June was a Blast!

All of June was so much fun, but there were a couple of days that I just need to mention.

Jim and I have been playing music for the Novi (Michigan) Heritage Festival for several years. (We love when Tommy goes, too, but he's busy at Blue Lake right now.) It is so nice. The setting is at the beautiful MSU Tollgate Farm. (Check out their website for other free public events.) June 16 had wonderful weather -- a lot too warm for Jim, but most of the presenters and guests enjoyed the nice, dry day. To play music all day in the middle of the well-tended gardens is really a treat. Everyone is happy and it's a joy to share our music and knowledge with them, as they are eager to ask questions and learn about our interest.

Jim and Loretta at the Novi Heritage Festival

 There are also lots of other events going on within the main event.  There are civil war (re-enactor) recruiters, hay rides, garden walks (beautiful), honey and vegetable sales, and FREE hot dogs and ice cream!

Glen, Brad, Loretta, Judi, and Jim at Turkeyville

We played in Novi from 10-3 and headed right out to make it to Marshall, Michigan, to have more fun with our friends, Judi and Glen Morningstar and Brad Battey. This event was a civil war ball at the Turkeyville Mansion. Quite a storm went through, but we we dry under the big tent. All had a wonderful time, both the band and the dancers, from the Grand March through the last waltz.

Brad, Loretta, Judy on Bass, and Jim

You can see in the photos that it was bright and sunny following the storm. Brad kept us apprised of the storm's arrival with his new app that would tell us exactly how long before those drops would hit.

What a great day that was, and to wrap June up with a bang, we went to our friends', the Kaiser's, music party. Lot of fun, food, visiting, and of course, MUSIC!! A great time was had by all, as always.

At The Pike Room

While the music we play and what we listen to is primarily string band dance music, we like to sample other kinds of music. Frequently, we pick up some flavors from different types of tunes we hear and incorporate them into our music.

Dark Chrysalis

Something new. Something different. On June 8, we were at the Pike Room in The Crofoot Ballroom in Pontiac. Dark Chrysalis was opening for Dengue Fever.  . I have no idea what kind of band Dark Chrysalis is. Phreddy Wischusen and Jennifer Shea were the performers. It was interesting, and definitely modern, by my standards. Jennifer knelt on the floor for the performance, while Phreddy sat on a low stool.  I couldn't understand most of what was being sung -- just because it was so loud and distorted. We weren't sure whether this was intentional at the time. I met Jennifer backstage afterward. She was telling me that they couldn't do a decent sound check and couldn't tell at all what they sounded like to the audience. (I felt bad for them. Jennifer was very nice. She said they've only been performing together since January, and it's difficult for her with three small children at home.) They just had a lot of noise bouncing around off the walls and couldn't tell what to do one way or the other. Jim and I agreed that we probably would have liked their music more, if it hadn't been so distorted.

Zac and the Dengue Fever tour bus before the show

Showing their energy!!

Dengue Fever plays Cambodian Surf Rock. They describe themselves as being 100% Cambodian and 100% Indie Rock. That's really about all I know about them. Jim, however, has known about them for years. I can say, though, that they were just fantastic musicians and performers. What a high-energy group!! If you ever get an opportunity to see them, DO IT! I didn't know any of the songs and couldn't sing along with any, except for the little bit where they had audience participation and told us the one or two syllable things to say, but it really didn't matter. It was really the energy more than the words. But I couldn't believe the fantastic, never-faltering voice of the front singer, Chhom Nimol. I have never heard anyone sing like her before. It was wonderful.

Jim with a few of the Dengue Fever folks

And not only were these folks wonderful artists on stage, putting on a fantastic show, they were very nice off stage. They took as much time as everyone wanted in the audience for photo opps and just to chat, even though they knew they had to drive all night to get to Wisconsin for their next performance. This is one way to win fans and keep them.

Listen in a bit at their website:    Dengue Fever Website

Dengue Fever plus one fan that just wanted to be in everyone's photos

The Pied Fiddler

That would be Jim McKinney. He was initially asked to play Henry Ford in a short theatrical performance at "The Henry" (which was previously "The Ritz") in Dearborn. As time went on, the plan changed. There was still a short theatrical performance, but that was with Clara Ford and her son, Edsel. Jim played fiddle for the event, but prior to Clara and Edsel.

Jim McKinney at "The Henry"

  This was a HUGE fundraiser dinner/dance held May 19 for the Henry Ford Estate, located on the U-M Dearborn campus. If we still had the society pages in the newspapers as we used to, this event would definitely have been included. Just about everybody who's anybody was in attendance, and can you imagine the designer dresses??

