Author: maldonm

Nov. 25 – Abigail Weisenbloom

Abigail Weisenbloom is a Portland based house concert promoter. She has been hosting house concerts since 2009. She has hosted 100’s of concerts for folks musicians and dancers. In our folk tradition house concerts are a key in creating community and venues for small and large traditional artists. Abbie has created an amazing concert series.

Nov. 18 – Dale Russ

Dale Russ joined us this week. We talked about music, practicing, timing and more. Dale has an online course for anyone interested in Irish fiddle. It can be found at Peghead Nation.

Martin Hayes’ assessment of Dale Russ as “one of the greatest fiddlers I know in Irish traditional music” is shared by all who hear him. Dale has been playing Irish fiddle since his move in 1973 from his native Connecticut to Washington State, where he is now regarded as “the shining jewel of Northwest fiddle players.”

Dale taught for 15 years at the Lark in the Morning Summer Camp in Mendocino, California, and he has taught and performed at many other workshops and music camps, including the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes in Port Townsend, Washington, and the Swannanoa Gathering in Asheville, North Carolina. He has also played for ceilis, set dances, and dance competitions.

Nov. 11 – Learning Styles

This week we examine the various learning styles when it comes to teaching and learning dance.

Nov. 4 – Del Elkels – Del Drums

I first met Del at Lark Camp and we instantly connected. A great story teller, thinker, drummer and drum maker. I have asked him to join our tea time talk to explore drumming. Del has been playing drums for nearly 50 years. 

In many of our talks as well as discussions we have been talking about getting various tones off our shoes as well as off the surfaces we dance on. As foot percussionist we can learn a lot from drummers and the techniques they use. I’m excited to have Del join our Tea Time Talks. Very excited about this talk. http://delsdrums.com

Oct 28 – Woody Lane – Caller and Clogger

From Woody: “Imagine waiting for the dance to start. The caller leaps onto the stage and shouts “Take Hands Four!” or “Square up!” with such enthusiasm and flair that the room becomes electric. There is so much excitement in the caller’s voice. You grab your partner, rush to the floor, form up sets — excited, thrilled, expectant…

That’s what I try to convey when I call – that this dance, this evening with our friends, is the most exciting thing we can do, and that this is the very best place to be in the world.”

Oct. 21 – Calling for Dances

This week we will talk about calling for dances. Over the last 25 years I have developed a system for calling that works well for me. This week I will share some of the tips, tricks and techniques that I use for calling. I’ll share how I plan an evening of calling Céilí dances, calling Set dances and calling for both in the same event. If you have any questions, thoughts, tips or tricks please bring them to share.