MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR from your Bluegrass friend, Gary Robertson

Merry Christmas everyone.  I hope this Christmas season brings  joy and comfort to you and your family.  May your New Year, 2010, be the best.  Make sure to have plenty of New Year's resolutions to break, but keep the ones you are sincere in making.

Don't forget the Appomattox Bluegrass Series begins early this year with IIIrd Tyme Out  performing at 2PM at the Appomattox County High School Auditorium.  Tickets are $15 in advance or at the door, but to be sure of getting your seat make reservations.  To see more info, read my previous blog entry about this wonderful Bluegrass Series at Appomattox.

Again, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

"NUFF SAID!"

Appomattox Bluegrass Series Begins Jan. 3rd, 2010 with IIIrd Tyme Out. Also, The James River Bluegrass Association Has A New Web Site

Yes, you read that right, 2010 won't be very old when the Appomattox High School Athletic Boosters Club will present IIIrd Tyme Out at the Appomattox High School Auditorium beginning at 2:00PM.  This year the Appomattox Bluegrass Series has been reduced to only 4 concerts, but my oh my these are some of the very best in the business.  On January 24th Dailey & Vincent will make their 3rd appearance.  These fellows have done no less than soar through the top of the Bluegrass realm.  The series takes a break through the month of February and then brings the inimitable Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver in on Sunday, March 7th.  It will be interesting to see Doyle's 2010 "crop."  Then just two short weeks later the queen of Bluegrass, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage will make their annual appearance.  All shows start at 2PM with the doors usually opening by 1PM.  Tickets are $15 per show whether purchased in advance or the day of the show.  I want to warn you that these shows almost always sell out each year, so you best go ahead and order your tickets now.  By the way, they make great Christmas gifts for you fellow Bluegrass friends and family.  For advance tickets call Kelly Smith at 434-248-6105 or email her at kellyandallen@yahoo.com.  You can arrange to have tickets held at the door, so that you are sure to get a seat.  I'll be reminding you again about these great concerts, but wanted to give you this early heads up so you won't miss a single one.  So, don't forget Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out on Sunday January  3rd at 2PM.  I'll see you there!

While we're thinking about Bluegrass in the area surrounding Appomattox, Lynchburg area, I have been advised that the James River Bluegrass Association has a brand new web site.  The web address is: www.jamesriverbluegrassassociation.com.  That's a really long web address so make sure you add it to your favorites so you can check out what is happening with this great Bluegrass club.  By the way, the web site has Crawdaddy Dave as the webmaster, so you know it will be a quality site.  If you have information you would like to share with the club simply drop in on the site and click the "contact" link and email them your information.

I also wanted to tell you I just arrived back home from a wonderful weekend celebrating the 60th birthday of Jack Woodall.  The event was held at Peggy Woodall's, now deceased, parents house.  All of the furniture had been removed from this old two story farm house and it was kept cozy warm by two old "oil circulators."  How many of you remember this type of heat?  At one time there were probably 75 folks crammed into this old house and the Bluegrass music was rattling the walls.  Thanks to Jack & Peggy for a really fine weekend of Bluegrass, eating and simply good old fashioned fun with friends

"NUFF SAID!"

"Bluegrass Ramble" Some Bluegrass Stuff Happening in December

Hey Folks.  I've been rather lax with my blog lately, but that is what I like about it.  I can be as active or as inactive as I please, 'cause it's my blog!.

Annual Christmas Party @ Amelia Family Campgrounds, December 5th, 2009

Yep, this is the annual get together sponsored by the Amelia Family Campground and The Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival.  It always occurs on the 1st Saturday of December each year.  Last year we had snow flurries and predictions are for another round of flurries again this year.  So, be sure to bundle up nice and warm.  As usual the pavilion will be wrapped in Tyvek and two big propane heaters will keep everyone snug & warm.  There'll be nearly 20 bands with the first band getting started at 2:00PM and changing each 1/2 hour until finally they have all played.  If you want a seat be sure to bring your lawn chair and get there EARLY.  Supper of potato soup and hushpuppys will be served free of charge.  Bring along your favorite dessert to share with everyone.  See you there!

VFMA Jam Session, December 15th, Tuesday - Annual Food Drive to aid The Virginia Food Bank, 4 bands 7 - 10PM

The VFMA still has their regular monthly jam on 3rd Tuesdays at Brandermill Church with the December jam to occur on December 15th.  This is a very special event this year as along with the regular jamming, four bands will be in attendance to entertain. Cookies & coffee will be served. The schedule is "Homeward Bound" at 7PM; "Borrowed Time" at 7;45PM with a short break at 8:30Pm followed by "Easy Street" at 8:45PM and the "Brandermill Jammers" at 9:30PM.   Be sure to bring non-perishable food items with you that night.  The Virginia Food Bank is in most need of Peanut Butter, Canned Fruit & Vegetables, Hot & Cold Cereals, Pasta, Rice, Canned Fish/Meats.  Make your Christmas the best ever by helping your fellow man.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

"NUFF SAID!"

The Gary & Barry Davis Show W/ Borrowed Time - What A Blast!

This past Saturday night I had three choices if I wanted to attend a show featuring Country/Gospel or Bluegrass music.  Not being a huge fan of Southern Gospel I chose to ignore The Gaithers in Richmond and having seen and heard The Bluegrass Brothers and The James King Band many times I chose to drive over to Powhatan to see Gary Davis & Borrowed Time.  It is simply not possible to go to every show, so I had to choose one.  Also, there's the bonus of the availability of a very good meal.  Now, I know I can hear a lot of you saying, "Well, you've heard Gary Davis & Borrowed Time many times, too."  That's true, but when Gary wrote me his brother Barry was gonna be there I simply decided that's where I wanted to go.  And, boy, am I glad I did.

First let me tell you that Barry and his wife Maggie, from Iowa,  both ran the Richmond Marathon that very day.  Also, it was revealed that Barry had just been told a few weeks ago that he had the dreaded "C" word, stage 2 Lymphoma.  He and Maggie are taking things with a positive outlook and I know that together they will beat this disease.  Keep them in your prayers. Nuff said about that; let's move on to the performance.  Gary & Borrowed Time started the show at about 7:15 with three of the songs they are best known for.  Then Gary asked Barry to join the band on stage.  Barry bounced upon the stage and grabbed his Guitar (Now, remember, he spent just over four hours running the Richmond Marathon!) and started playing rhythm and singing along in the background.  Gary calls his band a Bluegrass band, but rarely do they actually sing songs from the standard Bluegrass repertoire, so when they actually do sing such a song much is made of that fact.  When they asked Barry to come around a sing a song it actually was Bluegrass and Gary apologized to the audience, in good humor.  The crowd was with the band and it was good to find that Barry very much shares the same sense of humor as Gary.  After several songs by the band and a couple more Bluegrass songs by Barry there was to be a sudden and certain change to occur.  The band began playing an odd but very familiar rhythm; then Barry stepped close to the mike and began singing in a strong falsetto all of the sound effects that begin the song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."  Then Gary started adding the weema-wappas to the mix and things really started going crazy from that point on.  Barry sang the entire song in that falsetto and by the time he was finished the entire room was on it's feet cheering and clapping uproariously.  It was a fun song that added much to the evening's entertainment.  Gary Davis & Borrowed Time may not play the very best Bluegrass music, but if you leave one of their shows without feeling you have been entertained, then it's like Gary says, "You better start looking for the undertaker!"

