Granite Skyes
Volume 16 No. 10, June 2004

June Gathering
Sunday, June 27, 2004
1-5 pm, Annicchiaricco Theater
Concord, NH

NOTES FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR
- by Sylvia Miskoe

This is the last session for this membership year.  We are SRSNH so for the
tunes we will have two strathspey, two reels, and a pipe march.  All are
composed by contemporary dance musicians.  Jim Johnstone is an accordion player
from the Edinburgh area.  As a young man he played second accordion with Jimmy
Shand and Bobby McLeod.  In later years he had his own band which included a
trumpet!  I have picked two nice Strathspey, Stewart & Kathleen Walker and Mrs
Rae Wallace.  Jim names his tunes after friends and interesting people as well
as places he has been.  Sadly, he suffered a stroke at the beginning of the
year and is in a nursing home in his home town of Tranent, which is near
Edinburgh.

Angus Cameron is from Kirriemuir (which is north of Dundee), continuing a long
tradition of Cameron fiddling.  He has directed the Angus Strathspey and Reel
Society, was the inspiration behind the Kerriemuir Festival, and composed many
fine tunes.  The two reels, which go nicely together, are Bill Cormack of Blair
and


Mrs Jean Cameron.  Bill Cormack was the pianist in Angus' band and Jean Cameron
is his mother.  She was an enthusiastic Scottish Country dancer.  Angus died a
few years ago and is buried at Kirrimuir.

Sir Jimmy Shand needs no introduction.  We have other tunes of his in our
collection.  I first learned The Dundee City Police Pipe Band as part of a
Scottish country dance set.  And it's been a favorite ever since.  Let's hope
we can play it with pipes some time.

These three men have created a huge legacy of music for both fiddle and accordion.

Last March was Members' Tunes month.  Elly Abelson and Mike Hebb have sent me
corrected copies of their respective tunes.  They are included in this mailing.

Have a great summer, play, experiment, try new things.  We'll see you at the picnic 
August  29th.

UPCOMING SRSNH ACTIVITIES 

SANBORNTON FARMERS' MARKET 

We've been asked to play  on opening day, Friday, June 25th. 

We'll play intermittently from 3 to 6 PM, then have a potluck supper at Calef
Farm.  If you're interested, call Brian Mokler at 286-8211 or e-mail
mokler3 at aol.com.

HILLSBORO VILLAGE

The SRSNH has been asked to perform for the residents of the Village House
Nursing Home.  We are scheduled to perform on Sunday, July 18 at 2:00 p.m.
Anyone interested in performing should contact Sylvia at (603) 225-6546 or
Smiskoe at aol.com.

ANNUAL PICNIC

The SRSNH Annual Picnic will be held on Sunday, August 29, 2004 at Sylvia's
home, 102 Little Pond Road, Concord, New Hampshire.  Festivies begin at 2:30
p.m. ending around 7:00 p.m.  Please plan on attending.  This is a lot of fun.
There will be a potluck dinner and a grill available.  Please bring your
instrument.  See you all there!

NEW HAMPSHIRE HIGHLAND GAMES

The SRSNH has again been asked to perform at the Highland Games, which will be
held at the Hopkinton, New Hampshire Fairgrounds September 24 thorugh the 26th.
Times for performing have not yet been scheduled.  Mark you calendar.  If you
have not yet signed up, please contact Sylvia

FUN, USEFUL and INTERESTING WEBSITES

A new website will be up and running, if not by the time you receive this
newsletter then shortly thereafter, at www.scottishfiddle.org There will be
many useful and fun links which will bring you to the Folk Art Center, Boston
Harbor Fiddle School, the Fiddle Village at the NH Highland Games, and
information on how you can attach your own link to this site, for a miminal
charge.  The sitel welcome links to performers, orgqanizations and stores, etc.

Another website you may like to visit is www.boxandfiddle.com.  This site is all
about Scotland's strathspey and reel societies.

OTHER UPCOMING SUMMER FESTIVALS AND ACTIVITIES

FOURTH ANNUAL JULY 4TH FIDDLE CONTEST!