Jim getting wired for sound

Waiting, waiting . . .

When we entered, we were instructed to enter through the back -- well, the normal musicians' entrance, right? As Jim said later, and very correctly, we were led through a labyrinth of halls and would not have easily found our way back. When we got through to the main ballroom, the sound professionals wired Jim and his violin up for wireless functioning. Then we were escorted once again through a maze of people, including an in-progress fancy cocktail party, and hallways to a small room filled with chairs and tables where Jim was to wait until 7:28pm!! How exact can they get with this? They really did have everything timed out to the minute.

Although I probably was supposed to also wait in the room, I kept wandering out to just see what was going on and who I might see. The room opened onto a small hallway, about ten feet long and maybe six feet wide. This was the only way in to the room where the cocktail party was being held prior to the dinner. There was a pianist at the grand piano accompanying a jazz vocalist.

Jim waiting for his queue in the small hallway

Finally, the time came for Jim to come out of the little waiting room. He stepped into the room where the guests were enjoying their hors douvres. On queue, he turned back toward me and began to play. (I snapped a photo of Jim and Edsel Ford at this point. Unfortunately, Mr. Ford wasn't turned toward me at the time, nor was he in the same room as Jim ....)

Jim seemed to be walking very fast. I still managed to stay a few steps ahead of him, but I wanted to tell him to slow down, that the guests following would not be able to keep up. The organizers had been so precise about everything that I figured they must be directing Jim to walk this quickly. (I found out later that Jim was told to walk even faster!!)

Three People Following

Glancing back over my shoulder, I REALLY wanted Jim to slow down. I fell back to where he was and whispered that there were three people following him! He didn't know! Neither of us knew that all of the other guests were far behind.

Jim on the ballroom stage

Well, we got to the ballroom, and it was already filled with hundreds of people! There must have been over 1,000 in total. Jim walked up to the stage and continued playing, going through many of the tunes in the "Good Morning" series. It was wonderful. I was so proud of Jim. And it was especially satisfying that someone thought to include this.

Performing tunes from "Good Morning"

Generally, people don't know, or just don't mention the huge passion that Henry Ford had for music, dance, and the violin. I think that this is so minor to all of the other interests he had -- at least in most people's minds. It was a big part of his life and in fact, was an enhancement to his personal, as well as professional life. He insisted on proper manners and respect and used dancing and music to teach others the importance of these. He even required Ford Motor Company employees to attend contra dances, and had an orchestra on staff specifically to provide music for these events.

Practice would be fun if . . .

. . . I just didn't have to tune my dulcimer before I play music with other people.  But, this awful task has now only been taking me about 20 minutes, instead of 45 minutes to an hour. When I first got my Snark tuner, I have to admit that I only got it because they just seemed so new and different than my old rectangular tuners. Or maybe those bright colors attracted me!

Regardless. Now that I have it (and only about $12 from Elderly), tuning is practically a breeze. I still wish I didn't have to do it, but it isn't nearly the chore it was. I couldn't figure out why it was so much faster. I asked Renzo. (He had one long before I did.) He figures it's the reaction time and I suppose I have to agree with him. It is right there when you pluck the string.

So last night when we had band practice, I don't think I started tuning until about 6:40 for 7:00 practice, and I didn't have to worry about finishing. And Renzo didn't even come over and check to see if I was in tune, either. He loves to do that. Before we play for a dance, he goes up to my dulcimer and checks it to be sure I tuned. Does he actually think that I would show up to play for any event without tuning?? Come on.

The Rossford Dance was Fantastic!

The Rossford Dance last Saturday was fantastic. They're done for the summer now, but when they get started again in the fall, everyone should check this one out.

We were very tight on time, as we had to get sound inside, set up and get tuned, and we had probably had less than an hour to do all of that. (We need to remember to ask to have someone there early for us to get in next time.) AND, the gym dance hall was full of tables and chairs, set up for an unknown church function. So those needed to be cleared away, too.

Ed Vincent teaching a dance move

Ed Vincent stepped in to call the dance. I'd like to know where he gets all of that energy! And - he let us pretty much decide what we were going to play for each dance. Unbelievable!! A caller that trusts the band! Well, actually, we do have several callers that we work with that do. We understand that in their experience, there's a tune they like that works well with this dance or that dance. We don't mind that. But, please.

Ed Vincent

We would appreciate not being told for every single dance to play this tune and that's it. OK - I'm wandering. I'll have to remember to blog about this topic later.

Ed was fun and energetic. It was nice working with him.

