SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL

Mary McCaslin's Roundup

January 9, 2009

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

 

            Musicians have one advantage in life that many other people do not have. They can travel and see what it’s like elsewhere. In the fall my husband Greg and I took a two month cross-country driving trip, leaving a couple days before Halloween and returning Christmas Eve. I played 11 shows in November, and the remaining traveling time was a vacation. We visited relatives and friends, and saw new places, continually marveling at this country’s geographical and cultural diversity.

            Heading east, we stopped in Wyoming for my first two shows. The desolate beauty of that part of the world is profoundly inspirational. From there we drove through South Dakota, spending the afternoon of Election Day at Mt. Rushmore. Greg noticed that there is a place on the mountain for our new president next to Abraham Lincoln. That night, watching the election results on the motel TV, we felt lucky to live in a state that allows early voting. It was gratifying to know that we had done our small part to help insure the historic outcome.

            We crossed the mid west to the east coast, noticing that the cold weather seems to come later each year.  We feared our pile of winter coats, boots, scarves and gloves would go unused. It wasn’t until we reached Scranton, Pennsylvania that we saw any real sign of winter. It was even warm and muggy when I played in Boston, which is not how I recall Novembers there in the past.

             We spent Thanksgiving with musician friends in Tennessee. My last performance of the tour was in North Carolina. Then we headed further south to Florida, home to that most graceful of creatures, the Manatee, another reminder that the “Evolution Committee” had a sense of humor.

            While driving down Florida’s east coast we visited the Flagler Beach memorial of beloved folk musician and storyteller, Gamble Rogers, who died there saving a swimmer from drowning. Gamble’s loss was incalculable. He was a true southern gentleman and a great storyteller.

            Heading west, we stopped in Louisiana, Texas and New Mexico, noting the vast difference between the dripping moisture of the south east and the crackling dryness of the south west.

            Our final stop was Williams, Arizona, home of the Grand Canyon Railway. For my birthday we rode the train to and from the rim of the Grand Canyon. The Canyon was clouded over with mist and snow was everywhere.  It was a perfect way to end our trip.

 

            As we give thanks that 2008 is behind us we can also be grateful that we live in an area rich in artistic talent, and that the year is starting off with some musical treats.

            Folksinger, multi-instrumentalist and storyteller John McCutcheon will pay us his annual visit with two performances at the First Congregational Church, 900 High St. in Santa Cruz.  The Friday, January 16th evening concert starts at 7:30 p.m. The Saturday, January 17th family / children’s concert starts at 10 a.m. For tickets call the Resource Center for Non-Violence at 423-1626.

             Saturday night, January 17th Stormin’ Norman and the Cyclones bring their high energy country rock to the Crow’s Nest. Many of the usual suspects will be playing, including bassist Tiran Porter, guitarist Ken Kraft and saxophonist Frankie Ramos, plus some surprise guests. Call the Crow’s Nest at 476-4560 for information.

            Thursday, January 22nd at 6:30 p.m., Sylvan Music, 1521 Mission St. in Santa Cruz, presents a mandolin workshop with Chojo Jacques and Billy Bright. Attendees are invited to bring their mandolins. Call 427-1917 for information.  

 

Email Mary McCaslin at roundup@marymccaslin.com.