Each year during the last few days of summer the Virginia Folk Music Association (VFMA) presents "Jumpin' Bluegrass '10" at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds. The first 3 days are simply a very good Bluegrass festival, but what sets this VFMA event apart from other festivals is they they are authorized by the State of Virginia to not only induct deserving Virginians into the VFMA hall of Fame, but to also have contests to select the best Bluegrass performers in the state and name them as champions. I'd say that makes Jumpin' Bluegrass '10 just a little different. Oh yeah, there's another thing, too. The admission price is only $5 per day, with parking costing only $5 with the purchase of a 3 or 4 day ticket. So, to make a long story short, if you're planning to stay the entire weekend (4 days) it'll cost you $25 including parking. There are other fees for camping and the use of electricity. For more information about these other fees call Lois Gaither at 804-339-7620 or Sigrid Williams at 804-347-2925.
Now, let's get on with the festival. The groups appearing on Thursday are: Willis River (Youtube videos), Old Time Pickers, Old Stage Road, East of Afton, River City, Sleepy Hollow, Lois & Fred Gaither and more to be announced. Don't forget that every Thursday at VFMA's Jumpin' Bluegrass there is a free "Cornbread & Beans Pot Lick Supper." I'll be bringing BBQ as I have over the last several years, except this time the BBQ will be from me alone. Also, as I've said in the past, please bring a covered dish to add to the meal and make it something you really like. That way you'll know there is at least one thing there you like! Some of the best jams occur on Thursdays at Bluegrass festivals and it is no different at Jumpin' Bluegrass. So, be sure to bring your instrument and be ready to pick.
Things begin to heat up, music wise, on Friday as some great local and regional talent climb up on the indoor stage. Did I forget to mention that the entire festival is held indoors? The building is large and expansive with insulated walls that help prevent echoes. Don't forget your lawn chairs! The Big Boss Combo performs on Friday. I want to tell you about the Big Boss Combo. They have been playing around Richmond for probably a decade now and for years I chose not go to their performances. To me a 'combo' was a jazz band and I didn't want to hear jazz. Then a friend told who they were and I have been enjoying their music ever since. I'm not gonna tell you who plays in the band, but I am gonna tell you to be sure to catch at least one of the Big Boss Combo sets. Make it their first set because you're gonna like them and you'll want to catch both sets. Copper Ridge also plays on Friday. I'm not sure if these guys met at our club, The Virginia Bluegrass Family, but many of them regularly attend on 2nd Tuesdays at the Jahnke Road Baptist Church. Copper Ridge plays good Bluegrass so make sure you catch them when they are on stage. Big Country, who were nominated in 9 categories at SPBGMA this year, will be playing on Friday. Please don't forget to see Borrowed Time as they perform of Friday. Gary Davis and the band present non-traditional songs in a Bluegrass format along with pleasingly self deprecating humor and, believe it or not, some songs from the Bluegrass repertoire. North Carolina's Easy Street perform on Friday. Easy Street has showcased at the Night Owl Concerts in Hampton as part of the "Cabin Fever Pickin' Party." A group from Pennsylvania, Remington Ryde will also perform on Friday. This band boasts what I believe is one of the very best Banjo pickers, ever. Billy Lee Cox plays all styles, all the while not seeming to have to pay attention to what he is doing. He is amazing.
Saturday is a big day at Jumpin' Bluegrass '10 because Virginia's own McPeak Brothers will be inducted into the VFMA Hall of Fame. Code Blue will perform their usual friendly and fast moving show. Bud will probably not tell a joke. What am I saying! Of course he'll tell a joke! Homeward Bound will perform Saturday as will Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain. We are fortunate to have Melvin Goins at Jumpin' Bluegrass '10 as he is one of the fast dwindling members of the first generation of Bluegrass musicians. Melvin along with his brother Ray Goins were half of the legendary Lonesome Pine Fiddlers. From Melvin's web site:
Lexington, KY- Melvin was honored on March 17, 2010 along with his late brother Ray Goins as part of the 2011 Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. Melvin and his brother Ray formed the Goins Brothers in 1969 after a long stint with The Lonesome Pine Fiddlers. In 1994 Ray had to quit the road full time because of health problems but still played from time to time with Melvin. Melvin formed his new band Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain after Ray had to quit the road. To see more about their induction see this link.
http://www.kentucky.com/2010/03/18/1185524/montgomery-loveless-among-ky-music.html
Melvin is a great musician and I am pleased to see him honored in his home state. It is sad that Kentucky could not have moved quicker so Ray could have enjoyed the honor. Shenandoah Drive will also appear on Saturday. And, there will be a special recognition award given to the School House at Lucketts, VA.
Well, that about does it. Oh yeah! Don't forget that the Bluegrass Championships will be held on Sunday, so make sure you practice real hard and enter. There's a $1000 prize to the 1st place band! As they say about the lottery, "You can't win if you don't play!"
Please make plans to join me and all of your friends at VFMA's "Jumpin' Bluegrass '10."
"NUFF SAID!"
No comments:
Post a Comment