Northern California Flute Circle

Gary Stroutsos has a new website up

2009-10-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

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

Albert Tenaya's CD Release House Concert

2009-10-14T15:01:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-10-06T17:34:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-02T11:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-27T08:10:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-26T23:23:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-26T09:07:00.000-07:00

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!!

Michael Graham Allen in Concert

2009-09-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of Michael Graham Allen (aka Coyote Oldman) from the
concert last night at the Yosemite
Flute Festival. The photo isn't great because it was taken with my
iPhone and no flash. But I thought that he kinda looked like Kokopelli
here, don't you think?

Yosemite Flute Festival Concert

2009-09-25T18:22:00.000-07:00

Sound check for the concert. Here's Garth Brooks tuning up for the
show. Tonight's gig includes Elysium Calling, Coyote Oldman and Scott
August.

Informal jam

2009-09-25T15:39:00.001-07:00

Dave Blonski, Stephan DeRuby, and Rick Dunlop in an informal jam in
preparation for tomorrow nights concert.

Yosemite flute festival 2009

2009-09-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

Open mic has started. Here's John Kulias on stage. Lot's of others
coming up. It's warm here.

Yosemite Flute Festival 2009 Day 1

2009-09-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

It's Friday morning. A crisp autumn morning in the Sierra's.
Last night, we had the volunteer and vendor BBQ. It was a fun event, and a great chance to chat with everyone in a real relaxed atmosphere. All of the flutemakers are here and most of the performers. I am looking forward to a great day.

Live Blogging from Yosemite Flute Festival 2009

2009-09-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned this weekend, as I'll be "live blogging" from the Yosemite Flute Festival.
I'll update the blog as often as I can with pictures, stories and hopefully a few interviews of flute makers and artists.

What: Yosemite Flute and Art Festival
Where: Oakhurst, CA
When: Friday Sept 25 - Sunday Sept 27, 2009

Link: http://www.yosemiteflutefest.com/

TENTH ANNUAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAYS, Oct 9-12, 2009

2009-09-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

TSI AKIM MAIDU TRIBE CELEBRATES
TENTH ANNUAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAYS

Descendants of Famous Native Americans Join Effort to Honor and Heal

For more information, contact the Tsi Akim Maidu Thrift Store, 530-477-0711

GRASS VALLEY, CA. Descendants of famous Native Americans, including Geronimo, Sitting Bull, and Crazy Horse, will join members of the local Maidu tribe in a four day celebration October 9-12, 2009. The tenth annual Indigenous Peoples Days is expected to draw hundreds of native and non native supporters, including Mohawk musicians from the East Coast and Maori healers from New Zealand.

The gathering of descendants is a new addition to a local cultural event that has grown in ten years from a small candelight vigil on Broad Street to a four day gathering. The event opens Friday night in downtown Nevada City with a round dance in the street.

On Saturday traditional runners will carry a salmon seven miles from Parks Bar to Bridgeport State Park at the South Yuba River, to an ancient riverside Maidu gathering called “Calling Back the Salmon”. This year the town of Smartsville will honor the runners as they pass through the town.

On Sunday, descendants of famous natives will join Navajo flutists, Maori healers, Hawaiian dancers, and a women’s drum circle for a day of celebration at the site of a traditional Maidu village, now the Maidu Active Cultural Center, or MACC, just outside Nevada City.

Story telling, a round dance, and fry bread are part of the children’s celebration on Monday morning at Miners Foundry, in downtown Nevada City. A ‘mother drum’ will hold the stage during an afternoon of discussions. Descendants, elders, and others will talk about healing soul wounds and reviving the Maidu language. The four day celebration ends with the Richard Prout Memorial Dinner.

IPD is an effort by local Tsi Akim Maidu tribal members to honor ancestors and heal the wounds of a history of genocide that began long before the Gold Rush. “Indigenous Peoples Days is not just a celebration of American Indian culture, but every culture that has been oppressed by colonial power.” according to Michael Ben Ortiz, a Choctaw man and a primary organizer. “People gain a greater sense of their identity. We share a deeper sense of respect for each other and the land we live on.”

The all volunteer, drug and alcohol free event is free and open to the public. Contributions are requested, especially for food. Guests are asked to bring table ware and seating to the outdoor events. For more information, see or , or call the Tsi Akim Maidu Thrift Store, 530-477-0711.

Volunteer Requests: Click here for more volunteer needs.

Calling Back the Salmon Runner Information:
Please go to http://www.callingbackthesalmon.com/spirit-run.php to learn more about running in the Calling Back the Salmon run, and to signup for the run.

Link: http://www.indigenouspeoplesdays.org/

Save the Date: Mary Youngblood at Moaning Caverns

2009-09-23T08:59:00.001-07:00

It's that time of the year again. The geese have started their journey south for the winter, the days are getting shorter, the air is getting cooler in the mornings. Of course, I am talking about the annual NCFC pilgrammage with Mary Youngblood to Moaning Caverns.

Moaning Caverns is special place.

