Never heard of bones? The ancient instrument often made of bones or wood has an ultra-devoted following, with Vits hosting a convention and a special public performance in Grand Rapids. (Video)
The 18th annual Bonesfest descends on Grand Rapids this week.
By John Sinkevics
LocalSpins.com
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Grand Rapids Symphony percussionist Bill Vits already boasts an intriguing double-life, moonlighting as the masked drummer for surf rock’s Concussions.
Bill Vits performs on bones with Jay Round on dulcimer during Local Spins Live this week. (Photo/Tori Thomas)
But he has yet another peculiar musical avocation involving an unusual, ancient instrument that happens to find the spotlight in Grand Rapids this week: rhythm bones.
The national Rhythm Bones Society stages its annual convention here this week and as the nonprofit group’s assistant director, Vits aims to drum up – or rather, clack up – interest in the small bones and wooden slabs that clap out distinctive rhythms in the right hands.
“Bones are deceptively simple but somewhat unlimited in possibilities,” says Vits, longtime principal percussionist for the Grand Rapids Symphony who was introduced to the instrument by rhythm bones virtuoso Percy Danforth back in 1978 at the University of Michigan.
“People develop different styles independently and are thrilled to meet others who share the skill.”
This week, about 50 of the 100 Rhythm Bones Society members from across the country will meet up as part of the 18th annual Rhythm Bones Festival, aka “Rattle in the Rapids,” with a kick-off party at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Grand Rapids’ One Trick Pony. The opening evening is expected to feature a “bones jam” at some point.
THREE-DAY BONES FEST WITH WORKSHOPS, PUBLIC PERFORMANCE
Vits is hosting the three-day affair which will feature workshops and clinics throughout the day on Friday and Saturday. The big show is a special free public bones performance at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Polka Pops Café (formerly the Guest House) at 634 Stocking Ave. NW.
While they might be a mystery to most music mavens, rhythm bones actually date back “almost as far as recorded civilization,” according to the society website, with the musical bones found in Mesopotamian graves and Egyptian tombs circa 3000 B.C. and considered popular instruments during the Roman Empire. English and Irish settlers introduced rhythm bones to North America, and they often were used to accompany jigs and reels, and eventually became common in minstrel and vaudeville shows.
Danforth and others helped spark a resurgence of interest in bones, especially in folk and Celtic circles.
Bones are made of a variety of materials, from animal bones to exotic woods.
Vits – a frequent symphony soloist known for his “percussion discussion” school programs – said he owns rhythm bones made of maple, cherry, oak, rosewood, pine, tulipwood, ebony, beef ribs, shin bones, Bakelite and slate. They can cost anywhere from $8 to $10 per pair up to $50 for those made of exotic materials.
They’re also “the most portable instrument there is,” Vits said, which means bones players are almost always ready to jump into any musical gathering. That’s inspired their motto: “May your bones be with you.”
Examples of some bones.
For those who’ve never experienced the rhythmic charm of a bones performance, Saturday night’s Grand Rapids show should be a real treat.
Vits said about 30 society members are expected to perform during the show, which he dubs a “family reunion with people you’ve never met.”
“Some are seasoned players while others might be newbies,” Vits said. “Some folks have practiced routines and costumes, while others just wing it.”
For a sample of bones-playing magic, check out the video below of Vits performing with dulcimer player Jay Round on Local Spins Live earlier this week on News Talk 1340 AM (WJRW). For more information about bones, visit the official society website.
VIDEO: Playing the Bones, Bill Vits and Jay Round (Local Spins on WJRW)
Email John Sinkevics at john@localspins.com.
Copyright 2014, Spins on Music
