WSVS, 800AM & The Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment Present an Interview and live performance by John Cowan - Wednesday, December 14th, 2011 @ 11:00AM

Hey guys I know that is a very long headline, but I wanted to be sure all of the important stuff was there for you.  Yes, you read it right, John Cowan, most famous to my readers as part of the seminal New Grass Revival, will be in the WSVS studios.  John, along with Sam Bush, Courtney Johnson and Ebo Walker formed the original New Grass Revival.  Several of these guys had also been part of the band who bred so many Newgrass styled band, The Bluegrass Alliance.  These two longhaired, hippie Bluegrass bands became the "Fathers" of a new and still continuing and growing and expanding branch of Bluegrass music known simply as newgrass.  John Cowan will be in the WSVS studios for and intimate interview and to perform some of his music on this Wednesday, December 14th, 2011.  Please, this is important.  The studio will be CLOSED to the GENERAL PUBLIC for this live show.  Do not attempt to enter the building as the doors will be locked.

Today, John is a member of the long-lived rock band, The Doobie Brothers, but the band is taking a short holiday break and, so John is using this time off to take a tour of the eastern United States on a solo tour.  WSVS was chosen as a stop along the way.  But, why is this, you may ask?  Good Question.  Read on.  WSVS first went on the air in April of 1947 and believe it or not, they occupied the same spot on the dial as the famous WSM radio of Nashville, Tennessee, 650AM.  Back then country music fans never had to adjust their radio dial.  They had great local programming of WSVS and when darkness fell they were treated to WSM and the Grand Ole Opry at night.  In 1952, Jody Rainwater (Real name Charles Johnson) left as Bassist and comedian for Flatt & Scruggs and joined the staff of WSVS as their morning air personality.  I, personally can recall hearing Jody on WSVS as early as 1953 when I was just four years old, since my mother listened to WSVS every day.  Jody, and his lovely wife, Emma, still live in the Crewe area. 

For about six months, from August 1954 until January 1955, Flatt & Scruggs made WSVS their home radio station and recorded many of the "live" shows for Martha White Mills at WSVS.  These "live" shows were sent to Nashville where they were aired every morning on WSM's early morning "Martha White Show."

Since those heady early years WSVS has continued to bring the best of traditional country music to south side Virginia, but in the not too distant past began bringing live music, specifically Bluegrass and Old Time music, back to the station with the Saturday live show, The High Noon Hoedown.  This live show hosted by Mel Payne has presented most local and regional Bluegrass bands for hour long performances.  There have also been bands from far and wide, such as Missy Raines & The New Hip, The Quebe Sisters and most recently, one half of the famous Hazel & Alice duo, Alice Gerrard, for a few great songs and an in depth interview.  The studio used is called "The Flatt & Scruggs Studio" because it is the actual studio in which Lester & Earl recorded their shows.  It has been totally restored and is a beautiful piece of radio and Bluegrass history and that brings us back to my question; why would John Cowan choose to stop at a little out of the way country radio station?  Well, you just read the reason, WSVS is a most important part of the early life of Bluegrass music and John recognizes this.  WSVS is as important today as it ever was, but our economy is handing many small radio and TV stations very small paydays.

Therefore, the decision was made to apply for a non-profit charter as, "The Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment" (The VMRE), which has since been granted, allowing the VMRE to raise funds through public performances and public donations.

This is quoted from www.BluegrassToday.com, "Board members include the WSVS station manager since 2007, Chris Gowin, Bobby Wilcox, the Broadcast Projects Director for VMRE, Jim Eanes (no relation to the late singer with the same name), the Historical Projects Director, and the Director of Public Relations Penny Parsons, who is well known for her work in various capacities in the bluegrass music industry for over 30 years. The organization is in the process of creating an advisory board, which will include prominent veterans from the bluegrass, country and Americana music fields."  To read the entire article announcing the formation of the VMRE in BluegrassToday click here.

The VMRE is a most important endeavor and may I ask you to support their efforts by mailing donations, in any amount, to The Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment, Crewe, VA, or call the station at 434-645-7734. Help keep live music on the airwaves!

The word was spread and various performers and personalities have made the pilgrimage to the WSVS studios.  One such pilgrim appeared as a surprise during the performance of The Quebe Sisters on the High Noon Hoedown one Saturday.  None other that Eddie Stubbs, announcer for The Grand Ole Opry and former Fiddler for the famed Johnson Mountain Boys walked through the front door.  He knew of WSVS from his very early interests in the history of Country and Bluegrass music (Eddie is a veritable encyclopedia of knowledge of early Country and Bluegrass).  He came by to help and support WSVS in it's efforts to preserve traditional Country and Bluegrass music and WSVS and the VMRE in keeping live music on the radio.

 

And for that very same reason, John Cowan is giving of his valuable time to help WSVS and the VMRE continue in their quest.  So, please plan to listen to this important live interview and performance by John Cowan on WSVS this Wednesday at 11:00 AM.  Those of you too far from Crewe, Virginia and the 10,000 Watt range of WSVS may listen on-line by going to www.wsvsam.com/ and click on the the "Listen Live" button.  And remember: The doors to WSVS Studios will be locked and the general public is asked to not attend this show.  It is a closed studio performance, but do listen in on WSVS, 800 AM or on-line. (Note: if I should, somehow, be invited to this show I will write another blog with pics and quotes from the show in the very near future.)  With that I'll say.....

..... "Nuff Said!"

Wesley P. Phelps: A Real Life World War II Hero in Cemetery with Bill Monroe

Most years when I attend the IBMA World of Bluegrass in Nashville, Tennessee I take a drive north to Owensboro, Kentucky to tour the International Bluegrass Music Museum (IBMM).  During either the drive up to Owensboro or during the drive back toward Nashville I usually stop by the little Kentucky town where Bill Monroe was born, Rosine, Kentucky.  Each time I visit Rosine, I make my way to the cemetery there to pay my respects to Mr. Monroe. During one visit, a few years ago, while searching for Uncle Pen Vandiver's grave site I happened upon a rather large headstone with the name Wesley P. Phelps, PFC, USMC.  On the stone it stated that PFC Phelps was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.  This is the highest award that can be bestowed upon a military man.  The highest! 

I was recently watching a TV program on PBS about famous graveyards around the country and my memory of that headstone was jogged.  I knew I had taken a picture of it, so I dug through my photo files and found the picture.  Here it is. After locating the picture I was spurred on to find out more about PFC Wesley P. Phelps.  I found out a lot about PFC Phelps in a Wikipedia entry. 

Wesley Phelps (June 12, 1923 – October 4, 1944) was a United States Marine who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions and sacrifice of life during the World War II Battle of Peleliu.

Wesley Phelps was born in Neafus, Kentucky on June 12, 1923. He was educated in the Ohio County, Kentucky, elementary schools and graduated from Horse Branch High School in 1942. Radio was his hobby and he had built some one-tube sets. Deciding to turn his hobby into an occupation, he went to school in Owensboro, Kentucky, for four months where he studied basic electricity, then took a three-month course in radio repair work at the Lafayette Trade School at Lexington, Kentucky. He followed that with studies in field radio repair work, and radio repair work on aircraft receivers at the Johnson Pre-Frequency Modulation School.

