2011 Golden Toad Camp special guest teachers:
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Jason Adajian found his love for folk dancing during elementary school Square Dance afternoons. At age fifteen, while working at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire of California, he took up Scottish and Irish set dancing, realizing that this jolly activity was a brilliant way to have a dynamic physical interaction with equally jolly young women. In his late teens, Jason joined the Pipe & Bowl Morris Men and the Newcastle English Country Dancers, known worldwide for their athletic tempos and dynamic mating-dance attitudes, often considered unorthodox and bucking of more staid 'traditional' styles. He strongly believes that the earliest forms of these British ritual and social dances were along these lines, much as the other dances of Western and Eastern Europe remain to this day, and happily teaches in this style. Still an active ritual dancer and accomplished dance musician himself, Jason is also well versed in the dances of Greece, France, Bulgaria and Galicia, to name but a few. He has taught Morris Dance, Long sword and English Country Dancing to adults and school children for over twenty years and has held long tenure at the Lark Camp of Mendocino, California. He is not currently wanted by the authorities. Jason taught at the first Golden Toad Camp in 2010. Jason Adajian will be teaching "Morris Sword Dance," and "English Folk Tunes" at Golden Toad Music and Dance Camp 2011. |
Jason Adajian
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Jessica Bottomley
Jessica Bottomley has been involved in the performing arts since she was a child. she enjoyed participating in drama productions and art classes throughout school. When Jessica was 16 years old she began her alternative career path by working at the California Renaissance Faire on weekends where she got to create a character for herself, wear a costume, and use her imagination to explore the endless opportunities to express herself through the performing arts. Jessica Bottomley will be teaching a class that will be announced along with co-teaching a couples dancing class that will also be announced soon for Golden Toad Camp 2011.
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Isaac Rappaport
Isaac Rappaport grew up frequenting the backstage of Ringling Bros circus. It was here where the idea of using the human form to expand our ideas of reality was planted in his mind. Throughout his childhood he explored different types of circus arts, but it was not until he met Jessica that he began working with fire staff. Since the birth of this new passion he has studied the art of fire staff on his own which has led him to develop his own unique style. Isaac has also studied Flamenco dance, which has given him a deep sense of form, grace, and power which he weaves into his performances. Dancing with fire staff and double staff has become his truest form of personal expression. Isaac Rappaport will be teaching fire staff along with co-teaching a couples dancing class that will also be announced soon for Golden Toad Camp 2011.
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Phoenix Rising
http://phoenixrisingartists.com It was in 1999, When Jessica traveled to South America that she first picked up fire dancing as a new source of inspiration. This was a significant turning point in her life as this is when she decided that she wanted to listen to her deepest heart’s desire and pursue a career in fire dancing with her partner, Isaac. When Isaac and Jessica reunited after their solo journeys in South America, their combined creative fire gave birth to Phoenix Rising. Jessica and Isaac lived together in Santa Cruz, California for 6 years where they honed their skills as fire dancers and explored new territory of where you could go with a fire dance duet. Self taught, they invented a unique style of graceful and concise partner choreography that merges seamlessly with the intricate patterns created by fire in motion. Phoenix Rising began performing professionally in 1999. After one of their shows, they were approached by a long-time professional stilt dancer named Betty Stiltz who offered to pass her stilting skills on to Jessica and Isaac as a way to preserve an art form she was passionate about. Gladly, they accepted and within the year they were performing professionally as character stilt dancers on stilts that Betty taught them how to build. Phoenix Rising has been traveling the world, sharing their art and inspiration with audiences everywhere. As Phoenix Rising has followed their dreams they have explored many artistic expressions including music, dance, sacred theater, circus arts, costume design and construction, It is the highest hope of Phoenix Rising to serve as an inspiration to spark the flame of true passion within everyone so we may all be sharing in the highest quality of our potential as humans in this lifetime. Phoenix Rising (Jessica and Isaac) will be co-teaching a couples dance class that will be announced soon for Golden Toad Camp 2011. They will also be selling their wares along with Jill Bottomley (Jessica's sister) at Golden Toad Camp 2011. |
