"Gypsy jazz" play-alongs

This page provides many backup tracks to jam along with.  Fun!

http://stephanewrembel.com/lessons/

Just in time for the holidays...

... is my J Bovier flattop mandolin, which I'd like to sell.  I bought it new three years ago for 299 (excluding case).  Plays great, sounds great, excellent-plus condition, but it's not getting near enough use.  Talk to me if you are interested. 

One of you needs this instrument!

Kickstarter for Jazz book - looks interesting

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/alexheflin/the-mandolin-omnibook

Covers jazz solo transcriptions by noted jazz mandolin performers. Alex has met his minimum, but if you pledge $15, you'll get a PDF of the book, or for $30 you get a hard copy & PDF.

Sounds pretty cool!

Edinborough Park concert February 9

We are scheduled to play a concert at Edinborough Park in Edina Tuesday evening, February 9, 2016. If anyone has a conflict with the date, please let me know.

Gypsy Jazz in Wayzata 13-14 Aug 2015

My son Andy is performing this Thursday and Friday 6:30-9:30 PM with  East Side Jazz at the CoV restaurant in Wayzata  (http://www.covwayzata.com).  East Side Jazz is lead by the talented gutarist Reynold Philipsek (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reynold_Philipsek).  Reynold specializes in so-called Gypsy Jazz (following the style of Django Reinhardt, whose name may be familiar to your son).  I've heard the group play at Hell's Kitchen downtown, and they are quite good.

Sherry Ladig's Kickstarter - close to halfway there!

Sherry has composed tunes for the orchestra for approaching 10 years now.

Seems like a good deed to return the favor by supporting her kickstarter project!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sherryladig/maiden-rock-recording?ref=nav_search

Maple Grove update

I changed the opening number from Silver Ripples to Evolution Rag. Please take both with you Monday. We might use Silver Ripples during the sound check.

You may park on Main Street or on the upper level of the library ramp. We are not supposed to drive or park on the Town Green property.

The updated set list reflects these updates:
http://minnesotamandolinorchestra.org/maplegrove2015.html

Duruflé Requiem Good Friday Vespers

In case you want to hear the Duruflé Requiem this Friday, here's the information: House of Hope Presbyterian Church, 797 Summit Avenue in St. Paul, 7:30 p.m. We're using the small orchestra instrumentation (strings, trumpets, timpani, harp, and organ).

http://www.hohchurch.org/

Jack Litzau and Friends at the Terminal Bar 3/19

A good opportunity to show support for our MMO bassist!

This Thursday, 3/19, a group I play with called JazzFolk is entertaining the residents of the Terminal Bar in Minneapolis.  It’s at 409 E Hennepin Avenue about 1 block north of Surdyk’s, next to the Wells Fargo bank.  Here is the map:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/409+E+Hennepin+Ave,+Minneapolis,+MN+55414/@44.9888877,-93.2546276,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x52b32d7853318161:0x8ff34bc7a756bfe9

Everyone needs to visit the Terminal at least once, so this Thursday is a good time to do it. Besides, JazzFok will be taking a hiatus from performing for a while, so you wouldn’t want to miss this event. Here is a link to a City Pages article about the Terminal:

http://blogs.citypages.com/gimmenoise/2013/06/how_the_terminal_bar_neither_evolved_nor_died.php

JazzFolk is a fabulous singer/guitar strummer named Erin backed up by a group of primarily jazz musicians.  We play a variety of songs you will likely be familiar with.

The Terminal offers an assortment of tap beers, including something from the famed Point Brewery.  The residents frequently order pizzas, and one or two band members have been known to brave a hot dog. If you are wondering what to wear to the Terminal, here is a photo:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Terminal+Bar/@44.988852,-93.254547,3a,75y,303.81h,90t/data=!3m5!1e1!3m3!1sS0657XEDkTa-r9HSC4h3Nw!2e0!3e2!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x1edeec783863b484!6m1!1e1

Highland Traditions (Bagipe) Concert

"The evening will be guided by piping by two of the most talented bagpipers to ever grace the stages in Minnesota.

Andrew and Mike will take turns playing traditional and modern bagpipe music from the 1400's all the way to present day with Mike performing several of his own compositions.

They will also perform together and be accompanied by two of the finest drummers in North America. Owen Sehon and Peter Buxman. 

Together they will play some of the repertoire of the Macalester College Pipe Band as well as some pieces put together just for this performance.

To add to the pageantry will be champion highland dancer Alexandra Schmitz. The pipes will accompany her as she dances the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance and a few other breathtaking (literally) numbers."

Mar. 7 at the Celtic Junction. Music starts at 8pm. Advance tickets $12, $15 at the door.

I've heard them play before, and I expect nothing less than an amazing show!  Hope you see some of you there!
Information can be found at 
http://www.thecelticjunction.com/home/highland-traditions-march-7/
and
https://www.facebook.com/events/1576672865913507

György Ligeti - Mysteries of the Macabre - 2015

A fantastic piece. I'm not sure they needed the gimmick, but I suppose it wouldn't have been the same if the soprano was standing there in a stiff black gown.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmCmrZfybPQ#t=23

Baroque Guitar, Viola, Harpsichord Concert Jan 27, 8:00 PM, St Thomas University

This concert will be held at St Mary's chapel on St Paul Campus of St Thomas University, Sat., Feb 7, at 8 PM.  Dr. Chris Kachian is the head of the Guitar Studies program at St. Thomas University and is a truly world-class performer.  The concert will also include historical background provided by art historian Michelle Nordtorp-Madison.  Highly recommended!  Feel free to contact Ray Artz (ray.e.artz@gmail.com, 612-616-0788) for more info.  Here is the announcement from Chris Kachian:

The annual St. Paul Seminary concert of Baroque music is here again (see attachment). This year, we have a Baroque violist, Jerry Gaul, playing an astounding sounding 17th Century viola. Among other hits, Jerry and I will be doing the area premiere of Vivaldi's double concerto for viola and guitar written in 1722. David Jenkins will be performing an exquisite piece by Buxtehude on our newly donated harpsichord built by Kevin Fryer.

Music events January 17-19

Here is more information about the music events I mentioned Monday night.

Saturday, January 17:
3:30-6:00 Contratopia plays for a waltz session at the Tapestry Folk Dance Center
7:30-11:00 Contratopia plays for a contra dance at Tapestry
http://tapestryfolkdance.org/

Sunday, January 18:
2:00 Contratopia plays a house concert in Minneapolis.
Email me for for the host's contact information. Suggested donation is $15.

2:00 Aaron Miller plays live organ accompaniment to Charlie Chaplin's "City Lights."
House of Hope Presbyterian Church, 797 Summit Avenue, free.
http://www.hohchurch.org/

7:30-9:30 Duo Borealis plays at Dunn Brothers in Saint Paul
1569 Grand Avenue, no cover charge.
http://dunnbros.com/

Monday, January 19
7:00 Don Julin and Billy Strings play at the Dakota Jazz Club, $20.
http://www.dakotacooks.com/

Duo Borealis (Lou & Dotty) Performances in January

Baby it's cold outside. But it's warm in here! Get out of the house and enjoy some classical mandolin duos performed by Lou Chouinard and Dotty Coffey.

On Sunday, January 18th, we are performing at Dunn Brothers on Grand Avenue in St. Paul from 7:30-9:30 pm.

On Saturday, January 31st, we are performing at Trotters Bakery and Cafe 232 Cleveland Ave N in St. Paul from 6:00-8:00 PM

Hope to see you all there!