Tinas To The Left Of Me, Tinas To The Right Of Me!

[fiddlersgreen]

What a surprise! I was at the Upper Potomac Celtic Weekend in Harpers Ferry WV a few weeks ago and it was almost a squeeze-in. I was taking a fiddle class and there were about 45-50 students in all taking courses. None of the courses were for the concertina, although there was a morning and afternoon session class that people took with the concertina. I believe there were six concertina players present and one player who didn’t bring his. I think the mix was five English players (counting the person who didn’t bring his and Ken Coles who I think plays both) and three Anglo players (counting Ken again). It was quite a turn out in my view considering there wasn’t really a workshop for concertina. Ken Coles did a great job giving a concertina mini-class, talking about the history and basics of the English and Anglo. For the number of folks at the workshops, there was a good representation of concertinas.

[Ken_Coles]

Yes, it was fun. Evidently it was a first-time deal, and may have other themes (Scots, Breton, etc.) in future years. One person at "meet the tina" said she was going to lobby for an Irish concertina class some year (Frank E., can we get you?). Nice to put faces to some names, including Mr. f-green and several others who may chime in here.

 

I had to skip all of Sunday to get back for a work-related meeting. Hope it ended well.

C'ya.

[Helen]

I am glad that the workshops went well. I had hoped to attend, but was unable to do so. I also heard that the focus will be different each year. Hope it continues to be a success. I heard about the weekend from a group that puts on dulcimer workshops.

 

I would love it if Frank would do a concertinal workshop. I bet a lot of people would sign up.

[bill_mchale]

I had wanted to make it myself, but I already had a button accordion lesson that weekend with Billy McComiskey.

 

The only thought I would have about them changing theme every year would be whether they would be able to drum up as much interest in Scottish, Breton, etc. I don't want to belittle any of the other celtic traditions (Particularly Cape Breton which has some truely amazing fiddle music) but it has always been my impression that Irish tends to dominate in terms of US popularity.. at least if you subtract the sanitized "celtic" music you get at Renfests and the like.

 

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Bill