Jeff Warner, Musician, Charms Enthralled Audience
Jeff Warner, a seasoned musician, entertained a very interested audience at the Hampstead Public Library in New Hampshire, on July 27, 2009. He is proficient on guitar, banjo, mountain dulcimer, and concertina and credits his parents with encouraging his interest in music, from an early age, due to their own love of folk music. This particular program, titled, “Music in Our Pockets,” is a look at the way people entertained themselves in the nineteenth century (1800s) by voice, instrumental music, and additional instruments like spoons, bones (of cows), and the “Jew’s harp” (that has nothing to do with Jewish people, by the way). Part of his focus was music from Appalachia; and North Carolina, where he grew up.
Jeff Warner on July 27, 2009 at Hampstead Public Library (NH)
For more than an hour, Warner discussed and played folk music and revealed the nature of the folklore tradition, saying that two components, “continuity and variation,” are integral to the understanding of folk music. Lyrics change over time. So, instead of being static, or fixed, the music is like a flowing river that can change course at any time (my words, not his). Jeff provides programs for school children, and is well-versed in providing appealing lyrics that children enjoy. Sometimes, he lets kids make up their own lyrics.
We loved his wooden toy in the shape of a human figure that he knew how to make dance.
Jeff Warner with his dancing toy
I also liked his answer to a story told by someone in the audience who stated, in conclusion, that her garnet ring had been stolen and all she has is the memory of it. Without missing a beat, Warner retorted something to this effect: “Isn’t that the most important thing that any of us has … our memories?” That is so true. We cannot keep material goods forever, or even loved ones, but we can hold people and things close, in memory.
One could readily see how much this musician connects with his art and enjoys it. He travels throughout the country, performing and sharing his musical talent and scholarship. We were very lucky to hear this presentation that was sponsored by the New Hampshire Humanities Council. We can always count on that organization to provide quality programs. Many thanks to Jeff Warner for a very fun evening of American music. You can find out more about Jeff on his website where he has music CDs available for sale.
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
