Winter uses all the blues there are.
One shade of blue for water, one for ice,
Another blue for shadows over snow.
Winter solstice is upon us, the nights dark, long and chill. All nature seems a metaphor in this year of deep darkness, so let us bank the flames in our hearts with engagement, love, music, and service, to keep our spirits warm and bright.
So with this in mind, I am planning on sharing as much music as I can in Olympia, Portland and Seattle this winter. Here’s what’s up right now, and there will be more to come!
Sunday, December 17: CAJUN DANCE MUSIC WORKSHOP AND JAM IN SE PORTLAND
Hey all you fans of tabasco-flavored two-steps, stomps, and more…come learn “Empty Bottle Stomp” –a way-cool A-modal dance tune with a lot of old-time fiddle buzz.” What, you may ask, is a stomp? Well, cher, a stomp is like a one-step, but with a healthy extra dose of attitude. After learning the basic melody, we’ll explore how to embellish it and improvise on it — dress it up, dress it down! We’ll also learn fun-to-do, fun-to-listen-to harmony lines and chords for you back-up players. By the time you leave, you’ll be ready to play “Empty Bottle Stomp” at your next dance or jam session! The tune will be taught by ear. To register, go to the Dec. 17, 2017 Cajun Workshop Registration page on the Classes & Workshops drop-down menu.
This workshop will be followed by a snack and beverage potluck at 2:30pm and a jam session and dance from 3-4:30p. (or later, who knows?)
WHAT: Cajun Tune Workshop
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 17, 1-2:30pm
WHERE: Home of Tia Regan & Ned Leager, 1935 SE 56th Ave., Portland
INSTRUMENTS: Fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar, concertina and accordion (piano accordion and button accordion welcome; button accordionists need a D box)
COST: $20-30 sliding scale
WHO IS THIS FOR: If you are able to get your way around your instrument on a dozen or more tunes without your hair catching on fire, can pick up simple tunes by ear (this one is very accessible), and have some background with OT, Cajun, French-Canadian, Irish, or contra tunes, this workshop is for you!