We are very excited to kick off our 2020 House Concert Series with the return of JigJam, from Tullamore, Ireland!
JigJam are a multi-award winning quartet from the heart of the midlands in Ireland. Blending the best of traditional Irish music with Bluegrass and Americana in a new genre which has been branded as ‘I-Grass’ (Irish influenced Bluegrass), their onstage energy along with their virtuosic musical ability has captivated audiences throughout the world.
Jamie McKeogh, Cathal Guinan and Daithi Melia all hail from Tullamore, Co. Offaly with Co. Tipperary born Gavin Strappe completing the quartet. All four members grew up immersed in Irish traditional music and culture which is reflected by the band collectively achieving over twenty All-Ireland titles at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann competitions. They have now developed their own unique style of music influenced by American Folk music whilst staying true to their Irish roots. Described as ‘The best Irish group so far in bluegrass’ this sharply dressed outfit deliver an energy-fuelled, foot-stomping live performance. All multi-instrumentalists, JigJam interchange between banjos, guitars, fiddles, mandolins and double bass onstage which creates an experience which is pleasing to both the eye and the ear.
Date: Friday, April 17, 2020 at 7PM Location: 1206 Mowery Ridge Rd., Frenchville, PA Bring your favorite beverage and if you like, you may bring a snack to share (optional). RSVP: ann@oakmountainhideaway.com
What a privileged it is to be hosting four members of The Crannua Collective at Oak Mountain Hideaway House Concerts!
The Crannua Collective features three generations of writers steeped in the the transatlantic tradition. They have come together to construct a new and original voice, creating a contemporary body of work, drawn from their collective and individual music history.
In 2015, Cormac De Barra was the Irish Cultural liaison for the World’s Fair in Milan. Knowing Ashley’s passion for writing within the Irish tradition, Cormac invited her to join him for a week, to curate a group of writers who also draw from the tradition to create contemporary works. The original members of The Crannua Collective (Moya Brennan, Éamonn De Barra, John Doyle, Cormac De Barra and Ashley Davis) collaborated during that week, producing live recordings and shows. From this work, John envisioned that they would create an album, blending the Gaelic traditions and Irish vocal traditions with Ashley’s traditional American roots. As the project grew, so did the collective. The group added new instruments and writing talents, as Dave Curley, Colin Farrell, Mick McAuley, Gawain Mathews and Cathy Jordan joined in 2017. Through this growth, the album’s transatlantic vision came into greater focus. This Collective would create a collection of original, contemporary works, drawing from the furthest Gaeltacht in Donegal to the Kansas prairie. It is with great pleasure that we offer you this new music, grown by The Crannua Collective from seed to flower.
We will have two of the founding members, Ashley Davis and Cormac DeBarra, as well as Dave Curley and Colin Farrell with us for this concert. Here is a little background on each of them.
Ashley Davis
Ashley is a singer and composer whose work spans many genres. A native of Kansas, she studied music first in Nashville and went on to immerse herself in the sean-nós Gaelic singing tradition in Ireland. She has released five solo albums to date, toured as vocalist with the group Lúnasa, and has collaborated with many artists including Sara Watkins and Paddy Moloney. We are very happy that Ashley has pulled together these members of the Crannua Collective to play here! www.ashleydavisband.com
Cormac De Barra
Raised in Dublin, Cormac De Barra is the third generation of harper in the family, and was taught first by his grandmother. He has been playing professionally since age 17, performing across the globe and with many artists including Hazel O’Connor, Brian Kennedy and The Chieftains. We have had his brothers, Éamonn (Slide and also a member of The Crannua Collective) and Fionán (Runa) here before. What a treat to have yet another fantastically talented member of the De Barra family play here! www.voicesandharps.ie
Dave Curley
Returning again, with yet another Irish group (he’s in high demand, …a testament to his talents) is Dave Curley. Dave is a Galway man and is regarded as one of Ireland’s leading traditional male vocalists. He is also a virtuoso on mandolin, banjo and guitar and is a member of various traditional music groups, most notably Slide and One for the Foxes. We are always excited to have Dave play and sing here at Oak Mountain Hideaway! www.davecurleymusic.com
Colin Farrell
Colin Farrell hails from Manchester and has been performing on the world stage for over two decades now. Equally at home on the whistle as he is on the fiddle, he has made a name for himself performing and recording with an array of great musicians in Europe and the US, including such groups as Flook, Grada, Karen Casey, The Elders, Julie Fowlis, The Michael McGoldrick Band and is currently playing with the band Lúnasa. Colin previously played here with John Doyle and we are thrilled to have him back! www.colinfarrellmusic.com
Date: Friday, June 12, 2020 at 7PM Location: 1206 Mowery Ridge Rd., Frenchville, PA Feel free to bring your favorite beverage and if you like, a snack to share (optional). RSVP: ann@oakmountainhideaway.com
We couldn’t be happier that The Black Feathers are returning to Oak Mountain Hideaway! If you’ve seen them before, you’ll be as happy as we are, if you haven’t seen them, you are in for a treat!
