Some have asked about a seamstress to use for costumemaking.  This is very critical now because several of you are needing them and to get them made often takes a while.  You can't wait until the week before a show and expect to find someone, get your materials, and have them ready.   The Tuckers and I have used Cindy Todd. She lives on the outskirts of eastern Murfreesboro.  You can call her at 615 995 0795.   I am sure there are also other capable persons in the area who can help. The most important thing to remember is that YOU are responsible for seeing that the costumes meet the standard.  We have costume instructions for you to use.  Also, those of us who have been in the group for a while are glad to answer questions. DO NOT SPEND MONEY and then ask questions!!!  Often seamstresses will assure you that they KNOW what they are doing..and they may.. but not necessarily for what  we need.  Remember also that you need to bring samples of materials to get them approved for what you are making before you make purchases.

We have a number of performances upcoming.  It would be a shame not to use some of our dancers who are willing and ready simply because they do not have costumes!  Please get started on yours today!

The following have committed to be at the Leipers Fork Valentine Dance on Saturday, February 9, beginning at 6 p.m. :  Ann, Dal, Carey, Dee, Greg P., Chad, Nathan, and Courtney.  Others are, of course, welcome.  Please be there on time and ready to go.  GET YOUR DIRECTIONS ahead of time as you will be heading into unknown parts for most of us. If you are not familiar with Fly, Santa Fe, and Leipers Fork, you will be, I think, after this venture.

The following have committed to be in Woodbury on May 16 at 7 p.m. for the Cannon County Good  Old Days:  Chad, Tommy, David, Will, Nathan, Courtney, Greg P., Ann, Dal, Amy, Linda V., Becky, Stephanie, Carey, Dee.  We will also need a musical group.

The following have committed to be at the Wilson Bank, on highway 231 N. in Murfreesboro, on Sunday afternoon, June 29:  Tommy, Will, David, Courtney, Greg P., Dal, Amy, Linda V., Stephanie, Ann, Becky, Dee.  We will also need a musical group.

We will need to set aside the following times during International Folkfest:

   Tuesday, June 17, at 6 p.m. at Stones River Mall, Murfreesboro - musicians needed

   Wednesday evening, June 18, at the home of Greg and Minh-Triet Tucker - Fish Fry - sharing of   

      music and dance - no costumes needed.. musicians needed

   Friday, June 20, at 6 p.m. - Leanna Community Center, just off 840 north of Murfreesboro -

     Folkfest concert show, including our dancers and musicians

   Saturday, June 21  .. time and place in Murfreesboro not yet definitely set.. Folkfest  community

     event including musicians and dancers

We will be rehearsing at Tusculum School on Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. and on the Thursdays thereafter for an extended time.  Please be on time and let's accomplish all we can in the hour and a half we usually allow ourselves.  We have accomplished a great deal but have much work to do as we face the responsibilities ahead.

If you are a musician or dancer interested in traveling with the group during July 23-August 4 to festivals in The Netherlands and Belgium, please get your $200 deposit check in by Thursday night, Jan. 31.  If you need to discuss this, please get in touch before then.  We have already received one deposit check from a musician and one from a dancer!  Securing these deposits will hold our seats for the trip.  Naturally, more information about the specifics of the trip will be distributed to those who are a part of the travel group and previous bulletins have given other details as well.

Surely I do not need to remind those who might be even remotely interested in any travels in the coming months to get passports??!!  NOW is the time. DO NOT WAIT!  Even if you are not totally sure, a passport is a great identification to have. 

Which guy left shoes at the nursing home? Ann has them,  along with  a bandana.

We still need volunteers to help with Folkfest.  We have groups from Germany and India signed on.. and at least one more to finalize.  We especially need help with guiding the groups.  Our next Folkfest planning meeting will be on Monday night, February 18, at 7 p.m. at 1216 E. Main Street, Murfreesboro 37130.  Any of you who are interested are cordially invited to attend.   After all, CCC is the host group!  Groups begin to arrive on June 13 at the Nashville BNA Airport and all will depart on June 22.

Thanks again to the musicians who are volunteering their time to work with us!  We do thank them and appreciate all their efforts.

Stay in touch if I can be of help!

Steve Cates