February From The Editor

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The shortest month of the year is upon us. We can thank King Numa Pompilius, who in 713 BC reformed the Roman calendar, adding January and February, bringing the total to 12 months. To fit these new months, February was shortened to 28 days, while January was given 31 days. (It got a little more complicated after that, but King Numa got the ball rolling.) 

Plus, did you know we gain an average of 2-3 minutes of daylight every day in February? If you really want to geek out, you can use the NOAA Solar Calculator to find sunrise, sunset, solar noon and solar position for any place on earth. Or Knoxville. 

Word to the wise: Don’t forget Valentine’s Day on Saturday, February 14th! 

Tune History

This month we look at the ever popular G tune, “Seneca Square Dance.”  This melody is known by more than 30 different titles! Most players are aware that “Seneca Square Dance" and “Waiting For The Federals" are the same tune. But are you familiar with “John Holban’s Polka,” “Shelby’s Mule,” “The Old Racoon,” “ Shoot That Turkey Buzzard,” or “The Higher Up The Monkey Climbs?” They all share the same melody. The tune was first recorded as “Seneca Square Dance" in 1926 by Fiddlin' Sam Long of the Ozarks for Gennett Records. But, as we learned last month from the history of Cherokee Shuffle/Lost Indian - don’t be too quick to assume that this tune has anything to do with Native Americans - it probably has more in common with General Shelby’s mules.

I also reposted  “Presidential Fiddle Tunes” from a list put together last year. Here, we get a fiddle tune for each day in February, plus a leap year bonus tune. It’s the least we can do for George Washington’s Birthday (federal holiday, Feb. 16th.) George’s actual birthday is February 22nd, and he originally had his own holiday, but in 1968 Congress “adjusted” the holiday’s date - mainly for economic interests. 

Which reminds me of a famous quote: "No man's life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session." This is often misattributed to Mark Twain, but actually penned by American lawyer and judge Gideon J. Tucker in 1866. 

Which leads to the sarcastic phrase, "What are they going to do, take away my birthday?"(Often used for reassurance, as the worst-case scenario is rarely as bad as feared.)

Unfortunately, the correct answer appears to be "Yes, they will."

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Songwriters: we really need more fiddle tunes named after modern day presidents! 

Upcoming Events

This is traditionally a slightly slower time of the year for events. That being said, there are still opportunities to see some Old Time performances, including Hog Eyed Man at the Cork & Keg in Asheville on the 2nd. Sparky & Rhonda Rucker and Celtic fiddler Jamie Laval will be at the Laurel Theater this month on the 7th and 28th respectively. I will add events to the website as they are announced. Please remember that while we concentrate on Old Time related events here, area venues have lots of other shows to offer. Links are on the Calendar Page.

Speaking of the Laurel Theater, please consider supporting this Knoxville institution, whose mission is to promote the traditional arts of Southern Appalachia. The original building was constructed in 1898 as the Fort Sanders Presbyterian Church, and it has served as a performance space since at least 1969. You can help continue this legacy by volunteering, becoming a member, and/or donating to this 501c3 non profit on their website.

(full disclosure, I am on the volunteer Board of Directors)

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Mark

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