Folk E-News - 2005

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December 2005

Usually she has a fiddle tucked under her chin, and you see her playing at dances with Megaband and Hey! She has served on the FOLKMADS Board and rotates off this December. She and mandolin-playing hubby Laurie host house concerts for folk musicians. And Jane is the tireless and talented web mistress for www.folkmads.org. More than 17,000 people have visited the web site in the past four years, and I personally know that many of us locals, as well as dancers nationwide who travel through New Mexico, rely on FOLKMADS' web site for information. If you haven't visited the site, you should. And next time you see Jane, say "thank you" for all her great work on behalf of folk music and dance in our state.

Corrales Sing, Friday, December 2
FOLK SONG CIRCLE. The December theme is "CAROLS/SOLSTICE/SEASONS".
FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 8:00  P.M.  TO  MIDNIGHT
Each participant in the circle may lead a song, do a solo, request a song, or pass. Bring enthusiasm, songbooks, instruments, beverages/snacks, kids, and friends.
Contact:  Laurie McPherson 898-6978
Email:  lauriemcpherson@hotmail.com  or lmcpherson@salud.unm.edu
114 Coronado Road, Corrales, 87048
(Directions:  From the intersection of  Alameda and Coors, go 1.8 miles north on Corrales Road.  Pass the Chevron station, go several blocks.  Just past the Horseman’s Supply store, turn left on Coronado Road.  Post office is too far.  They’re the second house on the right, come in past the barns to park.) 

Las Cruces Contra, Friday, Dec. 2
Las Cruces Contra Dance, Friday, Dec. 2, Lewis and Chole will be giving the introductory lessons, briefly teaching each dance and calling with music provided by the SNMMDS HOUSE BAND.  AND Lonnie and Julie should be back from China by then. Welcome home!!!! 7:30-10:30 pm. Mesilla Park Community Church, 3101 South Main Street, Las Cruces. Teaching contra basics at 7:30 pm. Cost $4. 521-7586 for more info.  Directions:  Exit I-10 142 at University, turn LEFT (west) onto University, turn LEFT (south) onto South Main Street (at the light under the freeway), go 2 blocks south & look for address.

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, Dec. 3
Introducing caller Chris Kelly and welcoming home the red-and-green-hot dance band, Sandia Hots (Liz Stevens on fiddle, Linda Askew on guitar, Scott Mathis on mandolin, Michael Gallagher on banjo). Chris and her family have relocated to Santa Fe from Texas, and the Sandia Hots have moved back here from Colorado. New Mexico's folk community is richer for the presence and return of all of these folks, so don't miss this dance. 8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4909 Hawkins NE, one full block west of I-25 and 1/2 block north of Ellison. See www.asdc.org for directions. $5 members, $6 others. We have the big room, come fill it up!

Durango Contra Dance, Saturday, Dec. 3
If you happen to be skiing up in southern Colorado, you can dance Saturday evening December 3rd. The Durango monthly Contra Dance will be held at the VFW Hall, 1515 Main Avenue. Beginner instruction is at 7:00 p.m. Dancing is from 7:30 to 10:30. All dances are taught and called.  No partner is necessary, and dancers of all abilities are welcome. Wendy Graham will call the dance.  The Kitchen Jam Band will provide live music.  Admission is $7.  To encourage new-comers (and old timers) to come to the lesson, admission at 7:00 is reduced to $5. For further information, call 259-6820.

Santa Fe Dance Committee Meeting, Dec. 5
Bill Cooper is hosting the Santa Fe Dance Committee meeting on Monday, Dec. 5,  7 pm, 224 E. Buena Vista, email Bill for directions at williamkcooper@aol.com  The organizers want to open up the SF dance community to greater participation. What is great? What do you wish were different? Come share your views about how to make the dances even more fun.

Singing Cowboys in Concert Dec. 6 & 7!
World-famous cowboy yodelers Riders in the Sky present concerts Dec. 6, 2005, 7:00 PM Albuquerque, New Mexico, Albuquerque Convention Center; and Dec. 7, 2005, 7:00 PM Las Cruces, New Mexico Dickerson's Barn. Visit www.ridersinthesky.com for more info. And a little-known fact, before they were famous, I hired them to play at a Tennessee Environmental Council meeting back in 1979.

Bosque House Concert, ABQ, Thursday, Dec. 8
featuring KC Groves and Sally Truitt
December 8, 7:30 pm
$12 suggested donation.  Reservations required.
For reservations, contact Jeff at 505-842-5073 or abqmusic@att.net
or on-line at www.abqmusic.com (check out their upcoming concerts in Jan. 2006!!)

KC Groves is better known as the founder of Uncle Earl, the all woman bluegrass band that has wow'ed people at Telluride Bluegrass Festival and right here at the Botanic Gardens.  KC is a killer mandolin player and great vocalist, who will be joined by standup bassist Sally Truitt for a night of original songs, old time numbers and a handful of Carter Family classics.  People who enjoyed the recent show by The Greencards should put this one on their calendars.

Carmina Burana, Thurs., Dec. 8, ABQ
If powerful and dark Carl Orff is more your style, you can hear the UNM Symphony Orchestra and Chorus perform Carmina Burana at Popejoy Hall, UNM Campus, on Thursday, Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. Take the shuttle cuz the campus is messed up with construction. Tickets are only $10, general admission, so get there early for best seats. I already have my tickets...

Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, December 10
Check out the Contra Dance in Santa Fe, Saturday, December 10. Road warrior Lausanne Allen is back with us 'til spring, and she'll be calling. Hey! (Linda Vik, Jane Phillips, Chris Carlson all on fiddle, Tim Shaffer on guitar, I think) playing, 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd. $5 members, $6 others. Instruction at 7:30 p.m.

Second Sunday Dance, ABQ, December 11
Merri Rudd calling elegant English country and zesty contra dances; music by Gemma DeRagon (fiddle), Bill Rust (guitar), Michael Blackwell (flute, bodhran) and Della O'Keefe (piano). 7:00 - 9:30 p.m., Dance Studio in Albuquerque at 4217 San Mateo NE, 1 block south of Montgomery on the west side of the San Mateo between Auto Zone and Bank of the West (across from Grandy's). Park directly behind the studio on west side in gated area or along San Mateo to avoid vehicle break-ins. Do not park behind Auto Zone. Bring clean dance shoes. No shoes with nails or that leave black scuff marks, please. Clean dance shoes and tennis shoes OK. $6 admission.

Megaband Practice, ABQ, Tuesday, Dec. 13
Albuquerque's award-winning Megaband gathers from 7:30-10:30 pm at the Blue Dragon Coffeehouse, 1517 Girard NE to practice for the dance, jam, drink coffee and have fun. Contact Bruce Thomson for details, 277-4729. All levels of musicians welcome.

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, December 17
Come to the last Albuq. dance of the year with Marj Mullany calling; music by Megaband, 8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. $5 members, $6 others. Dance Studio in Albuquerque at 4217 San Mateo NE, 1 block south of Montgomery on the west side of the San Mateo between Auto Zone and Bank of the West (across from Grandy's). Park directly behind the studio on west side in gated area or along San Mateo to avoid vehicle break-ins. Do not park behind Auto Zone.

Taos Holiday Season Ball, Sat., Dec. 17
The Second Annual Holiday Season Ball will be held at the San Geronimo Lodge on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 6-10 p.m.  This was a local event last year. Richard Wilson officiated and led, as Dancing Master and Jim Buechler served as Master of Ceremonies.  Richard says he will participate this year at least, and will come up for the occasion.  Lausanne Allen will be calling dances too. They'd like to have dancers from Santa Fe and south come up, if they can.  The San Geronimo is an elegant place, with a nice floor, and it'll be very Christmas-festive. Like last year it will be a dress-up affair -- Taos's notion of "fancy dress" is "Whatever your fancy dictates".  Price hasn't been settled yet, but certainly no more than 7 or 8 dollars per person, couples $15. Contact Jim at hopenjimbo@yahoo.com for more details.

A Special Orchestra Music Festival, Saturday, Dec. 17
Benefiting the world inspiring New Mexico Special Orchestra!
Featuring New Mexico’s Finest Music
Guitar Virtuoso - HECTOR PIMENTEL - (Classical, Flamenco and Modern) - 7:15 p.m performance
Howling, Raving, Real ROCKABILLY! - THE ROUSTABOUTS - (Stars of the vibrant downtown club scene) - 8:00 p.m. performance
Shimmering Celtic and traditional - HANDS FIVE - Champions, 2005 Santa Fe Bluegrass Festival - 8:45 p.m. performance
Lobby Magic - Robert Copeland
Starting at 6:30 p.m. LOBO THEATRE, 3013 Central, Albuquerque. $5.00 (suggested donation at the door). More Info: (505) 864-3749 or www.specialorchestra.org

Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, December 24
Check out the Christmas Eve Contra Dance in Santa Fe, Saturday, December 24. Open mike for callers and SF Community Band playing, Note different times: Potluck and hall decorating at 5 p.m., Dance 6:30-9 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd. $5 members, $6 others. You can be home in time to bake cookies for whoever.

There is no 4th Sunday Albuq. dance with Artie in December. Nor is there a New Year's Eve dance in New Mexico that I know of.

If you know of others who would enjoy this e-news, please forward it to them. If you wish to be removed from this list, let me know. Stay warm and enjoy the solstice and holidays with good food, friends, family, music and dance. As a gift to myself, I'm only doing one folk e-news this month. Send me January folk news by January 3, 2006.

November 2005, Part 2

A Special Folk E-News from Merri

Carleigh & her creation; Carleigh Hoff & Richard Riger

It is with great sadness that I report our dancing friend Carleigh Hoff died on Saturday, November 5, 2005, 7:28 p.m. just before the Albuquerque contra dance began. She was surrounded by her sister, Deb, her son, Leif, and friends singing her on her journey with her songs.

A CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF CARLEIGH HOFF is scheduled for Sunday, November 13, at 4:00 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, 3701 Carlisle Blvd. NE (the southwest corner of Comanche and Carlisle NE). The celebration will include dancing and singing after a service of remembrance. Following the service will be a catered reception and a dance in the Social Hall.

People are gathering Sunday to celebrate the music, artistry and life of Carleigh. Some of her extraordinary creations can be seen at her web site: www.greenspiritstudio.com

I watched Carleigh dancing numerous times from the stage as I called. She radiated joy, moved with grace, and beamed gleefully as she danced to the music. She was a Renaissance woman, full of talent and creativity I can never hope to match. She was a gentle and fashionable soul with amazing outfits and jewelry collected from her artist comrades. She was a woman who deserved a better end, and I hope the reality of her traveling from vibrant dancer/artist/musician/spiritualist to death in five months' time impacts all of our perspectives.

I hope that Carleigh and the rest of us can say we have lived our lives with few regrets and with integrity and joy and light. My guiding question of late has been, "If this were the last year of my life, is this how I would choose to spend my time?" I am sometimes surprised by the revelations of the universe. May you find your own revelations in how you choose to live your remaining days.

Merri Rudd
Albuquerque, NM
www.merridancing.com

November 2005, Part 1

Greetings, Folkies,

Thanks to all of you for the comments, news of events, encouragement, etc. There are so many music and dance events for this edition, that I mixed them all together in date order. Hope you each find something to make you smile.

Corrales Sing, Friday, Nov. 4
FOLK SONG CIRCLE. The November Folk singing theme is Ghosts/Enchantment.
FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 8:00 P.M. TO MIDNIGHT
Each participant in the circle may lead a song, do a solo, request a song, or pass. Bring enthusiasm, songbooks, instruments, beverages/snacks, kids, and friends.
Contact: Laurie McPherson 898-6978
Email: lauriemcpherson@hotmail.com or lmcpherson@salud.unm.edu
114 Coronado Road, Corrales, 87048
(Directions: From the intersection of Alameda and Coors, go 1.8 miles north on Corrales Road. Pass the Chevron station, go several blocks. Just past the Horseman’s Supply store, turn left on Coronado Road. Post office is too far. They’re the second house on the right, come in past the barns to park.)

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, Nov. 5
We welcome back Lausanne Allen calling; music by Hey! (Linda Vik, Jane Phillips, and Chris Carlson on fiddle/banjo, Tim Shaffer on guitar). 8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. $5 members, $6 others. Dance Studio in Albuquerque at 4217 San Mateo NE, 1 block south of Montgomery on the west side of the San Mateo between Auto Zone and Bank of the West (across from Grandy's). Park directly behind the studio on west side in gated area or along San Mateo to avoid vehicle break-ins. Do not park behind Auto Zone.

AMP CD Release Party for Anna Wolfe, Nov. 5
Featuring ANNA WOLFE, Saturday, Nov 5, 7:30 pm, Winning Coffee Co, 111 Harvard SE, ABQ. Tickets: $12 advance/$15 door, Tickets available: www.abqmusic.com, Bookworks and Natural Sound. Anna will be on KUNM's Afternoon Freeform with Cynthia Hernandez on Thursday, November 3, at 3:00. Anna holds a special place in our hearts cuz she's a local girl gone national. She now lives in Nashville and recorded her new album with some key members of the Los Angeles folk scene with careers dating back to the 70's. Anna's new CD "My Treasure" has familiar elements, but she's also moved in some interesting new directions since fronting the local folk-rock band The Hounds of Carlisle. Putting down the guitar and turning to piano changed the whole nature of Anna's compositions. In no time, Anna was creating stately piano ballads and even material with a hint of Gilbert and Sullivan light opera, while still maintaining the folk touches that help make her music catchy and appealing. The whimsy jumps out in songs like "If My Mind was a Hound ", "Hello Pirates' and the seriously silly hidden track "Pigeons in Love". She can also be tender and warm, painting touching portraits of the people near and dear to her.

Shockingly, Zoukfest starts Nov. 6. up at Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM. See end of this email for details. And on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 4th, 5th and 6th, ZoukFest will present concerts by renowned ZoukFest performers. All three concerts take place at Taos Center for the Arts, 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, in Taos. Friday and Saturday concerts begin at 7:30pm and Sunday afternoon’s concert is at 2pm. Visit http://www.zoukfest.com/concerts.html for more info.