Mike and Rachel Vinarcik

There were about 70 dancers in attendance. That was really nice. There were long lines so the dancers could really get into the dance without starting and suddenly having to wait out and switch at the end. And really good energy! We had lots of energy-sharing going on Saturday.

We know that we were playing much faster than we like to for dances, though, but those energetic folks didn't seem to mind. To us, it's better to keep it a bit slower (not dragging), so we can keep the feel in and the syncopation and bounce. When you get going as fast as we were, sometimes you can't even get all of the notes in.

One of the scout families from our troop showed up to dance, and had the best time! I'm glad they came and got to experience the dancing. I'd say they're hooked now! Maybe they can get some of the others out. I've been offering that if any of the scouts from our troop - Troop 237 from New Boston -- come out to any of the dances we're playing for that I'll pay their way. The rule is that they have to come and say "hi" to me.

What are you up to, now?

Hi. I'm Bob.

Missin' the Music

I fell behind in my blogging, and definitely fell behind in my music. At least it feels that way, because I have not been playing the dulcimer much in the last few weeks. I was working on SO MANY new tunes and then it hit me. Lots of traveling, working, jury duty, bad colds (as if there are any good ones), and yard work. If it hadn't been for the colds we had, there would have still been music-playing going on. We always work around those other things. But there was just no functioning.

Huron Wind Ensemble at Adler Planetarium

We did squeeze in a 4-day trip to Chicago with the Huron High School Wind Ensemble. We are so proud of this group. This was forty of the most talented and well-behaved teens that you could ever meet. Being a chaperone just meant that for the occasional check-in, your five would come stand by you for a second to get a count. All of them got up on time, met where they were supposed to at the right time and place, looked great, and played fantastically.

HHS Wind Ensemble at The Field Museum

This was such a full itinerary, visiting Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier, Willis Tower, just to name a few. The real exciting part of the trip was that the band performed at three locations -- The Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. At each location, we were given high accolades. The representatives that worked with us had only good things to say about our group's professionalism, attire, and skill. The band director, Mr. Matthew Herr, has worked hard with this group and deserves a huge round of applause himself.

Performing at The Field Museum

That trip was two weeks ago, and just this last weekend, the Wind Ensemble performed at the State MSBOA Festival, earning a 2 overall. This was a very good rating, as high ratings for the day were tough to get. As I understand it, there was only one rating of 1 awarded.

Pre-concert at The Museum of Science & Industry

Way to go, Huron High School Wind Ensemble!!

At MSI -- They are way up there!

The Fat Boy Jig

Well, it's actually called "The Corpulent Stevedore", but doesn't "The Fat Boy Jig" also have a nice ring? This is a REALLY nice tune that Jim just wrote. Ah, yes, it's just in G, right where those dulcimer players like their tunes -- if they aren't in D. A would be pushing it for some. It's a trick. Sure, it's in G, but nicely splattered with accidentals -- C#, F natural -- middle-ish and high, B flat, G#. Come on, you dulcimer players -- you CAN do it. Most of it isn't really full of accidentals, anyway. They are there, and just make this tune different and one of those good ones.

This tune doesn't even really have a challenge until measure 7. Work on that for 5 minutes, and you'll have it. Yes, there is some right bridge business involved.  E, D, E, F natural -- just right, right, left right over there. So you have your left hand free to hit that F# at the middle bridge now. Then back to the bass bridge.


I'm sure Jim will share this tune, so let us know if you'd like a copy. IT IS a nice one!!

Playing Some of Cub's Tunes and Calling a Bit

This Friday, Jim and I will be at the Caller and Dance Lab in Ann Arbor. This is a lot of fun, so if any of you would like to just do something different, come on out. The "workshop" part is from 7-8, with the dance at 8, where new callers can give it a try, and experienced callers can try dances just to see how they work out. The entire evening is FREE for callers and dancers alike, so there's another good reason to visit.

This month, the event is at  Concourse Hall (4531 Concourse Drive, Ann Arbor, MI). For more information on this and other great local events, go to the AACTMAD site -- AACTMAD.

I'm hoping our voices are back for tomorrow, or we're definitely not going to be commended for following the tonal quality standard that was discussed last month!! We ended up coming down with awful colds, with all the coughing, throat-clearing and laryngitis. How lovely right before a calling night. We had to cancel our Golden Griffon rehearsal for tonight, too. Very sad.

We've also been working on lots of new tunes. One really nice tune that I'm polishing up on is "Cub" Berdan's Pacific Quadrille Figure 1. It's in 6/8 and key of G, with a nice lilt. We'll be playing this one soon for dances.