Shirleigh Brannon
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Shirleigh "Fearless Leader" Brannon was a border collie in a previous life, and behaves accordingly. She is a talented and creative choreographer, in spite of possessing advanced degrees in theater and history. She likes cats, rats, memento mori, dancing with ghosts, and her heroes are Eugene Debs, Harpo Marx, and Fat Freddie's Cat. She is most controversial for her claim that the Five Major Food Groups are Ginger, Cardamom, Whiskey, Garlic and Chocolate. Her life's ambitions include learning the long versions of at least ten traditional Irish hardshoe set dances, and choreographing a Siamsa le Cheile revue to the tunes of Ry Cooder, David Lindley and Jerry Garcia. Shirleigh Brannon will be teaching Irish step dance and another class to be announced for Golden Toad Camp 2011. |
Dan Cantrell began composing at age 11. Since that time he has continued performing and writing music of all kinds featuring his main instruments, the accordion, piano and musical saw. In recent years his attention has been focused on the study of music from Eastern Europe as well as composing for film, dance, and theatre. He has composed music for over thirty films, several plays, a variety of dance groups and pieces as well as other eclectic performances and events. His rich arrangements are known for their acoustic instrumentation and creative experimentation. His extensive jazz, classical, and modern musical training, paired with years of work and study of folk music and tradition give him the ability to compose original music that humbly outshines traditional forms. In recent years, Dan received an Emmy award as well as the Golden Gate award for his work on documentary films. He also recently had the honor of recording with one of his personal musical heroes Tom Waits. Dan taught at the first Golden Toad Camp in 2010. Dan Cantrell will be teaching beginning piano accordion, and Balkan accordion at Golden Toad Music and Dance Camp 2011. |
Dan Cantrell
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Chris Caswell
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Chris Caswell is a Renaissance man of the Celtic Arts. He plays tin whistle, Irish flute, highland bagpipes, English concertina, chromatic button accordion, bodhran, Scottish snare and he sings. But first and foremost he plays the Celtic Harp. Chris taught at the first Golden Toad Camp in 2010. Chris Caswell will be teaching harp, penny whistle and holistic music theory at Golden Toad Music and Dance Camp 2011. |
Debra Dawson
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Debra Dawson lived in rural France for three years in the 1970's, but became aquainted with French folk music in Mendocino, California, after meeting the hurdy-gurdy player Arrigo D'Albert. She plays hurdy-gurdy, and also plays French dance tunes on violin in the Correze style. She has appeared as support musician and teacher for French dance workshops at Lark in the Morning Festival since its beginning in 1980. She has lived and studied in France, and performed widely in California and the Northwest as a musician and dancer. In addition to her musician talents, Debra is also a wonderful French chef who runs her own catering business in Mendocino, California. Debra Dawson will be teaching hurdy gurdy and another class to be announced for Golden Toad Camp 2011. |
Renowned hammered dulcimer player Tony Elman was first introduced to old-time fiddle music at a festival in Santa Cruz, Ca. When he saw an elderly fiddler perform for the last time Tony realized that he wanted to be a part of this tradition. Shortly there after, he made a pilgrimage to Appalachia and built a hammered dulcimer that he still plays today. Later, Tony found himself at a friend's house in LA – with a studio in the guest bedroom – and recorded what became his first album, SHAKIN' DOWN THEACORNS, a toe-tapping instrumental folk classic. Buoyed by it's success, he went on to record another collection of fiddle tunes, aptly titled SHAKIN' DOWN THE ACORNS, VOLUME II. Selling thousands of tapes at fairs and festivals all over the West, he founded Acorn Music. A third critically acclaimed release,SWINGING ON A GATE, arrived soon after. Responding to the demand from his fans for a Christmas album, Tony, in collaboration with his brother Pete, produced WINTER CREEK, a perennial favorite described by the Washington Post as "the best chamber-folk offering of the year." Recently, Tony released his first all-original album, EARTH TONES.Produced by Mike Marshall of the Modern Mandolin Quartet, this unique release features an all-star cast of acoustic musicians. Tony is the creator of Mokalé and the founder-director of the Bay Area Polyrhythm Choir. Tony taught at the first Golden Toad Camp in 2010. Tony Elman will be teaching Mokalé rhythm song circle and Golden Toad Polyrhythm Choir at Golden Toad Music and Dance Camp 2011. |
