WildmanSteve Radio is at the Folk Alliance Conference in Memphis

Yes sir-ree, we are at the ground zero of all things musical: The Folk Alliance Festival in Memphis, TN.  This is our first time to attend this conference and look forward to the next few days where we plan to soak up some great musical showcases, snatch up some interviews and pictures and meet some fellow music lovers, musicians and industry peers.

A few artists that we are looking forward to seeing perform over the next four days are: the Hot Club of Cowtown, Paul Thorn, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, the John Hartford String Band, Ruthie Foster, The Bo-Keys and Watermelon Slim.  

In addition to the musical showcases, there are all sorts of workshops and panels during the day hours.  I hope to get on a ukulele building workshop on Friday. Fingers are crossed...

We are off to the opening reception today in just a few and then off to get some famous Memphis BBQ at Rendezvous; then we have a full evening of showcases!  I'll be posting photos over the next few days.

Get more information about this event at:
www.folk.org

Bowing to the fiber gods

Ok, it's not that I need another hobby but the longer I play with yarn, the more I want to play with an increasing variety of natural fiber yarns.  They feel good, they dye to incredibly saturated hues and they are a dream to use, plus they come from all sorts of cute animals.

I just received my first batch of hand dyed and combed wool roving from Fat Cat Knits in Ilion,  New York.  The proprietor is so friendly and helpful and her wide variety of roving and yarns are simply gorgeous.  Here is a link to her storefront (you can also find her on Etsy.com).
http://stores.fatcatknits.com/StoreFront.bok

Here is  a picture my first batch of "Magnolia" Falkland wool roving (DROOL):

After crocheting for about 10 years, it's high time to learn this next step in the evolution of "yarn fever."  I have been watching Youtube footage on how to use a drop spindle.
Check out Megan LaCore's tutorial for a demo:




I have even made my own drop spindle on the cheap from a 3/8" wooden dowel, some 3/8" rubber o-rings and two old CDs.  Wish me luck!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Electronic geekery for your Valentine's Day! Here's a fun project I ran across in my latest adventures in poking around the 'net.
http://jimmieprodgers.com/kits/openheart/