Everything Reggie said about Northwest Folklife Festival at the Seattle Center is true (I think. Did he say anything about the multi-thousands of visitors mulling about the central area, or the fantastic drumming heard for miles away - perhaps not, better not mention it). Anyway, it can be nice if you stay away from the crowds and drumming. And there's a nice little free (sign-up) stage in the Alki Room (where the CD sales are) - always some surprising impromptu performers there. I usually hang around the Northwest Stage for the maritime and Celtic music, and the little Alki Stage outside the Alki Room. Oh yes, don't miss Reggie, he puts on a good show!

I'll be doing a workshop with my friend Paddy Graber, an Irish traditional singer and story teller from Vancouver, B.C.
IRISH SLOW AIRS IN SONGS
A Workshop for
Northwest Folklife 2007
Monday, May 28,   3:00 - 3:50 pm
SCT Room West*    Seattle Center
Stewart Hendrickson & Paddy Graber
Slow airs are considered some of the most beautiful types of Irish music. Many came as tunes from sean-nós (old style) songs or even ballads, and slow airs have been used as tunes for many other songs.This workshop will explore these relationships, with examples of both. Stewart will play some airs on the fiddle, and he and Paddy will sing some related songs. We will discuss the tunes and songs, and sing some of the songs together. Links to all of the songs and tunes are available on the internet here
*The West Rehearsal Hall is on the south side of the Seattle Children's Theater. Enter through the SE doors.

Cheers, S. in Seattle