The Folklife Festival this year kicks off with a Swing Dance on Saturday, July 19th, followed by the Annie & Mary Day Fiddle Festival on Sunday, July 20th, three indoor concert nights on Monday through Wednesday - Flying Fingers, Acoustic Jazz and Songwriter Showcase: Lila's Choice - and the outdoor amphitheater Backyard Bluegrass & Beyond show on Thursday! On Friday, July 25th, join us for a Barn Dance with Contras, Squares and more, and then don't miss the All Day Free Festival with multiple stages, children's activities, jams, and a bevy of workshops!
July's Folklife Festival will feature two dances. The first is Saturday, July 19th - a Swing Dance at the Veteran's Hall in Arcata (14th and J Streets). The second will be a Barn Dance with Contra, Square and more, held at the Bayside Grange on Friday, July 25th. See the Festival 2008 page for more information!
For general info on dances, call Larry Levine at 822-7190 or email Andy Lane. You can also email Andy if you would like to be added to the monthly dance (square, contra, country, etc.) announcement list.
Jams & Sessions
The Freshwater Bluegrass Jam begins at 7 pm on the first Thursday of every month. The first hour, from 7-8 pm, is open to any level of bluegrass player. After 8 pm, the jam will progress to an advanced player's circle. People who are still developing their playing and singing skills will be welcome to stay and listen (instead of participating) during the later set.
The Freshwater Grange is located at 49 Grange Road in Freshwater, near Garfield School, just a few miles up Freshwater Road from 3 Corners. For more information, please call Judy at 443-4258. Hope to see you there!
The Second Sunday Celtic Music Session has a new location - Gallagher's Irish restaurant/pub in Old Town Eureka. The session is from 7-9:30 pm and is hosted by Seabury Gould with Scatter the Mud as the core group. It's an open session, so people are invited to bring instruments and voices (or just come and listen) for the sharing of Irish traditional/Celtic music of "mostly tunes and some songs."
Scatter the Mud consists of Seabury Gould on Irish bouzouki, vocals, guitar and bamboo flute; Michael Pearce on fiddle, uilleann pipes and whistle; Alan Morden on mandolin, guitar, vocals and bodhran; and Judy Hageman on fiddle and viola. Scatter the Mud "enthusiastically plays Celtic music with spirit, imagination and conviviality!" Call Seabury at 845-8167 or visit his website for more information.
Song Circles
The Song Circle with Joel Sonenshein is held on the first Thursday of every month - from 7 to 9:30 pm, presented in association with Arcata Parks and Rec and held in the new Arcata Community Center. Participants are encouraged to bring copies of their favorite tunes to pass around; this is an anything goes gathering! Whether you are into traditional or contemporary folk, 60's rock or even the occasional show tune, this circle usually offers something for everyone and has been known to can go places others have not dared. So bring your voice and come and join in on the fun. Admission is free.
Join us on the third Wednesday of every month for a Song Circle with Seabury Gould at the Arcata Library Conference Room (500 7th Street) at 7:30 pm. Bring your voices and songs to this monthly gathering for singing together! (Note: Many of you know Seabury from his work with children - but this circle, while for people of all ages, is geared for adults.) Questions? Call Seabury at 845-8167 for more information.
