Good News and Bad News

I know, when someone says that to me, "I've got good news and bad news", the heart starts to racing a little faster. Since there's more timely news to present here, I'll actually save the bad news for last. If you simply can't stand it anymore, you can jump to the end of this post. But be sure to come back!


TONIGHT! Earth Trivia and The Pub Thang at McWell's Restaurant (6/9)


We're trying something new with the Wednesday nights at McWell's in Orlando. Throughout the summer, I will be there on the 2nd Wednesday of each month and then we'll boost it to every week. However, starting with last week, every Wednesday will be Earth Trivia with Simon, starting at 8 p.m. On weeks that I'm there, the music will begin at 7 p.m. and continue until trivia starts. Then, I'll be performing during breaks in the trivia until it's over at 10 p.m. and then the music continues on until 11 p.m. More details are on the site at http://mcwellsrestaurant.com - tonight will be the first evening where we try the new format, so please come out and have some fun with us! Besides the usual drink specials and .50 cent wings - you can also compete with other teams to win a $25 bar tab and more!



CHANGE OF SCHEDULE AT DICEY REILLY'S



I'm still performing this Saturday, June 12th, at Dicey Reilly's, but will not be performing on June 11th due to a scheduling mishap. The show will launch, as always, at 7 p.m. and if it gets even half as wild as the last time I was there, better bring your dancing shoes.


NASHVILLE Next Week


I will be in Nashville, Tennessee next week for four days, demonstrating at the Folkcraft Instruments booth during Summer NAMM Show. Actual dates of the show are Friday, June 18th - Sunday, June 20th and I'll be arriving on Thursday, June 17th. Though the music trade show is closed to the general public, you may be one of those folks who actually has a badge to get in. Folkcraft will be at booth #907 on show days - come by and say hello! If you're interested in getting a private lesson while I'm in town, just drop me an e-mail and we'll set something up. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. I will not be available for private lessons on Sunday due to an immediate departure time after the show - destination: Kentucky Music Week in Bardstown, Kentucky.


MORE NEW DATES!


Besides Kentucky Music Week (if you're going, you probably already know what I'm teaching by now), I'll be swinging back through Tennessee into Townsend to perform again on The Pickin' Porch at Wood 'n' Strings Dulcimer Shop. June 26th is the date and I'll also be teaching three workshops that are geared towards all skill levels. The schedule looks like it might roll this way:


Noon - 1:30 p.m. - Mountain Dulcimer Boot Camp (90 minutes)

1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. - Get Rhythm (90 minutes)

3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Jamming Without A Net (90 minutes)

(90 minute Workshops) - $35 per person ($30 if taking more than one workshop)


Concert will be at 6 p.m. and workshops will take place in the lower level of the building behind the dulcimer shop. This info may change - so please check with Cherith at the shop before heading out on Saturday, June 26th.


OHIO and PENNSYLVANIA Folks!


I just booked two more events today, so the details are still being assembled, but if you're interested - I've got contact information for you.


Thursday, July 1st will be a day-long event in Columbus, Ohio organized by Doug Snapp (614 313-6424 - dmsnapp@wowway.com) I'll be teaching a number of workshops and also performing in concert as well as offering private lessons to anyone who'd like. If you're within driving distance of Columbus, be sure to contact Doug if you're interested in attending and he'll give you the details!


Saturday, July 3rd will likewise be a day-long event; Portage Dulcimer Day, organized by JT Taylor (814-659-8254 - jt@jttaylor.net) Once again, I'll be doing a handful of workshops and also an evening concert as well as private lessons. Be sure to contact JT if you're interested in attending.


Common Ground On The Hill



Which all leads to Westminster, Maryland for Common Ground On The Hill. This is an extraordinary event, unique, and it's my first time attending so I'm very excited! I'll be teaching mountain dulcimer as well as Native American flute.



These dates are all listed above and you can also click on the "Tickets" link for more information. There's much more to come this summer, of course, with the Indiana Dulcimer Festival just around the corner in Woodburn, Indiana as well as the Bayou City Music Festival in Houston, Texas. There will be some additional new dates popping up in the south Texas area, so be sure to check my schedules on the websites (one easy place to look is http://tinyurl.com/bingcalendar)


AND NOW.....THE BAD NEWS.....



With the economy continuing to wear away at everyone's reserves and an environmental disaster looming off of the Florida coast, we have decided to cancel the 2nd Annual Key West Dulcimer Fest. We managed to squeak by earlier this year, though we had plenty of cancellations credited to the eroding state of finances in the U.S. and overseas. As we did lose money this first year, it seemed prudent not to move forward with the festival for next year until we can ascertain whether the times will improve for everyone. We sure hate to give in - but tough times call for tough calls. We do expect to continue the festival at some point in the future and, of course, you will hear about it here first.



Speaking of "first", if you skipped down to the bottom to read this - please return to the top of this message and read the rest - it might cheer you up. It had that effect on me. : )



I'm looking forward to seeing many of you on the road soon. Everyone travel safe and get ready for a fun, musical summer!



Me ke aloha,



Bing