The ability to write songs that are both modern and ancient is a rare thing. The product of an arcane art of weaving in traditional influences so thoroughly that they become the warp and weft of fresh creations.
The Black Feathers, made up of Ray Hughes and Sian Chandler, are two such talents. They first became aware of the magic between them while collaborating on several musical projects, becoming The Black Feathers and life partners in 2012.
“Once in a blue moon, the whole soars far above the sum of its parts. That’s what happens when The Black Feathers perform live.”
Black Mountain News, North Carolina
Americana, Folk, and Acoustic Indie Rock sensibilities coexist comfortably in their musical world, with Hughes’ guitar work buoying the kind of harmonies often only heard in family bands. Their music quickly draw the interest of listeners, but it is the stage chemistry that will keep them riveted.
Having already built up a loyal following in the UK, The Black Feathers have been spreading their wings across the US. They have performed at Philadelphia Folk Festival and AmericanaFest, and have also been awarded official showcases at the North East Regional and Far-West Folk Alliance conferences.
Date: Monday, July 27, 2020 at 7PM Location: 1206 Mowery Ridge Rd., Frenchville, PA Bring your favorite beverage and if you like, a snack to share (optional). RSVP: ann@oakmountainhideaway.com
Annie Sumi is an Ontario-based folk singer-songwriter with a sound shaped by varied musical influences, from Joni to Feist to Nick Drake, and a dash of mystical songstress Kate Bush emerging in this album.
Sumi’s debut album charted on college radio (Earshot!) for 10 straight weeks and a few tracks earned airplay on CBC Radio from coast to coast. The album also earned numer-ous accolades, including nominations for Best Contemporary Folk Recording and Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2016 Hamilton Music Awards, and Best Singer-Songwriter at the 2015 Toronto Independent Music Awards.
“You can’t leave an Annie Sumi performance and feel anything but inspired. She fills the stage with joy and it spills over into the audience. Her songs manage to pull you into her world.”
Leah Morise, House of Harmony
Date: Friday, August 28, 2020 at 7PM Location: 1206 Mowery Ridge Rd., Frenchville, PA
Please bring: Your masks (must be worn when purchasing merchandise), a lawn chair or blanket, your favorite beverage and a personal snack to enjoy, bug spray (optional).
In this new age of COVID 19 we need to be careful so we ask that you follow social distancing, and wear your masks when necessary. This will be an outdoor show and in case of inclement weather, it may be cancelled.
RSVP by: August 24. If you cannot attend but would like to support the artist and our concert series, feel free to mail a check to Oak Mountain Hideaway, 1206 Mowery Ridge Rd., Frenchville, PA 16836
Introduction to Nature Journaling Saturday, May 2, 2020 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Optional weekend package available)
Pam Ruch, Instructor
“Wherever I am, the world comes after me. It offers me its busyness. It does not believe that I do not want it. Now I understand why the old poets of China went so far and high into the mountains, then crept into the pale mist.” — Mary Oliver, Why I Wake Early
Enjoy a day away from technology, away from the busyness of the world and submerse yourself in nature. Nature Journaling can take any form you are most comfortable with – drawing, data collection, prose, poetry. Some even use it as a tool to chart the ways in which plants and animals respond to climate change. Whatever form your journal takes, the practice of keeping it will deepen your relationship with nature, and bring surprising new discoveries.
Oak Mountain Hideaway is pleased to offer you a unique getaway with an Introduction to Nature Journaling Workshop presented by Pam Ruch, a horticulturist, freelance writer, and artist/nature journaler.
