Volume 46 Edition 8 August 2017 Submit articles to: [email protected] By the 15th of each month FFS Board Of Directors

President A Non-Profit Corporation for Traditional Arts Denise Sciandra [email protected] Notes from Board President, Denise Sciandra

Vice President Introducing Mikal Sandoval. She sings, plays guitar, and dances. Some Paul Starcevich [email protected] of you have met her at the Basque where she participates on Mondays with the Honky Tonk group and on Wednesdays with the Friends of Secretary Sue Wirt Kenny Hall Jam. Her singing and personality add to both. [email protected] Mikal began playing Treasurer Jim Ross and singing as a teenager when [email protected] her family lived in the small,

Concert Master remote community of Mina in Pat Wolk Trinity County in Northern Cali- [email protected] fornia. Her mother influenced Membership her singing and dancing. Patty Bennett [email protected] Mikal says that she has Lifetime Member “fronted several bands” includ- Alan Hubbart ing country, folk, rock and vin- Members At Large tage 1920s and 1930s type Ron Bohigian [email protected] bands. She has been on a few

Bill Lehr recordings as lead and backup [email protected] vocalist. She has performed at Mikal Sandoval

Karen Starcevich the California State Parks as the “singing park ranger”. Mikal has since retired from [email protected] that career. She was lead singer in in an “award-winning four-part ladies group”.

Ann Lamb [email protected] Mikal says that if she had a blog, she’d call it “Country Girl/City Girl.” That refers to having been born in the big city of San Francisco and working in Los Angeles but Bill Johnson [email protected] spending childhood years in Mina, California, “population 5”. “We didn’t live in town, no electricity so our music was what we shared and heard.” Flyer Editor Bill Johnson [email protected] Mikal “loves to dance” and hopes that contra dancing or other social dancing will be available soon. “If not, I’ll dance as I do when and where it’s welcome.” Calendar Editor Maria Glover HM 559-322-8677 Mikal says that she is “grateful to be among such friendly, inclusive folk” in Fresno. Cell 559-281-8278 [email protected] Come to the Basque on Monday at 5:00 p.m. or Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. to enjoy some good music, good company, and meet Mikal. Logo Design by Tom Walzem The Fresno Folklore Society “Flyer” is a monthly publication. at Otto Creative FFS P.O. Box 4617 Fresno, CA 93744 Banjo Frog Art Submit articles for publication to [email protected] by Jon Adams by the 15th of each month 1

SUE BEEVERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER

It is not too early to start planning for this event. A date has been chosen, Sunday, October 8, at the Wolk Folk Garden at 4:00 pm. Rather than a full blown pot luck, the plan is for munchies and desserts, with a silent auction, jams by Lynn's Jam and performances by the scholarship winners. This is an event that raises funds for musical instruments, lessons, instrument repair, camp fees, etc. for children who are interested and involved in Folk, Old Time, Bluegrass, etc., music. Spreading the message of music and how it can improve your own and others' lives was important to Sue Beevers. She played fiddle in a band, Scats on the Sly, wrote plays and song lyrics, volunteered for many events that furthered good in the world, including support for the preservation of the Chinese cultural locations in Hanford. A good friend to all she met, her light will continue in this expression of what she loved—children and music. The Wolk Folk Garden is located at 6661 N. Forkner, Fresno. Volunteers are needed to help stage this event. Also, if you have an item(s) that you wish to donate to the silent auction, please contact Sue Wirt at 222-9801 and bring it to the event. (Sue Wirt) Community Dance Changes The tradition of twice monthly Contra Dances which have been held for many years, most recently at the California Dance Academy, have been discontinued due to low attendance. Organizers will take another look at possibly restarting them next year. Send any ideas you have that may bring renewed contra dance success to Evo Bluestein at [email protected]. Until then, keep those hooves a shakin’. In the meantime, the 1st Saturday English Country Dance continues in Auberry and the 4th Saturday Irish dance continues at Cal Arts Academy. There will also be a quarterly North Fork Dance starting June 16. Details at evobluestein.com. or email Evo. NORTH FORK COMMUNITY DANCES START JUNE 16, 2017 Quarterly community contra/country dance, 6:30-9 PM North Fork Christian Center $2/person and $10/family at the door Friday Sept. 8 Friday Dec. 8 Location: North Fork Christian Center (across the street from North Fork Market) 57044 Road 225 North Fork, CA 93643

Have you ever wanted to try square dancing? The time is NOW! Square Put aside all of your excuses: I don’t have rhythm – don’t need any Dancing I can’t dance – if you can walk, you can square dance I don’t have a partner – you don’t need one Save some American History. New square dance classes are beginning in August. Bring your friends! Bring your family! All ages are welcome. Make it a date night, family fun night, or night out with friends. Square dancing is not what you think. Give it a try!

