We learned that moonshine is basically un-aged whiskey/scotch and when it comes out of the still, it’s still hot!  Initially over 150 proof, the ‘moonshine’ is  processed and made to a tastier 85 proof before being bottled and sold.  Here’s a picture of the band by the still:

Liz Lawrence was overly aggressive when trying to grab that sample glass, but Bob and Kirsten were much faster! Andy had no chance

Seriously though, if you are looking for a wedding venue in central New Hampshire, do yourself a favor and check out this place. It’s a hidden gem.  The 125 acre vineyard was formerly a dairy farm and is a bit off the beaten path.  The catering is done onsite and Christine Falbe the events coordinator is excellent.

Ms. Mair is regarded by her peers as one of the foremost players — and scholars — of the mandolin, a member of the lute family that features four pairs of strings on a frame roughly half the size of an acoustic guitar. The instrument is most commonly associated with bluegrass music, one of the few styles Ms. Mair doesn’t play.

Andy had the opportunity to meet and study with Marilyn a few years ago at Cape Cod Mandolin Camp in Sandwich.  Marilyn is an amazing musician and wonderful person.

10th Annual Pittsfield Fiddle Contest
Friday, May 11, 2012
Two Divisions: Open and Youth (17 years old and under)

5:30 to 9:00 PM – Silent Auction Fundraising Event
6:30 PM – Youth Competition followed by Open Division

CASH PRIZES FOR TOP THREE CONTESTANTS IN EACH DIVISION
$5.00 Suggested Donation All proceeds benefit PYW’s Programs and Activities

Contest organized by the Pittsfield Youth Workshop (PYW), a non-profit youth organization committed to providing programs and services that empower youth. Contest prize money generously donated by local supporters.

Contest location: Scenic Theatre, Home of the Pittsfield Players
Depot St, Pittsfield, NH

Registration begins at 5:00 PM (You may register at any time throughout the night.) For more information, contact the PITTSFIELD YOUTH WORKSHOP at info@pittsfieldyouthworkshop.org or visit http://www.pittsfieldyouthworkshop.org

Miles of Music is a place for creativity and the exchange of skills & ideas in the roots music community. Whether you’re a touring professional or an absolute beginner, you’ll be challenged and inspired by our classes and the artists who gather here.

Check out www.milesofmusiccamp.com

Come to an open workshop to work with legendary mandolinist Mike Compton. In this workshop Mike will emphasis a toolbox of techniques and focus on options on how to develop variations on a basic tune, using bluegrass-style embellishments, rhythmic variations (including right hand stroke patterns and alternative rhythmic options and how it affects solo lines), chordal structure variations, and playing out of traditional chord voicings.

Tab and regul ar not at i on music will be handed out. Bring your questions, a music stand, and your recorders!
For more information about Mike Compton, visit:
www.mikecompton.net

PRE-REGISTRATION FOR WORKSHOP REQUIRED
COSTS: $50.00
Make checks payable to Concord Community Music School, or to pay by credit card, call (603) 228-1196.
Concord Community Music School
23 Wall Street
Concord, NH 03301

For more information contact: soozendave@surfglobal.net or call (207) 384-8151

Here’s the workshop description listed on the Music Emporium Web site:

Tim May and Dan Miller (co-authors of the popular eight volume Flatpicking Essentials Guitar Course and the new instructional DVD “An Approach to Improvisation”), will conduct a hands-on, all-level Guitar and Mandolin Improvisation Workshop.

The idea of learning how to improvise can be overwhelming. Tim May and Dan Miller’s workshop will prove to you that it is much easier to improvise than you think, and now is the time to start learning, even if you are a beginner to guitar or mandolin! In the workshop Tim and Dan teach an approach to improvisation that will put you on the road to improvising a solo on a song in a very short amount of time. In fact, no matter what your current ability level, you will be improvising by the end of this workshop, even on a song that you have never heard before! Each student will have the opportunity to spend individual time with, and get direct feedback from, one of the instructors.