tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40453013580580076222024-03-05T06:05:21.032-08:00Bluegrass VirginiaGary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-56177930948357207632012-05-23T09:03:00.001-07:002012-05-23T09:03:20.251-07:00Graves' Mountain Festival of Music - May 31st & June 1st & 2nd, 2012 - Syria, VA<p>Yes, the time has, once again, rolled around for the Graves' Mountain Festival of Music, this being the 20th year.  My time does fly when fun is being had.  Graves Mountain Lodge and the grounds surrounding it are, indeed, a beautiful spot in Virginia.  Nestled just below the crest of Virginia' Blue Ridge Mountains, there is hardly a more spectacular spot for Bluegrass music to ring through the air.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oykg-0jAQus/T70JSvzYLeI/AAAAAAAAAt4/8wMVoVz-GzY/s1600-h/MVC-002F%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="259" alt="Campers in the festival grounds @ Graves Mountain Lodge" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c5Jcay1IOt8/T70JnSexLhI/AAAAAAAAAuA/3nszZjtYrr8/MVC-002F_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjth-PZGx2z6IjuE02JtPCMG5KmVxszYsi4vqhK8ibg-KOk6fcTa24w3rU6fjc1ul6j_TbWPwYnmcbpxHG1aZB6gN013pnqrsRW4-nsIcJ3v_cSseX4ZBfM4vHQe7-Fq9AYPXFASFoei0hj/s1600-h/MVC-012F%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="259" alt="Upper Lodges @ Graves Mountain Lodge" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUs4TryWVTw4e2tJCcN7JINPhmMbV4KlbY9UIwiR4lbD_G7c3vQlJ0SX915ebb7c61-CcqJd42N27JXmFYsrExrJ-dlh3h8FAD-7TARy3cazAro8NRsvarVLl1vMKbPTz3Vpe4zcIPnYan/?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECt814Uzzbln_pfNtstVTd8umaLu2rZowZ9lokFqLWdYMy14KmzGNNGiQKqNmlUrUTotTok-RJbnQYrBQjgIDOE9Wdt3W7DzrP_SZ_y5ska148w-KKW6S2ULHqlwhSn9TP5jAt8mPt7vL/s1600-h/MVC-009F%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="259" alt="View from upper lodges @ Graves' Mountain Lodge" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Fc1h5EAoOHs/T70KP4_TY6I/AAAAAAAAAug/6hCMv_M-OFc/MVC-009F_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>So now I think you have an idea of the beauty at Graves' Mountain lodge; now lets talk about what you can expect when you arrive.</p> <p>First and foremost, this has been the most mis-understood thing about The Graves' Mountain Festival of Music. camping completely free with the purchase of a 3 DAY TICKET!  If you arrive on Saturday expecting to purchase a one day ticket and to camp. Forget it.  Clearly the flyer and all ads for the festival state that camping is free with a 3-Day ticket. not a one day ticket.  So, if you come in Saturday with a camper you will be expected to buy a 3-DAY TICKET and then camping is free, as it is to everyone. Understand??? So, my question to you is, if you're planning to come and camp, then why not come for all three days like the rest of us?  The cost will be the same and you'll get to hear lots more Bluegrass that way.  It's just common sense.</p> <p>Food!  FOOD!!!  Now, you can bring your own, if you wish, but the Graves' Mountain Lodge is famous for the great meals they serve and the festival is presented by Jimmy Graves and his family, so why would you expect less at the festival?  On Thursday night the serve up some mouth watering and tasty BBQ Ribs with all the expected fixing, panned apples, fries and other veggies.  But wait, while you can get this great meal for the entire weekend, or until supplies run out, on Friday they serve up a spectacular Rainbow Trout dinner.  Saturday is their traditional Steak Night with a very tasty Rib Eye (The King of Steaks!) Steak dinner with baked potato, fries, etc.  So, yeah, bring along your own food and cook and clean and worry about ice, etc.  But why???</p> <p>This year, I've heard many folks say, has a very different line-up.  Okay, they didn't say, "very different" but you get my drift.  I want to quickly go through the list for each day.  Let's start with Thursday, appearing will be: <strong>Dark Hollow; The U.S. Navy Band Country Current; Junior Sisk & Rambler's Choice; Goldwing Express</strong> and<strong> The Gibson Brothers.</strong>  Coming up on Friday is another, but distinctly more varied list of groups, <strong>Shenandoah Drive; The Snyder Family; Monroeville; Stetson & Cia (Of Cherryholmes fame); The Rockin' Acoustic Circus </strong>and<strong> The Carolina Chocolate Drops.  </strong>Saturday boasts an even more eclectic mixture of performers, <strong>The Moore Brothers Band; Mark Templeton & Pocket Change; Mark Newton's Stillhouse Band; Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen; The Cleverlys; Balsam Range </strong>and<strong> The Quebe Sisters</strong>.</p> <p>So there you have it.  The Graves' Mountain Festival of Music.  Make plans to attend.  I'm afraid budget constraints and the price of gas may well keep me home this time, (Gosh I hate to miss it!) but I want to hear lots of stories from you as you tell me about your trip to the 2012 edition of The Graves' Mountain Festival of Music.</p> <p><strong><em>"NUFF SAID!"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-48876910667553270362012-05-04T05:48:00.001-07:002012-05-04T06:04:03.062-07:00Earl Scruggs - My Experiences - Gary Robertson<p>A very good friend and a fellow blogger (Who by the way hasn't sent me notice of a blog posting in months!) read my blog entry concerning <strong>Earl Scruggs</strong> which quoted a long and sincere letter to all of us Banjo nuts, from Kristen Scott Benson, about how she experienced <strong>Earl</strong> and her feelings.  I thought her letter to be well written and all-encompassing, however, my friend wanted to hear my thoughts on Earl.  Soooo, here goes.  Get ready, this could be a long ride.</p> <p>First I must tell you that I only met <strong>Earl Scruggs</strong> on three occasions and on two of them he was simply sitting at a table autographing whatever we had to offer.  The first time was on my second trip to Nashville to attend the 18th annual SPBGMA weekend.  