House Concerts are an excellent way to gather with friends and other bluegrass enthusiasts, to really listen to the music, to get to know the artists and to enjoy a special late night jam. Jim and Nancy Nikora have hosted three since 2005, publicizing them variously in stores, on WORT, the web, e-mail lists and of course right here in the Fireball Mail. So they are not just private affairs — YOU are welcome.

This holiday season, the Nikoras invited Dave Hull and Kari Larson to their new home, which can seat as many as 40 people. As the living room darkened and the track light- ing spot-lighted the jolly duo, we noticed an artistic array of instruments: ukulele, mandolin, and archtop, flattop, Weissenborn, tenor, National, and piccolo guitars. So we settled in for a great two hour concert. They played many familiar Christmas favorites, but with creativity and fun. The styles went from gentle and beautiful to foot-tapping energetic. They included tunes from Finland, Ireland and Italy. They sang and told stories, sometimes bantering about who had the bigger and bolder instrument. Have you ever heard a ukulele and mandolin swing together?

Dave and Kari who drove down from Minneapolis have been playing together since 1995. Dave is the veteran: a master flat and finger picker, a story-teller, a humorist, a collector of vintage instruments, and a wearer of bright shirts. He has performed on stage or in the studio with Van Ronk, Utah Phillips, Doc Watson, Robin and Linda Williams, Paul Geremia, Spider John Koerner, Sally Rogers, and the Prairie Home Companion folks: Butch Thompson, Peter Ostroushko, and Garrison Keillor.

Kari studied classical guitar at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and later went into instrument building in Minnesota. She now lives in Wisconsin north of La Crosse. Her image, her intensity, her virtuosity as she rocked those Christmas songs, lingers in my mind. She was a real inspiration.

During a short break, while sipping wine, the 20 or so guests chatted with the musicians and made new musical acquaintances. Kari seemed modest with a sparkle, and happy with her eclectic life. She told me that she appreciates her musical friendship with Dave. Dave, in one of his interviews online said, “I have never felt a closer affinity to another musician. Kari is a brilliant and creative stylist who never ceases to amaze me. The house concert experience was special. What a treat to sit just 10 feet away from all that energy! If you want to get on Nancy’s email list to be notified of future events, let her know at nancy@blue-note.com. What a way to enjoy our favorite music!

- By Marilyn Carien