Bluegrass Guitar player George Harris passes away November , 2008

Many of us knew George Harris as a great friend of Bluegrass.  His unending repertoire of songs was amazing.  We will miss him.

"Walk This Mountain Down" by Donna Ulisse - A review

Before getting into the review I would like to tell you how I happened to meet Donna this year at the IBMA in Nashville.  Each year I represent the club, The Virginia Bluegrass Family and my soon to be ended newsletter, but now a blog, "Bluegrass Virginia."  In recent years the word has gotten out and I receive unsolicited requests from various bands to showcase in our "Night Owl Concerts."  One of the many I heard from via email was Donna Ulisse. (Check out her web site by clicking here and her myspace site here.)  To be truthful I was trying to book names that were better known and certainly Donna Ulisse was not a name I was familiar with.  There's an old saying that goes, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease," and it certainly applies in Donna's case.  Her agent was most persistent (squeaky!) and I finally simply decided to choose (Grease!) Donna as on of our showcase bands.  She and her band The Poor Mountain Boys showcased on Tuesday night at 12 midnight.  Here's a couple of snapshots from her appearance.   I chatted a few times with Donna and discovered she is a native Virginian, born in Hampton, Virginia.  Now, on to the review.

"WALK THIS MOUNTAIN DOWN"

RADIO RELEASE DATE: January 6, 2009

STREET RELEASE DATE: January 20, 2009

I'd like to begin this review by telling you a little something about how I look at and perceive Bluegrass.  There are two basic types, traditional and contemporary, however within these types are many shades and levels of Bluegrass.  I would classify this CD entitled "Walk This Mountain Down" as contemporary Bluegrass and from there into the sub-set of song/singer driven contemporary Bluegrass.  Donna has written or co-written every song on the CD and for a relative newcomer to Bluegrass that is quite a feat.  The CD starts off with an up-tempo tune called "In My Wildest Dreams."  It speaks of everyday things in life, but from there when bedtime comes she dreams of a life free of the humdrum and dreams of the freedom to do as she pleases.  Next up is the song "Poor Mountain Boy." which has already been released as a single to radio stations all around the country.  Co-written with her husband Rick Stanley, the song speaks of the a marriage between two folks who have very different feelings about married life.  She wanted to party and he wanted to simply stay home, hence a "Poor Mountain Boy."  This song straddles the fence between modern contemporary Bluegrass and the "new" country music that it could possibly receive airplay in both venues.  "Dust To Dust" is a  song of unrequited love that speaks of the fact that love or not we shall all return to dust.  The instruments get a chance to work out on this tune as we hear Andy Leftwich on Mandolin, Rob Ickes on Dobro, Scott Vestal on Banjo and Keith Sewell on Guitar all jamming on the long break toward the end of the song.  Things slow down on "Love's Crazy Train" as Donna sings of how love seems to be a crazy ride on a crazy train.  "Walk This Mountain Down," the title song, is a Gospel flavored song telling of leaving troubles behind by leaving them behind as you "Walk This Mountain Down."  I think my favorite song on the CD is "The Trouble with you."  This is a song that could be a country/pop hit.  The chorus has a fun and catchy line.  It goes: 'The trouble with you is that you're sure good looking and looking at you is what the women do. The trouble with me is that I don't trust women, especially when they're looking at trouble with you.'  I really think Donna should show this song to some of today's country/pop stars.   The seventh song tells the story of a woman who grew up during the 1930's as a "Child of the Great Depression."  Co-written with Marc Rossi, it reminds us of the deep impact this terrible time in our past had on those who grew up during those years.  "The Key" is a Gospel song that tells us we have the key to heaven if we simply have faith.  Donna sings of true love when she sings "Lovin' Every Minute."  She has remained strong because she has kept her true love in everything in her life.  A very well thought out song sung with conviction.  "I Lied" has a good bouncy Bluegrass rhythm to it and, to me, has the grassiest sound on the CD.  It speaks of allowing someone to leave by saying they can never come back, but she doesn't really want him to leave.  "These Troubles" speaks of how life can be hard and how life's troubles can keep you from living life to it's fullest, but it has the hope that times will improve.  Three part harmony and part singing makes "Everything Has Changed" a strong Gospel song.  With a good Bluegrass feel and the cascading voices in the chorus add a nice touch.  The last song on the project is entitled "Levi Stone."  Donna says this is a true story about a man who lived by the Gospel and, though he suffered great losses in his life, he maintained that faith. 