Kalamazoo Contra Dance

Golden Griffon and Danika Murray

Saturday was a nice day for a drive. Bob Ewald (bass), came over to the McKinneys, and we drove out to Zeeb Road to pick up Renzo (guitar). It's always nice when we can ride together to the further-away events, because we get a chance to go over what we've done, what we want to do for that event, and whatever's coming up. We have so many musical dates on our horizon, and they are so varied! Public contra dances, private weddings, public school history days, Henry Ford re-enacting . . . Lots of planning!


I do always like playing (and dancing) at the old grange halls with the wooden floors, and just all of the historical ambiance. Most people these days, though, seem to prefer modern air-conditioned halls or church basements. The The Oshtemo Grange Hall northwest of Kalamazoo is very much the type of location I love to be in. It has the wonderful wood floors, and a stage we can use without being stuffed with church yard sale merchandise. The huge, steep back steps were a little difficult for my creaky knee, but I made it. Luckily, I don't have to carry the heavy stuff.

With 70+ dancers and fun calling by Danika Murray, the hall was rocking!  These were mostly advanced dancers that seemed to nudge our speed up some. We were definitely pushing it for a few sets, although generally, we like to keep our dance tunes a bit more syncopated and "groovy." All seemed to be having a grand time, and we got no complaints, and lots of compliments!

Once again, trying to upload a video to the blog, but can't get it to cooperate!

Kalamazoo-zoo-zoo

Just a quick blog today . . . We just got back from a whirlwind tour of 2000 miles in less than a week. We went from New Boston, Michigan to Crystal Falls in the U.P. This is where I bought my first dulcimer from the very talented Premos and where the Fortune Lake Festival is held. Then we headed down through Wisconsin and Illinois to Missouri. We stayed at the wonderful Marriott Union Station -- WOW -- Union Station St. Louis. Jim interviewed Ms. Ginny. I don't want to give away any surprises, so stay tuned for a future post . . .

And today we're heading, with the rest of The Golden Griffon Stringtet, over to Kalamazoo for a contra dance. It's fun -- come over, if you can!!

From Kalamazoo Contra Dance

Contra and Square Dance open to the public. American traditional dancing to live music. All dances are taught. New dancers (singles and couples) are always welcome and should come early; dances get more challenging during the evening. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for energetic dancing. No smoking, no alcohol. Band: Golden Griffon Stringtet. Caller: Danika Murray.
Skills workshop and orientation at 7:00
7:30 pm to 10:30 pm
CDK members $6. Students (13 and up) $4. Others $8.

Fiddler Les Raber . . . A Michigan Treasure

Les Raber was born in Allegan County, Michigan in 1911. Les’s father and grandfather were fiddle players. Les’s mother made his first fiddle out of cornstalks, then another one out of a broom handle and a cigar box. When Les was 10, his mother ordered him a fiddle and instructions for $4.98 from Sears-Roebuck. He started playing for dances around Allegan at age 15. Les and his wife Rosemary had four children who were all musicians. – /from Original Michigan Fiddlers, Edited by Rosemary Raber, 1986, Original Michigan Fiddlers Association. Used with permission./

Les attended Allegan High School, playing violin, alto horn and French horn in the high school orchestra. He played in several local bands, including The Allegan Band, Baker Furniture Band, Otsego Band and Plainwell Band. Les also played with a group of musicians who gathered in theaters in Allegan. He would play music, walk home to milk the cows, and then walk back to town to play more music. After two years at Michigan State University, Les earned his degree in Agriculture and became a cow tester for the state. For nineteen years, starting in the mid-30’s, Les played for square and round dancing every Friday night at the Dixie Dance Hall on the south side of Grand Rapids. This was not just for fun; it was to put food on the table. They all went as a family because there were not many babysitters in those days. They learned to dance some of their very favorite dances like the ‘Sally Waters’, ‘The Rye Waltz’, ‘Heel and Toe Polka’, ‘Put Your Little Foot’, and many square dances. When they would get tired, the children were wrapped up in coats inside the drum case and would fall asleep under the piano while the dance continued. In 1987, Les performed at the Festival of American Folklife at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan. He was selected to represent Michigan in the art form of ‘Old Time Michigan Fiddlers’ at the Festival of American Folklife for the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. He played concerts every day for six days. The music was recorded and is now housed in the Library of Congress. In 1991, he received the Michigan Heritage Award from the Michigan Council for the Arts honoring his lifetime of playing and preserving old-fashioned dance music. In 1998, Les was invited to play at the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes in Port Townsend, Washington. In 2000, Les performed at the 12th Annual International Folk Alliance Conference in Cleveland, Ohio and at the 62nd National Folk Festival in East Lansing, Michigan as a featured guest of The Old Michigan Ruffwater Stringband. Les died in August 2000. He was posthumously inducted into the Michigan Fiddlers Association Fiddlers Hall of Fame in 2003. – /from Come Dance With Me: Original Fiddle Compositions and Favorite Tunes of Les Raber by Judy Raber & Jim McKinney, 2008. Used with Permission./