There will be a Fiddler's Contest again this year at the New Boston, annual 4th
of July celebration on Thursday, July 4 at the Hillsboro 4H Fairgrounds in New
Boston, NH. A total of $650 in prizes will go to winners in three categories:
under 11, under 18, and open.  The contest begins at 2:00 pm. Contestants are
encouraged to register in advance, but registration will remain open until 1:30
before the contenst begins. Come enjoy all the events of this historic annual
small town celebration from the 10:00 AM parade to the evening fireworks.

To register, arrange piano or guitar back-up, or for more information, contact
Frank Woodward (603) 487-2480; email: nhdancecaller at aol.com attn: Fiddle
Contest

SIXTH ANNUAL CCC (CELTIC CAMPING CEILIDH) August 6, 7 & 8 in rural Mason, NH 

A weekend of jamming, singing and frivolity. "Hiland" Games, Saturday night
Stone Soup Feast. $12/person for the weekend includes Saturday's
Feast. Reservations are REQUIRED. For more information contact Sandy Lafleur:
(603) 673-8497 or e-mail - strumma at aol.com

BACK MUSIC

Back music will be available for purchase by members at June's session.  The
cost of purchasing the music is still not known at this time, but will be sold
to members at cost.  Music will be available in two volumes, Years 1 -6, and
Years 7 - 12.  Music for Years 13 - 16 will be available, but not bound.  If
you would like copies of back music and have not already signed up, please
e-mail me, Cindy Blaine, at (603) 429-3995 or cmbfiddler at yahoo.com

SUMMER WORKSHOPS

The Boston Harbor Scottish Fiddle School 

There is still some limited space available at the Boston Harbor Scottish
Fiddle School for those of you would like to attend but have not yet signed
up. The session is from August 7 through the 14.  It is a residential week,
with tuition, room and board provided.  If you are interested in attended,
please contact the Folk Arts Center, 781-662-7475, fac at facone.org. The
website is www.mcowen.net/fiddleschool


The Gaelic College

The Gaelic College will produce its first annual Summer School Session in
Vermont beginning August 23 through August 28 at The Coach Barn at Shelburne
Farms, which is located seven miles south of Burlington on the shores of Lake
Champlain.  For more information, visit their website at www.gaeliccollege.edu
or call 902-295-3411.

THANK YOU TO OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS

A BIG THANK YOU to our outgoing President Sandy Lafleur; Vice President Bob
Reed and Members-at-Large Bruce Cobb and Frank Woodward.  Your dedication and
contribution to the SRSNH has been invaluable.  The SRSNH is fortunate to have
such members.  I would like to say "sit back , relax and enjoy the music;"
however, Bob and Sandy have taken on yet another responsibility... Hmmm, what
could it be?

SRSNH MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS

If your membership expires this month, please don't forget to mail in your
membership application, which is enclosed with this newsletter.  This will
ensure that you will receive you monthly newsletter and music.

 BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPDATE
-by Cindy Blaine, Secretary

A meeting of the Board of Directors was held on May 25, 2004.  Kip Ferguson has
agreed to MC the Gala and Sandy Lafleur and Bob Reed will co-produce.  The next
Board of Director's meeting is scheduled on July 13, 2004 at 7:30 p.m.  It is
unclear at this time where the meeting will be held.  The meeting is open to
all members, if you would like to attend, please contact me at
cmbfiddler at yahoo.com

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SRSNH 

The annual meeting of the SRSNH was held on May 30, 2004 at 3:30 p.m.   The following 
officers were elected:

Marianne Taylor - President
Don Young - Vice President
Len Buzwell - Member-at-Large

Thank you Marianne, Don and Len for volunteering your time and efforts to the SRSNH.

YOU? Yes, YOU!
 
Want to become more involved in the SRSNH?  The Board of Directors needs two
interested people to serve as Members-At-Large.  These are both one-year
positions that are appointed by the Board.  Members-At-Large serve as member
advocates and work with the other Board members to insure the smooth operation
of the Society.
 
Time commitment consists of meetings, generally held once a month.  If you are
interested, please contact any one of the current Board members!

GOOD BYE and THANK YOU to Howard Slosek, a long-time SRNH member, who is moving
to North Carolina.  We will miss hearing you play the various instruments,
which you have made.  We hope you drop in and jam with us whenever you are in
New Hampshire!