I was walking around the exhibit hall when I heard and felt a commotion going on.  "What in the world," I thought and then I saw him.  There's <strong>Earl Scruggs</strong> and a hush fell over the room as he was guided through the crowd to an anteroom toward the back.  We found out through very fast word of mouth that he was there to sign autographs.  I had nothing for him to sign and was feeling more than a little frustrated.  A long line quickly formed and it was then that I saw folks coming out of the room carrying the large Gibson advertising poster with a huge picture of<strong> Earl</strong> on it.  And he was autographing them. I got in line right away.  This was gonna be cool.  The line stretched all the way the length of the exhibit hall and then zig-zagged back and forth in the room where<strong> Earl</strong> was. . . . . . .  <em>Now, let me back up in time just a bit.  I created a t-shirt in 1984 that reads <strong>"No! I'm Not Earl Scruggs."</strong>  I'll tell you later why I created it, but for now let me tell you that <strong>Little Roy Lewis</strong> is a <strong>Scruggs</strong> man through and through and the first time he saw me wearing that shirt he just about busted a seam laughing.  It sort of opened a dialogue between Little Roy and me as it has with many strangers.  Little Roy laughed and laughed and asked where I got such an idea.  I told him the story and he loved it.  Anyway, he told Earl about my shirt and he told me about it the next time I saw him.  Little Roy said all Earl could say was, "Why would he do a thing like that."  Real dry like.  Little Roy told me Earl didn't have a great sense of humor and he just didn't get it. . . . . . . </em>So, I'm standing in line waiting and I'm about ten people back in line from getting to Earl and they ran out of the Gibson posters.  Dang!  Of all the rotten luck!  All i had on me was a advertisement from one of the display tables, so I got Earl to sign that.  Today, I have no idea where that autograph is.  To say I was really disappointed is an understatement.  I guess that's why I don't know what I've done with his autograph.  But, there's more to this meeting.  While I was getting his autograph I proceeded to ask if he remembered Little Roy telling him about a guy in Virginia that made up a T-shirt that said, "No! I'm Not Earl Scruggs."  He said he remembered and asked me the same question he asked Little Roy, "Why would you do that?"  I tried to explain, but Earl was just too serious and rooted in the real world to see that even for humor it didn't make sense.  I had to leave it at that,  at least for the moment.</p> <p>The second time I met Earl Scruggs was probably the best one, except I sorta froze because it was sudden and totally unexpected.  This time I was attending my third IBMA ""World of Bluegrass" event in Louisville, KY.  It was mid-week, if I recall correctly and I was walking in a nearly empty hallway toward the  exhibit hall and as I rounded the corner, really not paying much attention to what I was going I nearly ran right into him as he was walking toward me.  I was flabbergasted and not being prepared, all I could think to do was say hello and offer my hand.  We did shake hands and he said something like, "Nice to see you." or something like that.  Then he kept walking and so did I.  So, there goes my real chance to perhaps talk one on one with the great one and I say, "hello."  Just a star struck fool, I guess.</p> <p>The third and last time I was able to speak and shake hands with Earl was long anticipated.  Sigrid Williams, the president of the Virginia Folk Music Association, hired Earl to appear at the VFMA Jumpin' Bluegrass Festival.  I knew months in advance and I came up with idea to make a shirt that said "No! I'm Not Gary Robertson" and present it to Earl.  Pretty funny, I thought.  Ha Ha!  So, I made up the shirt, just like I do mine, with a black magic marker.  After listening to him perform, and quite well I might say, he sat at a table and a line formed for autographs.  I asked him sign the cover of the VFMA program booklet and then gave him the shirt.  He stood up and held the shirt up in front of him and I stood next to him in my shirt.  He almost instantly threw the shirt on the ground, but not before someone got a picture of us together.  It's been a while, but if memory serves me right, it was Randy Grigg who took the picture.  Randy, if it was you, I never got a copy of the picture.  Hint, hint!  Another funny thing about that day was that Earl's wife, Louise, was with him.  She saw my shirt and she really eyed me carefully.  I had heard most of my life that Louise was a shrewd business woman and had everything with Earl's likeness or name on it copyrighted.  I was sure she was gonna ask me for money, but she didn't, after all.  Also, Marty Stuart was there that day helping Earl out and he saw and liked my shirt.  He got out his 35MM camera and took a couple of pictures of me and with me.  I have heard from some friends that Marty has several videos on the market and that one of them shows me in the shirt.  Sure would like to see that some day.  BTW: There were a bunch of middle aged women there shouting at Marty, wanting his autograph.  I told Marty, "Those women want your autograph."  He looked their way and back at me and said, "Forget 'em, this is Earl's day."</p> <p>These were the three time I actually met Earl and shook his hand and spoke with him.  Other that these, I have seen him perform on several occasions.  The first time was a very long time ago when he and The Earl Scruggs Revue appeared as part of a package show touring the country after the great success of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" album.  Larry Stephenson was there at the tender age of 16, performing with his dad in the very first Larry Stephenson Band.  I've spoken and emailed several times with Larry about that show.  He even sent me a copy of the show schedule for that day.