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Trustees thru 2011: Lois D

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Gartner, Brad Pryor

Trustees thru 2012: Scooter F

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NEWSLETTER

February 2010

February Evening o’ MusicSat., 2/13, 8pm • The Schaffers’

It will be a Valentine's Day Eve/Post Valentine's Day Show Lovefest at the home of theeverlovin' Mark and Robin Schaffer, 196 Mount Pleasant Ave., Rockaway, (973) 989-4429. Asusual, bring food and/or drink to share, and bring your voice and instruments. Just for fun,from 10 to 11pm we will be having an hour of "Love Songs by Candlelight." Anyone who isso moved can bring a candle of any description to add to the ambiance.

Directions: Route 80 to exit 35A (Dover and Shopping Mall). Go 1/2 mile to the Exxon and make a left ontoMt. Pleasant Ave. Ignore street signs for one mile. At one mile, the road starts downhill and there is ametal guardrail on the right. The mailbox has 196 and three reflectors. The driveway is a hairpin turn onthe right 10 feet past the 25MPH sign. Yes, there IS parking on the street even though it’s scary.

Lots o’ Special Events in the Works:The Special Concerts Committee has three – yes, three – events coming up.

Thurs., Feb. 4: Michael Manring, BassplayerAn evening with Michael Manring, Bassplayer: The winner of two gold records, Grammy andBammie award nominations, and, in the words of Jaco Pastorius “One Bad Mother.” Details page 6

Fri., March 5: Jay Ungar & Molly MasonJay Ungar and Molly Mason were vaulted into the national spotlight with the broadcast of KenBurns’ Civil War series. Jay’s hauntingly beautiful Ashokan Farewell became the signature piece ofthat series. This will be a Special Event at The Minstrel, with a special admission price of $15.00. Nofree volunteer admissions at Special Events. Details page 7.

Sun., March 7: Beppe Gambetta Workshop/ConcertBeppe Gambetta will be presenting a three-hour guitar workshop in the afternoon, and a full concertin the evening. Details page 7.

The Valentine’s Extravaganza:Partager L’amour avec Haiti

The Project’s Valentine’s Extravaganza, Fri., Feb. 2 at 8pm at the Minstrel, is one of our great annual events. This year, we will share the love with the earthquake victims by donating

the proceeds of the show to relief efforts in Haiti. Come with open hearts and open wallets!

See surprise new members showcasing their appreciable talents. Share the triumphant return of thebigger, stronger and newly-over-rehearsed Minstrels of Love Chorus under the direction of JohnLamb. Enjoy 24 Folk Project singers, pouring their hearts outs. Delight in the passion and joy ofnewly-engaged MC couple, Christine DeLeon and Mike DelVecchio. Some songs will feature ourten-piece Loving Hearts Club Boogie Band or our Valentines Love Trio led by Frank Sole. The audience stars this night also, when their loving, hysterical, sometimes frankly ludicrous Messagesfrom the Heart are read. (Ruth Wolfish, our be-gowned and beguiling Message Princess, will collectcreative love missives as she does every year.) To top it all off, the desserts are to die for. Come one,come all — and share the love with Haiti.

Contra and Square Dancing to Live Music. All dances taught. No partner necessary. Beginner’s workshop, 7:30pm;

dance at 8pm. $10, $5 with student I.D. Soft soles only.

First Presbyterian Church of East HanoverParish House • 14 Hanover Road, East Hanover, NJ 07936From I-287 northbound or southbound: Exit 39, travel East on Route 10 for approx. 3.5 miles.Exit by the Ford dealership (“To River Road/Okner Pkway”) onto Mount Pleasant Ave. Tight atthe second light onto Hanover Rd. then immediate left into the parking lot of the Parish House.From I-78: Exit 48 (Route 24 West) to Exit 2B, Route 510 East/Florham Park. Go 1.9 miles and

turn left onto Hanover Rd. Turn right into the parking lot of the Parish House just before theroad ends at Mount Pleasant Ave. Additional directions are on our website.

(973) 762-4947 or (973) 635-1048TTEERRNN OONN TTHHEE NNEETT!! ffiinndd uuss aatt ddaannccee..ffoollkkpprroojjeecctt..oorrgg

Presented by the Folk Project

Non-dancing children must be supervised at all times.

Sat., 2/6: Jeff Walker & Walker Family BandJeff Walker-guitar; Kathy Walker-fiddle; Peter Walker-accordion, Uilleann pipes; Laurel Walker-fiddle, mandolin, mandola; Mary Claire Walker-bass; Patrick Walker-penny whistle, flute, guitar;Forrest Walker-percussion...Contras

Sat., 2/20: Jeff Petrovitch & Perpetual E-MotionEd Howe-fiddle, electric violin; John Cote-guitar, mandolin, didgeridoo, percussion...Contras

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Jeff keeps a close watch on these feet of mineHis family band keeps the beat in timeJeff Walker and Walker Family BandContras so fine,I walk the line

I find it very easy to swing trueWith my partner together we pass throughCourtesy turn and I'm a fool for youContras so fine,I walk the line

Into the night we twirl with delightWith the Walkers everything’s all rightOur spirits they will fly high as a kiteContras so fine,I walk the line

You've got a way to keep me by your sideWith swings and chains I know I cannot hideAs my partner forever we will glideContras so fine,I walk the line

If you might give contra dancingA lifetime of devotionI second that emotion

Maybe you'd like to hear some music sweetNot just one night, this you can repeatMaybe you'd like to hear a master callAnd dance the night away and have yourself a ballCome on twirl

