Friday, December 18, 2015

"Gypsy jazz" play-alongs

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

http://stephanewrembel.com/lessons/

Friday, November 13, 2015

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!

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

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!

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

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.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

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.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

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

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

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

Thursday, April 2, 2015

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/

Monday, March 16, 2015

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:


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:


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:



Tuesday, March 3, 2015

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