Finding the Slow Jam fiddlers

We live a crazy, mobile, fun but disjointed life, so creating my community for some of my interests can be challenging when I'm never in one place long enough to let things gel.

But then something happens to make me hopeful that despite this three-way bank shot of living in Sacramento, New York and Mexico each year, I can still find --- and connect with -- my peeps.

Last summer I found a group of people to play with --- The Crooked Lake Fiddlers from Keuka Lake in New York. Hammered dulcimer, fiddlers, autoharp, banjos, guitars, mandolin, you name it. The first time I joined them, it was as if I was making my first stage performance --- I was absolutely convinced I wouldn't be good enough, embarrass myself, whatever. They were kind and inclusive and just want to be with people who also want to make music. Now I can't wait to get back to New York next summer to join them again.

Last night I finally found a group of Sacramento group of fiddlers and musicians who play Irish, Scottish and anything other fun music you put in front of them. They meet in someone's home every other week (no wonder I had such a tough time finding any local groups on the web -- they're underground!), plus they do some informal performances around town. A Waltz performance is next.

I had a blast!

We played for about three hours, circling the room with tunes (including some original work!) until it was time to break up to get rested for another day at work.

But I felt like a kid when I got home --- vibrating with overstimulation and the pure, sheer joy of being able to play my violin with friends. It's a long way from the way I felt about the violin last week when I hit the wall again and was sure it was insanity to think that someone my age could learn to play this unforgiving instrument.

I'll be fine, as long as I remember that I'm doing it for the fun of it. So don't hold your breath --- no Carnegie Hall performances are being planned.

Playing with friends in Sacramento