PFC is putting together a group of musicians to play in Old Poway Park for certain events with an historical theme e.g. The Rendezvous in September. Most of the tunes we play would be simple and well loved Old Time and Irish tunes – some from the Civil War era.

It will be fairly informal. Some of us might stroll casually but most often we'd set up in a spot and just start playing and singing. For some of these events we've been encouraged to wear a simple costume - not mandatory.

We have a core group of interested players, who will be getting together regularly to practice – usually down at the park if weather permits. So far we have a hammer dulcimer, ukelele, autoharp and fiddle. Here is a short list of suggested tunes to start. We'll add or delete to suit the group. It is a lot of fun - someone even gave $5 at the first practice!

Soldiers Joy
Yellow Rose of Texas
The Girl I Left Behind Me
Year of Jubilo (Kingdom Coming)
Dixie
When Johnny Comes Marching Home
Aura Lee
Battle Cry of Freedom

It's been suggested we add Ashokan Farewell because it is so popular. It was written in 1982 by Jay Ungar and later used for Ken Burn's 1991 TV series “The Civil War" and it's often requested. In most cases we can provide sources for music and lyrics – or tab.

We also play well known Irish and Old Time tunes such as Road to Lisdoonvarna, Angeline the Baker etc.
So....if you think you'd be interested in joining us and learning these tunes, or have questions or suggestions for tunes etc – let us know. We'd love to hear from you....

Barbara

Sounds like fun! I would like to join in with my uke and wash-tub bass if I can. If you rehearse on a week day then I probably can't make it.

Lance

Count me in! If it's OK, I'd like to bring my folk harp for any songs it would be appropriate with, and mandolin if the harp doesn't work out. Can you tell us what keys the songs are in so we don't start practicing in the wrong key?
I agree that Ashokan Farewell is a great song. There is another one called "Going Home" by Mary Fahl that was used in the soundtrack of the Civil War movie "Gods and Generals" that is quite lovely. Has a bit of an Irish lilt to it. My daughter and I recently performed it at a little show we did in Texas. She played the cello and I sang and played the harp, but all the time we were preparing it, I kept wishing there was a violin playing backup. If you look on YOUTUBE, there is a video of Mary Fahl singing it.
Any idea yet when the practice will be?

All those instruments would be wonderful!

Lisa - Coming Home is exquisite - I listened to a couple of versions on Youtube.

As far as keys are concerned - Soldiers Joy and Ashokan Farewell are normally played in D and The Girl I Left Behind Me is played In G - at least on the fiddle. I am not familiar with all the limitations of the various instruments so any input is appreciated. All the other tunes are up for grabs and sometimes could depend on the key a singer requests. E.g. Yellow Rose of Texas. To keep it simple, D<G<A<C>Am and Em are commonly used keys - but with this kind of music we can get into the modes. Any suggestions - especially since you both sing and teach?

Hopefully we'll all be playing and singing in the same key at the same time:)

There'll be info coming for times to get together etc. Looking forward to it!

What are the dates of this event? It sounds like fun! Please add me to your list of interested folks.
Thanks Walt

When things have settled down after the Sam Hinton Festival on June 5th, we'll set up a time to get together and decide on some tunes and costumes for the Rendezvous, which will be held in Old Poway Park over the weekend of September 11th this year.

Also, there are a number of other events in the park where we could play in costume - July 4th, and the Train Song festival in October, to mention a few.


Barbara