In past years Pam has raised vegetables for a farm-to-table restaurant, managed the test gardens for Organic Gardening magazine, and worked as the magazine’s research editor. Presently, she recently retired from the historic garden at Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton NJ, and works with the Nurture Nature Center in Easton, PA, organizing and presenting nature- and garden-related programs. In addition, she writes for online and print organizations, including the Home Garden Seed Association, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and The Easton Irregular. She speaks on various topics, including Good Garden Insects; Weeds: the Good, the Bad, and the Tasty; and Nature Journaling. She holds a BS in Horticulture from Temple University, and an MS in Environmental Science from Green Mountain College.
Class size is limited to 12 people (minimum of 5) Cost of the class is $60/person Workshop includes lunch
What to bring: writing/drawing implements, binoculars (optional), camera (optional), water bottle (optional). Wear sun protection (sunscreen, a hat). We will hold the class regardless of the weather, dress appropriately. In the spirit of the program, Saturday will be a technology-free day. We will try as much as possible not use our phones and only when necessary. We will have:
a 9×12″ spiral-bound Field Sketch Book for each participant who wants one ($10 ea. or bring your own)
some art supplies (pencils, pens, water color pencils)
10x insect magnifiers
field guides
In addition to the workshop, we are offering a weekend package for those who would like to make it a retreat weekend for themselves or with friends. If interested, please contact ann@oakmountainhideaway.com or the number listed in the registration link below for details, prices, and booking. We have a cabin which sleeps 4 (2 per bed), rooms in the main house (sleeps up to 6, 2/bed), and there is also camping available. All accommodations are First-come-First-served. The full package includes: Friday, May 1 – overnight accommodations plus a free presentation offered by Pam. We also have dark skies, if it’s clear, for star gazing or night sky photography as well as a fire pit for a campfire. Saturday, May 2 – breakfast prior to the workshop – workshop, including lunch – dinner on your own. Sunday, May 3 breakfast (optional for anyone wanting to stay two nights) checkout is 11:00 AM
Wow, have we been busy since our last blog post! My head is spinning, trying to think of everything to include in this post!
First, an announcement: Before I go into the details of the past seven months, I want you to know we have a house concert coming up on Sunday, March 24 at 6:00 PM with the man who started it all for us for our house concert series! Jim Malcolm, from Scotland, is returning! We’re so happy to have Jim back. He’s performed here several times since 2005. He has the most dreamy voice you’ll ever hear and he’s quite a comedian! You don’t want to miss it. RSVP if you plan to attend to ann@oakmountainhideaway.com. The cost is $20/person at the door. Reservations help us to know how many to plan for and are appreciated. There is usually plenty of room. As always, bring your favorite beverage and a snack to share, optional.
Grand Opening of North Star Cabin was a Success!
Now, let’s back up to last August. Our Grand Opening of North Star Cabin was a lovely success. We had a two day event with live music from these local musicians: Steve Van Hook, Michelle Katz, Bill Ryan, Doug Irwin and Bill Ritzman, Megan and Chris McGarry, and from New York state, singer-songwriter, Austin MacRae . Following the music, we had an outdoor showing of the movie that was shot at our cabin, Generational Sins . The screen writer and film director, Spencer Folmar, was here for the screening! So many of our guests have really enjoyed watching the film in the cabin that played such an important roll in the story line. We also had tours of the newly renovated cabin which turned out to be a work of art with Ed’s beautiful craftsmanship! It is the coziest little cabin and it has some very unique features and a few fun surprises! The cabin is listed on Airbnb and is open year-round, 7 days a week.
We also had several vendors who set up for the event includingMcCracken’s Canoe Sales and Rentals,Nicole Nachman with her Mary Kay products but she has now switched toL’BRI products, and Bee Kind Winery furnished us with a wine tasting. We also had our Oak Mountain Hideaway mementos, wine glasses, wine totes, and coffee mugs for sale as well. Those items are always available any time you visit us, just ask.
On day two, the event featured the Nashville-based band, Wildeyes, who played an incredible outdoor show that was nothing less than magical! The crowd absolutely loved them! Check out this stunning rendition of Wicked Game!