"Walk This Mountain Down" is a well produced project (Produced by: Keith Sewell) with well thought out instrumentation throughout.  If your tastes lean toward the more contemporary sounds of Bluegrass then you will definitely want to add this CD to your library.

A Personal Note From Rhonda Vincent

Hello readers.  what follows below the row of asterisks is a letter sent to me from Rhonda Vincent.  I have asked her if I could share it with you and she agreed.

********************************

It is with great pleasure that we embark upon a new phase of my career.
We sadly say goodbye to two of my very dear friends, Kenny Ingram & Darrell
Webb.  I love them and wish them the very best, and will help them in any
way I can.

Beginning today, November 24, 2008; Aaron McDaris and Ben Helson officially
join The Rage, respectively on banjo and guitar. Hunter Berry and Mickey Harris begin their 8th season as gentlemen of The Rage.

This group of incredible musicians has already started recording.  We will
be posting photos from the studio, and hosting LIVE Web Casts; along with
various contests and activities to involve everyone in the process of recording this new album, and to welcome the new members.

I hope that you will be as excited as I am about the new music, new members,
and new approach to our presentation.
This new approach will incorporate talents never before seen from this group; including Mickey on dobro, and Hunter singing solo. 

As you've seen in years past, we never know what Hunter might do; and that is something that hasn't changed.  With this new group of musicians, we will also record, for the first time in the history of Rhonda Vincent & The Rage; with only the musicians of The Rage. There will be no guest appearances or additional musicians of any
kind.

The new project has captured the comradery and magical blend, displayed by
this particular group of men.  Their wide array of talents will be featured, and co-displayed on record and live!

I ask you to join me in supporting Kenny & Darrell in their future endeavors; and welcoming Aaron and Ben to the Rager Family.

Thank you for your support of the music, and allowing me the honor of living
my dream: performing bluegrass music.
Next to the Word of God, Music deserves the Highest Praise.  
God Bless You!!     Rhonda Vincent

Copper Ridge @ County Seat, A review

There were approximately 50 or so lucky people in attendance as Copper Ridge took the stage at the County Seat Restaurant tonight, 11/22/2008.  For future schedules of bands appearing at the County Seat click here.  Charlie Bishop got things going with a strong Banjo break and then the music took off from there.  I did not make notes as to what songs were performed.  But, suffice it to say there were a number of the expected Bluegrass standards and quite a few more obscure, but great Bluegrass songs.  Most of the songs done by Fred Phipps (Guitar) were from Flatt & Scruggs, but they weren't the time worn songs one might expect.  Fred dug through the deep F&S catalog and found some under-appreciated gems.  Charles Jackson played some really great Fiddle breaks that reminded me of the breaks done by those great Fiddlers of the past.  Mickey Janosik sang lead on several songs and really pleased the crowd with his rendition of the James King song "Thirty Years of Farming."  Mark Mills, spokesman for the group, sang most of the lead parts, with most of his material coming from the extensive catalog of the famous Country Gentlemen.  For more information about Copper Ridge visit there web site by clicking here.  Copper Ridge is taking off the rest of the year, but please check out their web site regularly to see where they'll be in 2009.

"Bluegrass Ramble"

December - This time not a word about Bluegrass!

Today; a life’s lesson learned early.  There was a toy store in Petersburg, VA called “Kids Stuff” and when I was about 9
years old I would go in that store with the 25 cents my folks gave me on our Saturday trips to town to get groceries.  I would shop and shop, but everything I wanted cost mere than a quarter.  I was a kid of the space age.  Back then in 1959, Sputnik had already been sent up and America was struggling to keep up.  On TV there were stories about how space ships worked and how gyroscopes kept everything from simply tumbling through space.  This stuff fascinated me and I truly was a space kid.  Well, there in “Kid’s Stuff” they had a gyroscope, but it cost 29 cents; as you recall I only had the quarter.  Well, I took the gyroscope up to the counter and gave the lady my 25 cents.  She said, “Son, this costs
29 cents, you don’t have enough money.”  I just sort of stood there and pooched out my lower lip and looked down at the floor.  After a moment she said, “That’ll be okay, you can have it.”  I was so proud of my gyroscope and was showing it to my brothers on the way home.  My Mama asked to see it and when I handed it to her she noticed the 29 cent price tag and asked me how I was able to buy it.  I told her about my act and she became furious and made my Daddy turn the car around and we went back.  She made me go back into the store and give the toy back and get my money back.  I was so scared and upset, but I did as I was told and when I got back to the car with the quarter Mama took it back and scolded me, telling me she hoped
this taught me a lesson.  I learned that day that if you have to beg for something and have it given to you you are an embarrassment to yourself and your family.  I learned a valuable lesson that day.  I told you that true story from my
childhood to tell you about a wonderful book written by the conservative talk show host, Glenn Beck.  It is called “The Christmas Sweater” and it is a bittersweet story of another lesson learned during the Christmas season many years ago.  I highly recommend it.