Although he was the sole support of his aged parents who owned and operated a 70-acre (280,000 m²) farm with his help, he was called up by the draft and was inducted into the United States Marine Corps on April 9, 1943 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

After boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Pvt Phelps was assigned to the Signal Battalion at the Marine Base at San Diego for one month and then was transferred to the Infantry Training Battalion at Camp Elliot, California. He successfully completed an eight-week course on the Browning Heavy Machine Gun, 30 caliber, and was classified as a heavy machine gunner. Pvt Phelps joined the 27th Replacement Battalion in September and left the United States on October 23, 1943, joining Company M, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines of the 1st Marine Division in December, just a few days before the unit left for the combat landing on Cape Gloucester, New Britain. After the Cape Gloucester campaign, all machine gun companies in the division, of which Company M was one, were broken up and their personnel were assigned to rifle companies. In this shuffle, Pvt Phelps became a crewman on a light machine gun in Company K of the same battalion. He was promoted to private first class in April 1944.

After a so-called "rest" at Pavuvu Island in the Russell Islands, the 1st Division left for the little-publicized Peleliu Island operation. After nineteen days of bitter and costly fighting, the night of October 4, 1944 found Company K strung out along the military crest of one of the coral mountains for which Peleliu is noted. With the Marines on one slope of the hill and the Japanese on the opposite slope, rifles became useless and a series of hand grenade battles took place over a period of several days. During the night of the fourth the enemy launched a particularly vicious counterattack. PFC Phelps and a fellow Marine were in a foxhole when a Japanese grenade landed with a thud between them.

Private First Class Phelps shouted, "Look out, Shipley!" then unhesitatingly rolled over on the grenade, taking the full force of the explosion with his own body. Phelps was killed while PFC Richard Shipley received only a small scratch. The Kentucky farm boy had sacrificed his own life to save that of his buddy.

Private First Class Phelps was initially buried in the United States Armed Forces Cemetery on Peleliu, but was later reinterred in Rosine Cemetery, Rosine, Kentucky.

The Medal of Honor was presented to the hero's mother in Rosine, Kentucky, on April 26, 1946 by the Commanding Officer of the Naval Ordnance Plant at Louisville, Kentucky.  Below is the offical citation signed by President Harry S. Truman.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS WESLEY PHELPS
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE

for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, during a savage hostile counterattack on the night of October 4, 1944. Stationed with another Marine in an advanced position when a Japanese hand grenade landed in his foxhole, Private First Class Phelps instantly shouted a warning to his comrade and rolled over on the deadly bomb, absorbing with his own Body the full, shattering impact of the exploding charge. Courageous and indomitable, Private First Class Phelps fearlessly gave his life that another might be spared serious injury and his great valor and heroic devotion to duty in the face of certain death reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.^[1]

/S/ HARRY S. TRUMAN

Folks, I know there isn't much here about Bluegrass music, but I feel it such honor that I stumbled upon PFC Phelps headstone and have had the opportunity to learn about this great young man.

"NUFF SAID"

A Re-cap of the IBMA Awards for 2011

I'm back from my journey to Nashville to participate in the week long IBMA "World of Bluegrass."  I had a very good week although I must admit there were a few times when I grew weary and had that 1,000 yard stare thing going on like you see in the war movies.  There were changes this year that improved the overall experience.  Gone was the $160.00 "after hours pass."  A really stupid idea from the very start.  We tried to tell them last year, but no-one would listen.  Even Dan Hayes didn't seem to realize what was happening last year.

But ,enough about last year.  Gone was the check stand that you had to show your stamped hand at every time you passed by it, and believe me I passed by it a lot over the years.  There were some events that were completely open to the public, even though I paid good money to go to them. Okay, I'll stop fussing and since the heading is about the awards so here goes.

[There are two photographs below that I simply cannot get to stay on the blog, however if you click on the empty block (At least on my computer) they will be shown to you on another page.  Sorry for the problem]

The Master of Ceremonies of the 2001 IBMA Awards show was a pioneer of the Bluegrass idiom known as "Newgrass," Mr. Sam Bush.

The Banjo player of the year was the only tie this year.  Imagine out of all the ballots cast there were exactly the same amount cast for Ron Stewart and Kristen Scott Benson.

The winner of the IBMA Award for Fiddle Player of the year was Michael Cleveland.      

The winner of the IBMA Award for Male Vocalist of the Year was Russell Moore.

Just a few short minutes after being named Fiddle Player of the Year, Michael Cleveland was back on stage to accept the Award as Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year for his band Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper and the song, "Goin' Up Dry Branch.".

The winner of the IBMA Award for Female Vocalist of the year was Dale Ann Bradley.  

The winners of the IBMA Award for Emerging Artist of the Year were The Boxcars.  Adam Steffey accepted the award for the group.

The first of the two IBMA Hall of Fame inductees was George Shuffler.

The winners of the IBMA Award for Vocal Group of the Year were The Gibson Brothers.

The second inductee into the IBMA Hall of Fame was Del McCoury.

The winner of the IBMA Award for Song of the Year went to Balsam Range for their recorded performance of "Trains I Missed."

The winners of the IBMA Award for Album of the Year were The Gibson Brothers for their album entitled "Help My Brother."

The winners for Instrumental Group of the Year were also Awarded as Emerging Artist of the Year, The Boxcars.  Accepting the award, Adam Steffey.

The IBMA Award for Gospel Recorded Performance of the year and the Award for Recorded Event of the Year both go to the album "Prayer Bells In Heaven" by J. D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson and Paul Williams.

Adam Steffey was busy at the 2001 IBMA Awards as he also won as Mandolin Player of the Year, 2011.

The 2011 IBMA Award for Guitar Player of the Year went to Bryan Sutton who was not in attendance.  Accepting the award for Bryan was Pete Wernick.  Pete told us that Bryan was attending his son's softball game.  His priorities are in order.

The 2011 IBMA Award for Bass Player of the Year went to Marshall Wilborn, whom I somehow failed to photograph.  My apologies.

The last award each year goes to the group voted as IBMA Entertainer of the Year.  This year's recipient was Steve Martin & The Sreep Canyon Rangers.  Accepting the award is Steve Martin.

At the end of the show the two inductees into the IBMA Hall of Fame were on stage together.  George Shuffler can still do some mean cross-picking on the guitar and, of course, Del McCoury is still at the peak of his performing skills.

Okay, so I know my writing here hasn't been awe inspiring, but ,hey, I feel lucky I was able to simply get the pictures into the article.  So, don't be fussing at me!  I know who you are.  And with that I think there has been......

"NUFF SAID!"

Don't Forget The Special Benefit show for Peggy Woodall @ Amelia Family Campground - September 24th, 2011

I just wanted to remind all of you about the Special Bluegrass Benefit show at the Amelia Family Campground on September 24th in support of Peggy Woodall during this most stressful time in her life.  To see my original post with all the details click here.