Tim Hill Concert & Workshop, ABQ, Nov. 10 & 12
Tim Hill is giving a concert and workshop on November 10th and 12th in Albuquerque. Tim Hill is Erika Gerety (of Hands' Five fame) cousin. He was out visiting from NY City for the ABQ Folk Festival and did a main stage song and filled in last minute for a cancelled workshop. Tim is a Singer Song-writer, but he also teaches harmonic singing (like throat singing), not to be confused with harmony singing. It is amazing. He can sing one low note while his voice also makes the sound of a flute playing a standard tune like Amazing Grace. You must witness it to believe it. Elliott Rogers was delighted and says he plans to come to both the concert and the workshop. The house concert is at 1000 Parkland Circle SE on Thursday, November 10th at 7:30 pm. $10 donation - all proceeds go to artists. Please email newmangretchen@yahoo.com, or contact Gretchen or Steven for reservations/directions at 266-6928 or 858-3463. The workshop will be in the UNM Anthropology Lecture Hall at 2 pm on Saturday November 12th. People can contact Erika for more information about the workshop at 277-2732 or erika@unm.edu

AMP Concert, ABQ, Friday, Nov. 11
An AMP Listening Room featuring
THE GREENCARDS
Friday, November 11
7:30 pm
The Windchime Champagne Gallery
518 Central SW (Downtown)
Tickets: $12 advance/$15 door
Available: www.abqmusic.com, Bookworks, Natural Sound and Windchime Gallery
The Greencards are one of the hottest new bands on the bluegrass/Americana circuit. It'll take a few years to see if they can really follow in the paths of Allison Krauss & Union Station and Nickel Creek, but opening for the Bob Dylan/Willie Nelson tour was certainly a good way to play in front of a lot of new fans. The Greencards get their name by being an Austin-based band of expatriates, with two thirds of the group coming from Australia while the remaining member is a Brit. This probably accounts for why their blend of bluegrass comes with a touch of Fairport Convention folk flavoring. The trio, consisting of Kym Warner on mandolin, Carol Young on bass and Eamon McLaughlin on fiddle, seems to have gelled instantly. They were immediately recognized as Best New Band in the Austin Music Awards before grabbing the choice spot on the Willie Nelson/Bob Dylan summer tour. Their web site is chock full of rave reviews for their new Dualtone release - "Weather and Water" http://www.thegreencards.com/

Santa Fe Concerts, Thurs. & Friday, Nov. 10 & 11
On Thursday and Friday, November 10th and 11th, College of Santa Fe Contemporary Music program will present concerts by staff members from the ZoukFest World Music Camp. Both concerts take place at 8:00pm in the new O’Shaughnessy Performance Space in Benildus Hall on the campus of College of Santa Fe, 1600 St. Michael’s Drive in Santa Fe. Tickets are $18 and can be obtained by calling (505)473-6196 or at the door. Visit http://www.zoukfest.com/concerts.html for more info.

Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, Nov. 12
Check out the Contra Dance in Santa Fe, Saturday, November 12. Kris Jensen of Albuquerque calling, Sandia Hots (Liz Stevens on fiddle, Mike Gallagher on banjo, Scott Mathis on mandolin+, Linda Askew on guitar). The entire band recently relocated back to Albuquerque from Denver, and we are thrilled!!! 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd. $5 members, $6 others. Instruction at 7:30 p.m.

Alasdair Fraser--Scottish Fiddle in Corrales, Nov. 12 & 13!!
Alasdair Fraser / Natalie Haas - Scottish Fiddle / Cello Saturday, November 12, 2005, 7:30 P.M. & Sunday, November 13, 2005, 4:00 P.M. San Ysidro Church, Corrales. Advance tickets for $18 available at Frame 'n' Art, Washburn Piano Company, Bookworks. $20 at the door, but I'm guessing this concert will sell out, if it hasn't already. Alasdair Fraser is recognized throughout the world as one of the finest fiddle players Scotland has ever produced. His name is synonymous with the vibrant cultural renaissance which is transforming the Scottish musical scene. The expressive gamut from deep Celtic melancholy to joyful jig, his fiddle imitations of the bagpipe almost unbelievable, the whole rendered with a humble sincerity, flawless virtuosity and just about the sweetest sound since Fritz Kreisler," wrote the LA Times. Alasdair and Natalie's latest CD, “Fire and Grace,” won Scotland's 2004 award for Best Traditional Recording. Visit http://www.musicincorrales.org/cseason.html for more info. Visit http://www.alasdairfraser.com/ for more info on the artist.

Second Sunday Dance, ABQ, Saturday, Nov. 13
Noralyn Parsons and Kris Jensen calling elegant English country and zesty contra dances; music by One Good Turn (Gary Papenhagen on fiddle, Peter Wegman on guitar, Linda Vik on fiddle, and other friends); 7:00 - 9:30 p.m., Dance Studio in Albuquerque at 4217 San Mateo NE, 1 block south of Montgomery on the west side of the San Mateo between Auto Zone and Bank of the West (across from Grandy's). Park directly behind the studio on west side in gated area or along San Mateo to avoid vehicle break-ins. Do not park behind Auto Zone. Bring clean dance shoes. No shoes with nails or that leave black scuff marks, please. Clean dance shoes and tennis shoes OK. $6 admission.

Megaband Practice, Tuesday, Nov. 15, Albuquerque
The Albuquerque Megaband hosts its monthly practice from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m., Blue Dragon Coffeehouse, 1517 Girard NE. Bring your instrument, your jamming rhythms, and your coffee/snack money and join the fun. Contact fiddler Bruce Thomson, 277-4729, for more info.

Dancer Talk on Ivory-Billed Woodpeckers, Wed., Nov. 16
We know each other on the dance floor, but come see one of our dancers in his 'real' life as an ornithologist for the Nature Conservancy. Dancer Dave Mehlman will give a talk on the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker Recovery Project at 7 p.m. at the Rio Grande Nature Center, Albuq. Most of you probably don't know that he's one of the very few members of the national recovery team. $3 parking and admission fee. Advance reservations required as seating is limited. Call 344-7240 to reserve a space.

Las Cruces Contra Dance, Friday, Nov. 18
Lewis and Chole will be giving the introductory lessons, briefly teaching each dance and calling with music provided by the SNMMDS HOUSE BAND. 7:30-10:30 pm. Mesilla Park Community Church, 3101 South Main Street, Las Cruces. Teaching contra basics at 7:30 pm. Cost $4. Call Judy at 521-7586 for more info. Directions: Exit I-10 142 at University, turn LEFT (west) onto University, turn LEFT (south) onto South Main Street (at the light under the freeway), go 2 blocks south & look for address.

Albuquerque Contra Dance & Annual Meeting, Sat., Nov. 19
Plan ahead for FOLKMADS' elections--the group needs new people with new energy, ideas, and enthusiasm to volunteer to serve on the Board. Elections that night!! Wendy Graham from Durango, CO will call to the tunes of the prize-winning Albuquerque Megaband. 8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. $5 members, $6 others. Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4909 Hawkins NE, one full block west of I-25 and 1/2 block north of Ellison.. Visit www.asdc.org for map.

NEW Los Alamos Contra Dance, Saturday, Nov. 19
A new place to dance? You bet! The first contra dance in many years will begin in Los Alamos on Saturday, November 19 at the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos, 1738 N. Sage St. Music will be provided by Roaring Jelly (see their website at http://internet.cybermesa.com/~keating) and the caller is Alan Wadlinger. Admission is $5 per person, children under 12 are free. Desserts and soft drinks are available for purchase during the event.

This & That
Zoukfest 2005 will be held Sunday, November 6th through Saturday, November 12th at historic Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico. The 2005 Staff list keeps growing and now includes Randal Bays, Dan Beimborn, César Carazo, Beth Bahia Cohen, Luis Delgado, Connie Dover, Sonja Drakulich, Polly Tapia Ferber, Stanley Greenthal, Gari Hegedus, Roger Landes, Paddy League, Jaime Muñoz, and Chipper Thompson. Check out the ZoukFest website for more details and to register for ZoukFest 2005!
www.zoukfest.com

Planning ahead for December, Jamie Anderson will be performing with the New Mexico Women's Chorus on Dec. 3rd at the First Unitarian Church, Albuquerque, at 7:00 PM. Tickets are available at Redwing on Central or call 268-9405. I'll try to get some more info on this.

Santa Fe Concerts: GiG is Santa Fe's new non-profit performance space. GiG is located at 1808 Second St. The suggested donation is $7 to $10. All shows are at 8 PM. Check out www.gigsantafe.com for more details about each week's artists and listen to their music samples at the Listen link! This music is updated weekly, so please check back often.

15th annual May Madness Dance Weekend 2006 is open for registration! May 19-21, 2006, in Prescott, Arizona. Featuring Hotpoint Stringband from Ohio, Tucson’s Privy Tippers, and callers Seth Tepfer and Merri Rudd. Registration forms are available online at http://www.sharlot.org/madness/ If you can handle two dance camps two weekends in a row, check it out. New Mexico's 14th annual Folkmadness 2006 is set for Memorial Day weekend with fabulous talent and a focus on contra, English and waltz dances.

If you have folk music and/or dance events for me to list for the 2nd half of November, please let me know by November 15th. As always, if you would like to be removed from this list, let me know. Or if you know of others who would like to be added, let me know that too.

Thanks,

Merri Rudd
www.merridancing.com

October 2005, Part 2

October 2005, Part 1

September 2005

August 2005, Part 2

 

Hello, Folkies,

 

August is flying by, and I'm throwing in a little September news since I'll be out of state over Labor Day. The most frequently asked question I've had this month is "Who is this Carleigh Hoff who is so ill?" Here is a photo I snapped of her at Folkmadness Camp in May 2005. She was having some pain then, but had not yet been diagnosed. Just after camp, she was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and has been receiving radiation and chemotherapy. Now there is talk of a bone marrow transplant. Carleigh has been a vibrant, joyful, and frequent dancer at regular contras, 2nd Sunday dances, Boo Camp, and Folkmadness. Why she has been stricken with a terrible and debilitating cancer is a question for the universe to answer. She is a self-supporting artist who needs our help. Linda Starr, lstarr@hubwest.com is coordinating donations.

 

 

 

 

Las Cruces Contra Dance, Friday, August 19

Pull out your dancing shoes and your cool duds.  Chloe, Lewis & Lonnie will be calling & the So.NM Music & Dance House Band will be playing lively tunes in Las Cruces.  7:30-10:30 pm. Teaching contra basics at 7:30 pm. Mesilla Community Center, 2251 Calle de Santiago. Refreshments served! Cost $4, Information 505-522-1691.

 

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, August 20

Marj Mullany is calling and Megaband is playing. 8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30, at the Dance Studio in Albuquerque at 4217 San Mateo NE, 1 block south of Montgomery on the west side of the San Mateo between Auto Zone and Bank of the West (across from Grandy's). Park directly behind the studio on west side in gated area or along San Mateo to avoid vehicle break-ins. Do not park behind Auto Zone.

 

Taos Concert, Sunday, August 21

ZoukFest Presents! Michael Kott World Cello Tour in the Adobe Bar at Taos Inn,
Sunday, August 21^st, 2005     7-10 pm

This past January a standing-room-only crowd witnessed a revelatory ZoukFest Presents! performance by Michael Kott and mandolinist Sharon Gilchrist.  Michael’s cutting edge cello had jaws dropping throughout the room and left listeners begging for more. At this special performance on the 21^st, Michael will be joined by guest musicians.  Michael's recent credits include the PBS special “Music from a Painted Cave” with Robert Mirabal and the RareTribalMob.  He appears on Robert Mirabal’s “Taos Tales” CD which was named “New Age Artist of the Year” 1999 by Amazon.com.  The album also received “Native American Songwriter of the Year” recognition at the NAMMYs (Native American music awards).  Michael’s new CD series 'CELLOGY' is the culmination of an extended exploration of the sonic terrain opened up through the use of transducer pickups and sound processors on bowed instruments.  He sees the cello as a very powerful gateway/channel into the emotions and the heart: "Music has the power to transform... uniting perception with intuition and emotion... forging passion... and dissolving conceptual structures, such as time..."  "The language of the cello is found within the very shape of the instrument...with the interaction of the bow and the string...forming many worlds and different dimensions...it's a cellistic universe..."  For more information contact:   Roger Landes at: 505.751.3512, or:  rwlandes@taosnet.com

 

4th Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, August 27

Contra Dance in Santa Fe happens Saturday, August 27. 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd., Open Mike with a potpourri of callers, and the Santa Fe Community Band playing. $5 members, $6 others. Instruction at 7:30 p.m.

 Music, Music, Music in Santa Fe, August 26-28

The 31st annual Traditional and Bluegrass Music Festival will be held at the Santa Fe Rodeo grounds August 26-28. Visit http://www.southwestpickers.org/festivals.html for all the details! 

 

4th Sunday Contra Dance, Albuq., August 28

Artie Walsh and friends calling, One Good Turn (Gary Papenhagen on fiddle, Peter Wegner on guitar, not sure who else will play this night) playing. 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, 5506 Coal SE (2 blocks south of Central, 1.5 blocks east of San Mateo). $5 all. Call Artie for more info: 266-6322.

 

Corrales Sing, Friday, September 2

FOLK SONG CIRCLE. The September theme "BALLADS".  As always, themes are optional and loosely interpreted.

FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 8:00  P.M.  TO  MIDNIGHT
Each participant in the circle may lead a song, do a solo, request a song, or pass. Bring enthusiasm, songbooks, instruments, beverages/snacks, kids, and friends.
Contact:  Laurie McPherson 898-6978
Email:  lauriemcpherson@hotmail.com  or lmcpherson@salud.unm.edu
114 Coronado Road, Corrales, 87048
(Directions:  From the intersection of  Alameda and Coors, go 1.8 miles north on Corrales Road.  Pass the Chevron station, go several blocks.  Just past the Horseman’s Supply store, turn left on Coronado Road.  Post office is too far.  They’re the second house on the right, come in past the barns to park.)

 

Speaking of singing, Art Brooks asks, "is your copy of the "Rise Up Singing" songbook worn out and falling to pieces? Are you and your partner attempting to share a copy?  Help may be at hand! The singing group is considering ordering a case of Rise Up Singings.  A case contains 30 books and costs $310, plus shipping.  Estimated final cost would be around $11.50 per copy.  This is something like $6.50-$11.00 off of the single copy price, depending upon where you buy it. We will go ahead with this if we can get commitments for 24 copies.  Please let Art know as soon as possible, via e-mail artandjenn@earthlink.net, or by phone to 797-0916."

 

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, September 3
Donna Howell calling; music by One Good Turn (Gary Papenhagen on fiddle, Linda Vik on fiddle, Peter Wegner on guitar, Carol Wolvington on flute, Lou Blackwell on bass.) 8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. $5 members, $6 others. Note location: Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4909 Hawkins NE, one full block west of I-25 and 1/2 block north of Ellison.. Visit www.asdc.org for map. If you're in town this Labor Day weekend, check out this dance. One Good Turn played awesomely for our July 2nd dance! 

 

House Concert in ABQ on Labor Day

A Bosque House Concert with The Bills
Monday, Sept 5
6:30 pm <---- note the early start time
$15 Suggested minimum donation
Reservations required
Contact Jeff at abqmusic.com or reserve via the web at http://www.abqmusic.com/houseconcerts.html
The house is located west of Old Town in Albuquerque.  Directions provided when you make
your reservations.

 

Remember that www.folkmads.org has calendars and info on FOLKMADS events. That's all for now. Send me other September events by Sept. 7. Thanks,

 

Merri Rudd

www.merridancing.com

August 2005, Part 1

8/4/2005

Howdy, Folkies,

I'm back from the humid wilds of Massachusetts where I learned to call SQUARES, danced 7 days in a row, swam in the ocean, ate fresh-picked blueberries, visited my brother, and went to a Red Sox game with my college friend. A good, sweaty time was had by all.

First, many thanks to Ken Shaw of Santa Fe for agreeing to take over the job as FOLKMADS database/label guy. John Arthur deserves our thanks for six years of a job well done!