“NUFF
SAID!”

Amelia Family Campground Christmas Party, December 6th, 2008

That’s right the Christmas season is upon us and the annual Amelia Family Campground's Christmas Party will happen on December 6th, 2008.  Hosted by John & Ferne Hutchinson and the entire Hutchinson family this party is offered as a thank you to all of those who come and support the spring and summer Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festivals.  John will be cooking up his traditional “Potato Soup.”  Perhaps this year with all of the may financial woes being suffered by Wall Street, Main Street and you and I, this Potato Soup is a reminder of those times not so long ago when this country lived in much leaner times and potato soup was a common meal , sometimes more than once a week.  I’m not gonna preach here, but keep in mind how tough times are and keep the less privileged among us in your thoughts and give to the charity of your choice, and maybe give just a little more this year.

There’ll be a bunch of bands playing in the pavilion which as in past years will be wrapped and heated for your comfort.  If November is any precursor of things to come we’ll need that heat!  Don’t forget to bring a dessert to add to the fun.  Each year i look forward to this time of fellowship with my Bluegrass family and the chance to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.  Be sure to come over to the Amelia Family Campground for a day filled with Bluegrass and Christmas cheer.  See you there!

Below are some photos from past Christmas parties.

  

"Santa Visits Rosine"

FICTION by: Gary A. Robertson

In the year 1911, way back in the hills of Western Kentucky a boy with “bad eyes” was born.  His Mama, Malissa, was heartbroken when she saw the boy’s crossed eyes, but her husband, Buck, told her not to worry and that “The boy will make a fine farm hand.”  That boy was Christened William Monroe, better know
to us as Bill Monroe.

Learning to read wasn’t easy for Bill, until he discovered  that if he covered  his right eye he could see fairly normally with the left eye.  He secretly used this technique and slowly learned to read and do simple
arithmetic.  Even later in life Bill could be seen covering that one eye when he had something to see clearly.  Those crossed eyes caused Bill much pain and rejection and while difficult, Bill would use this as part of his basic character.  The other boys and girls would pick on him and called him all sorts of terrible names.  Finally, after 5 long years of being rejected by his “friends,” Bill chose to drop out of school.  Bill was heard
to say, “Heck, boy, I got enough schoolin,’ ‘cause I can read and cipher!”

Everyone in Bill’s family was musical except for Bill’s Papa, Buck.  He was one of those folks who could really care less about music.  If it was around, well, it was fine, but if it wasn’t, well it didn’t really matter to
him.  Like the rest of his family, Bill loved music too, but being the youngest he was kind of left out of things when it came time to play music.  The only thing Bill could do was to pick ups his brother, Birch’s, Guitar
when he wasn’t around.  Bill found he had a natural talent for music and learned the chords on the Guitar quickly.  The only problem was when the family began to play music, Bill didn’t have an instrument to play.

Along about that time, around 1921, there were folks that went around to the various churches and taught what they called, “Singing Schools.”  They would teach folks to sing the old standard hymns of the day using a technique called, “Shape Note” hymnals.  Each note on the staff had a different shape, depending on the name of that note.  That way folks didn’t have to learn standard musical notation; they could just sing the notes based on their shape.  Now Bill wanted to go to one of those schools. but because he had dropped out
of school and because he had those crossed eyes, Bill’s papa wouldn’t “waste the money” sending him.  Bill was heart broken; once again he had been singled out as “different” and it made him even more determined to learn to sing.