A note to you pickers:  Gary announced that "The County Seat Restaurant" in Powhatan, VA will begin having Bluegrass jam sessions every other Monday evening beginning January 11th, 2009.  Contact the County Seat for times and details at 804-598-5000.

Bluegrass, Lousy Weather & A Marathon?, "Bluegrass Ramble" November 14th, 2009

Good Morning Bluegrass friends.  This ramble has nothing whatsoever to do with the Richmond Marathon other than it will occur today.   Today, I'm going to focus on this bit of lousy weather we've all had to endure here in Virginia over the last several days.  We've had around 6 inches of rain in our area and the ground is saturated.  That said, my house was built during the depression by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) for $500.  The lady who had the house built was a widow whose late husband had been a lumberman and had traveled to the Philippines to harvest mahogany and other exotic trees and was there when the Japanese invaded and he was never heard from again.  She received insurance compensation and took that money and had this house built.  Just a couple years later she added two more rooms to the house and under those two rooms she had a basement dug.  This basement is more like a cellar as it was built using simple brick for the walls and no kind of drainage was thought of other than a sump hole in the floor and a sump pump installed to handle the seepage of water during heavy rainstorms.  Over the years this basement has been flooded due to the sump either going bad or there being no electricity to operate it. This time the pump simply didn't work and right now I have just over two feet of water in the basement.  This really wouldn't be a problem except that my oil-fired furnace and my electric water heater both sit on the floor of the basement.  Of course, they now are sitting in over two feet of water.  I have purchased a new submersible sump pump and as soon as the skies brighten enough I will drop it into the water and begin the long drawn out affair of draining the basement. 

On a brighter note I wanted to remind you of the Bluegrass Brothers and The James King Band concert tonight at the Amelia County High School Auditorium.  Tickets are $15 at the door and the music starts at 7PM.  Also, don't forget Gary Davis & Borrowed Time will be performing at the County Seat in Powhatan tonight.

"NUFF SAID!"

The James King Band & The Bluegrass Brothers at a "Special Veterans Week-End Event" Amelia High School Auditorium - November 14th, 2009

That's right, Lawson Entertainment presents two of the finest in Virginia Style Traditional Bluegrass bands, The James King Band and The Bluegrass Brothers in what has become an annual event over the Veterans Day week-end in Amelia, Virginia.  Starting at 7PM on Saturday November 14th you'll be treated to some of the best Bluegrass Virginia has to offer.  Here are some photos I have taken of these two great groups over the years.             As I sit here at this computer at 6:45AM on Sunday November 8th I can think of little to tell you about these two bands that hasn't been said by me and many others.  Suffice it to say if you're a fan of one of these bands you're probably a fan of the other.  Great Bluegrass begets great Bluegrass.  Well, actually there is a great deal I can tell you about the James King Band and that is the band is comprised of a whole new bunch of band members  They are: Greg Moore, Glenn "Cookie" Inman and Ron Spears.

Tickets for the show are available at $10 in advance and $15 at the door.  Advance tickets are available from Lawson Entertainment by calling 804-561-0705 or by logging onto their web site www.lawsonbluegrass.com/ .  As in the past, I'm certain there will be a "will call" box available for advance sales.

Also, that same night Gary Davis & Borrowed Time will be in concert at The County Seat in Powhatan, Virginia.  Call 804-598-5000 for reservations.  Gary tells us that his brother, Barry Davis, from Iowa will be at the show and will sing a few songs as a guest of the band.

"NUFF SAID!"

"Bluegrass Ramble" Oct. 2009

I'm gonna start this ramble with some thoughts about what I believe to be Bluegrass and what is being presented as Bluegrass. As most of you know I have always had a fairly strict sense of what Bluegrass is supposed to be. Bill Monroe & The Blue Grass Boys played Bluegrass. Flatt & Scruggs & The Foggy Mountain Boys played Bluegrass. Both bands were comprised of basically five main instruments, Mandolin, Guitar, Banjo, Fiddle and Bass. Flatt & Scruggs later added the Dobro, but that's a whole 'nother story, so don't get me started on that right now. I think Jimmy Martin & The Sunny Mountain Boys played Bluegrass even though there were occasionally drums in his music. At the time Jimmy was simply playing good ol' country music and if he wanted a drum he used it. Thankfully, to my ears, the drums are almost silent. Bluegrass music, true Bluegrass music, must have a Banjo present, even if it never takes a solo break. Now, I know a lot of your are disagreeing with me right now, but even more of you are agreeing. Hey, we all know what traditional Bluegrass is, now don't we?

Well, I suppose a lot of you have noticed that I have been relaxing my strict standards as to what makes Bluegrass Bluegrass. A lot of bands these days don't feature the banjo and some don't even have a banjo at all. I really didn't like this trend, but I have heard some really great music(without Banjo) in recent years that I'm proud to include into my thoughts as Bluegrass. Just recently Brandon Rickman, the lead singer for Sammy Shelor's, Lonesome River Band released a CD of powerful Bluegrass music without a hint of Banjo anywhere. Allison Kraus and Lynn Morris both were some of the first to feature songs without Banjo. And speaking of these two ladies, having women in Bluegrass is also a change I have embraced. There are many women in Bluegrass today. And, since I really like women, I have have truly enjoyed their emergence into Bluegrass. In fact, many times when I have presented my "Night Owl Concerts" at IBMA in Nashville the majority of the groups have been comprised entirely of women or at least were led by a woman. I have been very resistant to the electric bass, but now I find it doesn't disturb me as much as it once did. So, looking back, I would say my outlook on Bluegrass has changed and I am much more flexible these days.

That said, I must tell you about a CD that arrived in my mail, unsolicited. It is entitled "Charlie Daniels & Friends, Joy To The World" subtitled "A Bluegrass Christmas." The first thing I want to tell you is that, indeed, there are many Bluegrass performers on this CD. Performers such as: The Grascals (Terry Smith, Terry Eldridge, Danny Roberts, Kristen Scott Benson & Jeremy Alshire); Aubrey Haynie, Kevin Haynie, Dan Tyminski, Evelyn Cox and Suzanne Cox. These are all great Bluegrass performers; absolutely. But when you add things like drums on most every track along with instruments such as tambourine, shaker, 12 string guitars and a casaba it is easy to see that the album is sorely misidentified as "A Bluegrass Christmas." The drums are featured very prominently in most every track of the CD as are the un-necessary noises of the other percussion instruments. On a positive note, I must tell you the package is wonderfully presented and there is not only a CD, but also a DVD with videos of each of the songs being performed live. The CD comes in a tri-fold cardboard package with both of the CD/DVD slots facing the center to prevent accidental slipping out of the disks. All songs are well annotated with all singers and instrumentalists listed for each. I find it odd that the producers are aware that knowing the details about each recording is important to Bluegrass enthusiasts, but they are not aware of the more strict parameters that identify and define Bluegrass music. The music is varied and features special tracks by Aaron Tippen, Jewel, Kathy Mattea, Evelyn Cox and Suzanne Cox and a well told story, "A Carolina Christmas Carol" written and read by Charlie Daniels. Overall the CD/DVD is well done with high production values throughout. I love the Christmas season and I'm sure I will enjoy "Charlie Daniels & Freinds, Joy To The World" CD/DVD set as well. I just wish the producers at "Blue Hat Records" could have resisted labeling the package as Bluegrass. It makes me wonder, "Is Bluegrass becoming so important, today, that a record label would misidentify a CD in order for it to thought of as Bluegrass?" Could that really be true?