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ck8WltK1Bjk/T6PP7k7dwhI/AAAAAAAAAso/im_Zh-Z1mGA/s1600-h/scan0012%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="772" alt="scan0012" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JxSNXURg1O8/T6PQAiI_ZDI/AAAAAAAAAsw/x8gDe8rBBAg/scan0012_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>I've enlarged this as big as I can and I am hoping you will be able to read it.  Also, I got a picture of Earl signing autographs that day. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SFxeMJWosiQ/T6PQBpabXPI/AAAAAAAAAs4/IC8jDXXhL6s/s1600-h/DSC04048%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="257" alt="Earl Scruggs signing autographs at the Robins Center, University of Richmond" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gNu4WNfzxpI/T6PQCvufSQI/AAAAAAAAAtA/Rg4G2gtGKe8/DSC04048_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" border="0" /></a> I think the most poignant of the times I saw Earl Scruggs was at the IBMA Awards in 2010.  Earl was old and he looked the part.  He was stooped and could barely walk, but he made his way to the chair there waiting for him, center stage.  His son, Randy, draped the guitar strap over his shoulder as he handed Earl his guitar.  Moments later, Earl began playing his wonderful song, "You Are My Flower," and it melted the years away and I felt moved to tears hearing this great man play that beautiful melody with all the strength and vitality of his youth.  What a special moment in my life that was.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleL_Z37eSNqyplU0x0YKDTkxrI1XBDbW8AEAVOFprvxBEAhyphenhyphenjSBrEZMTlgTVNIFoZvDCU2hKunvyz_9BYDoVKDw9daJk8H-67G8f1mDkAHB1tP1bGx5duRRZMvxpmAeVmHvMIpLAUXMNo/s1600-h/DSC03188%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="231" alt="Earl Scruggs performing " you are my flower" at the 2010 IBMA Awards" src="file:///C:/Documents and Settings/Gary Robertson/Application Data/Windows Live Writer/PostSupportingFiles/f9d13210-85bb-460e-8dcd-f08e707266f0/DSC03188_thumb[1].jpg" width="344" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><em>{I don't understand all of the intricacies of how computers work.  I cannot make this picture appear as part of the article, but if you click inside the box it should appear on a separate page.  Sorry for the problem. - Gary}</em></p> <p>When this performance was over, Earl was helped from the stage and his guitar was left and all of the lights went down except for a soft spotlight on the guitar.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eM00Hq1Oc7Q/T6PQFuirr5I/AAAAAAAAAtQ/EEEN0GDU4Nk/s1600-h/DSC03194%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="Earl Scruggs' guitar on stage at the Ryman" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Dy-2b6Q8QPk/T6PQJuwqnjI/AAAAAAAAAtY/2AjCJmQbhQM/DSC03194_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a></p> <p><strong><em>"NUFF SAID!"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-57548232766926104452012-05-03T13:02:00.001-07:002012-05-03T13:02:36.189-07:00VMRE/WSVS Presents Lynryrd Skynyrd @ Hooper Park, Crewe, VA IMPORTANT PARKING INFO!!!<p>Hi Folks.  The Lynyrd Skynyrd concert is going to be a huge success.  Ticket sales have been brisk and a very large crowd is expected, therefore to make your experience the best it can be, VMRE has issued a large essay on parking and other rules.  Tickets are still available, so if you want to see Lynyrd Skynyrd at a wonderful outdoor park, this is you chance.  PLEASE read over everything below, so there will be no surprises when you arrive.  My understanding is that VMRE has hired the company that handles parking for NASCAR at the Richmond International Speedway (RIR), so things should go smoothly.  All information below is directly from Penny Parsons, the media contact for VMRE.</p> <p><em>"On Friday, May 11, 2012 at 6:30 PM the Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment is pleased to present iconic rock band LYNYRD SKYNYRD at The Virginia State Park Pavilion at Hooper Park, on Melody Lane in Crewe, VA.    Tickets are $25.00 advance, $30.00 at the gate, and $45.00 for Gold Circle seating.  They are available through <br /><a href="www.ticketstobuy.com" target="_blank">www.ticketstobuy.com</a> and at select Benchmark Community Bank locations.  <br />TICKETS ARE LIMITED, SO ORDER EARLY!  Hooper Park is easily accessible from Highways 360 and 460.  For more information, visit: <br /><a href="www.virginiacrossroadslive.com" target="_blank">www.virginiacrossroadslive.com</a> and click on Event Info.</em></p> <p><em>IN ORDER TO MAKE THIS A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE, <br />PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AND REGULATIONS: <br />TRAFFIC:</em></p> <p> <br /><em>Hwy 360 West Traffic (coming from Chesterfield/Powhatan/Amelia/Richmond) <br />Traffic arriving on Hwy 360 West should follow concert signs, turning left onto Hwy 49, then right onto Melody Lane.</em></p> <p> <br /><em>Hwy 360/460 East Traffic (coming from South Boston/Farmville/Lynchburg) <br />Traffic arriving on Hwy 360 East and Hwy 460 East should bear left on Hwy 360 East (at the 360/460 split) and immediately move into the right lane.  Follow concert signs, turning right onto Melody Lane. <br /></em></p> <p><em>Hwy 460 West Traffic (coming from Blackstone/Petersburg/I-85)Traffic arriving on Hwy 460 West should SLOW DOWN while driving through the town of Crewe.  Just west of Crewe, Hwy 460 West expands to 2 lanes in each direction.  Concert traffic should remain in the <strong><u>right lane</u></strong> and <br />follow concert signs, turning right onto Hwy 49, then left onto Melody Lane.</em></p> <p><em>  <br />STARTING AT 3:00 PM, TUNE TO 800 AM WSVS FOR CONCERT TRAFFIC AND <br />PARKING INFORMATION! <br />PARKING:</em></p> <p> <br /><em>ALL PARKING AREAS WILL OPEN AT 3:00 PM <br />Free parking will be available at Hooper Park on a first come, first served basis.  