Greetings from the Traditional Arts Program!

In June and July of this year we are presenting a series of public programs to celebrate traditional arts in New Hampshire with a specific focus on our Traditional Arts Apprenticeship grant program. This grant category funds a master artist of a craft, music or dance tradition to teach an experienced apprentice in one-to-one sessions. These grants help preserve traditions that are a part of our living cultural heritage.

The project kicks off with an exhibit entitled “Shaping Our Heritage” that will be held at the State Library in Concord from June 8 to July 20. We hope you’ll be able to join us for the opening reception June 8 from 4:30 to 6:30 and if so, please RSVP to carey.a.johnson@dcr.nh.gov
If you are unable to join us for the opening reception, we hope that you will have the opportunity to view the exhibit June 11 to July 20, anytime between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.

We are also holding a Traditional Arts Conference tailored to the needs and interests of traditional artists on June 9, 2012 at the beautiful McLane Center on the grounds of the New Hampshire Audubon Society, 84 Silk Farm Rd, Concord, NH from 9 am to 4:30 pm. The conference promises to be a unique opportunity for traditional artists to meet, exchange ideas, and build a stronger community. We are working out the last of the arrangements for the workshops and we hope it is a memorable and enriching day for everyone. We’ve invited Barry Bergey, director of the Folk Arts Program at the National Endowment for the Arts, to open the conference. Here is a link to the portal on our website with more information on the project: http://www.nh.gov/nharts/artsandartists/exhibitgallery/tradapprenticeshipexhibit.htm

Conference registrations are coming in nicely and we are almost at capacity. As of today, we still have space for around 25 more traditional artists. If you know of a traditional crafts person, musician or dancer that could benefit from this opportunity, we invite you to pass along an invitation to register for the conference.

There is no charge to attend. However, because the Audubon Center has space limitations, we are providing lunch, and we have a fixed budget, we need to make sure everyone who plans on attending is registered. Our deadline is Friday, June 1, 2012 and “First-registered, first-accommodated!” To register for the conference, artists should contact our special project assistant Julianne Gadoury at julianne.gadoury@dcr.nh.gov or by phone: 271-0791 8:30 am to 1:30 pm.

The Kickstarter funds will cover the following costs: Studio time, mixing and mastering, graphic design, manufacturing and duplication costs, promotional materials such as posters and stickers, and producer and guest artist fees.

Annalivia is a folk-fusion string-band from the Boston area that has been in business for a few years and has recently undergone a lineup change. They are revamping their sound, bringing it back home to our American roots, while still allowing a multitude of influences to be present. Each band member brings impeccable musicianship, thorough training in his/her instrument, stellar arranging abilities, and overall stylistic versatility and innovative sensibilities. This project will be their third album to date, and will consist of original songs and tunes as well as adapted traditional material. Twin fiddles, driving guitar, flat–picking, mandolin, and strong vocals are what can be expected– with some surprise guest artists in the mix.

Read more at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1294648332/annalivia-new-sound-new-album

With the departure of Monadnock Folklore Society board member Dave Eisenstadter to Boston in order to advance his journalism career, MFS finds itself in need of writers.

If you would like to review local concerts, write about folk traditions, interview visiting personalities, or have other ideas about articles that belong on this web site, please contact info@monadnockfolk.org.