David Feldthouse is a drummer/percussionist from Santa Cruz who grew up in a musical family. David has taught and performed in a variety of settings all over the country. He is well known in the belly dance community. David currently performs with the Feldthouse Family Band, and accompanies some of the Bay Area’s finest artists. David is eager to bring the rhythms and songs of the world to you. David taught at the first Golden Toad Camp in 2010. David Feldthouse will be teaching general drum and rhythm (with belly dance class practicum) at Golden Toad Music and Dance Camp 2011. |
David Feldthouse
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Heather Frankly-Arent
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Heather Frankly-Arent has an extensive dance background, with roots in ballet, belly, salsa, tango, swing and contemporary jazz. Heather also has an early childhood education certificate, and is CPR and first aid trained. She is currently working of curriculum for her own children's dance classes in Oakland and the greater bay area. Heather Frankly-Arent will be teaching two childrens dance classes called "Rhythm and Movement, the Foundations of Dance," and "Around the World through Dance, a Children's Cultural Experience" at Golden Toad Music and Dance Camp 2011. Adults are also welcome to participate in these classes. |
Steve Gardner is a fiddle player, music educator, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has toured America and Europe many times, performed with Grammy Award winning band Blues Traveler, recorded for Grammy Award winning producer Bobby Ozuna, played with Decca/Sony artist Danni Leigh and is a founding member of Culann's Hounds. He studied Viola performance at SFSU with the Alexander String Quartet's Paul Yarbrough and at the Aaron Copeland School of Music with Danny Phllips of The Orion String Quartet. Steve has recorded for artists as diverse as Culann's Hounds, Freeway (Rockafella), Goapale (Skyblaze), Jake One and The Darktown Rounders. His experience in Irish, Country, Blues and Classical music has been earned on on some of the biggest stages around. Steve is the artistic director and co-founder of Roots Music. Steve taught at the first Golden Toad Camp in 2010. Steve Gardner will be teaching classes that are to be announced soon, at Golden Toad Music and Dance Camp 2011. |
George Grasso
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George started playing traditional music in the mid 90's. Playing in his high school music program lead to apprenticing at a woodwind repair shop & taking the music major classes at his local junior college. After purchasing his first "good" keyed Irish flute in '98 Irish music became more than a hobby. Craving more playing time with others, he began backing tunes as well. What started in the early 00's as a way to get more playing time, grew into a love of guitar/bouzouki and backing tunes. He has taught privately in Santa Cruz for years, and at a summer music camp for teens for most of the 00's. Teaching by ear or with music, technically or simply, he does so with patience & encouragement. George taught at the first Golden Toad Camp in 2010. George Grasso will be teaching "backing Irish tunes " with a focus on the Irish Bouzouki, and Irish Flute at Golden Toad Music and Dance Camp 2011. |
Sean taught at the first Golden Toad Camp in 2010. Sean Hathorn will be teaching "Flamenco Guitar" (beginner to intermediate level) at Golden Toad Music and Dance Camp 2011. |
Sean Hathorn
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Kevin Hughes has being playing music since the third grade when he convinced his parents to buy him a recorder so he could play in the recorder group. He has taught English Country dance since 1992, and has worked with the Newcastle Country Dancers for 20 years as a dancer, musician, and director. He plays mandolin, fiddle, bagpipes & hurdy-gurdy. He continues to perform with The Brunos and spent the last two years touring with the medieval band Wolgemut. Kevin taught at the first Golden Toad Camp in 2010. Kevin Hughes will be teaching English country dance and beginning mandolin at Golden Toad Music and Dance Camp 2011. |
Peter Jaques has been a fixture of the Bay Area Near Eastern music scene since 1995. His style combines traditional Turkish, Greek, & Balkan Rom styles with his own, deeply soulful approach. He performs principally on the Bb clarinet & trumpet, as well as alto saxophone, Egyptian nay (reed flute), & Turkish G clarinet. Currently Peter directs the Brass Menažeri Balkan Brass Band, and plays with Rumen Shopov's Orkestar Sali; former Kitka director Juliana Graffagna's Black Olive Babes; Stellamara, a Middle-eastern/ Balkan/ world fusion ensemble led by Sonja Drakulich; and Gamelan X, a hybrid processional gamelan orchestra based on traditional Balinese baleganjur. Peter taught at the first Golden Toad Camp in 2010. Peter Jaques will be teaching Brass Band*, and Turkish music theory (Maqam) at Golden Toad Music and Dance Camp2011. *New Class for 2011! |
