Calling All People

square-dance-outlines

On Saturday, October 26th, 2013, from 2-8p, Belinda & Robbie will host a jam, square dance & potluck at their cabin near Mt Baldy Village, nestled among the pines at 5000 ft in the Angeles National Forest (about 1hr NE of LA). Our address isn’t in Google, so be sure to print out a physical copy of this map if you decide to come, as we live off a dirt driveway and cell reception is virtually nonexistent. This event is held outside, so decent weather is a prerequisite (feel free to email or call before coming if conditions warrant it; these contacts are listed in the above flier).

Here’s a short movie highlighting our June shindig, to give you an idea of what to expect regarding the dancing part:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-8P4UOSxkw]

Parking

As shown on the map linked to above, our house has 2 dirt driveways. Once you turn off of Mt Baldy Road onto one of these, you can park anywhere you like without a parking permit. The main thing we ask is that you do not block others’ ability to enter and exit … pull off to the side, park head-long when possible, etc. If folks are creative, there should be ample parking. If you’d like some help parking, feel free to temporarily park in the turnout on Mt Baldy Road right above our house (the 1st 180-degree switchback); you can then walk down to our cabin and talk to us or get a lay of the land before heading in.

Itinerary

The jam runs from 2-4p. Bring your instruments, beverages or snacks, and a folding chair if you have one. This is an informal, mostly old-time jam that aims to be accessible, friendly, and fun (for more info, the format described here comes close to our aims). At the same time, we’ve played with African drummers, harmonicists, pianists, cellists, and the like … experimentation is encouraged! Besides, there’s plenty of space for multiple jams and this forest thrives on more than just old-time (i.e. swing, bluegrass, honky-tonk, cowboy tunes, and bluegrass come to mind :-)).

New this time: Play during the 2nd half of the square dance with your own pick-up band. If you you gel with folks during the jam, you’ll have a chance to play for the dancers!

The first square dance set runs from 4-5p. We dance outside, amidst the pines and a nearby creek, to live Applachian string band music. The square dance caller teaches each dance beforehand, so beginners and experts alike can participate. Jeremy Korr will be calling this time, a treat not to be missed.

From 5-6p we break for a potluck dinner. We’ll provide condiments and paperware, you bring various entrees, snacks, desserts, and drinks.

The second dance set runs from 6-8p, with opportunities for pick-up bands to play during the 2nd hour.

Who **ME** square dance?!?

In the past, I’ve heard that some folks don’t come because they’re pretty sure they’re not up for dancing. First of all: being a spectator is fine — the band, caller, and the dancers love an audience! Second, square dancing is not difficult — there’s typically 10 or so straight forward moves (like “swing your partner” or “do-si-do”) that occur in various sequences — all directed by the caller throughout. Beginners are welcome and encouraged at anytime during the dance set, provided you start at the beginning, when a particular dance is being taught, and that you stay through the end of the dance, as each square needs 8 dancers to function. Efforts to have knowledgable dancers in each square are also made — folks who are enthusiastic enough about dancing that they’re delighted to help  less experienced in the square as needed throughout the dance.

We love kids and families

We encourage families with kids to come. There’s a sandbox and shallow creek nearby and we’ve got our own 4 year old, so there’ll be plenty to keep your youngin’s busy. (Besides the more parents who show up, the more that can tag-team kid watching, enbabling other parents to dance.) Children of age 6 or so can even participate and family dances can be offered if there’s enough interest.

kids welcome1 jamming w kids

Cost

We want everyone to be able to participate. At the same time, its nice to be able to compensate the band and caller for their efforts and travel expenses. For this reason, we suggest a $0 to $10 donation. There will be a hat to collect these donations on the premises. For those so inclined, Modal Tease String Band CDs will also be on sale.

Coming prepared

Our cabin is at 5000 feet, in the mountains. Please bring a sun hat, bug dope, comfortable shoes, water, and layers. There’s access to great hiking right from our front door, and there’s plenty of free parking available on our property.

The Main Point Afterall

In such a frenetic world, this event is near and dear to our hearts. The goal is to nurture a community of music lovers, dancers, musicians, friends, kids, and neighbors, taking us beyond our hectic, digital lives into the present, physical moment for awhile. Please come and help make this day extra special!

