JERRY HOLLAND fundraiser set for June 10, 2007

Pasted news flash just received concerning a fundraiser set for Sunday June 10, 2007. Renowned Irish fiddler P.V. O'Donnell has stepped up and has organized an event. Lets get a good turn out for JERRY!

I am very distressed and saddened by the news. I have known Jerry for
many years and in fact met him recently at the Buncrana Traditional Arts
Festival Co Donegal this past March.
I have organized a fund raiser to take place on Sunday evening June 10th
at City Steam Brew Pub and Restaurant, Main St., Hartford from 6pm to 9pm.
City Steam management have graciously donated a private room and staff
for the occasion so the total proceeds will be mailed to you soon after.
If you have any contacts in Ct. and the surrounding area please let them
know.
Finally, please pass on our best wishes to Gerry and his family and
tell him that he is in my thoughts and prayers daily.
Regards
PV O'Donnell
www.pvodonnell.com

Zoe's new CD is DONE!!

Here is more exciting news from Zoë Darrow and the Fiddleheads:
In addition to our concert on June 2, (drum roll, please):
Our new CD "Fiddle Me This" is now available!
It can be purchased at our shows or by mail. Let us know if you would like to receive one.

This is certain to be a summer of firsts for Zoë's musical adventure. This July, she will be leaving on her first-ever trip to Ireland, spending a week in County Clare at the renowned Willie Clancy Traditional Music School, where she will have the opportunity to study with some of Ireland's most esteemed fiddlers, and to participate in the week's epic nightly sessions. She will also spend five days in Dingle taking in the local traditional music.

In support of her travels and study abroad, she and the band will be giving a send-off concert in her home town of Blandford, MA, on Saturday, June 2nd, at 7:30 pm, at the beautiful and historic White Church. Included in the evening's music will be selections from her much-anticipated, brand-new CD, "Fiddle Me This". This recording features a mix of tunes familiar to the band's longtime fans, as well as a never-before-heard arrangement of "Shakin 'O the Pocky", and represents a solid step forward in Zoë's blossoming musical career.

Come join us for a night of wonderful music, and help send Zoë on her way!

Tickets are: Advance - $10 adult /$5 children 12 and under
At Door - $12 adult/$7 children 12 and under

Advance tickets are available two ways:
- At the Blandford Public Library, or,
- By check, mailed to:
Zoe Darrow and the Fiddleheads
32 North Blandford Road
Blandford, MA 01008
(tickets will be held at door; please indicate number and type of ticket, and make checks payable to "Zoë Darrow" only.)

JERRY HOLLAND

The word is out now that beloved Cape Breton Fiddler Jerry Holland has been stricken with cancer. He is in hospital in Halifax now and hopes remain high that he will beat the "beast". Many fund raisers are planned and a website has been set up to provide information about his health and the events planned. A link to the site will be found in the link section of this page. Please keep Jerry in your hearts his music is a gift from above and with our prayers perhaps we can keep him here a bit longer!

A few years back we were unable to make it up to the Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival
(the only time in the past 20 years). Our daughter was at the festival and with the help of The Chaisson's and the miracles of telecommunication she arranged to have a phone call made to us from the stage and Jerry Holland played his rendition of Ashokan Farewell with a dedication to us. It was lovely and really made us feel like we were still there. Thank you Jerry, and God's speed to a quick recovery. WE NEED YOU!

MEMORIAL DAY

Pictured here is my nephew Joel. Joel is serving in the Army and just arrived at his base in South Korea where he will remain for about a year. To him and all of the young men and women who are in the armed forces..GOD'S BLESSINGS.. and GOD'S SPEED HOME! This world is a crazy place and I hate the fact that we have to sacrifice our young because of the political aspirations of the world leaders. It is unfair and unfortunate that we have chosen to allow this process to continue. Until things change we MUST support those who have willingly let themselves enter into harms way thinking they are protection us at home. We must honor them and we must honor and remember all of the young men and women who have died in combat in strange and foreign lands.

KGH

LOVELY DAY!

Another beautiful morning! Today I will head out early for my walk, as it is supposed to be 90 degrees by the afternoon.
Friday doesn't have the same effect now that Dan and I are "working for ourselves"..I use to count the seconds all day so I could head for the weekend. Now, we pace our days as we choose and weekends start when we decide they should. We will head over to our daughters place this afternoon to meet the school bus and see the grand children. That is always fun. I hope everyone has a lovely LONG WEEKEND. Of course all of our weekends are long NOW!