Les Raber’s recordings and the 4th edition of /Come Dance With Me: Original Fiddle Compositions and Favorite Tunes of Les Raber/ with 176 tunes are available at www.GoldenGriffonStringtet.com, the Les Raber Memorial Fund in Hastings, Elderly Instruments in Lansing, Psarianos Violins in Troy and Ann Arbor, Herb David’s Guitar Studio in Ann Arbor and Shar Instruments in Ann Arbor.

© 2012 Jim McKinney Used by permission.

Regina & Grif at The Raven in Port Huron

We drove up to Port Huron Saturday. Our friends, Regina and Griffin Cobean, were playing Irish music there. It was well worth the 1.5 hour drive up and then back. They are absolutely phenomenal musicians with Regina on fiddle and Grif on bouzouki and whistle.

I borrowed Regina's pic of the view from the stage. They were isolated up above, in a corner balcony. The only access to it is via a fire ladder! We would have liked to have been right by the stage, but that wasn't possible at all. We were seated across the room behind where you see the chandeliers.

The Raven Cafe is a nice restaurant/coffee shop with lots of atmosphere. It's full of books, posters -- all the eye candy people like to have. The menu is mostly sandwiches, salads, and appetizers, with a wide variety of liquid refreshments, from fruit smoothies to gourmet coffees. Very delicious.

The Raven has live acoustic music Thursdays through Sundays, so if you're in the area, make it a priority to stop in.

Contra in Columbus!

If you happen to be in the Columbus area, there's a wonderful selection of music and dance. On March 17, Golden Griffon played down there for the Big Scioty Contra Dance. The First Congregational Church is another of our favorite locations, mostly because of the wooden dance floor. Wooden floors are easier to dance on. You can just move better. What I like most, though, is the sound when the dancers get going and the couples happen to have a balance. The sound of the feet on the floor really does build the excitement.

We always have lots of dancers here, too. There were about eighty for this one and that's the magic number that I always choose when I say how many dancers make a favorite dance for me. There is so much energy generated from the dancers having a great time. The band and the dancers start to bounce the energy back and forth. What a great feeling that is!

Our friend, Mark Hillegonds, that we know from Ann Arbor, called this dance. He had quite a selection of fun dances. He's a very talented caller, so if you get a chance, definitely get out to one of his dances. He's always so relaxed and so smooth. He's a pleasure to dance to while he's calling, and a pleasure to dance with.

Sam and Dave are masters of the sound. We can always count on them to set up our mix so it's the best and so we can hear ourselves. This skill can sometimes be rare . . .

Being St. Patrick's Day, there were several leprechauns and leprechaunettes dancing. Lots of green was shown, and there were a couple of wild outfits, too.

Check out the Big Scioty Columbus site for their schedule and more information about their organization and contra dancing in general.

The dance: a minimum of explanation, a minimum of anecdotes, and a maximum of sensations (Maurice Béjart)

In January, we blogged about the new Dance Lab series. The Dance Lab Series is designed with several purposes in mind:

 - allow new, learning and inexperienced callers to get time behind a microphone calling to real dancers,

 - allow experienced callers to try out dances that are new to them,

 - allow callers and choreographers to try out original dances to see how ideas they’ve been thinking about actually work on the dance floor,

 - allow aspiring dance musicians to get experience in an open band playing with more experienced musicians.

This past Friday marked the third workshop in the series. We talked some about the goals of the "students" and also had a session on using the microphone.


Now the exciting part -- I (Loretta) actually called a dance. Who would have thought I could ever do that? It looks so easy when someone else is doing it. I knew it wasn't, which is one reason why I never tried it until now. There is so much to know and so much going on that you have to pay attention to -- serious multi-tasking!!

All hands go forward and back

During the month before, with Jim's help, I worked on an abbreviated version of the dance "Haste to the Wedding". I had to get the calls in just the right place, on just the right beats. I had to make sure I was in the right place with where the music was. I had to make sure I had the "who" and then the "what" -- meaning that first you say who you want to do something and then tell them what they're supposed to do. This is all in just a few beats of the music! And don't get this wrong, or the entire dance could disintegrate. And all of this trains the dancers, too. 

Face your partner . . .