In that case you can play it smartI do believe thatDance will bring joy to your heartOh, but if you feel like dancing nowIf you got the notionI second that emotionJeff Petrovitch calling with theBand causing a comotionPerpetual e-Motion

FEBRUARY

The Minstrel is an acoustic music concert series run by the Folk Project, a non-profit folk music and arts organization. We use the facilities of theMorristown Unitarian Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ. We hold shows almost every Friday, year round, and the secondFriday of the month is usually an open stage/audition night. The music we present is “folk” music in its broadest sense. That is, in addition to traditional American and ethnic “folk” music (in its purist definition), we welcome music of contemporary, primarily acoustic songwriters, andother types of music more folkie in attitude than in content. Shows start at 8pm; dress is casual. We serve coffee, teas, and baked goods. There isno alcohol or tobacco on the premises. Admission is inexpensive; on our regular Friday concerts we ask $7.00 on your way in, and, if you feel theshow was worth it, an additional amount at your discretion on the way out, which goes to supplement what we pay the feature performer. Childrenunder 12 are free. For travel information, or information on shows call 973 335 9489 or visit our website at www.folkproject.org.

To volunteer call Sandie at (908) 501-3842 • volunteers@folkproject.org

The MinstrelAcoustic Concert Series presented by

February 2010

Thurs., Feb. 4: a Folk Project Special Concert with Michael ManringMichael Manring is arguably the world’s best solo electric bassist. He takes the instrument out of its support role, and trans-forms it into a stunning melody instrument. Come see this undisputed master of the fretless bass open up new vistas of musicyou never dreamed possible at this special Thursday night concert at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship. Tickets $20.00 atthe door, $15.00 in advance, available at the Minstrel or at www.FolkProject.org/fp_special.html

Fri., Feb. 5: Archie Fisher and David JonesMaster guitarist, singer and songwriter Archie Fisher is Scotland’s foremost troubadour. Reveredin his own country, Archie, along with his sisters Ray and Cilla took the US by storm in the 70's.Heavily influenced by his Gaelic-speaking mother, his writing sounds centuries old. He was a pio-neer of the DADGAD alternative guitar tuning, and his playing is simply gorgeous. This is his firsttour of the US in over a decade, and the Minstrel is fortunate indeed to be able to present him. Ouropener, David Jones is English, making this an all-British Isles evening. He sings a repertoire ofsea songs, Music Hall fare and traditional English song in his distinctive bass-baritone voice. His experience as a stage actorbrings these songs to life, and encourages the entire audience into song.

Fri., Feb. 12: Valentines Day ExtravaganzaThis all-Folk Project show has become an annual tradition at the Minstrel. It features our members solo and in combinationextolling in song the joys and woes of love in all its grandeur, foolishness, heartbreak, and comedy. Backing up our singers, willbe a house band comprised of the Folk Project’s best players. In what has become the highlight of the show, the “Minstrels ofLove,” a 10-member acapella group under the direction of John Lamb, will present exquisite choral arrangements of songs of love.

Fri., Feb. 19: John Forster and Anna DagmarJohn Forster obviously fell asleep one too many times as a child to the sound of his Tom Lehreralbums. This is evidenced by his twisted sense of humor, his delightfully skewed view of thehuman condition, and his prodigious skills as a pianist. His songs have a knack for taking theplausible but improbable, and leading that to its implausible but inevitable conclusion by way ofunlikely rhymes, horrible puns, and ironic satire. John is a very funny man. At fourteen, openerAnna Dagmar discovered the poetry of Joni Mitchell and the breathtaking improvisations of

Keith Jarrett and Bill Evans, who transformed the piano into a choir of tiny voices. By the end of her training at The EastmanSchool of Music, she had found a way to weave her passions and influences together into surprising songs of her own. Hersongs are literary, thoughtful, and thoroughly beautiful.

Fri., Feb. 26: Martin Swinger and Circle Round the SunMartin Swinger connects with his audience, particularly in live concert. He is an astoundingmusician with a comfortable presence, a powerful voice and creative guitar skills. His vocal skillsespecially shine in innovative scat and other improvisational singing. A Folk Project member,Martin was featured at the 2009 Folk Project Fall Festival. This will be an all-FP show, as our open-er, Circle Round the Sun, is comprised of members Jay Wilinsky and Marie Trontell. Both are great fans of the work of today’sfolk singer-songwriters. They pick the best works of the best writers and present them in close harmony.

UPCOMING: 3/5: Special Concert featuring fiddle legend Jay Ungar with Molly Mason. Tickets $15.00; 3/12: Open Stage; 3/19: RedMolly — female harmony trio; 3/26: Brilliant songwriter Craig Bickhardt; 4/9: Open Stage; 4/16: Jaerv, Scandinavian folk; 4/23: Highenergy songwriter duo Buskin & Batteau; 4/30: Folk Project songbird Christine DeLeon

Steve Holland & Root Mean SquareFeets Don’t Fail Me Now!Blue Ribbon Cloggers: Meets in Pluckemin, Tuesdays, 7pm. Call Paula Fromen (908) 735-

9133 or Heidi Rusch (908) 453-2750 for info.

