Planning for the future. It's an exercise many like undertake at the beginning newly minted years. Last year was a bit of a down year. My music playing didn't measure up to the plans I had made last January. This year is one I hope that ends with better results.
Despite the minimal playing, my logged time has still outpaced last year's results. So there is good with the bad. While I want to play more often this year than I did in 2022, what I really want to achieve is getting back into situations where I can play with others more often.
Getting Back to Jams
One way to play with others is to attend regular jam sessions. The ones I used to attend went away with COVID-19. There are two monthly jams I am aware of that are a bit of a drive. But playing with good people is well worth a long drive. In the coming weeks, I'd like to attend one or both sessions.
I wish I felt confident enough to start my own jam. That's a longterm goal.
Festivals to Attend
Local festivals are my favorite venues for playing tunes. Last year saw the return of all my favorite events. I only managed to attend two of them. I'm hoping for better this year.
Lake Erie Folk Festival — Feb. 11
First up is the Lake Erie Folk Festival at the Shore Cultural Center in Euclid, Ohio. The seventh annual event reverts back to its usual February timing. The festival features daytime concerts, workshops and community jams, as well as an evening showcase concert. I'm usually there for the daytime stuff. There's dedicated time for old-time music, but there's usually impromptu sessions in the hallways of the former school.
Music in the Valley — July 8-9
There's a long gap until the next local festival. The Music in the Valley & Wine Festival is always the second weekend in July at Hale Farm & Village in Bath, Ohio. This two-day event is the closest to where I live. I missed it last year. I'm hoping to return this year.
Raccoon County Music Festival — August TBD
No dates have been announced yet for the Raccoon County Music Festival, usually held in August at the Century Village Museum in Burton, Ohio. This has long been my favorite local festival. I had a scheduling conflict last year. I'm hoping to get back there in 2023.
Music Along the River — August TBD
Last year was my first time attending Music Along the River in Harpersfield, Ohio. It was a great time. I'm hoping to go back again this year. I haven't seen any dates yet, but it's usually in August.
Blogs and Reviews
My schedule only really allows me to post here about once a month. I try to post some fun stuff on the Facebook page on a more regular basis. You can also follow me on Instagram, though you'll have to suffer through lots of content about comic books and records, but I do post videos my playing progress as I continue to work through Michael Ismerio's online fiddle course.
I also continue to review materials for Old-Time Herald. Be sure to keep you subscription current to follow along. As always, thank you for reading.
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