We’re back from another adventure up at the Copthorne motel in Omapere! It was a very long drive up, during which Penny unfortunately lost the game of I Spy, and had to eat a jalapeno.

The doctors at the retreat were very kind to us and some even had a bit of a dance which was great to see! It’s always interesting trying to find a fiddle tune that you can turn into a cha cha. 

Grace & Emile were locked out of their motel room (new low!), very unfortunate when it is pouring with rain at midnight and everybody else is asleep. However,  thanks to our jalapeno eating criminal mastermind, they were able to break back in. Band meeting was held the following morning on the deck overlooking the sand dunes - all were confirmed present and it’s unanimous, the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet was the highlight of our trip.

Cheerio!

x Emily

Well, we’re coming to the end of a long run of fabulous gigs over the summer and with those shows lots of people to thank! A few brief mentions…

Browns Bay Garden Party - what a great turn out! Thanks to the lovely Sally Cargill for all your organising efforts, and for keeping certain people from throwing certain things at a certain person. 

Troubadour Trail in Mangawhai - many thanks Jean, we had a great time playing down there with a stunning view of Mangawhai Heads from our perch on the deck! Next time we might have to do the walk instead! (Kathleen might need a piggy back)

The Matakana Markets! We had a brilliant day beginning with the sunrise, a surf lesson and some fab busking - if you haven’t been before check them out! It’s the vibe of the thing… a big thanks to Michael Kessel! and Marie, Pete & Rico for our Omaha home.

Whangarei Folk Club - ah, Dave, your lights are beautiful. Here at home there’s always such a foot stomping and super supportive bunch of lovely people! And nice to see lots of Kerikeri folk too. Thanks guys. We had a ball.

To everyone who has come out to these and many other gigs over the summer, hosted / fed / watered / organised or otherwise, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

To the people who make the place so cool: Dan M. What’s not to like, you lent us your room and let us take over your bathroom! You probably won’t ever get rid of us now. Thanks for having us and for the scrambled eggs that finally got Kathleen out of bed! Dan H (our stand in roadie) and the Welly flat - pancakes are yum. You guys are great. Debbie & Ren, BB, Alex, Oscar… beautiful music in Seatoun…

And last but not least, thanks to the wonderful Wellingtonians who came along just to listen. It was a real pleasure.

Cheerio!

x Emily

One week of camping beneath blue skies, a full moon and the majestic shadow of Mt Manaia at Whangarei Heads; crazy fiddlers, bagpipers at dawn (revenge will be sweet), instant noodles (for some), amazing Chia cooking (for others), wild ceilidh dancing, cold showers, very little sleep (for some), no sleep at all (for others),  and home of perhaps some of the best jamming and music sessions you will ever hear in your life… this is Gaidhealtachd!

Of course to finish everything off in grand style was the world’s greatest final tutors’ concert - what else would you expect from this line up: Dave Alley, Jon Sanders, Dave Khan, Mark Mazengarb, Bob McNeill and Sula! (accompanied by Jamie & Ollie of course)

Yup, we were pretty amazed as well.

All our thanks - you know who you are - to all the people who have worked so tirelessly putting this epic camp together. Kathleen is learning the ukelele,  and it’s all because of you. To the fiddle class - sheet music is on the way! And I expect to hear these tunes in some excellent sessions at the Auckland Folk Festival! You have 2 weeks to practise. See you there.

Cheerio!

x Emily

So perhaps Emile will have to come to Scotland as well…

CONGRATULATIONS GRACE!

]]> http://fiddlelore.com/2-november-2009-fiddlelore-demo/feed/ http://fiddlelore.com/25-august-2009-recording/ http://fiddlelore.com/25-august-2009-recording/#comments Tue, 25 Aug 2009 01:00:27 +0000 admin http://fiddlelore.com/25-august-2009-recording/