No vehicles will be allowed into Hooper Park prior to 3:00 PM and no vehicles will be allowed to park along Hwy 360 or Hwy 460 waiting for the park to open.</em></p> <p><em>Paid parking (to benefit the Crewe/Burkeville Recreation Association) will be available at Beamer Field on Hwy 460 in downtown Crewe.  Shuttles to and from Hooper Park will run regularly from 3:00 PM until 11:00 PM.</em></p> <p><em>Paid parking will also be available behind Weston’s Motel & Restaurant on Melody Lane (walking distance from Hooper Park).</em></p> <p> <br /><em>PLEASE NOTE: There may be private property owners offering paid parking <br />services near Hooper Park.  The Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment <br />is not responsible for privately owned parking areas or for the fees charged by private individuals during any Virginia Crossroads Live event.</em></p> <p><em>  <br />CONCESSIONS: <br />BEER & WINE SALES: <br />Beer, wine, and other food and beverage concessions will be available at Hooper Park.  Patrons must purchase beer tickets in order to be served beer and wine.  Cash WILL NOT be accepted at the beer and wine <br />service areas.  Anyone wishing to consume alcoholic beverages within the pavilion area will be required to present a photo ID in order to obtain a wristband that indicates the wearer is of legal age.  No <br />patron will be served without a valid wristband.</em></p> <p> <br /><em>PLEASE NOTE: There is a strict limit of 5 alcoholic beverages per person in effect for the Lynyrd Skynyrd concert.  In addition, anyone who appears to be inebriated will be denied service.   For the safety of all in attendance, any patron who appears to be inebriated upon arrival at the front gate will be denied admission without refund.  This will be strictly enforced by security and police during all Virginia Crossroads Live events.</em></p> <p><em>  <br />NO TAILGATING: <br />There is absolutely no tailgating permitted in the parking areas provided by The Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment.  These areas include the Hooper Park, American Legion, and Weston’s Restaurant <br />parking areas.  Tailgating is also prohibited in the Beamer Field parking area.  Anyone caught tailgating within these areas will be <br />asked to leave the area without refund. <br />Virginia State ABC law prohibits ANY open containers of alcohol or consumption of alcoholic beverages anywhere outside of the concert pavilion area.  Virginia ABC agents will enforce this law. </em></p> <p> <br /><em>THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION.  OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE A SAFE AND <br />PLEASANT ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL OF OUR PATRONS."   </em>end quote</p> <p>So, Folks, please follow these rules which ensure enjoyment for all concert goers. The main thing is have fun and leave your contrariness and belligerence at home! (You know who you are!  ;~})   And, hopefully this is. . . . . .</p> <p><strong><em>"NUFF SAID!"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-7145703177661580462012-04-23T10:46:00.001-07:002012-04-23T10:47:50.613-07:00The "Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment" (VMRE) Presents The Quebe Sisters @ The Kenbridge Community Center - May 30th, 2012 @ 7:00PM<p>Yep!  You read that right.  <strong><a href="http://www.quebesistersband.com/" target="_blank">The Quebe Sisters</a></strong> are coming back to the Kenbridge Community Center on May 30th at 7:00PM.  Honestly, I must tell you that I missed their first performance and, sadly, I will miss this one, too.  Why?  I attend the "Graves Mountain Festival of Music" each year and it's always this same weekend.  Fortunately, <strong>The Quebe Sisters</strong> will also make an appearance at the "Graves Mountain Festival of Music" that same weekend, so I <em><u>will</u></em> get to see them.  Luckily, you won't have to travel 100 plus miles and camp out to see them.  All you have to do is purchase a ticket for $12 in advance or $15 at the door and simply show up in Kenbridge and enjoy the show!  Below is the majority of the official press release from Penny Parsons, the media contact for the VMRE.</p> <p><em>"On Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 7:00 PM the Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment is pleased to present THE QUEBE SISTERS BAND at the Kenbridge Community Center, 511 West 5th Avenue in Kenbridge, VA.  <br />Virginia's own <strong>Appalachian Express</strong> will open the show.  Kenbridge is about 15 miles north of South Hill, just minutes off of I-85.  Tickets are $12.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door, and are available through <br /><a href="http://www.ticketstobuy.com" target="_blank">www.ticketstobuy.com</a>, at select Benchmark Community Bank Locations, and <br />at WSVS radio in Crewe, VA. </em></p> <p><em> When Grace, Sophia and Hulda Quebe (pronounced Kway-bee) raise their <br />fiddles and play, audiences marvel. When the girls sing their vintage style three-part harmony, audiences are blown away. Add the extraordinary rhythm guitar of Joey McKenzie and the swinging upright bass of Drew Phelps, and The Quebe Sisters Band becomes a force of nature. The QSB's unique brand of music has taken the Americana music scene by storm. They perform a refreshing blend of western swing, vintage country, bluegrass, jazz & swing standards, and Texas style fiddling.  Though still in their twenties, after more than ten years of performing together, the sisters sing and play like seasoned veterans. <br /></em><em></em></p> <p><em>Awarded the Crescendo Award by the Western Music Association and winner <br />of the Western Swing Album of the Year from the Academy of Western Artists, The Quebe Sisters Band is touring behind their latest album, "Timeless."  