The 2012 edition of the FSGW Mini-Fest was a great success!!!
The programmers and the Board of FSGW would like to thank all of the volunteers (and there were a lot of you) and everyone who came (and there were even more of you!).
Lost and found list below:
Musician stuff
Autotuner -- Snark brand, in small bag
Autotuner -- older model Korg, AT-1, in Kodak zipped pocket tote, cable has alligator clip that's been glued
Speaker to amp(?) or instrument to amp brown cable, 1/4 inch phone plugs on each end
Three water bottles: Silver metal North Face, royal blue metal with the word "Food", and a clear plastic bottle in a blue thermoSac holder with black strap
Two folding umbrellas -- one beige, left in the Main Gym after the dance; the other was apparently found LAST year, and was returned by an attendee this year -- it's black with a Harvard/Radcliffe 65 logo in white.
A well used Greater Washington DC Street Map Book (the ADC one) double bagged in grocery bags
Clothing
Man's black leather glove -- the right one was left
Navy blue Ralph Lauren shirt, zipper at neck, yellow logo, size L
Child's hoodie, red, Sandy Hill Camp logo in white
Red woman's Champion brand shirt, zipper at neck, size L
Dark gray warm up pants, torn hem, Sweet Gisele brand, size S
Cerise (deep pink) Calvin Klein short-sleeve woman's tee, size L
Medium green tee, logo says "50 Years of Fun, Greenbelt Labor Day Festival" man's XL
Medium blue hoodie, Old Navy brand, "Bradford Wood" written on the tag, size M
Black sweater -- buttons -- with metallic gold and silver horizontal stripes, Milano Design Group brand, size L
Navy blue North Face brand shirt with zipper neck, size L
Black hoodie with Nike printed in yellow, woman's XL
Brown shirt with zipper neck, U.S.Polo Association brand with large USPA logo in beige, size L
Black hoodie with small skull and crossbones, fleur-de-lys, etc. printed in dark gray -- all over pattern; Union Bay brand, size L
Click here to see the schedule, in black and white. A not-to-scale (SUCH an understatement) schematic of the school is here. And here is the schedule in color. With, of course, a matching color schematic here. The schedule was last updated Friday, February 3. You will receive a printed schedule and schematic at the door. Click here for a two-page listing of activities by type (concerts, instrumental workshops, vocal workshops, dance workshops, jams, and miscellaneous). You will also receive a copy of this additional information at the door. For more detail, including live links (where available), scroll down0.
All of the wonderful photos are courtesy of Steve Tuttle (thanks, Steve!), of Tuttle and Tuttle Photography.
Hallways and Lobby.
Perhaps we should warn you.... ahem. Perhaps we should mention that Morris Dancers and Rappersword groups infest.... ahem...appear unexpectedly. They dance in the hallways 2008 Photo here. And here. 2009 Photo here. 2011 Photo here. And here. And here. And here. And here. And here. And here.
And they dance outside, weather permitting. 2009 photo here. And here. And here. They often wear bells, so sometimes you can hear them coming. You can run, but you cannot hide.
FSGW encourages those who play instruments to bring them along. One of the real delights every year is hearing music being made in stairwells and at the end of corridors. In fact, we encourage these ad hoc jams by putting extra chairs in appropriate spots. 2008 Photo here.2009 Photo here. And here. 2011 Photo here. And here.
Retail therapy will be available. CDs and musical instruments will be available for sale in the Cafetorium, and craftspeople will have tables in the corridors near the main lobby. Click here. And here. And here.
Again this year we will have participatory change-ringing with handbells -- hypnotic patterns of notes, ringing in different progressions. Look for the "Bell Tower" sign, which may be near a stairwell or in a reasonably quiet corridor -- the change ringers would love to show you the ropes. No experience necessary. 2011 Photo here. And here.
There will be a one-hour learn-to-juggle workshop, probably in or near the main lobby, from about 2 to 3 pm, taught by Bill Amos.
Daytime Cafetorium Performances
Noon to 6 pm -- six hours of wonderful music, thanks to Mini-Fest Co-Chair, Charlie Baum (thanks, Charlie B!).
