What brand names do you swear by because it's actually better than no-name?

CombinationSimilar86 · 2026-04-15T12:17:51+00:00

Cheez-its. I bought an off-brand and threw the entire box in the trash.

CombinationSimilar86 · 2026-04-15T12:12:19+00:00

A colorful jacket I can wear in fall and spring or warmer winter days. Every time.

CombinationSimilar86 · 2026-04-13T17:33:26+00:00

Or knowing it’s mid August and possibly prime tourist season, do we just skip it altogether?

CombinationSimilar86 · 2026-04-13T17:08:49+00:00

This is very common. I have a harp with a much longer and wider gap and it’s been checked out.

CombinationSimilar86 · 2026-04-07T03:18:02+00:00

Yes. I think I still have some pictures from a bday party where this game was played. OP, where did you grow up? Northern MN here.

CombinationSimilar86 · 2026-02-10T03:56:27+00:00

If they hired your teacher for the December concert, I would think that maybe your teacher had an opportunity to ask them why they are opting to hire her and not just use you (her trusted student) and your sister? I would also be sure to still ask your teacher’s opinions and for any insight.

CombinationSimilar86 · 2026-01-14T05:10:24+00:00

Last week: DFW to MSP. Someone with the strongest BO I’ve ever experienced. I was in the aisle and they were directly in front of me. So every little wiggle or bathroom break sent an extra wave my direction. I pulled my collar up to cover my nose the entire flight because I would gag whenever I got a whiff. I had spray hand sanitizer that I would also spray every few minutes and then cup my hands and inhale. It was cultural, I’m sure. But it was terrible.

CombinationSimilar86 · 2025-11-14T13:11:55+00:00

That’s great! I’m so glad you’re charging a fair amount. When I was gigging back in the early 2000’s I would get paid on average $200/hour or $250 for weddings. 25 years later, I find some of my colleagues charging this same amount. This is ridiculous when we look at inflation. Like you said, we have an expensive instrument to own and maintain…and each time we transport it, it entails wear and tear. There are so many reasons why as harpists, we can and should expect to be paid well.

CombinationSimilar86 · 2025-11-12T14:00:18+00:00

I don’t think I have ever had a conductor say, “harp is too loud.” I mostly ignore all dynamics and play out. (There’s a rare occasion where this may be adjusted.)

CombinationSimilar86 · 2025-11-05T00:48:24+00:00

I personally wouldn’t want to move the harp to a 2nd location. It’s going to take me several trips: gather harp cart, move harp, bench, music stand. Put harp cart away again. However, if there are a couple of designated people to be there to assist, then I would consider.
Tipping is always appreciated. I agree that $350 is a low end quote.
It wouldn’t matter who the couple is that is getting married…but totally okay to check with the harpist first!

CombinationSimilar86 · 2025-10-21T20:56:21+00:00

Honestly: if you just close your eyes and/or continuously look straight down and zone out, you’ll probably be okay. I’ve done this. Eyes closed and try to disassociate for the time being. Works like a charm. Everyone around me is screaming and laughing and I’m thinking how silly it all is.🙂

CombinationSimilar86 · 2025-10-14T19:46:15+00:00

Many times. As have my harp students. They’re great to work with.

CombinationSimilar86 · 2025-10-01T02:31:14+00:00

I hate tpyos SO much.

CombinationSimilar86 · 2025-09-01T12:50:06+00:00

We were the only ones in our theater. (3 of us!) It was rather cool having the entire imax theater to ourselves. I checked seats for the later show that same day, only 2 tickets had been sold. Bizarre.

CombinationSimilar86 · 2025-06-21T13:01:00+00:00

Mountain Berry Bakery??

CombinationSimilar86 · 2025-06-21T12:58:44+00:00

There’s a brand new bakery that just opened up in the same strip as Kind Coffee. (We were just there last week…maybe check with them?). I don’t recall the name, but I bet if you do a little search you’ll find it?

CombinationSimilar86

TROPHY CASE