Mondays at 7:00 PM St. Paul’s Methodist Church 2435 N. Thesta, Fresno If you have any questions, call Kay at 559-940-8249.

On Clinton at the 41 Underpass 2

It’s hot outside! That’s okay because we got the cure to cool you down and shake those summertime .Eva Scow & Le Petit Strings will be laying down some swinging Gypsy beats in the John W. Dodson Theatre. Enjoy a small bite to eat while sipping a delicious special one night only brew from Valparaiso Cafe & Roastery (they make a killer affogato of ice

cream + coffee) You’ll be toe tappin’ in no time!

Tickets are $12 advanced and $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online or at Bitwise South Stadium during regular business hours. Keep your ticket stub for $1 off your first beer at the after party at Tioga Sequoia Brewing Company.

Eva Scow : violin & mandolin Andrew Dixon : clarinet/saxophone Mike Taylor : guitar Kevin Hill : upright bass

Scow is a mandolinist and violinist who started playing music at the age of 4 and has played in orchestras and bands exploring music from Bluegrass to Brazilian Jazz. Scow has opened for artists including Willie Nelson, Poncho Sanchez, Lee Ritenour, and JJ Cale. Scow is a member of the contemporary jazz quartet Espacio and the progressive funk group The Experience. She teaches string orchestra and jazz education for Central Unified School District and the Milestones Youth Jazz Workshop. This lady is filthy talented.

Le Petit Strings is Scow’s newest group that explores the world of Gypsy Jazz. Originating in 1930’s France, Gypsy Jazz, also called gypsy swing or hot club jazz, is a style of jazz made popular by artists such as guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli.

Sometimes you just need to sit back, relax, and listen so some jazz. TWILIGHT THURSDAYS BACK IN SEPTEMBER

The Clovis Botanical Gardens on Clovis Avenue at Alluvial will host the Twilight Thursdays series again this year. Musical events being celebrated start on Thursday, September 14 with the Uncle Ephus Band, a favorite at Bluegrass in the Park; September 21, the Gilly Girls will be present to regale us with their instruments and harmony; September 28, Two for the Road will return for an encore performance of swing, Celtic, and ; and on October 5, J.T. And Sarah will perform a variety of songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s. The parking and performances are free, located at the north end of the park in the Pavillion. Bring your chairs and munchies or dinner. Clovis Botanical Gardens will have cookies for sale (they are really good). Hope you can attend. (Sue Wirt) 3

BLUEGRASS IN THE PARK IN AUGUST Here we are in August and there are only a few performances left on the calendar. August 4th, Sugar Pine will be playing a variety of music. They play for the Sugar Pine Railroad events (some of them are also in Narrow Gauge Ramblers—more train stuff). Dave Novell, Jeff Gu- rule, Chuck Thrapp and Robyn Flory are the band members and always give us a good time. On August 11th, the Morgan Canyon Band will be there. It is a perennial favorite, with musi- cians Dave Kyle, Mike McDonald, John Blanchfield, and Art Farkas who favor us with Blue- grass as well as Parrot Head songs from Jimmy Buffet, and my favorites, songs from the Ea- gles. One of our members sent a cd of their music to a musician friend out of state who then wanted ten more for his friends. The park will be dark for us on August 18th while the law school uses it for their annual back-to-school BBQ. However, on August 25th, Jason and Ida Winfree and Friends will be there, traveling from the Turlock/Modesto area. The friends are Keith Davis and Vaughn Lew. Jason is a founding member of Red Dog Ash, a very popular award-winning Bluegrass band. There will be only two weeks left in September for you to get your fill of the popular series of musical events, so make sure you take advantage of the free . Bring your dinner and your chairs and hang out with your friends. In fact, bring your friends that have not been here before. Concerts start at 6:30 pm and go til dusk and are held in Liberty Park on 5th Street just east of the Clovis Veteran's Memorial District build- ing. (Sue Wirt)

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After the heat of the summer, you should be ready to tackle events in cooler places and cooler weather. The Sue Beevers Scholarship Fundraiser, Sunday, October 8 is in the Wolk Folk Garden. This will include munchies and desserts. jam sales, silent auction, and performances by various artists, including scholarship winners.