Buck Monroe was a logging man and made his living sawing down the large trees along Jerusalem Ridge there at Rosine.  Bill loved to ride their old mule, Pete, back up in the ridges and snake those logs down to the sawmill.  It was on those days back along the ridges that Bill would practice singing.  He developed a style that was all his own that wouldn’t come to light until many years later.  Bill had heard Jimmy Rodgers sing the Blues on the Victrola and loved to try to copy Jimmy’s style.  Of course, it didn’t come out sounding quite the same.

One day Buck came to Bill and told him he was old enough to go with him on a lumber selling trip over to Owensboro.  Bill’s older brothers had left to go up north to work at factories, leaving young Bill behind, which due to the hard labor required by the logging and lumber business, forced Buck to think of Bill as more of an adult than he actually was.  Bill was excited and sat up on that wagon seat next to his Papa like he was the king of the mountain.  That’s the way he felt, too. As they arrived in Owensboro, Bill was awestruck by all of the enormous stores and hotels.  Bill was gawking at everything and noticed that one store had an announcement that Santa Claus would
arrive there the very next day.  Bill, and been, secretly, wishing for a Guitar of his own, so he asked his Papa to let him go there the next day to see Santa.  Buck told Bill that if he worked very hard and helped deliver the lumber that he would let him go.

The work was exhausting, but Bill was used to it and he and Papa finished the job in time to get a steak supper at one of the hotels.  Bill felt even more of a man as he tied that big napkin around his neck and
plowed into that fancy hotel steak. 

When morning arrived a light snow had begun to fall causing Buck to want to get going because, “You never know what the weather has in store this time of year in Northern Kentucky.  He shook Bill awake saying, “Come on, William, we’ve got to get moving.”  Bill sprang out of the haversack and hurried to get dressed.  He was ready to go see this guy, Santa Claus, he had heard about.  Buck would have nothing to do with it.  He knew he had to get moving back toward Rosine.  It was a two day trip by wagon and the weather was menacing.  Bill was not the type of child to whine, but he was determined to see Santa Claus.  He reminded his Papa he had promised, and so, begrudgingly, he told Bill he could go, but only for a short while.

Bill ran, skipping along the street and into the store.  It was early and Santa was just setting up shop over in the corner of the store when Bill arrived.  Bill rushed over to Santa to tell him about the Guitar he wanted.  He remembered he had been carrying around a page from the Montgomery Ward catalog, so he got it out to show Santa just the Guitar he wanted.

On the ride home Bill never felt a single bump or rut in the road.  He was a million miles away dreaming of that new Guitar.  Buck noticed Bill’s far away look, but didn’t know why Bill was acting that way.  Buck had a surprise for Bill tucked under the wagon seat and he hoped Bill would enjoy it.

The cool days of autumn gave way to the even colder grip of winter as Bill waited for Christmas to come.  Finally Christmas morning arrived.  Bill got up to find his usual stocking filled with nuts and an orange. 
What a treat!  Buck had also cut down a fine little fir tree from up on the ridge and Malissa had decorated it with bows and candles.  Bill liked the tree, but he was looking for something else.  Disappointment gave way to despair as Bill could not find a Guitar anywhere in the house.  He was sitting in the kitchen, moping with his head in his hands when Buck and Malissa brought him a small package wrapped in a flour sack.  Inside was a little Tater Bug Mandolin all tied up with a big red bow.  Malissa said, “Bill, it don’t seem you have much interest in music, but we thought you might want to try learning something.”   Bill’s disappointment over not getting the Guitar brightened into a broad smile.  He promised his parents he would practice on that Mandolin until he was the best Mandolin player in the world.  While Santa hadn’t brought the Guitar that Bill wanted, through Bill’s parents love, Santa brought much more.  Bill hugged his Mama and shook his Papa’s hand and then took the Mandolin over by the fireplace and started working on
fulfilling his promise.

Bill kept that promise and in doing so, shared his love of music with the world.
Merry Christmas!

"The preceding story was originally published in the December 2001 issue of “Bluegrass Virginia.”  Remember it is fiction, based loosely upon some factual details of Bill Monroe’s life.  I would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas."