Second, we have a special guest caller in Albuquerque and Santa Fe in August: Devin Nordberg. Devin currently lives in Boulder, Colorado, sings tenor in St. Martins Chamber Choir, and calls and dances contra whenever he can. His main focus is to help the dancers have fun. In addition to being fun and energetic, rumor has it that he gives clear walk-throughs and is consistently rhythmic in his calls. Don't miss out on some rowdy tunes and zesty dancing!! See more details about Devin's upcoming NM dance gigs below.

Third, Joli spoke with a city employee who says the Heights community center renovation is scheduled to be completed this November, if there are no more delays. She also got some reassurance that FOLKMADS will be able to use the facility as always. Cross your fingers that delays will be minimal and that we'll be back at the Heights in 2006 with not too big of a rent increase!

Corrales Sing, Friday, August 5
FOLK SONG CIRCLE. The August theme "BIRDS AND FLIGHT". As always, themes are optional and loosely interpreted.
FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 8:00 P.M. TO MIDNIGHT
Each participant in the circle may lead a song, do a solo, request a song, or pass. Bring enthusiasm, songbooks, instruments, beverages/snacks, kids, and friends.
Contact: Laurie McPherson 898-6978
Email: lauriemcpherson@hotmail.com or lmcpherson@salud.unm.edu
114 Coronado Road, Corrales, 87048
(Directions: From the intersection of Alameda and Coors, go 1.8 miles north on Corrales Road. Pass the Chevron station, go several blocks. Just past the Horseman’s Supply store, turn left on Coronado Road. Post office is too far. They’re the second house on the right, come in past the barns to park.)

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, August 6
Special guest from Boulder, CO Devin Nordberg calling; music by Chiletones (David Margolin on fiddle, Jim Hughes on banjo, Bruce Thomson on guitar). 8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. $5 members, $6 others. Note location: Dance Studio in Albuquerque at 4217 San Mateo NE, 1 block south of Montgomery on the west side of the San Mateo between Auto Zone and Bank of the West (across from Grandy's). Park directly behind the studio on west side in gated area or along San Mateo to avoid vehicle break-ins. Do not park behind Auto Zone. Shoes will be checked to protect the sprung oak floor! No shoes with nails or that leave black scuff marks, please. Clean dance shoes and tennis shoes OK. If you know of a larger dance space with a sturdy wood floor for August dances, let Nancy Ford know, 281-7837, nancford@nmia.com

Wendy Colonna & Guy Forsyth, an Albuq. Concert, August 7
Sunday, August 7
6:30 pm
Gorilla Tango Comedy Theater, downtown Albuquerque
$12 in advance, $15 at the door
Tickets at Bookworks, Natural Sound and www.abqmusic.com
Or...Wildlife West Concert, Sunday, August 7
This Sunday, August 7, is the last in the series of Wildlife West Bluegrass. Fun for the whole family held at a 122-acre Enhanced Zoo and Wildlife Refuge, the music kicks off with three sets of Gospel at 1pm. At 4pm there's the Fiddle Contest with a fiddle awarded the winner courtesy of The Violin Shop of Santa Fe. Workshops in Guitar, Mandolin, and Dobro at 5pm with concerts into the evening. Remember, it's cooler in Edgewood.
Schedule:
1pm - Elliott’s Ramblers. They play the best Gospel Set in the Southwest!
2pm - Palmer Divide. A new, hot group playing original and traditional
bluegrass.
3pm - The Byron Berline Band.
4pm - Fiddle Contest, with a fiddle awarded the winner, courtesy of The Violin Shop in Santa Fe
5pm - Workshops in Dobro, Guitar and Mandolin.
5pm - Elliott’s Ramblers
6pm - Palmer Divide
7pm – The Byron Berline Band.

Concerts, Workshops, Contest, Hay Rides and Jam Sessions.
Just 25 short minutes east of Albuquerque, there's free dry camping. Saturday is the Chuck Wagon BBQ. Make reservations by 2pm Saturday for dinner and concert by Palmer Divide. Camp Saturday night and jam under the stars.
Saturday Dinner and Concert $15, or $25 for the weekend.
Sunday $15 at the gate, children under 12 free.
For more information call 281-7655 or check out www.wildlifewest.org Click on "weekend celebrations," then "2005 Wildlife West Bluegrass Weekends."

Albuq. Concert, Friday, August 12
Next Parkland Circle house concert will be FRIDAY, August 12 at 7:30 hosting Nathan Knowles and Deena Smith playing swing and jazz with a spice of everything in between ranging from Django Reinhardt to Delbert McClinton. Hear their music www.musicalchairsproductions.com Dance space provided after intermission. $10 donation to artist - contact Gretchen 266-6928 or email newmangretchen@yahoo.com for directions/reservations.

Special Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, August 13
Check out the Contra Dance in Santa Fe, Saturday, August 13. Devin Nordberg of Boulder, CO calling, Hands 5 playing with their new fiddler!!! (Bruce Thomson on fiddle, Peter Esherick on hammer dulcimer, John Brinduse on guitar, Erika Gerety on bass and mandolin, and Gary Blank on percussion). 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd. $5 members, $6 others. Instruction at 7:30 p.m. Do NOT miss this dance--those of you who attended FOLKMADNESS camp in Socorro over Memorial Day know that when Hands 5 played in the dining hall, even the cooks came out of the kitchen to stare in awe. The band rocks!!!

Second Sunday Dance, Sunday, August 14
William DeRagon (again, yippee!!) calling elegant English country and zesty contra dances; music by new duo Gemma DeRagon & Bill Rust; 7:00 - 9:30 p.m., Dance Studio in Albuquerque at 4217 San Mateo NE, 1 block south of Montgomery on the west side of the San Mateo between Auto Zone and Bank of the West (across from Grandy's). Park directly behind the studio on west side in gated area or along San Mateo to avoid vehicle break-ins. Do not park behind Auto Zone. Bring clean dance shoes. No shoes with nails or that leave black scuff marks, please. Clean dance shoes and tennis shoes OK. $6 admission.

Steve Earle in Concert, Albuq., August 16
Hot on the success of his strongly political Grammy award winning album "The Revolution Starts ... Now", catch this country folk legend in a rare solo appearance. The unbelievable voice of Allison Moorer opens the night.
AMP Concerts and FanMan Productions present
Steve Earle & Allison Moorer
Tuesday, August 16
7:30 pm
The Lobo Theater
Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door
Available at Bookworks, Natural Sound and www.abqmusic.com
This & That
Once again, the Centralia Old-Time Music Campout is just around the corner! This year, it's from August 13th through the 21st. It's in a pleasant setting in a pasture on the banks of the Skookumchuck River in Centralia, WA. There are no stages, schedules, contests or performers. It's simply a jamming and camping event for musicians. There's plenty of room for your tent or RV. For more information, go to: http://www.centraliacampout.com or
call me at 360-807-8461. Please pass this announcement on to anyone that might be interested.

Wanna work cheap for the Very Special Arts (VSA)??? The VSA AmeriCorps program is still recruiting one full-time dancer for the North Fourth Art Center's outreach team. Must teach and be interested in working with underserved populations (children and/or adults).

Annual stipend: $12,000 plus health insurance
Commitment needed: one year, September 1, 2005 - August 31, 2006;
full-time (35 hours per week)
The VSA North Fourth Art Center's programs promote cultural exploration, access, and artistic excellence. For more information contact: Marjorie Neset at (505) 345-2872, ext 21 mneset@vsartsnm.org or Deborah Mashibini, Deputy Director, Statewide Programs, VSA North Fourth Art Center, 4904 Fourth Street, NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87107, (505) 345-2872, ext 18, www.vsartsnm.org, dmashibi@vsartsnm.org

Remember the new Santa Fe Concert Venue!
GiG is Santa Fe's new non-profit performance space. GiG is located at 1808 Second St. The suggested donation is $7 to $10. All shows are at 8 PM. Check out www.gigsantafe.com for more details about each week's artists and listen to their music samples at the Listen link! This music is updated weekly, so please check back often.

If you have folk music and/or dance events for me to list for the 2nd half of August, let me know by August 15th.

Thanks,

Merri Rudd
www.merridancing.com

July 2005, Part 2

7/12/2005

Howdy, Folkies,

I have several folk-related things to say before I list music and dance events.

First, I have been participating in a national discussion about some dance communities' habits of "booking ahead" for partners, i.e., lining up dance partners for 3 or 5 or more dances at the beginning of the evening and throughout the night. This practice is tolerated more in some communities than others. The pro's: you get to dance with who you want; you feel desirable; it's like going back in time and history to have a full 'dance card.' The con's: newcomers, shy people and others can get stuck on the sidelines; non-bookers may have difficulty getting a partner, the dance community is not perceived as "welcoming." I can personally attest to a recent incident in an unnamed state, when there were 20 extra women at a dance with 200 dancers and everyone on the dance floor was booking ahead. Unfortunately, the women on the sides could never get back onto the dance floor. So I want to say this to the New Mexico dance community: I am very proud of you all for not booking ahead dance partners! As a caller, I see you going to the sides and asking folks who had to sit the last one out to dance. I hear comments around the country about how friendly and welcoming and open to newcomers New Mexico's dance community is. Keep up the good work!!

Second, here's a volunteer opportunity for you:

Wanted: New FOLKMADS membership database person. Must know relational databases, specifically Access. Knowledge of Excel also helpful. Responsibilities include keeping current membership database, generating mailing labels for bi-monthly mailings, creating a membership directory every few years, and other occasional tasks. About four hours per month are required. John Arthur has done this for six years, so he deserves a break. Come on, folkies, it’s time for you to step up and volunteer! Contact John Arthur, jrarthuriii@hotmail.com or call him at 831-8096 for details.

Third, those of you who were lucky enough to attend the July 2 contra dance in Albuquerque got quite a music treat with One Good Turn playing. Perhaps you thought it all seemed so easy. But what you don't know is that Gary Papenhagen, the fiddler, played tunes to me over the phone so that I could choose dances that complemented the tunes. His band had multiple practices and worked on music zingers to rev the dancers. It worked! We all had great fun. So next time you get a chance to dance to One Good Turn, do it. And, one other bit of band news, many of you heard Hands Five, a dynamic new dance band, at Folkmadness Camp. Although Hands Five's fiddler Ryan Leary is going off to college next month, the band has a new fiddler who will debut at the Santa Fe dance on August 13 with guest caller Devin Nordberg from Boulder, CO. I'll tell you who the fiddler is next month.

Finally, a couple of "must see" movies are MAD HOT BALLROOM, a documentary about inner city poverty-level kids in New York City competing in ballroom competitions. The kids are ages 10-13 and very wise and funny. Good dancers too. Meg and I saw it and laughed and laughed (especially when the boys complained about the girls being bossy and not letting them lead :-) ). We cried some too; it was very touching and wonderfully entertaining. Also, those of you in Albuquerque get a 2nd chance to see the WILD PARROTS OF TELEGRAPH HILL at the Guild on Central. It has nothing to do with dance, just some non-native wild parrots in San Francisco and the eccentric guy who cared for them. Amazingly engaging. JULY 8 - 21 (TWO WEEKS) THE WILD PARROTS OF TELEGRAPH HILL (2:00, 4:00, 6:00, 8:00)

Remember, NO 2nd Sunday dance in July; NO Las Cruces dance in July; and NO Taos dance in July. But you can dance in ABQ...

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, July 16
Kris Jensen is calling and Megaband is playing. 8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4909 Hawkins NE, one full block west of I-25 and 1/2 block north of Ellison. See www.asdc.org for directions. $5 members, $6 others.

Santa Fe Jazz and International Music Festival, July 15-31
The Santa Fe Jazz and International Music Festival has announced its 2005 artist roster and schedule. The Festival 2005 features world-renowned jazz and world music artists July 15-31, (except for 7/18, 7/25, and 7/26) with all performances at the Lensic Performing Arts Center. The Festival will again offer affordable performances, ranging from $20-45, with tickets available through the Lensic box office (505-988-1234) and online at www.lensic.com. The schedule is as follows: July 15, 2005 8:30 p.m. The Yellowjackets; July 16, 2005 - 7:30 p.m., Kevin Mahogany and Danilo Perez Trio; July 17, 2005 - 8 p.m. Tuck and Patti; July 19, 2005 - 8 p.m., Ladysmith Black Mambazo; July 20, 2005 - 7:30 p.m., Paul McCandless/Art Lande and Paul Winter Consort; July 21, 2005 - 8 p.m., Simon Shaheen Group; July 22, 2005 - 8 p.m., Eliane Elias; July 23, 2005 -7:30 p.m., Oscar Castro-Neves and Jane Bunnett & The Spirits of Havana; July 24, 2005- 7:30 p.m., Marc Copland and Kurt Elling; July 27, 2005 - 8 p.m., Luciana Souza / Romero Lubambo; July 28, 2005 - 7:30 p.m., Dori Caymmi and Ron Miles; July 29, 2005 - Guitar Madness! 7:30 p.m. - Two Bands Robben Ford and Eric Johnson; July 30, 2005 - 8 p.m., Gary Burton's Generations; July 31, 2005 - 8 p.m.
Dave Holland Quintet. Check www.santafejazzfestival.com for more information on these concerts and updated scheduling information.

Taos Concert, Sunday, July 17
ZoukFest Presents! Radio Free Bassanda! Music from the Mediterranean, Near East and Balkans at the Adobe Bar in the Taos Inn, Sunday, July 17th, 2005 7-10 pm
Radio Free Bassanda! was founded by Roger Landes, Mason Brown and Chipper Thompson out of their shared interest in the various modal musics from around the Mediterranean, the Middle & Near East, and the Balkans. These guys play some wild, historic instruments like viola da gamba, Arabic Oud (lute), and Turkish Cumbus (pr. JOOM-bush). Modal music is one of the oldest types of music, while remaining the dominant musical language in many parts of the world. Modal musics emphasize melody and rhythm rather than harmony, as in most western musics, and they invariably contain a great deal of improvisation and spontaneous invention. It is helpful to visualize western musics, because of their fascination with harmony, as vertical, sky-grasping structures built of sound – like a Gothic cathedral – a technique often called “architonics.” Modal musics, however, are mostly horizontal in nature. They are highly ornate, much like the designs adorning a mosque or an eastern orthodox church. For more information contact: Lisa Wright at: 505.758.7095, or: ljthered@taosnet.com

4th Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, July 23
Contra Dance in Santa Fe happens Saturday, July 23. 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd., Will McDonald calling, and the rowdy Fast Pesos (Tom Adler on banjo, Gary Ashkin on fiddle, Jim Hughes on fiddle, and Bo Olcott on guitar, as far as I know) playing. $5 members, $6 others. Instruction at 7:30 p.m.

4th Sunday Contra Dance, Albuq., July 24
Artie Walsh and friends calling, One Good Turn (here's your chance to hear 'em, Gary Papenhagen on fiddle, Peter on guitar, not sure who else will play this night) playing. 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, 5506 Coal SE (2 blocks south of Central, 1.5 blocks east of San Mateo). $5 all. Call Artie for more info: 266-6322.

5th Sat. Santa Fe English Dance, July 30
English Country dance in Santa Fe happens Saturday, July 30. 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd., $6 members, $7 others.

And since I'm going to be out of state until the end of July, I'll remind you now that the August 5 sing in Corrales has the theme of Birds/Flight. The August 6 contra dance in Albuquerque at the Dance Studio will feature guest caller Devin Nordberg from Boulder, CO, with the Chiletones playing (David Margolin on fiddle, Bruce Thompson on guitar, and Jim Hughes on banjo). I'm guessing at this line-up, thanks to Wyn's suggestion to include band members' names in my folk e-news!

