Friday, February 01, 2013

Friday 1st February 2013….Rabbits, rabbits, rabbits!!!

 

My Mom always said that if you started each month saying rabbits it would be a great month…thanks Mom!!

A pretty easy day and I have no idea why the print is in bold type……

I spent the afternoon outside enjoying the beautiful day first at the big sports complex close to where I live where they were every kind of games going on I think they were university kids on a day out!!

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Then came home and washed the car and studied and finally completed all the paperwork for my pension lets hope it is right the first time.

Tonight Carolyn and I are going here

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THE FIDDLER—Alex DePue

Alex DePue began taking classical violin lessons at age five. He won his first major competition at age 10, and later (age 14) won a competition that entitled him to perform at Carnegie Hall as Concertmaster for the National Guild Youth Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Joseph Silverstein. He has continued to win competitions and appear as a guest soloist with orchestras and at festivals worldwide.

Despite his classical training, Alex became interested in fiddling at age seven, and began competing in old-time fiddle contests at the age of 12. He reigned as the Michigan State Fiddling Champion from 1994-1998; won the first-place trophy at the Walnut Valley National Fiddling Championship in Winfield, Kansas in 1999 and 2005; won first place in the Halletsville, TX “Gone to Texas National Fiddling Championship” in 2000; won first place in the Alabama state fiddle contest in 2006 and 2007; and won first place in the California state fiddle contest in 2007. He has been ranked among the top 10 fiddlers in the nation at the Grand Masters Fiddling Championship (Nashville, TN). In 2005, Alex placed fourth at the GMFC. Alex served as a judge at the National Oldtime Fiddling Championship (Weiser, ID) in 2008. Alex toured with Capitol Recording artist Chris Cagle from 2000-2006, with whom he still regularly appears (re-runs) on the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Television, Great American Country, and VH1 Country.

Alex joined legendary rock guitarist Steve Vai for a 2007 world tour that took him across North America, South America, and Europe. Alex’s YouTube (www.youtube.com) videos are from all parts of the globe, and his #1 YouTube hit, 'Owner of a Lonely Heart' (originally recorded by the 80's rock band, Yes) has been viewed worldwide over a million times. 2010 continued celebration for Vai's 2009 DVD release, “Steve Vai: Where the WILD THINGS Are” (a live concert music-movie co-featuring DePue), its Grammy nomination (Best Rock Instrumental) for the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards and Gold Record (award issued to each band/cast member) from the Recording Industry Association of America in recognition of “Gold” sales status in both the US and Canada.

Alex recently teamed up with Mexican guitarist Miguel De Hoyos. Their unique international sound has been praised by elected Mexico officials in Baja California South and Baja California North, MX and their spectacular musical performances are being extolled by popular English-written Mexican publications such as the Gringo Gazette and the Baja Times. Alex and Miguel released their first recording 'Underground Whispers” in 2009 and their new album “Twisted Strings” (2010) are both available at www.depuedehoyos.com or www.alexdepue.com.

In addition to performing, Alex is a published composer and arranger of music. Alex has a self-produced CD available which features pieces he arranged and/or composed. In addition to his own CD, he has produced recordings for singers and other instruments, and records sessions in his off time from tours.

With his brothers, Alex played on the soundtrack for the Philadelphia Orchestra documentary, “Music from the Inside Out”. Alex also composed one of the pieces recorded for the documentary. With a background in both classical violin and fiddling, and an ability to play not only the violin but also the viola, mandolin, guitar, double bass, percussion, and piano, Alex is an artist that can produce any style of music.

"Alex DePue is described as one of the leading improv violinists of his generation, with legendary prowess in bluegrass, rock, classical, and jazz/blues..."
-Kansas City Tribune
"There's no other way to describe the fiddling of Alex DePue... it stings!"
Andrew McGinn - Springfield News-Sun
“What results is a heady mix of virtuosity and sophistication that is even more impressive live”
George Varga, SignOn San Diego - San Diego Union Tribune

Alex DePue began studying classical violin at age five. He won his first university-level competition at age 10, and later (age 14) won a competition that entitled him to perform at Carnegie Hall as Concertmaster for the National Guild Youth Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Joseph Silverstein. He has continued to win competitions and appear as a guest soloist with orchestras and at festivals worldwide.

Despite his classical training, Alex became interested in fiddling at age seven and began competing in “fiddle” contests. He reigned as the Michigan State Fiddling Champion from 1994-1998; won the first-place trophy at the Walnut Valley National Fiddling Championship in Winfield, Kansas in 1999 and 2005; won first place in the Halletsville, TX “Gone to Texas National Fiddling Championship” in 2000; won first place in the Alabama state fiddle contest in 2006 and 2007; and won first place in the California state fiddle contest in 2007. Also in 2006, he was deemed, “Fiddle King” in Athens, AL (Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention). Alex served as a judge at the National Oldtime Fiddling Championship (Weiser, ID) in 2008 and in 2010 and 2011 he won first place in the Twin Fiddle division with Sedra Bistodeau while ranking among the Top 10 finalists in the Grand National Championship division. Alex toured as Musical Director/Fiddler with Capitol Recording artist Chris Cagle from 2000-2006, with whom he still regularly appears (re-runs) on the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Television, Great American Country and VH1 Country.

In 2007, Mr. DePue joined legendary rock guitarist Steve Vai for a world tour that took him across North America, South America and Europe. Alex’s YouTube (www.youtube.com) videos are from all parts of the globe, and his #1 YouTube hit, 'Owner of a Lonely Heart' (originally recorded by the 80's rock band, Yes) has been viewed worldwide over four million times (re-posting). 2010 continued celebration for Vai's 2009 DVD release, “Steve Vai: Where the WILD THINGS Are” (a live concert music-movie co-featuring DePue), its Grammy nomination (Best Rock Instrumental) for the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards and Gold Record (award issued to each band/cast member) from the Recording Industry Association of America in recognition of “Gold” sales status in both the US and Canada (Platinum Award from the Canadian Recording Industry Association). Also that year Alex performed with actor/singer, Kevin Costner.

Alex recently teamed up with Mexican guitarist Miguel De Hoyos. Their unique international sound has been praised by elected politicians and officials in the country of Mexico and their spectacular musical performances are being extolled by popular English-written Mexican publications such as the Gringo Gazette, Baja Times as well as much press from US publications (i.e. San Diego Union-Tribune, etc.). Alex and Miguel, “DePue/DeHoyos”, released their first recording 'Underground Whispers” in 2009 and their most recent recording, “Twisted Strings”, are both available online at www.thefiddlerllc.com .

Alex has three brothers, all of whom are professional violinists; Wallace Jr. (Concertmaster, Philadelphia Pops), Jason (1st Vln. Philadelphia Orchestra) and Zachary (Concertmaster, Indianapolis Symphony and founding member of famed trio, Time For Three), Alex played on the soundtrack and composed one of the pieces for the Philadelphia Orchestra documentary, “Music from the Inside Out”, and the brothers frequently record for NFL Films.

In 2011, Alex DePue launched “The DePue Brothers’ International Fiddle Competition” to benefit his home town's music programs through Bowling Green City Schools (OH) and also released his second solo recording, STAGES, on which he is performing all instruments heard.

With a background in classical violin, fiddling and rock; as well as his ability to play not only the violin but also the viola, mandolin, guitar, bass, drums and piano, Alex is an artist who can produce any style of music.

Will let you know about the concert later…I wish all my readers a wonderful happy and safe weekend!!!!

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