*We start at noon with lively Tamburitza music from Serbia and Croatia (and places beyond) by ?arenica. Come boogie to the brach and bugarija and prance to the sound of the prim, backed by bass and dumbek and the multi-stringed cimbalom.
* At 12:45, the impressive duo Lilt ? Tina Eck on flute and whistle and Keith Carr on bouzouki, mandolin and banjo, play traditional dance music from Ireland ? jigs and reels, hornpipes and laments.
*At 1:15, you'll delight in a one-hour concert by The Chromatics -- a high-energy a cappella vocal group singing outrageous originals, crazy covers, and some science songs. They'll be doing a close harmony workshop at 3:30, in Room 118.
*Slaveya will fill the stage with beautiful black, white, red and gold costumes, and fantastic a cappella Balkan women's music from 2:15 to 3. 2011 Photo here.
* If you love honky-tonk, you'll want to catch The Backroads Band ? Karen Collins, Ira Gitlin, Geff King and Rob Howe play vintage country music from the 40s to the 70s, plus original songs written in early country style.
* 21st Century roots music ? if that's not a contradiction in terms ? from Glyn Collinson and Andrew Marcus ? Glyn on bouzouki and Andrew on accordion from 3:45 to 4:15.
* Whatever you had for lunch, at 4:15 it'll be time for some "Hot Peppers" ? that's what Lyuti Chushki means ? joyful, evocative, compelling and lyrical Bulgarian music, featuring unusual rhythms and unfamiliar instruments ? kaval (end-blown flute), gaida (bagpipe), gudulka (bowed stringed instrument with resonating strings), tambura (fretted instrument similar to a guitar) and tupan (large drum).
* Closing out the daytime performance track, from 5-6, are long-time favorites The Capitol Hillbillies, master musicians offering primitive New Orleans-style jazz, hot blues, gospel, jug band, and more on piano, harmonica, horns, bass, and fiddle, along with some very fine vocals.
Main Gym: The day begins with an hour of Morris Dancing (See the photos above). At 1, Lisa Brooks and Dan Kahn lead a workshop on the Swedish Hambo, a dance which is frequently played at the top of the second half of many contra dances. Music by Sonia Pearson White on the Swedish nyckelharpa. 2011 Photo here. At 2 pm English Country Dancing (think Jane Austen) will be led by caller Tom Spilsbury, featuring a quartet of fantastic musicians: Liz Donaldson, David Knight, Susan Brandt and Bruce Edwards on piano, fiddle, flute, and bassoon, respectively. At 3, local favorite Ann Fallon will call a Barn Dance to rollicking music by AP & The Banty Roosters. Easy circle and line dances, guaranteed to make you smile. No partner needed, just show up and join in. At 4, Kim Forry and Jan Scopel will take over and give you a chance to try some Clogging 101, also with AP & The Banty Roosters. At 5, Michael Barraclough leads a knees-up English ceilidh to music by Frog Hammer.
Auxiliary Gym, features contras and squares all day long, with excellent local bands and callers. 2011 Photo here.From noon to 2 pm, music by the MetroGnomes. Calling for the first hour is David Giusti, followed at 1 pm by Steve Gester. At 2 pm, the Sligo Creek Stompers will take over. Sargon de Jesus from 2-3, then an hour of phenomenal singing squares by Janine Smith and Susan Taylor. At 4 pm music will be provided by Firefly, with caller Perry Shafran, and we round out a full six hours of dancing with the always excellent Liz Donaldson and David Knight, with calling by Dave Colestock.
Jams Room begins at noon with a one-hour Gospel Sing, led by members of FSGW. At 1 pm, we'll form a hollow square for an hour of Shape Note Singing, led by FSGW members. 2011 Photo here. And here. From 2 to 3, sea chanteys by Maritime Voices 2011 photo here. 2011 photo. From 3 to 5, members of Archie's Barbershop will play some fine blues, and at 5 pm, there's a rollicking Irish seisi?n.
Roots Americana -- Room 104
FSGW would like to thank Lynn Healey for organizing this wonderful track, featuring both excellent concerts and edifying workshops.