Remember that www.folkmads.org has calendars and info on FOLKMADS events. I hope to send another e-news out the 1st week of August, so send me your news by then. As always, if you want to be deleted from this list (we're approaching 400 families!), let me know. Or send me names to add to the list. That's all for now. Try to stay cool.

Merri Rudd

July 2005, Part 1

Hello, Folkies,

We're back from snowy Wyoming. Hope you had fun singing, dancing and playing during June, especially at the Folk Festival and dance for Richard Wilson in Santa Fe. Here are events for the first part of July.

Jane Phillips has already updated the www.folkmads.org web page with July and August info. Check out the snazzy red/white/blue July calendar and thank her for being a great web mistress whenever you see her!

Corrales Sing, Friday, July 1
FOLK SONG CIRCLE. The July theme is Summer Camp/Silly Songs.
FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 8:00 P.M. TO MIDNIGHT
Each participant in the circle may lead a song, do a solo, request a song, or pass. Bring enthusiasm, songbooks, instruments, beverages/snacks, kids, and friends.
Contact: Laurie McPherson 898-6978
Email: lauriemcpherson@hotmail.com or lmcpherson@salud.unm.edu
114 Coronado Road, Corrales, 87048
(Directions: From the intersection of Alameda and Coors, go 1.8 miles north on Corrales Road. Pass the Chevron station, go several blocks. Just past the Horseman’s Supply store, turn left on Coronado Road. Post office is too far. They’re the second house on the right, come in past the barns to park.)

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, July 2
Merri Rudd calling; music by One Good Turn. 8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. $5 members, $6 others. Note location: Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4909 Hawkins NE, one full block west of I-25 and 1/2 block north of Ellison.. Visit www.asdc.org for map. (I'll be wearing red, white and blue, of course. You can too, if you wish. If you're in town, check out this dance. One Good Turn is an awesome band!)

Shakespeare Outdoors, July 2-4, Albuquerque
Mimi Stewart, caller, dancer, legislator and friend is in yet another theater production, this time with The American Shakespeare Project. They will be presenting one of Shakespeare's most fun and enjoyable comedies, *Much Ado About Nothing* for one weekend only on: Sat. July 2, Sun. July 3, & Mon. July 4 at 7:30 pm. Mimi plays Margaret, a lady-in-waiting. They will perform at the Albuquerque Museum's new Outdoor Ampitheater, located at the museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW on the south side. Plenty of parking in the museum's parking lot. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Cost is $10 or $12 (lower cost for children, students, seniors, and Museum Foundation members.) The new amphitheater holds about 400, so there is no reserved seating. Show up early for the best seats in the house (in the middle section, as near to the stage as you can get).

Musicians can Play in the Pecos July 1-3
The Pickin’ in the Pecos event will happen this weekend (Friday –Sunday). It’s a beautiful location, and there will be a lot of great jamming going on. For a map that tells you how to find the campsite, go the Southwest Pickers website: www.southwestpickers.org

Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, July 9
Check out the Contra Dance in Santa Fe, Saturday, July 9. Donna Howell calling, Five-Dog String Band playing. 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd. $5 members, $6 others. Instruction at 7:30 p.m.

There is NO Second Sunday Dance in Albuquerque in July; see you on August 14 at the Dance Studio.

There is NO Las Cruces dance in July either.

Remember the new Santa Fe Concert Venue!
GiG is Santa Fe's new non-profit performance space. GiG is located at 1808 Second St. The suggested donation is $7 to $10. All shows are at 8 PM. Check out www.gigsantafe.com for more details about each week's artists and listen to their music samples at the Listen link! This music is updated weekly, so please check back often.

This & That
Richard Eager is organizing summer concerts at the Wildlife Park east of Albuquerque. Watch for the flyer in the July/August FOLKMADS newsletter. We missed the June 26 concert with the Bankester family, but more are scheduled for July and August. For information call 281-7655 or check out www.wildlifewest.org Click on "weekend celebrations," then "2005 Wildlife West Bluegrass Weekends."

Roger Landes' new CD "House to House" (Claddagh Records) with Randal Bays received a sterling review and 4 out of 5 stars in a recent Irish Times publication. Visit www.celticmusic.com/roger_landes for more info.

Zoukfest Update: ZoukFest 2005 will be held Sunday, November 6th through Saturday, November 12th at historic Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico. The 2005 Staff list keeps growing and now includes Randal Bays, Dan Beimborn, César Carazo, Beth Bahia Cohen, Luis Delgado, Connie Dover, Sonja Drakulich, Polly Tapia Ferber, Stanley Greenthal, Gari Hegedus, Roger Landes, Paddy League, Jaime Muñoz, and Chipper Thompson. Check out the ZoukFest website for more details and to register for ZoukFest 2005!
www.zoukfest.com

If you have folk music and/or dance events for me to list for the 2nd half of July, let me know by July 12th.

Thanks,

Merri Rudd
www.merridancing.com

June 2005

Hello, Folkies,

There will only be one June folk enews from me this month, due to my being out of state for awhile. I have added those of you who asked to be added to this list; I also added a few more of you from the recent camp roster. We are approaching 350 families on this list! As always, if you want to be removed, please let me know. Or if you know someone who wants to be added, let me know that too.

Read below for info on a benefit dance for Richard Wilson on June 25. He and Karolyn showed up at camp briefly, and it was wonderful to share hugs, chats and tears with them.

At Folkmadness Camp many of you met baby Angela Ricker, daughter of former New Mexicans Melinda and Dave Ricker, now living in NH. The Ricker family asked me to post their web link that details Angela's health battles and sweet life, defying many odds. Go to www.dartmouth.edu/~ricker/main.html to see photos and hear the story of Angela. She is a darling girl and no matter how short her stay among us on earth may be, we were thrilled to meet her.

On happier fronts, Hands Five's 18-year-old fiddler Ryan Leary totally impressed many at camp, and he is off to Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington this fall. Dance to them all you can this summer. Stay tuned to hear who Hands Five's next fiddler will be. They will still be a hot band, don't worry.

Eliza Gilkyson Sings in ABQ, June 2
ELIZA GILKYSON will kick off the 2005 Albuquerque Botanic Garden's series on June 2. New CD "Paradise Hotel" due out in August, so hopefully we'll be treated to a bunch of new songs. The last one was nominated for a Grammy for best Contemporary Folk album, only to lose out to Steve Earle. Lowen & Navarro sing at the Botanic Gardens on June 9, Uncle Earl on June 16, Wagogo on June 23 and Blame Sally on June 30. Visit www.cabq.gov/biopark for more info on summer concerts. Gates open at 6 p.m., Concerts start at 7 p.m., Adults $8, Kids 3-12 and seniors 65+ $3 admission.

Al & Emily Cantrell Sing in Santa Fe, June 2
Those of you who attended Folkmadness Camp this past weekend know these 2 can entertain! Check out their house concert: THE SOULE HOUSE CONCERTS PROUDLY PRESENT THE CANTRELLS THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2005, 7:00 PM, PLEASE CALL 466-2209 OR E-MAIL, octavia38@earthlink.net TO RESERVE YOUR CHAIR at 28 Mimosa Rd.
Eldorado near Santa Fe.

Corrales Sing, Friday, June 3
FOLK SONG CIRCLE. The June theme is Marriage & Love.
FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 8:00 P.M. TO MIDNIGHT
Each participant in the circle may lead a song, do a solo, request a song, or pass. Bring enthusiasm, songbooks, instruments, beverages/snacks, kids, and friends.
Contact: Laurie McPherson 898-6978
Email: lauriemcpherson@hotmail.com or lmcpherson@salud.unm.edu
114 Coronado Road, Corrales, 87048
(Directions: From the intersection of Alameda and Coors, go 1.8 miles north on Corrales Road. Pass the Chevron station, go several blocks. At the Horseman’s Supply store, turn left on Coronado Road. Post office is too far. They’re the first house on the right, come in past the barns to park.)

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, June 4
Linda Starr & Merri Rudd calling; music by Five-Dog String Band. 8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. $5 members, $6 others. Note different location: Dance Studio in Albuquerque at 4217 San Mateo NE, 1 block south of Montgomery on the west side of the San Mateo between Auto Zone and Bank of the West (across from Grandy's). Park directly behind the studio on west side in gated area or along San Mateo to avoid vehicle break-ins. Do not park behind Auto Zone. Shoes will be checked to protect the sprung oak floor! No shoes with nails or that leave black scuff marks, please. Clean dance shoes and tennis shoes OK. If you know of a larger dance space with a sturdy wood floor for August dances, let Nancy Ford know, 281-7837, nancford@nmia.com

Holly Near at Kimo, June 5, Sunday
Holly Near was one of the first stars of the mid-70's movement. As much a political activist as a folk singer, Holly is known for her topical songs and well chosen covers. The AllMusicGuide indicates that she is at the top of her form, recording one of her strongest albums in decades with 2000's "Edge". She'll be at the KiMo Theater on June 5, along with the NM Women's chorus and the NM Gay Men's chorus. www.cabq.gov/kimo for more info.

Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, June 11
Check out the Contra Dance in Santa Fe, Saturday, June 11. Katherine Bueler calling, band TBA. 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd. $5 members, $6 others. Instruction at 7:30 p.m.

Second Sunday Dance, Sunday, June 12
Note new time and place!! William DeRagon (yippee!!) calling elegant English country and zesty contra dances; music by Karina & Della; 7:00 - 9:30 p.m., Dance Studio in Albuquerque at 4217 San Mateo NE, 1 block south of Montgomery on the west side of the San Mateo between Auto Zone and Bank of the West (across from Grandy's). Park directly behind the studio on west side in gated area or along San Mateo to avoid vehicle break-ins. Do not park behind Auto Zone. Bring clean dance shoes. No shoes with nails or that leave black scuff marks, please. Clean dance shoes and tennis shoes OK. $6 admission. Don't worry, Trish, William is calling this dance again in August.

Santa Fe Concert at Lensic, Tuesday, June 14
If you loved (or missed) the Peter Rowan & Tony Rice Quartet concert at the Lobo, catch The Peter Rowan trio (sans Tony Rice) at the Lensic on June 14. Local Sharon Gilchrest does mandolin duties while Bryn Bright does that amazingly slinky stand-up bass thing. Worth seeing on his own, Texas songwriter Robert Earl Keen opens. www.lensic.com for more info.

Albuquerque Folk Festival & Dance, June 18, Saturday
http://www.abqfolkfest.org/ has lots of info on this year's talent and events. The 2005 Albuquerque Folk Festival takes place on Saturday, June 18th at the New Mexico Expo (formerly known as the Fairgrounds). The fun and music start at 11:00 a.m. and will continue into the night until 11:00 p.m. Volunteers who work a 2-hour stint get in free! To volunteer, contact Gary Libman, home 1-505.867.9715, cell 1.505.301.2822, or email Libman@Comcast.net Linda Starr has tickets for $5 each. Dance is at 8 p.m. at the African-American Building at the Fairgrounds, Doc Litchman calling, Megaband playing.

Taos Contra Dance, Sat., June 18???
I don't know if there is one, so if you're in the area and wanna dance, contact Jim Buechler, hopenjimbo@yahoo.com for details.

Albuquerque Concert, Wednesday, June 22, CA Guitar Trio
An AMP Concert with
CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO
Wednesday, June 22
7:30 pm
Lobo Theater (3013 Central Ave NE)
Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 day of show
Available at: www.abqmusic.com, Bookworks, Natural Sound
###########################################################

The unassumingly named California Guitar Trio are known for their dramatic live show, where they mix up a crazy variety of musical styles, all performed on three acoustic guitars. There's a heavy emphasis on melody and a distinct lack of flashiness. But their precision playing, immaculate tone, and general good cheer result in music that sounds well beyond what you'd imagine possible on just three guitars. We have no idea what they will be playing at this show, but their repertoire includes pieces by Bach, Beethoven's 9th Symphony, sections of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, King Crimson's Discipline, Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody, Ghost Riders in the Sky, Dick Dale's Miserlou and many more.
Check out www.abqmusic.com/rec.html if you are looking for things to do. They keep abreast of lots of concerts around NM.

4th Santa Fe Contra Dance & Benefit for Richard Wilson, Saturday, June 25
Saturday June 25, the regular 4th Saturday dance, Pot Luck at 6 p.m., dance starting at 7:30, Megaband playing with community callers, $10 suggested donation at the door, all proceeds go to the Wilson family (kids free as usual), IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd. Watch your FOLKMADS calendar for more info or visit www.folkmads.org for details.

4th Sunday Contra Dance, Albuq., June 26
Artie Walsh and friends calling, One Good Turn playing. 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, 5506 Coal SE (2 blocks south of Central, 1.5 blocks east of San Mateo). $5 all. Call Artie for more info: 266-6322.

New Santa Fe Concert Venue!
GiG is Santa Fe's new non-profit performance space. GiG is located at 1808 Second St. The suggested donation is $7 to $10. All shows are at 8 PM. Check out www.gigsantafe.com for more details about each week's artists and listen to their music samples at the Listen link! This music will be updated weekly so please check back often.

This & That
Richard Eager is planning those summer concerts at the Wildlife Park east of Albuquerque. He'll put a flyer in the next FOLKMADS newsletter. Contact Richard at manasounds@aol.com for more info. I tried to find a web link on this, but couldn't.

Have fun and stay cool.

Merri Rudd
www.merridancing.com

May 2005

Greetings, Folkies,

I'm afraid I have some bad news to start. Long-time dance caller Richard Wilson is ill and needs some help. Will McDonald sent this report:

" To the FolkMADS community,

Richard Wilson, a mainstay of our music and dance community, recently learned that a melanoma he had removed had spread to his lymph nodes. He had surgery this past Friday removing more lymph nodes. After he has recovered sufficiently, maybe two weeks, he will then go in for a month of interferon treatment in Albuquerque. Because these treatments will cause considerable discomfort, Richard and Karolyn will be staying in Albuquerque during this time.

All the dancers in our community know Richard and are familiar with his warm presence at the mic and on the dance floor. He helped initiate the contradances in Albuquerque as the Folk Music Society transformed into the Folk Music and Dance Society (FolkMADS) in the mid-80's. In 1990 he and Karolyn helped get the Santa Fe contradance started. Through these years Richard has nurtured callers and helped to create the friendly and energetic atmosphere we enjoy at our dances.

The entire Wilson family came to the 5th Saturday dance this weekend. Richard called a couple of dances and said he thought the surgery he had the day before was the easy part. Richard asked that we pass along how much he has enjoyed being a part of this dance community and that he hopes to be dancing, calling and facilitating long into the future.

This is a difficult time for Richard, Karolyn and their family. We are writing to encourage you to keep the Wilsons in your hearts, thoughts and prayers. In the short term we will do what we can to cover all the things that Richard so joyfully does for our dances.

Something that would help Richard and Karolyn is a place to stay in Albuquerque during his interferon treatments. Ideally, it would be a house or apartment where they could have some privacy during this ordeal. In the near future we will see other ways we can assist this special family. We plan to put updates on how Richard is doing on the FolkMADS website (www.folkmads.org). You can contact us with suggestions and questions.

