Welcome to our calendar!  Here you will find events of harp interest throughout the Pacific Northwest. (As submissions come from so many different sources, the Puget Sound Folk Harp Society cannot guarantee the accuracy of every detail; please check with the contact person listed if you have questions or concerns about the event.) If you would like your harp event to be listed here, please contact news@reigningharps.com for submission guidelines.

NOVEMBER 2009

Nov 1  Seattle WA.  On November 1st, from 2-4 pm, harp music will welcome in the Celtic New Year at Galway Traders, 7518 15th Ave NW in Seattle. The Puget Sound Folk Harp Society co-sponsors this annual free event; players this year are Linda Khandro, Nan Pardew, Harper Tasche, Beth Kolle, Judith Cummings, and Andrew Anderson. For more information, contact Diane at zawamoss@seanet.com.

Nov 5, 12, 19, Dec 3, 10  Seattle WA.  Susan McLain teaches a class at Dusty Strings: Beginning Celtic Harp, five Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 pm, $100. Bring your folk harp to this in-depth introduction to the harp in the Celtic tradition. Learn tuning, harp care, hand position and fingering, beginning tunes (ability to read music not necessary), tone production, and more. Susan will get you started making your harp a lifetime source of beauty and enjoyment. For players with little or no experience. Call 206-634-1662 for more info or to register.

Nov 6-8  Seattle WA.  Dusty Strings 8th Annual Folk Harp Symposium, with instructors Nicolas Carter, Patrick Ball, Shira Kammen, Seumas Gagne, Laurie Rasmussen, Kim Robertson, and Beth Kolle. Complete information and registration forms are available on-line at www.dustystrings.com.

Nov 6  Seattle WA.  Symposium Concert. Nicolas Carter, Patrick Ball, and Shira Kammen present harp music and stories from distant lands and eras. 7:30 pm, $18 (if not registered for Symposium), at the Dusty Strings retail shop in Fremont. Call 206-634-1662 for advance sales.

Nov 7  Seattle WA.  Symposium Concert. Seumas Gagne, Laurie Rasmussen, and Kim Robertson share a deep immersion in Celtic music. 7:30 pm, $18 (if not registered for Symposium), at the Dusty Strings retail shop in Fremont. Call 206-634-1662 for advance sales.

Nov 11  Kirkland WA. Eastside Harp Circle will meet at 1:00 pm the second Wednesday of the month on 11 November. We've been playing from Beth Kollé's newest playbook "The Harp Ensemble Book" (Snowfall Waltz and Waltz for Kuisma), learning a lovely tune by Laurie Riley (Las Luminarias), as well as gearing up for Christmas tunes. Bring your works in progress, creative disclaimers, treats to share, and be prepared for a few good laughs! New harpers are welcome...bring your harp to allow him/her to socialize with other harps! Contact Diana Beaumont for details or questions at mdbeaumont@comcast.net or 425-225-5337.

Nov 15  Mountlake Terrace WA.  Third Sunday Harp Circle meets from 2-4:30 at the Mountlake Terrace Library; we welcome harpers of all styles, levels, and ages; we play tunes together and also appreciate (but never require) solo playing. For more info, or detailed directions, contact Diane at zawamoss@seanet.com.

Nov 15  Eugene OR.  The Emerald Harp Circle will meet in November, on Sun. Nov. 15, 3-5 pm, at the Eugene Hotel, 222 East Broadway. Bring several copies of music you'd like us to play together - your green Fake Book - something you're working on, that you'd like to share with the group - and tell your friends! Let's get some new folks out - it's always more fun with a few more people! For details contact Amy at amyctharp@gmail.com.

Nov 15  Sultan WA.  Harp friendly Irish session in Sultan, 6:30-9 pm. For November and December it will be at the Sultan Information Center on Main Street, across from the post office, and across from the library). For more information, contact Matt Haverly - Host of the Irish Sessions in Sultan, at: SULTANIRISHMUSIC@LIVE.COM.

