Updated April 2019
The NAJHFest is returning!! June 26-30th 2019. There is a group site reserved at Schwartz Campground near Cottage Grove. Email Porky Miller at porky.najh at gmail.com for pre-registration!!Please visit the Jews' Harp Guild Facebook group or the North American Jaw Harpist Group ( https://www.facebook.com/najawharpists/ ) or email Porky Miller at porky.najh at gmail.com for more information.. |
MORE INFORMATION COMING LODGING CLOSE TO COTTAGE GROVE This is a list of major motels/hotels and a couple of B&Bs which are close to the Cottage Grove. There are more B&Bs in town with a WIDE price range and also some Airbnb listings. Too much to include here, but, super easy to find with a google search. The list is not in any way an endorsement or recommendation of any and is also likely incomplete. Eugene, about ½ hour or more away, has an enormous selection. There are also campgrounds, most of which are rural and rustic on State or National parks. Again, google camping in Cottage Grove, OR gives all needed info. BEST WESTERN COTTAGE GROVE INN 1.1 mi from downtown 541 942 1000QUALITY INN COTTAGE GROVE .1 mi from downtown 541 942 974 VILLAGEGREEN RESORT & GARDENS .2 miles from downtown 541 942 2491 RELAX INN .0.6 miles from downtown 541 942 5132 SUPER 8 CRESWELL (Creswell) ..8.6 mi from Armory 888 942 7389 COMFORT INN 7 SUITES (Creswell) .. 8.8 mi from Armory 541 895 4025 THE GRAY CAT INN. within walking distance of downtown 541 942 1900 CAROUSEL HOUSE BED B&B 2.3 miles 541 942 0046 THE WHITE HOUSE 0.5 miles 541 942 1687 |
We have come a long way since 1991 when the festival was "born"
and each year the festival continues to grow and attract more
musicians and spectators.
It all began with a meeting which took place in the fall of 1991.
Gordon Frazier (of Seattle) who had recently returned from
attending the Second International Trump (Jew's Harp) Congress
that July in Yakutsk, Siberia, traveled down to Bill and Janet
Gohring's place in eastern Oregon. Gordon's dad, Marvin (who
plays bones), and Bart Wood (a friend of the Gohring's) were also
there.
It was the first time the Gohring's had met Gordon, but they
were long time friends with his Dad, Marvin. Gordon had an
impressive Jew's Harp collection and he brought it along with
him. Well, the music started shortly after Gordon arrived and
didn't stop until the next day.
Early in that first evening, the idea came up about having a
Jew's Harp festival here in the northwest. After all, Russia,
Japan, Scotland, Philippines, etc., all have one. So, we
discussed the type of festival we wanted it to be (Free and Fun)
... with the Jew's Harp as the main theme.
Well, it is much more than we ever anticipated it would be.
The atmosphere brings family unity closer together; it's the
perfect chance to meet many new interesting people (Jew's Harpers
are a bit "twangy"); the opportunity to listen and play a wide
variety of music from around the world; become introduced to a
variety of musical instruments (some one cannot even imagine!);
and often people from foreign countries will attend and play their
own music.
The festival was part of the inspiration behind Wayland
Harman's creation of the Clackamore . It also inspired Bill
Gohring to create his own Jew's Harp design and start hand-making
them. So, the festival is effecting many of us in a wonderful,
creative way.
The atmosphere during the festival is open, friendly, a
willingness to share and learn, and great people who love to hear
those Jew's Harpers play.
All in all, it's the place to be if you want to have a great
time, enjoy good music and learn to play the Jew's Harp (most
people learn in no time at all).
Many of us enjoy the wide variety of Workshops held during
the festival. You can learn everything about the ancient,
mystical little music instrument from present day back to
Neanderthal times.
But beware! Jew's Harps are addictive! Once you start
playing, you won't be able to stop.
We now hope that other folks will step forward to host
other gatherings around the country. Contact us via our Facebook Group.