Marg and the Lever Harp

In the spring of 2018 I purchased a lever harp after a four year respite which allowed my tendonitis to abate and time for other musical journeys.

 Harplessness had other unexpected consequences, including a band name change from Heart Strings to Gopher Stew to highlight our Florida Folk Songs.   Now, I needed a melody instrument so most of our Florida songs moved from harp to banjo.  In the mean time I wrote songs for the ukulele and moved a few songs to that little wonder.  Well, not suprisingly, many tunes are better on the banjo or ukulele...but not all.

The harplessness gave me time to gain some competency on the fiddle... But the Harp Sirens called.

Harp Siren
from earlier days...

A little searching online found a slightly used Westover Therapy Harp, one that captured my heart years ago.  So taking this as a message, the little harp is now mine and stealing much of my music time.  Don't worry banjo and ukulele you are still easier to carry, quicker to tune, and perfect for most of my original songs.

Sugar Cane Stage, Barberville Spring Frolic 2019.
Notice the harp front right. 

A little background on Marg and the lever harp...

Long about 1985 there were many changes in Marg's life, mostly positive, which led to the captivating road of musicianship.   It was time to explore my musical side and the Lever Harp called.  So I rented a harp took lessons then I purchased a harp and continued with private lessons and summer workshops. After a couple of years I was playing weddings and events, and participating in Scottish Harp events and folk jams.   Eventually I became a Scottish Master Harper, organized harp tents, events, and clubs, and was active at the national level.   

As usual, life changes when you least expect it.  Yes, I still play the harp but I have expanded to other instruments, styles, and song writing.  Today folks  may associate me with the banjo, fiddle, harp, songs, ukulele,  or all of these.  

...It is good to keep folks guessing. 

The Band

A Florida based folk band featuring

Marg Chauvin 

and

Bill Messer 

The story...

When we joined forces in 2002 creativity blossomed.  Marg had previously been known at folk festivals as a traditional Celtic Harper and a Florida Master Scottish Harper, a rare title.  Bill’s claim to fame was South Florida Festival Director and backup guitarist.

The focus of Heart Strings changed from primarily instrumentals with Bill's addition of folk songs and creative guitar backup. This resulted in two instrumental CDs. 

Next Marg tackled the banjo which lead to her playing and singing old-time music and writing Florida Folk songs. A purchase of a junk ukulele for canoe camping has led to a new love affair and songs written on the ukulele, these days a Florida ukulele. And don't be surprised to see the less formal name Gopher Stew for the folk songs venues.

Regardless where you find us expect a wide range of songs and tunes from originals and folk songs to heritage music.

You may enjoy this  video of Gopher Stew

A song based on a story about my dad and his cousin
Fred Chauvin and Stewart Pacetti

Marg "harping" a few Celtic favorites. 

And our recordings...

Photo credits to Gail Carson,

Thank you Gail.

Our Music

Most musicians will tell you their favorite music genre is what they are currently playing.  In Marg's case, the instrument often dictates the genre.

The  harp means Celtic or songs.

You may enjoy 

Singer of Songs

...based on a poem by Marylou Sutherland 

But the guitar fits most styles. 

So, here are a few of our favorite styles for jamming and performing.

• Florida Folk

In Florida our folk songs revolve about life in the Sunshine State.  We have several original selections from animals to notable people and traditions to life styles.

"The Red Bug Blues" written by Marg after a walk in the woods.  

• Old-time 

At Stephen Foster State Parks a teen captured one show with videos, outlined in 

A Campfire Program of Florida Songs and Stories

• Early Country/Blues

Now there are many wonderful songs by other Florida artists so why not share their work, with permission of course.

A Video of Florida Home, a Robin Plitt song we shared in the Tower at Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Center State Park.  Thank you to Ellen Atwood Acres for the video.

• Celtic

The harp was Marg's main primary musical instrument for many years.  During that time she won multiple Scottish Harp Competitions achieving the title of Master Scottish Harper.

We have two CDs and you can download individual tunes or entire albums

(Album titles link to the download page)

Traditions 

"Soothing root music from traditional Celtic to recent compositions; a beautiful blend of harp, flute, and guitar."

Over There 

"Celtic harp played with infectious joy and echoed in the guitar accompaniment."
The tunes are drawn from Scot and Irish traditional ballads and dance.

And coming at some point...
... our Florida Folk Songs...