Nov 16  Kirkland WA.  House concert at the home of harpist Alishia Joubert 7:00 pm. Featuring Bert Lams, guitarist of the California Guitar Trio, and Tom Griesgraber, a wonderful Chapman Stick player. Alishia will be performing a set on the lever harp prior to their performance, and perhaps even a piece with them. Refreshments will be served. A suggested donation of $10/adult, or $20/family is requested at the door. Alishia says "We are limited on space, so please RSVP early and let me know if you plan to come and if you are bringing any guests. Children who have been well-prepped by parents on the concert-going experience are welcome to attend!" Contact her at 425-821-1697 or henzeharper@yahoo.com.

Nov 22  Eugene OR.  Laura Zaerr performing her Celtic Concerto with University of Oregon Symphony, Sunday, Nov. 22, 3:00 pm, Erb Memorial Union Ballroom (corner of 13th and University in Eugene). $7 general admission; $5 for students and seniors. Laura's Celtic Concerto weaves several Celtic melodies into a cohesive solo for the harp with orchestra. The concert is otherwise harpy as well, including the two Carmen Suites of Georges Bizet and Claude Debussy's Petite Suite.

Nov 27  Lynden WA.  A heart-warming evening of poetry and music this Yuletide as harp ensemble NOËL begins its fourth season! The exceptional Celtic and classical ensemble, in medieval dress, features harps, strings, flute, percussion, and poetry. Treat your friends and family to delightful music and a merry olde Christmas. Friday, November 27, 7:30 pm at Lynden Christian High School. Tickets at the door or online at www.brownpapertickets.com. For more information, visit www.noelharp.com, or call 360-305-7136.

Nov 28  Mount Vernon WA.  A heart-warming evening of poetry and music this Yuletide as harp ensemble NOËL begins its fourth season! The exceptional Celtic and classical ensemble, in medieval dress, features harps, strings, flute, percussion, and poetry. Treat your friends and family to delightful music and a merry olde Christmas. Saturday, November 28, 7:30 pm at P. Taro Theater, Skagit Valley College. Tickets at the door or online at www.brownpapertickets.com. For more information, visit www.noelharp.com, or call 360-305-7136.

Nov 29  Seattle WA.  Workshops at Dusty Strings by Annette Bjorling (harp) & Kurt Bjorling (clarinets, other instruments). Klezmer Music: 12:15 - 2:15 p.m., $35 (or $60 for both of these instructors’ workshops).  This workshop offers an introduction to klezmer music for beginners, and/or a deeper understanding to for those with klezmer experience. Practice styles, repertoire, and interpretation of European Jewish music for listening and for dancing. All instruments are welcome. Harpists especially welcome: although it is not traditionally used, Annette has developed an effective role for harp as solo or accompanying instrument in klezmer music. Greek/Turkish Music on the Harp: 2:45 - 4:15 p.m., $35 ($60 for both of these instructors’ workshops). We’ll introduce you to rhythms, modes, melodies, and dances of Greece, Turkey, and the Balkans. And yes, we'll also dance a bit! This workshop focuses on harpists, but all instruments are welcome. Harps with chromatic abilities are recommended. Questions? Please contact Annette: duocon@muziker.org. To register call 206-634-1662.

Nov 29  Samish Island WA.  Skagit Valley Harp Circle meets today on Samish Island; please contact Janene at  jdk@wavecable.com for details, directions, or to RSVP.

Nov 29  Shoreline WA.  Magical Strings Celtic Yuletide Concert. 3:00 pm, Shorecrest Performing Arts Center, 206-417-4645. For ticket information, call individual location directly, or see links from www.magicalstrings.com.

