I had the opportunity to attend a exceptional concert a little over a week ago (Saturday, April 21, 2007) at a local B&B.

What a wonderful evening! Stewart and Betty Hendrickson and Jerry Middaugh came down to the Inn at Lucky Mud (in Skamokawa, WA) and treated us all to a concert of traditional & contemporary music.

Stewart kicked off the concert with a recital of a poem entitled "There is music in the glen tonight", and then launched into a number of haunting 'Irish airs'. Between Stewart's fabulous fiddlin' and poignant Irish folk songs (some that carried a bit of well-delivered melancholy) the musical ambience was established and the audience was well captivated.

Building on the melodious introduction, Betty charmed us all with beautiful renditions of tunes on her hammered dulcimer, spanning styles from waltzes to ragtime. The sweet sounds of her melodious strings wafting through the acoustically bright room enchanted the room into still silence punctuated only by the enthusiastic applause at the end of each tune.

The enchantment was sustained and enhanced by the alluring songs performed by Jerry Middaugh, his dexterous guitar playing well matched to his engaging singing style. The selection of songs ranging from trains and hobos, to cowboys and philosophy kept us all ensnared in an auditory spell, and left us with toes a tappin' and quietly singing along.

The musical tapestry so creatively woven by the ensemble--Stew with his poetry, guitar, fiddle, and beautiful sonorous vocals, Betty with the delightful, delicate melodies dancing from her hammered dulcimer (joined by Jerry's quiet underlying counterpoint), and Jerry's precise guitar work complementing his resonant vocals--kept the audience mesmerized from start to finish.

Overall this was a great concert and a marvelous experience--an eclectic collection of traditional folk music from the British Isles and America played with sensitivity, expertise, and flair--if you ever have the opportunity to hear them play, jump at the chance, as it is an experience you will cherish!

The hootenany / jam session that followed the potluck dinner (after the concert) was also a heck of a lot of fun, with local musicians jumping into the musical fray, with a bit of fun guitar work and even a washtub bass! There were many superb musical contributions played around the song circle, with each cycle highlighting the depth of the rich musical histories of all those singing and playing late into the night.   

Doug Sheresh
Communications Director
Wahkiakum Acoustic Guitar Society