KGH

SOUTH LAKE, PEI

The photo from PEI today really makes me homesick. That is the beach we walk every day. It is so heavenly..I cannot wait till we are there! Vic if you read this our departure date for the island will be Wednesday July 18..See you soon!

Everyone else..be sure to check our MYSPACE.(link at the bottom of the page). Many of our performers have websites there and you can listen to their music you will find them listed in our friends. If you visit our site be sure to sign our map! Have a lovely Thursday!

KGH

Last in the series of talks..

On Thursday June 7, 2007 the last in a three part series of talks about the dulcimer will be offered here at The Captain Charles Leonard House. Dan will offer tips and advice in building the Appalachian and Hammered Dulcimer. With over thirty years experience in building and playing these wonderful traditional instruments he has a lot to offer. His instruments have been displayed at numerous art fairs through out the region and have received many awards. His instruments are truly works of art!

Happy Monday everyone

Today started off with a bang.. Dan was about to hang a flag on the front of the house (for Memorial Day) and a tree branch blew off and hit him right on the head.. He said a few choice words.. and then proceeded to hang the flag.
The thing is enormous and it was interesting to try and get it up with the wind blowing.. Oh well it's all part of being a "care-taker". It looks pretty good now that it's up!
This summer there will be some major renovations taking place here at the house. Starting with the painting of the exterior, new gardens, and on the inside a new kitchen and air conditioning. That is why we are heading to the island.. Have a great Monday everyone!

KGH

New feature on MYSPACE page

For all of you who visit our myspace you can add your name and location to our map. Check it out.

KGH

Rainy Friday's

Well the lovely weather has taken a hiatus..We are back to cool and rainy. But looking at yesterdays photo from PEI it seems like they are still getting a bit of "the white stuff"..This weekend will bring on several activities.. Tomorrow our son's band is performing in one of the parks in Northampton so the plan is that Dan will attend along with our granddaughter Morgan..

Chelsey, Molly and I will be heading down to Connecticut for a baby shower. My Great nephew's wife is expecting their first child in July so I will be a GREAT, GREAT AUNT.. Damn this has to stop.. I think I will designate myself GREATEST AUNT MEG..That should work right. We always have a great time as a family and when we are all together we number in the 50's..Last year at Thanksgiving we seated 45 people and some were missing.. Like I said THIS HAS TO STOP! We are running out of silver-wear..Any way have a great weekend stay dry and warm, and visit your family if you have a chance.

THE THUNGS

They love PASTA and they play really great music....this band has developed a large fan base here in Massachusetts. Our son Gabe is a member and in the picture he is the fella on the right.. They are being presented in concert at the well known dance club PEARL STREET in Northampton, Ma on June 2, 2007 with a start time of 8:30. Four bands will be providing riotous music for dancing and enjoyment. The Thungs as headliners will appear last ( 12:00 or so) so drink lots of coffee, and bring your dancing shoes ( sneakers) come on over and support a differant but enjoyable kind of music..

KGH

ZOE DARROW and The Fiddleheads..

For all you Zoe fan's she will be presenting a concert on June 2, 2007 at The White Church in Blandford, Ma. The concert starts at 7:30PM.. If you want to go you should email the Darrow's Visit Zoe's website for information. AND looking FAR into the future we have convinced Zoe to come back again to do her annual February concert here at The Captain Charles Leonard House.. BUT... she will be doing TWO concerts one on Saturday February 16 at 7:30PM and one on Sunday February 17, 2008 at 2:00PM. As you remember last year we sold out well in advance of the show so this will allow for more fans to see her. More later... BUT for a ZOE FIX..be sure to go to the June 2nd concert in Blandford!

KGH

Mothers Day..reflections..

Yesterday was Mothers Day..My daughter fixed a lovely brunch complete with Mimosas. Molly and Morgan were delightful, and the day was lovely. Looking back I can see this day from two perspectives..first as a daughter..I would get up early with my brother and sister and we would fix Mom a breakfast-in-bed tray..complete with flowers from the garden. Mom always indulged us acting surprised..but I'm sure now that she was awake and dreading the kitchen mess..Of course as we got older we would always clean up the kitchen as well. My Dad always remembered Mom with a corsage for her to wear to church. Church on Mothers Day was a part of the celebration...A walk after church to the cemetery where we would put flowers on my grandmothers grave..Back then it was about remembering and honoring all that Moms did for their families.