Center Contra: Gender-role free contra dance in NYC. LGBT Community Center, 208 West13th St., Room 301, 7:30pm. Usually 2nd Fri. Open to all. (971) 991-0597, (347) 275-7983, or www.lcfd.org/nyc or email AmericanFolkDanceNYC@yahoo.com

Country Dance*New York: dances every Saturday, English country dance every Tuesday, atthe Church of the Village, 201 West 13th St. and 7th Ave., NYC. Soft soled shoes only.www.cdny.org, (212) 459-4080; Contras 1/2, 9, 16, 23; English Country 1/5, 12, 19, 26

Lambertville Country Dancers: Soft soled shoes only! Contra/English country. Info: (609)882-7733 or www.lambertvillecountrydancers.org

Maplewood International Dancers: creation House, 124 Dunnellen Rd., Maplewood.Mondays 7:30pm, $5. Beginners welcome, partner not necessary, refreshments served. Days(908) 273-6468, eves (973) 376-7568. http://njfolkdance.tripod.com/fd_maplewood.html

Morristown International Dancers: Wednesdays, Mountain Lakes Comm. Church, 48Briarcliff Rd, 8:30pm, 7:30pm beginners. $4 member/$5 non-member (973) 539-7020 or(973) 228-5966, http://njfolkdance.tripod.com/fd_morristown.html

North Jersey English Country Dancers: 2nd & 4th Sundays, 2–5 pm, Unitarian Society, 113Cottage Pl., Ridgewood. $8 members, $10 non. (201) 445-4497 or (201) 447-1136.www.maxellute.net/njecd.html; 1/14: No dance: 2/28: Tom Arnesse

Palisades Folk Dancers: Twice a month on Sundays, 3pm, Church of the Atonement, EngleSt. & Highland Ave., Tenafly. GinnyandHallB@cs.com.

Philly Family Folk Dances: Memorial Church of the Good Shepherd, 3820 The Oak Rd, EastFalls, PA. 2nd Sundays, 2–4:30pm (215) 844-2474

Princeton Folk Dance Group: 7:30pm, Riverside School, Riverside Drive, Princeton. Tuesdays(except school closings) www.princetonfolkdance.org (609) 924-6930

Princeton Folk Dancers: 8pm Fridays, Susan Patterson Center, Stockton St. & Monument Dr.(behind Borough Hall), Princeton, www.princetonfolkdance.org

Princeton Country Dancers: Suzanne Patterson Center, Borough Hall, Princeton, Wed. (andsome Saturdays) 8pm, beginners 7:40. Pickup band musicians welcome. Usually $6. (609)683-7956 or (609) 924-8813, email pcdinfo@aol.com. Band info only: (609) 252-0248 orsrl@mail.princeton.edu performerlisting at www.princetoncountrydancers.org. SpecialCommunity Dance, www.princetonol.com/groups/pcd/

PCD English Country Dance series: Dance 8-11, intro/basics at 7:30. $8 ($4 seniors & stu-dents). Call for info.

Scandinavian Folk Dancing: Bound Brook. Alt. Thursdays, See skandinoje.org for info.

Swingin’ Tern: Sat., 2/6: Jeff Walker, Walker Family Band; 2/20: Jeff Petrovitch ,Perpetual E-Motion

Valley Contra Dance Society: 7pm, 2nd and 4th Saturdays, UU Church of The Lehigh Valley,424 Center Street, Bethlehem, PA. $9/$5 students. www.valleycontradance.org, (610) 868-7432

More on dancing at the Country Dance and Song Society • www.cdss.org14

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Members’ Gigs & Friends

“...Horses Sing None of It!” Is a folksy non-commercial public access TV series featuring a surprising variety of guestperformers, hosted by Ralph Litwin. All types of (mainly acoustic) music, storytellers,dancers, others. Schedule available at the Folk Project web page. Seen on: CablevisionMorris area, Sundays 7:300pm ch. 21; Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN), NewYork City, Thursdays 2:30pm on Time/Warner Cable ch. 34 and on RCN Cable ch. 82; alsobroadcast via streaming video on the web at www.MNN.org (popup players 34/82 http |

mms); Comcast (formerly Patriot Media/Somerset, NJ) Fridays 3:30pm,ch. 280; Comcast Cablevision of Northwest NJ, Mondays 3:30pm ch.

21; Service Electric Cable TV Allentown, PA, Thursdays 9:30pm ch.50; Staten Island Community TV (SICTV) Saturdays 6pm, ch.

34; Fargo Access (www.cityoffargo.com/cable) on Cable OneFridays 6:30pm & Mondays 3:00pm Ch. 12 in Fargo, ND; LVTV-3,

Adelphia Cable, La Verne, CA at Fridays 6:00pm

Mike Agranoff: Sat., 2/6: 8pm, Riverfolk Concerts, Narrowsburg, NY. (845) 252-3043or www.jillskitchen.com/riverfolk; Wed.–Sun., 2/17–21: Folk Alliance Conference,Memphis, TN. Showcase in the Knoxville Room. www.Folk.org; Sat., 2/27: People’sVoice Cafe (see Venues).

Russ Kelner: Wed., 2/3: with Cream Cheese Ensemble, Somerset Jewish Federation;Sun., 2/21: NJ Intergenerational Orchestra, Winter Concert, at Madison Junior School

Odarka Stockert: w/ Slight Imperfection —Tues., 2/16: opening for Carriage HousePoetry Series, 8pm Kuran Arts Center, 75 North Martine Ave., Fanwood; Thurs., 2/25:7pm, Cafe Verde, 60 South Main St., Phillipsburg.www.myspace.com/slightimperfec-tion; every Sunday: 6pm, Cafe Monet.Reservations recommended (973)376-8555(Please confirm music for this evening when calling).

Mara Levine: Wed., 2/10: 12:30pm, singing harmony with Arlon Bennett,Wayne PublicLibrary Lunchbox Learning Series, 461 Valley Rd., Wayne, (973) 694-4272

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Someone left a guitar stand at the Heilbruns’ house after the January Evening o’ Music.Call (973) 263-5340 to claim.

