frailin - Posted - 02/25/2016:  16:53:49

Volume 4 is IN THE CAN!  ETA - April '16 

Now taking orders at: oldtimeperformers.com

This fourth Volume of "Conversations with Old-time Performers" was my personal opportunity to meet with a final few of my Old-time friends: Jody & Kate, Jay & Molly, Cathy, Bruce and Rafe. And I met some new friends along the way: Clarke, Evie, Jane and Clelia… all outstanding Performers with rich experiences and colorful stories!  One personal indulgence; I asked a remarkable Performer/folklorist – Dr. Alan Jabbour who dedicated his career to preserving this music and culture – a few music history questions. A delightful, educational conversation ensued. Don’t miss this Extra (more below)! 

This particular group really demonstrates the “can-do” attitude and heart of the Performers. Among them: Grammy winners, non-profit business owners and teachers and producers dedicated to helping others. Previous Performers have impressed me with their passion for the music. This group impresses me with their passion for life. Their rewards? Fulfillment. Peace. Joy. Here are their stories for you to see and feel as they were told first-hand to me. 

Here's the volume's lineup:

Cathy Fink 

I often get asked "which Old-time Performer is your favorite?" That's really not a fair question. However, if someone asked "who have you found most intriguing?" I would be able to answer "Cathy Fink." First, Cathy is exceptionally skilled at assimilating information and skills of any variety. What makes her intriguing is how, throughout her life, she has been able to build upon these learnings and effectively apply them to new and different needs. That makes her not only resourceful, but capable of doing just about anything she wants to. What's MOST rare about this most practical (yet creative!) skill set, is the level of perfection she achieves at whatever she does, be it playing, song writing, producing or helping others in need. Yes. Cathy Fink is most intriguing! 

Jay Ungar 

This is Jay Ungar's story. But this interview is really Part 1 of a beautiful, musical, real-life love story. Husband and wife, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason are gifted performers and composers. Between the two of them, much beautiful music has been made. But the partnership is so much more. Their outreach (camps) though the Ashokan Center communicates their compassionate personal values of community, stewardship and joy... the best of humanity.

Molly Mason 

This is Molly Mason's story. But this interview is really Part 2 of a beautiful, musical, real-life love story. A small town girl from the Northwest, Molly picked up a gig with Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion house band (the Powerdermilk Biscuits) just traveling through Minneapolis!  Later she moved out east to join Jay's band, Fiddle Fever and the rest is history.  But Jay and Molly's partnership is so much more. These two really are the best of humanity.  Love these people! 

Clarke Buehling 

Meet the Old-time world's most active purveyor of 1840 -1890 tunes, songs and more. Performer, teacher and gourd banjo builder Clarke Buehling is indeed in a class by himself. Here's a glimpse into his world of romantic times and sounds.

Jane Rothfield

She plays, she writes, she teaches, dances and sings. On top of all that, she's got the indefatigable energy of the Energizer Bunny! Meet Jane Rothfield. As an emissary for Old-time music, she's sure to start you off on an enthusiastic right foot!

Rafe Stefanini

Rafe is a true, master of all old-time instruments. From humble roots in Italy, he knew early on he was destined for old-time greatness in North America. His story is one of deep-rooted, passionate conviction and plain-old good fortune. He tells it all with a grateful smile. 

Clelia Stefanini

Meet Clelia Stefanini. She'is bright, engaging, funny, classy... and very, very talented. Given her family of origin, her love of old-time/southern music and dance comes naturally. And having already won the fiddle championship at Clifftop, it will be most exciting to see where she takes it next.

Evie Ladin

Evie Ladin is a force! Not the blow-you-over variety, but consistent, focused, poised and positive. Dancing is a part of her soul and music, simply a natural extension. It all fits! And then there's her song writing. Great things have happened here. And more great things are coming!

Jody Stecher

Months before our conversation, Jody kept telling me "I am the music... the music is me!" I confess, I didn't really understand what he was saying. Then, I SAW and FELT it happen in person. You will too watching his amazing performance. Jody is of the most interesting, productive, amazing musicians in this series.

Kate Brislin

A talented musician, Kate is an amazing performer. Her rhythm, harmonies and powerful voice give depth and texture to any number she and Jody perform. I might add, their arrangements deliver goosebumps, tears and laugher as well. Meet the other half of Jody Stecher and Kate Brislin. Now you'll understand the magic that IS their music.

Bruce Molsky

Humble, talented, real... that's what I came away feeling after this interview. Meet fiddle-master, folklorist and teacher, Bruce Molsky.

EXTRA #1 - Dr. Alan Jabbour

Dr. Alan Jabbour is a noted folklorist and virtuoso fiddler - a national treasure in the world of old-time music!  I spoke with Alan about the history and mystery of old-time music. Where did it come from? How old is it? And why are we so drawn to its magic? HIs stories and answers are both enlightening and inspiring.

EXTRA #2 - Old-time Performer Tintypes, Cabinet Cards, Postcards and More

In the filming of "Conversations with Old-time Performers" I assembled a small collection of timeless pictures of musicians from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. You can see them throughout the interviews included in the series. But they're so captivating, I decided to assemble a reel dedicated to just them. And here it is.  Enjoy!

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For those of you that have followed along, thank you for being a part of this incredible journey! I hope you too find yourself blessed and inspired from meeting these amazing people.

