Hello dear friends,

The mists of autumn drifting through the treetops of Magic Hill have already swept past the fall equinox leading onward to the shortening of days until… Yuletide! Celtic Yuletide that is. Meanwhile, as we prepare for our a few concerts and harp classes, we delight in memories of a lovely summer and an edifying Harp Camp exploring the modes from ancient Greece to the Celtic lands. The students who came for our in-person fire circle were greeted by a dramatic thunderstorm, forcing us to take refuge in the studio from what was an uncommon downpour here in the Northwest! Otherwise, we were blessed with beautiful weather most of the summer, culminating in a lovely weekend retreat at Lake Cushman on the Olympic Peninsula with Brittany’s family, where we hiked through the magnificent old-growth forests of Staircase at the southeast corner of Olympic National Park. Speaking of which, our first fall concert is quite nearby there in Hoodsport; so come enjoy the splendor of Lake Cushman, or a hike in the forest and then join us for a Magical Strings Concert! If you can’t make that one, we’ll be performing in Coyle, also in a beautiful setting, at a community arts center located on the tip of the Toandos Peninsula which juts down into the Hood Canal.

Fall Concerts

Tall Timbers Concert – Hoodsport, WA – Saturday, Oct. 5 @ 3 PM

For reservations and location call 360-877-5862

Concerts in the Woods – Coyle, WA – Saturday, Nov. 9 @ 3 PM

Laurel B. Johnson Community Center

923 Hazel Point Road, Coyle, WA 98376

Concert info: (360) 765-3449 or info@coyleconcerts.com

Virtual Harp Classes – World Harp

School of Magical Strings – Fall Term 2024

Begins Tuesday, October 22. Classes meet for 1 hour, once a week, for 6 weeks, 6-7 PM

Harp players of all levels will enjoy learning new pieces inspired by harp-like instruments from around the world, such as the Valiha from Madagascar (a circular bamboo harp), the Kora from West Africa (a double-strung harp made from a large gourd), the Kantele from Finland, and more. All of these have a rich and diverse cultural history, unique and captivating sounds, and one thing they all share in common; lots of strings! Even if you don’t play you can enjoy the historical information, and demonstrations from my ‘Harp Museum’. My hope is that you will discover a rich thread that musically unites our diverse humanity around the world!

To register or request a brochure send an email to info@magicalstrings.com .

Celtic Yuletide 2024 Schedule

Our annual Yuletide celebration returns this holiday season, bringing generations together for a joyful celebration as the Boulding family and special guests weave their magic with lively and soulful music, storytelling, and stellar Irish step-dancing. Dublin guitarist/singer Colm McCarthaigh returns with dynamic percussionist Matt Jerrell and the award-winning Tara Academy of Irish Dance. Become part of the family for this 46th annual gala to experience joy and warmth in the dark of winter!

Kent – Sunday, Dec 8 - 3 PM – Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center

Tickets

Shoreline – Sunday, Dec 15 - 3 PM – Shorewood Theatre

(Ticket info coming soon)

Leavenworth – Thurs/Fri, Dec 19-20 – 7:30 PM, both shows – Snowy Owl Theatre

Icicle Creek Center for the Arts – Tickets

Mount Vernon – Sunday, Dec 22 – 3 PM – Lincoln Theatre

Tickets

Wishing you all a lovely fall season,

Pam and Philip