Grand Opening Gallery
North Star Cabin
Steve Van Hook
Michelle Katz
Bill Ryan
Doug Irwin and Bill Ritzman
Megan and Chris McGarry
Austin MacRae
Folks enjoying the music.
Cabin tour!
McCracken Canoe Sales and Rentals
Our Vendors
Nicole Nachman with Anna Marie Nachman
Bee Kind Winery wine tasting.
Director, Spencer T. Folmar in North Star Cabin where the movie Generational Sins was filmed.
Generational Sins movie clip of North Star Cabin before renovations.
Wildeyes
Wildeyes
Wildeyes Band
Wildeyes Band
Update on our B&B and Hipcamp Sites
Our cabin rentals and Hipcamp sites, as well as the room rentals in the main house, have been outstanding. We reached Superhost status pretty early on with Airbnb and we were thrilled to be voted 3rd Best Hipcamp in Pennsylvania this year! Our guests are all so wonderful and interesting! We had a very busy late summer and fall. Many folks came for the elk viewing, some went to see the sights in the northern counties, like the Kinzua bridge, and we had several stay for the Penn State football games. Groundhog day was a very busy. We had several different groups of folks stay with us for that fun event! One group even sent us a copy of the movie, Groundhogs Day, to have available in the cabin as a thank you gift! We also hosted a couple of groups of women who had a ‘girls weekend’ getaway who plan to return again this year! We had some winter guests who went cross country skiing at Black Moshannon State Park. Did you know… Pennsylvania State Parks offer equipment at each park office? You can borrow gear such as ice skates, cross country skis and boots, snow shoes and more. In addition to Black Moshannon, Sinnemahoning and Parker Dam State Parks are all under an hour away and offer some of the most beautiful scenery in Central Pennsylvania! Other folks took advantage of the hiking in the area in the Quehanna Wilds. Our Hipcampers went fishing, kayaking and floating down the river, and enjoyed star gazing and dark sky photography and several even took in a couple of our house concerts. There is something for everyone here. The peace and quite is unmatched! One couple enjoyed putting a puzzle together by the fireplace. We also have board games and cards or you can simply relax and read a book or watch the wildlife and the birds. It truly is, the “Utlimate Restination” in the Pennsylvania Wilds!
“The cabin and the setting were gorgeous and incredibly relaxing. Perfect place to unplug.”
Jessica, Akron, OH
There is a lot to do and see in the Pennsylvania Wilds. Plan your vacation with us, we have special weekly rates. Did you know there are two Fish for Free days in Pennsylvania? These days allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish on Pennsylvania waterways on the designated days with NO FISHING LICENSE REQUIRED (Trout/Salmon and Lake Eire permits are also NOT required)! All other fishing regulations apply. The dates this year are: Sunday, May 26 and Thursday, July 4 (Independence Day). Many high quality streams are nearby.
Cozy North Star Cabin
Bull ELk
Bull Elk
The West Branch
Gifford Run
Nice Catch!
Coming up for 2019
We are excited to be expanding our Hipcamp sites this year and creating some hiking trails on our 24 acres that will be easily accessed right outside the door. We are also planning several workshops. We are holding a FREE Bird Walk on Saturday, June 8th with Jim Dunn of State College. Jim has been an avid bird watcher since 1997. He has seen 274 species in Centre County, 309 in Pennsylvania, 660 in the US, 1329 in the world (31 countries) and 93 right in his yard in State College. We will begin at 8:00 a.m. and will have coffee, tea, and a snack upon arrival (donations accepted). If you have binoculars and/or a camera bring them with you. This event will be held rain or shine so dress in weather appropriate clothing and wear proper hiking footwear.
Eastern Bluebirds moving in at Oak Mountain Hideaway
We are also planning a Nature Journaling workshop for later in the summer. Stay tuned for more on this event.