"NUFF SAID!"

My Trip to IBMA's World of Bluegrass, Plus More, Part 2

I'm still on Thursday the day of the IBMA Awards.  Prior to attending the Awards Show invited guests were treated to a reception in honor of the Awards nominees, sponsored by BMI.  The Grand Ballroom at the Renaissance was converted into a swanky room with the feel of a night club, complete with music that was decidedly not Bluegrass.  But, that was okay, as having a live Bluegrass Band would have distracted us from moving about the room and wishing the nominees good luck.  The back of the room was in a buzz with lots of TV cameras and bright lights.  Why?  Well, Steve Martin had just arrived in Nashville and come to the reception.  We Bluegrass peons were not able to speak to him as the reporters took all of his time.  I did manage to get a few shots of him while he was being interviewed.    Although the reception lasted only one hour hors d'oeuvres were served as well as fresh fruit, wine and beer and desserts, all included as an invitee to the function.  This was a first for IBMA (They used to have similar affairs after the awards when we met in Louisville.), but this was a much better idea and the hotel handled everything with panache.   I want to thank BMI for sponsoring this event and I look forward to this again next year.  The awards were held in the historic Ryman Auditorium right next door the the Nashville Convention Center, only a short walk of a block from the reception.  The show was well produced with only a few problems, which can be expected with any such live affair.  The list of winners, here are directly from the IBMA web site:

THE RECIPIENTS
of the 2009 INTERNATIONAL
BLUEGRASS MUSIC AWARDS

BLUEGRASS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

The Dillards
The Lonesome Pine Fiddlers

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

Dailey & Vincent

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

Dailey & Vincent

INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Dan Tyminski

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Dale Ann Bradley

SONG OF THE YEAR

"Don't Throw Mama's Flowers Away"
written by Chris Stuart & Ivan Rosenberg
performed by Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Wheels by Dan Tyminski
produced by Dan Tyminski for Rounder Records

RECORDED EVENT OF THE YEAR

"Proud To Be a Daughter of Bluegrass" by the Daughters of Bluegrass
for Blue Circle Records

INSTRUMENTAL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

"Jerusalem Ridge" by Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
written by Bill Monroe
produced by Jeff White & Michael Cleveland for Rounder Records

GOSPEL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

"On The Other Side" by Dailey & Vincent
written by Jimmy Fortune, Kevin Denney & Tom Botkin
produced by Dailey & Vincent for Rounder Records

EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR

The SteelDrivers

INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMERS OF THE YEAR

BANJO

Kristin Scott Benson

BASS

Marshall Wilborn

FIDDLE

Michael Cleveland

DOBRO

Rob Ickes

GUITAR

Josh Williams

MANDOLIN

Jesse Brock

Distinguished Achievement Award Recipients

Hylo Brown
Pati Crooker
Jody Rainwater
Dick Spottswood
Joe Wilson
Bluegrass Broadcaster of the Year:

Katy Daley; HD Radio WAMU 88.5 Channel 2, 105.5 FM & www.bluegrasscountry.org; Washington, D.C.
Print Media Person of the Year:

Roger Siminoff; Siminoff’s Luthiers Glossary, Banjo Newsletter and Bluegrass Breakdown

Best Liner Notes for a Recorded Project:

Steve Martin (writer), The Crow, Steve Martin (artist), 40 Share Productions (label)
Best Graphic Design for a Recorded Project:

G. Carr & Salli Ratts (designers), The Crow, Steve Martin (artist), 40 Share Productions (label)

Bluegrass Event of the Year Award:

Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival; Oak Hill, New York; July 2008

*************************************Below are a few selected photos taken by me at the awards show:

    There were hundreds of photos from which to choose these few.  If I left out one of your favorites, I'm sorry.

On Friday the IBMA World of Bluegrass Fan Fest got under way.  All of the bands who perform at Fan Fest donate their time for the show.  The funds raised are divided in half with half going to IBMA to maintain staff, etc and the other half going to the IBMA Trust Fund.  The Trust Fund was established very early in the creation of the IBMA.  It makes emergency funds available to musicians that are in need; a very worthy endeavor.  As most of you know about me I rarely attend the performances at Bluegrass festivals.  Sometimes I'll attend a four day event and NEVER go to the stage area.  During Fan Fest this year I did attend a few performances.  All of the shows I attended were quite good, but one really stood out, for me.  Dale Ann Bradley, the Female Vocalist of the year for 2007, 2008 & 2009 really demonstrated why she wins the award.  This woman can sing!!!  She can truly sell a song.  Let me explain what I mean.  She had just completed a great set of Bluegrass and the crowd stood and cheered for more.  Dale Ann came back and performed a song that came from the folk/rock era, "Me and Bobby Magee."  Wow!  I cringed (Because I never was a fan of the folk/rock genre.) when I heard her start the song, but by the time she got to the end I never wanted her to stop.  The entire crowd went wild and cheered so loud it was amazing.  After her performance I spoke with her and suggested she do a live CD and include "Me and Bobby Magee" as the ending song.  She said, "You think?"  I said, "Yes, indeed!"  Here's a photo of Dale Ann & Kim Fox rearing back singing "Me and Bobby Magee."   Well that about wraps up my week at IBMA.  I hope you've enjoyed reading thoughts and my photos of my "trip to IBMA."

"NUFF SAID!"

My Trip to IBMA's "World of Bluegrass," 2009 & More!

I left home on Thursday September 24th, a full 4 days before the IBMA "World of Bluegrass" was slated to begin.  My trip to Nashville is my only out of town vacation and since I am a true Bluegrass "NUT" I use these extra few days to fuel my passion for Bluegrass.

On my way to Nashville I realized I would arrive very early in the afternoon and since I had no plans that part of the day I took a side trip to Sparta, Tennessee to visit Lester Flatt's grave site.  On my way into Sparta I saw a very old and time worn sign proclaiming Sparta as the "Home of Lester Flatt."  It would not surprise me that by the next generation or so that the sign will disappear entirely.  I had no idea where to look, as I had never been to Sparta, so I stopped by a McDonalds and spoke to the "old timers" there enjoying coffee if they know where Lester was buried.  Only a few even knew who he was and none of them could tell me where he was buried.  So, what to do?  I found the Court House in the center of town and went in and asked.  An older gentleman there said he didn't know but asked me to wait and he left the room to ask someone else.  When he returned he told me the name of the cemetery and how to get to it.  Lester is buried in a private cemetery owned by a funeral parlor right there on site of the cemetery.  A fellow there pointed to the area where Lester was buried.  This cemetery is of the type where there are no tomb stones, only brass plaques set into the ground.  I had to brush away the grass clippings to even read it and get a decent picture. Notice the tiny guitar between the dates.  As a Bluegrass fan and lover of the great material of Flatt & Scruggs I am embarrassed that there is nothing beyond this simple brass plaque to commemorate Lester is his own hometown.  Perhaps there is someone who do something to erect a more representative monument to the great Lester Flatt as he has meant so much to Bluegrass and always will.

