Bonesfest XXVII

“Cacophony in Campton” Nestled within the picturesque town of Campton, New Hampshire, Bones Fest XXVII: “Cacophony in Campton” unfurled its musical tapestry, September 7-10, 2023. Under the stewardship of hosts Sky and Jessye Bartlett, this unique gathering celebrated the rhythm bones, an instrument that defies musical norms and beckons those seeking a distinctive music adventure.Continue reading “Bonesfest XXVII”

The wedding venue, groomsman cottage, killing.

Well, I didn’t expect that. This and the Spanish Inquisition. The sun dipped below the rolling hills of the little rural town of Luray, Virginia, as the guests gathered at the picturesque wedding venue. The sprawling estate, nestled amidst lush green mountains, had an air of tranquility that seemed to permeate every corner. However, thisContinue reading “The wedding venue, groomsman cottage, killing.”

How do you get to kindness?

A remarkable family connection emerged during the global upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. My wife’s aunt married a nice man from her church. My first face-to-face introduction to him revealed a profound personal history. My new uncle, Jerry, life’s journey was intertwined with the themes of adoption, rural placements, and the emotional complexities thatContinue reading “How do you get to kindness?”

Ideas on playing in an Irish Session

Playing in an Irish Session for the first time  Entering an Irish session for the first time can be a thrilling and transformative experience for any musician. Stepping into a lively pub filled with the enchanting sounds of fiddles, flutes, bodhráns, and laughter, one becomes immersed in the rich tapestry of traditional Irish music. AsContinue reading “Ideas on playing in an Irish Session”

Fulks Run Grocery

What do a mounted moose head, extensive arrowhead collection, cigar box guitar, and antique croquet mallets have in common? Nothing, except for one place in the universe. Maybe one place in the entire multiverse. A place where you could find all those things and get a ham sandwich. I read about a place that advertisedContinue reading “Fulks Run Grocery”

Sometimes “Respect” means not asking.

In July of 2018, I walked through some of the oldest histories of the United States. I was in Old Town Albuquerque, and the past was layered on thick. I talked with artists from the Taos/Acoma tribe inside a restored Spanish mission building. My lunch included a generous sample of red and green chili salsaContinue reading “Sometimes “Respect” means not asking.”