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Mt Baldy Jam, Square Dance & Potluck

Calling All People

square-dance-outlines

On Saturday, June 1st, 2013, from 2-7p, Belinda & Robbie will host a jam, square dance & potluck at their cabin near Mt Baldy Village, nestled among the pines at 5000 ft in the Angeles National Forest (about 1hr NE of LA). Our address isn’t in Google, so be sure to print out a physical copy of this map if you decide to come, as we live off a dirt driveway and cell reception is virtually nonexistant. This event is held outside, so decent weather is a prerequisite (feel free to email or call before coming if conditions warrant it; these contacts are listed in the above flier).

dancing

Parking

As shown on the map linked to above, our house has 2 dirt driveways. Once you turn off of Mt Baldy Road onto one of these, you can park anywhere you like without a parking permit. The main thing we ask is that you do not block others’ ability to enter and exit … pull off to the side, park head-long when possible, etc. If folks are creative, there should be ample parking. If you’d like some help parking, feel free to temporarily park in the turnout on Mt Baldy Road right above our house (the 1st 180-degree switchback); you can then walk down to our cabin and talk to us or get a lay of the land before heading in.

Itinerary

The jam runs from 2-4p. Bring your instruments, beverages or snacks, and a folding chair if you have one. This is an informal, mostly old-time jam that aims to be accessible, friendly, and fun (for more info, the format described here comes close to our aims). At the same time, we’ve played with African drummers, harmonicists, pianists, cellists, and the like … experimentation is encouraged! Besides, there’s plenty of space for multiple jams and this forest thrives on more than just old-time (i.e. swing, bluegrass, honky-tonk, cowboy tunes, and bluegrass come to mind :-)).

jamming

The first square dance set runs from 4-5p. We dance outside, amidst the pines and a nearby creek, to live Applachian string band music. The square dance caller teaches each dance beforehand, so beginners and experts alike can participate. Susan Michaels will be calling this time, a treat not to be missed.

dancing on pad1

live music

From 5-6p we break for a potluck dinner. We’ll provide condiments and paperware, you bring various entrees, snacks, desserts, and drinks.

dancing on pad

The second dance set runs from 6-7p, with opportunities to jam amidst the trees following afterward.

Who **ME** square dance?!?

In the past, I’ve heard that some folks don’t come because they’re pretty sure they’re not up for dancing. First of all: being a spectator is fine — the band, caller, and the dancers love an audience! Second, square dancing is not difficult — there’s typically 10 or so straight forward moves (like “swing your partner” or “do-si-do”) that occur in various sequences — all directed by the caller throughout. Beginners are welcome and encouraged at anytime during the dance set, provided you start at the beginning, when a particular dance is being taught, and that you stay through the end of the dance, as each square needs 8 dancers to function. Efforts to have knowledgable dancers in each square are also made — folks who are enthusiastic enough about dancing that they’re delighted to help  less experienced in the square as needed throughout the dance.

We love kids and families

We encourage families with kids to come. There’s a sandbox and shallow creek nearby and we’ve got our own 4 year old, so there’ll be plenty to keep your youngin’s busy. (Besides the more parents who show up, the more that can tag-team kid watching, enbabling other parents to dance.) Children of age 6 or so can even participate and family dances can be offered if there’s enough interest.

kids welcome1 jamming w kids

Cost

We want everyone to be able to participate. At the same time, its nice to be able to compensate the band and caller for their efforts and travel expenses. For this reason, we suggest a $0 to $10 donation. There will be a hat to collect these donations on the premises. For those so inclined, Modal Tease String Band CDs will also be on sale.

Coming prepared

Our cabin is at 5000 feet, in the mountains. Please bring a sun hat, bug dope, comfortable shoes, water, and layers. There’s access to great hiking right from our front door, and there’s plenty of free parking available on our property.

The Main Point Afterall

In such a frenetic world, this event is near and dear to our hearts. The goal is to nurture a community of music lovers, dancers, musicians, friends, kids, and neighbors, taking us beyond our hectic, digital lives into the present, physical moment for awhile. Please come and help make this day extra special!

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May Update for Modal Tease String Band

Greetings Fiddling and Modal Tease Fans!

Was great seeing so many of you last month and hope you’re getting ready for a fantastical summer. This month is action packed, being So Cal’s premier month for old time and other fiddling genres too. Want to make sure you’re aware of the 7th Ever Los Angeles Old Time Social and the Topanga Banjo and Fiddle Contest. Whether you make music or prefer to listen, these events are fantastic and we cannot recommend them too highly.

