Kindred Gathering XXXV

August 14, 15, 16, 2009 Shelton, WA

Shelton Washington is the “Christmas Tree Capital of the World”, home of the spotted owl, loamy rain forests, Bambi and assorted sea creatures in Oakland Bay. Join us on August 14-16 at the rocking home and property of Sid and Mary Bechtolt - music lovers who have hosted the music festivals ‘SquidStock’ and ‘SpringFest’ at their property for years, with two stages to choose from.

So, bring your dulcimers and look forward to our traditional Friday night campfire, Saturday night concert, jamming, workshops and more. Tent and RV camping is available and motel, restaurant and shopping facilities are only 10- 15 minutes away. Cabins are not available on-site; however, there is a bed & breakfast nearby. Refrigeration may not be available, and showers will probably not be available, so please plan accordingly.

On The Hard Drive Now, MP3, 160kbps (3.6MB)

Notes on the tune:

I believe Democracy is one of the strongest forces for potential good on the planet today and that it’s been a long time coming in the history of the world. What makes us, and keeps us, strong as a nation is that we are not afraid to shine a light in the darkest of places. We not only question the world around us, but we also question ourselves. [...]

Jerry proposes Robert come to Newark, Ohio, learn to build, and travel to festivals to help sell them. Two days later Robert shows up. He trades his Lincoln to a man named Lincoln for a backpack and sleeping bag. Meets Ann Grimes in Granville, OH.

Robert Force Show #9, QuickTime, 512kbps (16.4MB)

Robert Force Show #9, Windows Media, 512kbps (15.2MB)

Union Groive Fiddlers Convention, NC, Easter 1971. Robert meets Jerry Beal of the Farkleberry Farm Steam Dulcimerworks and Music Emporium. Learns there is another dulcimer player at the festival. Seeks out and finds Albert d’Ossché.

Robert Force Show #8, QuickTime, 512kbps (19.2MB)

Robert Force Show #8, Windows Media, 512kbps (18.6MB)

Robert talks about driving the pink Capri to the Sigma Nu house in Knoxville, Tenn. He asks the frat boys if they had ever seen a dulcimer. Sure!, they say, and direct him to Union Grove , NC. where he experiences his first bluegrass festival.

Robert Force Show #7, QuickTime, 512kbps (23.1MB)

Robert Force Show #7, Windows Media, 512kbps (22.5MB)