House Concert Schedule
Our 2019 house concert series began in February, with a Scottish band called Heron Valley. It was a spectacular start to the 2019 series! As mentioned in the beginning of this post, our next concert is on Sunday, March 24, with Jim Malcolm, also from Scotland. Here are the other remaining shows:
High Time (Ireland, TRAD) June 4 at 7 PM
Shane Hennessey (Ireland, Guitar/Composer) September 4 at 7 PM
Hiroya Tsukamoto (Japan, Guitar/Composer/Singer) October 11 at 7 PM
Winifred Horan and Utsav Lal (New York, Fiddle/Piano October 26 at 7 PM
West Branch Susquehanna River Wild Canoe/Kayak Race – May 4
149th Annual Frenchville Picnic – July 20-21
100 Mile Yard Sale – July 19-20
Clearfield County Fair – July 28-Aug 3
We are thrilled with the success we’ve had so far and are very much looking forward to hosting each and every guest and every event. We hope you will join us and spread the word! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Heron Valley are an energetic, young folk band from Scotland who have serious enthusiasm for the music they play. Their roots lie in Scottish and Irish traditional music, while taking influence from various Folk, Country and Bluegrass styles. The six-piece, energy fueled group comprises:
Alex Mackechnie – Fiddle / Accordion / Guitar Nick Hamilton – Drums / Banjo Abigail Pryde – Vocals / Guitar Euan McNab – Bagpipes / Whistles / Guitar Arlene Mackechnie – Piano Callum Cronin – Bass Guitar
Heron Valley tour as a 5-piece line-up in the US. The band will convey their unique Scottish sound and energetic performance to ensure their audiences are absorbed by the enthusiasm. This will comprise of a lineup of Bagpipes, Fiddle, Vocals, Whistles, Banjo, Guitar, Piano, Drums, Bass and any other instrument they can get their hands on.
As both singer and songwriter, Jim Malcolm is one of the most distinctive voices in Scottish music, “one of the finest singing voices in Scotland in any style”. He was lead singer of the phenomenal Scottish band Old Blind Dogs for seven years, touring extensively throughout Europe and North America and playing at many of the biggest folk festivals. In 2004, Jim was songwriter of the year in the Scots Trad Music Awards, and he has been nominated three times for Scots Singer of the Year. He has a huge repertoire of songs from the Scottish tradition and is a noted interpreter of Burns. These old songs are complemented by his own original and award-‐winning songs, which are at once completely modern and accessible, yet an authentic addition to the cannon of Scottish music. Jim plays expressive guitar in mainly DADGAD tuning, and simultaneously plays tunes on harmonicas to a standard you’ll seldom hear elsewhere. “Given the right song, he’ll melt you in your seat,” as one critic wrote. What’s more, Jim’s between-‐song wit has developed to an art form all of its own. Not to be missed!
“Malcolm has one of those pure, warm folk voices (two parts Archie Fisher, one part Dick Gaughan) that one never tires of listening to” Dirty Linen
“Transcendent brilliance in songwriting and musicianship” Mojo
For more, visit: https://www.jimmalcolm.com/ Tickets: $20 Bring your favorite beverage and a snack to share (optional).
This fresh new trio from the heart of Connemara, Ireland combines Irish music and an intriguing blend of modern folk influences to produce a rich sound and exciting experience to delight listeners.
Featuring an unusual line-up of flute, whistles, harp, bodhrán, guitar and vocals (with some Irish dancing steps thrown in!), HighTime make a youthful and energetic statement.
Equal measures of music and tradition from old Ireland coupled with bold new arrangements make for a tasty platter of story, music, song and dance from these three young men; All hailing from the village of Ardmore on the rugged west coast.
Ciarán Bolger – Guitar and Vocals Conall Ó Flatharta – Flute, whistle & vocals Séamus Ó Flatharta – Celtic Harp, whistle, bódhran drum, Irish dancing & vocals
For more, visit: https://www.hightime.ie Tickets: $20 Bring your favorite beverage and a snack to share (optional).
Shane Hennessy is a virtuoso guitarist and songwriter from Carlow, Ireland. His energetic contemporary guitar playing style encompasses innovative fingerpicking, flatpicking, and hybrid picking techniques.
His cinematically vivid compositions tie in multiple influences from various world and ethnic musics, not least his background in Irish traditional music. He has caught the attention of big names like guitar legend Tommy Emmanuel and super-producer Nile Rodgers (CHIC).
Among Shane’s achievements to date include a sold-out show at Ireland’s National Concert Hall, a collaboration with Riverdance composer Bill Whelan, a stint as an opening act for Tommy Emmanuel, and a billing at MerleFest.
For more, visit: https://www.shanehennessy.ie/ Tickets: $15 Bring your favorite beverage and a snack to share (optional).