Nov 29  Seattle WA.  Duo Controverso (Annette Bjorling (harp) and Kurt Bjorling (clarinet and basset horn)) in concert at Empty Sea Studios on Sunday, November 29  at 7:30 pm, 6300 Phinney Avenue  North, Seattle (more info on the venue at www.emptysea.com). Admission: $13 advance, $15 door; $13 for workshop participants (see the listing for the Dusty Strings workshops above).  With sensual, lively, poetic & ecstatic melodies, this ensemble of clarinet & harp takes the listener to a world beyond everyday experience.  Two extraordinary musicians, acclaimed for their depth and diversity, present a program including New Roots Music, from Klezmer to Turko-Greek, works from late Renaissance Masters to Contemporary Composers, and Jazz - interweaving timeless music and modern thoughts. As there is hardly any music composed specifically for harp with either clarinet or basset horn, all of the repertoire has been adapted or composed by the performers themselves. Space is limited. Please buy your tickets soon at: http://www.emptysea.com/2009/11/duo-controverso/.

Nov 29 Lynnwood WA. A heart-warming evening of poetry and music this Yuletide as harp ensemble NOËL begins its fourth season! The exceptional Celtic and classical ensemble, in medieval dress, features harps, strings, flute, percussion, and poetry. Treat your friends and family to delightful music and a merry olde Christmas. Sunday, November 29, 2:00 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church. Tickets at the door or online at www.brownpapertickets.com. For more information, visit www.noelharp.com, or call 360-305-7136.

DECEMBER 2009

Dec 1  Seattle WA.  The Early Music Guild & Trinity Parish Church present Draumkvedet: The Dream Song of Olaf Åsteson, a medieval Norwegian dream-journey through Heaven and Hell. Considered a Norwegian cultural treasure believed by some to
have been composed in the 12th or 13th century, Draumkvedet recounts a dream journey through Heaven and Hell traveled
by Olav Åsteson, as he sleeps for 13 days from Christmas Eve until Epiphany. An evocative setting, powerful text, and hauntingly beautiful music draw the audience into a realm beyond time and place. Richard Hill, vocals; Beth Kollé, vocals & harp; Joanne Andrus, hurdy-gurdy & harp; Bill Boyd, hardingfele; Bart Brashers, nyckelharpa; Nancy Quensé, narration/artistic direction. Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 7:30 pm at Trinity Parish Church Sanctuary, 609 Eighth Avenue, Seattle WA 98104. Free parking: UPark lot between 7th and 8th, and Columbia and Marion. Tickets $25 general, $20 senior, $10 student, are available at the door, by phone at 206-325-7066, or online at www.earlymusicguild.org.

Dec 4  Olympia WA.  Magical Strings Celtic Yuletide Concert. 7:30 pm, Saint John’s Episcopal Church, 114 20th Ave SE. Reserved Seating Section $28/all seats; General Seating $18/adults, $12/children; $2 more at the door. Available at: Traditions Fair Trade, 360-3705-2819; Rainy Day Records, 360-357-4755; Olympia Waldorf School, 360-493-0906; and Brown Paper Tickets 800-838-3006.

Dec 5  Seattle WA.  Dusty Strings Holiday Open House. Music all day at this annual event at the retail shop in Fremont... free refreshments too. You need to get there early to hear the only harp represented on stage, but it will be worth the trip: Laurie Riley will be performing at 11 am. For more info see www.dustystrings.com.

Dec 5  Oak Harbor WA.  A heart-warming evening of poetry and music this Yuletide as harp ensemble NOËL begins its fourth season! The exceptional Celtic and classical ensemble, in medieval dress, features harps, strings, flute, percussion, and poetry. Treat your friends and family to delightful music and a merry olde Christmas. Saturday, December 5, 7:30 pm at First Reformed Church. Tickets at the door or online at www.brownpapertickets.com. For more information, visit www.noelharp.com, or call 360-305-7136.

Dec 6  Kent WA.  Magical Strings Celtic Yuletide Concert. 3:00 pm, Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center, 10020 SE 256th St. 253-856-5050. For ticket information, call individual location directly, or see links from www.magicalstrings.com.

Dec 12  Seattle WA. HOLIDAY HARP-A-THON, an amazing 12-hour fundraising event benefiting Seattle Children's Hospital. The Harp-a-thon will occur from 8 am to 8 pm on Saturday, December 12 at the Sound Cafe at Seattle Children's Hospital. Contact volunteer coordinator Leslie McMichael for details and schedule at 206-898-4972 or leslieharp@comcast.net.