I stayed at the Red Roof Inn just off I-40 in the west end of Nashville that first night and ate dinner at a very nice restaurant called Darfon's Restaurant.  I've been there before and always look forward to a delicious meal there.  That night I drove down to the Station Inn to hear whatever group might be playing there that night.  It so happened that the Josh Williams Band was playing that night.  He was very good, but it seemed he could not get the audience on his side.  Josh's music was very good and entertaining, but I was very weary from my long drive (600 miles), so I could not stay beyond midnight.

On Friday I drove up to Owensboro, Kentucky and renewed my membership with the International Bluegrass Music Museum (IBMM).  Click on the link here and take a little time to explore all that your IBMM has to offer.  One of the most important projects the museum is undertaking is making video interviews with the first and second generation singers and pickers of our music.  A few have passed before this project was undertaken, but now over 250 have been interviewed and preserved for us and out future generations to enjoy and learn from.  Also, every spring they present "ROMP" the "River Of Music Party."  This is a full scale Bluegrass festival over 4 days.  There's much more going on with the IBMM than I can share here, so check out the web site by clicking on the link above.  One more thing; the inductees into the IBMA Hall of Fame are honored at the IBMM where the official Hall of Fame is located.  I toured the museum again (this was my 5th time there!) and enjoyed a couple of hours reveling in our music.  I contacted Gabrielle Gray, the director of the IBMM and enjoyed a pleasant dinner with her at the Moonlite Bar-B-Q (You simply must eat at the Moonlite when you visit Owensboro!).  I stayed overnight in Owensboro and drove back to Nashville on Saturday.  Again I had plenty of time and decided to take a side trip to Rosine, Kentucky, the birth place of Bill Monroe.  The same weekend as "Fan Fest" at IBMA there is a festival on Jerusalem Ridge just above Bill Monroe's restored ancestral home.  I believe that it is called "Bill Monroe Days Bluegrass Festival."  There were several campers already on the ridge and many people around Bill's house. Below are a few pics around the inside of the house.

I also went to the cemetery and took some pictures of Bill's and Uncle Pen's graves.

From there I drove back to Nashville and went back down to the Station Inn to see Ronnie Bowman & The Committee. Ronnie is there every year on the Saturday before IBMA.  I must tell you that I had grown tired of seeing him each year, but now I really don't think my trip to IBMA would be complete without seeing Ronnie Bowman at the Station Inn.

On Sunday I drove down to Bell Buckle, Tennessee to enjoy the "Dare To Be Different" showcase acts presented by Valerie Smith & Becky Buller along with the Bell Buckle Records label.  There was food served as well as several Bluegrass bands on stage.  Seven hundred dollars was raised and presented to the IBMA "Bluegrass in the Schools" program during the Thursday awards luncheon in Nashville later that week.  Here a a few pics taken in the quaint little town of Bell Buckle.

Also, here are a couple of pics taken during the Dare To Be Different showcases.       

Monday morning and the IBMA World of Bluegrass officially began.  I must tell you I don't attend many of the seminars offered at IBMA, but I do so enjoy meeting up with old friends and meeting new people each year.  I spent my Monday morning moving about the hotel and the Nashville Convention Center visiting and generally getting re-acquainted with the IBMA layout.  Finally the exhibit hall opened at 3PM and I spent the next 3 hours going from booth to booth.  While walking around the exhibit hall I happened upon Becky Buller trying out a new Louzee (Brand Name) Banjo and took these three great photos.

I was disappointed this year when I learned the Geoff & Sherry Stelling weren't going to be at IBMA.  Lagging sales due to the worsening economy coupled with some other issues combined to make the trip to IBMA one they simply couldn't justify this year.  I consider them great friends and they were missed by me and many other folks, as well.  With Sherry Stelling not around I was forced to make friends with the wife of another Banjo maker, Janet Deering.

Most of you should be aware that I decided to not present our after hours showcases this year.  I was therefore free to wander about from showcase to showcase each evening and while, at first, I felt a little odd not doing the "Night Owl Concerts" I soon began to enjoy myself.  I must do a lot of thinking and getting advice before deciding to do them next year.  The first three days at IBMA were filled with showcases by day and night and were greatly enjoyed.  A very special treat for me, since I booked them into our Night Owl Concerts sight unseen and unheard was the official IBMA showcase set by Gold Heart.  This family band transplanted themselves into Virginia about five years ago and have since played many small and large venues and were just this year picked up by Rural Rhythm Records.  Congratulations to Gold Heart! I gradually re-set my internal clock and by Wednesday I was able to stay up until 3:30AM with ease and get up at around 9AM the next day.  Thursday was a very special day at the IBMA World of Bluegrass as it is on this day that the "Special Awards Luncheon" and the "IBMA Awards Show" occurred.  First, during the luncheon there were awards given for Bluegrass Broadcaster of the Year, Katy Daley of WAMU Radio; Bluegrass Event of the Year, The Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival in Oak Hill, New York; Best Graphic Design for a Recorded project, Greg Carr & Sally Ratts for The Crow by Steve Martin; Best Liner Notes for a Recorded Project, Steve Martin, writer for The Crow; Print Media Person of the Year, Roger Siminoff for Siminoff's Luthier Glossary, Banjo Newsletter and Bluegrass Breakdown.   To me, the thing that made this luncheon so special was the five distinguished achievement awards that were given to Hylo Brown, Pati Crooker, Dick Spottswood,  Joe Wilson and our very own Jody Rainwater.  The speech for Jody was given by Penny Parsons and was well presented with many photographs.  I have included a few here.  I do not know the original photographer, but rest assured these photos are not mine.

 

There's a lot more to tell you about my trip to IBMA, but this has gone way too long as it is, so I'll end up here and let you digest this before inundating you with more.  Next time I'll cover the awards show with lots of photos! By the way, I just learned how to add invisible captions to my photos.  Simply move the mouse pointer over the photo and the caption will appear.  Until, perhaps this weekend.....

"NUFF SAID!"

