GRAB A LITTLE PIECE OF HOG HEAVEN!
WHEN PIGS FLY! presents PIGATUDE, a new CD featuring steeped-in-tradition jigs, reels and hornpipes from the British Isles and Old Time American fiddle, rag, bluegrass and waltz tunes. You will hear the collision of Middle Eastern and Irish drums and the enchanting sounds of hammered dulcimers complimented by a myriad of acoustic instruments: guitars, mandolins, bass, bowed psaltery, bones, pennywhistle, fretted dulcimer, concertina, accordion and, of course, a banjo. The powerful arrangements of traditional tunes weave the fiber for Celtic and Old Time music into exciting new cloth. With 22 selections and over 57 minutes of pure ear-pleasing delight, PIGATUDE is a must for every CD collection.
PIGATUDE by When Pigs Fly! is so hot you will not only want to take these tunes home with you, but share the joy a plenty. It's upbeat and easy to listen to - the perfect gift for any occasion. Tired of the same music in every store and event? This is the best complimentary background music to any store, boutique or craft shop. It's fun for back-yard parties, and country fairs. Timelessly designed for all ages, even children love the tunes, and teachers are suggesting its use in classrooms.
Please join us for a toe-tapping adventure in hog heaven! We guarantee the spontaneous combustion will zing straight from your head to your feet. You won't be disappointed!
Based in Southern California, we invite you to come and hear us LIVE! We'll be glad to meet you! Also, see our calendar at www.WhenPigsFlyMusic.com.
July 25th, Saturday, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
WHEN PIGS FLY! & Friend Jed Cope
Monrovia Traditional Music Gathering
Monrovia, CA
August 8th, Saturday, 2:00 p.m.
WHEN PIGS FLY!
Emeritus Casa Whittier Folk Festival
Private Event (So. Cal.)
August 16th, Sunday, 4:30 – 7:30
WILLOW BEND AND WHEN PIGS FLY!
Anaheim Garden Walk
321 West Katella Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92802
714 / 635-7410
October 10th, Saturday, time tba
WHEN PIGS FLY!
Monrovia Cultural Arts Event
Near New Library - Exact Location tba
Monrovia, CA
October 11th, Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
WHEN PIGS FLY! 2:00 p.m.
Benefit Concert for the Old School House
Mountain Music Day at the Old School House
11911 South Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen, CA
Suggested Donation: $8.00
Info: 909 / 987-5701
Marianne Scanlon will be teaching Beginning
Hammered Dulcimer at 3:00
Bring lawn chair and warm jacket.
ABOUT TODAY'S BAND:
When Pigs Fly! is an exciting and distinct four-member ensemble who has been gracing Southern California since 1999. At their concerts they not only play and sing, but also teach the history of the tunes and tell silly pig jokes to boot! They have been described as one of the "most refreshing sounds" out there today. From back-yard parties to museums, festivals, and pre-concert lobby shows, When Pigs Fly! compliments every event. Your guests will surely be pleased!
MEET THE PLAYERS ON "PIGATUDE":
Mike (aka The Gig-meister) has played in various bands over the past 30 years including rock, folk, bluegrass and contemporary Christian groups. Although his first true love is Bluegrass & Bluegrass Gospel, Mike also enjoys all types of music. In addition to guitar, Mike also plays lead mandolin, banjo, and hammered dulcimer and contributes to vocals for the band.
Bea is one of three Hammered Dulcimer players in the band. Bea also plays the bowed psaltery and contributes to the vocals. Bea particularly enjoys Renaissance, O'Carolan, and Americana music, especially Shaker style. She is one of the founding members of Southern California Dulcimer Heritage. Bea presents musical enrichment programs at churches, libraries, schools and club meetings on the history of the hammered dulcimer. Bea demonstrated the hammered dulcimer on the Special Extended Edition of the Lord of the Rings DVD (disc 4).
Jim is the rhythm section of the band playing both the Bodhran (Irish Drum) and the Dumbek (Middle Eastern drum). In addition, Jim plays guitar and fretted dulcimer and contributes to the vocals. Jim is active in both The Living Tradition and the Southern California Dulcimer Heritage. An avid contra dancer for many years, he also promotes dances throughout the Southern California area.
Marianne is the demure, quiet one of the group. She plays wonderful Hammered Dulcimer bringing out beautiful harmonies and counter melodies in many of our songs. From an early beginning teaching guitar in high school, Marianne has a lifetime of experience with guitar and vocals. A teacher by profession, Marianne is just what this band needs to keep us in line.
Ellen, "I'm just the Bass player” keeps "When Pigs Fly!" anchored with her upright bass. Ellen plays a variety of other instruments from the flute to the accordion. In addition, Ellen has a great voice and a wide array of witty dither. Her musical experience includes six years performing for elementary school assemblies in History Sings, and five years with the jugband, Second Hand Smoke.
George (aka Mr. Soundman) plays lead and rhythm guitar and mandolin for the band. George is "the man" when it comes to sound reinforcement and technical expertise for "When Pigs Fly!" as well as visiting bands performing for The Living Tradition Concert Series and local contra dances.
Jim S. is a thirty-year veteran of the concertina wars. Although a difficult instrument to play, (some say it was invented by the devil), Jim's concertina playing adds a great dimension to the “When Pigs Fly!" sound. In addition to the concertina, Jim plays the bones and contributes with vocals. Jim has played in the Irish band, Shenanigans, and participated at Renaissance Faire with The Renaissance Revelers. He has also been a Muso for a Morris Dance side. R.I.P. 2005
THE CRITICS SAY:
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Orange County Edition Re: The Living Tradition Concert:
Drawing material ranging from the 1600's to the present, When Pigs Fly! .... the most tradition steeped act on the bill (4 acts). Featuring three hammered dulcimer players alone, the three-year-old Downey septet draws from a deep well of American and Celtic tunes. ....the freewheeling instrumental attack ...the soft collision of the dumbek, bodhran, recorder, concertina,, banjo, guitar, bass, mandolin, and just about anything else with strings. The group is also a lot of fun, with a silly pig joke or two thrown in for good measure. John Roos
ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH, Long Beach:
You have spoiled us! ....instruments have the tone and feel of unparallel sound.........
Tradition that today is scarce......fans forever....... John Hauck
Private Party, Cerritos: We are still in awe over the great time we had with When Pigs Fly!
Sandy Valentine
Read more...