*At noon,Andrew Acosta & The New Old Time String Band; followed at 1 pm by
* a one-hour vocal harmony workshop, featuring the Blue Moon Cowgirls.
At 2 pm, there's a half-hour *mandolin workshop led by Tara Linhardt.
, and then two half-hour concerts:*Ric Sweeney with some sweet blues and *some red hot jazz by Esther Haynes..
*From 3:30 to 4:30,Charlie Bean and Friends will present a hodgepodge of music from Capitol Hill, with a real treat ? an Orange Line Special Reunion!!
* There's a slide guitar workshop at 4:30 taught by Mark Clifton, and this track ends with * a rollicking open acoustic jam, led byTara Linhardt.
Sing, Rattle & Roll -- Room 108
FSGW is grateful for Linda Goodman (thanks, Linda!). who has done such a fine job on Sing, Rattle & Roll and Plunk, Boom & Sing (aka Rooms 108 and 118).
*At noon, a one-hour concert by Kensington Station, featuring classic folk tunes of the 60s by the talented trio of Fred Cheney, Jim Jones, and Leslie Smile.
*Next, blues and swing from the Golden Age of Radio, by Blue Panamuse.
* At 2 pm, FSGW favorite Judy Cook sings "Songs I Really Love," followed by Bob Clayton and Friends with an hour-long concert putting their 40+ years of folk music experience on display.
*New to Mini-Fest this year is the Georgian folk ensemble Niavi, offering a half hour concert.
* At 4, Taste of Bluegrass, a fine 6-piece group, will cook up some tasty bluegrass music, with maybe a dash of gospel.
*At 5, a half hour concert of Latvian music by annual favorites Sudrabavots. Last year, to improve the acoustics, they simply moved everyone into a nearby stairwell. 2011 Photo here. They have already told us that they plan on singing in the stairwell again this year, so if you get to their concert late, and the room is empty, head for the nearest stairwell.
* Last on the bill in Room 108 is a half-hour concert by Gina DeSimone & The Moaners, offering blues and swing with a twist.
Traditional Song --Room 114
Noon to 6 pm -- a full day of traditional folk music, thanks to Lisa Null (thanks, Lisa!).
*At noon, Severn Savage and Phil Fox sing some golden oldies, or songs that ought to be.
*At 12:30, George Stephens and Kathy Westra share harmonies wrapped around songs that focus on nature and the human condition.
* At 1 pm, a wonderful workshop called Old World, New World Vocal Masters. Four true masters of distinct vocal styles ? Martha Burns, Andy O'Brien, Linda Rice-Johnston, and Eleanor Ellis exchange songs from the old-time, Irish, Scots, and blues traditions.
*At 2 pm Jesse Winch hosts George Lewett, who sings Irish popular music he grew up with in the Bronx during the '40s.
*At 2:30, Van Mertz will fill the room with his warm voice, and a midwestern repertoire that tugs at the heart.
*To round out this track are four 45-minute concerts. First up are the delightful Ann Porcella and Bill Schmidt with skillful old-time music from 3:00 to 3:45.
*They'll be followed from 3:45 to 4:30 by singing cousins with sparkling voices ? Michele Callaghan and Sara Underhill singing songs they've shared for years.
* At 4:30 Charlie Baum and Johanna Miller sing modern ballads ? and prove that ballad-making traditions are flourishing today.
* Finally, at 5:15, Steve Winick and Lorraine Van Buren sing traditional ballads, grand old story songs that have passed the test of time.
Plunk, Boom & Sing -- Room 118
*At noon,The Ash Grove Players offer a half-hour of Scandinavian music; followed by
* Social Ramble with house party blues.
* At 1, a workshop on Clawhammer Banjo for absolute beginners, taught by Fred Crouse. Bring your own banjo if you have one, although there will be a few loaners available. 2011 Photo here. And here.
* If your fingers aren't tired, stick around after the banjo workshop for a Bones Workshop led by Mike Baytop and friends.Photo here.