The following weekend will be Fun At The Intermountain Nursery in Prather with music and food and stuff to buy (plants, glass, wooden toys, ceramics, jewelry, olive oil, etc) and booths with information about non-profit groups (wild animals, library, WILPF, KFCF, FFS, environmental concerns) with a constant supply of musicians on the stage and a place for kids to do something they can make and take home.

Sunday, October 29, Banshee in the Kitchen will be traveling up from Bakersfield for a free at University Presbyterian Church at Roberts and Cedar (donations are welcome as well as bring some non-perishable food items for their community pantry.) If you like with a twist, this will be the place to be on that date.

Saturday, November 4, Evie Ladin and Keith Terry will be in Fresno on so you can limber up your clapping hands and fancy footwork to welcome these musicians back to Fresno at the beginning of November.

Volunteers are needed for each of these events and the donation of your time and energy is appreciated. Call Sue Wirt at 222-9801 or Pat Wolk a 304-4695 if you can assist with the Sue 5

Banshee in the Kitchen Coming to Fresno Banshee in the Kitchen plays Celtic music with eclectic skill and merry abandon. Touring and recording since 2002, the trio (now a quartet with the addition of Kris in 2012) has delighted audiences in festivals, theaters, living rooms, and countless other venues from San Diego to Lee Vining. They take traditional Celtic tunes, find the sweet spot between old and new, stirring it all up with trademark playfulness and musicality they term “banshee-fying.” L-r Kris Wilbur, Jill Egland, Kat Edmonson, Brenda Hunter

On stage, National Champion hammered dulcimer player Brenda Hunter (fiddle, hammered dulcimer) and Jill Egland (flute, accordion, whistle) trade off inspired flights of lead and counter melody over dynamic backing by Kat Edmonson (guitar, bouzouki) and solid grounding provided by Kris Wilbur’s tasteful bass lines. No strangers to the microphone, Kat, Jill & Brenda trade off lead and backing vocals on a choice selection of songs, with all band members contributing jocular commentary in between.

“Banshee in the Kitchen has a fresh and harmonious sound, instrumental person and an ear for arrangements.” --Tom Nelligan, Dirty Linen “Listening to Banshee in the Kitchen is not only enjoying the music of beautiful, accomplished musicians—it’s fun! I am also impressed by the multigenerational audience that is in attendance at their concerts and having a great time.”— Catherine Skow, Bakersfield http://www.bansheeinthekitchen.com/

The Banshees will perform Sunday October 29 at 3PM at University Presbyterian Church 1776 E. Roberts, Fresno, CA 93710 Donations accepted along with canned food items for the community pantry. (Bill Johnson)

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On July 7th, attendees at the Bluegrass in the Park series at Liberty Park in Clovis were treated to a band that rose to the occasion when Red Dog Ash had to cancel. They call themselves “Spur of the Moment” and, although not a Bluegrass band, gave us a fun evening with a wide variety of music. Band members are Ed Hawke on stand-up bass; Elaine Fetterman on fiddle; Steve Barnett on mandolin and vocals; Theresa Crockett, ukulele and banjolele; Avery Meyer on guitar; and Dawn Savory on ukulele and vocals (wonderful vocals). The band started working together four or five years ago and also had Carlos Robles as a member until recently so also have Latin rhythms in their repertoire, although none were played at this performance. Their sound check song was “Give Me One Reason to Stay Here” which gave us a clue to the evening's range of song. Think Don Ho's “Tiny Bubble” with little plastic bubble bottles for some of the audience. I won't put in the whole set list but some others we heard were Merle Haggard, some Carter Family, a couple of really cool songs from Pink Martini, and a couple of wonderful pieces from Elaine on her fiddle that most of us knew, such as “Red Wing.” They call the performances they are doing this summer “The Heat Wave Tour.” For added quirkiness, as they do not have a cd of themselves, they offered cds as give-aways for the audience to choose and take home. I snagged a big band CD of “Les Brown and His Band of Renown. Ed said that some of the band members were hesitant to do the show because they do not “do” Bluegrass Well, think about Morgan Canyon Band with its share of Parrot Head and Eagles songs—just as enjoyable. One thing about the Bluegrass in the Park, you do not always know what you are going to get but it is always worth going and seeing what surprises are in store, or as Roseann Rosanadana said, “There's always something” and this “something” was delightful. (Sue Wirt)

