March 20, 2010, Irish Spring Festival, Ireland, WV
/
Believe it or not, IRELAND is but A DAY'S DRIVE from half the population of the United States!! I am referring to Ireland, WEST VIRGINIA, a tiny Lewis County village almost exactly at the center of the (almost heaven) the mountain state.
On Saturday, March 20, 2010, harpists from near and far will gather here. Local folks have celebrated their Irish Spring Festival since 1982. I first brought my own harp here in 1994. Soon after, I formed Harping for Harmony Foundation (HHF), and our local harpers (and some illustrious outsiders) have faithfully attended the Irish Spring Festival ever since. (Sue Richards came in 1995, shown in photo here.) The free program offers beginning and intermediate harp workshops, and a free concert for the general public.
This year, I will teach some Venezuelan techniques at the intermediate workshop, and Ruth Heavener will teach beginners. The schedule for Saturday, March 20 is as follows:
- 10 AM Intermediate workshop - Venezuelan harp techniques with John Lozier
- 11:30 - 1:30 More harping, and/or enjoy other festival events
- 1:30 PM Concert rehearsal (all harpists present who wish to perform)
- 2:30 Concert
- 3:30 Beginner workshop - with Ruth Heavener
All events are at Ireland United Methodist Church. Please come as you are. Extra harps will be available for beginners. No charge for any events, no advance registration is required.
This annual event is sponsored jointly by the Shamrock Extension Homemakers' Club, Harping for Harmony Foundation, and the Almost Heaven Harp Circle. For more information, contact John Lozier (304 276 5141) or check the following links:
http://www.angelfire.com/wv/irishspringfestival/
http://harpingforharmony.org/almost-heaven-harp-circle/