Playing Out


By: Daniel Date: Oct 11, 2006 - 05:28 PM

I'm part of a twice-a-year Bluegrass and folk band called Elena Corey & Twisted Laurel. We create, rehearse, and present 2 kids' events a year, one at the Califonria Bluegrass Association's Faher's Day Bluegrass Festival in June and one at CBA's SuperGrass event in February.

The music is really designed to be secondary. In June we spend half our time allowing the kids in the audience to try out the instruments we play in the set. Often these are not the exact instruments, but beater instruments brought along for the purpose. The kids love the "Instrument Petting Zoo," and we get to see their faces when they make their first chord or play the first 4 or 5 notes to a tune they recognize. Very rewarding (and exhausting) experience.

In February, we concetrate on the younger kids. Elena creates some kinesthetic movements to match the music, and we get them to sing a long. Also very rewarding. I have been told that the CBA will be video taping this year, so I'm supposed to dress up and "do something noteworthy." I told Elena dressing up wasn't a problem, but noteworthiness might be.

Because of my participation in the events, the CBA lets me in to the festivals for free. But the best part is (as always) playing music (jamming and performing). It'll be a weekend of little sleep and lots of stress reduction.

If anyone is going to SuperGrass in February, look me up. I'll make sure to bring (and wear) my MandolinCafe t-shirt.

Posted: Fri - May 4, 2007 at 10:17 AM          

©