Once again, we’ve invited the local fiddle-tune band Rosin the Beaux to play at our December 7 holiday dessert party. We’re starting early so that we can wrap up long before it’s dark. Mary Ellen Munley and her team of hostesses will provide desserts.

We’ve asked whistle player Deb Burns to us what the Beau is cooking up for us.  Bev tells us that most of the music the group plays was born in rural communities living close to the land. Whether from Ireland, Scotland, French Canada, Appalachia, or New England, the tunes often reflected seasonal rhythms and activities and an intimate knowledge of the natural world.

Their set list this year showcases “Harvest Home,” the traditional Irish and British community celebration that still occurs at season’s end, featuring music, dancing, feasting, and merriment. The song titles refer to animals and birds, haying, the natural world, food, and drink — and most of the tunes are meant for dancing.

Guitarist Pat Dunlavey will teach a dance to two French Canadian tunes: the Gaspé Reel and the centuries-old “La Bastringue” — variously translated as “The Hoedown,” “the Dance Shack,” or “The Scramble.”

Two other traditional terms for this time of year are “InGathering” and “Days of Grace,” both suggesting rest and contemplation after the year’s hard labors.

Good advice!

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