"Why Don't You Give Jesus A Try" Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road - a review (From the October issue of "Bluegrass Virginia" the newsletter)

Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road’s latest project, an all Gospel CD, entitled “Why Don’t You Give Jesus A Try” begins with an in-your-face Banjo solo by Ben Greene and from there things only get better.   That first song is “I Like The Old Time Way” and I was thinking to myself, “Well, how about that,
Lorraine’s done the old song we used to play during my earlier days in the music.”  This isn’t the song I remember with that title, but it sure is a good one.  I particularly like the four part way they sing the lines of
the chorus.  That kind of singing isn’t easy, but Lorraine and band make seem natural as breathing.  The second song, “ The Judgement Day” was penned by Lorraine and has the feel of one of the old spiritual
songs from deep south.  This song is also sang with many members of the band singing different parts of the chorus seamlessly.  “Harp With Golden Strings” begins with a guitar break reminiscent of the old Scruggs work in the early days of Flatt & Scruggs, however as you listen you soon learn there is much more there. 
My guess is that “Harp With Golden Strings” comes from the Southern Gospel tradition, as it has that feel.  The fourth song, softly sung and played, “Smiling Faces,” is also from the pen of Lorraine.  “Smiling Faces” speaks of the many orphans across the world that, although they have no parents and live in squalor, their faces continue to smile as they wish for a new home.  This is a most touching song that, I’m sure,
comes from a special place in Lorraine’s heart.  Tom T. & Dixie Hall wrote “It’s Time To Give Jesus A Try” that simply pleads for us who find we really aren’t happy in our lives to give Jesus a try.  At this point
I would like to tell you that I am not familiar enough with this version of Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road to know who the singers are.  I can tell you there is more than one lead singer.  They all have very strong voices, but I simply can’t tell which one sings lead on what song, except, since Lorraine is the only woman in the group I can tell you she sings lead on the sixth song here, “Just A Little Talk With Jesus.” 
And, my oh my, what a fine job she does.  This great song, written by Cleavant Derrick, is one of my favorites on the CD, and personally one I have always enjoyed singing and playing. 

“Just over In The Gloryland” is up next and the band performs it in the classic style.  A fine job.  Song number eight is a great old Certain & Stacey song, “Let The Church Roll On.”  The lead guitar work in “Let The Church Roll On”  is great.  Too many times guitarists try to show us every thing they know in one break, but the Travis styled guitar breaks here are tastefully full, without clutter.  Fine work!    “I Saw The Light Come Down” is a traditional tune, here arranged by Josh Goforth, with a fine high lead and call and repeat styled chorus
lines, this is a great song.  Since Josh arranged this song I have to believe his is the high lead voice.  The tenth song on “Why Don’t You Give Jesus A Try” is “In The Sweet Forever,” again led off with  the fine Travis styled lead guitar and that wonderful multi-part singing throughout the song.  I believe Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road have found their niche in Gospel singing.  This call-response and multi-part
singing is a rare thing in today’s newer styles of music.  It is a welcome look back at the older styles; the styles that brought many of us to Bluegrass and Bluegrass Gospel.  “You Gotta Believe” features the Dobro of guest artist, Rick Keen.  The longest song on the project, it is so well done and meaningful that it seems over before it begins.  The last cut on “Why Don’t You Give Jesus A Try” is a rare commodity on an all Gospel recording.  It’s an instrumental!  It features the fine Banjo work of Ben Greene and the Fiddle of
Josh Goforth. 

I have only one complaint about Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road’s “Why Don’t You Give Jesus A Try.”  The CD did not include information as to who was singing what parts or who played the various instruments on each song.  I’ve grown accustomed to having this information.  As I sit and listen
to a CD, especially the first listening, I like to read to liner notes and see who’s doing what on each song.  I could only guess here.  The members of Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road are: Lorraine Jordan on
Mandolin, Jerry Butler on Guitar, Josh Goforth on Fiddle & Guitar, Ben Greene on Banjo and Todd Mead on Acoustic Bass.  While at the PreddyFest Bluegrass Festival I chanced by Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road’s CD table and she handed me this CD and simply said, “I hope you enjoy it.”  I have hundreds of CDs and this one got shoved into the pile until just this week when I was looking for another CD and came upon this one.  I opened it and put in the player and, well, I was thoroughly impressed.  The professionalism of each song and the blend of old and new songs are what I look for in a project.  I love new songs, but I also love to hear how bands present the older songs.  Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road’s “Why Don’t You Give Jesus A Try” comes highly recommended by me.  Pick one up soon!

Lawson Creek Grass @ Farmer's Cafe, A review...