EVIE LADEN & KEITH TERRY Innovative musicians/dancers with a quirky neo-trad soul, Oakland, California-based Evie Ladin & Keith Terry throw down original folk songs and deep interpretations of old songs, with the kinetic thrill of percussive dance. Ladin sings and plays infectious clawhammer banjo, while Terry is a master percussionist. It was Appalachian string band music pared to the absolute minimum of accompaniment, but packed with an orchestra’s worth of rhythm. — Music City Roots, Nashville. Saturday, Nov 4 at Cal Arts Academy

http://www.evieladin.com/evie-ladin-keith-terry-duo/

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AUGUST FFS EVENTS 2017 Every Wednesday: Kenny Hall’s Friends Old Time Music Jam @ Santa Fe Basque Restaurant, 5:30 to 7:30 pm – FREE

Every Monday: Honky Tonk Jam hosted by EZ Mark Poschman @ Santa Fe Basque Restaurant, 5-7 pm., (559) 264-6323. – FREE Every Monday: Clovis Woodstackers Square Dance Club @ St. Paul's Methodist Church, 6-8:30 pm, $6 per person. Come and learn modern square dance. The church address is 2435 N Thesta on Clinton at the Fwy. 41 overpass. Monthly Events: 1st Sunday: Kelley’s Corner Jam @ Pizza Factory in Madera Ranchos, 2-5 pm.

1st Saturday: Chris & Tina Galfo’s English Country Dance @ Auberry Library, 7 to 9 pm. Live music. Donation.

2nd Sunday: Irish Jam @ La Boulangerie, Fig Garden Village at 2:30 to 4:30 pm.

2nd Tuesday: FFS Board Meeting, location TBA, 6 pm. For info call 222-9801.

3rd Sunday: California State Old Time Fiddlers Jam @ Santa Fe Basque Restaurant., 2-4 pm. – Free

4th Saturday: Ceilis (Traditional Irish gatherings) @ California Arts Academy, 6:30-9 pm, $5 donation per person, $20 family suggested maximum. Traditional Irish set dances taught by Hannah Anderson. 4750 N. Blackstone, Fresno, CA (559) 222-6539.

FFS and related Events (FFS in Bold) Aug. 4, Fri. Bluegrass in the Park with Sugar Pine @ Clovis Veterans' Memorial District Square's Liberty Park, 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Chuck Thrapp, Dave Novell, Robyn Flory and Jeff Gurule. Liberty Park is at 901 Fifth St. east of the Clovis Veterans Memorial Bldg. Bring chairs, and picnic goodies. Folding chairs are available. FREE. See article.

Aug. 11, Fri. Bluegrass in the Park with Morgan Canyon Band @ Liberty Park, 6:30 pm to Dusk. Dave Kyle, Mike McDonald, John Blanchfield and Art Farkas. See above and see article. FREE.

Aug. 11, Fri. Eva Scow & Le Petit Strings @ Bitwise Industries John W. Dodson Theater in the South Stadium, 7-9 pm, $12 Adv/$15 at the Door. Eva will be playing Gypsy Jazz beats along with Mike Taylor, Kevin Hill and Andrew Dixon! Bitwise is located at 700 Van Ness and there is free parking nearby. Tickets are available at Bitwise South Stadium during business hours and at evascow.eventbrite.com. See article and poster.

Aug. 18, Fri. Bluegrass In the Park: No Show Tonight

Aug. 25, Fri. Bluegrass In the Park with Jason and Ida Winfree and Friends @ Liberty Park, 6:30 pm to Dusk. Jason and Ida Winfree, Vaughn Lew and Keith Davis. FREE. See above and see article.

