BLUE SKY BAND

Guitar:    The modern guitar is of Portuguese descent and is a member of the lute family.  More instrument descriptions follow:

Carol Atkinson	Gary Atkinson	Jeff Burt

St. Patrick's Day, March 16th, Saturday, Jonas at Madonna Inn in SLO.   March 17th, Sunday: Blue Sky and Growling Old Geezers at Last Stage West:  15050 Morro Road, Atascadero (461-1393). 

Bruce Powers	Jonas Richardson

Mandolin:   Played by Jonas.  The mandolin, another member of the lute family, was made famous by Bill Monroe.  Actually Bill didn't want to play the mandolin but being the youngest member of the family he had to take the leftovers, a fact for which bluegrass aficionados are all grateful.

Mandola:   Played by Jonas & Bruce.  The mandola is yet another member of the lute family.  It is larger and tuned a fifth lower than the mandolin resulting in the mandola having a deeper, mellower tone.

Washtub Bass:   Played by Jonas (or whoever in the audience wants to have a try at it).  The washtub bass is not a member of the lute family.

Hammered Dulcimer:   Played by Bruce.  This instrument is not to be confused with the Appalachian or mountain dulcimer.  The hammered dulcimer originated in Persia one to two thousand years ago.  It is found in China, throughout the Middle East and Europe and was brought to America by the Colonists, who called it the Whamdiddle.  Later it also became known as the lumberjack piano. At the turn of the century the hammered dulcimer was a popular instrument in American dance bands and could even be ordered through the Sear's Catalog.  Shortly thereafter, it went into hiding but has re-emerged and of late is enjoying a renaissance.  The hammered dulcimer is the precursor of the piano.

Bodhran:   (pronounced "Bo-Run")    Played by Carol, Bruce and Jonas, this is an Irish drum traditionally played with a single, doubled-headed mallet.

Harmonica:   Played by Jonas.  The harmonica sounds best when marinated liberally with a good ale.  It sounds even better when Jonas has also been well marinated.

Accordion:   Played by Carol.  Various forms of the accordion have been used for hundreds of years in Celtic, French and French-Canadian music. 

Fiddle:   Played by Gary.   At one time the fiddle was felt to arouse such passion that it was ascribed seductive powers and was considered a devilish instrument.  Fortunately we're more enlightened now.  Gentlemen are advised to chaperone their ladies.

Banjo:   Jonas plays a four-stringed model in both the Celtic and old time frailing styles.