It's not even April yet but it seems like Record Store Day happened already, because we've lucked into some fine old-time vinyl this month.

It seems like we've been turning our ears toward Missouri lately for fiddle tune inspiration, listening to Fred Stoneking and Gene Goforth, so it was timely that Linnea found some great vinyl records in a bin at a second hand store last week. "I'm Old but I'm Awfully Tough, Traditional Music of the Ozark Region" is a double LP set released in 1977 by Missouri Friends of the Folk Arts. It contains an impressive 24 page book full of info about the field recordings. We found our favorite new tune, "Dance Around Molly" in this collection, played by Jake Hockemeyer.

And a good buddy gifted us the original County Records three volume Clawhammer Banjo LP set, the first of the series issued in 1965. Not only is this an incredible collection of banjo music, the printing of these LP jackets is just gorgeous. Hot metal type composition, beautiful spot color printing, just classic. Holding these wonderful records in hand, and reading the jackets while the music is playing, makes me think I'm missing a lot when I just plug the ipod in.  
-EB

In addition to the Every Sunday Square Dances, there have been a lot of family dances going on around town. It's great fun to see the the little ones, who are quite possibly our next generation of dancers, fiddlers, and banjo players, out there having a blast. Flat Rock recently did two dances with Professor Banjo (also known as Square Dance Paul, aka Paul Silveria) when he was in town a week or so ago. And last Sunday we played the family dance with Steph Noll at the Village Ballroom, which happens right before the ESSD every third Sunday. Most old-time square dances around Portland are open to anyone (regardless of age) willing to dance and have a fun time, but if you're interested in learning more about dances that are specifically kid-friendly, keep an eye on the old-time music calendar on bubbaguitar.