People that have danced before expect things a certain way. They've had some patterns established over their dancing history that they're accustomed to. You might think that you're going to come in as a new caller or a non-local caller and introduce your styles. Well, that might just be fine. But you might just be told that's not how it's done here, or that's not how they're used to hearing that particular instruction.

I consider myself very fortunate for that night. I had a great teacher at home, and the experienced callers that have been presenting the workshop -- especially Marlin Whitaker, and this month, Don Theyken for microphone and voice tone help, and a fantastic group of dancers. Everyone loved (or so they said) the dance, and said I did a good job.

No - I haven't ever done this before! I do plan to try it again in April, though. The next workshop is April 20, 7:00pm, at Concourse Hall in Ann Arbor. Come out to try the dancing or learn some about calling. Remember -- it's free, too!!

 

Lots of Traditional Dancing This Week in the Ann Arbor Area

There is so much dancing going on this week! Beginner or advanced, you'll find something here. These are all listed on the Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance site (AACTMAD). For most, no experience is necessary, but if you are brand new and would like to try this for FREE, come to the dance on Friday night at Concourse Hall. You'll meet friendly new people and you'll also have a great time!!

We'll be there, trying out our calling! That should be most interesting to see . . .


Mon Mar 12, 2012

• Scottish Dancing Beginners' Class (Tartan and Thistle Scottish Country Dancers).
  Learn Scottish Country Dancing in this eight-week beginners' class. Learn the basics needed to join in on jigs, reels, and strathspeys--an introduction to a lifetime of fun! Families welcome. No partner necessary. Live music from fiddler Susie Lorand.
  7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. $5 per week; $30 for eight-week class. 734.395.7782. EMail: mwesselwalker@gmail.com. Gretchen's House Child Care Center #5 Barn (2625 Traver Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI).

Tue Mar 13, 2012

• English Country Dance (Ann Arbor Tuesday English Dance).
  Bronwen Gates and Greg Meisner lead dancing with music by Debbie Jackson, Brad Battey, and Betsy Foote. All dances taught and prompted. Informal; no partner or experience needed. Dress comfortably; bring flat, non-slip shoes (like running shoes). First-timers come early. Right on Burbank from Green Rd; park "Clubhouse Parking" on Burbank. 734-665-7704. 7 - 9:30 pm. $7 adults; $4 students; under 14 free with parent. Chapel Hill Condominium Clubhouse (3350 Green Road, Ann Arbor, MI).
  7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. EMail: . Chapel Hill Condominium Clubhouse (3350 Green Road, Ann Arbor, MI).

Wed Mar 14, 2012

• Howell Opera House Contra Dance (Ruffwater Stringband).
  Ruffwater Stringband members Judi Morningstar and Carl Visconti join with Michigan's Troubadour Neil Woodward to generate great acoustic dance music. Glen Morningstar Jr. leads the contra dances. All dances taught and walked through. No partner required...bring 5 friends if you can. Dance in this grand Opera House...wood floor...mood lighting...snacks available...wow!
  Doors open at 6:30 pm. 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. $5 donation at the door. 517-540-0065. EMail: gmorning@aol.com. Howell Opera House (123 W Grand River Ave, Howell, MI).

Fri Mar 16, 2012

• Calling Class, presented by Dance Lab (AACTMAD).
  The second in a series of one-hour sessions for aspiring and novice callers. You can learn the art of calling, and, when you are ready, try out your new skill at the Dance Lab that follows. Advance registration is not required, but it would be helpful if you indicate your interest by emailing dancelab@aactmad.info.
  7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Free admission. 734-994-6494. EMail: dancelab@aactmad.info. Concourse Hall (4531 Concourse Drive, Ann Arbor, MI).
• English country dance (Red Barn).
  Leading by Drake Meadow with music by the Red Barn English Orchestra. There is a staffed toddlers area with activities. Refreshments are served at the break.
  7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. $4 students; $6 adults; and $15 per family. 734-665-7704. EMail: rbantle@comcast.net. Red Barn gymnasium (in the Domino Farms complex) (Via Sacra Drive, Ann Arbor, MI).
• Allegan Woods Third Friday Contra Dance (Allegan Woods Folk Arts Cooperative).
  The wonderful band Puddingstone plays live music; and Grand Rapids caller Julie Warners leads an evening of contra dance. Everybody welcome... Singles, Families, Beginners. "If you can walk, you can Contra Dance." All dances taught and walked through before the music begins. Introduction to contra dancing at 7:00, dance starts at 7:30. Bring a snack to share.
  7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Adults $8Students $5Family maximum $20Kids under 6 are free. 616-402-6434. EMail: thompete@gmail.com. Ottawa County Fairgrounds - Park Township Hall (1286 Ottawa Beach Road, Holland, MI).
• Friday Night Swing (AACTMAD Friday Night Swing).
  Weekly Swing Dance to DJed music FREE beginner lesson 8:00pm; Open dancing from 9:00pm to 12:00am.
  8:00 pm to 11:55 pm. $5 general admission; $3 students;AACTMAD members: $1 off. EMail: . The Phoenix Center (220 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI).
• Dance Lab (AACTMAD).
  Open stage for callers to try out new and new-to-them dances and for novice callers to practice in a supportive setting. Music by the Pittsfield Open Band. Admission is FREE for dancers. Best suited to dancers with some experience. For more information, to submit a dance you have composed, or if you would like to call a dance, please send an email to dancelab@aactmad.info. (However, advance notice by callers and choreographers is not required.).
  8:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Free admission. 734-994-6494. EMail: marlin.whitaker@aactmad.info. Concourse Hall (4531 Concourse Drive, Ann Arbor, MI).