Myra Joy figured out how to open her sister’s violin case at the age In 2004, she completed her B.M. in cello performance with Myra Joy taught at the first Golden Toad Camp in 2010. Myra Joy will be teaching beginning violin/viola/cello, and kid's violin/viola/cello at Golden Toad Music and Dance Camp2011. |
Larry Klein has been playing music since he got his first guitar at age seven. He has played just about every genre of music over the years. In the last ten years, he has studied Turkish oud with Ustad Necati Celik & Ali Sinan Erdemsel; Persian Tar with Mohammed Nejad, Ashkan Qafari & Mohammed Reza Lotfi; and Afghan Rebab with Ustad Rahim Khoshnavaz of Herat. Larry has also studied the Andaluse Music of North Africa from Maestro Omar Ait-Vimoun. In addition to having a deep love and appreciation of Middle Eastern music, Larry has become fluent in Farsi and is currently studying Turkish. He continues performing with a variety of other groups including The Brunos and Azidan Andaluse Music Ensemble when in the USA. He is currently studying music and language extensively in Turkey where he is begining the second year of his residency in Istanbul. Larry taught at the first Golden Toad Camp in 2010. Larry Klein will be teaching beginning Turkish Bağlama Saz, and intermediate Turkish Bağlama Saz at Golden Toad Music and Dance Camp 2011. |
Elizabeth Strong is one of the top belly dance fusion artists on the dance scene in San Francisco. She performs
as a soloist as well as a collaborator with other great dancers including Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes, Jill Parker and Mira Betz. Elizabeth taught at the first Golden Toad Camp in 2010. Elizabeth Strong will be teaching "Upper Egyptian belly dance," and "Folkloric belly dance" at Golden Toad Music and Dance Camp 2011. |
Holly Tannen sings traditional songs of England, Scotland, France, and the United States. She also channels Entities from the Half-Astral Plane who are responsible for creations in dubious taste such as "Online Romance", "Lily of the Net", "Song of the Suburban Shaman", "Humboldt Wassail", and "Victim of Them." Holly studied folklore with Alan Dundes at U.C. Berkeley. She is now a professor of Ethnosleaziology, the cross-cultural study of bad taste, at the Mendocino Institute for Sustainable Voyance, and edits the prestigious Journal of Anomalistic Phenomenology. Holly Tannen will be teaching dulcimer and song crafting at Golden Toad Music and Dance Camp 2011. |
These virtuoso roots musicians specialize in the down-home sounds of the American South. Their musical palette includes Appalachian story-songs and bluegrass breakdowns, classic country blues, Louisiana Cajun dance music, and paso dobles from Puerto Rico. Eric's flatpicking on guitar and mandolin is exceptional for its purity of tone, speed, and soulfulness; Suzy is a powerful singer, an award-winning fiddler and Cajun accordion player who has apprenticed with older generation Louisiana Cajun musicians under an NEA Fellowship. Founding members of many influential roots music groups including the Black Mountain Boys, Any Old Time, the Klezmorim, and the California Cajun Orchestra, Eric and Suzy have also worked with Jerry Garcia, Maria Muldaur, David Grisman, Peter Rowan, Darol Anger, Laurie Lewis, the Savoy Doucet Cajun Trio, the Texas Sheiks and many other fine musicians. Eric and Suzy taught at the first Golden Toad Camp in 2010. Suzy Thompson will be teaching old-time harmony singing, and Cajun music. Eric Thompson will be teaching flatpicking guitar and possibly another class that is to be announced for Golden Toad Music and Dance Camp 2011. |
LaLinda Vecchiarelli photo coming soon |
more info coming soon! LaLinda Vecchiarelli will be teaching Flamenco dance for beginners and children; and Flamenco dance (beginner to intermediate level) |
Derek Wright has been a musician all of his life. Growing up in New Orleans, he was a jazz bassist, saxophonist, and percussionist. He began learning Afghan music from David Brown, Brian Steeger, and Ernie Fischbach in the mid 1990s. Other Afghani music teachers have included Tameem Afzali, Zia Khawaja, and Bizmillah Iqbal. Derek started playing the oud in 1997. His teachers have included Solomon Feldthouse and Ali Sinan Erdemsel. In 2002, he moved to the Bay Area and began studying North Indian classical music (both vocal and instrumental) with Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. He has continued to study at the Ali Akbar College of Music, using the oud to imitate the style of the sarode. Derek is also a passionate student, performer, and teacher of Derek Wright will be teaching a class on North Indian classical music theory and practice, and another class to be announced at Golden Toad Music and Dance Camp. Both classes are open to students with any instrument, and no prior experience with either genre is required. |
Derek Wright
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