* At 2, the Coyaba Dance Theatre (new to Mini-Fest) offers a participatory workshop in aspects of African dance.
* Two percussion workshops led by Ron Goad fill the 2:30-3:30 slot ? one featuring the Large, Zany Washboard and the other featuring Hand Drums. 2011 Photo here. And here. And here.
* Next, two wonderful one-hour vocal workshops. At 3:30, a close harmony singing workshop led by by The Chromatics. And immediately following the Chromies will be the extremely popular one-hour workshop in doo-wop singing, led by the masterful Flawn Williams. 2011 Photo here.
* And to close out this track, a half-hour concert by Jonny Grave featuring new arrangements of old blues tunes, along with some interesting originals.
Storytelling -- Room 122
FSGW sponsors a monthly storyswap, and Mini-Fest is proud to offer a full 6-hour track of storytelling again this year. 2009 Photo here. Tim Livengood, this year's Storytelling Program Chair (thanks, Tim!) will bookend this track at noon (The First Step) and 5:30 (What You Bring With You). Featured tellers include:
*The young but talented Twinbrook Tellers (in two sessions, at 1 and 3);*Cricket Parmalee (Winter Stories) at 12:30; *Bill Mayhew (Folk tales from everywhere) at 1:30; *Penelope Fleming(Journey Backwards and Far-wards) at 2; *Charlotte Smutko (Old & New Favorites from Hither, Thither and Yon) at 2:30; *Margaret Chatham (Kalo Dant and Sharkan the Dragon) at 3:30; *Jake Simpson (Tales of Mayhem and Adventure) at 4, followed by *Barbara Effron (It's All in the Name) at 4:30; and*Marc Young(The Misadventures of the Wise Men of Chelm) at 5.
Evening Activities
In the Main Gym, an entertaining evening dance from 7:30 to 10:30 ? contras and squares, featuring the Glen Echo Open Band, and a cavalcade of talented local callers (maybe including the Mini-Fest Chair).
And in the Cafetorium, an outstanding program ? "Four Fantastic Females (and Friends)" featuring:
* Pam Parker (and friends). Pam Parker's voice often can be heard conveying the sophistications of jazz and the emotions of the blues. She'll be joined by her son, Jobari Parker-Namdar, bassist Scott Giambusso, and pianist Darius Smith.
* Noa Baum, is a spellbinding storyteller -- born in Jerusalem and now living in Takoma Park. She'll offer several short narratives with roots in both European and Middle-Eastern traditions.
* Dede Wyland, Randy Barrett, Ira Gitlin and Tom McLaughlin offer inspired original songs, soaring harmonies, and hard-driving bluegrass at its best.
* Donna Long will be joined by Dan Isaacson, Peter Brice and Catherine Marafino. While she's well known for lilting Irish airs on piano (for many years with Cherish the Ladies), she'll showcase her other musical interests and instruments.
Miscellaneous Helpful Details
Yes, there's a listing in the January 2012 edition of the FSGW Newsletter. But the article and schedule were compiled in early December. The website schedule is much much much more accurate.
Please note that in the ticket price listings, "Full" means Full Day, from noon to 10:30 pm, and "Half" means Half Day, either noon to 6 or 6 to 10:30.
What does "Family" mean in the ticket price section? This rate allows parents and their children to attend for one affordably capped admission price. The Family rate for a family of four is slightly less than four individual tickets, and there is no additional fee for any additional child.
Food will be available in the Cafetorium, from noon until 7:30 pm. The Takoma Park Subway will offer soup, subs, sodas, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, muffins, and cookies.
There is a secure Instrument Check Room for musicians available from 11:30 to 6 pm. Usually Room 102 or 104.
There is a Green Room for performers, open from 11:30 to 5:30 pm (Room 140).
The annual mid-winter shindig known as the FSGW Mini-Fest will be held at the Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Road, on Saturday, February 4, 2012 from noon until 10:30 pm. Once again this year FSGW features two simultaneous all-day dance tracks and seven workshop and performance sites, so find that calendar and save the date! Ticket prices are listed above. They may be purchased through the website at least 24 hours in advance, or at the door.