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Classes in Harp and Harp Ensemble will be taught in a series of Saturday morningsat Maplewood Arts Center by Odarka Polanskyj Stockert. Call Odarka, (973) 763-6303

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Washington, DC — a great place to visit and hear some folk music: The FolkloreSociety of Greater Washington concert on Sat., March 13 features Eleanor Ellis andAndy Cohen. From Linda Goodman: “Eleanor is a henna-haired blues elder fromMississippi, and her rendition of "In My Girlish Days" sends chills down my spine eachtime I hear her perform it. Andy spent considerable time with the Rev. Gary Davis.Andy sings, performs ragtime and blues on the piano and on wonderful old guitars. Heis one of the two world's experts on the dolceola. Together the performers are puremagic.” On Sunday, Andy will teach a Piedmont Blues guitar workshop. There will alsobe opporunity to jam with the performers over the weekend.Details: www.fsgw.org.

GOOD OF THE ORDER/COMMUNITY NEWSThis is a place to share news about memorable events and challenges you have faced in the past month with your Folk Project Community.

Please send items to Eddie Roffman, eroffman@optonline.net.

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Rick and Cathy Thomas are glad to tell of their daughter Susannah’s engagement! Thewedding is planned for 2012, when Susannah hopes to finish law school. At the end ofDecember, Cathy enjoyed getting caught up in a reenactment of the Battle of Trenton, atthe Old Barracks Museum. Mark Schaffer shares news that his son, Willie, returned to college (at age 29). He’s study-ing engineering at Jersey City State College where he finished his first semester with a 4.0GPA!Eddie Roffman’s cousin Debra is in Antarctica for four months. Debra is doing research,to complete her Ph.D. in ocean and climate physics. Cousin Debra is a folkie too; they gettogether each year at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. Follow Debra’s Antarctica blog at:http://mstsea.blogspot.comMike Agranoff spent most of the holiday weekend repairing and bringing his broken com-puter back to life. Mike is proud to share that he will have a showcase performance (witha free admission) at the upcoming National Folk Alliance Conference in Memphis.Elizabeth Lachowicz’ son, Thomas, has been promoted to the rank of Private, First Class,at military school. They had a great time together during the holidays, visiting with familyin Chicago. Elizabeth requests prayers for her sister, Susie, who is slowly recovering frommeningitis and brain tumor surgery.Nancy and Russ Kelner want to thank Mark Edelman, Bob Ludwig and Rick Thomas forhelping them with their computer. Dave Kleiner is back on his feet again — and back in the classroom — after having theplates and screws that had been installed in his ankle after he broke it in Ireland two yearsago removed.- - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - -

Winter Weekend 2010Fri. – Sun., Feb. 19 – 21

A weekend-long Evening o’ Music, held at a private home — a converted barn near PineBush, New York. Mostly jamming, jabbering, eating and drinking. Sleeping space on-site islimited; day-trippers and stayers-at-nearby-hotels-and-B&Bs are welcome.Contact Liz at (973) 429-0288 or lizpagan@verizon.net to learn more an/or reserve yourfloorspace now.

Save a Tree — Sign up for E-NewslettersOur monthly newsletter is now available in electronic version. Advantages ofreceiving the E-Newsletter are: you will receive it much earlier each month; youwill be less likely to misplace it; this will save trees, energy and reduce greenhousegases; you will save the Folk Project almost one dollar per month.

Sign up at enews.folkproject.org

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All Venues That’s Fit To PrintAlbert Hall/Sounds of the NJ Pines: Country/bluegrass/folk every Saturday. 125 Wells Mills

Rd. (Route 532), Waretown. (609) 971-1593 or www.alberthall.org; Acoustic Café: Our Lady of Mercy Church, 2 Fremont Ave, Park Ridge, NJ, 8pm,

(201) 573-0718, www.cafeacoustic.org; Sat., 2/20: McMule, Alice LeonBluegrass & Old Time Music Assoc. (BOTMA): Every 3rd Sun. from Sept. thru May,

Embury United Methodist Church Hall, 49 Church St., Little Silver, NJ. 1-5pm. $4 forBOTMA members / $5 for non-members. Info : www.newjerseybluegrass.org

Borderline Folk Music House Club: New City Ambulance Corps Bldg, 200 Congers Rd.,New City, NY. 2pm, Info: (845) 354-4586, www.borderlinefolkmusic.4themax.com;Sun., 2/7: Calico Jack

Brennen Coffee House: Justice William Brennan Court House, 583 Newark Ave., Jersey City.Show starts 7pm, evening concludes w/ open mike. (800) 542-7894, www.brennancoffee-house.com; Fri., 2/19: Chrissy Roberts, Tris McCall, Efrain Calderon

Café Z: Third Saturdays: open mic, 7pm concert. $5 inc. refreshments, Zion Lutheran Church,corner of Elm and Esterbrook Aves., Rahway. (732) 388-3865; Sat., 2/20: Laible Blu

City Grind: Open Mic Night, every other Friday at 8 pm, 11 North Avenue East, Cranford.www.citygrindonline.com or JosephStriderCGCH@hotmail.com

Chantey Sing: Seamen’s Church Institute, 241 Water St., 2nd fl., NYC 8pm. www.wooden-shipsmusic.com/nychanty/nychanty.html

Coffee With Conscience: 1st United Methodist Church of Westfield, 1 E. Broad St. 8pm info908-412-9105, Concerts4Causes@aol.com; www.coffeewithconscienceorg; Sat., 2/27: David Roth, Greg Greenway, Reggie Harris

Community Theater at Mayo Center for Performing Arts: 100 South St., Morristown, NJ,for tickets/info call 973-539-8008, www.mayoarts.org, shows at 8pm

Crossroads Coffeehouse: 8pm, Crossroads Community Church, 104 Bartley Rd., Flanders.(973) 786-7940 or (908) 879-7739;

