ZOUKFEST - Taos, New Mexico - ever been?

Subject: ZOUKFEST
From: moocowpoo
Date: 25 Sep 04 - 11:02 PM

Ahoy mudkatzen!
I'm thinking of getting a round-the-world ticket and stopping off for Zoukfest in New Mexico (on the way to Kaustinen again). I would GREATLY!! (sorry for yelling)appreciate any comments about Zoukfest, from anyone who's been or has heard anything other than what's on the website.
thank moo!

Subject: RE: ZOUKFEST - Taos, New Mexico - ever been?
From: moocowpoo
Date: 26 Sep 04 - 10:44 PM

no?

Subject: RE: ZOUKFEST - Taos, New Mexico - ever been?
From: leeneia
Date: 26 Sep 04 - 11:18 PM

Zoukfest used to be held near me, in the Midwest. I went to the final concert one year, I forget when.

I looked at the web page, and some of the same people are involved. I would say that this is a high-quality event, worth going to. It is not a "Mickey Mouse festival" which is just an excuse to drink beer and play a few I-IV-V chords.

The names on the site for 2003 include musicians I've heard of before, and they are respected performers. I should think that if you are travelling around the world, you will welcome the chance for some personal contacts for a change.

I don't see a site for a future Zoukfest. Are you sure they are doing it again?

Be aware that Taos is high - abt 2400 meters above sea level. You will need to take it easy when there.

Subject: RE: ZOUKFEST - Taos, New Mexico - ever been?
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 26 Sep 04 - 11:20 PM

Zorastro celebration (original burning man) YES - FUN!

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: ZOUKFEST - Taos, New Mexico - ever been?
From: JedMarum
Date: 27 Sep 04 - 12:38 AM

Taos alone is well worth the trip - but I've heard nothing but good stuff about this event, and it's run by good folks.

I'd say, "do it if you can!"

Subject: RE: ZOUKFEST - Taos, New Mexico - ever been?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 27 Sep 04 - 12:50 AM

Zoukfest will be held in Taos in 2005, after a postponement of one year. I haven't seen any announcement of tutors or workshops yet. I presume Roger Landes will be the organizer. www.tradmusic.com/newspage.asp?newsID=665

Not sure what Gargoyle is on about. "Zozobra" is burned every September in Santa Fe, not Taos, during their Fiesta, first held in 1712, which celebrates the re-conquest of Nuevo Mexico, after the Indian rebellion had chased them out (and also is a celebration (Whoopee!!) by the locals after the summer tourists have gone away).

Zozobra was first burned in 1924; an event created by Will Shuster and other artists living in the Upper Rio Grande Valley. It has nothing to do with Zoastro (or Zoroastrianism for that matter).
Zozobra is Spanish for anxiety; the purpose is for the pueblo (people) to relieve themselves of their anxieties, fears and doubts.

There is some burning man affair in Nevada or Arizona. Not sure what it is.
Zorastro appears in Orlando, and The Magic Flute, but I don't think either opera is playing in Taos.

Subject: RE: ZOUKFEST - Taos, New Mexico - ever been?
From: moocowpoo
Date: 27 Sep 04 - 05:07 AM

Thank you, thank you all!
It's great to get more information about zoukfest,,I did look at the site and saw that Alec finn was there (2003?).
It's also good to hear that it will be on in 2005, I was a bit worried, seeing no mention of future fests. I will contact them for more info, I just wanted independant opinions. I cant inagine a fest orgaiser saying "hmm well, it's actually a crap festival and, quite frankly, not worth the money". Having said that, I still managed to have a good time at the worst folk fest I've been to, saved(for me) by a good session on the last night.
my zouk and I can't wait.
thank you again!
moocowpooandy

Subject: RE: ZOUKFEST - Taos, New Mexico - ever been?
From: Wesley S
Date: 27 Sep 04 - 08:51 AM

Some of the workshops have been recorded and sold in the past. You might look into the possibility that they still have some for sale. That might give you an idea of the quality of the lessons and teachers there. I've heard nothing but good things about the event. Be aware that it's geared more toward players than listeners.

Subject: RE: ZOUKFEST - Taos, New Mexico - ever been?
From: open mike
Date: 27 Sep 04 - 09:00 AM

link
another link

Subject: RE: ZOUKFEST - Taos, New Mexico - ever been?
From: moocowpoo
Date: 27 Sep 04 - 10:40 AM

Thanks Wesley, I will look into those recordings. I play bouzouki and like to listen to as many different styles as possible, from the delicate, melodic playing of alec finn to the powerful and driving force of Donal's (and all the ones in between). I dont want to become stuck in a single style, one reason for this planned trip to zoukfest.
moocow