A live version of “I Remember Your Name” is now on video, thanks to the production of Britt Arnesen who visited from Montana last year. You can see and hear the song in this post — it is dedicated to front-line healthcare workers.
More and more shows keep appearing on the calendar — some great musical events and workshops are coming up. Here is a list of scheduled mandolin workshops in Quilcene, Weiser, and at the Subdued Stringband Jamboree: mattsircely.com/summer-workshops-in-the-pnw
A highlight of last year was having the opportunity to perform on mandolin (playing accordion parts) with Cruz and her son Epi Martinez from South Texas. It was a really big deal to hear Cruz and Epi deliver their set as I accompanied them on the radio, in workshops and at the Blackpot Festival in Lafayette, Louisiana. Both Cruz and Epi are members of the Tejano Roots Music Hall of Fame.
Lately, I’ve been performing locally with good friends. Lots of mandolin and saxophone duets, square dance bands, and of course presenting original songs in solo and ensemble formats. I’ll perform my solo set at the NW Folklife Festival on the last Monday in May, find details on the ‘shows’ page.
I’m always willing to consider approaching your favorite local venue. Have mandolin, will travel, and I always look forward to meeting new friends.
The most recent Hot Club Sandwich recording, No Pressure, is now streaming on all the major services, and we’re more than honored that mandolin master David Grisman plays on half of the tracks.
In 2021, I contributed five songs and discussed them with the hosts of a new VT-based video podcast entitled Transist: Amplify Peace. Published on July 4, 2021, the podcast includes two newly written songs on the octave mando (literally a giant mandolin) built by James Island. During the podcast, the hosts pause the set and we discuss each song.
Stay safe everyone, and don’t hesitate to get in touch. — Matt
