Lon Mercier

Jim, I guess "semi-professional" would be more accurate since I am "semi-competent" on the instrument. Maybe next time I'll earn more than one dollar - these concertinas are not cheap.

Last June I was at Stanford University for my niece's graduation. The day after the ceremony I helped move her out of her dorm. Between moving sessions I decided to take a short music break. I sat on the end of the moving van and began to play some of my Irish tunes. Well, before long there were people actually stopping and listening to me. I became rather self conscious, but I continued anyway. When I finished my set, an elderly man came up to me, thanked me for the music and a put a one dollar bill in my open case. I was very surprised. I guess I must now consider myself a professional since I am now being paid for my music!

While I have experimented with internal baffles with some success, I have never seen external ones. The photos are interesting - what material are these baffles made of and how are they attached? This might be a good solution to loud concertina practice. They are not offensive is appearance either.

Though I am a big fan of Noel Hill, Niall Vallely, and Michael O'Raghallaigh, one album I frequently play for a change of pace is the CD by Terry Bingham. The music is played in a relaxed, yet moderately ornamented East Clare style. The selection of pieces is very good, especially the first cut on the album - two jigs "Old Man Dillon and Tommy Peoples". There is some stringed accompaniment, but mostly it's the concertina you hear. I very much enjoy this recording.

Richard - congratulations on your upcoming marriage and honeymoon. Hawaii should be a great experience as well as a fine place to make some music. Will we see you this summer at the NHICS in Oregon? It'll be good to hear how your trip went.

I just arrived home after attending the Saturday concert put on by the teaching staff of the Friday Harbor Irish Music Camp. It was a sell out performance with all the teachers playing in various combinations for a two hour program. John Williams did several sets on the concertina which I really enjoyed, though most of his time was spent on the box. The other musicians on fiddle, flute, whistle, guitar and bouzouki provided a very enjoyable evening of music. On the ferry back to the mainland the next day there were three sessions going on. One was with the teaching staff, and two others by attending students. I've never been on a more musical boat ride! There was one young woman playing a vintage Jeffries concertina who was really great. She moved between the various groups and really held her own against the fast fiddles and flutes. She motivate me to maybe attend some sessions myself in the near future.

This is the 5th year for Noel's class out west. The staff at the Tilikum center has really been terrific. The center has comfortable rooms and great food. There are also plenty of places to hide yourself away and practice to your heart's content. The week is very intense but I always come away with a renewed interest in the instrument - not to mention being inspired by just watching Noel in concert. Phil - we'll miss seeing you this year. Enjoy Greece!

I've made several attempts to learn music from recordings . I always find that I learn faster by ear than by using sheet music. The music also seems to be stored better mentally as well. I don't forget those pieces as quickly as the tunes I've learned from printed music. Some of the new slow-down software makes it much easier as well.

What I love about the concertina is its portablility. I also play folk harp and it was always a chore traveling with a large instrument in a case. When I travel by plane the concertina fits so well in the overhead bin. It also can handle all of the dance music I love to play as well as slow airs. Other than the whistle, I think the concertina is the most convenient and versatile instrument.