Will and Sue McDonald, will@walkingfishdesign.com or 505-982-9453."

May/June 2005 FOLKMADS Newsletters
If you recently joined or renewed your FOLKMADS membership and did not receive the May/June calendar/newsletter that we mailed last week, e-mail me your mailing address, and I will send you one via first class mail.

FolkMADness Music & Dance Camp Deadline
Our camp still needs some dancin' guys to sign up SOON (deadline is May 15 to sign up for full camp) for FolkMADness Camp on May 27-30. We had 20 extra women signed up (ack! I don't want to dance as a boy all weekend), now it's down to 10 extra women (thanks, guys, for signing up!) But we still need some more guys so the girls can dance all weekend. Registration forms and info about day passes are at www.folkmads.org

Corrales Sing, Friday, May 6
FOLK SONG CIRCLE. The May theme is Mothers.
FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 8:00 P.M. TO MIDNIGHT
Each participant in the circle may lead a song, do a solo, request a song, or pass. Bring enthusiasm, songbooks, instruments, beverages/snacks, kids, and friends.
Contact: Laurie McPherson 898-6978
Email: lauriemcpherson@hotmail.com or lmcpherson@salud.unm.edu
114 Coronado Road, Corrales, 87048
(Directions: From the intersection of Alameda and Coors, go 1.8 miles north on Corrales Road. Pass the Chevron station, go several blocks. At the Horseman’s Supply store, turn left on Coronado Road. Post office is too far. They’re the first house on the right, come in past the barns to park.)

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, May 7
Katherine Bueler, Noralyn Parsons & Merri Rudd calling; music by Little Friskies (the Mullanys, Pine-Herrington, and kids, I think). 8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. $5 members, $6 others. Note different location: Dance Studio in Albuquerque at 4217 San Mateo NE, 1 block south of Montgomery on the west side of the San Mateo between Auto Zone and Bank of the West (across from Grandy's). Park directly behind the studio on west side in gated area or along San Mateo to avoid vehicle break-ins. Do not park behind Auto Zone. Shoes will be checked to protect the sprung oak floor! No shoes with nails or that leave black scuff marks, please. Clean dance shoes and tennis shoes OK. The very next night..........

Second Sunday Dance, Sunday, May 8-Happy Mother's Day!
Note new time and place!! Noralyn Parsons and Kris Jensen calling elegant English country and zesty contra dances; music by One Good Turn; 7:00 - 9:30 p.m., Dance Studio in Albuquerque at 4217 San Mateo NE, 1 block south of Montgomery on the west side of the San Mateo between Auto Zone and Bank of the West (across from Grandy's). Park directly behind the studio on west side in gated area or along San Mateo to avoid vehicle break-ins. Do not park behind Auto Zone. Bring clean dance shoes. No shoes with nails or that leave black scuff marks, please. Clean dance shoes and tennis shoes OK. $6 admission. And the next day, a great concert to which I'm going........

Albuquerque Concert, Monday, May 9, Old Blind Dogs
Monday, May 9
An AMP Concert featuring
Scottish/Celtic Band Old Blind Dogs (I think they're actually young guys)
7:00 pm
The Lobo Theater (3013 Central Ave NE).
$20 in advance, $25 day of show.
Tickets available at Natural Sound and Bookworks or http://www.abqmusic.com/event03.html

Dance Angels Welcome at 10th Mennonite Dance, Friday, May 13
The Albuquerque Mennonite Church will host its tenth Mennonite Dance on Friday, May 13, 7 p.m., Bandelier Elementary School Gym. Merri Rudd calling (I've called their other 9 too), Adobe Brothers playing. FolkMADS dance angels are welcome to attend this free and energetic event. Dance angels are experienced dancers who help the other dancers, but the Mennonites are pretty darn good dancers already. The church specifically requested that Karen and Greg, who have been to several of the dances, attend. All other dancers welcome too. Bandelier School is at 3309 Pershing SE, Albuquerque. Bandelier is two blocks west of Carlisle on Pershing SE. If you're coming from the northeast heights, go south on Carlisle until the road splits straight for Carlisle and left to Ridgecrest. Stay on Carlisle! Next street is Pershing, turn right (west), go two blocks, school is on south side of Pershing.

Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, May 14
Check out the Contra Dance in Santa Fe, Saturday, May 14. 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd., Caller TBA, Karina and Della playing. $5 members, $6 others. Instruction at 7:30 p.m.

Santa Fe Concert, Saturday, May 14
If you can't dance that night, check out Radio Free Bassanda! Music from the Mediterranean, Near East and Balkans, appearing at the Pyramid Café, 505 Cordova Road, Saturday, May 14th, 2005 7:30-9pm. Radio Free Bassanda! was founded by Roger Landes, Mason Brown and Chipper Thompson out of their shared interest in the various modal musics from around the Mediterranean, the Middle & Near East, and the Balkans. Modal music is one of the oldest types of music in the world while remaining the dominant musical language in many parts of the world. Modal musics emphasize melody and rhythm rather than harmony, as in most western musics. Modal music invariably contains a great deal of improvisation and spontaneous invention. Their use of both eastern and western instruments affords them a broad palette of sound from which to weave their sound pictures. Energetic and complex rhythms challenge the ear and the feet! Roger Landes on Arabic oud (lute), Turkish cumbus (pr. JOOM-bush), Turkish cura saz (pr. JOORA saz), Afghani rebab, Irish bouzouki, Uzbeki Dotar. Mason Brown on bass viola da gamba and the smaller pardessus viol. Chipper Thompson on Arabic dumbeq and riqq Turkish darabukka Persian Zarb. For more information contact: Roger Landes at: 505.751.3512, or: rwlandes@taosnet.com

And, planning ahead.....

Zoukfest! Nov. 6-12, 2005, at Abiquiu, NM
They are now accepting registrations for ZoukFest 2005! Check out Ghost Ranch, the exciting new location. Details at http://zoukfest.com/location.html Lodging options are limited and will be on a first come, first served basis so early registration is strongly advised.

Finally, I got some entertaining feedback re: sweaty dancers, including that there are "sweaty, hairy women dancers too!" More on this in a future enews.

Thanks for reading, dancing, singing, and playing.
Merri Rudd
www.merridancing.com

April 2005, Part 2

Greetings, Folkies,

I'll be in 3 different states the next 3 weekends, so I have to get this out a bit early.

I've been asked to talk about a delicate topic: dancer hygiene. Eeeewwwwwwwwwwwww! Since I'm kind of shy and reserved, I'm going to think about how best to present that topic for a May folk e-news. One friend suggested the BB, BO and B approach (bad breath, body odor and booze--try to avoid them all at our dances). But there are other issues besides hygiene, like dance etiquette, fragrance allergies, safe hand holds, flirting with and without intent, etc. I have since learned that modern western square dance groups require men to wear long-sleeved shirts even in summer so the ladies don't have to touch sweaty, hairy arms. You see where I am going with this...it will take some effort to discuss it without grossing anyone out. In the meantime, as the summer heat and humidity months approach, men and women can feel free to bring extra T-shirts to dances to change into. Many of us brought extra shirts back east where temperatures reached 100 degrees and humidity 100%. Or we wore a hand towel in our waistband to wipe our hands and faces. Or we brought a mister bottle or fan. You get the idea. Maybe I don't need to write anymore about this, unless you send me more clever suggestions about any of the topics listed above.

Reminder: Albuq. Concert, April 12
An AMP Listening Room - in the Heights
featuring
Small Potatoes
Tuesday, April 12, 7:00 pm
Relaxations
(11301 Montgomery, just east of Juna Tabo)
Tickets available at abqmusic.com, Bookworks, Natural Sounds and Relaxations
$10 in advance, $15 day of show

Santa Fe Balkan Concert, Tuesday, April 12
The Contemporary Music Program at the College of Santa Fe is proud to present the internationally acclaimed Eastern European women's vocal group KITKA in a concert at the St. Francis Auditorium, Museum of Fine Arts in Santa Fe on Tuesday, April 12 at 7:30 PM. KITKA, singing in more than a dozen languages, brings an engaging contemporary perspective to centuries-old vocal traditions. >From strident chants sung in the open-throated village style to complex modern choral arrangements inspired by ancient extended vocal technique, KITKA's repertoire represents the stunning dissonances, complex rhythms, intricate ornamentation, lush harmonies and resonant strength of Balkan, Slavic and Caucasian women's vocal music. KITKA has been featured on several movie soundtracks, including Braveheart, Queen of the Damned and Jacob's Ladder. KITKA has released six albums, most recently Wintersongs (2004), which has been featured on National Public Radio. Tickets are $15 / $12 students & seniors. For reservations call (505) 473-6196 or email cmp@csf.edu

Also, KITKA will be offering a BALKAN SINGING WORKSHOP on Monday, April 11 at 7:30 PM at the College of Santa Fe. Open to all levels. The cost is $15. Call (505) 473-6196 or email cmp@csf.edu

Albuq. House Concert, April 14
Bosque House Concert #74 with
Melanie Hersch
Thursday, April 14, 7:30 pm
$12 Suggested Donation
Contact Jeff at abqmusic@att.net or 842-5073 for reservations
Or use the new on-line reservation system at www.abqmusic.com/houseconcerts.html

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, April 16
Kris Jensen is calling and Megaband is playing. 8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4909 Hawkins NE, one full block west of I-25 and 1/2 block north of Ellison. See www.asdc.org for directions. $5 members, $6 others.

Taos Contra Dance, Sat., April 16
So on April 16, we'll be dancing at the Taos Community Studio, 1219 Gusdorf Road. It's a bit closer to the center of town than the Taos Jewish Center. From Pueblo Sur, take the By-Pass one block up to Gusdorf Road, once again. Turn RIGHT. Look for the 4th driveway on your LEFT. There is a sign just before the turn, PHOENIX PLAZA, 1219 Gusdorf. High up on the building behind the sign, are the words "Taos Orthopedic Clinic". After entering the driveway, drive all the way back. The Community Studio is at the end. I believe no street shoes are allowed, so Taos says to PLEASE BRING SOFT-SOLED, INDOOR SHOES TO WEAR WHILE DANCING!

Las Cruces Contra Dance, Friday, April 22
They'll be contra dancin' in Las Cruces, with music provided by the SNMMDS HOUSE BAND. A medley of callers (Lonnie, Lewis, and Chloe) will entertain the dancers. Location: Mesilla Community Center, 2251 Calle de Santiago, 7:30-10:30 pm. Teaching contra basics at 7:30 pm. Cost $4. 522-1691 for more info.

Southern Colorado Concert, Friday, April 22
I don't often include other state's events, but this sounded interesting. Pakistan's fresh young ensemble, Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali, are already proving to be masters of the Sufi devotional music known as Qawwali. The Alamosa Live Music Association, ALMA, presents Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali at Leon Memorial Hall, Richardson Avenue, Adams State College campus, Alamosa, CO, on April 22 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 for ALMA members, $18 in advance and $20 at the door. This is the only performance scheduled in Colorado during this tour for Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali. Qawwali is seen as one of the world's most passionate and vibrant forms of music. Qawwali lyrics use romantic love as a metaphor for spiritual adoration and mystical enlightenment, drawing upon a rich vein of poetic imagery. A song will usually begin with a slow instrumental vamp that introduces the melody. The lead singer then meanders in with the first line and establishes a call-and-response pattern. Phrases are repeated over and over again, punctuated by sudden and furious breaks of florid virtuoso singing by the leader. Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali is made up of two lead singers, five secondary singers (who lead the choral response and vigorous hand claps), two harmonium players and a tabla player. They perform in traditional Qawwali style - sitting on the ground rather than on seats - which they believe brings them closer to God. The concert in Alamosa is a rare chance to experience virtuoso performances of this intense art form. Look for the latest on Alamosa Live Music Association concerts at http://www.almaonline.org or call (719) 589-9281.

4th Santa Fe Camp Benefit Contra Dance, Saturday, April 23

Contra Dance in Santa Fe happens Saturday, April 23. 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd., Local callers are calling this Camp Benefit dance, and the rockin' Santa Fe Community Band is playing. $6 members, $7 others. Potluck at 6 p.m.!! Instruction at 7:30 p.m.

4th Sunday Contra Dance, Albuq., April 24
Artie Walsh and friends calling, One Good Turn playing. 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, 5506 Coal SE (2 blocks south of Central, 1.5 blocks east of San Mateo). $5 all. Call Artie for more info: 266-6322.

5th Sat. Santa Fe English Dance, April 30

English Country dance in Santa Fe happens Saturday, April 30. 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd., $6 members, $7 others.

Albuquerque Concert, Monday, May 9, Old Blind Dogs
Monday, May 9
An AMP Concert featuring
Scottish/Celtic Band Old Blind Dogs (I think they're actually young guys)
7:00 pm
The Lobo Theater (3013 Central Ave NE).
$20 in advance, $25 day of show.
Tickets available at Natural Sound and Bookworks or http://www.abqmusic.com/event03.html
Some of us already have our tickets, so you might want to get yours in advance too. Tickets are even cheaper if you get them at another AMP or Bosque House Concert.

Albuq. Folk Festival, Plus How to Volunteer
http://www.abqfolkfest.org/ has lots of info on this year's talent and events. The 2005 Albuquerque Folk Festival takes place on Saturday, June 18th at the New Mexico Expo (formerly known as the Fairgrounds). The fun and music start at 11:00 a.m. and will continue into the night until 11:00 p.m. Volunteers who work a 2-hour stint get in free! To volunteer, contact Gary Libman, home 1-505.867.9715, cell 1.505.301.2822, or email Libman@Comcast.net

That's all for April. Oh, for those of you gardener types, the Master Gardeners' Annual Plant Sale is Saturday, April 23, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Albuq. Garden Center, 10120 Lomas NE, just west of Eubank. Home-dugs, veggies, natives, annuals, perennials, etc. Get there early cuz things sell out quick!

Merri Rudd
www.merridancing.com

April 2005, Part 1

Hello, Folkies,
Three things right off the bat... First, THIS JUST IN! The 2nd Sunday dance on April 10 will NOT be at 1st Congregationalist Church. Instead, we get to dance at the Heights Community Center, 823 Buena Vista SE, Albuquerque, one last time before renovations begin (supposedly). Noralyn & I are calling, Gemma & Della are playing. Just like old times...please be there!

Second, check out the Waybacks concert tomorrow night (Wed., March 30, at Albuquerque's Lobo Theater on Central, just east of UNM). Tickets are only $15 if bought ahead of time, $20 at the door (more info below). The Waybacks' acoustic folk/bluegrass tunes should appeal to folkies everywhere, with their rockin' fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass and drums. Some of us folkies are even ushering for it.

Third, Sign Up (especially if you're male) for NM's FolkMADness Camp, May 27-30. Camp registrations are pouring in now. I hope yours is among them. GUYS, we need you to sign up; right now we have extra women. Hotpoint String Band & Bayou Seco playing, Al & Emily Cantrell leading singing, Becky Hill and Nils Fredlund calling. Don't miss this one! If you didn't get a brochure in the mail, go to: http://www.folkmads.org/2005Folkmadness.html and print out a registration form to sign up now!

