I did know that "Traditions Weeks" is filled with classes and that those classes are held on the campus of McDaniel College. I parked and started strolling about. Some friendly folks on their way to a flute class gave me some idea of where things were on campus. I knew Josh would be busy teaching and more but sent a text to let him know I was there and that I intended to be at the evening concert. He answered and we made tentative plans to connect at the concert. I walked through one of the building where classes were being held and eavesdropped a bit but most doors were closed. There was one open door and I could very clearly hear what I thought were flutes but a walk-by revealed nothing that looked like my idea of a flute. But whatever those tall strange instruments were, they sounded good and I sat for awhile on a nearby bench and listened to the music. I eventually headed back to my car and on to the motel.

The fellow in the first picture is Common Ground founder Walt Michael. He didn't really perform tonight but was something of an MC. The picture is of him showing off a donated guitar that is being raffled off in conjunction with the festival. I only have photos of a few of the performers and I don't even have names for all of those. I do know that the choir was accompanied by Professor Louie and Alex Hisle. There are participants of all ages and several young adults spoke of first coming to Common Ground with their parents. I had glimpsed the group in the last picture earlier in the day. It's the class I had walked past then sat and listened to in the hallway. When I initially heard them I thought "flute" but seeing the tall instruments made me think didgeridoo from Australia. It was a surprise to learn that the instruments are from Slovakia and are indeed flutes. The proper name is fujara flute.