Seattle Concertina Gathering
July 26, 2008
(Click on photo to enlarge)
Our 2008 gathering went well. We started about 2 PM and we had about 18 concertina people show up before dark, plus I noted a few fiddles over the course of the afternoon too. People came and left on their own schedule, so some had gone before others arrived and the photo above didn't capture everyone that attended. It was a very pleasant day weather-wise, must have been in the middle 70's for temperature and we had groups congregated both indoors and out in the back.
I was especially impressed with the caliber of musicians present, and at various times we were entertained by singing as well as concertinas playing Welsh, Irish, Old Time and even something described as "Cake Walk" music. It seemed at any moment someone was playing something somewhere. A nice mix of concertinas made appearances; I saw a Tedrow Zephyr, a Morse, multiple Edgleys, a Wakker, a Crabb, a Jeffries, Wheatstones, Dippers and likely I missed some too since I spent almost all my time with the group out in the back and missed much of went on inside. I spotted a button accordion at one point, but didn't get inside to hear it.
Kevin, our host, played several tunes on his Duet and it was amazing to hear the rich organ-like tones coming out of it. His wife Laura provided a generous supply of tasty snacks and insightful fiddle accompaniment when she had time. Knowing something of his special talents, I inquired and purchased a set of "bones" from Jeff and I think a few attendees obtained Seattle tune books from Kevin, but to be clear this was no-fee and no-promotion event. Jeff provided instructions and demonstrations along with the "bones," but I don't think I'll ever be up to his level of performance; a set of bones in both hands, each doing something different and his foot tapping providing the base rhythm on top of it all.
The conversation covered all things concertina including makers, tunes, classes, workshops, favorite sessions and more. People made new friends and renewed old friendships. I believe a good time was had by all and when I departed near 10 PM a few others were still present and the music was still playing.