Metku at Juhannus
Juhannus, also known as St. John’s Day or Midsummer, is a tradition going back centuries in Finland. In the old days, it was celebrated on the first day of summer to ward off evil spirits and ensure good crops and fertility.
Juhannus, also known as St. John’s Day or Midsummer, is a tradition going back centuries in Finland. In the old days, it was celebrated on the first day of summer to ward off evil spirits and ensure good crops and fertility.
Metku Quartet features Richard Koski on accordion, Katrina Mackey on Fiddle, Michael Ludgate on Mandolin and Phil Robinson on guitar. They play Finnish and Finnish American dance tunes from the Finger Lakes.
Inspired by their Finnish heritage, Michael Ludgate (mandolin, kantele, banjo) and Katrina Mackey (fiddle, flute) formed Metku to learn more about traditional Finnish music and dance. They are often joined by Philip Robinson on guitar and master accordionist, Richard Koski, who has played Finnish-American folk music since 1970.
On March 8, 2020 Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts hosted Toivo’s seasonal time change dance. Local traditional dancer and musician Katrina Mackey teaches viewers how to dance the “Rattikkoon,” a traditional Finnish polka. The band even throws in a Cajun tune for good measure!
Jaya and Naga “Shashi” Shashidar are South Indian Carnatic Musicians who have called the Southern Finger Lakes home for many years. Both Jaya and Shashi share a love of and responsibility to share Carnatic music here in the Southern Finger Lakes.
For nearly the last 20 years, Burke has performed as a solo delta blues guitarist throughout the region. Hear in his own words about his upbringing in Elmira’s Black community and his journey to become the deeply emotive player he is known as.
Ira Heyward was a saxophonist and drummer that spent most of his life in Elmira. A husband and parent, he also worked for Corning Inc. for over 40 years.
From 1932 to 2011, Green Pastures was the place to hear live jazz and blues music in the Southern Tier of New York while enjoying some of the finest fried chicken, potato salad and collard greens in the region.