Performance highlights include appearances at the Grand <br />Ole Opry, the Kennedy Center, NYC's Lincoln Center, the Ryman Auditorium, the Marty Stuart Show, the Eddie Stubbs' Show on WSM, The Birchmere, the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree, the Smithsonian Folklife <br />Festival, and the National Folk Festival. <br />Anyone who saw the Quebe Sisters Band at their 2011 performance in Kenbridge knows what an exciting, dynamic, and fun show it was.  Don't miss this special return engagement!"</em></p> <p><strong>A note from Gary:</strong>  As with many of the live music performances sponsored by the VMRE, <strong>The Quebe Sisters</strong> do not perform Bluegrass music.  They play and sing authentic Cowboy Western and Western Swing music as you have never heard it before.  Trust me on this.  I also know that my blog is called "Bluegrass Virginia" and that I created it to promote Bluegrass music in Virginia.  In a round about way, by promoting these shows presented by the VMRE and WSVS radio I am supporting one of the last bastions of daily Bluegrass music programming in Virginia and, the USA, for that matter.  Not only does WSVS AM800 radio present three hours of recorded Bluegrass music daily Monday through Friday (3 to 6PM), but they also present live Bluegrass, Old Time and Acoustic Country music at 12 PM each Saturday as part of the "High Noon Hoe-Down."  As I have stated before, <em><u>As long as WSVS supports my Bluegrass addiction I will support the live music shows they present, whether they be Bluegrass or not.</u></em></p> <p><strong><em>"NUFF SAID!"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-35662294714883825232012-03-30T19:07:00.001-07:002012-03-30T19:07:57.615-07:00Earl Scruggs, BANJO Man!<p>Folks, I tried to come up with a clever title for this, but I think it is said best to simply state that Earl Scruggs was THE banjo man.  I wanted to write something poignant about Earl Scruggs, but upon receiving an email from The Laughing Penguin Publicity Agency, with a heartfelt letter to all of us from Kristen Scott Benson, anything I might try to say would sound hollow.  So, now, I have attached, in it's entirety this wonderful essay from Kristen.  Read it and then wait a day or so and then come back and really read it.  It is a letter filled with awe and love for a man all five string banjo enthusiasts owe their very lifeblood to, Earl Scruggs!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-utNxiif0uG0/T3Zm77lLJwI/AAAAAAAAAio/0TCQVITOFpw/s1600-h/DSC03758%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="231" alt="Kristen Scott Benson accepting the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) fro Banjo Player of the Year 2011. Her fourth consecutive win!" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-et4ooPRe4HE/T3Zm9SwPMGI/AAAAAAAAAiw/qyMYv4K50Pw/DSC03758_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KjZGdY_GFeQ/T3Zm-ogqOiI/AAAAAAAAAi4/0X1cDK2R0UA/s1600-h/DSC03188%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="231" alt="The " late" Earl Scruggs playing "You Are My Flower" at the 2010 International Bluegrass Music Awards Show. Nashville, TN" src="file:///C:/Documents and Settings/Gary Robertson/Application Data/Windows Live Writer/PostSupportingFiles/3581eae2-5b8d-48c4-aecb-9853bea7e1d0/DSC03188_thumb[1].jpg" width="344" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><em><b>"Thoughts on the Passing of Earl Scruggs from Kristin Scott Benson; <br /></b>4-time winner, IBMA Banjo Player of the Year award and member of the multi-award winning band, The Grascals</em></p> <p><em>Like everyone else that loves bluegrass music and the banjo, I was saddened to hear the news of Earl Scruggs' passing.  Terry Smith, bass player with The Grascals, called me at my parents' house in South Carolina to give me the news.  Though I didn't know him well, I immediately felt a void because <b>his life has had so much impact on mine</b>.  In fact, <b>anyone that plays traditional 3-finger, bluegrass banjo (which is almost every banjo player in the world) owes their craft to Earl Scruggs</b>.  Even the players that unfortunately haven't listened to him first-hand, should understand that their primary influence is still Earl Scruggs.  </em></p> <p><em>Bluegrass banjo playing is odd.  The goal, in many ways, is to replicate the past.  <b>For many listeners, and players alike, your worth as a bluegrass banjo player is gauged by how closely you can emulate what Earl did back in the late 1940s, 50s, and 60s.  </b>I'm not aware of any other instrument, in any other genre of music, that places such a strong emphasis on recreating the past.  Perhaps it is because Earl set the standard so high, that it is quite simply impossible to reach or surpass.  This is what sets the rest of us on a lifelong pursuit with the beloved instrument that Earl Scruggs introduced to the masses.  </em></p> <p><em>The banjo is amazing, capable of doing whatever the player can imagine.  Earl understood this, as well as anyone.  While there is debate over whether he was the very first person to use the 3-finger style, he is certainly the man that brought it to the forefront, in his intricately, refined way.  Listen to players like Bela Fleck or Noam Pikelny, and you will get a glimpse of what the banjo can do, in any arena.  I am sure that Earl celebrated the banjo's journey into every musical environment because he, too, was an innovator that loved the instrument itself, not just its role within a bluegrass band.  The banjo is bigger than that.  Within the bluegrass world, however, the truth is that banjo playing hasn't changed that much.  It has evolved, for sure, but many people regard that evolution as "watered-down" Scruggs style. I celebrate all things banjo, but the older I get, the more I understand their sentiment.  You learn these cool, new things and you are enthralled with awesome players of recent years, yet when you go back and listen to Earl, the purity and perfection of his playing still stands taller than the rest, all these years later.  I would encourage players that haven't spent time with his music to go back and do the work to understand why his mark is so indelible.  <b>Music is art; art is subjective, and creativity is the lifeblood of it all, but there are "right" and "wrong" ways to play bluegrass banjo.  You just can't get around it, even if you disagree or wish it wasn't that way.  And the "right" way, most would agree, is Earl's way.  Eventually, we all figure out we will never be able to sound like him, so we create and settle for our own niche, but Earl is the foundation that supports us all.</b></em></p> <p><em>Finally, I am very thankful for a couple of personal moments with Earl Scruggs.  The first was having my grandfather, who was a professional musician and friend of Earl's, introduce me to him, at a show at Gardner Webb University in NC.  I was very young and had never considered playing the banjo yet, but I clearly remember it.  I realized it was a special opportunity, even then.  I treasure the second encounter, even more.  Sonny Osborne used to host parties at his house.  He would have a bass and guitar player, and the rest of the musicians all played the banjo!  The special guest was usually Earl Scruggs and Sonny was kind enough to invite me to one of the gatherings.  For once in my life, I was bold!  I took the seat next to Earl, on Sonny's living room sofa, realizing it was literally the chance of a lifetime.  For hours, I mustered up the courage to play alongside the greatest banjo player that ever lived.  <b>I will forever be indebted to Sonny Osborne for that experience and I will forever be indebted to Earl Scruggs for creating what we all enjoy as Bluegrass Banjo Playing.  It has defined my life.</b></em></p> <p><em>Kristin Scott Benson</em></p> <p><em>March 29, 2012"</em></p> <p><strong><em>"NUFF SAID!"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-15766887175619798842012-03-23T09:38:00.001-07:002012-03-23T09:38:04.257-07:00The "Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment" (VMRE) is presenting Four live concerts this Spring<p>This is the first of FIVE brand new posting to my blog today!  There are four more, so keep on scrolling down to read each of them.</p> <p>The second posting is about the <strong>Sierra Hull & Highway 111</strong> concert coming up on March 31st at the Kenbridge Community Center.  Don't be an APRIL FOOL and miss this one!</p> <p>The third posting is about the <strong>Dark Star Orchestra</strong> with special guest <strong>Jesse McReynolds</strong> coming up on May 17th, 2012 at the Pocahontas State Park as part of the "Pocahontas Live" Concert Series,</p> <p>The fourth posting is about <strong>Delbert McClinton</strong> appearing live at Powhatan Village in Powhatan, VA on June 1st at 6:30 PM as part of the "Powhatan Live" Concert Series.</p> <p>The fifth and last posting of the day concerns the appearance of the legendary rock band <strong>Lynyrd Skynyrd</strong> ay Hooper Park in Crewe, VA on May 11th at 7:00PM as part of the "Virginia Crossroads Live"  Concert Series.</p> <p>Please read all of my postings and attend as many of the shows as you can.  Hey, I know most of these shows are very far removed from Bluegrass.  But, as i stated in several of my posts, The "Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment" as part of WSVS Radio AM 800 present Bluegrass every weekday between the hours of 3 and 6 PM and also present an hour of live Bluegrass (usually) at 12PM on Saturdays.  As long as these two entities present Bluegrass music as part of their programming I shall support them in any way I can.  And so should you!</p> <p>Read on!!!!!</p> <p><strong><em>"NUFF SAID!"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-74610376776777165922012-03-23T09:09:00.001-07:002012-03-23T09:17:23.388-07:00The "Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment" (VMRE) partnering with Lunenburg County Schools Presents and Evening with SIERRA HULL & HIGHWAY 111 on Saturday, March 31st, 2012 at The Kenbridge Community Center<p>Okay, the VMRE is presenting a lot of concerts over and throughout the spring, but this is the only one, so far, that is truly a Bluegrass event.  The lovely and vivacious Sierra Hull with her group Highway 111 will present an evening of Bluegrass and acoustic music.  sierra, now just 20 years old, has been performing professionally for six years and has only gotten better with each passing year.</p> <p>  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zNKw6a-qNvE/T2ygPrRiYII/AAAAAAAAAiY/wNtfRr5R3BA/s1600-h/DSC03792%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="231" alt="Sierra performing as part of the IBMA Awards in Nashville, September 2011." src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lI1OXDLeEgA/T2ygRb9vMSI/AAAAAAAAAig/MTHWKbtowLs/DSC03792_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>I hope this picture along with my strong recommendation will influence you to attend this show.</p> <p>It's on Saturday March 31st!  Don't be an APRIL FOOL and miss this one!!!</p> <p>Advance tickets for $10.00 each are still available.  please call: 434-645-7734 to reserve "will call" tickets right now!  Tickets, if still available will be sold at the door for $14 each.  Hope to see you there!</p> <p><strong><em>"NUFF SAID!"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-45409348203472458992012-03-23T08:43:00.001-07:002012-03-23T08:45:43.740-07:00The "Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment" (VMRE) presents the DARK STAR ORCHESTRA with special guest JESSE McREYNOLDS as part of the "Pocahontas Live" concert Series at Pocahontas State Park on Thursday, May 17th @ 6:30PM<p>Yes, another very long headline , but I gotta get it all in there!  I don't know how many of you have been to the amphitheater at Pocahontas State Park, but I must tell you it is an under-utilized and wonderful concert location.  Take a lawn chair or a blanket or sit in the provided bleachers; any way you choose this is a great place to hear live music.  