Just today I received an email from our friend Donna Trent in which she included a link to a you tube clip of a TV performance by the band Bluegrass To The Bone.  At the beginning of the clip Peggy's benefit is mentioned.  Please take a look by clicking on this link;

http://www2.wsls.com/entertainment/2011/sep/12/grass-bone-performs-live-ar-1303602/?referer=http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwsls.com%2Far%2F1303602%2F&h=_AQALuJfYAQAcOp4_ws46uAuxeko4AGg1zHM62jCk09PsXw&shorturl=http://bit.ly/pxXXKb

Folks, I will not be able to attend this special day for Peggy as I will be making my annual trip to Nashville to attend the IBMA World of Bluegrass.  If you can't be there like me then be sure to send along your donations to Peggy by a trusted friend.  Well, I guess that's........

"NUFF SAID!"

VFMA's "Jumpin' Bluegrass '11 - September 15th, 16th, 17th & 18th, 2011 - Chesterfield County Fairgrounds.

Here's hoping all of you survived the storms and flooding and now you're ready to enjoy a great weekend of Bluegrass music is a very pleasant setting.  I'm talkin' about the Virginia Folk Music Association's "Jumpin' Bluegrass '11" held annually at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds.

I'm sorry I'm a little late with this information, but it seems since I've retired about 18 months ago, time catches up with me much too fast.  I've got a lot to tell you and I'm gonna do it short and sweet.  First and foremost, I believe, is the price of admission.  You can come to any day of the festival you choose for just $5 per day.  Yep!  just $5 per day.  That means the entire 4 days of music will cost you only $20.  Now there's something you need to know.  If you buy a three or four day ticket parking will cost you $5 for the entire weekend, no matter how often you come and go, and let me tell you that's a bargain in anyone's book.  That means for $25 total you can attend all four days of music and come and go as you please.  You just can't beat that pricing anywhere.  But, I warn you, if you think you're gonna really be thrifty and come maybe just two days and pay as you come to each day, then parking will cost you $5 each day you come. To me the only sensible thing to do is simply come to the gate and pay your $25 and get the 4 day music pass and the 4 day parking pass and simply be done with it !!!    If you choose to bring your camper, there are limited full electric hook-ups and rough camping available.  See the folks at the gate for pricing as you enter the fairgrounds.

Now here's a quick listing of the bands appearing as part of the three day festival.  On Thursday: Amy Ladd & Friends, Harper & Company, Willis River, East of Afton, Sleepy Hollow and Bobby Adams Country Bluegrass.

Friday these bands will appear: The Bluegrass Brothers (Note: The Bluegrass Brothers will be inducted as the 2011 honorees into the VFMA Country Music Hall of Fame), Willis River, Copper Ridge, Shenandoah Drive, Tom Cline & The High Mountain Drifters and River City.

Saturday boasts: Junior Sisk & Rambler's Choice, Mitch Harrell & The Virginians, Code Blue, The Church Sisters, Adam McPeake and Homeward Bound.

On Sunday the VFMA will present the Virginia State Bluegrass Music Championships, open to all bands and individuals based in Virginia.  There is a $1000.00 award to the 1st place band, so this contest is worthy of your time.  Out Of The Blue, last year's champion band will be featured as guests.

I'm sure I have left things out during this hasty write-up, so be sure to check out the VFMA web page at www.vafolkmusic.org. See you in a week or so.  Until then.......

"NUFF SAID!"

Two Great Bluegrass Festivals - Coming Soon!

Yes, that's right there are two great Bluegrass Festivals coming just around the corner.  The first one is "Mr. B's Blowout" coming up over the weekend of August 25th, 26th & 27th, 2011. Followed a couple weeks later by "The Grottoes Bluegrass Festival."  So, there are big times ahead and  I better get started:

08/15/2011:  Before reading about these two great festivals I have news to share about the Beachley & Scott Band.  Barry Scott has decided to leave the band to pursue a solo career in Gospel music.  Rather than proceed as simply "Beachley," Darren and the band decided to  change the name to HeartTown.  HeartTown will fill the remainder of the Beachley & Scott tour dates.  With this name change a new member has come on board.  Greg Luck will be joining HeartTown on fiddle.

Mr.B's "Bluegrass Blowout"  August  25th, 26th &27th, 2011 - Mr, B's Bluegrass Park - Ladysmith, VA

 

For those of you who have never been to Mr. B's Park, I would like to tell you a little about it.  First of all, Mr. B has been a huge supporter of Bluegrass most of his life.  Before hosting Bluegrass festivals he operated a restaurant near Fredericksburg, VA called, you guessed it, "Mr. B's."  I've attended a few shows at Mr. B's over the years and never failed to have a most pleasant evening of Bluegrass music.  His restaurant was a huge structure that seated I would guess 300 plus people.  If any of you have been to 'The Birchmere" up in Alexandria, VA then you know how the seating works and Mr. B's.  It's first come first served and your table is not exclusively your own.  It's a great way to meet new people who share your common interest, Bluegrass.  But, I'm drifting here.  As with his restaurant, Mr. B had in mind the way he wanted his park to be arranged and since he owned the land and it was completely forested all he needed to do was draw the layout and let the bulldozers loose!..The park is laid out beautifully and has grown into a very nice park as it has matured.  The stage is situated within a nice grove of hardwood trees with bleacher-like covered seating available toward the rear of the seating area.  Otherwise, bring your lawn chair and get ready to enjoy a great weekend of Bluegrass.  And speaking of that I guess I had better tell you who's gonna be there and when.

Things get kicked off on Thursday with four bands each playing two sets apiece.  Bands playing on Thursday are : The Honakers, Milford Station, Dark Hollow and The Carolina Road Band. 

For Friday there is another big day of Bluegrass with: Code Blue, Kody Norris & The Watuga Mountain Boys, Katie Penn, Mark Templeton & Pocket Change, Special Consensus and IIIrd Tyme Out.

The Bluegrass keeps rolling along on Saturday beginning with: Leon Morris, Jay Armsworthy, Special Consensus, Beachley & Scott, Larry Gillis  and Darrell Webb.

Folks I gotta tell you that is a great line up of bands with Bluegrass to satisfy most anyone's taste.  Get off I-95 at the Ladysmith exit and turn toward U.S. Route 1.  Head north on Route 1 for about a mile and look for the Mr. B's Bluegrass Park sign to your left and you're almost there.  A three day ticket at the gate is $80, but if you just don't feel like camping why not call 804-449-6350 and ask about the package deal; motel room and 3 day pass for just $325.

"Bluegrass In The Park" The Grottoes Music Festival - September 8th, 9th & 10th, 2011. Grand Caverns Park - Grottoes, VA

I hope you get plenty of rest after attending Mr. B's because in just two short weeks there is another wonderful Bluegrass event held at the beautiful Grand Caverns Park in Grottoes, VA.  "Bluegrass In The Park" is hosted by the Shenandoah Valley Shriners, with all proceeds going to the Shriners Children's Hospital.  I've attended this festival many times and I believe I may have attended the very first one 26 years ago.  Grand Caverns Park is an amazing place. Nestled among the rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley is this perfectly flat spot.  The tri county parks department keeps the place immaculate and it is a joy to be there for a great weekend of Bluegrass music.  Let's get a little business out of the way first.  I'm too late to tell you about the advanced ticket, so, not to worry, the festival is still a great bargain at $70 for a three day ticket.  Camping is rough only and there is a $20 fee.

