Strings and Things

The Official Newsletter of the Great Plains Dulcimer Alliance

Volume XXV Number Five

May 2007

FROM OUR PRESIDENT:

 

From your Picken' Partner and President Pat , Summer May be on our doorstep. May baskets overflow with flowers and graduations abound. It's a joy to see our young people embarking on productive lives. People are planning vacations and summer sports begin. For some of us this means picking a favorite spot on the bleachers so we can visit while the energy of youth is displayed before us. Music, of course, will still be a big part of our lives.

In April, I'll mention again that Lois Liggett led a group that played at the Veterans home in Winfield early in the month. Thanks again, Lois.

On April 14th, the Andersons and Dwight and I went to a Boy Scout Jamboree 30 miles west of Enid OK.The weather was a little damp and cool in the morning so we set up inside by the fireplace. It was truly a great experience. We just jammed as we wanted to and then from time to time went about to see what was going on. It was a mountain man rendezvous theme so there was plenty going on. They had a Boy Scout Troupe that performed as Indian (native American) dancers. They performed in the afternoon when the sun had come out. They were quite good and entertaining. We were fed well lunch and supper. They were very appreciative, polite and courteous because, you see, THEY WERE BOY SCOUTS. They have already asked if we could come back next year. I strongly suggest it.

On April 21st some of us who also belong to Kansas Bluegrass Assoc. started the camping season at Winfield fairgrounds with KBA. They have camp outs once a month at area lakes through the summer with jamming and a pot luck. We dulcimer types do some jamming of our own and you can hear some great bluegrass. If you like camping, you may want to join. KBA is $15.00 per family per year. You also have to pay the camping fees at the lakes where you camp.
On April 27th a group of us played for Pioneer Day at Oatville School in Haysville. This occurs every other year and is quite an event. The playground is set up with stations and groups of children come by every 15-20 min. They have a great hospitality room with home made cookies and choice of drinks. Lunch was provided. It's such a wonderful opportunity to share music with children. I think it is so important for children to see that learning music can have such a useful life application as exists with GPDA. A high point of the celebration was an exhibition by the Mounted Army Color Guard from Fort Riley Ks.. Their horsemanship was excellent even while brandishing swords. Thanks for everyone's efforts. They gave out gift bags for the players. They were very nice. I also received in the mail a very cute and nicely done thank you card from Mr. Cathy's' 5th grade class. It was just adorable. I'll bring it to the meeting so all can see.

On May 2nd a small group (3) of us played at Riverside Nursing Home. We played in a room that looked like it was outside. It was nice since in real outside, it was raining. The playing went well and the residents seemed to enjoy it a lot. I apologize to those who would have played but were not contacted. They had requested a small, fairly quiet group and parking there is not plentiful so I contacted playing members individually. I will try to keep this to a minimum as I firmly believe that if you want to participate you should have the opportunity. Riverside Village generously donated $35.00 for our efforts. Thanks again Riverside Village. Thanks Janet and Richard for helping brighten a rainy day.
Don't forget Wed. May 9th Winfield fairgrounds we play for the Sun Chasers. Pot luck at 5pm if you choose to participate and play at 7pm.

I'm postponing the May Play due to tornado potential on Sunday May 6th.
Let's go down there at 2 pm on Thursday the 10th. Same bright colorful plan.
Our sympathy goes out to Becky Loucks, a recent member, for the loss of her Mother. Opal Loucks, Becky's Mom, passed away Friday 4 May.

I am also praying for recent tornado victims.
Enjoy and share music when you can.