And...another special thank you to Alice Backer, who led last month's session
in Sylvia's absence.  It was a lot of fun.  We hope you visit us again real
soon.

One last thank you....

I would like to thank you all for your help in preparing this Year's
Newsletter.  Special thanks to Denise and Jim Robinson for helping me with the
mailing and Sylvia Miskoe, Sandy Lafleur, Evelyn Roberts, Barbara McOwen, and
Ellen Bassett for your contributions and guidance in preparing the monthly
newsletter.

Sandy Lafleur has graciously agreed to prepare the next issue of Granite Skyes,
which will go out in September, in my absence.  I will return to my duties in
October.  If you have an article which you would like published in the next
issue, please contact Sandy at strumma at aol.com If anyone has suggestions for
future newsletters, please let me know.

Have a Great Summer! 

 - Cindy Blaine

SRSNH OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, COMMITTEES, & VOLUNTEERS
Music Director:  Sylvia Miskoe
Board of Directors: 
Marianne Taylor, President
Don Young, Vice President 
Ed Los, Treasurer 
Cindy Blaine, Secretary 
Len Buzwell, Member at Large 
Scholarship Committee: Gary Hume, Chair; Susan Willoughby & Elly Abelson
Memberships, Email Newsletters: Barbara McOwen 
Webmaster: Terry Traub
Mailings; Denise and Jim Robinson
Back Music: Cindy Blaine 
Newsletter Editor: Cindy Blaine 
Photographer: Evelyn Roberts
T-shirts: Bruce Cobb 
Refreshments: Calvin Gardner 

SRSNH EVENTS

Gatherings on Sunday afternoons, 1-5 pm, Annicchiarico Music Theater, Thompson
& S. Main Sts, Concord, N.H. All ages, all instruments, all levels welcome;
free, with potluck refreshments.  Next gathering Sunday, June 27, 2004.

Sanborton Farmer's Market - June 25, 2004 3:00 - 6:00

Hillsborough Village - July 18, 2004  2:00 

Annual Picnic - August 29, 2004 2:30 - 7:00 

NH Highland Games September 24 - 25 

CALENDAR

6/17/04  - The Fruiting Bodies at 12 noon on the green in Woodstock.  Part of the 
Woodstock Summer Brown Bag Series.  Contact 457-2620.

6/17/04
CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band at 7pm on the green in Norwood, New
York.  Part of the 2004 Norwood Village Green Concert Series.  Contact Joseph
Liotta 315-353-2437, liotta at northnet.org, or http://www.northnet.org/vilgrnconcerts.

6/18/04

The Fruiting Bodies at 9pm at the Skunk Hollow Tavern in Hartland Four Corners.
Contact 436-2139.

Spencer Lewis with the Thrufters at 3pm at the Quechee Ballon Festival.

6/19/04

Ethan Allen Days starting at 3pm on Route 7A in Sunderland.  Contact
http://www.ethanallendays.com.

Summer Solstice Festival from 5pm to dark behind the Marion Cross School in Norwich.  
Produced by Revels North.  Contact 603-298-8913.

Contra Dance with Rachel Nevitt (caller) and Rodney Miller and Bruce Rosen
(musicians) at 8pm at the Capitol City Grange in Montpelier.  Presented by the
Contra Dance Umbrella.  1st, 3rd and 5th Saturdays.  Contact Todd or Cindy
744-6163.

6/20/04

Ethan Allen Days starting at 1pm on Route 7A in Sunderland.  Contact
http://www.ethanallendays.com.

Le Vent Du Nord at 7pm on the green in Norwood, New York.  Part of the 2004
Norwood Village Green Concert Series.  Contact Joseph Liotta 315-353-2437,
liotta at northnet.org, or http://www.northnet.org/vilgrnconcerts.