Come join us in May at the following events:

  • Sun May 6, 1-5p, join James Flaherty on banjo and Belinda on fiddle at the U.S. Military Living History Event at the Monrovia Historical Museum (742 E Lemon Ave, Monrovia)
  •  Fri May 11, 5-7p, bring your instrument and come play with us at our old time jam at the Fretted Frog Acoustic Guitar Shop (1200 N Alarado St, Echo Park)
  • Sun May 13, 10a-1p, join Modal Tease at the Atwater Farmer’s Market (Wells Fargo Parking Lot, 3250 Glendale Blvd, LA, 90039)
  • Fri May 18, 8p, Modal Tease opens the Los Angeles Old Time Social concert (The Velaslavasay Panorama, 1122 West 24th St, LA, 90007)
  • Sun May 20, 1p-2p, Modal Tease plays tunes for a Square Dance in the Dance Barn at The Topanga Banjo and Fiddle Contest (Paramount Ranch, 2903 Cornell Road Agoura Hills, 91301)

Also a heads up about June 2nd from 1:30-4:30p: its the 3rd Annual Mt Baldy Square Dance at Belinda’s cabin. Come join us at 5000 feet for clean air, beautiful woods, a bubbling stream, great music, and your lively dancing. Be there or be square. Potluck and music jam to follow into the wee hours.

All the best,

–fiddling mama B

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April Update for Modal Tease String Band

Greetings Fiddling and Modal Tease Fans!

Hope this post finds you and yours dancing around to fine tunes and enjoying the snow that’s finally taken up residence in Mt Baldy. What great views!

No fooling — tomorrow, April 1st, 10a-1p — we’ll be at the Atwater Farmer’s market, making up for the gig we canceled last weekend because of rain. Come out; we’d love to see you.

Other opportunities to see us this month:

  • Fri April 6, 5-7pm, we host the old time jam at the Fretted Frog in Echo Park (we usually host this on the 2nd Fri but this month’s special :-).
  • Fri, April 13, 8-10:30p, we play the Motley Coffeehouse at Scripps College in Claremont. Student string band “Sweet Nothins” opens for us. Its a free show and a great venue so don’t miss it.
  • Sun April 15 and April 29, 10a-1p, we play Atwater Village Farmer’s Market

For directions and more info visit our online calendar

NEWS FLASH! We’ve settled on the date for our 3rd Annual Mt Baldy Square Dance: Sat June 2nd in the afternoon, with a potluck and music jam to follow. Beginners and kids welcome. Please save the date so you can be a part of this tradition.

And finally, here’s a picture from the Atwater Market:

All the best,

–fiddling mama B

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March Update for Modal Tease String Band

Hello Friends and Modal Tease Fans,

Hope this email finds you and yours warm and healthy and enjoying this crazy summer weather (we keep wondering if there’ll be skiing in Baldy this year).

In February we had an excellent time performing at the Coffee Gallery Backstage. Thanks to all of you who came out to see us. Playing for you made the evening magical and we were delighted so many showed up.  Here’s some videos from that performance .

We usually perform at the Atwater Farmer’s Market twice a month (2nd and 4th Sundays). But today we didn’t make it out because TONIGHT we’re spending some time in downtown Claremont. Join us at the Claremont Folk Center (220 North Yale Avenue Claremont), where we perform as the featured guest (around 7:15p) for their open mic (6:30-9p). After, walk over to The Press (129 Harvard Ave., Claremont) where we host an open mic from 9p to midnight. In the first hour, we’ll perform some more mountain tunes and then open it up to the floor. Come join us!

Other gigs and jams this month:

  • Fri March 9, 5-7pm, we host the Fretted Frog Old Time Jam (note time change!)
  • Sun, March 11, 10a-1p, Atwater Village Farmer’s Market
  • Sat, March 24, around 6:30p, Atwater Elementary Fundraiser
  • Sun March 25, 10a-1p, Atwater Village Farmer’s Market

Here’s a picture from our Contra Dance in South Pasadena with Ginger calling on January 20th.  It was a great crowd and we’ll be back in July so come dance with us then.

South Pasadena Contra Dance

Our website’s got new pictures and videos so please come visit and share with your friends!

Hugs,

Fiddling Mama B and Modal Tease

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February Update for Modal Tease String Band

Hello Friends and Modal Tease Fans,

2012’s off to a great start and we’re hoping you can come enjoy some
music with us in February!

We’re really excited about our show on Sat, Feb 4, 7-9p at the Coffee
Gallery Backstage in Alta Dena. This will be our official CD release
party and we’re double-headlining with Cliff Wagner’s blue grass band:
The Old #7. Come on out, bring our friends, and help us pack the place
so we can demonstrate Music From Appalachia and Beyond thrives in L.A.
Reserve your seat as described in this poster and help us get the word out.