Delaware River Folksong Fellowship: Song circle the 2nd Sunday at the Friends MeetingHouse in Mount Holly, NJ, www.myspace.com/delawareriverfolksongfellowship

Dublin House: Irish Session, 1st & 3rd Sundays, 6-9pm, Dublin House, Monmouth St.,Red Bank

Dull Music: 7pm, Rutherford Congregational Church, Union and Rutherford Avenues,Rutherford. www.dullmusic.com;

Folk Friday in Maplewood: Informal 2nd Fri. sing-along with Lucky, Dusty, Rusty & TioPete. Starts 7:30pm, hosted by Lisa Novemsky. Ethical Culture Center, 516 Prospect St.,Maplewood. Call (973) 763-1905 to confirm date, for directions;

Godfrey Daniels: 7 E. 4th St., Bethlehem, PA (610) 867-2390, www.godfreydaniels.orgGood Coffeehouse: 53 Prospect Park W. at 2nd St., Park Slope, Brooklyn, doors open at 7:30,

music at 8pm, (718) 768-2972 or www.bsec.org; 2/5: David Laibman and NormanSavitt; 2/19: Harmonic Insurgence, Dayna Kurtz and Mamie Minch

The Hillside Cafe Coffee House: 45 Hillside Crescent, Nutley. Doors open at 7:30, show at8pm. (973) 616-0106 or jrlds@comcast.net, www.hillsidecafe.com; Sat., 2/20: ChristineSantelli

Hurdy Gurdy Folk Music Club: Fair Lawn Community Center, 10-10 20th St., Fair Lawn8pm. (201) 384-1325. www.hurdygurdyfolk.org; Sat., 2/6: Amy Speace, Chuck E. Costa

MoFiddles/Menzel Violins: 4260 Town Center Way, Livingston, NJ, Bluegrass & Old TimeMusic Jam 1st Thursdays 7pm, RSVP to (973) 994-1083 or mo@mofiddles.com;

Folk Project Board Meeting • January, 2010Board Meet ing: The Summary

The Project’s First Meeting of the New Decade... was called to order at 8:06 on January 5, at thehome of Ruth Wolfish. Present were Jim King, Evelyn Maurer, Lois DeRitter, Brad Pryor, ScooterFerguson and Ruth Wolfish (Trustees), as well as Elizabeth Lachowicz, Ed Roffman, Mike Agranoff,Pat Brangs, Connie Crawford, Lori Falco, Pam Robinson, Bob Safranek, Mark Schaffer and RickThomas (Other Board Members). No guests this month. Absent were Alan Kugel, Jim Gartner, AlisonMazie, Chris Riemer, Carl Croce, Margaret Crowl, Sandie Reilly, Jean Scully, Rivka Willick andBobbie Rosengarten.The minutes of the December meeting were approved, and we heard the following from the StandingCommittees:

As the new Publicity chair, Mark Schaffer is working with Joe D’Andrea to enhance the Projectwebsite. Among other things, the new design will let committee chairs maintain their own pages,while also including space for operational support.Also with Mark’s Support, Horses Sing None of It is working to put together a DVD of blues music.Ralph Litwin is selecting the tunes, and Don Riemer will be doing the video editing. The Minstrel had a good year in 2009. Attendance was up about 5% from 2008, although a rentincrease kept the profits from growing at the same rate. Mike thinks he has some great showsbooked over the next few months.Tickets are selling briskly for the Michael Manring Special Concert, and we’ve almost reachedbreak-even. On Sunday March 7th, we’re sponsoring a special day with Beppe Gambetta, with aworkshop in the afternoon, a pot-luck dinner and an evening concert, all at the MorristownUnitarian Fellowship. Prices vary, based on what parts of the day you attend.

Beyond the basic reports and such, there was some discussion of changing the structure of theboard, or at least the procedures associated with our monthly meetings. If you read this from the beginning, you’ll notice that a lot of folks were absent this month -- only 68%of the group actually showed up. As outgoing Secretary, Rick Thomas pointed out that it’s been aproblem all year, and a half dozen people missed three meetings or more. At two meetings, welacked the quorum necessary for decision-making. We do have a By-Law that says Directors can beremoved for “lack of attendance at meetings,” but it’s not specific as to how many meetings arecause for dismissal.The attendance issue led to some discussion about changing the attendance requirements, revisingthe way that reports are delivered, spreading the reports out so that not every committee reportsevery month, etc. Stay tuned for further developments.Secretary’s note…Chris Riemer would like to thank Lori Falco for filling in at the January meeting, while he fought off anasty winter cold. This report is based on her notes, but Chris is adding this small footnote, discov-ered when reopening an old meeting report template. From the meeting of January 2000: “After somediscussion, those present agreed to a renewed commitment to better attendance, following a reportof the attendance details from 1998.” The more things change…Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 10:10. Next month’s meeting will be February 2, at the homeof Rick and Cathy Thomas, in Warren.

