The Appalachian String Band Festival, that is held annually at Camp Washington-Carver in Clifftop, West Virginia, is becoming an intricate part of our lives much like Thanksgiving. It’s the event where the big family of Old Time and other musicians gather to rekindle friendships, make new friends, share in the music we enjoy, and dance…
Author: jaf
Getting Ready for Clifftop
We had an excellent opportunity to gather together and have a jam session in preparation for attending this year’s Appalachian String Band Festival, A.K.A. “Clifftop.” We were joined by friends and family; Dennis and Taylor (fiddle), Sid (banjo), Gary (guitar), and Jim and Pat (lap dulcimer). Just an excellent group to review songs and learn…
Vandalia Gathering 2014
The Vandalia Gathering returned to its traditional format over the Memorial Day weekend. All of the events returned and so did the crowds and it could not have been any better as the weather was just perfect with blue skies, nice spring time temperatures, and lots of music to be heard. The gathering was held…
New Instruments & New Songs
We got together soon after the successful FOTA jam session as John owed his wife a trip to West Virginia to visit with friends. And a trip home ALWAYS requires some music time!!! We continue to add new instruments. Tim and Larry are doing so well with their new Mandolin and Guitar respectively while John…
Friends of Old Time Annapolis (FOTA) 78
A FOTA jam was held at the Farmington Village Community Center in Pasadena, MD the evening of March 22, 2014. John, who recently has begun to attend FOTA jam sessions, volunteered to host this event. There was an excellent turn out of players as we enjoyed the break in the weather, enjoyed some good food,…
Mother’s Legacy
Over this weekend our family laid to rest our mother who, with our father, introduced each of us to the joys of music. She was a classically trained singer and played the piano. Her encouragement was to listen and enjoy music no matter if it was old time, country, rock, classical, jazz, pop, or Broadway….
Return of the Dulcimer
According to Wikipedia the Lap or Mountain Dulcimer is a fretted sting musical instrument that is part of the zither family. Now you are asking what is a zither? Well, a zither is any musical instrument where strings are stretched across a flat body. The Autoharp, Psaltery, and Tremoloa are part of the zither family….
Time to Try Something New
We were able to get together the weekend of September 28th for a bit of catching up and showing off new musical skills and instruments. Larry is playing the acoustic guitar and we did some switching around by playing the song “Buffalo Gals” with Larry on the guitar and John the upright bass. Fortunately it…
Appalachian String Band Festival – 2013
What a difference a year makes. Our experience at the Appalachian String Band Festival in Clifftop, WV was vastly different from 2012. This was the second time for all of us being more comfortable with this community of Old Time music players at this venue. We decided to camp this year which allowed us greater…
Wedding Open House for Emily
An open house was held to celebrate the wedding of John’s daughter Emily to Fred. Wedding took place the day after the open house and many of John’s friends and our family were able to attend. Of course, we had a jam session that exposed many to the sounds of Old Time music. We played…