Strings and Things

The Official Newsletter of the Great Plains Dulcimer Alliance

Volume XXV Number Two

Febuary 2007

FROM OUR PRESIDENT:

 

From your fellow wandering minstrel and president  Pat

Thanks to all who were able to brave the elements and perform for the January play dates. We had a really good time at Brookridge Plaza. This was the residence of Toni Warren's Mom for 12 yrs. Though Toni's mom has passed away, many of the residents obviously think the world of Toni. Though there was a mix up in the weather related cancellation of this event, Toni was able to make it to the play date. It was a special day for Toni and all others present. The audience joyfully participated with the maracas we handed out for them to play. I am thankful for Toni as a member of the group as she reminds us to care about each other in an unselfish way and to thank the Lord for the opportunity to do so.

The Rodeo Sponsors Dinner at the Coliseum went well also. It was well attended as usual despite slightly slick roads. Thanks Barb, for rounding up this opportunity once more. The food was great, famous Dave's bar-b-que, and the rodeo was very entertaining.

The retreat at Afton lake was not so well attended as the forecast flurries turned into 6" of snow. A dozen hardy individuals did attend. Though this may not have been the wisest move considering the weather, it was a nice and very unique retreat. The atmosphere was cozy. It seemed like winter in Vermont . I kept expecting to hear Bing Crosby sing White Christmas. The music was relaxed and very good. Hot soups and cornbread made the perfect meal. The snow plow made a very timely visit to the park just as we were packing to leave.

Wheatland School in Valley Center invited us again this year to play for the student body, all 4th and 5th graders, for their Kansas day celebration. This is the school where Jim Colucci taught. He MC'd and the playing went well. There was a lot of student interest in music with lots of good questions. The school provided us with lunch. Thanks Jim.

Glenn Murphy arranged for us to play for the Kansas day celebration at the Newton Bible Church Christian School. This was lots of fun. It is a small school so all ages attended at once. We asked for requests from the children and managed to do a fairly respectable "Jesus loves me", but it reminded me that adding some more hymns to the packet might be a good idea. Lunch was provided by the school. They also gave each of us an adorable gift basket arranged in a small oval tin pail. Thanks Glenn.

I want to say thank you to all who arranged and played for these play dates. I know that some go better than others and some are more fun than others, but I believe that this is a very important function of the club. It is good for the communities we serve, the club and the participating members. There is so much that can be learned from these encounters. The more we strive to make them better the more rewarding it will be for all.

Remember, coming up on Feb 22nd, Neal and Colleen Walters will give two workshops and a concert 4-6 and 6-8pm respectively. One of the workshops will be mountain dulcimer and the other autoharp. I think this is a wonderful opportunity. It's like attending a festival where you don't have to travel. It will be held in the basement of Immanuel Baptist Church where we had the Christmas party. Donations will be accepted with suggestion of 10.00 per workshop and 10.00 for concert or 18.00 for a workshop and concert.

Hope to see you all at the Feb. meeting on the 10th.
Stay warm and enjoy the music.
Pat

 

VICE PRESIDENTIAL CORNER:

 

 

A FEW WORDS FROM OUR VP:

Wow, my first Winter Retreat at Lake Afton and it was so much fun! The biggest challenge was getting there and back but it was worth it. Sorry you all couldn't make it because of the bad weather/roads. Maybe next year.

Guess what is coming up next? Our annual Spring Fun-Raiser Concert! I'm really getting excited about it! We already have 2 -3 groups or individuals signed up to display their talents at the Concert. This year it will be held in Derby at the Faith Lutheran Church in the Fellowship Hall located at 214 So. Derby St. You will find the church about four blocks East of Sig's Meat Market at K-15 and Kay St. More directions later. The date is March 10th and will begin at 6:30 p.m. We will have Food, Fun and Fine Music! Be sure to invite lots of friends. Suggested donation at the door. :-)

Don't forget the monthly meeting on Feb. 10th. Last month's workshop plans are now shifted to Feb because of the bad weather. Hope to see many of you there. Mountain dulcimer players----be sure to bring your capo.

Happy Valentines Day to one and all. Bring your sweetheart to the meeting if your spouse will let you. Ha!

Lonnie, the V P

 

 

February 9-10  2007  Dallas/Fort Worth. TX  Winter Festival of Acoustic Music.
HD, MD, autoharp, harp, guitar, and more.  Workshops and concerts.  Info:
Linda Lowe Thompson, 309 Pennsylvania, Denton TX 76205 , 940-387-4001 ,
Llt6@earthlink.net

February 22, 2007  Neal & Colleen Walters Workshops (4:00 pm - 6:00 pm) & Concert (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm) Immanuel Baptist Church

March 10, 2007 GPDA  Spring Concert: 6:30 PM, Faith Lutheran Church in Derby.
Lonnie Bonnes is chairman; please contact her to volunteer as a performer.

March 23 - 24 2007  9th Annual Workshop & Concert.  Overland Park, KS    HD, MD, guitar.  Info:  Linda G. Thomas   lindadan@primary.net

March 29 - 31 2007  Palestine Old-Time Music & Dulcimer Festival.   Includes MD HD, Jamming, workshops, concerts, vendors.  Info:  Jerry Wright   pickinwright@yahoo.com    web site:  geocities.com/palestine festival.

 

 

REMINDERS

 

GPDA February meeting Saturday February the 10th - Happy half-hour at 9:00 AM prior to meeting at 9:30 - coffee & cookies. Mountain Dulcimer players, don't forget your capos.



Please send Email address changes to new News Letter editors - Dwayne & Jan Jennings HDJ1933@aol.com , also any items you wish to add to News Letter such as instruments for sale.
Dues are now due - $12.00 per family per year - the best deal in town!

 

 

Special Announcement

 

For sale:

I am going to sell my 12 string mandola. It has 4 courses with 3 strings per course. It is tuned CGDA like a viola or tenor banjo. I bought it new from the luthier in Rockport, Maine in 1999. I have not played it much and it needs to be played. It also comes with a new gig bag. It has a beautiful sound. There are only three in existance that I know of. One went to a person in Italy, I have one, and Nick kept the third one. If you are interested or want to see/play it, please let me know. I will have it at Winfield in camp as well.

 

Henry

263-3901