Other gigs and jams this month:

  • Sun Feb 12, 10-1p, Atwater Village Farmer’s Market
  • Fri Feb 17, 8-10:30p, Fretted Frog Old Time Jam in Echo Park (Note:
    this month is an exception, being the 3rd rather than 2nd Fri)
  • Sun Feb 26, near 8p, Modal Tease is the featured guest at The
    Claremont Folk Center Open Mic
  • Sun Feb 26, 9-midnight, Modal Tease hosts the Open Mic at The Press
    Restaurant in Claremont

Note our website’s updated to include an improved Music and CD page,
where more snippets can now be heard and extended liner notes are
available for download.

Thanks for your interest in our music and lots of old time love,

–Fiddling Mama B and the Modal Tease String Band

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January Update Addendum

Hello Friends and Modal Tease Fans,

Just a quick update to this month’s newsletter:

Our Coffee Gallery Gig that was canceled due to Dec windstorms has been rescheduled for Sat Feb 4, 7-9p. Its a double-bill with Cliff Wagner and the Old Number 7 as described here. Seating is limited so reservations strongly recommended (call 626-798-6236 between 10a and 10p). Reserving does not require paying up front; rather it saves you a seat and you pay at the door ($20).

And don’t forget about the contra dance on Friday, 1/20, in South Pasadena. For more info check out our Google Calendar.

Newsflash! We’ve updated our website. Check out our new CD and Music page.

There you’ll find more clips from our CD, ordering info, liner notes, etc. And you can now leave us a comment or “like” the page. You can also become a Facebook fan. Help us get the word out and thanks for all that you do.

Hugs,

The Modal Tease String Band and Fiddling Mama B

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January Update for Modal Tease String Band

Hello Friends and Modal Tease Fans,

Wishing you the best New Year ever!

Begin 2012 on the right foot by tapping along with Modal Tease:

– This Sunday (**tomorrow**) at the Atwater Village Farmers market,
10a-1p (3250 Glendale Blvd, LA).

– Friday, 1/13, join us at the 2nd Friday old time jam at the Fretted
Frog, 8-10:30p (1200 N Alvarado St, Echo Park). Some of us will be at
the Portland Old Time Gathering, so Jack Phillips and Lawrence Ullman
will hold down the fort on fiddle and banjo. Don’t let the place be
empty in our absence — come be a part of the vibe and create
synchronous old-time jamming in LA and Portland!

– Friday, 1/20, come contra dance while we provide the tunes, 7-11p
(435 Fair Oaks, South Pasadena). Light supper at 7p, dance instruction
at 7:30. Dance begins at 8p. Beginners welcome.

Finally, more information on our recently released CD is available at
our website: http://www.modaltease.com.

Lots of Love,

–Fiddling Mama B and the Modal Tease String Band

p.s. We’re in the process of rescheduling our show with Cliff Wagner &
the Old Number 7 at the Coffee Gallery backstage in Alta Dena. Looks
like it will take place on Feb 4th so pencil that spot on your
calendar. We’ll send out more information once its confirmed.

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Modal Tease gig tonight at Coffee Gallery CANCELED

We just learned that the Coffee Gallery has been without power for 3 days due to the wind storm and therefore has to cancel tonight’s show.  If you were planning on joining us there tonight, we plan to rebook our appearance there at some future date, so please stay tuned.

Until then, keep the air filled with old time music!

Jim

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December Update for the Modal Tease String Band

Hello Friends and Modal Tease fans,

Happy Holidays to you and thanks for sharing your attention with us.
What a wonderful year of music from Appalachia and Beyond its been.

I’d like to remind you that on Sat Dec 3, 7-9p we’ll have a fabulous
show (double headlining with Cliff Wagner & Old Number 7) at the
Coffee Gallery Backstage in Alta Dena
(http://www.coffeegallery.com/home.html). We’re counting on YOU to be
there to help make this celebration and CD release party all its meant
to be. So scuttle those Bah Humbugs out of their holes and come down
to show Los Angeles we know how to “pack the joint.” Reservations can
be made at (626) 798-6236.

We’re also hosting our monthly jam at the Fretted Frog in Echo Park on
the 2nd Friday of December, 12/9, from 8-10:30p (1200 N. Alvarado St
LA). Bring your instrument and make some merry music with us!

Merry Christmas and Happy Egg-noggin’,

–Fiddling Mama B and the Modal Tease String Band

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