Old Time Jamboree: December 8, 2012

Cyndy and Mrs. Goon play Ashokan Farewell, accompanied by Jason of The Wren & the Whistler, at Chicago’s Old Time Jamboree in June, 2012.

The next Old Time Jamboree has been scheduled! We’ll gather for old time tunes on December 8, 2012 at 7pm. The music-friendly folks at Dolce Casa Café  (4947 N Damen Ave) will provide their lovely space.

Find out more about what happens at the Old Time Jamboree here.

Our featured artist will be musician, teacher and folklorist, Paul Tyler. With twenty-two plus years teaching at the Old Town School of Folk Music, and just back from a teaching exchange in Finland, Paul will present a set of tunes, songs and stories.  This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to hear a wonderful musician in a very intimate setting.

Old Time Jamboree : Winter 2011 Line-up

The Winter 2011 Old Time Jamboree was held December 3, 2011 at Dolce Casa Cafe.

The featured band was Tell ‘em Henry, with Tony Scarimbolo (banjo), Kolleen Blume (fiddle), and Andy David (guitar).

The following musicians played the Open Stage:
John Donahue: Lincoln at Richmond (banjo)
Michael Cabonce: Going Down to Cairo (fiddle)
Ted Dawson: White Freight Liner Blues (guitar)
The Barnstormers: Knockin on Heaven’s Door (guitar)
Bill McInnes: Deep River Blues (banjo)
Gisella Faggi: Old Baldy Kickin Up (fiddle)
Jerry Tintera: Way Over Yonder in a Minor Key (guitar)
John Huber: Bonaparte’s Charge (guitar)
Ashley Griggs: Angeline the Baker and Angel Band (fiddle)
3 Night of Music (Jessica, Jailene, Devon): Waterbound (guitar, mando, fiddle)
Jim Shinkle: Boil Them Cabbage Down (mandolin)
Mike and Matt (guitar, harmonica)
Michael Clarke & John Donahue: Old Mother Flanagan (banjos)
Lady Band: Dog Treed a Possum in a White Oak Tree (fiddles, banjo)

Go here to sign up for the Old Time Jamboree Open Stage – June 16, 2012.

Announcing: Chicago’s Old Time Jamboree

The Summer 2012 Old Time Jamboree is happening!
June 16, 7pm at Dolce Casa Café, 4947 North Damen. Join our facebook page for updates.

Get your tunes ready!!

Making music and smiling with David Greely

Last night we had a great time hanging out at the Old Town School with Cajun fiddler, David Greely. He gave a performance and taught some tunes for the Fiddle Club of the World.  Jason and I were both so inspired hearing about his apprenticeship with Dewey Balfa and his evolution as a fiddler.  It was an intimate setting, maybe 20 people. He is a wonderful teacher! Everyone got some personal attention and we all learned something: melody, harmony, second fiddle rhythm. The music and his singing were so beautiful! Thank you, Fiddle Club, for bringing in such a wonderful artist! And thank you, David Greely, for sharing your music with us!

Thinking of an old friend

We spent some time yesterday thinking about our friend Peter who passed away one year ago. He was a friend and musical comrade, and he was very much loved by our community. We played together in a jug band and he always shouted “Costa Rikker! Costa Rikker!” whenever he saw me because that was the song I sang. I loved hearing him stomp his cane on the floor and tap on the milk jug with his drumsticks and I loved the way he sang: half-talking, half-singing, all spirit. He was enthusiastic and fun and quick with a wink and a smile. I always smiled too when I was around him. A good friend. I miss him and think about him often.

Thank you Peter, for all the joy and music and storytelling and love that you shared with us. We were lucky to know you.

Harmonica workshops with Jason – January 22, 2012

Harmonica for the Young Musician and Harmonica for the Family

Sunday 01/22/2012 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
with Jason McInnes

Old Town School of Folk Music

4544 N Lincoln Ave

It’s small enough to fit in your pocket, but the harmonica is a world of sound and song. In this workshop, students delve into three musical worlds: playing by ear, reading musical notation and creating compositions through visual signals and written notation. Along with way students learn about the joys of making their own music and the history of great composers and musicians.

Space is limited.  Register at the Old Town School of Folk Music.

See you there!

Jason

Happy New Year from The Wren & The Whistler

Hey everyone,

We’re spending New Years Eve in South Carolina this year, so we won’t be having a jam in Chicago.

But we wanted to share a message with you.  And Jason has a lesson on how to play Auld Lang Syne.

Happy New Year from The Wren & The Whistler

Learn to Play Auld Lang Syne from Jason and his harmonica

Visit our Learn to Play the Harmonica page for an audio recording of the tune, and a harmonica tab sheet that you can follow at home.

Happy New Year, everyone.  Hope to play some tunes with you in 2012.