Now, on to the music!  Thursday is action packed with these great bands:  Dixie Pride, Page County Ramblers, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Ralph Stanley II and The Little Roy & Lizzy Show.

Have fun jamming Thursday night, but don't jam all night because these great bands will be performing on Friday: Carroll County Ramblers, Buck & Company, Wildwood Valley Boys, Special Consensus Bluegrass Band and Darren Beachley & The Legends of Potomac (A note from Gary;  My understanding is that Darren Beachley has disbanded the Legends of The Potomac and is now teamed with his fellow Quicksilver band mate Barry Scott.)

There's a big line-up for Saturday as well.  Just take a look at who'll be performing: Kody Norris & The Watuga Mountain Boys, Paul Williams & The Victory Trio (Some of the finest and most sincere Bluegrass Gospel you are likely to hear anywhere!), Bill Emerson & Sweet Dixie, Solid Rock and Bill Yates & The Country Gentlemen Revue.

I usually take I-64 to Waynesboro and take the Route 340 north 0 exit.  Follow Route 340 through town and drive north about 15 to 20 miles and you'll see signs directing you to Grand Caverns Park along the way.  Here's something you might find amusing.  It is one of the many many great memories I have accumulated attending Bluegrass festivals all around Virginia.   Years ago there was a Bluegrass festival held just a few miles north of Waynesboro.  The park was called, Orange Blossom Park (Named after a central figure in the Shenandoah Valley Bluegrass scene, the late, Mr. Jim Orange, who hosted this festival).  Everyone knew how to get to the park.  How!?!?  Easy, we knew to turn right at the "Purple Cow Head."  Take a look as you're heading north on Route 340 out of Waynesboro and see if you notice the Purple Cow Head!

Well, that about covers these two wonderful festivals.  I hope you'll mark your calendar and make the decision to attend these two shows.  Until next time....

"NUFF SAID!"

Bluegrass Benefit show for Peggy Woodall - September 24th, 2011 - Amelia Family Campground

Those of us who know Peggy Woodall are, indeed, fortunate.  I have described her to many as "The Hostess With the Mostest!"  Peggy is tireless when it comes to making her friends feel comfortable whenever they visit her campsite and I'm sure it's that way at home, too.  She is a whirlwind around the campsite and will not rest until everyone has been offered what ever she has.

Peggy is a most sincere Bluegrass music fan.  If there's no jamming going on at her campsite she will range far and wide to gather pickers and singers back to her camp.   She and her husband, Jack, share this love of the music.  Jack is an instrument buyer and trader and Peggy is right there by his side offering advice and help.  They are a team and she is Jack's right hand woman!  Those of us close to Peggy all love her.  But, alas, Peggy has suffered some medical complications in her life and the expenses have been great.  She needs our help!

Therefore, there will be a special Bluegrass Benefit Show for Peggy this coming September 24th, 2011, at the Amelia Family Campground.  The show will start at 2PM and run until 9PM, but if I know Peggy and her friends, there'll be jamming on late into the night.  Home made bean soup and hot dogs will be available for a donation.  There'll be a 50/50 drawing and everyone is asked to bring home made desserts such as cakes and pies.  Bring whatever your specialty is and it will be offered for auction to help raise cash for Peggy. 

Don't forget to bring your lawn chairs and your instruments, too;you never know! ;~}).  Besides the items to be auctioned, please bring a side dish to go along with the soup and hot dogs.  We're family, so let's all pitch in and help.  Hey!  There's gonna be bands playing the entire afternoon and evening.  Bands who have donated their time are: Donnie Mason & In The Tradition;  Billie Sue & Mill Run; Eddie Gill & The Grassmasters, The Willis River Band, plus Code Blue. 

The Hutchinson Family welcomes campers by offering hook-ups at $15 per night.  Special thanks are offered to George Thomas for providing sound for the event and to the J. B. Hutchinson Family for allowing the use of the pavilion and the campground for this very special benefit.

If more information is needed please call Mary or Charlie Morgan at; 804-598-5262 or J. B. Hutchinson at: 804-561-3011.  Don't forget to bring lots of cash with you to the benefit and let's have fun supporting one of the finest ladies anyone is ever likely to meet, Peggy Woodall.  I would like to offer one more note of thanks; Donna Trent has acted as the voice for Peggy & Jack throughout this very trying time in their lives and we all owe her a special thanks for being there for us, too.  Thank you, Donna!

And, may I ask one more thing of you?  Please keep Peggy and Jack in your prayers.

"NUFF SAID!"

A Special Evening with Dale Ann Bradley @ Ashland Coffee and Tea - June 30, 2011 - A Photo Review

It's Friday morning and I just returned, a few hours ago, from a very special evening with Dale Ann Bradley and her band in concert at Ashland Coffee & Tea.  Before I go any further, I want to say a thing or two about Ashland Coffee and Tea.  These fine folks present a variety of musical genres as many as six nights per week.  Many performances are attended by as few as 5 or 6 people.  I know this because I have been a member of those small audiences.  So, why would a small restaurant take the risk of losing money, sometimes night after night, to present music?  Well, it certainly isn't the great income they receive.  I think it is because of special nights like the one our relatively small audience (Perhaps 25 or 30 people) was treated to last night.  It's the special people/performers like Dale Ann Bradley that helps AC&T keep the juices flowing.  (I'll let you in on a secret, there's more Bluegrass at AC&T than at the famed Birchmere in Alexandria, VA.)  Please, I beg of you, log onto the AC&T web site often and attend some of these shows.  I know you'll be so glad you did.

Dale Ann Bradley was chosen Female Vocalist of the year at IBMA in 2007, 2008 & 2009.  Dale is as genuine as they come and can lull you into a warm and fuzzy place and then blow you out of your seat the next moment.  I took a few pics last night; not great pics mind you, but good enough for you to see what you missed.

So, there you have a few pics of Dale Ann Bradley at Ashland Coffee and Tea.  Please be sure to check out Tim Timberlake's music blog as he intimated to me he plans to cover this show, as well.  He takes much better pics than I and has a much better command of the language than I.  Please take a look at his blog: www.timtimberlake.blogspot.com

"NUFF SAID!"

"Cracker Barrel Manners"

There will be no Bluegrass in this column, just some personal musings.

I think most of us have eaten at a Cracker Barrel Restaurant, at least once or twice.  I must admit, I eat there far too often, if that's possible.  I notice we act as most of us wish all Americans would really act every single day of the year.  Upon entering a Cracker Barrel it never fails that either we will hold the door open for someone or they will hold it for us.  We never fail to say, "Thank you."  Never!  We remain courteous as we walk around the "Old Country Store" part of the place; always excusing ourselves should we bump into someone and we are ever forgiving of those who might bump into us.

We sit in the rockers on the front porch and strike up conversations with complete strangers.  When the rockers are full we 'gentlemen' stand to allow women to sit.  We are 'Norman Rockwell' type Americans when we are there and at Cracker Barrel we simply wouldn't think of acting any other way.

Even if our food is late, we are usually kind and understanding when the waitress explains the problems.  Oh, I'm not trying to say that there aren't any jerks at Cracker Barrel, because there are.  But, they are the rarity.  Generally, we are on our best behavior at Cracker Barrel using the "Yes-mam's" and "Yes-sir's" and "Thank You's" and all of the other polite terms we learned as children at our parents knee.  I always look forward to this special civility upon arriving at Cracker Barrel.

