OK, OK, so I've been a little remiss in posting events lately. We've got a great fall lineup at Dusty Strings, so here goes!

As always, you can call 206-634-1662 (or 866-634-1662 if it's long-distance) to purchase tickets. You can also mail us a check or stop by the shop in Fremont (3406 Fremont Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98103).

All concerts are at Dusty Strings unless otherwise indicated.

Hope you can come to some of these great concerts!

Molly

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Bob Carlin & Pete Wernick in Concert
Thursday, September 4, 7:30 p.m., $18
Two masters of the five string banjo—one old-time and one bluegrass—meet to offer a rare opportunity to hear the two styles together. Bob Carlin, one of the best known clawhammer-style banjoists teaching and performing today (and well-known to Dusty Strings audiences from his appearances at the Clawhammer Banjo Weekend), returns for a special concert with "Dr. Banjo," Pete Wernick. Wernick is renowned worldwide for his accomplishments and contributions to bluegrass music: a hot-picking force in several trend-setting bands including Hot Rize, a respected author, teacher, and songwriter, and former President of the International Bluegrass Music Association. The two stop off at Dusty Strings for this special concert on their way to the American Banjo Camp at Fort Flagler.


Alfredo Rolando Ortiz
Saturday, September 6, 7:30 pm, $18
Internationally acclaimed soloist on the "arpa paraguaya" (Paraguayan harp), a composer, author, educator and recording artist, Dr. Alfredo Rolando Ortiz plays a multicultural repertoire which covers folk, classical and popular music of many countries, as well as his own original compositions. Dr. Ortiz has performed for audiences of all ages and backgrounds, from multiple appearances at international harp meetings to the delivery room during the birth of his second daughter, the performance he considers his most important. Susann McDonald praises his technical virtuosity and depth of musical expression, and promises "strong vibrant rhythms, marvelous dynamic contrasts, stylistic verve, and profound sensitivity" from this riveting performer. Dr. Ortiz will also lead harp workshops Saturday before the concert.


Kevin Burke & Cal Scott in Concert
Friday, September 19, 7:30 p.m., $23
Kevin Burke, one of the most recognizable talents in Irish music today, brings his highly fluid and ornamented Sligo-style fiddling to Dusty Strings once again. This time Kevin is joined by multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and producer Cal Scott, who offers a seasoned and complementary aesthetic in his accompaniment to Burke. Their new CD Across the Black River, included by the New York Times on its list of "most notable world music CDs of 2007", is a collaboration incorporating their own new compositions, traditional Irish music and even a bluegrass classic. Kevin and Cal will also lead fiddle and guitar workshops Friday before the concert.


Dusty Strings Bluegrass Banjo Contest
Sunday, September 28, 1:00 p.m.
$10 Registration Fee
Dust off those fingerpicks, tighten up that banjo head and start tuning up for the very first Dusty Strings Bluegrass Banjo Contest, Sunday, September 28th! There's nothing quite like a contest to help focus those practice sessions and hone your chops, so sign up early to reserve one of the twenty open slots.

The contest is open to all and contestants will compete for prizes, gift certificates, and bragging rights. All contestants will also receive a coupon good for a discount on any instrument in the store. Register by phone or in person at Dusty Strings.


Del Rey & the Sweet Hollywaiians
Saturday, September 27, 7:30 p.m., $18
In their first appearance in the Northwest, The Sweet Hollywaiians, Japan's answer to Robert Crumb and His Cheap Suit Serenaders, join Seattle's first-rate uke-and-guitar blues musician and vocalist Del Rey for an evening of great originals and good-time music from the '20 and '30s. Winning commendations from Crumb for their Hollywood-style performances, the Sweet Hollywaiians have appeared with Janet Klein, and recorded an album with Tom Marion of the Parlor Boys. Del Rey promises to wow the audience with her chops on resonator guitar and uke, and will share new material from her latest CD Blue Uke. She looks forward to her collaboration with the Hollywaiians, praising their "lovingly detailed approach to the music of the '20s." Join Del for a "Memphis Minnie" guitar workshop Sunday after the concert.


Ken Perlman & the Canote Brothers
Saturday, November 22, 7:30 p.m., $18
In a concert celebrating a wide swath of old-time music, Ken Perlman presents a varied program featuring old-time and Celtic-based fiddle tunes from across North America. He'll share the fruits of his folklore fieldwork, playing on banjo the tunes he collected himself from traditional fiddle players in Eastern Canada, notably Cape Breton and Prince Edward Island. While the Canote Brothers also have one foot firmly planted in the traditions of American Roots music, they certainly have an ear tuned to the novel and the quirky. As one reviewer put it, "Their songs all have the ring of cock-eyed classics!" Ken, Greg and Jere will also lead banjo, fiddle, and guitar workshops November 22 and 23.


7th Annual Harp Symposium Concerts

Ray Pool & Sue Richards
at Fremont Baptist Church
Friday, October 24, 7:30 p.m., $18
Ray Pool, author of Clever Levers, will put that title to the test with "Ain't Misbehavin'," "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," "Satin Doll" and other big band and Broadway melodies, mixed in with other pieces in a traditional lever harp style. Sue Richards, called "one of America's brightest stars" by Dirty Linen magazine, will play her favorite Scottish tunes, some of her original music, and a few Appalachian and American folk tunes from her upcoming book.


Gráinne Hambly & Laura Zaerr
at Fremont Baptist Church
Saturday, October 25, 7:30 p.m., $18
Playing traditional Irish harp with an effortless mastery that captivates her audiences, Gráinne Hambly is among the vanguard of contemporary Irish musicians. She will share a mix of traditional pieces and her own brilliant arrangements. Celtic harp specialist Laura Zaerr will present original lullabies from her latest CD Dreamland, along with several of her arrangements of Celtic tunes. A couple of jazz standards, complete with lever-flippin' harmonies, may show up on the program too.


Harper Tasche & Erik Ask-Upmark
at Dusty Strings
Sunday, October 26, 6:30 p.m., $18
Harper Tasche, best known for his ground-breaking artistry with crossstrung and small harps, now adds his distinctive touch to the "regular" 36-string harp with new original music in a wide variety of styles. Swedish harpist Erik Ask-Upmark offers a fresh and unique take on Nordic music, served with charm and a great sense of humor. "Erik's astounding rhythmic playing will make any harper stop in their tracks." —Folk Harp Journal.