And for those interested in picking up the series.  All are on sale here:  oldtimeperformers.com

PolicyBlues - Posted - 02/25/2016:  22:01:05

Ordered!

frailin - Posted - 03/29/2016:  16:58:22

I didn't finish them in time for today's BHO newsletter (thanks, Eric!), but I've prepared "shorts/excerpts" of each Old-time Performer's "conversation."  Eventually, they'll be linked off the BHO Old-time Performer's DVD page.

But you can browse them now at: vimeo.com/frailinflix/videos

Wonderful folks!  

Edited by - frailin on 03/29/2016 17:00:26

frailin - Posted - 03/30/2016:  11:54:01

Ok.  I'm going to brag on some of the fine folks that play Old-time music today.  

Just out of curiosity, have you EVER met a FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR?  Only 800 American scholars A YEAR are selected for "the Cross-cultural Holy Grail that is the Fulbright Scholarship!"  So, these are REALLY GIFTED FOLKS, also recognized as compassionate thought-leaders.  They are to become tomorrows best and brightest teachers.  

And did you know that there are at least THREE (3) Old-time Performers that are Fulbright Scholars?  Wow!  I didn't either until I finished Volume 4 (with Evie Ladin).  So, direct from our amazing Old-time community, here are (excerpts of) what the best of humanity can look and sound like.  :)

Click on pic! 

It's SOOO COOOOL they all play banjo!  Ok, I'll post more excerpts in a few days OR you can go watch some more now at:  https://vimeo.com/frailinflix/videos

raharris - Posted - 03/31/2016:  07:03:56

Not for nothing, but I'm MARRIED to a Fulbright scholar!

frailin - Posted - 03/31/2016:  07:52:31

FREE SHOWING* (for a limited time)!!

PAUL BROWN's "Conversation" 

As life paths go, I've been blessed to meet and spend time with incredibly interesting, creative people.  Artists in general are considered "different" as many don't fit the "norms" of society.  Thank God for that!  Culture and society would not be NEAR as rich, diverse and beautiful if it wasn't for these "uncommon, innovative thinkers."  As a group, the Old-time Performers are one of THE most interesting consortiums of folks I've EVER met.  And I'm humbled beyond words that I was able to spend time with them to capture their incredible stories.  

In attempting to put "compelling statements/excerpts" from our Conversations into 2-3 minute video clips I find I'm stymied (again and again!) at how impossible a task this really is BECAUSE the Performers are so multi-faceted!  For every chosen selection, I find I'm missing at least 2-3 character features/life experiences that are equally as compelling! So... 

As it relates to "who they really are", I'm forced to admit, the SHORTS that I've posted are ONLY THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG!!  These people are fascinating!! 

To prove that point, I'm going to post Paul Brown's Conversation for a few days.  As you'll see, Paul is an extraordinary human being!  Between his astonishing intellect, his insatiable curiosity, his musicality, his attentive nurturing (his mother's influence), timing, tragedy/fate and more... Paul's life-path is what inspires movies.  His story is also representative of the Old-time Performers in general.  As a very grateful Molly Mason says "what a lucky life!"  Paul is one of MANY that personifies that.  

If you're intrigued by what you see here, there are 46+ equally entertaining and inspiring stories in this series.  

Oh, one more blessing: These folks really are a part of our enchanting Old-time community.  Lucky us!    

____________

* Please note, this video is ONLY available for viewing through Banjo Hangout.  It cannot be reposted anywhere (this includes Facebook).  

chip arnold - Posted - 03/31/2016:  09:56:59

Nice one, Craig. 

cmox - Posted - 03/31/2016:  15:30:22

Just ordered volume 4 of the Performers. I'm very excited about Evie Ladin's interview.

frailin - Posted - 04/11/2016:  07:01:23

No Depression!  

The Old-time Performer series got some nice digital ink at No Depression this morning.  Thanks, Ernie Hill!

Click on pic

frailin - Posted - 04/18/2016:  15:12:03

Volume 4!  Now Shipping!  

Yessir!  I'm happy to report Volume 4 is now finished!  

Features some wonderful conversations with Cathy Fink, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, Evie Ladin, Jane Rothfield, Rafe Stefanini, Clelia Stefanini, Clarke Buehling, Jody Stecher and Kate Brislin, Bruce Molsky and an extra discussion with Alan Jabbour.  

If you're interested in buying Volume 4, listening to a specific Performer's conversation or purchasing the entire series, Eric has made it all possible here!  And for every purchase, a portion goes back to Banjo Hangout, our favorite online forum.  :)

Wonderful folks, here!  Like the Banjo Builders, these stories are relevant for artists of all ages and mediums.  How blessed we are to have them in our amazing old-time community!  

BanjarTater - Posted - 05/01/2016:  07:49:28

Craig, another fine DVD! Finished up volume 4 last night. Such a treat for those of us who are off the beaten track for these fine musicians. The segment with Bruce Molsky resonated deeply. Thanks for the passion for the music and the players.

You have found quite the hobby in "retirement." I applaud and look forward to your next project. Those are voices to be heard and appreciated as well. Good luck in finding a repository for that material...

Matt

frailin - Posted - 07/14/2016:  06:37:14

For those attending Clifftop this year, I'll have copies of the Old-time Performer and Banjo Builder series with me.  Might be a few extra souvenirs, too.  

frailin - Posted - 09/16/2016:  18:09:06

Just a heads up... Volume 5 of OT Performers is in the works.  There'll be more Banjo Builders too.  

Winged Words - Posted - 09/18/2016:  11:13:23

Dammit Craig, more expense!
(Great news, keep 'em coming!)