You know, March used to be a pretty slow month for Bluegrass, but not anymore. There's so much happening in March it's almost unbelievable. First things first! The 15th annual (Can you believe it!) "Cabin Fever Pickin' Party gets underway beginning Thursday, March 4th on through Sunday, March 7th. That sounds like a long weekend, but anyone who has experienced Cabin Fever will tell you it is over in a flash.
Each year I try to entice you to attend Cabin Fever with a few of my memories. Those first few years when we were growing were probably some of my fondest times. Back then the Southside Virginia Bluegrass Band was enjoying popularity all around Central Virginia. The band consisted of the late Billy Dooley on Guitar and lead/harmony vocals; Ralph Westfall on Banjo and lead/harmony vocals; Johnny Williams (The same Johnny Williams now playing in Borrowed Time.) on Mandolin and harmony vocals and Sig Williams on Bass and lead/harmony vocals. Billy Dooley was larger than life and if he was around, well, you knew it. Southside played mostly covers of great traditional Bluegrass and a few songs written by Billy and a fast and furious instrumental (Deep Creek) written by Ralph Westfall. I believe I am right in telling you that the Southside Virginia Bluegrass Band was the very first band to officially perform at Cabin Fever. As a friend of all of these folks I enjoyed some great times with them with Cabin Fever being a highlight of my memories of this friendship.
Now, back to Cabin Fever of today. Cabin Fever is one of the greatest bargains to be had in Bluegrass music. The cost for the entire 4 days is a meager $25 if purchased before February 28th, 2010. Click here for web order form and band schedule. But even if you wait to buy your ticket at the door it's only $30. How can you go wrong? Here's how! The folks who run Cabin Fever do it for the love of the music. Obviously they don't make much money at $25 per person. They have always priced Cabin Fever at one simple price, now $25. This ticket price is the same if you are there all 4 days or simply want to be there 1/2 a day. The ticket price is simply $25. Sooooooooo, that being said, why in the world would you want to come for less than the entire 4 wonderful days of pickin' and grinnin' and visitin' with your Bluegrass friends in a nice comfortable indoor setting. If you've never been to Cabin Fever let me in on a secret. When you order your tickets in advance [Send a self addressed stamped envelope to: Cabin Fever, Inc., 909 Francis Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059] you are sent a schedule of showcases, but more important, you receive a 2011 hotel reservation form, for next year. A hotel reservation form box will be on the Holiday Inn check in desk beginning some time Thursday. It is very important that you get that form in that box as early as possible for your best chance at getting the room you want in 2011.
Most of the best motel rooms are already booked by those of us who were at Cabin Fever last year, but there are rooms available within walking distance of the Holiday Inn, so don't fret (Oops, another pickin' term!) and call the Holiday Inn reservation center @ 1-800-842-9370 and ask for "group reservations." Be sure to mention Cabin Fever. I've known many who have called late for rooms and were successful in getting a room. My best advice to you is to be kind and patient while these folks work to find you accommodations.
I've been quite lazy this year and still haven't solidly set the lineup for the "Night Owl Concerts" in the Holiday Room on Saturday night at Cabin Fever. I do, However, have the first 6 bands scheduled. They are: Flatland Bluegrass Band; Jollet Lane; Code Blue; Mill Run; Deep Creek; & Eddie Gill & The Grassmasters. I promise I'll have things booked solid by my next post.
The Appomattox Bluegrass Series wraps up in March with two great concerts. The first is by Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver on Sunday, March 7th followed two weeks later by Rhonda Vincent & The Rage on Sunday, March 21st. Both shows begin at 2PM with doors opening at approximately 1PM. There's not much I can add to the many accolades these two bands piled upon them other to remind you that sometimes these shows do sell out. Be sure to reserve those tickets by calling Kelly smith at 434-248-6105 or by emailing her at kellyandallen@yahoo.com. Tickets are $15 either in advance or at the door.
As you can see by reading about my "Night Owl Concerts" at Cabin Fever, I'll be up really late Saturday night (Actually, early Sunday morning!) making seeing the Doyle Lawson show difficult. Now, I can get there, but whether my eyes can stay open to see the show is another matter. We'll just have to see how it all goes.
Be sure to check out the James River Bluegrass Association. They have a huge photo album featuring many photos from the recent Larry Stephenson concert held in Madison Heights at the Bingo Hall. There's lots of photos of the crowd, so if your were there you might be in the photo album. If you weren't there you'll certainly see pictures of a lot of your friends who did attend.
Whew!
"NUFF SAID!"