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Mountainside Library Folk Music Cafe: www.mountainsidelibrary.org or (908) 233-0115Music at the Mission: West Milford Presbyterian Church, 1452 Union Valley Rd., West

Milford, (973) 728-3081, www.musicatthemission.org; Sat., 2/20: Jonathan Edwards,Loretta Hagen

Music on Main Street: United Methodist Church, 69 Main St., Woodbridge. All shows $20.7:30pm. www.woodbridgeartsnj.com

Outpost In The Burbs: at the Unitarian Church of Montclair, 67 Church St., Montclair (973)744-6560. Doors open 7:30pm, concert at 8pm. www.outpostintheburbs.org; Fri., 2/12:Robin Spielberg, David Goldman; Fri., 2/26: Vance Gilbert & Dala

People’s Voice Cafe: For info/locations, www.peoplesvoicecafe.org or (212) 787-3903; Sat.,2/6: Buskin and Batteau; 2/13: Rod MacDonald; 2/20: Magpie, Laura Warfield, RedFlag; 2/27: Mike Agranoff, Peter Pasco

Pinewoods Folk Music Club: 444 W. 54th St., #7, New York, NY 10019, (718) 651-1115,www.folkmusicny.org; Fri., 2/26: Michelle Choiniere, 7:30pm; West Side Arts Coalition,96 St & B’way Center Mall. (718) 672-639. Folk Open Sing; First Wed. month; 7pm;Ethical Culture Soc., 53 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn (212) 636-6341 (718) 788-7563

The Place: House Concerts, 3pm potluck, 4pm concert. RSVP to jamask8@comcast.net or(973) 992-7491 for info; Sun., 2/7: Abi Tapia

Princeton Folk Music Society: Christ Congregation Church, 50 Walnut Lane, Princeton,8pm, (609) 799-0944 $15/Members $10/$3 kids under 12. www.PrincetonFolk.org; Fri., 2/19: The Folk Brothers: David Massengill, Jack Hardy

Sacred Harp Singings: Much info at http://www.fasola.org/; 2nd Sun.: 2pm, St. Paul’s Church,199 Carroll St, Brooklyn. (718) 293-2848; 3rd Sun.: check www.manhattansing.org forvenue (except July & August): 2pm, Montclair Friends Mtg, Park & Gordonhurst. (973)509-2165; 1st Sat. (except July/August): 3pm, Living Room, 154 Ludlow St., NYC

Salem Roadhouse Café: Townley Presbyterian Cruch, 829 Salem Rd., Union. (908) 686-1028, www.townleychurch.org; Sat., 2/13: Brian Fitzpatrick and the Band of Brothers

Sanctuary Concerts: The Presbyterian Church, 240 Southern Boulevard, Chatham. Most concerts 8pm, www.sanctuaryconcerts.org;

Second Saturdays Coffee House/Open Mic: Summit Unitarian Church, 4 Waldron Ave. Signup at 7:30pm, shows at 8pm. If you are a singer/songwriter & would like to “host” one, call(908) 412-9105, Concerts4Causes@aol.com;

Skylands Native American Flute Circle meets at a home in Panther Valley. Info: AllanJohnson 908-850-5772 or ajflycasting@optonline.net

Stony Brook Friends of Old Time Music Jam: Mannion’s Pub & Restaurant, 140 West MainStreet, Somerville. Starting around 7:30pm. (609) 924-5353 or visitwww.diamondcut.com/oldtime/; 1st and 3rd Tuesdays each month

The Uptown Coffeehouse: Soc. for Ethical Culture, 4450 Fieldston Rd., Bronx, NY, 5pm,$15/$3 kids <12. www.uptowncoffeehouse.org, (718) 885-2498; Sun., 2/7: Martyn Joseph

Walkabout Clearwater Coffeehouse: United Methodist Church, 250 Bryant Ave., WhitePlains, (914) 949-2146, www.WalkaboutClearwater.org; Sat., 2/13: Garnet Rogers

Watchung Arts Center: 18 Sterling Road (on the Watchung Circle) Watchung, NJ, 8pm,(908) 412-9105; Sat., 2/6: Idgy Vaughn

Lotsa Jams listed at http://home.comcast.net/~epollak/jam.htm

New Open Mike at Arts off Main: every third Thursday, The Lab, 128 Willow GroveSt., Hackettstown. Info: thelab_openmic@yahoo.com; www.artsoffmain.com;908.684.4728. Thurs., 2/18

Join the Folk Project Cut out this handy dandy membership form and mail it, with your

membership fee, to Rick Thomas, 12 Upper Warren Way, Warren, NJ 07059.Info? (908) 647-7517 or membership@folkproject.org or

Choose at least one: ___ New ___ Renew ___ Doo be doo

Name _________________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Home Tel. _________________________________ Work Tel. ________________________________

E mail 1: __________________________________ E mail 2: _________________________________

Do you play or sing music:

[ ] For fun [ ] Occasionally perform in public [ ] Professionally or semi-professionally

______ Basic Individual membership @ $20/year $ _____________(You’ll receive this personal monthly newsletter.)

______ Supporting membership @ $25/year $ _____________(Personal monthly newsletter PLUS our eternal gratitude)

______ Family membership* $ _____________(Additional family members @ $3 each per year)

______ Multiple Year Membership $ _____________number of banjo-tossing years _____ X type of membership. You do the math.

DONATION to Folk Project(Tax deductible! We are also eligible for Corporate Matching Donations and banjos.) $ _____________

Total amount enclosed: $ _____________

NEW! Please I’d like to receive a print newsletter check one: I’d like to save trees and receive an Enewsletter

Make your check payable to: The Folk Project*Family membership is one basic or supporting membership plus $3 for each additional familymember/banjo. Please list the names of additional family members:

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Ahoy Folkies!Steve Gillette, Cindy Mangsen, and Jack Williams will be cruising again next sum-mer! Their last big venture was a journey to Alaska back in 2004. They'll be sailingon the Holland America ship Maasdam, leaving Boston on July 3 and arriving inMontreal on July 10. Stops along the way are St. John, Halifax, Sydney,Charlottetown and Quebec City. The three will give two concerts on board ship, sole-ly for the tour group. We'll also have a couple of receptions, and plenty of time forsome relaxed song sessions, maybe even a workshop if there's interest. In order toattend the concerts and other events, you must register for the cruise throughTraveling Troubadour, rather than directly with Holland America. Visit or call (800)584-6724 or (540) 887-8491.