Not only because of the awesome beauty of the place, but it's also the site where Mary Youngblood recorded her first album: "The Offering". Every year, Mary returns to Moaning Caverns to rekindle the magic of that first album, and you're invited to join her.

What: Moaning Caverns with Mary Youngblood

When: Saturday, October 6, 2009

Time: 6 PM

Cost: Ticket prices vary

$24.95 bottom platform

$19.95 spiral staircase

$14.95 upper platform

Hurry, this event sells out every year. You can buy tickets here:

http://www.caverntours.com/concert/Mary_Youngblood.html

Links:

Rideshare to Yosemite?

2009-09-20T20:56:00.000-07:00

I have room in the car if anyone is going from Grass Valley/Nevada City/Sacramento area to Oakhurst on Thursday and coming back on Sunday. Drop me an email if you're interested.

-Mike

Yosemite Flute Festival Sept 25 - 27, 2009

2009-09-20T11:11:00.000-07:00

Just a quick reminders that the Yosemite Flute and Art Festival is happening next weekend, in Oakhurst CA. I hope to see many of you there, and I hope that you'll look me up and say hi!

For those who can't make it, stay tuned to this blog, as I'll be 'live blogging' from the event, posting pictures and stories of what's going on...

There's a lot happening, so I hope that you're planning to be there all three days. Lot's of great music, workshops, jam sessions and of course: some great instruments for sale!!

It's unfortunate that we won't have Mary Youngblood playing this year, but there are some other great musicians who will be performing this year, including a reunion of our very own: Elyium Calling on Friday night. That's right! Kenneth Hooper and Garth Brooks are back together, and I can't wait to see them perform. Please, if you can only make one night of music, be there to show your awesome NCFC support for Kenneth and Garth on Friday evening. They'll have CD's available, but if you want to listen to their music on the ride down to Yosemite, you can download their music from iTunes.
Also performing on Friday evening is a rare west coast appearance by Coyote Oldman (AKA Michael Graham Allen). And one of our longtime friends: Scott August, from Southern California.
Saturday evenings performance lineup includes: Gary Stroutsos (from Washington), Vince Chafin and "local boy" Stephen DeRuby. Both nights promise some great entertainment.

Click here for more info: http://www.yosemiteflutefest.com/flutefestperformers09.html

Don't forget to check out the great workshops: http://www.yosemiteflutefest.com/flutefestworkshops09.html

And the lineup of awesome flute makers and other vendors: http://www.yosemiteflutefest.com/flutefestvendors09.html

Finally, I want to personally ask you to help out the event by volunteering a hour or more of your time. I am personally responsible for coordinating all of the volunteers for the event. And this year, if you dedicate 4 or more hours of time, you'll get a discount on your evening concert ticket prices.

To volunteer, go here: http://www.yosemiteflutefest.com/volunteers09.html

Links: http://www.yosemiteflutefest.com

Easy Anasazi

2009-08-12T07:55:00.001-07:00

Here's a great video highlighting a variation of the Anasazi flute tuning by Eric the Flutemaker

Link: http://www.eriktheflutemaker.com/Easy_Anasazi.htm

Weekend Events: July 31 - Aug 2, 2009

2009-07-31T14:21:00.000-07:00

NOTE: We now have the new calendar online, you can check out the calendar here: 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, Aug 1, 2009

A Musical Retreat With Mary Youngblood, 10 AM - 5 PM, Auburn, CA
NoNahme Clan Flute Circle, 1:30 - 4 PM, Georgetown, CA
DRUMMERS: Shasta Taiko celebrates 24 years of Taiko in NorCal, Mt Shasta, 6 PM

Memories from Wind & Fire Concert

2009-07-30T07:41:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post a few pictures from Mark Holland and Scott Robinson who performed songs from their new album: Wind & Fire. The concert was held in Mary Youngblood's backyard in Sacramento, CA. It was a warm day, but we were able to sit in the shade of the trees in Mary's backyard and enjoy the music.

Here's a picture of Mary introducing Mark and Scott:

Here's a picture of Mark (flute) and Scott (percussion) performing:

At the end of their set, Mark invited Mary Youngblood up on stage to perform an improvised piece. Mary played her silver flute, while Mark played on a Chinese Dizi. It was a raw opportunity to hear Mary on her silver flute (which she's a master of...)

For more information:

Mark Holland: http://www.autumnschild.com/

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/autumnschildmusic

N. Scott Robinson: http://www.nscottrobinson.com/

Wind & Fire: http://cdbaby.com/cd/hollandrobinson

Northern California Flute Circle: http://www.naflute.com/

Mary Youngblood LOPING WOLF Retreat - Aug 1, 2009

2009-07-30T07:18:00.000-07:00

There's still room to register for Mary Youngblood's LOPING WOLF Retreat this weekend.