Sat Mar 17, 2012

• Pittsfield Open Band jam (contradance music) (AACTMAD Pittsfield Open Band).
  Free open jam of contra dance music. All instruments welcome. Bring the Ruffwater Fakebook, the Portland Collection volumes, & the Waltz Books if you have them.
  3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. (734) 994-9307. EMail: . Pittsfield Grange (3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor, MI).
• Young Contra Dance (Ann Arbor Young Contra Dancers).
  Contra dancing for young people (students/20s/30s). Beginner friendly, no partner necessary; all dances taught and prompted. Please bring clean, flat, non-marking shoes. Band: Brad and Alex / Caller: Glen /.
  4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Cost: $10, $9 for AACTMAD members, $5 for students$4 off for new dancers with coupon (see new dancer section of this website). 248-417-7968. EMail: ziembajr@yahoo.com. AACTMAD Concourse Hall (4531 Concourse Dr, Ann Arbor, MI).
• Wheatland - St Patrick's Day Ceili Dance (Karen Dunnam).
  Music by Hurry the Jug, Patti Loveless calling. All ages and beginners welcome. $6 per person at the door, under 18 free.
  These dances will feature live old-time traditional acoustic music provided by local musicians and callers. Dances will begin at 7:30 PM in the Gladys Wernette building on the Wheatland Music site near Remus, and are open to the public. All dances are taught and beginners are welcome. No partner is required.
  Potluck 6 pm. 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm. 989/967-8879. EMail: wmo.office@wheatlandmusic.org. Wheatland Music Organization (7251 50th Avenue, Remus, MI).
• Pittsfield Grange Contra Dance (Pittsfield Grange).
  Third Saturday Contra Dance: Pittsfield Grange. Peter Baker will prompt dances to live music by Pix 'n Stix. Wear cool, casual clothes and bring flat, smooth-soled shoes for dancing. Beginners are welcome; instruction at 7:30. No partner needed.
  8:00 pm to 11:00 pm. EMail: . Pittsfield Union Grange (3337 Ann Arbor Saline Road, Ann Arbor, MI).
• Looking Glass Contra and Square Dance (Looking Glass Music And Arts Association).
  CALLER - BEV BERNBAUM ; BAND - HANNO AND FRIENDS Come to an old-time contra and square dance hosted by the Looking Glass Music and Arts Association. No need to bring a partner we switch around after each dance. Please wear clean, soft soled shoes and dress for active movement. All dances are taught by our caller and danced to the wonderful sounds of live string band music. New dancer intro lesson (not required) at 7:30pm. Prices, General $9, Members $8, Students $4.
  8:00 pm to 11:00 pm. 517 337 0235. EMail: bonhanno@gmail.com. Central United Methodist Church (215 N. Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI).
• International Folkdancing with Ann Arbor Folkdancers (Ann Arbor Folkdancers).
  Russ Ericksen will be hosting this dance; teaching of easier dances from 8 - 9 p.m. There will be 'open' dance from 9 - 11 p.m., with requests encouraged. Russ has a large repertoire of recorded music. No partners necessary! Come, get some good exercise, meet new people and have fun! Questions? 734-995-0011 or 734-709-8748.
  8:00 pm to 11:00 pm. $5; students: $3. EMail: igruhl@provide.net. Gretchen's House Childcare Center (2625 Traver Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI).

Sun Mar 18, 2012

• Grange Family Dance (Pittsfield Grange).
  Dances suitable for parents or grandparents with children. Live music by David West and Donna Baird. Calling by two or three of our regular callers: John Freeman, Ed Vincent, Dave Smith, Marlin Whitaker. Followed by Grange-baked cookies.
  2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. $12/family. 734-769-1052. EMail: hellmann@umich.edu. Pittsfield Union Grange (3337 Ann Arbor Saline Road, Ann Arbor, MI).

