Update on Lou & Wanda’s Big Adventure at Galax

Here’s an update from Lou regarding the tune he played in the Galax dulcimer contest:

“At Galax, you are permitted to compete in only one instrument category and you may also compete in one band, which is what I did.

“Most of the dulcimer players ahead of me played really fast tunes, some to the point to where the notes seemed to run together.  I did not decide my tune until the last moment, before going on stage.  I played South Wind, a bit slow and let the notes sort of drift out.  Only had time to play through twice (jn the 2.5 minutes allowed), and only used the B minor note on the closing sequence.  It seemed to work well.  I had a good time.”

David B <><
https://athensdulcimerclub.wordpress.com

Tunes For a Solar Eclipse

With the total solar eclipse coming up Monday I was trying to think of some traditional/old-time tunes that might be appropriate so after thinking of some off the top of my head I went through my tab books looking for promising titles. Some of these might be a stretch. Feel free to add your own:

Monday Night Waltz (The eclipse on Monday)
Keep On The Sunny Side
Rising Sun Blues (House of the)
Sunshine In the Shadows
When This Evening Sun Goes Down
You Are My Sunshine
Meet Me By the Moonlight, Alone
Black Mountain Rag (?)
Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella
Give Me Oil in My Lamp
Lamp Lighting Time In The Valley
Meet Me By the Moonlight, Alone
Old Aunt Jenny with Her Nightcap On
Sunshine In the Shadows
Three Blind Mice
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Wake Up Susan
What a Day That Will Be
When the Stars Begin to Fall
When This Evening Sun Goes Down
Worried Man Blues

David B <><
https://athensdulcimerclub.wordpress.com

 

 

Lou & Wanda’s Big Galax Adventure

Last week Lou and Wanda Beasley headed off to south-western Virginia as he made his annual pilgrimage to participate in the Old Fiddler’s Convention, held in Galax. The Old Fiddler’s Convention has been going on since 1935 and is a popular old-time and bluegrass music festival. 

Lou often competes in the guitar, autoharp, and/or mountain dulcimer categories. Sources indicate that he placed 7th in the dulcimer event this year.

Lou told this reporter that there were 63 dulcimer contestants and awards were given to the top ten players.

Galax Marker

Galax: Home of Traditional Mountain Music Marker

David B <><
https://athensdulcimerclub.wordpress.com

Come Celebrate Jakes 99th birthday

What: Jakes 99th birthday party & jam
When: August 30th at 1:30 pm.
Where: The Madison Village & Assisted Living,
6016 Wall Triana Highway, Madison, AL 35757

There will be a JAM followed by cake and punch.  BRING YOR CHAIRS (just in case)

Let’s shower him with ♥️ and cards!

David B <><
https://athensdulcimerclub.wordpress.com
https://athensdulcimerclub.wordpress.com/announcementsnotes/

Cards for Jake Hisaw’s upcoming 99th Birthday

Over the years Jake Hisaw has played with many campers and jammers between Virginia and Texas. The last couple years he’s been a regular with the Athens Dulcimer. Later this month Jake will be celebrating his 99th birthday and we’d like to encourage anyone who’d like to send a birthday greeting to him do so at:

Jake Hisaw
Room 8
The Madison Village & Assisted Living
6016 Wall Triana Highway, Madison, AL 35757

(Click photo for larger image)

I know he’ll appreciate hearing from you.

David B <><
https://athensdulcimerclub.wordpress.com

Dulcimer Summer In Athens

I’m a bit behind in posting updates to the Athens Dulcimer site.

First, at the July 6th jam Barbara brought in, and played, her 110 year old dulcimer

and we have had Jake at most of the jams this summer

At the 27 July jam, we had a couple of new dulcimer players

Last night we had a large crowd, including Jerry & Louise’s grand-daughters who got to play with Jake

I’m sure those going to Iuka, MS the week of 17 August will have a grand time. And we expect to hear some stories from Lou Beasley after he returns from the Old Fiddler’s Convention in Galax, VA.

Summer is not over so stay tuned. If you have something to share let me know.

If you need some summer reading material see my Today In Mountain Dulcimer History posts at http://everythingdulcimer.com/discuss/viewforum.php?f=48

And last but not least the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddler’s Convention is just two months away.

David Bennett <><
https://athensdulcimerclub.wordpress.com

 

Ray Hunley’s 91st birthday

Today (7/23) is Ray Hunley’s 91st birthday. Since some of us met together for “Jake & Friends” Louise Todd called Ray on her phone and had Jake sing “Happy Birthday” to Ray. Jake will be 99 next month. See the video at https://youtu.be/0dCm6u6Fulk