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Funding for this event has been made possible in part by funds from the Arts Council of the Morris Area through theNew Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State a Partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

“A master of the fretless bass without rival” – Guitar Club Magazine

Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010 8:00pmMorristown Unitarian Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Rd., Morristown, NJ

“Manring is creating musical history” – L.A. Jazz Scene

Michael Manring is a bass player and composer known for his innovative approach to the instrument and

his adventurous solo concerts. A former house bassist for Windham Hill Records, he has played on more

than 200 recordings, and put out five solo albums: Unusual Weather, Toward the Center of Night, Drastic

Measures, Thonk, and the newly released Soliloquy. His two newest projects are soon to be released — a

duet CD with French guitar player Cyril Achard, and a DVD of a live session at Le Triton Club in Paris, France.

He has garnered two gold records, Grammy and Bammie nominations, a Berklee School of Music

Distinguished Alumni Award, two Just Plain Folks Awards, and numerous Bass Player Magazine’s Reader’s

Poll awards, including 1994 Bassist of the Year. Manring was also the subject of a PBS TV documentary,

The Artist’s Profile: Michael Manring.

“Michael Manring is one bad mother******” – Jaco Pastorius

MICHAEL MANRING BASSPLAYER

presents Music is my earliest memory.All but one of my grandparents were musicians,

all but one of my siblings are too.Nearly everyone discouraged me from pursuing solo bass,

but I never let go of the passion I felt for it.Rarely am I ever bored.

I feel lucky to have realized so many of my dreams.Nowadays I never seem to have enough time to practice.

Growing and learning are my continual goals.

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NY Pinewoods Winter Folk Music WeekendFeb. 5–7 • Warwick Conference Center, Warwick, NY

An informal weekend getaway with lots of music making, jamming, singing, pls out-doors activities surrounded by beautiful scenery. The Center has a central gatheringroom with a fireplace and several smaller areas suitable for informal music making— we hear tell there’s even more music going on than at a Folk Project Festival. Visitwww.folkmusicny.org/weekends or call (718) 672-6399

Trout Fishing in America Coming to Spring Festival

The renowned folk rock duo Trout Fishing in America will be featured performers atthe Spring Folk Project Festival,14–16, 2010.

Trout Fishers Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet have been nominated four times forGrammies. They have earned widespread critical praise from USA Today, Billboard,and The Los Angeles Times, which described them as, “some of the most lyricallycreative, musically sophisticated, vocally muscular music-makers in the family musicbusiness.”

The Spring Festival roster also features duo Siobhan Quinn and Michael Bowers andsoloist Nathan Rogers. Our dance band will be the Dead Sea Squirrels, who will alsoperform a concert set on Friday night. Bob Isaacs will be the caller. Folk Project per-formers will be Andy Koenig, Jim West and Betsy Rose and the Chicago Fire. TroutFishing will be joining us just for Saturday, leading a two-hour workshop and doinga one-hour set at the Saturday night concert.

The Spring Festival will also welcome a return of the skit, written and directed byGeorge Otto.

It promises to be a rollicking good time, so mark your calendars and save the date.The festival will be held at Star Lake Camp in Bloomingdale. Further details are avail-able oat http://festival.folkproject.org. And if you have any questions, please contactme at festival@folkproject.org.

Look for more details and a registration form in next month’s newsletter. Hope to seeyou there!

Lori Falco, Festival Chair

Drew U Festival of Irish Music and DanceFri., Feb. 26, 8pm • Dorothy Young Center for the Arts Concert Hall

Drew University, Madison

Featuring Mick Moloney (vocals, guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo; BillyMcComiskey (button accordion); Jerry O’Sullivan (uilleann pipes,flute, whistles, Scottish smallpipes); Dana Lyn (fiddle); BrendanDolan (piano); Niall O’Leary (Irish stepdancing); Earle Hitchner(emcee)

Tickets: $20. Call 973-408-3257, ( $2 service fee per ticket); Drew U students, staffand faculty: $2; Info: www.drew.edu/grad.aspx; dlomauro@drew.edu

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Tickets and Information: The Minstrel every Friday night;concerts@folkproject.org; (908) 591-6491

Coming in March: Two Very Special Events

F P C a l e n d a r : F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 01/Mon. EVERY Monday: Maplewood International Dancers, 7:30pm. New location: Recreation

House, 124 Dunnellen Road. (973) 376-7568 EVERY 1st & 3rd Tuesday: Stony Brook Friends of Old Time Music Jam, 7:30pm,

Mannion’s Somerville. www.diamondcut.com/oldtime/.2/Tues. EVERY Tuesday: Northwest NJ Acoustic Jam, 7pm, Westside United Methodist Church,

Hopatcong. (973) 770-0179 EVERY Saturday: CD*NY: Contra dances, 8pm. NYC. www.cdny.org FP Board meeting: 8pm, Rick and Cathy Thomas’, 12 Upper Warren Way, Warren

3/Wed. Russ Kelner w/ Cream Cheese Ensemble, Somerset Jewish Federation4/Wed. Dave Sherman and the Funraisers (Pat Hickey and Andy Koenig), 7pm, The Cambridge

Inn, Spotswood. A set of the music of the Grateful Dead.EVERY Wednesday, Straight Morning Drive, featuring Straight Drive 15 minutes after the

7:30am station break. 6–9am, WDVR-FM and www.wdvrfm.orgEVERY Wed.: Morristown Int’l Dancers, 7:30pm, Mountain Lakes. (973) 539-7020EVERY Wednesday: Princeton Country Dancers, 8pm, Suzanne Patterson center,

Princeton. (609) 799-2073, http://www.princetoncountrydancers.org/EVERY Wednesday: “Down Jersey” with Jim Albertson, 7:30pm, WSNJ am1240, am1440

and www.wsnjam.com; http://members.aol.com/downjerseyjim/4/Thurs. Folk Project Special Concert: Michael Manring

Alternate Thursdays: Scandinavian couple dancing, 7:30 pm, Bound Brook. See skandinoje.org for dates/info.

