Saturday, May 28, 2011

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!"

Thursday, May 26, 2011

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 Sonny fiddlig with 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."

Monday, May 23, 2011

"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 BoysDonna 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 BandJames 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 BandLarry 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!"

Sunday, May 8, 2011

"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 CahillSherry 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 hereMarty 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 ChoiceJunior 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!"

Monday, May 2, 2011

Lynn Morris - She's Back! At Least For One Performance

Copy of DSC03529           Yes, Lynn Morris was back for a standing room only, crowd pleasing performance as part of the "84th Annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival's, Bluegrass Festival"  this past Sunday, May 1st, 2011.   Not only was Lynn back, she was reunited with her band of eight years ago.  With her husband, Marshall Wilborn, on Bass; Ron Stewart on Banjo & Fiddle; Tom Adams on Guitar and Jesse Brock on Mandolin, The Lynn Morris Band was, once again, on stage.

Eight years ago Lynn had a rather simple knee surgery which led to a blood clot causing a debilitating stroke.  Lynn's main affectation from the stroke was "aphasia" which was described by Lynn's teacher as the inability to understand people talking to her and at the same time not being able to speak in words that anyone could understand; nor could she write or read as the words all seemed foreign.  Her mind was fine and intact, but she lost the ability to speak, let alone sing.  She was trapped within herself.  Imagine the frustration she must have felt.   Lynn has struggled and worked very hard to regain her speech and the ability to sing.  There is more work to do, but she wowed us all with her savvy and strength.  I wish I had the ability to include a video sample of her music in this blog, but I do not have the know-how to make that happen.  Instead here are a few more pictures from Sunday's concert.

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Allow me to add a few personal thoughts.  I have followed Lynn Morris since long before she was the leader of her own band.  Her contributions to an earlier band, Whetstone Run, were wonderful and attracted my attention to, what at that time was rare, a great female Bluegrass performer and singer.  After following her career so closely, I was not about to miss this great, one time (I sure hope not!), performance.  At the very end of the show, Lynn was left standing center stage and threw the crowd a kiss, but I know she was actually throwing that kiss to me.  I mean, who else could it have been?

"NUFF SAID!"