Dear friends and fellow fomenters of the fine fruits of this frenzied existence,

There’s just so much news, I think I’ll jump right in, without beating around the bush like I usually do. Let’s see, where were we… Ah yes, last we spoke we were in the northwest, finishing a tour with Laurie Lewis, a few short/long months ago (you know how time is when things are hectic). We’ve all been in different directions for a while, with a short reunion to play at the Indiana Fiddler’s Gathering, last weekend… that was quite the event; great people, and tunes late into the night. And, I should mention the fact that Tashina’s been busy playing fiddle in Shakespeare In The Park’s production of As You Like It, in NYC, through May and June. She, Tony Trischka, Jordan Tice and Skip Ward were the band, playing music composed by Steve Martin for a re-imagining of the play set in the 19th century American south… here’s a review of the show: http://www.curtainup.com/asyoulikeitcp12.html
Now we’re about to reconvene for a few shows that we’d like you to know about. Firstly, we’re looking forward to collaborating with Laurie Lewis again (and her partner in crime, Tom Rozum), in Murphys California, at the Twisted Oak Winery on this Friday! TwistedOak.com It’ll be an honor, and a great time, sharing the stage with Laurie and Tom. And I have the sneaking suspicion that I’m going to be wishing that I had my mountain bike with me, the whole time. So much good riding up there in the Sierras! Ah well, some other time.

Next Wednesday, we’ll be hosting the Summer String Summit in Weed CA, and the Shasta String Celebration at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley! These concerts are hard to explain; you need to just experience them. It’s more music, and more varied music, (all of the acoustic variety, though), than I’ve ever seen on one stage, in one night. And the line up, is, well, absurd…

Featuring Bluegrass-Folk Titans Tim and Mollie O’Brien, Fiddler/Composer Darol Anger (Founding Member Of The David Grisman Quintet), Appalachian-Pop/Chinese Folk Singer/Songwriter/Banjoist Abigail Washburn, Indian violin maestro Kala Ramnath, Wildly Inventive Cello-Goblin Rushad Eggleston, Jazz Violin Genius Billy Contreras, Folk-Pop Singer Jesse Harper, Appalachian music master John Herrmann, Scottish Fiddle Champion Jeremy Kittel, Irish Tenor Banjo Virtuoso Dave Cory, Indian Tabla Master Ty Burhoe, Appalachian Fiddle Phenom Brittany Haas, Bluegrass Veteran Mark Shatz (Appalachian Clogger, And Bassist Of Platinum-Selling Band Nickel Creek), Bluegrass Guitar Master David Grier, Scottish/Jazz Harpist Maeve Gilchrist, chambergrass innovators The Bee Eaters, And Many Surprise Guests.

Sunday July 15th, Freight and Salvage
2020 Addison St, Berkeley, CA
Expect a similar lineup, (just a bit smaller) with completely different music from Wednesday.

Get your tickets today! ShastaMusicSummit.com
And tell all your friends. These concerts are quite something to behold. You won’t be disappointed.

We look forward to seeing you soon, hopefully in the next week!

-Simon, Tristan and Tashina