It was a lousy night to go anywhere.  The rain had become a drizzly mist and there was fog clinging to the highway, but there was Bluegrass to be heard at Farmer's Cafe in Blackstone, so I drove through the lousy weather and was pleasantly surprised to find that Lawson Creek Grass has been out in the woodshed working on the music.  To be sure there were some truly rough edges here and there, but for a band that has only been together for 1 1/2 years, their music was most enjoyable.  Booked by Lawson Entertainment at Farmer's Cafe, Lawson Creek Grass met with an approving audience.  They have one CD out now and will go back to the studio in February to begin work on their second project.  To purchase their CD or to find out more about the band click Lawson Creek Grass here.  It was revealed tonight the band is booked to perform on Thursday, May 14th, as part of the Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival.  With the May event, this will be the beginning of John & Ferne Hutchinson's 30th year as promoters of the festival.  

Bluegrass Ramble, November

Hi Folks,  For those of you who never subscribed to the newsletter, "Bluegrass Virginia" I should explain the title of this post.  In each issue of "Bluegrass Virginia" I have a column by this name.  In it I do as the title suggests, just ramble around and share my thoughts.  Most of the time they were about Bluegrass, but sometimes not, so be prepared.  I've been told by many readers that "Bluegrass Ramble" is their favorite part of the newsletter, so I can only hope that continues here with these posts.  Also, as you read "Bluegrass Ramble" you will notice there is much more I can offer you as you go along.  Click on the links provided for more information.  And now, read on.......

Right now it is 5:40AM on Thursday November 13th and I'm up and wide awake.  I'm not supposed to be, though.  It all goes back to the economy.  Whaaaat?  Yeah, let me explain.  I work for the state of Virginia, VDOT, and as our economy sours so does the tax base for national, state and local governments.  With the gas crunch people have been buying less fuel and absolutely buying fewer vehicles and these are the things VDOT receives it's operating capital from.  With less money coming in, VDOT has been making cuts everywhere it can to save money.  One of these is in the field of security.  Since 9/11 most government agencies became obsessed with security and piled on extra security forces.  Now, with the downturn in the economy VDOT has decided they were overdoing the security bit and they have made many cuts in order to save money.  We are still very secure, but we just aren't going as nuts about it as before.  I know, you're scratching your head and wondering what this has to do with my being up so early; well hang on I'm getting there.  The complex where I work had 24 hours manned security; but that is no more.  Now there are only security guards there during daylight hours.  so, I used to get up really early, like today, and drive on in to work and hang out there and wait for my work day to begin.  Now, since the gates aren't open until 7:30AM I can't go in early any more.  Problem is, I keep on waking up early.  I must re-set my internal clock, but it ain't happened yet, so I'm writing my "Bluegrass Ramble" now.

Now, on to some Bluegrass related stuff.  On Friday, tomorrow night (November 14th, 2008) Farmer's Cafe, in Blackstone, VA is having a Bluegrass band.  They'll be playing at around 7PM, but I cannot remember the name of the band.  I do know they are not local and they have never played at Farmer's before.  I could call Sweet Brenda or Calvin  www.lawsonbluegrass.com, but it's just 6AM and I don't think they would appreciate the call.  Suffice it to say that Farmer's Cafe has really good home style country cooking in a friendly atmosphere and there'll be Bluegrass music.  What else do you need to know?

So, either you enjoyed your evening at Farmer's Cafe and you are looking for more food and Bluegrass or for some reason you didn't go.  Well, let not your heart be sorry, you still have a chance to hear Bluegrass this weekend in south side Virginia.  All you have to do is drive over to Powhatan on Saturday, November 15th, 2008 to the County Seat Restaurant  www.thecountyseat.com, to hear Gary Davis and Borrowed Time www.borrowedtimebluegrass.com .  As with Farmer's, The County Seat has good home cooking and a buffet every Saturday night.  The music starts at 7:30PM, so plan to arrive by 6:30PM for dinner.  You should call, 804-598-5000 for a reservation if you want to eat in the room with the band.  It's never too late to call for a reservation.

Lastly, I wanted to welcome all of my new readers to "Bluegrass Virginia," the blog.  I hope you will take a few moments to scan through my older posts and give me some feedback about what you like and dislike about this new way of bringing you news of Bluegrass in Central Virginia.  Tell your friends about this blog and have them email me at no-not-earl@juno.com to have their email address added to my mailing list.

I've stayed here at the computer long enough and now it's time to go to work, so until next time.........

