Two many fiddles

I put two of my violins up for sale at a local violin shop. My main instrument is Lorelei, my new Italian instrument, which is beautiful in appearance and sound. My backup is the German Sahla instrument. I placed the two French instruments by Clotelle and Boulangeot on consignment. Whenever they sell, they sell. I just don't need them sitting around if I am not playing them.

Speaking of the Sahla, John agreed to replace the bass bar and regraduate this instrument for me sometime in the next couple of months. I left it with him, along with my Rolland carbon fiber bow, which he will rehair.

Alasdair & Natalie...Yes!

I bought tickets online for a concert on January 18th. Alasdair Fraser, one of the preeminent fiddlers in the world, will appear with cellist Natalie Haas at Ashland Coffee & Tea on January 18th. He is of sufficient musical stature to have soloed onstage with Itzhak Perlman, so this gives some indication of his talent and standing in the music world. Keadron, Mary, and I will go together and we're pretty excited at this chance to hear such talented performers.

A reel solstice celebration

A friend of mine, who also happens to be a chess student, is hosting a solstice celebration at his country home on Friday night. He has quite a large spread and has invited about 50 people out for food, a bonfire, chess (I'm setting up my HUGE outdoor set), music, libations, dancing, or whatever. A number of musicians are expected to show and a session will likely break out, so I will bring my fiddle along, just in case. More later.

Rhythm, please

I have begun Irish step dancing lessons with a friend who is a very accomplished Irish dancer, because: a) it is fun b) it will help keep me in shape and c) it will give me a better inner sense of the rhythms which are at the core of this music. Oh, I'm also learning a little bodhran from the same teacher, just to reinforce the rhythm thing.

Winter solstice session

Well, it wasn't exactly on the solstice, but it was close enough to count. On Dec. 1, I hosted another session at my home. I procrastinated on getting the invitations out, so fewer folks attended, but it was still fun. As before, my restaurant friend provided chili & cornbread and I got the beer, chips, cookies, coffee, etc. The food & music were a perfect combination!