Date: Saturday, Aug 1, 2009
Time: 10 AM - 5:30
Cost: $45
Location: Auburn, CA

Workshop agenda:

10:00 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

1:00 pm to 2:00 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 ~

2:30 pm to 4:00 pm ~ Intermediate / Advanced Workshop - Tips on vibrato, improvisation , and embellishment details will be discussed and demonstrated. Advanced techniques such as how to duet with another player, composition, phrasing, timing, plus performance and recording readiness will be shared.

~Break ~

4:30 pm to 5:30 pm ~ The "Open Mic" Hour! This “your” opportunity to duet with Mary Youngblood and learn how Mary takes each player to the “next level”.

NOTE: Sign up to have your duet recorded with Mary on DVD with “you” for an additional fee of $30 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!

Registration form: http://www.maryyoungblood.com/Retreat/regformhtml.htm

Link: http://www.maryyoungblood.com/retreat/music_workshops_activities.asp

You need to RVSP with Dan to ensure that there is room for you:

RSVP: dandi@LOPINGWOLF.com
Call: (530) 613-4197 (Dan's cell)

Weekend Events: July 10 - 12, 2009

2009-07-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 10, 2009

Upcoming Events

House Concert Series featuring Mark Holland and N Scott Robinson (July 22 - 26)

Mark Holland and N Scott Robinson in concert

2009-07-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars (if you haven't already!).

We're hosting a series of house concerts this month for Mark Holland and N. Scott Robinson as they tour the west coast highlighting music from their new album: Wind & Fire

Here's a link to their tour website: http://www.myspace.com/windnfire1

Mark Holland played at the Yosemite Flute Festival last September and has toured NoCal several times in his career. We love having Mark because of his gentle nature, supreme musicianship and excellent music. We haven't seen Mark and Scott together out here for more than 5 years, and if you haven't had the chance to see Scott in concert, he's a musician that you don't want to miss.

July 22 - Private event in Napa (contact Lynn for directions)

July 23 - Concert in Sonora

July 24 - Workshop and concert in Modesto

July 25 - Workshop and concert in San Carlos

July 26 - Concert in Sacramento

For more information: http://www.myspace.com/windnfire1

Culture Planet Unplugged

2009-06-30T15:16:00.000-07:00

3rd Annual Benefit for Insurance Costs for St. Joseph's Cultural Center

Featuring: Grass Valley Taiko, Ivan Najera, the Al Ama Belly Dancers, the Earth Rhythms Dancers and Drummers, Christopher Taylor and Johnny Om (the Bodhi Brothers), Joe Fajen on Tablas,
the Wilson Triplets (Luke, Maggie, and Peter), a drum line with Kit Bailey

When: Saturday, July 11th, 7:00 PM

Where: St. Joseph's Cultural Center, 410 South Church Street, Grass Valley

Tickets are $15.00 in advance and $17.00 at the door

Information: 530-272-4725 or www.saintjosephsculturalcenter.org

Advance tickets will be placed into a drawing for original art from the third floor artists at St. Joseph’s Cultural Center. Tickets will go on sale Monday, June 29th at the BriarPatch Co-op, Gold Rush Records and the Cultural Center office.

Donating their time and talent for this benefit are the Grass Valley Taiko performing a Japanese style of drumming that has a long and rich history with a cornucopia of styles and rhythms which intrigues and delights audiences of all ages. Earth Rhythm Dancers and Drummers’ performances are high energy dances, drum rhythms and songs from the Congo, West Africa, the Caribbean, Brazil, and North America. Ivan Najera is an Ecuadorian born guitarist who delights audiences with his Nuevo Flamenco style and grace. The Troupe Al Ama are Belly Dancers of all ages and types of women dancing to Middle Eastern dance styles with elements of cabaret, folkloric, tribal, as well as some exciting western influences. Christopher Taylor and Johnny Om (the Bodhi Brothers), offer a fun collection of acoustic-based music, with flavors of folk, blues, and country jazz. Joe Fajen performs traditional Indian music on the Tablas. The Wilson Triplets (Luke, Maggie, and Peter) perform original, traditional and contemporary music on guitar, accordion, mandola, mandolin, dobro and more. Kit Bailey, percussionist, has been a musician since 1966 (teacher since 1990) He teaches drum set to ages 7 through 75, and conga and djembe to adults.

For the last three years St. Joseph's Cultural Center hosts a benefit to raise funds to pay part of their yearly insurance bills. Insurance includes Liability which is the biggest. We take a high deductible to lower the costs as much as they can. One can imagine how much the costs are for a building built in 1866 and a State Historic Landmark. St. Joseph’s never has enough funds at one time to even get close to the amount required. We must put 25% down at the beginning of their fiscal year and then pay monthly. The goal for this benefit is $5,000.00. All donations are 100% tax deductible. If you cannot attend the event you can always make a donation at any time.
St. Joseph's Cultural Center is a 501 c 3 non-profit organization owned and operated by the Historic Mt. St. Mary’s Preservation Committee. The mission is to preserve this State of California Historic Landmark for the community and for cultural events.

Mary's B Day cake

2009-06-27T19:49:00.000-07:00