I've recently been approached by somebody who attended HCH last year and who ended up losing interest in the harmonica but becoming very interested in the blues fife. As you may know, blues fife is a tradition that traces specifically to North Mississippi. Othar Turner was one exponent, and Napoleon Strickland was another. (Video below.)
If you might potentially be interested in a 75 minute breakout session--"Introduction to Blues Fife"--at HCH, please let me know. I will have to charge a supplement, most likely $15 or so, for those who want to do this. And of course you'll need to supply, or make, a fife.
If the fife seminar happens could the Jews Harp be far behind? Seriously, Adam, had no idea there was a blues fife tradition. I wouldn't be surprised to find some old traditional players playing Jews Harp, but that instrument is more closely related to eastern Europe. Here in America we hear it on bluegrass/old tyme tunes and cartoons. Thanks for posting and no, I have no interest in learning to play fife.
Sure, I'll try it. After searching the net, there seem to be several variations and keys. What specifically do we need to buy? Any chance we could have a vendor on site at HCH to purchase a fife from?
Several (10?) years ago I saw Othar perform at the Sunflower River festival in Clarkesdale. Followed their procession from an indoor stage to the main stage. ---------- Ozark Rich __________ ##########
