In 1995 Pola Galie was looking
for music lessons. She talked with a violin teacher in the
hopes of taking FIDDLE lessons but the conversation did not
go too well as the prospective teacher was not holding out
a lot of hope for a 43-year-old woman's capacity for
acquiring a new skill. Pola looked into other options. She
was attempting to conquer her fear of music after her
childhood accordion (that didn't fit) lessons. Which, by
the way, Pola's mother stopped after catching Pola and her
brother experimenting with the accordion by playing is
UPSIDE DOWN - which may have very well been a better way to
play it.
After much research, Pola decided to get and teach herself
to play the mountain dulcimer and she was all set to order
one from a mail order house. Talking to one of her
colleagues who happens to be Leonardo the Magician one day,
Leonardo said to her - "Why don't you just go to
Rancocas Woods and buy one!" Well, that weekend Pola
made her way over the "old" Pinelands Folk Music & Basketry
Center which was on the second floor. On the way up
the stairs, the strains of "Amazing Grace" being played
on the hammered dulcimer drifted down the stairs. She
was hooked by the time she got in the door.
Rich Carty was playing and Mary Carty was singing softly
and the rest is history or legend as the case may be. In
1996 Mary and Pola organized "Music in the Pines" which
took place at the Flying W Airport. The event was well
attended and a great time was had by all who attended.
In 2001 Pola stepped away from the music and craft scene
for a variety of reasons but Mary kept pushing onward. Mary
continued her basketry lessons and music programs. The
Greater Pinelands Dulcimer Society continued to have their
French Creek Music Weekend in June for some time but an
event like "Music in the Pines" was not held again until
now.
In 2006 Pola re-joined the Dulcimer Society (and the human
race) and started weaving baskets and playing music again.
It was only a matter of time, that Mary and Pola would plan
a music weekend that brings together the best of dulcimer
musicians, people, fun and environment. Pola likes to say:
"Music in the Pines has moved to the Bay!"
Late in 2006 Pola moved to the Lighthouse Center for
Natural Resource Education as the caretaker. In fact, she
lives in the same cottage as Gladys Earye (founding member
of the Pineconers and friend to the Albert Brothers) lived.
Perhaps Gladys' spirit and memory is the real force behind
this event.
In 2007 the 1st Annual Music by the Bay took place and a
weekend of jams, workshops, a concert took place. Everyone
had a wonderful time and NJ Folk Music History was made.
Check out the photos. Now, you can
also check out 2008's photos.
Please join us in November for what promises to be an
excellent music and friend experience!
Proceeds benefit By Hand Traditionally, Inc.
Please note that
information on this website is tentative and being added to
as we go along
Classes and Workshops are subject to change up to the
morning of the festival.
If you have any questions at all, please
email or call 609-698-7231.