5/Fri. Minstrel: Archie Fisher, David Jones6/Sat. Swingin’ Tern: Jeff Walker, Walker Family Band

People’s Voice Cafe: Buskin and Batteau, 8pm, NYC. (212) 787-3903Hurdy Gurdy: Amy Speace, Chuck E. Costa, 8pm, Paramus. (201) 836-5500Watchung Arts Center: Idgy Vaughn, 8pm, Watchung. (908) 412-9105

7/Sun. Borderline: Calico Jack, 8pm, New City, NY. Reservations: solz1@optonline.net or (845) 354-4586

South Street Seaport Sea Music Concert: Robbie Wedeen and friends from A JoyfulNoise and Triple Play, 3pm, NYC

The Place House Concerts: Abi Tapia, 3pm, Livingston. Rsvp jamask8@comcast.net or(973) 992-7491

EVERY Sun.: Music You Can’t Hear On The Radio, 7pm, WPRB 103.3FM; www.wprb.comEVERY Sun.: 6pm, Odarka Stockert, Celtic harp, Cafe Monet, Millburn, (973) 376-8555EVERY first & third Sunday: Open Irish session, 6pm, Dublin House, Red Bank.Uptown Coffeehouse: Martyn Joseph, 5pm, the Bronx. www.uptowncoffeehouse.org

10/Wed. EVERY 1st Wednesday: Folk Open Sing; 7pm, Ethical Culture Society, 53 Prospect ParkWest, Brooklyn. (212) 636-6341 or (718) 788-7563

Arlon Bennett with Mara Levine, 12:30pm, Wayne PUblic Library, Wayne. (973) 694-4272 11/Thurs. NJ Songwriters Circle, 7pm, Dave Kleiner’s. (973) 429-0288, daveythek@aol.com12/Fri. Minstrel: Valentine’s Day Extravaganza — Sharing the Love with Haiti Benefit

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Outpost in the Burbs: Robin Spielberg, David Goldman, 8pm, Montclair. www.out-postintheburbs.org

13/Sat. Evening o’ Music: Schaffers’, 196 Mount Pleasant Ave., Rockaway. (973) 989-4429People’s Voice Cafe: Rod MacDonald, 8pm, NYC. (212) 787-3903Salem Roadhouse Café: Brian Fitzpatrick and the Band of Brothers, Union.

(908) 686-102814/Sun. Sacred Harp Singing, 2pm, Brooklyn. (718) 793-2848

North Jersey English Country Dancers— No Dance15/Mon. Newsletter deadline. Send stuff to newsletter@folkproject.org16/Tues. Odarka Stockert/Slight Imperfection, 8pm, opening for Carriage House Poetry Series,

Fanwood.18/Thurs. Arts Off Main Open Mike, 8pm, The Lab, Hackettstown. (908) 684-427819/Fri. Minstrel: John Forster, Anna Dagmar

Princeton FMS: The Folk Brothers: David Massengill, Jack Hardy, 8:15pm, Princeton.(609) 799-0944

Brennan Coffeehouse: Chrissy Roberts, Tris McCall, Efrain Calderon, 8pm, Jersey City.www.brennancoffeehouse.com

20/Sat. Swingin’ Tern: Jeff Peterovitch, Perpetual E-MotionPeople’s Voice Cafe: Magpie, Laura Warfield, Red Flag, 8pm, NYC. (212) 787-3903Café Z: Laible Blu, Open Mike, 7pm, Rahway. (732) 388-3865

Acoustic Cafe: McMule, Alice Leon, 8pm, Park Ridge. www.cafeacoustic.org, (201) 573-0718

Hillside Cafe: Christine Santelli , 4pm, Nutley. (973) 667-7055Music at the Mission: Jonathan Edwards, Loretta Hagen, 8pm, West Milford. www.musi-

catthemission.org21/Sun. Russ Kelner w/ NJ Intergenerational Orchestra, Winter Concert, Madison Junior School

Sacred Harp Singing, 1pm, NYC. Check www.manhattansing.org for venue.25/Thurs. Odarka Stockert/Slight Imperfection: 8pm, Cafe Verde, Phillipsburg.

www.myspace.com/slightimperfection or (908) 454-747726/Fri. Minstrel: Martin Swinger, Circle Round the Sun

Drew U Festival of Irish Music and Dance, 8pm, Madison. (973) 408-3257,www.drew.edu/grad.aspx

Outpost in the Burbs: Vance Gilbert & Dala, 8pm, Montclair. www.outpostintheburbs.orgPinewoods Concert: Michelle Choiniere, 7:30pm, NYC. www.folkmusicny.org or

(718) 672-639927/Sat. People’s Voice Cafe: Mike Agranoff, Peter Pasco, 8pm, NYC. (212) 787-3903

Coffee with Conscience: David Roth, Greg Greenway, Reggie Harris , 8pm, Westfield.www.coffeewithconscience.org

28/Sun. Sacred Harp Sing, 2pm, Montclair Friends Meeting. (973) 779-8290 North Jersey English Country Dancers, Tom Arnesse calling, 2pm, Ridgewood.

(201) 447-1136. www.maxellute.net/njecd.html9