A Note From YouTuber Steve Hanes #fiddletunes09

Thanks for posting them (ed: video) on your site (centrumfiddle.ning.org) and also for adding pertinent information such as names etc.

Yes...I will open an account to be able to post there. (ed: Steve when you open your account here add a comment on this blog post)

This was my first time at the event and I was so taken by everything that I will plan on making it an annual event.

I used to play a violin in junior high and high school many years ago.

Recently, I purchased a fiddle from my cousin...who has become THE fiddle maker to the stars in the blue grass world....His name is Frank Daniels from Meridian Idaho...and I am always on the lookout for fiddle stuff in this area ( I live in Spanaway) and thats how I stumbled across your festival.

I came over Thursday and spent the afternoon and evening just exploring the grounds and checking things out. I quickly recognized what a fantastic gathering I had stumbled into....to my joy and amazement!

I attended several of the dances and hallway jams thursday evening....actually I was up till dawn !!!

Friday I had tickets for the friday night dance....and again ended up not turning in till the sun came up !! I should tell you I am 65 years young and so staying up that late for three days in a row certainly took a toll :) ....it was however well worth it! You know what they say....don't do the crime if you can't do the time!

Anyway...it is now Monday evening and I have finally recovered....yeah !!

I am going to try to be a student next year and look forward to being a part of such a fantastic...there's that word again....event. Over and over I heard the artists and students alike repeat that there is no event like it anywhere...and I am positive they are correct.

For the last five years or so I have been to dozens of fiddle festivals....mostly bluegrass oriented. They are great but what I really like is how focused you are on my instrument...THE FIDDLE. I realized that untill you have heard 30 fiddles all playing in unison that you have never really heard the power of the instrument!

Sorry if this seems to be getting lengthy...I'm nearly done!

I am an avid photographer and also love shooting music video wherever I come across it and that is how I came to film some of the events. I had limited memory and soon ran out...long before I wanted!

I began to know some of the " cast of characters " after I had been there a day or two and so when I filmed Tatiana and Emma I recognized their extreme talents and knew I had a premier opportunity for some great footage...which indeed I did! Not untill I began posting to u tube and saw your additions did I realize how "famous" my subjects were!!

I have 5 or 6 more pieces of video to post to u tube but it is down for maintainance at the moment.

Next year besides my fiddle I intend to come armed with a more professional video set up and be able to shoot large quantities of high definition video.

So as to your remaining questions: Yes I am familiar with editing software. I have a hp computer. My camera is a panasonic digital that shoots pretty darn good video besides great stills...but only has about 28 minutes of capacity.

And again...I arrived on thursday and stayed through the wee hours of sunday morning.

On Saturday I attended both concerts in the pavillion. Absolutely sizzling....all the artists...excellent choices on your part...actually Dirk's part I assume.

My personal favorite was the Red Stick Ramblers...Love their sound and style....I predict great thing for them. Joel and Jesse were also loads of fun...they were up all night same as me on sat. night! Those boys know how to party!!

I had a nice visit with Jose Moreno and I really love his work. John Specker is a hoot! Truly one of a kind! I heard him playing one late night in the 204 hallways but could not get close enough to shoot any video as the crowd was packed in so tight there was no moving through it! DARN...I would have loved to shoot some video of him.

The Kane sisters were unbelievable! And Patti....like she said " all of the sudden playing like a girl...has new meaning! She is amazingly talented!

I could not help but think that one of my all time favorite groups would just kill there....that would be The Cherryholmes...perhaps they have been there...or at least invited....if not they certainly should be. They are super musicians and have also become great entertainers....perfect for your venue...and always a crowd pleaser drawing rave reviews at the bluegrass events I have seen them perform at.

OK....enough...my finger is about worn out....again thanks for your assistance and imput.

Perhaps we will get to meet in person next year. One more note of interest...I accidentally found out that The Redstick Ramblers are going to perform a free concert courtesy of the city of Kent this coming Thursday night.

I will of course be there and am bringing along several of my friends...and my 85 year old mother.

Best Regards...Steve Hanes

ps. as I add other video I would appreciate it if you continue to add names when you can.........thanks

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