But, now i wonder, "Why can't we be this way all of the time?"  Is the sugar just a little too sweet for daily consumption?  Is it just a little too "John Boyish" for us? Are we such a jaded society that being this way feels false to us?  I don't have the answers to these questions, but i do know that I love my trips to that All American place known as Cracker Barrel.

Folks, Cracker Barrel has no idea I have written this little essay and I have not been compensated for writing it.  I simply wanted to say what I have been feeling and thinking for a long time now.

"NUFF SAID!"

The Heat Wave Let's Go in Time for a Wonderful Weekend at the Graves Mountain Festival of Music!

Yes, we were in the grips of a stifling heat wave, but just as The Graves Mountain Festival of Music began the weather broke into three absolutely gorgeous days, allowing us to enjoy one of the best ever gatherings at Graves Mountain.  I'm not going to bore you here with a lot of words, but rather, share a few pictures I took while enjoying my weekend at Graves. 

First, I want you to know (Most of you already do!) I am a lazy man at heart, as there were many bands I saw over the course of the weekend, of which I took no photographs because I was too lazy to carry my camera with me to the stage.  But, I did take a few and following are some of the better ones.

      

I am exhausted from having had so much fun at the Graves Mountain Festival of Music, but wanted to share these pics before collapsing for the evening.  Hey, I've got an idea; let's all go back to Graves again next year!  Deal???

"NUFF SAID!"

The "Virginia Folk Music Association" (AKA the VFMA) To Open Hall of Fame museum on June 11th, 2011

That's right folks after many long years, the VFMA will finally have the long anticipated Hall of Fame.  Please plan to come a help us celebrate on June 11th from 3 to 7PM.  The museum will be located within the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds.   Bring along your own picnic and enjoy the day.

I wanted to share a few memories I have of early happenings at the VFMA.  Of course you're aware that when VFMA first started having contests in which they name the official state sanctioned "Virginia State Champions" that there were 3 different contests.  Way back then, the big daddy of the contests was the "Country Music Championships" held at the Hooper Park Pavilion in Crewe, VA.   Yeah, back then Bluegrass was secondary to Country music.  Why was that?  Well, my understanding is that back in the mid-fifties there was a nationwide gathering of radio executives and during that meeting it was decided that Bluegrass did not add to radio listenership and therefore no revenue and was not considered economically a wise choice to be included in radio programming.  Bluegrass could rarely be found on the airwaves and by that same token it was held as secondary within the VFMA.  The Country Music contest was the big daddy.  I hold no grudges about this, because though the instrumentation was with drums and electric guitars, it was good old Country music; what we've come to think of a "Classic Country."  Back then it was fairly easy for a group of musicians to duplicate those country sounds, but today's country music calls for huge orchestras and super slick production.  The old classic stuff fell into disfavor by the younger generation of country music fans until, finally, there was little or no participation in the Country category at the VFMA Country Music Championship in Crewe.  That contest was dropped from the VFMA and you'll be hard pressed to even find a local Country band in Virginia these days.

I was always a Bluegrass fan and never even considered attending the Country music division contest at Crewe.  Instead, I anxiously awaited the VFMA Bluegrass Championship held at the Southside Virginia Electric Cooperative Pavilion in Chase City, VA.  In the days before I began attending I have been told there were so many participants in the Bluegrass Championships that it stretched over 2 days in order to allow all of those who wished to enter the contest to perform.  I do remember my first visits to Chase City went from very early morning to well after dark that evening.  Oh my, they were exciting days.  Everyone who was anybody in Bluegrass from Virginia was there.  It was much like a festival atmosphere as there were bands all around the grounds practicing their craft.  To me, back then, the contest was secondary to hearing these groups jamming as hard as they could, because they wanted to be Virginia State Champions.  There weren't many Bluegrass bands in Virginia who could call themselves "professional" bands, but they were good enough to have been so if they wished.  To become a professional band is a big step as you must count on Bluegrass for your income alone.  Not many people are willing to give up "day jobs" with life and health insurance and a steady paycheck to drive for hours upon hours to various gigs with low pay and sometimes no pay at all.  Thing is, there has never been any restriction on who may participate in the VFMA Virginia State Bluegrass Championships other than being residents of Virginia.  So, back then, everyone participated; the semi-pro bands along next to the truly amateur bands.  Those were heady times and are very fond in my memories.

Yet, another contest was held at Hooper Park, the VFMA Gospel Music Competition.  In the mid-Eighties I was a member of The Church Road Gospel Singers.  We participated in this contest and won a few trophies.  This contest mixed all types of Gospel music from Southern Gospel to Bluegrass Gospel.  It was during this period that I was on the Board of Directors of the VFMA.  I remember heated discussions as to whether to allow singers to sing behind recorded music.  That is to simply play a tape and sing.  The arguments became quite heated.  Half of us, including me, came from the point of view that the organization  was called the Virginia Folk Music Association and should require all groups to have live back up music, if they were to have any back up music at all.  The others felt taped music was fine.  We traditionalists lost the battle and taped music was allowed.  Within a very few years, with most performers using taped background music, the interest in the contest diminished to the point that the contest was dropped completely.  The argument for live backup music should have prevailed as can be proved by the very quick demise of the contest.

Then, once a year, the VFMA had a special show called "The Country Music Spectacular."  It was during this special show that the induction the VFMA Country Music Hall of Fame was accomplished.  I was there when Bill Emerson, Eddie Adcock, Tony Rice, Buck Ryan and several others I can't recall at this moment were inducted.  The Country Music Spectacular was a day showcasing the winners of all of the previous year's contests who were invited to perform, ending with a special performance by the Hall of Fame inductee for that particular year.   This was a well attended event, with folks staying to the very end to hear the inductee perform.  I have a special and funny memory of when Tony Rice was inducted.  He and his eclectic group of musicians began to perform and folks were enjoying their music.  Then Tony elected to play a very extended version of his famous tribute to his guitar called "Me And My Guitar."   I'll bet the song went on at least 15 minutes.  People started leaving and by the time he finished the song there were less than 25 of us still sitting there!  That was probably a bad  choice, but Tony is Tony and he is gonna do what he wants.

I hope some of my memories have struck some sort of chord with you and will entice you to attend this very special event; the grand opening of The Virginia Folk Music Association Hall of Fame.  By the way bands that will perform on this special day include: Lost & Found, Mitch Harrell & The Virginians, Adam McPeak, Thunder Road and Billie Sue and Bob Goff & Mill Run.

Sigrid Williams, the President of the VFMA has sent me some of her thought to include in this article.  They are,  "The Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame MUSEUM is a long awaited, historical event.  Founded in 1947, the Virginia Folk Music Association was indeed a pioneer leading the way for all country, bluegrass and “hillbilly” music shows and festivals.    Many famous music personalities hail from Virginia and many are members of the Virginia Country Music HALL OF FAME.  Photos have been taken, movies made of parades and events and from as early as the 1960’s, there was much TV and radio coverage.  However, even though all these history making events were taking place year after year, there was never a physical place established to display permanent records and memorabilia.  