From reading Penny Parsons press release, which I shall provide, I know that the Dark Star Orchestra was formed after the death of Jerry Garcia and presents Grateful Dead music as nearly as possible as it was originally done.  As an added treat Bluegrass Great Jesse McReynolds will guest star, performing songs form his Grateful Dead project.  Hey, don't listen to me, read Penny Parsons email representing the VMRE as Media Contact and member of the Board of Directors.</p> <p><em>"On Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 6:30 PM the Virginia Museum of Radio <br />Entertainment is pleased to present Grateful Dead tribute band DARK <br />STAR ORCHESTRA at Pocahontas State Park, 10301 State Park Rd, <br />Chesterfield, VA.  Bluegrass legend JESSE McREYNOLDS will make a <br />special guest appearance with DSO, performing several songs from his <br />"Songs of the Grateful Dead" CD, released in 2010.  Pocahontas State <br />Park is just a few miles southeast of Richmond, and is easily <br />accessible from Highway 360 or Interstate 95.  Tickets are $16.50 <br />advance/$20.00 at the door, available through </em><a href="http://www.ticketstobuy.com"><em>www.ticketstobuy.com</em></a><em>.   <br />For more information, visit: </em><a href="http://www.pocahontaslive.com"><em>www.pocahontaslive.com</em></a></p> <p><em>For eleven years Dark Star Orchestra has presented its critically <br />acclaimed live show at esteemed venues all over the world.  Dark Star <br />Orchestra's concerts are built off the extensive catalog of the <br />Grateful Dead. On any given night the band will perform a show based on <br />a set list from the Dead's 30 years of extensive touring, or use the <br />Dead's catalog of songs to create a unique set list for that show.  <br />Grateful Dead classics are performed in the same way that an orchestra <br />interprets music of classical composers.   Precision is king with DSO; <br />the band members adapt their stage positioning, vocal arrangements, <br />specific musical equipment and instruments to fit the era of the show <br />they are performing. Following each performance the band announces the <br />date and venue of the original Grateful Dead performance.</em></p> <p> <br /><em>The band's determined commitment to "raising the Dead" has drawn <br />national media attention.  Rolling Stone praised their "fanatical <br />attention to detail."  The Washington Post called them  "...the hottest <br />Grateful Dead tribute act. A cover band for people who don't like cover <br />bands."  Critics aren't the only ones singing Dark Star Orchestra's <br />praises. Five original members of the Grateful Dead have played <br />alongside DSO.  Vocalist Donna Jean Godchaux-McKay, a  frequent guest, <br />says, "Playing with Dark Star Orchestra feels just exactly like it felt <br />when I was playing with the Grateful Dead!" <br /></em></p> <p><em>Bluegrass legend Jesse McReynolds began his career in the late 1940s, <br />alongside his brother Jim.  Jim & Jesse made their first recordings in <br />1952, and became members of the Grand Ole Opry in 1964.  They were <br />inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 1993 <br />and received a National Heritage Award at the White House in 1997.  <br />Though Jim passed away in 2002, Jesse has continued to perform, and <br />this year he celebrates 65 years in music.  He has always been known as <br />an innovator, having created his own unique and intricate style of <br />mandolin playing now referred to as "the McReynolds style." <br />Jim & Jesse frequently pushed the boundaries of bluegrass and country <br />music by incorporating material from other genres into their <br />repertoire.  Now Jesse has gone a step further, by recording an entire <br />album of Grateful Dead covers, with a group of musical friends <br />including David Nelson and Stu Allen!   "Songs of the Grateful Dead" <br />was released in 2010, and in November of that year Jesse made a <br />surprise guest appearance with Dark Star Orchestra at a concert in <br />Nashville.  Over the last two years he has performed at numerous Jerry <br />Garcia tributes, alongside such artists as David Nelson and New Riders <br />of the Purple Sage.  The May 17 concert at Pocahontas State Park will <br />be Jesse's second guest appearance with Dark Star Orchestra, and is <br />sure to be a special event, for the musicians as well as the audience!</em></p> <p> <br /><em>The Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment (VMRE) is a non-profit <br />501(c)3 organization based in Crewe, Virginia.  The mission of the VMRE <br />is to archive, sustain, and perpetuate roots-based American music, and <br />to enhance public awareness of central Virginia's rich musical <br />heritage.  In addition, the VMRE partners with school systems in <br />several counties, presenting special programs to educate students about <br />music business.  Since its formation in 2010, the VMRE has hosted <br />concerts with some of the top names in acoustic music, including Riders <br />in the Sky, Sierra Hull, Curly Seckler with The Steep Canyon Rangers, <br />and The Quebe Sisters.  This year the VMRE has  expanded its concert <br />series to include several new and bigger venues!  Visit: www.vmre.org <br />to see a list of venues and upcoming events.</em></p> <p> <br /><em>The Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment welcomes donations, which <br />are tax deductible, and may be made on our web site or sent to: VMRE, <br />PO Box 607, Crewe, VA 23930.  For more information about the VMRE or <br />for concert information, call: 434-645-7734. <br />Like us on Facebook at: The Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment"</em></p> <p><strong><em>"NUFF SAID!"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-70570071187697390212012-03-23T08:25:00.001-07:002012-03-23T08:28:03.385-07:00The "Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment" (VMRE) Presents, in person, DELBERT McCLINTON as part of the "Powhatan Live" Concert Series on Friday, June 1st, 2012, @ 6:30PM in Powhatan Village<p>As stated in other columns, as long as WSVS and the VMRE support and presents Bluegrass music as part of the daily programming at WSVS AM 800, I shall support any endeavor they may take to support themselves.  