My Weekend @ VFMA's "Jumpin' Bluegrass '09" & My upcoming Trip to IBMA in Nashville

Hello friends.  This will be a short entry, so don't be concerned.  I arrived home a few hours ago from a truly great weekend of Bluegrass at the VFMA's "Jumpin' Bluegrass '09."  I did not attend the contest today and do not have the winners for you, but if you will click here in a day or so I'm sure the VFMA will have all of the winners posted on their web site.  I arrived on Thursday and delivered the large cooker full of BBQ so graciously provided by your donations at the monthly meetings of the Virginia Bluegrass Family.  It was enjoyed by nearly 200 people.  For those of you who have chosen not to attend this event I wanted to tell you that even though we had a lengthy light shower on Thursday, we hardly noticed since we were snugly inside the large building with great sound provided by Kevin Prater, recently the Mandolin player and tenor singer for the The James King Band.  Upon seeing Kevin (Waldo to his friends!) I commented about his change of professions.  He told me he only does sound about 5 times a year and that the next day after leaving James King he hired on with Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain.  Kevin did a great job with the sound  To know who performed at this weekend's show click here to read my previous post with all of that information.  Friday's feature was the induction of Sammy Shelor in the Virginia Folk Music Hall of Fame (I would like to note here that I am a bit confused as during the ceremony this induction was often mentioned as being into the "Virginia Music Hall of Fame."  Was this an error of omission or have I had it wrong all these years?)  A recording was played with many of the greatest Banjo players in the business congratulating Sammy.  Some of the speakers were, Earl Scruggs, J. D. Crowe, Kristen Scott Benson, Steve Martin, Eddie Adcock and several others.  While this induction was really fine the highlight of the evening was the two sets by the Lonesome River Band.  Wow! They are truly in top form and are playing some of the best Bluegrass around today.

Nest, I wanted to tell you I am driving out to Nashville, Tennessee this week in advance of my week at the IBMA "World of Bluegrass" events the week of September 28th.  I will, most likely, write a lengthy post upon my return.  Most of you are aware the Virginia Bluegrass Family has presented three nights of "after-hours" Night Owl Concerts in the Nashville Convention Center as part of the weeks entertainment.  This year I decided to suspend the Night Owl Concerts due to a rather large price increase of the rent for the concert space.  When we began in Nashville just a few years ago the cost for the space was $300 for 3 days.  Just 3 years late the cost rose by 50% to $450.  Now, just a few years later there was another 50% increase to $675.  I felt I simply could not ask the membership of the Virginia Bluegrass Family to bear those costs.  If any of the readers of this blog can share with me a way to accomplish the Night Owl Concerts next year, please let me know.  We were a small fish in a large sea, but we served a great service by giving new bands a chance to be heard in a National event.  These bands really have no other venue to be heard than by the "smaller" organizations and their efforts to present them to the attendees (Which include record execs and festival promoters and booking agents) of the IBMA "World of Bluegrass."  Until I return I guess it could be this is....

"NUFF SAID!"

The Grottoes Family Bluegrass Festival - Sept 10th, 11th, & 12th, 2009 - Grand Caverns Regional Park, Grottoes, VA

Sweet Brenda and Calvin Lawson as "Lawson Entertainment" present the fall edition of the "Grottoes Family Bluegrass Festival" at Grand Caverns Regional Park on September 10th, 11th & 12th, 2009.  As the name of the festival intimates this is a family friendly festival with all the things you would expect of such an event. 

Thursday is a special time with the Bluegrass Brothers as the only scheduled band performing.  The evening is dedicated more to the Pot Luck Dinner at 6PM.  Bring your favorite dish and pitch in with all of your friends for an evening fine food and fellowship along with music by the Bluegrass Brothers.

 

Friday gets started with the band Lonesome Highway.  Many of you will remember a young musician, Buddy Dunlap, from his association with other bands in his youth.  Click on the above link to learn more about Lonesome Highway.  Friday's a big day at Grottoes as The James King Band appears and as hot and important as James is, he isn't the only big name there that day.  Fredericksburg, Virginia's favorite son, Larry Stephenson, along with his band The Larry Stephenson Band are up next after James.  Larry was a big fan of The Osborne Brothers in his youth and that love of their music can still be heard in Larry's music today.  One of the very best traditional tenor singers, Audie Blaylock, appears on Friday with his band Audie Blaylock & Redline.  If those great bands weren't enough the day wraps up with Sammy Shelor & The Lonesome River Band.  Sammy is to be inducted into the VFMA Hall of Fame just one week from this date. 

Saturday promises big time too as things get started with a great band, Remington Ryde.  As a Banjo enthusiast I am especially excited about Remington Ryde because the Banjo player is Billy Lee Cox, one of the finest Banjo players around today.  Next up is Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road.  Lorraine not only keeps this fine band touring the eastern US, but she also is the is instrumental in forming the IBMA award winning Daughters of Bluegrass.  Catch a performance of the "Daughters" by clicking here.  Mark Templeton & Pocket Change appear next at Grottoes. Mark brings his love of Southern Gospel into each of his performances.  Up next is the Wildwood Valley Boys.  Wrapping up the day and the weekend at the "Grottoes Family Bluegrass Festival" are Dailey & Vincent, singing some of the best harmony you're likely to hear anywhere.

So there you have it, another great Bluegrass event presented by Lawson Entertainment. 

"Jumpin' Bluegrass '09" VFMA Bluegrass Festival - September 17th, 18th, 19th & 20th, 2009 - Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, Chesterfield, VA

FIVE DOLLARS A DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's right, the Virginia Folk Music Association presents it's annual Bluegrass Festival, "Jumpin' Bluegrass 09" on September 17ht, 18th and 19th, 2009; followed by the VFMA Virginia State Bluegrass Championship on Sunday the 20th of September.  And it all costs only $5 per day!!!

On Thursday this $5 not only includes the great music of the bands Sleepy Hollow, East of Afton, TJ Honaker "Old Time: Folk Music Players, Tennessee Crabgrass, Donnie & Lisa and Homeward Bound; it also includes the free "Cornbread & Beans Pot Luck Supper."  Well, the supper isn't exactly free.  You're supposed to bring something to add to the supper; that's what makes it "pot luck."  As I've always said, bring something you really like, that way you know there'll be one thing there you like!

SPECIAL NOTE: Due, once again, to the generous contributions of the members of "The Virginia Bluegrass Family" there will be 60 pounds of minced pork BBQ and rolls as part of the supper. We meet on First Tuesdays at the Jahnke Road Baptist Church near Chippenham Hospital.  Join us!

Friday is a special day at "Jumpin' Bluegrass 09".  There will be music by some fine bands including The Church Sisters.  I encourage you to please set aside some time in your day on Friday to listen to The Church Sisters.  These young ladies are amazingly talented vocally.  Of there ever were twins that were less identical than Sarah & Savannah Church I don't think I've seen them.  PLEASE go hear them!  A band I like to claim as members of "The Virginia Bluegrass Family" is Copper Ridge and they'll be playing on Friday..  I believe these guys may have met at our club.  A band listed on the official flyer for "Jumpin' Bluegrass '09" is called GCH-Wings of Love will be there on Friday.  I know nothing about this group.  Code Blue will be there on Friday offering up some of that east Virginia styled Bluegrass.  Before I get to the last band to play on Friday I need to tell you about the special ceremonies that will happen.  First, a "Special Recognition Award" will be presented to Ray Pollard, the founder of "The Gospel Chicken House."  If you've ever played and sung Country or Bluegrass Gospel then you've probably played The Gospel Chicken House, and you'll know that it really was a chicken house long before being converted to Central Virginia's choice venue for Gospel Music.  Congratulations Ray!  The big event on Friday will be the induction into the VFMA Hall of Fame of Sammy Shelor, Banjo player extraordinaire. Sammy is known to us as a founding member of the Virginia Squires (For a sample of the Virginia Squires music click here.) and later as "the" Banjo player for The Lonesome River Band and now as the leader of that same fine group.  So, now I guess I can tell you that the last group to play on Friday will be the Lonesome River Band.

