with about six seats in front of the stage, and all of the
adults (but one, and occasonally John, popping his head around the
corner) in front of the driveway outside the garage.
So I thought that my audience consisted of the kids in the seats,
unaware of the adults who could hear me and WERE listening out of sight.
Anyway, I told 3 stories, stopped for the 2 pinatas, and resumed when a
little English girl demanded, "Aren't you going to tell more stories
SOON?" After 3 more stories, I noticed a large gentleman with a white
beard, carrying some large instrument in a padded case...the band had
arrived.
This was Ray's surprise for me. (Not for anyone else; they played
for this last year, when John and I couldn't go). Who was it? Nancy Bitt
Clark and Frank.
Nancy plays a Rydecki that is just lovely, as well as dulcimer,
recorder, and sharing vocals with Frank, who plays a mean bodhran. I was
glued to my seat right in front of her, intently watching her technique,
and John was just as intent on Frank. (We have a mini-bodhran). Their
selections ranged from Celtic strathspeys, jigs, reels, carols
(including "Cutting the Wren") to airs and songs and even a bit of
ragtime from a bicentennial suite she had been commisssioned to write
for a town in Kentucky, and some other compositions of hers.
Definitely the highlight of the evening!
Afterwards, she and I talked for about an hour in the garage, part
of the time trading Faith Stenning stories (we both think she's great),
and I helped them pack up. I gave them this address; they think they may
be able to subscribe soon, or if not this summer, next fall.
Nancy thought that Drema Powell is on this list, and suggested that
I get in touch with her. Drema, are you out there?
Query: are there any harpers from Cincy on this list? Nancy
mentioned that they have a nice Celtic festival each year, and I'd like
to find out more about it.
And now John wants me to learn the recorder; he remembered that
someone gave me a Yamaha. Is it hard to learn?
One reason I'm posting this, not only because it was a terrific
party, but also for the newbies on the list: You never know where/when
you'll run into another harper/ist, and once again, I was delighted by
finding encouragement and supportiveness and a chance to talk harps and
harping. If you DO see a harper/ist unexpectedly, don't be shy (once
they've finished playing, that is!), go up and say hi. Frank had worked
at his day job for a shift and a half, since 7 am that morning, and
Nancy had been playing chords with a guitarist and cittern-player at a
wedding reception for 3 hrs. before coming to this gig, played it, and
they were perfectly willing to chat with us. Neat folks!
--Barra Jacob-McDowell
Everything will perish save love and music.--Scots Gaelic proverb
Harpers have pluck--but don't get strung out.--Barra the Bard