As multi-day festivals became more and more popular with folks being able to actually come for the whole weekend and camp over night, the VFMA started losing ground   The VFMA continued to hold single day events through the 1980’s and into the 1990’s.  In the mid 1990’s the association was at an all time low when a new board with new ideas was formed.  In order to continue to fund the Hall of Fame and the Contests, the new Board of Directors felt the need to hold a multi-day festival.

It has been a struggle back, but after ten years of hard, persistent work by the Board, loyal supporters and the generosity of one VFMA supporter, a building has been acquired.  A modest but welcoming building has been placed on the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds property which will be dedicated on June 11, 2011 as the “Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame MUSEUM.”  The MUSEUM will house items of interest, pictures etc. either donated or placed on loan by Hall of Fame Members and other music lovers. 

The Mission of the VFMA has always been and continues to be:  To preserve and promote Virginia’s Heritage Music.  The MUSEUM, a long time dream of, then new Directors, Lois Gaither and Sigrid Williams, means the VFMA will finally have a tangible place to offer Virginians, where they can actually visit to see a piece of Virginia’s music history as it unfolded.  The goal is for others to be motivated to support, encourage and give of themselves to see their MUSEUM develop into a place of which every Virginian can be proud.  Thus—Virginia’s Heritage music will continue to be preserved and promoted."  

Sure hope you'll plan to join me on June 11th as we celebrate this great milestone.  

"NUFF SAID!"

Sonny Mead, Long time Richmond and Central Virginia Fiddler in Ill Health

Sonny Mead has always been a rather private person, although he has been eager to help aspiring fiddlers learn their craft and encouraged them at every turn to join with others and jam to better their skills.  I am told he suffers from ALS, better known and Lou Gherig's Disease.

Sonny is living at the Hanover Health & Rehabilitation Center, 8139 Lee-Davis Road, Mechanicsville, VA, Room 508.  The phone number for the center is 804-559-5030.  I have been informed that Sonny has lost his ability to speak and his legs are of little use.  He can communicate, although he is difficult to understand.  He has not had many visitors, so those who feel so moved to visit, please do so, but be aware he is a proud and private person and may not wish to see you.  I think it best to send cards and letters to Sonny expressing your thoughts and memories of his many years fiddling in the area.

My strongest memory of Sonny is when he was the fiddler for The Heights of Grass.  Most of us remember when Charlie Daniels had the big hit song, "The Devil Went Down To Georgia."  Well, The Heights of Grass decided to make the song part of their repertoire.  Sonny would put on this goofy looking hat with horns on it.  It was supposed to represent to devil, but I always thought he looked like a Viking when he had it on.  They had a really good time with that song.  Sonny was part of the Bluegrass scene around Central Virginia when I first seriously became interested in Bluegrass and began educating myself about it.  After taking the reins at The Virginia Bluegrass Family, I noticed Sonny came to our meetings quite often.  He always seemed to have fun.

Sonny appeared at The Richmond Folk Festival a year or so ago along with banjoist, John Robison, demonstrating how the banjo and fiddle were vital parts of the folk music scene.  The following is a write up describing Sonny on the Richmond Folk Festival web page:

"Fiddler Sonny Mead is admired and welcomed by musicians and fans alike.  As a free-lance fiddler he has played with such country and bluegrass royalty as Patsy Cline, Jimmy Martin, and Hank Thompson. In the late 70's he was a member of the successful blugrass band "The Heights of Grass" and he has graced the stage of the Grand Old Opry on more than one occasion.  Sonny's fiddling is featured on numerous albums and recordings, among them "The World's Hottest Fiddlers".  He was instrumental in the founding of the Virginia Bluegrass & Country Music Foundation, and is a four time Virginia State Champion fiddler.  Sonny continues to be a mover and shaker in the local music scene.  He also restores and repairs fiddles, and is much sought after as a fiddle teacher."

"Graves Mountain Festival of Music" - June 2nd, 3rd & 4th, 2011

Gosh, I really don't know where to start.  One thing I've got to do is apologize for being so late with this entry on the blog.  Time seems to be going faster and faster since I've retired.   I guess I better start by telling you again that Virginia's largest Bluegrass event, "The Graves Mountain Festival of Music" will be held the weekend of June 2nd, 3rd & 4th, 2011.  All you really need to do to enjoy the Graves Mountain festival is to simply show up with a lawn chair.  There is plenty of great food, shade, facilities and some of the best Bluegrass music you're likely to hear anywhere.  Only rough camping is available and it is free with the purchase of a 3 day ticket.  Free camping has been the Graves Mountain promise from the very first festival.  Remember it is free with a 3 day ticket and only a 3 day ticket.  Show up on Saturday with your RV; you'll only camp with the purchase of a 3 day ticket.  It's quite clear and simple. 

Now, about the food at Graves.  The dinner Special on Thursday evening is BBQ Pork Ribs with all the trimmings.  On Friday the dinner special is Fried Rainbow Trout and on Saturday it's Grilled Rib Eye Steak.  Also available each day are hamburgers, hot dogs with French Fries and ice cream to top everything off.  Breakfast is served on Friday and Saturday mornings.  So, really, all you have to do is show up with that lawn chair.

There is a chair policy at Graves that leans toward the most dedicated and earnest Graves Mountain attendee.  The gate to the camping area opens on Friday May 27th.  As campers file in they will be given a "chair ticket" entitling them to place 2 chairs (for each 3 day ticket) at the stage area on Wednesday, June 1st starting at 1:00PM.  Numbers will be called, usually in groups of 10, in-order beginning with "chair ticket" #1, etc.  Some folks think this is 'unfair', but this is a  clearly stated policy, so if you really want to be near the front, you'll make the extra effort to be there early on May 27th.  It is not necessary to arrive with your camper that day or to even be a camper, but you must get in line to get your chair ticket and you must have with you or purchase your 3 day ticket at that time.

Now, let's get down to the music.  Every day at Graves is big and Thursday is no exception.  First up is Donna Ulisse & The Poor Mountain Boys.  Donna is a Virginia native from the Hampton Roads area.  She now lives in Nashville, pursuing a career in song-writing and performing.  At a concert last year Donna informed me that I was the very first person to book her (It was at my "Night Owl Concerts" at IBMA).  Check out a video of Donna's music by clicking here. [For those of you that can't make the trip to Graves, Donna will be performing on Friday June 3rd in Victoria, VA at the Uptown Coffee Cafe.]  Next up is another Virginia native, James King and The James King Band.  James has one of the best natural lead voices in Bluegrass music today.  His songs are memorable as he weaves his stories into his music.  I guess Thursday is the day for folks hailing from Virginia, because the next band up is The Larry Stephenson Band.  Larry comes from the Fredericksburg area, but now makes his home in White House ,TN near Nashville.  I first saw Larry perform when he was about 15/16 years old as he was part of a big package show traveling around the country after the success of the first "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" album.  In each city local bands were hired to fill out the day of music and Larry's band was one the chosen.  Next up on Thursday is Goldwing Express.  Read about Goldwing Express in this excerpt from their web page: "Dedicated to their Native American heritage, the Goldwing Express rides in with an incredible mix of hard-driving acoustics and heart-felt melodies - bringing the music of America to life for crowds across the country! From classic Southern Gospel and contemporary country favorites, to the historic blue-grass roots that started it all, Goldwing Express delivers a mix of the lonesome cowboy and the hard-riding brave - all wrapped in song, comedy and tears! Coupled with some of best instrumentalists on any stage, this award-winning father and 3 sons live and breathe this musical heritage - and every time they hit the stage - it's plain to see!"   Closing out the day on Thursday;  who else, The Seldom Scene.  I don't know what I can add to the accolades that have been heaped upon this well deserved groups of musicians, except you are not likely to be more entertained by any other group of guys more than you will be by The Seldom Scene.  For a sample of the 'fun' of being at a live concert listen by clicking here.  Also, don't forget these concerts are all on Thursday and that means BBQ Ribs.  Get yourself some!