Saturday promises to be a big day at "Jumpin' Bluegrass 09" as there are many bands there including Easy Street.  Here is a blurb from Easy Street's web site: "In August 2008, a few seasoned bluegrass musicians from Virginia's Tidewater region got together for a little pickin'.  The sound at that first session was so exciting that a new band was soon born - Easy Street. "  Thunder Creek will be there on Saturday, too.  Here's a note taken from their web site: "If you like bluegrass and bluegrass gospel or the combination of the two, then Thunder Creek is just what you are
looking for!   They are as high energy as a live wire.  If it is soulful  gospel your spirit needs, their passion and harmonies will surely touch your hearts."  A special treat will be the appearance of Michelle Nixon & Drive.  We don't get a chance to hear Michelle and the band around Central Virginia as she travels greater and greater distances singing and playing all around the country.  A favorite band of mine, Borrowed Time, will be there on Saturday.  These guys are all local folks who have banded together to play the music they love.  Gary Davis, the leader of the group, has an unending list of songs in his repertoire, many of which come from other genres of music, which he and the band perform with a Bluegrass style.  Last up on Saturday will be The James King Band.  James has one of the best traditional Bluegrass lead voices in the business.  To prove it, just click here to hear him sing "Echo Mountain."

I read in "Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine" just a few days ago the Kevin Prater had left The James King Band, to pursue other endeavors.  I wondered what that may have been and "low and behold" I see Kevin is doing the sound at "Jumpin' Bluegrass 09."

Don't forget the official "Virginia State Bluegrass Championship Contest" will be on Sunday September 20th, 2009.  Be sure to come out and support your favorite band;  they play so much better when there are fans to hear them.  The top band can win $1000!  Another important thing to consider is that this year will the 52nd year with WFLO Radio's Henry Fulcher as Emcee.  Also, last year's winner, Grit City Grass, will perform.

Nothin' Fancy Bluegrass Festival - Sept. 24th, 25th & 26th, 2009 - Glen Maury Park, Buena Vista, VA

September is a busy month for Bluegrass in Virginia and wrapping up the month is the "Nothin' Fancy Bluegrass Festival" held September 24th, 25th & 26th, 2009 at the beautiful Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista, Virginia.  Just a quick note here.  I know most of you opt for the most direct and easiest route to Bluegrass festivals; usually I do too.  But, if you've got the time and would want to see a different part of Virginia try driving straight out Midlothian Pike on Route 60.  It goes straight (Well, not straight!) to Buena Vista and is a nice and different way to get there.  I've got a lot to get to, so I better get started.

The festival gets started on Thursday with a band called Wonder. I tried searching for wonder on the Internet and all I found was Wonder Woman (Worth a short stop!) and Stevie Wonder.  So I must tell you I know nothing about Wonder, but perhaps you should check them out and tell me all about them so I can stop "wondering."  Next up is the entertaining Goldwing Express.  These guys are very capable Bluegrass musicians who choose to entertain as well as perform great Bluegrass music.  Williams & Clark Expedition continues to entertain as they take the stage.  Next up are the hosts of the festival Nothin' Fancy.  They play every day of the festival, so I will only make this one long entry about them.  They have won the SPBGMA Entertaining Band of the Year in both 2008 and 2009!  Playing mostly original material, all done with the Nothin' Fancy touch it is easy to see why they are so popular.  Wrapping up the day on Thursday is the band Steep Canyon Rangers.  This is a fine group and they will work very hard to make you their fans and if you give them just half a chance you will be a fan.  Great Bluegrass!

The schedule for Friday shows In The Tradition will get things started.  Those of you who read this blog regularly will know that the leader of this group, Donnie Mason had gastric bypass surgery a few months ago.  I understand he has been making some shows, so I hope he will be well enough to make it to Buena Vista.  Lonesome Will Mullins is up next and combines modern Bluegrass and old time Stanley styled music to make his performances exciting and entertaining.  Williams & Clark Expedition is back again on Friday.  Following this fine group is The James King Band.  James and his band perform some of the finest traditional Bluegrass you will hear anywhere.  If you love great harmony singing and fine instrumental back up then you are already a fan of Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out.  They will close out the show on Friday.

Kicking things off on Saturday in Next Best Thing .  This band is comprised of daughters of Rhonda Vincent and a few other talented musicians.  It's great to know these young women will continue the Vincent tradition as the 5th generation on Vincents in the business.  Country Fried Grass is up next at Nothin' Fancy.  If these fellows have the same following of fans at Buena Vista as they have at other festivals you won't have any difficulty finding their campsite in the wee early hours of the morning.  Country Fried Grass will be rocking out with Bluegrass and a little of some other stuff too!  Next up is David Parmley & Friends.  David is best know for his days in the great Bluegrass band The Bluegrass Cardinals and in his own band David Parmley & Continental Divide. No doubt, this group will be as fine as his others.  The Gary Waldrep Band is up next.  From their web site: "The band performs with a traditional sound spiced with original songs and old standards, making them a favorite with acoustic music lovers across the country."   Wrapping up Saturday and the festival in the great Rhonda Vincent & The Rage.  There is little I can say about Rhonda that hasn't been said than to comment that I believe Rhonda is one of the few female performers that truly sing Bluegrass as it should be sung.

Be sure to include the "Nothin' Fancy Bluegrass Festival" on your schedule of Bluegrass events to attend.

Jody Rainwater to be awarded Distinguished Achievement Award @ IBMA

Hi folks.  I just received an email from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) announcing that, among others, our own Jody Rainwater will be awarded a certificate for "Special Achievement" at this year's afternoon awards program in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jody is best known for his years spent with Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs & The Foggy Mountain Boys.  A lot has been made of the, so called, first Bluegrass band comprised of, Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs, Chubby Wise and Cedric Rainwater, but it is my firm belief that Jody Rainwater, during his years with Flatt & Scruggs, created and defined the true art of Bluegrass Bass playing.  Just listen to those old Flatt & Scruggs records and you'll hear Jody smoothly moving between 2-4 time and 4-4 time in the same song, either to accentuate a vocal or a special instrumental break.  Yes, Jody Rainwater truly is a living legend in Bluegrass and will be long remembered for his humor and creative Bass playing.

Join me in congratulating Jody Rainwater in this wonderful recognition by the trade organization of our music, the IBMA.

Thanks,   GARY

Mr. B's Bluegrass Festival - August 27th, 28th & 29th, 2009

Don't forget Mr. B's Bluegrass festival coming up this weekend, actually begins today!  Click here for details from my previous blog posting.

Thanks,    Gary

Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival August 13th, 14th & 15th, 2009 - 30th Year Celebration!