Contra Dance Nearby This Saturday!

There is a contra dance tomorrow night, March 10th in Rossford, Ohio. This is only about 40 minutes from Detroit Metro Airport.
The band will be Golden Griffon Stringtet (us!!) and the caller will be Barry Dupen.
Please bring a snack to share at the break.
The dance will begin at 7:30 PM (preceded by instruction for beginners 7:00) at The Rossford United Methodist Church in Rossford @ 270 Dixie Highway in Rossford, OH 43460

January's Rossford Dance -- Lots of Fun -- Everyone can do it!!

Come one! Come all!  And bring your friends, relatives and neighbors!

8th Arkansas Civil War Ball in Lansing

Here are more photos of the dancers that attended the civil war ball on February 25.

This is a wonderful location for dancing. Note the smooth wooden floor and the balcony.

Beautiful ball gowns

All having an enjoyable time

Mr. & Mrs. Lincoln are visiting in the back room. All of the adjoining rooms are set up for visiting and refreshments.

Grand MARCH

What a wonderful civil war ball in Lansing last Saturday, hosted by the 8th Arkansas regiment. Here's video from the annual event in 2007: 12th Annual 8th Arkansas Ball. This last Saturday would have marked the 17th annual ball; Golden Griffon has provided the music for at least eleven.

Jim, Loretta & Tommy -- Lansing

There were about 100 people in attendance, including the honorable President and Mrs. Lincoln. What a lovely couple, and always a pleasure to talk with.


Before moving to this wonderful venue in Lansing -- the Central United Methodist Church, in view of the Michigan Capitol, we were at Port Huron's beautiful Harrington Inn. How grand!

Last Monday, Golden Griffon conducted a 2-hour presentation at the Western Campus of Wayne County Community College in Belleville for a music appreciation class. We discussed our instruments, some history of our music and instruments through history, and played tune leading us up to what we do today. What a nice and very attentive audience! We had a fun time, and they seemed to, as well!

Next Saturday, March 10, we're heading down to Rossford (What to expect) to play for their monthly contra dance. Barry Dupen will be teaching and calling all dances. You don't have to bring a partner or have any experience. It isn't difficult, and it is lots of fun. Join us! The dance begins at 7:30pm, with instruction for beginners at 7. The location is the Rossford United Methodist Church. Admission is $7 (adults), $ (students), $3 (under 14), $6 (members). For new people that have never attended before, mention that Loretta invited you and I will cover half of your entry!! But also, you have to come and introduce yourself to me. See you there!!

Michigan's First Famous Fiddler

This is a rare picture of Orange Fame “Cub” Berdan from the family album maintained by his granddaughter, Ginny. I’ve shared my research about her famous grandfather with her and she has shared some family photographs with me. We’re planning to meet in April to discuss and record her memories of the early Berdan family.

"Cub" Berdan -- Michigan's First Famous Fiddler

Cub Berdan was born in Macon Township, Michigan in 1841, the fourth of five children. His ancestors were Dutch immigrants to this country, descended from Huguenots fleeing religious persecution in France.

He enlisted in Company C of the Fifth Michigan Cavalry as a bugler during the Civil War. His regiment fought under the leadership of General George Armstrong Custer, but he left the army at the end of the war, thirteen months before the creation of the U.S. Seventh Cavalry that fought at Little Big Horn.

His obituary reports that he was playing in the orchestra at Ford’s Theatre the night Abraham Lincoln was shot but I’m still looking for some documentation to support that assertion.

After the war, Cub Berdan returned to Michigan where he played for a time in the Ypsilanti Cornet Band. He married Fannie Lee Whitney in 1878 and had two children. He owned music stores in Adrian and Detroit and performed on the concert circuit in southern Michigan and northern Ohio. He was considered by some to be one of the leading violinists in the country.

By 1895, his health began to decline, due in large part to dysentery he had contracted during the civil war.

In 1900, he was admitted to the Wayne County Asylum, (also known as Eloise Hospital) with chronic dysentery, dementia and blindness in at least one eye.

He died October 10, 1901 at Eloise and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Adrian, Michigan.

My research into Cub Berdan's life and music continues and I hope to have more to report soon.

The Golden Griffon Stringtet is pleased to play some of Cub Berdan's tunes and proud to promote the musical heritage of Michigan's first famous fiddler.

© 2012 Jim McKinney Used by permission.