building (and selling) an array of flutes based on his research into all of the different flutes and flute tradition from across North America. Michael has brought these sounds back to life, and it was mesmerizing to hear him play all of these flutes. Like I said in my earlier post, I really think that Michael Graham Allen may be a living “Kokopelli”, spreading the ancient sound of the flute traditions to a new generation. Michael invited Rick Dunlop on stage for a couple of pieces, including one where Rick played him Moyo drum in an Anasazi-tuning. It was one of those magical moments of the evening.

Here's a picture of Michael Graham Allen (l) and Rick Dunlop (r)

Scott August took the stage last, and he entertained us with a selection of many of his best songs. Like Michael Graham Allen, Scott has become one of the most proficient performing artists on the Anasazi flute. When Scott combines the Anasazi with all of the sound textures that Scott is able to coax out of his computer in the studio, it’s an incredible thing.

So now I am off to day 2 of the event. But one memory stands out from yesterday. Geri Littlejohn is in town, and it was fun to see her again. I think that I hardly saw her throughout the day when she wasn’t giving hugs to someone. Geri brought Zebb along for the trip, and I think that at eight, he’s already a great “flute salesman”. He challenged me to a game of “corn hole” (tossing the corn filled bags at a target), and he beat me 11-9. I’ll remember that game for a long time.

PS – Happy Birthday to Rick Dunlop (it was it birthday yesterday). Nothing like throwing yourself a big party, complete with 30+ flute vendors and a huge concert!!