Can I actually have attended 59 festivals at the Amelia Family Campground and am I gonna attend my 60th festival there in less than two short weeks?  Gosh!  It's really hard to believe, but it's true.  Way back in May of 1980 the festival got started  featuring bands like: East Virginia, James Bailey & The Autumn Harvest, Appalachian Express, B. G. Express, Friendly Henry & The Roots of Bluegrass, Hand Picked Grass and Canadian Bluegrass.  Sadly, time has continued its march forward and many of these performers are no longer with us.  That said, Bluegrass has continued to progress and is more popular today than ever.  Much of this popularity in the central Virginia area is due to John & Ferne Hutchinson's love of the music and their support of the musicians who make it.  A weekend ticket back in 1980 cost a whopping $13.00.  That's right $13.00 for an entire weekend of Bluegrass music. 

Back in 1980 Larry Sparks released his great album "John Deere Tractor."  The great Lester Flatt had passed just the summer before this first festival at the Amelia Family Campground. The late Claude Warden (His son Claude Jr., better known to all as Junior Warden plays Bass and sings all the parts with the band Borrowed Time) was still presenting his Bluegrass festival over at Tom Scott Recreational Park in Amelia.  Bands featured at Claude's April festival included; Lost & Found, Mail Pouch, McPeak Brothers, Friendly Henry & The Roots of Bluegrass, C. W. & The Bluegrass Sound, Bluegrass Ramblers and Stars & Bars.  Bluegrass in Virginia was alive and well in Amelia, Virginia.  Now, 30 years later it still is at the "Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival."

Back in 1980 The Heights of Grass were one of the hottest bands on the east coast (Members of the band at the time of this recording were; Don Grubb, Richard Ward, Mark Newton, Sonny Mead, Ron Rush, Vernon Hughes & Billy Lux) and their brand new album, "Louisiana Saturday Night" debuted.  "Bluegrass Unlimited" gave it a less than excited review (Tough reviews were very common back in those days.), but that didn't deter the many fans of The Heights of Grass.  Oh yeah, back in 1980 there were no such things as CDs.  The state of the art was the vinyl Long Playing Record called LP's.  They were 12" in diameter and were played on stereophonic phonographs.  Cars had 8-Track players and cassette players which were beginning to take over from the 8-Track.  I'm beginning to feel old, so I'm gonna stop talking about 30 years ago and start telling you about the upcoming "Amelia Festival" (That's what we like to call it!).

John & Ferne are always traveling around the country and they hear new bands and when they like a band and think we'll like them to too, then they book them at Amelia.  The first band up in Amelia is Easy Street.  Easy Street is from the tidewater area of Virginia and from the music on their web site they are quite good.  Next up on Thursday is Some Assembly Required.  Formed by Leo Szydlowski and Lynn Stephens, Some Assembly Required has been performing their eclectic style of Bluegrass and Folk music around central Virginia since early 2007.  They have a new CD out this past spring.  See my review by clicking here.  Next up is another band that is new to me.  It is called Allegheny Blue.  Next up is one of Virginia's most beloved bands, Lost & Found.  It was feared after the tragic loss of their founding Mandolin player, Dempsey Young, they might not continue.  We are grateful the band was able to surpass great tragedy and continue.  For more on the history of Lost & Found click here.  The next band up is another from Virginia's tidewater area.  They are Solid Rock, a primarily Bluegrass Gospel band.  Solid Rock has been entertaining at the Amelia festival for the last few years.  Now, if your were ever a fan of the music of Jimmy Martin or followed the music of Rhonda Vincent & The Rage throughout the years, then you know all about Audie Blaylock.  Audie Blaylock & Redline is a high energy Bluegrass band in the finest tradition of the music.  You haven't seen or heard anyone play rhythm guitar until you experienced Audie Blaylock.

I did a Google search on "Dark Holler" (As listed on the Amelia flyer) to make sure I was right about the first band to play on Friday at Amelia.  The correct name for the band is Dark Hollow and what a band they are.  In their manner of dress and stage presence they epitomize the great traditional bands of the early years of Bluegrass.  Dark Hollow keeps alive the older music and believe me you ain't heard nothin' until you hear them do the old Stanley Brothers attempt a Rock 'N Roll with their version of "Finger Poppin' Time!"  Next up on Friday is a band from the Raleigh, NC area called Constant Change.  They have been performing at the Amelia festival for many years now.  Why?  Simply because they are good! Hailing from Reedsville, PA,  Remington Ryde is up next.  Now, I suppose you all know by now that I'm particularly interested in the Banjo.  That being said, one of the finest Banjo players I have ever had the privilege of meeting and listening to, Billy Lee Cox, is a member of this group.  So if you're a Banjo nut like me, you've got to hear Remington Ryde.  Next up is the group, Hager's Mountain Boys from Roxboro, NC.  These fellows play true Bluegrass with strong instrumentation and even stronger mountain harmonies.  Be sure to catch their show.  If you are as old as I am  (somewhat over 30!) you will have most likely cut your Bluegrass teeth on the music of The Stanley Brothers.  Well, the next performer is was too young to have heard the Stanley's live ,but he sure has listened to their recordings.  Kody Norris & The Watuga Mountain Boys play Bluegrass the way the Stanley's did it.  Why, Kody is Ralph & Carter all wrapped into one package.  He is an amazing Bluegrass artist and deserves your close attention.  Wrapping up the day on Friday is the half-breed entertainment of The Goldwing Express.  Now, before you get all huffy and upset with me for using the term half-breed, you will only have to see one very entertaining show by Goldwing Express to know why I use the term. 

Since the "Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival" ceased having Sunday shows many years ago they have always had a Bluegrass Gospel show on Saturday mornings.  Mark Templeton & Pocket Change get things started followed by the Bluegrass Brothers with both bands doing only Gospel material.  Thirteen year old Fiddle phenomenon Samantha Casey is up next.   Joined by her father and few friends Samantha really shows us her talents.  Up next is another great band from the tidewater area, Poquoson to be exact, Code Blue.  While looking at their web site I was pleased to find a baby photo of the leader of Code Blue, Bud Finch.   I've included it here: 

Jonathan Dillon is up next.  Starting as a hotshot kid Banjo player, Jonathan has grown into a fine multi-instrumentalist  and singer and will carry Bluegrass far into the 21st century.  Mark Templeton & Pocket Change and The Bluegrass Brothers will each do two regular sets of Bluegrass on Saturday in addition the their morning Gospel sets.  The closing act on Saturday is Dr. Ralph Stanley.  What can I say that hasn't been said about this icon of Bluegrass and folk music.  Be aware there will be only this one performance by Ralph at 9PM, so if you're a fan of Dr. Ralph don't miss it.

This article has ran way too long ,but I would be remiss if I didn't mention there will be food concessions and other things of interest to Bluegrass fans and their families.  Join me at the 60th "Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival." (Whew!).