After a night of jamming and visiting, dawn arrives and Friday begins at Graves with Lonesome Highway being first band up. Here's a note from Lonesome Highway's web page: "COULD IT BE....???Actor/comedian Steve Martin names Lonesome Highway as one of the bands he enjoys listening to!!! The legendary entertainer says he listens to a variety of bluegrass music these days, including Frank Solivan, Mike Munford on banjo, the Seldom Scene, Lonesome Highway, Blue Moon Rising, Del McCoury, and Grascals and Hot Rize."  The next band up is a Central Virginia favorite, Mark Templeton & Pocket Change.  Now, if you like your Bluegrass more from the traditional side of things then you'll be happy to hear Junior Sisk & Rambler's Choice will be at Graves on Friday.  Junior is a humble person and not one to brag, but when it's the truth, he will tell you.  Here's a note from his web page: "(Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice) Is celebrating "Train Without A Track" achieving the #1 song spot on the Bluegrass Unlimited National Bluegrass Survey Chart for the month of April!!  "Workin' Hard Ain't Hardly Workin' Anymore" continues to move up and is the #13 song this month.  The Album, 'Heartaches and Dreams', held the #1 Album spot on the BU National Bluegrass Survey Chart for four consecutive months!  We are honored and thrilled with this recognition and want to send out a heartfelt "thank you" to all of the fans, promoters and broadcasters who have supported us and contributed to the success of this album."   Next up on Friday is Balsam Range. This blurb from their web page best describes their music: "From deep in the Appalachians where the Great Smoky Mountains meet the Blue Ridge comes the Balsam Range band, creatively blending Bluegrass, Folk, Gospel and Jazz into a new American acoustic music experience."  Last up on Friday is the one and only Lonesome River Band, featuring the unmistakable Banjo work of Virginia's own Sammy Shelor.  I want to tell you something special about Sammy and the Lonesome River Band.  Every year for the past seventeen years LRB has performed in Richmond, VA at Saint Joseph's Villa (A charitable organization dedicated to helping the poor and homeless, especially children).  I do not know the particulars of the financial reward to LRB for this show, but my guess it is very little to possibly nothing at all.  Sammy's reward is the good feeling he gets for helping this very worthwhile organization.  I am hesitant to tell you that  Cherryholmes is listed as performing at Graves on Friday.  My understanding was that Cherryholmes had dissolved the band and had their last performance a month ago.  From their web site: "We want to let you all know that "Cherryholmes" (the group) is officially disbanding. Our final performances will be on May 6 at the Doyle Lawson Bluegrass Festival in Denton, NC and May 7 at Houstonfest in Galax, VA."If this is not true and you're a big fan of their music, be sure to attend this performance as this may well be their last.  Hey, don't forget that Fried Rainbow Trout dinner!

I know you're tired from, yet another late night of jamming, but you gotta get up on Saturday to hear the U. S. Navy Band "Country Current."  Started over 30 years ago by Bill Emerson, Country Current still survives with top notch musicians and more awards than I can tell you.  As always, Country Current works for the U. S. Navy and can be called away at any moment to perform at a government function, so just be aware of this fact.  Up next is one of the clearest and most distinguishable voices in Bluegrass, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out.  Now, it happens that not all of the music heard at Graves is strictly Bluegrass and the next band up, The Quebe Sisters Band is a prime example.  Hailing from Texas, these beautiful sisters play good ole' Texas swing music with a mixture of other genres.  They play very good acoustic music and are great musicians, so don't walk away from their show.  You'll miss some really fine music if you do.  Up next are The Boxcars and they'll drag you right back out of Texas to the center of Kentucky with their great Bluegrass music.   With Ron Stewart on Banjo/Fiddle and Adam Steffey on Mandolin, you know you're in for a great set of music.  Don't miss them!  The Rye Holler Boys are up next on Saturday.  These young musicians are so accomplished that one might expect to see a bunch of much older guys on stage.  The Rye Holler Boys are an exuberant group and will entertain you from start to finish.  There will be two of the Vincent family at Graves on Saturday.  First up will be Rhonda Vincent & The Rage with two performances (she'll close out the festival).  There's not a lot I need to say about Rhonda.  Her show is top notch, professional and entertaining throughout.  In a special "one show only" 90 minute program, Dailey & Vincent will perform at 4:50 in the afternoon.  Please keep this in mind and don't expect two shows as this will be the one and only performance by Dailey & Vincent.  Well, that about wraps up Saturday at Graves, but don't forget to get that Rib Eye Steak for supper.

Please take the time to look at the web sites of the various bands.  They are high-lighted in purple.  They will appreciate it and you will come away with a more knowledge about the bands.  I'll be heading up to Graves on Wednesday June 1st.  I am looking forward to seeing all of you there.

"NUFF SAID!"

"The Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival" Celebrates 32 years - May 19th, 20th & 21st, 2011

Time has again slipped upon me as I was preparing to help John & Fern Hutchinson & Family celebrate 32 years of the "Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival."  Yep!  I've been getting the RV ready for it's 2011 maiden voyage and suddenly, today, I remembered I haven't told you about it.  First, I am proud to be one of the very few to have attended every  Amelia Festival.  That's right, this year will be the 63rd Bluegrass festival I have attended at the Amelia Family Campground.   This is actually my 66th festival there, because there were 3 Bluegrass Gospel Festivals held there, too.  Before the festivals at the Amelia Family Campground, there were three others held in Amelia. 

The earliest were the festivals held at "Bluegrass Grove," hosted by the late Mr. Roy McCraw.  These festivals began in the late 60s and continued until the mid 70s.  During this same time period there were a few festivals held at what was known as "Pete Pike's Farm."  A couple of the Labor Day Weekend festivals at "Pete Pike's Farm" were hosted by the late Carlton (Check out The European Bluegrass Blog for more on Carlton Haney here.) Haney who also holds the distinction of creating the multi-day Bluegrass festival by hosting the very first one near Roanoke, VA in Fincastle, VA on Labor Day Weekend of 1965.  Also, starting just two years before the "Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival," in 1978, there were festivals held at "Tom Scott Park" hosted originally by the late Claude Warden and then by Barney Jones.  These festivals ended in the mid 80s.  So, there's a brief history of the Bluegrass festival scene in Amelia County.  I attended a few of all of these various festivals and have fond memories from all of them, but none can compare to the great times and memories I have from my days at what we now warmly call the Amelia Festival.