Dec 12  Portland OR.  SacredFlight Winter Respite IX Concert, December 12, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, SW 12th & Taylor, Portland, Oregon 97205. Free admission, donations appreciated. For more information see www.sacredflight.org. Relax for an hour and renew your spirit - featuring the harps and voices of music-thanatologists from across the Pacific Northwest.

Dec 12  Portland OR.  Magical Strings Celtic Yuletide Concert. 7:30 pm, First Congregational Church, 1126 SW Park Ave. Reserved Seating Section $28/all seats; General Seating $18/adults, $12/children; $2 more at the door. Available at: Cedarwood School, 503-245-1477; and Brown Paper Tickets 800-838-3006.

Dec 13  Bothell WA.  Pacific Northwest wire harp circle will be on Sunday, Dec. 13 from 2-5 PM in Bothell. As has become traditional for the December wire circle, there will be gingerbread and hot spiced cider. If you play wire strung harp and would like to attend, please contact Nan for further details and directions: aithne@eskimo.com or 425-398-8934.

Dec 14  Bellevue WA.  Magical Strings Celtic Yuletide Concert. 7:00 pm, Theater at Meydenbauer, 11100 NE 6th Street, 206-325-6500. For ticket information, call individual location directly, or see links from www.magicalstrings.com.

Dec 18  Blaine WA.  A heart-warming evening of poetry and music this Yuletide as harp ensemble NOËL begins its fourth season! The exceptional Celtic and classical ensemble, in medieval dress, features harps, strings, flute, percussion, and poetry. Treat your friends and family to delightful music and a merry olde Christmas. Friday, December 18, 7:30 pm at Blaine Performing Arts Center, Blaine HS. Tickets at the door or online at www.brownpapertickets.com. For more information, visit www.noelharp.com, or call 360-305-7136.

Dec 18  Tacoma WA.  Magical Strings Celtic Yuletide Concert. 7:30 pm, Urban Grace (formerly First Baptist), 902 Market St, 253-857-3716 Reserved Seating Section $28/all seats; General Seating $18/adults, $12/children; $2 more at the door. Available at: Harp and Shamrock in the Proctor district and Brown Paper Tickets 800-838-3006.

Dec 19  Seattle WA.  Magical Strings Celtic Yuletide Concert. 3:00 pm, University Christian Church, 4731 – 15th Ave NE, 253-857-3716 Reserved Seating Section $28/all seats; General Seating $18/adults, $12/children; $2 more at the door. Available at Brown Paper Tickets at 800-838-3006.

Dec 20 Mountlake Terrace WA.  Third Sunday Harp Circle meets from 2-4:30 at the Mountlake Terrace Library; we welcome harpers of all styles, levels, and ages; we play tunes together and also appreciate (but never require) solo playing. This month we'll be featuring holiday tunes from all traditions! For more info, or detailed directions, contact Diane at zawamoss@seanet.com.

Dec 20  Bellingham WA.  A heart-warming evening of poetry and music this Yuletide as harp ensemble NOËL begins its fourth season! The exceptional Celtic and classical ensemble, in medieval dress, features harps, strings, flute, percussion, and poetry. Treat your friends and family to delightful music and a merry olde Christmas. Sunday, December 20, 3:00 pm at Bellingham High School. Tickets at the door or online at www.brownpapertickets.com. For more information, visit www.noelharp.com, or call 360-305-7136.

Dec 21  Mt. Vernon WA.  Magical Strings Celtic Yuletide Concert. 7:00 pm, The Lincoln Theater, 712 S 1st Street, 360-336-8955. For ticket information, call individual locations directly, or see links from www.magicalstrings.com.

JANUARY 2010

Jan 15-17  Port Townsend WA.  The Puget Sound Folk Harp Society sponsors the Fort Worden Folk Harp Festival. The festival is currently filled to capacity, thanks so much for your interest and support. For information on the waiting list, please contact info@pugetsoundfolkharpsociety.org.

This page was last updated on November 22, 2009