UPCOMING: Sept. 1, Fri. Bluegrass in the Park with Baloney Creek @ Liberty Park, 6:30 pm to Dusk. See above and see article. FREE.

Sept. 8, Fri. Bluegrass In the Park with Gilly Girls @ Liberty Park, 6:30 pm to Dusk. See above and see article. FREE.

September, October Clovis Botanical Gardens Twilight Thursdays: 5:30-7 pm at the Pavilion, FREE. Sept. 14 Uncle Ephus; Sept 21 The Gilly Girls; Sept. 28 Two for the Road; Oct. 5 JT and Sarah. See article.

Oct. 8, Sun. Sue Beevers Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser @ Wolk Folk Garden, 4 pm. See article.

Oct. 29, Sun. Banshee in the Kitchen @ University Presbyterian Church at Roberts and Cedar Avenues, 3 pm, FREE. See article. Nov. 4 , Sat. Evie Laden and Keith Terry: See article. 8

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 Kenny Hall’s 3 4 Bluegrass in the 5 English Country Friends @ San- Park-Sugar Pine @ Dance @ Auberry Lib. 7

ta Fe Basque, Liberty Park, 6:30 pm- -9 pm 5:30 to 7:30 Dusk. See Article. FREE pm. FREE FREE

6 Kelly’s Corner Jam 7 Honky Tonk w/ 8 FFS Board 9 Kenny Hall’s 10 11 Bluegrass in the 12 @ Pizza Factory 2-5 EZ Mark @ Santa Meeting @ Friends @ San- Park-Morgan Canyon pm Fe Basque, 5-7 Location to be ta Fe Basque, Band @ Liberty Park, pm. FREE announced, 6 5:30 to 7:30 6:30 pm-Dusk. See Arti-

pm. See Events. pm. cle. FREE Clovis Wood-

stackers Dance FREE Eva Scow & Petit Club, 6-8:30 pm, Strings @ Bitwise In-

$6. dustries John W. Dod- son Theater, 7-9 pm,

$12-$15. See article.

13 Irish Jam @ La 14 Honky Tonk 15 16 Kenny Hall’s 17 18 Bluegrass in the 19 Boulangerie, 2:30- w/ EZ Mark @ Friends @ San- Park

4:30 pm Santa Fe Basque, ta Fe Basque, 5:30 to 7:30 pm No Show tonight. 5-7 pm. FREE FREE

FREE

Clovis Woodstack-

ers Dance Club, 6- 8:30 pm, $6.

20 Calif. State Old 21 Honky Tonk 22 23 Kenny Hall’s 24 25 Bluegrass in the Park- 26 Ceilis Set Dancing. Time Fiddlers' Jam w/ EZ Mark @ Friends Jason and Ida Winfree Hannah Anderson @ Cal

@ Santa Fe Basque, Santa Fe Basque, @ Santa Fe and Friends @ Liberty Arts Academy, 6:30-9 pm, Basque,5:30 to Park, 6:30 pm-Dusk. See $5 donation, $20 maxim 2 to 4 pm. 5-7 pm. FREE 7:30 pm Article. for a family. Info: 222- FREE Clovis Woodstack- FREE 6539. FREE ers Dance Club, 6-

8:30 pm, $6.

TOTAL

ECLIPSE

27 28 29 30 31 9

Non-profit org U.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT #1033 P.O. Box 4617 FRESNO, CA 93706 Fresno, CA 93744 Return Service Requested

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The Fresno Folklore Society (FFS) is a non-profit community-based organization. It sponsors traditional music, dancing, and other traditional art forms. FFS hosts potlucks and jam sessions; it encourages and promotes new musicians through classes, recording opportunities and other support. FFS members share visions and concerns for a peaceful and just world and actively support efforts to create an eco-friendly environment.

Membership Levels: $20.00 individual; $30.00 family; $50.00 corporate sponsor Membership information: 559-225-9511 NEW MEMBER? Yes No  RENEWING? Yes No RENEWING AFTER LAPSE? Yes No Number of family Members: ______I prefer to receive the Flyer by e-mail  or Postal mail  (check one)

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Membership payments and donations can be mailed to: FFS P.O. Box 4617 Fresno, CA 93744