"NUFF SAID!"

James King & Bluegrass Brothers show Veterans Crowd and good time

As usual The Bluegrass Brothers and The James King Band brought the house down in Amelia.  I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Tonight, November 8th, 2008 - The James King Band & The Bluegrass Brothers @ Amelia County High School, 7PM

Hi Folks,  This is just a friendly reminder to join me and all of your Bluegrass friends at the Amelia county High School for an evening filled with traditional Bluegrass music as The James King Band and The Bluegrass Brothers perform at a special Veteran's weekend show.  If traditional Bluegrass is waht gets your Bluegrass Blood moving then you'll want to be at this show.

Bryan Bowers @ In Your Ear For JAMinc. Story Teller, Autoharpist, Street Musician.......

For the fortunate who were in attendance tonight at the In Your Ear Studio on 18th & Broad Streets in Richmond, Virginia there was a special treat in store in the person of Bryan Bowers.  Born in Newport News, Virginia and raised in the little village of New Bohemia in Prince George County just outside of Petersburg, Virginia, Bryan Bowers was bitten by the urge to sing and play music at a very young age.  Through a career spanning over 40 years Bryan has learned to spin an yarn and keep his listeners interested as he moves from one autoharp to another.  Bryan's performance tonight was filled with humor and songs of love and tragedy.  Bryan Bowers is a true troubadour in the strongest sense.

Tonight's show passed all too quickly, but we are heartened to learn he will be playing in the area again this coming April.  Keep your eye tuned to Bluegrass Virginia for more information as the time draws closer. 

Borrowed Time to play County Seat Restaurant in Powhatan; Saturday November 15, 2008 @ 7:30PM

Borrowed Time www.borrowedtimebluegrass.com will make their quarterly appearance at the County Seat Restaurant this coming November 15, 2008.  Long time

 

 

 

 

 

 

diners at the County Seat www.countyseatrestaurant.com will recall the sumptuous buffet dinners they have had in the past.  Those who haven't been, well, let me tell you, the food is great.  First there is a fine salad bar where you can build your own salad to your taste.  Then move over to the main buffet line where there can be found, fried chicken, BBQ pork ribs and hand shaped ground beef patties cooked in a delicious brown gravy.  Add to this both boiled red-skin taters and made from scratch mashed potatoes, like your Mama used to make 'em, and you have another place to use that beef gravy.  There are various veggies such as snaps, butter beans and others that vary from time to time.  Now, if you're planning to go and you want to sit in the room with the band you will most definitely want to make a reservation.  Call the County Seat at 804-598-5000 and tell them what time you are going to arrive.  The music starts at 7:30PM, so I might suggest planning to arrive no later than 6:30PM  The picture at the beginning of this post was taken at Borrowed Time's very first public performance at The Christopher Run Bluegrass Festival.  I'll add a few more shots from that day, June 11th, 2006.  Sure hope to see you at the County Seat.

NEWS ALERT: Infamous Stringdusters kidnapped by rock band, "Hazosphere" and take over show @ AC&T

Just as the second set of the Infamous Stringdusters was about to occur this past Halloween at Ashland Coffee & Tea www.ashlandcoffeandtea.com the band was forcibly locked in the back room as a rock band from down the street took over the show.  Calling themselves, "Hazosphere" these interlopers even went so far as to take the instruments of the Infamous Stringdusters and began playing.  They were, obviously, one of those "hair' groups from the 80s except for the Rastafarian dude who took the Fiddle.   If you've seen these guys, please let the Stringdusters know; they have questions.  I have photos of Hazosphere which I have included below.

Infamous Stringdusters Celebrate Halloween @ Ashland Coffee & Tea. It Was BOO! teful!

The capacity crowd in the listening room at Ashland Coffee and Tea www.ashlandcoffeeandtea.com were treated to over 2 hours of some of the very best contemporary Bluegrass this past Halloween, 2008.  The Infamous Stringdusters were on stage and opened with what I'm sure is their most requested and recognizable songs, "Fork In the Road."  From there things only got better.  Many people say what attracts them to Bluegrass is the way the music can be improvised.  That may be true and it may have seemed that the Stringdusters were improvising last night, but careful observation shows they were playing very carefully thought out music that has orchestral qualities.  Their arrangements are spirited and precise, and that is why the Infamous Stringdusters are held in such high regard.