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Nulla consequat massa quis enim. Donec pede justo, fringilla vel, aliquet nec, vulputate eget, arcu. In enim justo, rhoncus ut, imperdiet a, venenatis vitae, justo. Nullam dictum felis eu pede mollis pretium. Integer.

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Donec quam felis, ultricies nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quis, sem.

  1. Nulla consequat massa quis enim.
  2. Donec pede justo, fringilla vel, aliquet nec, vulputate eget, arcu.
  3. In enim justo, rhoncus ut, imperdiet a, venenatis vitae, justo.

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The Rose Garden Crew

The Rose Garden Coffeehouse, unbelievable! A music series lasting 25 years and of all things, featuring folk music! It is jaw dropping for sure but under the guidance of “Mac” McLanahan that’s exactly what the Rose Garden Coffeehouse has accomplished.

The music coffeehouse is a New England tradition and we are so lucky to have so many in the area. There is even an association established to help coffeehouses, well, help themselves.  Check them out: The Boston Area Coffeehouse Association.However, there is something special about the Rose Garden.Sure the music is fabulous but what is truly noteworthy about the Rose Garden is that they’ve endured for a quarter of a century. Mac will tell you that it’s all due to the volunteers who give so much year after year to make it all happen. From the sound engineers, to the folks who bake the goods, to the ticket takers, to the folks who set up the chairs and then take them down again, every one has a part to play.That’s what community is all about, isn’t it?The Rose Garden kicks off it’s 25th season Saturday September 21st, in Mansfield, MA. They’re putting on a free outdoor concert on the South Common at 4:30 p.m.  It’s part of the Mansfield Music & Arts Society’s Arts Festival.Folk veterans Atwater Donnelly  will perform.

As you’re enjoying the music, say thanks to the volunteers who have been putting on shows for decades and say happy birthday to Mac.

Tell him he looks good for 25.

For information on The Rose Garden Coffeehouse and how you can help out click here

Here is a sample of what you’ll hear at the Rose Garden. It’s The Kennedys “Blackbird into 8 Mile High”

vinyl records

Vinyl just sounds better, right? It sounds “warm” and even though the digital recordings are “clean” vinyl just “feels” more comfortable. Well now vinyl is officially making a comeback. Check out this recent New York Times article stating that vinyl sales are on track to reach about 5.5 million.

David Bakula, Nielsen SoundScan’s senior vice president of client development and insights, said:

“We never expected the vinyl resurgence to become as crazy as it is,” he said. “But it’s come full circle. We get kids calling us up and telling us why they listen to vinyl, and when we ask them why they don’t listen to CDs, they say, ‘CDs? My dad listens to CDs — why would I do that?’

Nice vinyl Collection

Nice Vinyl Collection

I’m rediscovering my record collection. It’s like connecting with old friends and remembering where we were when we first met. Now the collection in the photo is a bit extreme, but somehow I can relate. Read about the “Vinyl Hoarder” here.

Here are some of the world’s greatest record stores. How many have you visited?

Of course you have to take great care of records. We all remember when our favorite recording got scratched or worse “warped”.

John Hartford has a great song about this.

Some folks have created a business out of unused phonograph records.  Here is my favorite.  Eye Glasses!

Vinyl Eye Glasses

It’s called Vinylize.

Well, now my kids may understand what I mean when I say “You sound like a broken record.”

 

For the Love of the Music

Folk film directors, festival organizers and artists are using crowd sourcing these days.  They fund projects like films, festivals, cd recordings and just to name a few. Creative people are raising millions of dollars through sites like Kickstarter, indigogo, PledgeMusic and others.  Where else can you find out about the passions of people all over the world?

Here are a few that have come across the radar screen lately. Take a look!

 

Film

 

Joan Baez at Folk Club 47

Joan Baez at The Club 47

For The Love of the Music: The Club 47 Folk Revival

This is a documentary exploring the rich history of Club 47, the iconic Cambridge, Massachusetts folk music mecca from 1958-1968. Narrated by Peter Coyote, it explores the influence the Club had on a unique group of folk musicians, from the evolution of the 60s folk revival to the singer-songwriter era. Featured are interviews with Joan Baez, Taj Mahal, Judy Collins, Tom Rush, Maria Muldaur, Geoff Muldaur, Jim Kweskin, Jackie Washington, Jim Rooney, Peter Rowan and many more.

More info here.

Festivals

Working Waterfront Festival

The Working Waterfront Festival

Come to New Bedford, America’s largest commercial fishing port, to learn about the men and women who harvest the North Atlantic. Walk the decks of a scalloper, dine on fresh seafood, see fishermen’s contests, and watch a cooking demonstrations. Experience the workings of the industry which brings seafood from the ocean to your plate. Lot’s of folk art too.

More info here.

Artists

Michaela Anne and Marian Evans just completed successful campaigns for new music projects.. Last Dance Productions is happy to support all of these folk projects. Find a project that you can be passionate about and lend your support. You’ll be glad you did.