This year’s String Gathering was another fabulous time. Folks from all over the Midwest converged in Baraboo, WI, for a couple days of music and fun.

For those folks who missed it, or if you’re just curious, here’s what it’s like to walk the halls…

The Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective is proud to sponsor and take part in, The 2nd Annual Spring String Gathering!

Hosted at the Clarion Convention Center in Baraboo, WI, The fest will feature impromptu jamming, showcases and workshops, and will coincide with an evening concert at the historic Al Ringling Theater.

The String Gathering is an indoor, Bluegrass and Old-time music jam-festival, in Baraboo, WI. The fest provides an opportunity for Bluegrass and Old-Time musicians all across Wisconsin, it’s bordering states and beyond, to come together and celebrate their common love of music, and shake off the long Midwestern winter.

For 2014, the host bands are Art Stevenson & High Water (bluegrass) and White Mule (old-time). Both bands will be leading workshops at the hotel, as well as jamming throughout the night. They will also be performing a special concert Saturday night at the Al Ringling Theater, in downtown Baraboo.

New in 2014, the Gathering doubles down! They’ve added a day to the fest… twice the jams; twice the fun. And there will be an old-time contra dance Friday night, featuring host band, White Mule (and very likely Chirps Smith), with caller Dot Kent. All are welcome at the dance; you don’t need a partner or experience. Just show up ready to have fun.

For more information, see their website at www.stringgathering.org

Early bird discounted tickets for this summer’s festival are available at all of the Spring Sugar Maple Events.

The Sugar Maple concert series continues with the twang and brotherly harmonies of The Cactus Blossoms.

The show is April 23rd at 6:00PM in The Barrymore Theatre lobby.

The Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective (FLTMC) in partnership with the Barrymore Theatre
is presenting a series of shows as a benefit for the Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, the Sugar Maple Festival is a two-day outdoor festival that celebrates traditional music and dance through performances, educational workshops, and interactive jam sessions This family-friendly festival offers entertainment for people of all ages. The diversity of performances invites people of all backgrounds and ages to enjoy and learn about the performing arts in the beautiful setting of a county park.

The Sugar Maple Concert Series will be housed in the Barrymore Theatre Lobby and launches this space as a new venue for small shows. The series include:

Friday, November 9, 2012 – 6:00 – 9:00 PM – $10 ($5 for the first 100)

The BriarPickers are a mandolin/fiddle duet from Madison, Wisconsin, featuring Brian Ray and Paul Kienitz. They meld traditional Appalachian style folk melodies with a classical string ensemble approach. This music–dubbed “rustic chamber music”–has a very accessible and welcoming sound. Brian Ray has played with many influential musicians including Mike Compton and Bob Black. Paul Kienitz is a fixture in the Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass and Old Time Music Community adding his wealth of knowledge and skills to numerous projects.

Opening for the BriarPickers is Dynamite Dave. Dave brings this new persona forth in his first Madison performance. We are all waiting to see what will transpire.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012 – 6:00 – 9:00 PM – $10

Frogwater is the acoustic pairing of John and Susan Nicholson. Renowned for their musical virtuosity and exuberant live performances, Frogwater describe their style as eclectic acoustic peoples’ music. Honored by the Shepherd Express Reader’s Poll and the Wisconsin Area Music Industry, their repertoire spans from Celtic to Delta Blues, Classical to Pop with a healthy dose of unique original material filling out the mix. Their innovative interpretations of traditional tunes span the centuries and the miles and defy categorization.

Opening for Frogwater is Madison musician Willie Jones. A member of the Oak Street Ramblers, Willie uses his vocal prowess and multi-instrumental talents to bring songs to life. He chooses his repertoire from his own songs, his vast knowledge of traditional folk/bluegrass songs and pop
classics. Always delivered in Willie’s unique style.

For more information on the Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival and the Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective (FLTMC), please contact FLTMC at 608-227-8685, via email at fourlakesmusic@gmail.com or by visiting www.sugarmaplefest.org.