Summer 2008

      Well, it seems that I missed the spring newsletter. It is now summer, the garden is in, and the grass is growing at a fast pace as we have had a lot more rain this spring than this time last year. Because of Jake's new job we were forced to miss Mt. Airy for the first time in twelve years; hope to be back next year. We will be at the Appalachian Stringband Festival and the Galax Old-Time Fiddlers Convention this summer and really can't wait to see everyone. I know gas prices are hurting everyone and hope you all can still make it to both festivals. Jake has a new job with Culture and History here in West Virginia as the Individual Artists Coordinator and really seems to like it there! Jake has also released a new CD titled "Jake's Ramble." Dara is off for the summer and working hard in the garden. Reed has had his photographs juried into Tamarack-the best of West Virginia, and Allied Artists of West Virginia and is proud to be a member of both organizations!
    If any of you remember Red our Airedale, he is now the proud father of ten puppies. We are looking for good homes for nine of them. Sadie, the mother, is doing fine but is very busy looking after her puppies. They will be six weeks old 11/25/07. Little Willy our Westie passed away this fall after being with us for fourteen years. He was a good dog and friend, and he loved the old-time fiddle. We have also added a new horse this fall. Her name is Sally, and she is giving us a run for our money. We don’t know if she likes fiddle music yet.
    Well, before you know it the winter blues will pass, and we will all be together again playing at the festivals this upcoming summer. We are all looking forward to that. So you all take care, have a happy holiday season, and lets all be thankful for our friends, families and the music that brings us all together!

Reed, Dara & Jake Krack

                                                           Early Spring Garden 2008

                                                                             Sally

                                                                                       Red & Sadie

                                                                         The Kids

                                                                   Willy 1993- 2007

            Jake had a number of rewarding experiences with his wins at Clifftop and Galax (2006).  He took first place in old-time fiddle at both festivals.  Jake and the Whoopin Hollar String band took first place in traditional band at both festivals (2006).  He was also awarded the Best All-Around Performer trophy at Galax.  This was the second time he won first place Fiddle and Best All-Around Performer  and the third time he has played with the winning old-time band at Galax.  Also, be sure to look at the fall 2006 issue of Fiddler Magazine where Jake is featured as the cover story.  Dara had a great run also, she backed the winning fiddlers in the senior ( Jerry Lewis) and the adult (Jake) categories at Clifftop, and played guitar with the winning band at Galax.

            Jake has completed two internships.  The first was at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. with Jeff Place in music archives.  The second was with the West Virginia Humanities Council where he worked on the Mountain Music Heritage Project with Dr. Ken Sullivan, Matt Meacham, and Mark Payne. 

            To everyone who has supported Jake over the years, we offer our heartfelt gratitude.  Your kind words, sharing of tunes, instruction, and friendship have meant so much.  You are all very dear to our hearts

             Krack’s Fiddle Shop is open in its off-season location in Orma, West Virginia.  Come up for a visit and enjoy the beautiful countryside views here from the porch of the shop.  Jake will be giving a Fiddle Workshop in June 2008, along with one on one fiddle lessons and one on one weekend workshops.  For info or to sign up call 304-655-7504.

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