The Hallmark, florist and diamond industries have turned the day into a "gift giving event"..and as a society we have fallen into the trap.

Now as a MOM..and grandmother I want my children to know that I do not need any gifts, flowers or cards. A phone call is fine..I love my children with all my heart and will continue to protect them and shelter them with my life if necessary. What I do want from them is the knowledge that they are HAPPY and SAFE.
Yesterday's brunch was complete with "Happy mothers day Grammie" from little Morgan.. a lovely hand made card and a special hug from Molly, a call from Gabriel and time spent with Chelsey. What could be better than that? My wish for all mothers is a day that was as special as mine.

BASIC Kelticgrasshopper Bodhran

16" rim..tested goat skin..dampening system..

All of these drums are BODHRANS.. Nothing extra.. no tuning systems..They produce a true bodhran sound..The skins are chosen and tested by a PLAYER and all possess exceptional tones and control. These drums and meant for a PLAYER, one who appreciates the true sound of a traditional bodhran.. Tuned with the spray of a water bottle, a dab of scotch or a splash of Guinness..THANKS for looking.. Contact us and we will create a drum for you to love and play for generations to come!

KGH

Interior of KGH drum..showing dampening system

16" Rim..Mahogany and abalone inlay..AMAZING tonal quality goat skin

Our Kelticgrasshopper Drum

IGWS.. what could this be?

International Goat Whackers Society.. for those of us who play the bodhran. I LOVE this logo.. Cute HUH!! We have a few new drums ready and will post pictures later today. Enjoy the weekend..and if you own a bodhran.. go out and WHACK it!!

KGH

Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival 1982

With these warm days I can't help thinking about summer and PEI.. Lobster, mussels, J. J. and Julie, Dawn and Donnie..Music and of course THE FIDDLE FESTIVAL! We have been going every year since 1982.. It's a blast.. every year is a bit different yet always fun.. We start watching the weather and hope for GOOD DAY'S.. Not too hot, a nice breeze.. NO RAIN!! Looking forward to showing our friend Vic a bit of Island fun while he is with us for the festival this year. Can't WAIT!!!

Another beautiful day!

We are in a stretch of amazing weather here in Western, Mass. Today it is sunny and warm. The lilacs are ready to bloom, the birds are singing and the temperature is heading up into the low 80's... Not bad...We have been working away ar getting our MYSpace up and running and it's looking pretty good. Be sure to give it a look from the links at the bottom of the page.
Dan had his second dulcimer presentation last week and it was again well received. At that session he presented a "how to play" talk. The group was so anxious to actually play the instruments that, as he put it, "I lost control of my students." They had a great time and actually were able to play two tunes on the Appalachian dulcimer by the end of the night. Next session will be "how to build".. Hope he can control the crowds for that one.. Anyway have a lovely day and enjoy the sunshine!

KGH

Molly being Grampie

This is our 6 year old granddaughter being silly..She decided to dress up in Dan's clothes and walked into the living room looking like this. Birthdays have been the name of the game this month.. Both granddaughters and Gabe all within one week. To everyone else celebrating birthdays this month HAVE A HAPPY DAY!! Enjoy the lovely weather and celebrate SPRING..

KGH

Happy MAY DAY!!!

It's May and it is a beautiful morning! My thoughts are with our friends on PEI today as it is the first day of the lobster fishing season.. So we know that J. J. and Julie, and Dawn and Donnie and Melissa and Craig and many others are braving the cold Atlantic to provide us with yummy PEI lobsters. To all of those brave souls..SAFE JOURNEY AND PROSPEROUS CATCH...

Perhaps next year we will be heading up to Atlantic Canada for our retirement home on PEI. Once we are there, while we will dearly miss our children and grandchildren, our lives will be busy and very much apart of the music that we love! We are really looking forward to it..but for now the Leonard House is home and we love it!

So go for a walk today, smell the flowers, catch a few tadpoles.. enjoy MAY!!

KHG