Let me get started telling you about who'll be at Amelia on Thursday.  First off is the group The Bluegrass Mountaineers.  The best way to let you know about the Bluegrass Mountaineers is to let them tell you about themselves in this excerpt from their web site: "The sparks the Bluegrass Mountaineers ignite while performing traditional bluegrass music is very unique. Their burning desire fueled by their experience and music shared by four generations to continue a family tradition is one of the world's most valued treasures in such a wonderful music style. The fourth generation of the bluegrass mountaineers, Tyler Efaw and Chris Wilcox are eager to learn their instruments at the young age of 5 years old. In a quest to carry on the traditional bluegrass sound, the Bluegrass Mountaineers combine old time claw hammering, classic country yodeling and twin fiddles to their unique style. All members of the Bluegrass Mountaineers take turns showcasing their vocal and instrumental abilities. Their love for the traditional genuine bluegrass sound is evident every time they take the stage.

   The Bluegrass Mountaineers have many qualities that make them unique. The basics of   their success lies in old fashioned hard work combined with shining star talent, that only appears to glow more brightly with each performance. They bring to each audience an energetic, entertaining, family orientated show. They rely on driving instrumentation and accurate vocals to produce their unique sound. They present a fast moving live performance, exploding with energy as they perform for the audience. Their powerful stage presence is accented by a neat, clean-cut appearance that adds to the public appeal and the esteem of their fans they value so greatly. When people hear the Bluegrass Mountaineers they agree that they play their kind of music and they are their kind of musicians."  Next up is a great Virginia based group known simply as The Honakers.  They are a family based band consisting of the husband and wife team of Sherry & Poncho Honaker and their son T. J. Honaker along with Bucky Beauchamp and Christy Cahill.  Sherry speaks of their music: "Life is hard, and music can be soothing to the soul, comfort for the weary and can minister to and heal a hurting heart. This is what I pray for our music. That God would use it just for that purpose, to help someone to forget their troubles for just a moment. To encourage someone who may need their spirits lifted. To give someone a part of yourself that God has given you to help others. It's more than just a song, its my heart."  Also featured on Thursday is the entertaining music of Goldwing Express.  I'll let them tell you about their music with an excerpt from their web site: "Goldwing Express is made up of Three Native American brothers and their father. A segment of their performance is dedicated for their Indian Heritage. Each Brother wears his very own Native American Headdress which represents the Creek Indian Tribe which their Mother is from. This family music show comes from Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Now the family resides in Branson, Missouri producing their own music show along with many appearances throughout the United States and into Canada."  Wrapping up the day of Thursday is The Little Roy & Lizzy Show, featuring Little Roy Lewis and his adopted daughter Lizzy Long.  To visit their web site and hear samples of their music click here.

Friday is a busy day at Amelia filled with great Bluegrass music.  Getting things started is a local favorite, Country Fried Grass.  Read the following excerpt from the bio page on their web site.  Check out the mystery (Maybe we should contact "48 Hours!") within this paragraph! "Country Fried Grass began in Sept. 2006. John Simmons, Steve Robbins, & P.J. McCrowell were to showcase at the "Virginia Folk Music Association" festival. Chris Hart was asked to join them for the show & the band was born. Right from the start there was a high level of energy on the stage. The band plays with a real raw emotion that strikes the audience. Within a year the band was playing festivals, clubs, & recorded a cd "It Must Be Sunday Morning". The title track along with other original material like "I Took The Blame" have become popular songs where the band plays. As the band was starting to roll along, P.J. McCrowell disappeared. He left band practice on July 14th 2007 & hasn't been heard from since. The band was able to perform their dates with the help of friends who filled in. In the spring of '11 the band found their banjo player - Chuck Clifton. With the addition of Chuck, the band's music went to a new level."  Carolina Road, from the Raleigh area of North Carolina appear on Friday.  Band leader Lorraine Jordan plays mandolin and sings most of the leads.  To watch a you tube video of their hit song "Carolina Hurricane" click here.  Marty Rabon & Full Circle are up next. Marty's career began in Bluegrass, but quickly he moved to country music as part of the group Shenandoah.  Several years ago he returned to Bluegrass, hence the name of his band Full Circle.  Friday ends with one of the hottest groups in Bluegrass today, Junior Sisk & Rambler's Choice.  Junior seems to be playing everywhere these days and with good reason.  Junior's voice is unique and as good as Bluegrass can get.  He has a great stage show and you don't want to miss Ford, VA's own Jason Davis as he wows us not only with his super Banjo playing, but his great vocal talents.  Don't miss it!

Saturday at Amelia gets underway with a great area based band, Virginia Blue.  Following Virginia Blue is Tommy Brown & County Line Grass, based out of the great state of Kentucky.  I'll let them speak for themselves with an excerpt from their web site: "With family roots traced to Bill Monroe's home place of Ohio County, Kentucky, Tommy Brown cut his teeth, so to speak, on classic traditional bluegrass. A third generation musician, Tommy began pickin' the five-string banjo at age six. His musical abilities were recognized when he garnered both the Kentucky State and the Tennessee State Banjo Championships. In addition to banjo, Tommy is a masterful guitar and mandolin player. His powerful pickin' style and soulful vocals embrace his passion for the mountain-style bluegrass music he performs today.  Tommy also showcases his song-writing talents on the groups latest CD, Fallen Leaves ."  A central Virginia favorite band The Bluegrass Brothers also perform on Saturday.  Again, I'll let the band speak for themselves with this from their web site: "The Bluegrass Brothers are a high energy bluegrass band that are a must see show for a traditional bluegrass delight! They have all grown up in bluegrass music families in Virginia and it is evident very soon after they hit the stage. They have made many musical accomplishments over numerous years, and their vocals and musicianship are second to none. The Bluegrass Brothers are one of the finest bluegrass shows in the country, and they are friendly country folk. They perform from coast to coast and in a most soulful, heartfelt manner. They have earned fans from several countries and everybody says: We want The Bluegrass Brothers back next year! So check them out in a town near you. You won't regret it!"  Listen to sample of their music by clicking here.  Closing out the day on Saturday is the "Queen of Bluegrass Music" Rhonda Vincent & The Rage.  There isn't much I can say about Rhonda that hasn't already been said and much more eloquently than I could possibly say.  But, heck, I don't care, I'm gonna say something!  These opinions are mine.  I truly believe that Rhonda Vincent's voice is unmatched in Bluegrass.  She has a way with her singing style that lets you know immediately it is her and that she is singing Bluegrass.  There are times when Rhonda wants to convey a country sound to her voice and that is just as evident.  She always surrounds herself with top notch musicians that help her maintain the sound of Rhonda Vincent & The Rage.

Well, that's about it.  I do want you to know I garnered this information from a very early flyer so some things may have changed or been added.  I didn't get this out early enough to let you know about the advance ticket price of $50 for the weekend, but rest assured the gate price of $60 is still a great bargain.   I have told you about 13 bands who will each play two shows.  So divide 26 performances into $60 and you'll be paying right at $2.30 per show.  Hey, that's bargain in anybody's book.  Hope to see all of you there and until then......

"NUFF SAID!"