Waybacks Concert, ABQ, Wed., March 30
An AMP Concert featuring
THE WAYBACKS
March 30, 7:30 pm
The Lobo Theater
3013 Central Ave NE
$15 in advance, $20 at the door
Tickets available at:
Bookworks (344-8139, 4022 Rio Grande Blvd NW)
Natural Sound (255-8295, 3422 Central Ave SE)
on-line at www.abqmusic.com
The Waybacks are one of the hottest new acoustic groups around. They've been wow'ing crowds all over the country, including a wildly popular night at the Botanic Gardens' Summer Nights series last year. "So few bands have produced instrumental virtuosos who can follow the lead of newgrass icons like Sam Bush, Tony Rice and David Grisman. The Waybacks, on the other hand, feature hot pickers who are destined to become revered new-acousticians, thanks to their individual solo styles and the band's novel and irreverent tenor." - Scott Nygaard, ACOUSTIC GUITAR MAGAZINE evening. Check it all out at www.waybacks.com.

Corrales Sing, Friday, April 1
I don't know the April theme, but it should be fools, love and spring!
----------------------------------------------------------
FOLK SONG CIRCLE
FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 8:00 P.M. TO MIDNIGHT
Each participant in the circle may lead a song, do a solo, request a song, or pass. Bring enthusiasm, songbooks, instruments, beverages/snacks, kids, and friends.
Contact: Laurie McPherson 898-6978
Email: lauriemcpherson@hotmail.com or lmcpherson@salud.unm.edu
114 Coronado Road, Corrales, 87048
(Directions: From the intersection of Alameda and Coors, go 1.8 miles north on Corrales Road. Pass the Chevron station, go several blocks. At the Horseman’s Supply store, turn left on Coronado Road. Post office is too far. They’re the first house on the right, come in past the barns to park.)

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, April 2
A special treat with Lausanne Allen calling; music by Adobe Brothers. 8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. $5 members, $6 others. Note different location: Enchantment Ballroom, 337 San Pedro NE, south of Lomas, across the street from the Fairgrounds. Parking in front and one block west behind the ballroom. Shoes will be checked to protect the beautiful sprung oak floor! No shoes with nails or that leave black scuff marks, please. Clean dance shoes and tennis shoes OK.

Parkland Circle House Concert, ABQ, Thursday, April 7
Acoustic Soul
Thursday, April 7, 7:30 pm
$10 donation (all proceeds to the band)
For reservations/directions: contact Gretchen/Steve 266-6928 or 858-3463 (newmangretchen@yahoo.com)
Acoustic Soul is a four piece band from Denver, Colorado that play of mix of soulful blues, funky rock, and original songs. If you like Bonnie Raitt tunes, you'll love this band. The second 1/2 of the concert they'll open the back rows of seating for dancing and after the show it's open jammin'. Bring a small chair (no arms) and a snack to share.
http://home.comcast.net/~fredholz/Music_Page.html

Albuquerque Dance/Concert, April 8
An AMP Dance Party with DRUM DRUM: Music and Dance from Papua New Guinea (www.drumdrum.com.au)
Airdance Artspace (airdanceartspace.com) A Music for Peace concert & AMP Dance Party April 8, 2005
Airdance Artspace
3030 Isleta Blvd SW (just north of Rio Bravo)
8 PM
$20 in advance, $25 day of show
Tickets at abqmusic.com, Bookworks, and Natural Sound
Possibly the most unique and intriguing show this season. A 7-piece music and dance group from Papua New Guinea. They mix up traditional native music and dance with a modern flavor. Log drums, grass skirts, face paint plus drums, bass and keyboard. At the Airdance Artspace, there is no stage, just a big room with a great wooden floor. You will literally be a part of this show. There will be lots of room for dancing, but plenty of seats too.

Special Durango Contra Dance, FRIDAY APRIL 8 plus, the 11th Annual BLUEGRASS MELTDOWN, Durango, CO
Friday evening April 8, will be a special Contra Dance downtown. The Tucson band Round the House, who played at Albuquerque's Biopark last summer AND played our July dance with caller Claire Zucker, will host a Contra Dance at the American Legion, 878 E. 2nd Avenue on Friday April 8. Enter at the door on 9th Street. Beginner instruction is at 7:30 p.m. Dancing starts at 8:00. All dances are taught and called. No partner is necessary, and dancers of all abilities are welcome. Admission is $6. For further information, call KAY ZILLICH 970-259-6820. The whole weekend if filled with famous bluegrass and other bands, including Round the House. For more info, visit http://www.durangomeltdown.com/default.htm

Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, April 9
If you're in New Mexico, then check out the Contra Dance in Santa Fe, Saturday, April 9. 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd., Lausanne Allen calling, Hey! playing. $5 members, $6 others. Instruction at 7:30 p.m.

Second Sunday Dance, Sunday, April 10 at Heights!
Note new time and place!! Noralyn Parsons and Merri Rudd calling elegant English country and zesty contra dances; music by Gemma & Della; 7:00 - 9:30 p.m., Heights Community Center, 823 Buena Vista SE, Albuquerque. $6 admission.

House Concert, April 10, Albuquerque
If you're unable to dance Sunday night, check out this house concert. Roger Landes & Chipper Thompson bring their genre-blending, world-hopping, twin bouzouki music to a house concert at Martina Mesmer's in Albuquerque on Sunday, April 10th at 7pm. Taking their inspiration from Celtic, Spanish, Greek, Turkish, Arabic, Breton, African, Appalachian, Mexican, Medieval European and Gypsy music, as well as Swamp Blues, Napoleonic ballads and the American Civil War, Landes and Thompson range through a selection of original and traditional pieces, each with its own unique story -- a journey through a richly varied soundscape, like an exhibition of "sound paintings" or a series of short films only the ear can 'see.' Their recording "The Janissary Stomp" is probably the first duo CD on the 'Irish' or 'Celtic' bouzouki, a relatively new instrument based on the original Greek bouzouki developed first in Ireland and then in the US. Tickets are $12. For info, reservations and directions, call Martina at: 505-237-1033 or 505-620-0211 or e-mail: martina@hubwest.com

AMP Concert, ABQ, Tuesday, April 12
An AMP Listening Room in Albuquerque's Northeast Heights featuring
SMALL POTATOES www.smallpotatoesmusic.com
April 12, 2005
Relaxations
11601 Montgomery Blvd #C
(Just east of Juan Tabo and Page 1 Too)
7 PM
$10 in advance, $15 day of show
Tickets at abqmusic.com, Bookworks, Natural Sound and Relaxations
The Spuds return for another evening of fun loving, good natured folk tunes. They did two full house concerts last time they were here. You'll hear a ton of instruments (guitars, whistles, bodhran, mandolin and percussion toys) and a nice range of tunes. The Chicago-based folk duo of Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso say it has taken them years of careful indecision to develop a repetoire they describe as "celtic to cowboy" Superb musicianship and showmanship, award-winning songwriting, and a strong sense of tradition has made them, as Dirty Linen Magazine said, "one of the most polished, inventive, and entertaining shows on the circuit." This will be AMP's first show at Relaxations, a really beautiful coffee shop in the Heights. You can see pictures at www.relaxationsnm.com.
That's all for now. As always, let me know if you want to be off this list OR if you know others who want to be on it. Thanks!

Merri Rudd
www.merridancing.com

March 2005, Part 2

Greetings, Folkies,

You can just about do a music or dance event every night the 2nd half of March. Here is what I know:

Las Cruces Contra Dance, Friday, March 18
Come this Friday, March 18, they'll be contra dancin' to the lilt of Irish tunes in Las Cruces, provided by the SNMMDS HOUSE BAND. They have been practicing up a storm, so be ready for the sound of jigs and reels when you arrive. Think about wearing cool GREEN to celebrate St. Paddy's day, and be ready for some high stepping to the calling of LEWIS and CHOLE, with a few added by LONNIE. Location: Mesilla Community Center, 2251 Calle de Santiago, 7:30-10:30 pm. Teaching contra basics at 7:30 pm. Cost $4. 522-1691 for more info.

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, March 19
Donna Howell is calling and Megaband is playing. 8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4909 Hawkins NE, one full block west of I-25 and 1/2 block north of Ellison. See www.asdc.org for directions. $6 members, $7 others. (Note higher price for camp scholarship fundraiser.)

Taos Contra Dance, Sat., March 19
If you happen to be skiing around Taos this weekend, check out the TAOS CONTRA DANCE: Saturday, March 19 at the Taos Jewish Center, 1335 Gusdorf, 7-10 p.m.! In fact, they had such a great time last month, they decided to repeat it in March, on the same day of the month, in the same place, same time, with the same exuberant, caller, LAUSANNE ALLEN, accompanied by the same rowdy TAOS MEGABAND.

Jenny Vincent Concert, Taos, Sun., March 20
ZoukFest Presents the Jenny Vincent Trio, Spanish-American Dance Music from New Mexico, appearing at the Adobe Bar in the Taos Inn, Sunday, March 20th, 2005, 6:30-9:30pm; For more information contact: Roger Landes at: 505.751.3512, or: rwlandes@taosnet.com

Albuquerque's Bosque House Concert #73, Mon., March 21
SIOBHAN QUINN & MICHAEL BOWERS
Monday, March 21, 7:30 pm
$12 suggested donation
For reservations: contact Jeff at abqmusic@att.net, 842-5073 (or just
reply to this message)

Whether fronting the large British folk-rock ensemble Boneshaker or performing as a folk/blues duo with Ben Murray, Siobhan brought class and quality to whatever music she tackled. Her agile voice adapts itself well to whatever material she is performing--be it traditional folk,Celtic, or her own compositions." She'll be joined by her husband, singer-songwriter Michael Bowers. They are catchy and engaging, warm and inviting. Which pretty much describes what you'll get at the house concert. Siobhan and Ben will be on KUNM's Afternoon Freeform with Wadell Dawson on March 21 at 3:00.

Pickers Concert, March 22, Albuquerque
Byron Berline and his band will be at Covenant Presbyterian Church Tuesday, March 22nd. This concert will be at 7:30 pm and is $10 for SWP members (they didn't tell me how much for non-members). Byron is the premier Bluegrass fiddler of our day; he has won numerous awards, including several Grammy nominations, and has played with all of the great performers in country music.

4th Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, March 26
Contra Dance in Santa Fe happens Saturday, March 26. 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd., Katherine Bueler & Will McDonald calling, the rockin' Hands Five playing. $5 members, $6 others. Instruction at 7:30 p.m.

Ana Egge CD Party, Albuquerque, March 26, Sat.
Saturday, March 26
An AMP Listening Room and CD Release Party with
ANA EGGE
Winning Coffee Co. (111 Harvard SE).
7:00 pm
Tix are $10 in advance, $15 day of show.
Currently only available at www.abqmusic.com, but eventually at Natural Sound and Bookworks. www.anaegge.net

4th Sunday Contra Dance, Albuq., March 27
Artie Walsh and friends calling, One Good Turn playing. 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, 5506 Coal SE (2 blocks south of Central, 1.5 blocks east of San Mateo). $5 all. Call Artie for more info: 266-6322.

Albuquerque Concert, Wed., March 30, Waybacks!
Wednesday, March 30:
An AMP Concert featuring
THE WAYBACKS
7:30 pm
The Lobo Theater
(3013 Central Ave NE).
$15 in advance, $20 day of show.
Tickets available at www.abqmusic.com, Natural Sound and Bookworks

That's all for March. Sometimes it's tiring keeping up with all of this stuff. I appreciate your encouraging emails and in-person thanks!

Merri Rudd
www.merridancing.com

March 2005, Part 1

Hi, Folkies,

Here is the 1st half of March folk news. First, let me say that the debut of the new and improved Santa Fe Megaband was triumphant. All of their hard work and practice paid off, creating a rowdy, high-energy, carnival-type atmosphere. Their conductor Lausanne Allen (much cuter than Lawrence Welk!) conducted with her fiddle bow. Congrats to all!!! Also, there's a lot of news, so I wanted to mention up top that the 2nd Sunday dance on March 13 is moving again and starting earlier (more details below).

Corrales Sing, Friday, March 4
The sing is as usual this Friday. The March theme is money and horses, not that the 2 have to go together.
----------------------------------------------------------
FOLK SONG CIRCLE
FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 8:00 P.M. TO MIDNIGHT
Each participant in the circle may lead a song, do a solo, request a song, or pass. Bring enthusiasm, songbooks, instruments, beverages/snacks, kids, and friends.
Contact: Laurie McPherson 898-6978
Email: lauriemcpherson@hotmail.com or lmcpherson@salud.unm.edu
114 Coronado Road, Corrales, 87048
(Directions: From the intersection of Alameda and Coors, go 1.8 miles north on Corrales Road. Pass the Chevron station, go several blocks. At the Horseman’s Supply store, turn left on Coronado Road. Post office is too far. They’re the first house on the right, come in past the barns to park.)

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, March 5
A special treat with Doc Litchman calling; music by Bayou Seco, Ken and Jeanie from Silver City and Scott and Linda from Denver. 8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. $5 members, $6 others. Note different location: Enchantment Ballroom, 337 San Pedro NE, south of Lomas, across the street from the Fairgrounds. Parking in front and one block west behind the ballroom. Shoes will be checked to protect the beautiful sprung oak floor! No shoes with nails or that leave black scuff marks, please. Clean dance shoes and tennis shoes OK.

Albuquerque Concert, March 5
If you can't dance for some reason, on March 5, the Southwest Pickers bring back Prairie Home Companion favorites ROBIN & LINDA WILLIAMS to the Covenant Presbytarian Church in the Heights. See www.southwestpickers.com for info.

Santa Fe Music Workshop, March 5
" Playing with ease", survival guide for musicians. Rediscover the joy of playing music, learn to change the habitual patterns that cause frustration, tension fatigue, pain and injury. Led by Alexander teacher Robyn Avalon, Saturday March 5, 2-5 p.m., Santa Fe Community Yoga Center. Pre-registration required, please call 670-2596, or email alexandersw@earthlink.com, www.alexandersw.com.

BAYOU SECO CD RELEASE CONCERT, MARCH 6, ABQ
BAYOU SECO will be giving a free concert at BOOKWORKS, 4022 Rio Grande, Sunday, March 6th, 3 -5 PM to celebrate the release of their newest CD, MORE MEMORIES IN CABABI - a tribute to the great Tohono O’odham fiddler, Elliott Johnson, who shared many beautiful old style double violin tunes with the group in the last few years of his life. The O’odham style includes the chotis, mazurkas, polkas, two-steps, and waltzes.

CONCERT, Friday, March 11, ALBUQUERQUE
AMP Concerts and Outpost Productions present
Casey Neill
Outpost Performance Space
8:00 pm
$15, $10 for Outpost Members
Tickets at The Bookstop and www.abqmusic.com
=============================================

It's been several years since Casey Neill last wowed Albuquerque with his hybrid American-Irish music. We are excited to have him back in our first co-production with Outpost Productions. Casey's lineage clearly stretches back through Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan before settling in with Woody Guthrie. He writes songs of the people about things that matter and sings them in an earthy, moving voice. His music blends country, punk, folk, bluegrass and traditional Irish sounds into something that is immediately recognizable and appealing. He'll be backed on piano and electric guitar by Jon Spurney, who last appeared in Albuquerque as part of Susan McKeown's band.

Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, March 12
Contra Dance in Santa Fe happens Saturday, March 12. 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd., Doc Litchman calling, Bayou Seco and friends playing. $5 members, $6 others. Instruction at 7:30 p.m. This is being advertised as a "family dance." Potluck at 6 p.m. A fiddle workshop with Bayou Seco (see below) is also on Mar 12 at 2:30 - 5 PM at the IOOF Hall, followed by the potluck supper.

Remember Bayou Seco's FIDDLE WORKSHOPS
Ken Keppeler and Jeanie McLerie will be hosting 2 fiddle workshops before their dances on the double fiddle styles of Louisiana (mostly Dennis McGee and Canray Fontenot), and of the Tohono O’odham (Elliott Johnson) of Arizona. The 1st workshop takes place at 1 PM on Mar 5 at Chris and Christina Carlson’s house in Albuquerque, 7405 Euclid Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 505-232-2425. The second workshop is on Mar 12 at 2:30 PM at the IOOF hall in Santa Fe.

The workshops will be 2 and 1/2 hours long and will include a packet of some tune transcriptions and a CD of the music as played by them and some of their mentors. Cost $25.00. Limit 12 persons. Mandolin and guitar players are welcome to attend, but the main thrust of the workshop is the fiddle. For reservations call 505-534-0298 or write them at bayouseco@aol.com.

Albuquerque Concert, Saturday, March 12
If you can't get up to Santa Fe to dance or fiddle this day, check out AJ Roach & Nels Andrews at Winning Coffee Co, 111 Harvard St SE, 7:00 pm
$10 in advance, $15 day of show
Tickets at Natural Sound, Bookworks and www.abqmusic.com
=============================================
AJ and Nels make a great combo. They are good friends who share a similar musical perspective. AJ won the songwriting competition at Merlefest last year (THE Americana music festival), while Nels was a New Folk Winner at Kerrville the year before. Both artists write songs that are infused with regional details - AJ's with the Appalachian hills of his Tennessee home and Nels' with the streets of Albuquerque and the deserts beyond. Both will draw you into their distinctive worlds in an intimate performance at the Winning Coffee
Co.

AJ's "dogwood winter" is one of those CD's that seems pretty good when you put it on, but
improves with each repeated listen. The melodies get stronger and the lyrics get richer. AJ mixes up songs of heartbreak with personal tales from growing up in Appalachia. Here's a brief sample:

" Grandaddy used to press fake five-cent pieces
From the ore in the side of the hill
If he'd ever realized what he had back then
I probably wouldn't be a sitting right here
But he never made any more than what he'd need
never told nary other soul
That he used to climb back there on his hands and his knees
Until he was almost 87 years old

Said it used to shine like silver
Said it used to make such a beautiful ringing sound
Said he'd pull it out just to buy a little whiskey
Oh and lay your wooden nickel down"

Second Sunday Dance, Sunday, March 13
Note new time and place!! Richard Wilson calling elegant English country and zesty contra dances; music by Hey!; 7:00 - 9:30p.m., 1st Congregational Church, 2801 Lomas NE, Albuquerque, (northwest corner of Lomas and Girard, a few blocks east of UNM Hospital, enter at east door), $6 admission.

Sign Up: New Mexico's FolkMADness Camp, May 27-30
I just sent my money in. Hope you have too. Hotpoint String Band & Bayou Seco playing, Al & Emily Cantrell leading singing, Becky Hill and Nils Fredlund calling. Don't miss this one! If you didn't get a brochure in the mail, go to: http://www.folkmads.org/2005Folkmadness.html and print out a registration form to sign up now!

North Carolina Dancer Needs New Mexico Host
Bill Daniel, a dancer from NC, will be passing through New Mexico the weekend of March 26th-27th. He's headed to Chaco Canyon, but wants to go to the Saturday Santa Fe dance and Sunday Albuq. dance, and is looking for a place to stay. If anyone is willing to put him up, he can be reached at wdaniel2@fastmail.fm

That's all for now.

Merri Rudd
www.merridancing.com

February 2005, Part 3

First, a mea culpa. Several of you wrote re: Ralph Stanley (hear him in concert tonight at Popejoy Hall in Albuq.) not being the voice of George Clooney in "O Brother Where Art Thou." You're right, I was wrong about that!

Our webmaster Jane Phillips reports, "You've probably heard this from other alert readers already, but Dan Tymanski did the singing for George Clooney. He's in Union Station, Allison Krauss's band." And singer/songwriter/musician Elliott Rogers added, "Dan Tyminski of Allison Kraus was the voice on man of constant sorrow. Although Ralph recorded it and was a hit for him, it was 1st published in 1913 by Blind Richard Burnet. Others recorded it. Even Dylan in 1962. Just so's ya know." And fiddler Jim Mullany sez, "George Clooney's singing was done by Dan Tyminski, guitarist and singer with Alison Krauss' Union Station backup band, not Ralph Stanley. Of course Dan Tyminski, like most bluegrass singers, sounds heavily influenced by the Stanley Bros. There is some great singing by Ralph in the flick, to be sure, but they needed a younger voice for the Soggy Bottom Boys character."

So it looks like we have consensus now. Besides setting history straight, the other good thing is that now I know you actually read these folk e-news! Thanks!!!!

Reminders:
Chinese New Year, Albuquerque, Feb. 12
Celebrate the year of the Rooster for Chinese New Year. The Chinese Culture Center is having an event Saturday, Feb. 12, 1 p.m., at 427 Adams SE, Albuquerque (one block east of Washington, one block south of Zuni). Traditional New Year's Dragon and Lion Dances, Kung Fu & Tai Chi demos, drumming, and more. Then go dance in Santa Fe....

Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, February 12
Contra Dance in Santa Fe happens Saturday, February 12. 8 p.m. - 11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd., Artie Walsh calling, Adobe Brothers (one hot dance band for this rainy weekend) playing. $5 members, $6 others. Potluck at 6 p.m. Instruction at 7:30 p.m.

Second Sunday Dance, Sunday, February 13
Note new time, place and cost!! Donna Howell calling elegant English country and zesty contra dances; music by Homemade Jam (Robin and Della); 7:30 - 10:00pm, Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, Albuq., 5506 Coal SE (2 blocks south of Central, 1.5 blocks east of San Mateo). $6 admission. Red attire for Valentine's Day welcome but not mandatory.

New News:
Las Cruces Contra Dance, Friday, February 18
Lonnie Ludeman and friends calling, SNMMDS House band playing. 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. Mesilla Community Center, 2251 Calle de Santiago, 522-1691 for more info.

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, February 19
Richard Wilson is calling and Megaband is playing. 8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4909 Hawkins NE, one full block west of I-25 and 1/2 block north of Ellison. See www.asdc.org for directions. $5 members, $6 others.

Natalie MacMaster Concert, Feb. 20 & 21
NATALIE MACMASTER, Cape Breton fiddler extraordinaire, will play at the Kimo in Albuq. on Sunday, Feb. 20 and the Lensic on Monday, Feb. 21. Go to www.cabq.gov/kimo/ and www.lensic.com for more info.

4th Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, February 26
Contra Dance in Santa Fe happens Saturday, February 26. 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd., Merri Rudd calling (hmmm, better mark my calendar), Santa Fe Megaband playing. $5 members, $6 others. Instruction at 7:30 p.m.

4th Sunday Contra Dance, Albuq., Feb. 27
Artie Walsh calling, One Good Turn playing. 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, 5506 Coal SE (2 blocks south of Central, 1.5 blocks east of San Mateo). $5 all. Call Artie for more info: 266-6322.

Albuquerque House Concert, March 1
Since their last house concert for Harry Manx was sold out and this Sunday's PETER ROWAN & TONY RICE QUARTET concert at the Lobo Theatre is almost full, thought I'd give you an early warning re: this next concert.

Bosque House Concert #72
Mark Erelli
Tuesday, March 1
7:30 pm
$12 suggested donation
Reservations Required (Contact Jeff at 842-5073 or abqmusic@att.net)
**********************************************************************

Mark is another exceptional Signature Sound performer and one of the
shining lights of the lively Boston folk scene. "Ever since his debut at 24 years old, Mark Erelli has exhibited an uncommon musical maturity. In a few short years, he's got four albums to his name, over 500 concerts under his belt, multiple awards and a growing notoriety as an accompanist. During a time when most young artists are still searching for their own voices, he has quietly built one of the most impressive and varied reputations in modern roots music.

He released his debut CD on Signature Sounds in 1999 and then went off to win the Kerrville New Folk competition. His second CD "Compass and Companion" featured a killer duet with Kelly Willis, spent nine weeks in the Americana top ten and was nominated for a pair of Boston Music Awards. For his third CD, Mark recorded an album celebrating his New England Roots. "The Memorial Hall Recordings" was a mix of originals and reinterpreted traditional songs. The making of the CD was captured on film for a PBS documentary. Fourth CD is western swing but his original tunes, I think. An eclectic guy.

That's all for February, unless I hear something really, really good.

Merri Rudd
www.merridancing.com

February 2005, Part 2

Howdy, Folkies,

I didn't want to bother you all until mid-February, but then I got info about a special concert rate for Popejoy Hall's Ovation Series. This is on the UNM campus in Albuquerque. For three days only--special prices are valid for Feb. 3, 4, 5 only--you can buy 1/2 price tickets to Queen Ida on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m. ($16, $14.50, and $11 are the reduced rates); Ralph Stanley on Friday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. ($17.50, $16, $12); and many others. That's the O Brother, Reel Mountain Music with RALPH STANLEY - a bluegrass legend who was the singing voice for George Clooney in the film O Brother Where Art Thou. Pioneer of the high lonesome style of singing and creator of over 60 albums, including the 2003 Grammy winning "Lost in the Lonesome Pines". See www.ovationseries.com or call 925-5858 or 1-800-905-3315 for info and ticket purchasing.

Albuquerque House Concert, Feb. 2
Bosque House Concert #71 Harry Manx on Wednesday, February 2
7:30 pm is officially full (Sorry), but you can hear 'em live on KUNM with Carol Boss on Feb 2 at 3:00. You can also hear sound samples at http://www.harrymanx.com

Harry's CD's are in that rare class of recordings that feel both fresh and new AND old and comfortable at the same time. Harry has been dubbed a blues/raga prodigy for his melding of East Indian music with the blues. He performs on lap-steel guitar and the 20-string Mohan Veena, singing a mix of original songs and dramatically reworked covers. The idea of melding these two very distinct styles sounds a little bizarre, but it works amazingly well. It seems so natural that it's surprising there raga-blues isn't weeping the country. Harry sings with the warmth of Eric Bibb, who sites him as one of his favorite bluesmen, and his playing is fluid and beautiful.

Pickers' Concert, Sat., Feb. 12, Albuquerque
The Southwest Pickers present PETER McLAUGHLIN and CHRIS BRASHEAR for a night of flatpicking guitar, fiddle and mandolin, as well as "sibling like harmonies" on a mix of classic bluegrass tunes and their own originals. See www.southwestpickers.org for more info.

Albuquerque House Concert, Feb. 13
An AMP Concert with
The Peter Rowan & Tony Rice Quartet
plus Raising Cane
Sunday, Feb 13, 7:30 pm
Lobo Theater
3013 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque
$20 in advance, $25 at the door
General Admission

Tickets on sale Feb 1 (Cash only, $1 service charge) at:
Bookworks - 4022 Rio Grande Blvd NW, 344-8139
Natural Sounds - 3422 Central Ave SE, 255-8295
and on-line at www.abqmusic.com

The AllMusicGuide says:
" A major cult figure among progressive bluegrass aficionados, Peter Rowan participated in a number of adventurous projects in the late '60s and '70s before embarking on a highly productive solo career. Primarily a guitarist, Rowan also sang, yodeled, and played various members of the mandolin family.

Peter Rowan is one of THE voices of modern bluegrass and American music. He cut his teeth in Bill Monroe's band in the 60's, performed in a folk-rock band with David Grisman in the 70's and later teamed with Grisman, Vassar Clements and Jerry Garcia for the seminal bluegrass album Old & in the Way. He's participated in an endless string of collaborations spanning country, bluegrass, folk and even
reggae. In the process, he won a Grammy award and multiple Grammy nominations. (www.peterrowan.com)

Tony Rice has an equally stellar history and is widely regarded as one of the best flat-picking guitarist ever. His playing ranges from traditional bluegrass to adventurous newgrass, incorporating elements of jazz, blues, folk and swing. Like Rowan, he is a master collaborator who has steered a similarly impressive path through major moments in bluegrass history, notably in J.D. Crowe's New South
with Ricky Skaggs and Jerry Douglas. (www.tonyrice.com)

Opening the show will be Albuquerque's own original bluegrass band
Raising Cane.

Santa Fe Concerts
I'm afraid we all missed Sweet Honey in the Rock, but the Lensic has lots of other great concerts in February. Check it out at www.lensic.com

More about the Wedding
Many of you reported that you were unable to view the surprise wedding photos at www.merridancing.com/wed/ so here is a small photo to curb your curiosity (if you WERE able to view the photos on the web site, I'd like to know that too).

February 2005

Greetings, Folkies,

I've been asked to go back to 2 e-news's per month, so there isn't so much info in each one and so latecomers might have a chance at getting their info dispersed in the 2nd one. This one is a little early cuz I'll be out of town next week.

First, the surprise of Jan. 1, 2005. Not only did we debut a new band in a new hall with over 100 dancers for the new year, we also had a surprise elopement just before the break! If you're interested, photos with captions are posted at:

www.merridancing.com/wed

They met at a dance, so they married at a dance. The carrot cakes featured lines of dancers on popsicle sticks, hand-colored by the couples' six children.

Marina reports that last night's Santa Fe dance with an open mike and new band was great fun. She wrote, "We had lots of newcomers, and Fresh Local Produce (Ted Seeley, Lausanne Allen, Bo Olcott, Michael Combs, Carey Stickney and others) sounded great. The variety of callers was refreshing as well." Keep up the good work revitalizing those dances, Santa Fe!

February 4th Singing, Friday, Corrales
FOLK SONG CIRCLE, FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH
On February 4th, the theme will be Automobiles and Roads. Singing from 8:30 to midnight. Each participant in the circle may lead a song, do a solo, request a song, or pass. Bring enthusiasm, songbooks, instruments, kids, and friends.

Contact: Laurie McPherson, 898-6978
Email: lauriemcpherson@hotmail.com or lmcpherson@salud.unm.edu

Directions: 114 Coronado Road, Corrales, 87048
Directions: From Coors & Alameda, go 1.8 miles North on Corrales Road.
Pass Meadowlark Road and the Chevron Station. A few blocks later, at the
Horsemen's Supply, turn left on Coronado Road. (If you pass the post office
you missed it.) We are the first driveway on the right -- come in past the
old barns. For further info, call 898-6978.

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, February 5
Brand New Spot!!!! Marj Mullany calling; music by the Virginia Creepers,
8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. $5 members, $6 others. Note different location: Enchantment Ballroom, 337 San Pedro NE, south of Lomas, across the street from the Fairgrounds. Parking in front and one block west behind the ballroom. Shoes will be checked to protect the beautiful sprung oak floor!No shoes with nails or that leave black scuff marks, please. Dance shoes and tennis shoes OK. Please make sure your dancing shoes are clean--we've been having a problem with gravel on the floor at our last few dances.

Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, February 12
Contra Dance in Santa Fe happens Saturday, February 12. 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd., Artie Walsh calling, Adobe Brothers playing. $5 members, $6 others. Instruction at 7:30 p.m.

There will be a potluck at 6 p.m., followed by/interspersed with a dance community meeting, before the regular Saturday, February 12 Santa Fe contra dance. This isn't on the FOLKMADS calendar because it only emerged as a plan at the caller session before the Jan. 22 dance.

Second Sunday Dance, Sunday, February 13
Note new time, place and cost!! Donna Howell calling elegant English country and zesty contra dances; music by Homemade Jam (Robin and Della); 7:30 - 10:00pm, Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, Albuq., 5506 Coal SE (2 blocks south of Central, 1.5 blocks east of San Mateo). $6 admission.

New Mexico's FolkMADness Camp, May 27-30
This just in: Ken Keppeler and Jeanie McLerie of Bayou Seco fame have joined the already outstanding talent for Folkmads' 13th annual music and dance camp. Hotpoint String Band & Bayou Seco playing, Al & Emily Cantrell leading singing, Becky Hill and Nils Fredlund calling. You can't miss this one! If you didn't get a brochure in the mail, go to: http://www.folkmads.org/2005Folkmadness.html and print out a registration form to sign up now! I'll be at this camp with bells on, because it will be a wild time. Plus I like making my own ice cream cone while I wait in the food line. :-)

Speaking of Bayou Seco...FIDDLE WORKSHOPS
Bayou Seco will be playing an opening reception for Queen Ida on Mardi Gras, Tuesday, Feb 8 from 6:15-7:15 p.m. in the lobby at Popejoy Hall, UNM campus, Albuquerque, NM for ticket holders. The lobby concert is open to all for free.

And --sneak preview of March 2005 -- in March Scott Mathis and Linda Askew will be coming down from Denver to play Albuquerque's March 5th dance with them, Doc Litchman calling. Ted Seeley and surprise guests will play with Bayou Seco for Santa Fe's March 12 dance. Ken and Jeanie will be giving two fiddle workshops too:

Ken Keppeler and Jeanie McLerie will be hosting 2 fiddle workshops before their dances on the double fiddle styles of Louisiana (mostly Dennis McGee and Canray Fontenot), and of the Tohono O’odham (Elliott Johnson) of Arizona. It will take place at 1 PM on Mar 5 at Chris and Christina Carlson’s house in Albuquerque, 7405 Euclid Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110 505-232-2425. The second workshop is on Mar 12 at 2:30 PM at the IOOF hall in Santa Fe.

The workshops will be 2 and 1/2 hours long and will include a packet of some tune transcriptions and a CD of the music as played by them and some of their mentors. Cost $25.00. Limit 12 persons. Mandolin and guitar players are welcome to attend, but the main thrust of the workshop is the fiddle. For reservations call 505-534-0298 or write them at bayouseco@aol.com

Folk Festival Volunteers Needed now & on June 18
The 2005 Albuquerque Folk Festival will be on Saturday, June 18, as always at the state fairgrounds venue. Mark your calendars now. We need spirited and dedicated people to fill vacant management slots. AFF managers direct and supervise necessary tasks performed by volunteers. Our work starts well ahead of festival day and WE NEED YOU NOW. Manager meeting, Tuesday, Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m. at Linda Starr's house. E-mail Linda to find out what vacant slot you can fill.
Volunteers for festival day are needed too. If you have some spare time to contribute as one of the many Festival Managers to a much-esteemed effort, e-mail Linda Starr, 2005 AFF Event Director, lstarr@hubwest.com or call 255-6037. If you can only volunteer on festival day, e-mail Gary Libman, libman@comcast.net.

More Roger Landes Irish Music Workshops
Host: Roger Landes
rwlandes@taosnet.com
505.751.3512

After many requests to give Irish traditional music workshops here in NM several are now being planned. If you are interested in attending or hosting one or more of these workshops contact Roger. Dates and times are TBA, but it looks like the 2nd half of March, April and early May are likely.

1. Acquisition of Irish Traditional Repertoire: We’ll discuss and practice different strategies for building a sizeable repertoire of Irish traditional tunes with an emphasis on aural acquisition skills, “learning by ear.” (Open to players of any instrument who want to learn melodies.)

2. Fine Tuning Your Own Instrumental Style: We’ll listen to a wealth of recordings of great Irish players, many from the last century, as well as watching some on video, and analyze how they embody and express the essentials of this art form, forging a style that is at once traditional and personal. This workshop will combine all the elements essential to great Irish music: repertoire, combining tunes into medleys, melodic variation, rhythmic expression, and communal interaction. (Open to any instrumentalist.)

3. The Modal Harmonic Context of Irish Traditional Music: Irish tunes inhabit four “modes” or scales, two of which are the "major" and "minor" of Western Classical tradition, and two more found in other traditional musics but which are exploited in ways unique to Irish music. We’ll investigate these modes by extrapolating harmonic information imbedded within typical Irish melodies, explore different approaches for harmonizing them and thenapply these harmonic ideas to our instruments. (Open to any instrumentalist.)

4. Rhythmic Approaches to Accompaniment of Irish Traditional Music: The unique rhythms of Irish traditional music are one of its distinctive features—in fact, many people are drawn to it simply because of its “lilt,” “swing,” “groove” or “drive”—verbal tags that don’t do a very good job of communicating the subtlety, particularity, and complexity of this traditional art form. We’ll beat, strum, pick, pat, clap, stomp and sing our way to a fundamental understanding of the “heartbeat” of Irish traditional music. (Open to anyone.)

5. Private Lesson: Roger is also available for private lessons throughout the state, particularly if he is already in your area giving a workshop. He can work with players of any instrument for Irish and Scots music, also for Breton, Balkan, and Middle Eastern musics.

Dance Fun Out of State
Denver, CO area, April 15-17: Rodney Miller and Airdance will play 3 dances in Denver, Boulder and Ft. Collins!! Keith Cornett from Kentucky calling (Keith is female). Friday, April 15, 2005 – Denver, CO with Airdance, Saturday, April 16, 2005 – Ft. Collins, CO with Airdance, Sunday, April 17, 2005 – Boulder, CO, Zesty dance with Airdance.

Phoenix, AZ, April 23: Join the Phoenix Friends of Old Time Music at the 1st Annual Phoenix Spring Frolic Contra Dance, Saturday, April 23, 2005 featuring International caller Kathy Anderson with music by Tucson's The Privy Tippers. Check out the following website for more information:

http://members.cox.net/contradance/SpringFrolicFlyer.pdf

One can purchase tickets in advance, at a reduced rate, by printing out the SpringFrolicFlyer.pdf and mailing the bottom portion, with a check or USPS money order, to the address shown on the form. Callers, take note: Kathy Anderson will conduct a participatory workshop for calling squares in the early afternoon before the evening dance. If you are a caller interested in this workshop please confirm your attendance by replying to this e-mail address. There will be a $10.00 fee to attend the workshop. The location and time of the workshop will be sent to those confirming their attendance.

Prescott, AZ: May 20-22: Wild Asparagus comes to Arizona for the 14th annual MayMadness weekend. If you can survive 2 dance camps 2 weeks in a row (New Mexico's and this one), more info at: http://sharlot.org/madness/MM05FlyerFinal.pdf

Fiddler Has Other Life
Sometimes it seems that all we do is play music and dance. Not so.
As the December 13, 2004 UNM Campus News illustrates, "Linguistics professor examines history of presidential rhetoric"
http://www.unm.edu/news/04-12-13/words.htm

That's all for the 1st half of February. Let me know of others who might enjoy this e-news (we're over 300 'subscribers' now) or let me know if you wish to be removed from my list.

Merri Rudd
www.merridancing.com

January 2005

Hi, Folkies,

Thanks for sticking with me another year! We have had lots of fun dances, concerts, camps, and festivals during 2004. Let's hope 2005 is just as much fun. Watch this e-news and the FOLKMADS web page www.folkmads.org for info about new locations for Albuq. dances.

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, January 1
Yes! There IS a dance to start the new year with a new band. Merri Rudd calling; music by the hot new band Hands Five (check out their bio at http://www.folkmads.org/hands_five.html)
8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. $5 members, $6 others. Note different location: Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4909 Hawkins NE, one full block west of I-25 and 1/2 block north of Ellison. See www.asdc.org for directions or FOLKMADS members should have gotten a newsletter last week with more details. Bring a potluck dessert to share. Glamorous attire welcome. I'll be wearing my prom dress for the new year. :-)

Albuquerque House Concert, Thursday, Jan. 6
AMP House Concerts has changed its name, but still offers the same great music events...
Bosque House Concert #70
Nancy McCallion of the Mollys & Nels Andrews and the Acoustic El Paso Eyepatch
Thursday, January 6
7:30 pm
$15 suggested donation
(A few extra bucks because there are a lot of musicians)
Reservations Required (Contact Jeff at 842-5073 or abqmusic@att.net)
**********************************************************************
NANCY McCALLION is one of the lead singers of Tucson band The Mollys. They
released a string of fantastic albums starting with 1995’s “This Is My
Round”. The allmusic guide calls them “one of contemporary folk music’s most eclectic bands”. McCallion combined her Irish-American roots with co-leader Catherine Zavela’s Mexican-American background to create possibly the only Irish-Mexican Americana band ever. Nancy’s just released her first solo album, which reprises some Mollys’ favorites as well as new tracks. Nancy will be accompanied by Darcy Deaville on fiddle.

Sharing the stage with Nancy is Albuquerque’s own NELS ANDREWS. He’s hot off
his first European tour celebrating the release of his excellent debut CD “Sunday Shoes” which continues the buzz that Nels started by being named a new Folk winner at the 2002 Kerrville folk festival. (Past winners include the likes of Lyle Lovett, Steve Earle and Nanci Griffith.) Nels will also be performing with a subset of his band The El Paso Eyepatch. Check out Bosque House Concert's new web site www.abqmusic.com for more info on upcoming concerts.

January 7th Singing, Friday, Corrales
FOLK SONG CIRCLE, FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH
On January 7th, I can't remember what the theme is, but I'm sure it will be fun. Singing from 8:30 to midnight. Each participant in the circle may lead a song, do a solo, request a song, or pass. Bring enthusiasm, songbooks, instruments, kids, and friends.

Contact: Laurie McPherson, 898-6978
Email: lauriemcpherson@hotmail.com or lmcpherson@salud.unm.edu

Directions: 114 Coronado Road, Corrales, 87048
(Directions: 2 miles North of Alameda and Coors, pass the Chevron station,
pass the feed store, turn left on Coronado Road. Post office is too far.
First house on the right, come in past the barns to park.)

Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, January 8
Contra Dance in Santa Fe happens Saturday, January 8. 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd., Marj Mullany calling, Fast Pesos playing. $5 members, $6 others. Instruction at 7:30 p.m.

Second Sunday Dance, Sunday, January 9
Note new time, place and cost!! Noralyn Parsons and Merri Rudd calling elegant English country and zesty contra dances; music by Hey!; 7:30 - 10:30pm, Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, Albuq., 5506 Coal SE (2 blocks south of Central, 1.5 blocks east of San Mateo). $6 admission.

Albuquerque Contra Dance, Saturday, January 15
Lausanne Allen back from the east coast is calling and Megaband is playing. 8-11 p.m., acoustic jam at 7 p.m.; newcomers class at 7:30. Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4909 Hawkins NE, one full block west of I-25 and 1/2 block north of Ellison. See www.asdc.org for directions. $5 members, $6 others.

Santa Fe Concert, Friday, January 21
The reliably wonderful SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK return to the Lensic in Santa
Fe on January 21. I ushered for their concert at Popejoy Hall in Albuq. last year, and they were as awesome and inspiring as always! Go to www.lensic.com for more info.

Las Cruces Contra Dance, Friday, January 21
Lonnie Ludeman and friends calling, SNMMDS House band playing. 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. Mesilla Community Center, 2251 Calle de Santiago, 522-1691 for more info.

4th Santa Fe Contra Dance, Saturday, January 22
Contra Dance in Santa Fe happens Saturday, January 22. 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd., Open Mike for callers (come show your stuff!), Fresh Local Produce playing. $5 members, $6 others. Instruction at 7:30 p.m.

4th Sunday Contra Dance, Albuq., Jan. 23
Artie Walsh calling, One Good Turn playing. 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, 5506 Coal SE (2 blocks south of Central, 1.5 blocks east of San Mateo). $5 all. Call Artie for more info: 266-6322.

5th Saturday English Dance, Santa Fe
January 29. 8 p.m. -11 p.m., IOOF Hall, 1125 Cerrillos Rd. $6 members, $7 others.

Remember Santa Fe Music Jams Revived!
Katherine Bueler & Gary Schiffmiller are hosting 1st and 3rd Thursday music jam sessions at 7 p.m. at their house, 924 Osage Ave, Santa Fe. Call 995-1125 for more info.

Santa Fe Clogging Class, Jan. 29
What: Clogging class (all levels welcome)
When: January 29, 12:30 -2 p.m.
Where: Celtic de Santa Fe, 1504 Cerrillos Road
Who: Ruth Alpert, 471-2278. Please call to register

Take a Music Class with Roger Landes in January!
Roger, who's played with some of the best in the Irish/Celtic field, like Frankie Gavin, Tommy Peoples, James Kelly, Randal Bays, Carlos Nunez, Connie Dover and Rodney Miller, will be available in Alb./Santa Fe/Los Alamos/Taos through January 2005 for private lessons, workshops, guided sessions, tune learning sessions, and perhaps even a house concert or two. He can provide instruction in Irish traditional music on mandolin, whistle, guitar, tenor banjo, bodhran and bouzouki, and can work very effectively with players of other instruments on a variety of topics pertinent to traditional Irish style and repertoire. Some multi-instrument workshop topics might be: Irish Tune Repertoire, Learning Tunes By Ear, Accompanying Irish Tunes, Modal Music Theory, Growing a Session, Session Etiquette. Guided Sessions and Tune Learning Sessions can work with as few as 3 or 4 people, and can be quite affordable compared to a private lesson. For details contact: rwlandes@taosnet.com

New Grandparents in Santa Fe!
Emily Wilson had her baby! Emily's husband Justin helped with the birth. This means ace caller Richard Wilson and his dancing midwife wife Karolyn are grandparents! (Why, I remember when Karolyn was dancing and Emily was still in the womb.....) Elizabeth Karolyn Iris Perea was born Dec. 11, 2004 at about 9:00 a.m. She weighed 6 lbs 12.7 ounces and is 32 (!) inches long.

If you know of others who want to receive these folk emails, please have them send me their email addresses. Or if you want to be removed from my list, let me know that too. I was working on updating my email list, which now includes over 300 of you. If you receive two of these emails, let me know. Finally, if you have folk events for me to post, please let me know at least 2 weeks prior to the event.

Happy 2005 to us, and may we have lots of good music and dance in the new year!!!

Thanks, Merri Rudd, www.merridancing.com

Please contact Merri Rudd.