SESSIONS, JAMS, DANCES

2nd Sundays - English dancing, 6:30-9:30 pm., Presidential Oaks,  Pleasant Street, 
Concord, N.H. $6, or $5 for ECDSNH members. Judith Ackerson 603-934-2543, or 
jnoska at cyberportal.net; http://people.star.net/blw/dance/english.html  
3rd Sundays - Gaelic Club, 3-7 pm., Canadian American Club, Watertown,Mass. Peggy 
Morrison, 978-858-3792.
Mondays - Contra dance, 8 - 10:30, callers & musicians welcome to take a turn.  Nelson, 
N.H. Town Hall, $3 827-3732.
Tuesdays - Irish/Celtic Sessions at The Barley House Restaurant and Tavern, 132 North 
Main Street, Concord, N.H. 7:00 to 10:00 pm.  603-229-0083.
Wednesdays -Canadian Jam Session: We play a mixture of French and English Canadian fiddle
tunes as well as some New England tunes and tunes of other origins.
$2 donation requested to cover the rent. Every Wednesday from 7:30 - 10:30 at the Durham,
NH Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (corner of Madbury Rd. and Woodman Ave.). For more 
information call 603-664-2513 or or peter.yarensky at unh.edu.
1st Wednesdays - Jam session, 7 pm, Foodee's, in the Milford Oval, Milford, N.H. Sandy 
Lafleur 603-673-8497.
Wed or Thurs - Scottish Country Dance, 7-9 pm., Chandler Library, Nashua, N.H. Loren 
Wright 603-891-2331.
1st Thursdays  - of every month Country Dance: Dover, NH City Hall - Upcoming dates July 
1, August 5.
with Peter Yarensky & Sarah Mason calling and teaching, music by the Lamprey River Band. 
Guest musicians and callers welcome. 8:00  10:40, $6. 603-664-2513.
2nd and 4th Thursdays - Beginner jam, 7-9pm, Fiddler's Loft (see Monday's info), free.
Fridays - Seacoast Scottish Country Dance class, Greenland Parish Hall on Rte 151, 
Greenland, N.H., 7:30-9:30 pm,  through end of June, Laurie Stevens 603-773-9795.
1st Fridays: Contra dance, Windham, N.H. Town Hall, 1/2 mi. W of exit 3,I-93; Neil Harvey
603-890-8907.
2nd Fridays: Contra dance, Kittery, Me. Grange Hall (now called the Left Banke), 8 pm - 
various bands. $6.
3rd Fridays - Square and Contra Dances. Roaring Jelly, Lexington, Mass. Susan Elberger, 
Caller, and Debby Knight, 
Music Director. To dance or join band, call 781-944-3544, 
www.toc.lcs.mit.edu/~slonim/rjelly.html.
4th Fridays - Contra dance, 8-11 pm, Town Hall, Milford, N.H. Open band. Frank Woodward  
603-487-2480
1st Saturdays - Contra dance 8-11pm, Town Hall Petrborough, N.H.  For more information: 
(phone): (603) 525-3883, (603) 525-4432; Email: fiddleheads at adelphia.net
Saturday afternoon - play fiddle with John Campbell at his home in Maynard, Mass. For 
specifics, John 978-897-7031.
Saturday Afternoons, Arlington Comm. Traditional Music Sessions,  All sessions are on 
Saturday afternoons from 3:00 to 6:30 pm at the Fox Library, corner of Mass Ave and 
Cleveland St in East Arlington, Ma. Admission is $1 per person.  Call 781-643-3603 for 
further information and upcoming dates.
2nd Saturdays,  Contra dance, 8-11 pm, Town Hall, Gilmanton, N.H., $5 per person, $10 
family
2nd Saturdays - Contra dance, 8-11, Francestown, N.H. Town Hall.  Frank Woodward.  For 
more information, call  603-487-2480 or NHdancecaller at aol.com 
3rd Saturdays - Contra dance, 8 pm, East Concord Community Center, $5
4th Saturdays - Contra dance, Kingston, NH, 8:30 pm - various bands. $7, 603-750-7506.

A REMINDER: Deadline for  September articles is September 1, 2004.  No calendar dates 
before September 16 will be included.

Granite Skyes is published monthly (10 issues) between September and June by
the Strathspey & Reel Society of New Hampshire. Subscription $8/yr ($18
overseas). Individual domestic memberships cost $20/yr; please inquire about
other rates. Edited by Cindy Blaine. All items welcome, depending on space
available; e-mail by the 1st of the month for inclusion in the mid-month
mailing to cmbfiddler at yahoo.com in text only format. Email subscription is
free; send request to bmcowen at world.std.com.  The SRSNH Web Page is maintained
by Terry Traub, http://www.srsnh.org