Mr. B's Bluegrass Blowout - August 27, 28 & 29, 2009 @ Mr. B's Park, Ladysmith, VA

That's right, coming up at the end of August is Mr. B's Bluegrass Blowout.  Before I tell you about the line up let me tell you about Mr. B's Park.  Several years ago Mr. B decided he wanted to host his own Bluegrass festival and he wanted to do it his way, sort like Frank Sinatra, but Bluegrass style!  First he drew out how he wanted his park to be laid out and then proceeded to have a large tract of woods bulldozed until the park we now know at Mr. B's Park was created.  There is a large pavilion with the stage situated out in front of it.  Behind the stage are many picnic tables on which you may eat a variety of items from the kitchen just on the opposite side of the pavilion from the stage.  There you may purchase hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, BBQ, ice cream and, of course, Mr. B's Famous Fried Chicken.  Many of you may not be aware that Mr. B ran a restaurant in Fredericksburg, Virginia named (Go ahead and guess!) Mr. B's Restaurant, of course.  It was at this restaurant that Mr. B's Famous Fried Chicken got started and also where Mr. B first began hosting Bluegrass music.  I remember well going to shows there 20 years ago and how this was the first place  I ever went to where you sat with folks you just might no know.  Mr. B wanted to fill every table, so that's just the way it went.  I met some really nice folks at these shows that I would not have met were it not for the seating at Mr. B's Restaurant.

Camping is done two ways.  First, if you attended a past festival you are able to reserve your campsite for the next festival before you leave.  If you've never camped at Mr. B's it is first come, first served, so I recommend arriving very early in the week to be assured of getting a campsite with electricity.  There is plenty of rough camping, so don't let the fear of not getting a site deter you.  Click here for more information.

Now to the line up.  On Thursday is the Lisa Kay Band.  Lisa is a fixture around Bluegrass in northern and central Virginia.  She hosted a Bluegrass radio show at the Louisa FM station a few years back and also worked for Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine for a few years.  She has worked as emcee at many shows, especially at Mr. B's.  Next up is a family band named The Church Sisters.  I finally got to see these two girls (twins, although you wouldn't know it) at the Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival this past May.  If you are gonna catch just one show at the stage at Mr. B's please make it this one.  These girls are great singers and a treat to hear.  I guess the premier band in Bluegrass today is Dailey & Vincent and they'll be on Mr. B's stage on Thursday, August 27th.  There's not much I can add to the many awards they have achieved in their short span as a professional band.  Last up ate Ted Jones & The Tarheels presenting good ol' North Carolina Bluegrass just the way you remember it.

On Friday things get under way with a local band called Milford Station.  These fellows present competent Bluegrass and are fun to listen to.  Dark Hollow is up next and they fill a special niche in Bluegrass music.  They are all great fans of the older styles of Bluegrass as presented by Flatt & Scruggs, Bill Monroe and The Stanley Brothers.  These groups are the ones who brought me to Bluegrass and their music still lives on in Dark Hollow.  The Lewis Family was scheduled to appear at Mr. B's, but due to declining health and age, the band has decided to retire.  However, Little Roy Lewis is continuing on with a band of his own.  I have not heard this new group, so it would be interesting to hear them here at Mr. B's.  If you love good modern traditional Bluegrass then you must see Junior Sisk & Rambler's Choice. Junior has been fronting this band for two years since the breakup of Blueridge. They present brand new songs done in the great tradition of the older groups.  Friday is a full day of Bluegrass with Lonesome Will Mullins & The Virginia Playboys up next.  Will is a fixture at Mr. B's and has a great mix of Bluegrass, comedy and old time music.  Last up on Friday on Gold Wing Express.  No, not the Honda motorcycle, the Bluegrass band, Gold Wing Express.  Gold Wing presents a show filled with a little Bluegrass and a lot of talking.  This may not sound like what you want to hear, but please stick around; they present a great stage show.

Saturday get started with Some Assembly Required.  Their female vocalist, Lynn Stephens, has twice been voted Virginia's Best Female Vocalist by the VFMA.   Now, if you like Stanley style or Jimmy Martin style Bluegrass then Kody Norris & The Watuga Mountain Boys are just what you need.  Catch them on Friday at Mr. B's.  The next band up is Williams & Clark Expedition.  Headed up by a husband and wife team, Williams & Clark Expedition presents great modern Bluegrass with humor sprinkled throughout.  Amelia, Virginia's James King Band is up next singing those soulful Bluegrass ballads.  From Nashville by the way of Fredericksburg, Virginia is the Larry Stephenson Band.  Those of you wondering where Kenny Ingram went after leaving Rhonda Vincent can find out by seeing Larry and the band.  Last up on Saturday is Salem, Virginia' Bluegrass Brothers.  If you want to see a Bluegrass festival end on a up note then look no farther than The Bluegrass Brothers.  They'll certainly do the job up right.

So there you have it; mark your calendar and be sure to attend Mr. B's Bluegrass Blowout this August 2th through 29th.

A Prayer Request from Dreama Stephenson

Below is a powerful letter from Dreama Belcher Stephenson.  Her father, Sterling Belcher, promoter of the "Tripple Creek Bluegrass Festival" has been diagnosed with bone cancer.  This, quite naturally, has Dreama and her entire family in distress.  I felt Dreama's email request was so heartfelt that I wanted to share it with all of you.

Hello everyone,

This week I asked for prayers for my father Sterling as it was believed he was having mini-strokes. After a whirlwind of a week and being told 4 different things it is now pinpointed. My dad has been diagnosed with bone cancer, which came from his prostate.  On Sunday, Daddy lost time for a while and went to the emergency room with blurred vision on Monday. An MRI showed he had several mini-strokes, but this didn't explain the blurred vision as it's not a characteristic of stroke. Next he was told a blood clot formed and went to his brain causing a series of mini-strokes even though they still can not figure out where the clot came from in his body as his heart shows him healthy as a horse.

On Wednesday night I told my mother to please don't let him leave until the blurred vision was explained, because something in his brain must be causing a problem. Daddy himself asked on Thurs. morning for his Sugar, Cholesterol and PSA to be checked. And that is when the doctors found his PSA at 250. This lead the primary doctor to tell Daddy on Thursday night he had brain cancer not damage from strokes. But this sounded strange to us all. Daddy had his prostate removed almost 4 years ago from an aggressive growing cancer by one of the best doctors in the country "Dr. Partin" and we were told they got it all and have believed that ever since the surgery. As it turns out and from my dealings with Johns Hopkins today they knew the cancer had spread outside of his prostate when it was removed. The oncologist (not the primary doctor) talked with my dad this morning explaining that it's unheard of, to have prostate cancer go directly to your brain and the neurologist still believed a clot went to his brain after all, causing the stroke that got him to the hospital.

So last night, and today some x-rays, a cat scan, and a bone scan were all performed and the bone cancer was found in different areas throughout his body.  They don't see it in any organs except around the area his prostate used to be. Testosterone can fuel the cancer and they want to possibly begin there, but as most of you know, bone caner is incurable and it's more about slowing it down and buying him some time. It's a painful way to leave this world.

So I come to you now and I'm asking everyone to please ad my Dad (Sterling Belcher) to your prayer circles and church lists as I believe in MIRACLES. A miracle brought my daughter to me and my husband Larry and I've heard of many cases where cancer just disappears. Our daughter is the first grandchild and Daddy was just talking last week about how he hoped to see her grow. He just turned 70 and for those of you who don't know him... he's a go getter, strong man, work-aholic, would give this shirt off his back, sweet man...I'm not ready to lose him yet and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for any prayers you can lift up for him

Thanks so much,

Dreama Belcher Stephenson

Below is Sterling with his grand-daughter Faylon Whysper Stephenson