Pat

 

 

VICE PRESIDENTIAL CORNER:

 

 

(2 cents worth - from the V P)

 

April showers bring May flowers! Unfortunately they have brought much more than a few showers & flowers. After the tornado at Greensburg I promise not to complain about not being able to plant my flowers because it's too muddy. At least I have a home to wait inside of until the sun decides to shine again. And it will!
We have so many fun play dates coming up. I can't wait. I hope I can make it to most of them. I know for some of you it's difficult to work play dates into your schedule, but try to make those you can. They are so much fun and good fellowship. Many times there is great food too. That's a very nice bonus. :-) Be sure to check the schedule at the end of the newsletter for all the special dates. You won't want to miss them.
At our next meeting on the 12th, Jan Jennings has graciously consented to teach a new dulcimer song. Thanks Jan. Your cooperation and the sharing of your talent is greatly appreciated. Anyone who has a song to share please call or e mail me so I can schedule you for out next meeting. Thanks! :-)
See you all sooner or later....until then keep those picks and hammers and fingers moving on your favorite instrument. Make your world a brighter place!
Your V. P.
Lonnie
--- Luana Bonnes
--- lbonne125@earthlink.net

GPDA Meeting Minutes for April 14, 2007

 

Lonnie opened our April business meeting.
Treasury balance on 4/13 was $2711.16
There was a discussion about getting our membership list up-to-date and who the lifetime members are. These names were mentioned which might not be a complete list.
Tom Bogart, Les Slaughter, Lois Liggett, Teresa Bachman and possibly Princess Harris (?) .
Lois Liggett introduced subject of making Joe and Marie Anderson "Lifetimers". Motion was made and vote was unanimous to do so.
Jan Jennings volunteered to put announcements in the Wichita Eagle "Go Section" of our GPDA monthly meetings.
It was announced that Emporia's Fall Festival will be held on November 17th.
The Girl Scouts need a response from all members who plan to play for their program. It is important for them to have an accurate head count because they provide sheet music and sometimes gifts to the players. The play dates are June 14, June 21 & July 19. Turnverein Hall at 2:00 P.M.. Players need to arrive by 2:00 P.M. to get set up on stage and we usually commence playing about 2:30. Please arrive by 2:00 P.M. because it is very disruptive to have to rearrange the players on stage after the program begins. Park in West Parking Lot B.
Contact: Pat Schwarz, 316-945-3456 or pfschwarz@cox.net

 

 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
ALL GPDA MEMBERS ARE INVITE TO JOIN US IN THE PECAM GROVE OVER THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND MONDAY.
WE WILL HAVE A POTLUCK SUPPER ON SATURDAY AND A GRILL NIGHT ON SUNDAY. PLEASE COME AND JOIN US. IT HAS BEEN GROWING A LITTLE EACH YEAR AND IT IS LOTS OF FUN. WE HAVE VISITERS COMING FROM 4 STATES THIS YEAR. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT HENRY LIPPINCOTT AT 263-3901.

Upcoming Play Opportunities

April 27th - Friday - Oatville Elementary School Pioneer Days - 4335 South Hoover, Wichita 67215. Wear Pioneer Clothing 9:00 AM to Noon and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

May 9 - Wednesday Jam at Old Town Plaza in front of Warren Theater - 300 N. Mead - Wichita, 67201 - 2:00 PM.

May 9th - Wednesday - Senior Sunchaser Camping Club - Winfield Fairgrounds - 7:30 PM. (45 Min.)

May 18 and 19 - Friday and Saturday - Jubilee of Acoustic Music - Metro Community College Longview, Lee's Summit, MO - 7:30 AM -All Day and evening. - www.jubileeofacousticmusic.org .

June 3rd - Sunday - A going away party for Jacquie Stewart's church pastor - Watson Park - 3055 South Lawrence Road - 1:15 to 2:30 P.M., Meal Included. - RSVP to Jacquie Stewart at 316-788-9262 or jacquiestewart1@juno.com

June 10 - Sunday - Valley Center Community Bldg - 316 East Clay St. - Valley Center 67147 - 7:00 PM. June 14 & 21, July19 - Thursdays - Girl Scout Camp @ Cowtown Museum - 2:00 P.M.

Sept 8 - Saturday - Warm Up Picnic - Island Park, Winfield, KS (North end of Main Street) - All Day and Evening.

Sept. 29th - Saturday - Faith Lutheran Church Fall Festival (in Gymnasium) - 214 South Derby Ave., Derby, KS - Time to be announced later.

Other Upcoming Events & Festivals

. Date - Day - Place - Address - Time

May 9th - Wednesday - Senior Sunchaser Camping Club - Winfield Fairgrounds - 5:00 PM,to share in the potluck, 7:00 PM to play (45 Min.) May 10th -Thursday-Warren Theater in Old Town(Wichita)300 N.Mead Wichita KS - 2:00 PM. An opportunity to try out the new Street Performing ordinance. Wichita has enacted. Men wear as Boldly Bright as you dare, Women to wear flowers on your clothes or little in your hair.

May 12th -Saturday- GPDA Meeting

May 14, 2007  Cowtown Volunteer Corps Meeting  6:30 PM  Turnverein Hall May 31st -Thursday- Sharon Sparks house in Derby

May 18 and 19 - Friday and Saturday - Jubilee of Acoustic Music - Metro Community College Longview, Lee's Summit, MO - 7:30 AM -All Day and evening. - This will be my third year as a workshop leader/performer, two as the banjo guru, and this year as Mtn Dulc. This is such a terrific festival! Held on a small college campus, in the rolling hills SE of Kansas City, with top-notch performers from around the USA, I rank this as one of the best festivals in the mid-west. Come and see for yourself.
Teresa Bachman www.jubileeofacousticmusic.org/

June 3rd - We have been invited to play for a going away party for the Pastor of Jackie Stewarts Church. This will be held Sunday June 3rd at Watson Park 3055 S. Lawrence Rd Wichita KS We will play from 1:30 to 2:30 pm and will be given a Bar-B-Que Dinner for our efforts.

June 7 - 9 2007 American Heritage Music Festival Grove, OK  
www.granlakefestivals.com   Email: grandlakefestivals@hotmail.com

June 9, 2007 KBA mini-fest
Bluegrass Patriots at Chitwood's Barn
910 N. Sumner Rd.  Conway Springs, KS
620-456-2373

June 10 - Sunday - A Mid-Summer Nights Jam -Valley Center Community Bldg - 316 East Clay St. - Valley Center 67147 - 7:00 PM. A late Spring Retreat. June 14th -Thursday- Girl Scouts Cowtown

June 15 & 16, 2007
Brown County Breakdown Bluegrass Festival
Fairview City Park, Fairview, KS
www.johnjokeim.com

June 21st -Thursday- Girl Scouts Cowtown

July 1st -Sunday - Chisholm Trail Festival- Athletic Park at 1st & Grandview in Newton KS- Time to be announced.

July 19th - Thursday- Girl Scouts Cowtown September 29th- The last Saturday. Fall Festival.- Faith Lutheran Church , 214 S Derby Ave. Derby KS. In the gymnasium. Time to be announced.

November 17th -Saturday- Emporia Fairgrounds Fall Festival-Anderson Building.

Kansas Bluegrass Association Campout List
May 18 - 20 Oxford, KS
June 15 - 17 Spring Lake
July 20 - 22 Marion Lake
August 17 - 19 Spring Lake
September - No Picnic See you at the WVF
October 19 - 21 Winfield, KS
Contact Ed Hill 316-214-2694 for additional info.

Tuesday Night Jam Woodlawn United Methodist Church,Derby,KS  431 S. Woodlawn, Derby,  Choir room 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Emma Chase Café  Cottonwood Falls, KS
Jam - 7:30 PM every Friday - Various types of music

Kansas Bluegrass Association
Monthly meeting/jam  1st Saturday of each month
Immanuel Baptist Church www.kansasbluegrass.org

 

REMINDERS GPDA  meeting Saturday May 12, 2007- Happy half-hour at 9:00 AM prior to meeting at 9:30 for visiting & coffee. Please send Email address changes to  News Letter editors - Dwayne & Jan Jennings HDJ1933@aol.com , also any items you wish to add to News Letter such as instruments for sale.

 

 

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