I must be completely honest at tell you I know nothing whatsoever about Delbert McClinton, therefore, I shall let you get your information from an email posting sent to me from Penny Parsons, member of the Board of Directors and the Media Contact for the VMRE.  Her email appears below in italics.</p> <p><em>"On Friday, June 1, 2012 at 6:30 PM the Virginia Museum of Radio <br />Entertainment, in partnership with the Powhatan Chamber of Commerce, is <br />pleased to present DELBERT McCLINTON at Powhatan Village in Powhatan, <br />Virginia.   This is the inaugural concert in the VMRE's brand new <br />POWHATAN LIVE series! <br />Powhatan is about 20 miles west of Richmond, just off Highway 60, and <br />is easily accessible from Interstates 64 and 95.  Tickets are only <br />$12.50 advance/$15.00 at the door, available through <br /></em><a href="http://www.ticketstobuy.com"><em>www.ticketstobuy.com</em></a><em>.  For more information, visit: <br /></em><a href="http://www.powhatanlive.com"><em>www.powhatanlive.com</em></a></p> <p> <br /><em>The quintessential Texas blues rocker singer/songwriter, Delbert <br />McClinton has known few genre boundaries during his more than five <br />decade-spanning career. Born in Lubbock (hometown of such other musical <br />notables as Buddy Holly and Joe Ely), McClinton came of age in the Fort <br />Worth joints.  He received his musical education playing harmonica with <br />The Straightjackets, the house band at a local R&B club, backing <br />artists such as Jimmy Reed, Howlin' Wolf, and Sonny Boy Williamson.  <br />McClinton first became known for his outstanding harmonica skills and <br />reportedly gave John Lennon a few lessons in the early '60s.</em></p> <p> <br /><em>With the release of his 1975 solo debut, Victim of Life's <br />Circumstances, McClinton firmly stamped his Fort Worth-bred blend of <br />blues, country and blue-eyed soul onto the pop musical landscape.  In <br />1980, McClinton scored the top 10 hit “Giving It Up For Your Love,” <br />which pushed the accompanying Capitol album, The Jealous Kind, into the <br />national Top 40.   In 1991, he won his first Grammy Award for his vocal <br />collaboration with Bonnie Raitt on “Good Man, Good Woman” (from Raitt’s <br />Luck Of The Draw).  After spending the late ‘80s and ‘90s cutting <br />consistently powerful albums for Alligator, Curb, Mercury, and MCA, <br />McClinton arrived at New West Records in 2001.  He has since won two <br />Grammy Awards in the Best Contemporary Blues Album category, for  <br />Nothing Personal in 2001 and Cost of Living in 2005.  The long list of <br />artists who have covered McClinton's original songs includes Emmylou <br />Harris, The Blues Brothers, Vince Gill, Wynonna, Lee Roy Parnell, <br />Martina McBride, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.</em></p> <p> <br /><em>McClinton, one of the greatest American vocalists, released his <br />thirteenth studio album, Acquired Taste, in 2009.  It is a juke joint <br />blend of country soul, infused with blues, rock and jazz.  The <br />reflective lyrics provide one of the wisest and most introspective <br />albums of the Texas roots music legend’s musical career.  “I’m an <br />acquired taste in that my kind of music’s not for little kids,” <br />McClinton says. “It’s adult rock ‘n’ roll. I write from the sensibility <br />of the people I knew growing up, and I grew up with all the heathens, <br />the people who went too far before they changed and tried to make <br />something out of their lives. There are a lot of beautiful colors and <br />sad stories and much-deserved joy in that.”</em></p> <p> <br /><em>The Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment (VMRE) is a non-profit <br />501(c)3 organization based in Crewe, Virginia.  The mission of the VMRE <br />is to archive, sustain, and perpetuate roots-based American music, and <br />to enhance public awareness of central Virginia's rich musical <br />heritage.  In addition, the VMRE partners with school systems in <br />several counties, presenting special programs to educate students about <br />music business.  Since its formation in 2010, the VMRE has hosted <br />concerts with some of the top names in acoustic music, including Riders <br />in the Sky, Sierra Hull, Curly Seckler with The Steep Canyon Rangers, <br />and The Quebe Sisters.  This year the VMRE has  expanded its concert <br />series to include an even greater variety of music in several new and <br />bigger venues!  Visit: www.vmre.org to see a list of venues and <br />upcoming events.</em></p> <p> <br /><em>The Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment welcomes donations, which <br />are tax deductible, and may be made on our web site or sent to: VMRE, <br />PO Box 607, Crewe, VA 23930.  For more information about the VMRE or <br />for concert information, call: 434-645-7734. <br />Like us on Facebook at: The Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment</em>."</p> <p><strong><em>"NUFF SAID!"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-76669012073821593152012-03-23T08:08:00.001-07:002012-03-23T08:08:45.484-07:00The "Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment" (VMRE) presents as part of the "Virginia Crossroads, Live, Concert Series" LYNYRD SKYNYRD at Hooper Park, Crewe, VA - Friday, May 11th, 2012 @ 7:00PM<p>Hey!  That's a huge and long Headline, but I wanted to get it all in.  Now, I know that Lynyrd Skynyrd is not Bluegrass, but be it known to all who read this that WSVS Radio AM 800 is the physical location of the VMRE and they play three hours of Bluegrass every day between 3 and 6 PM and also produce a live one hour show each Saturday as part of the "High Noon Hoe-Down,".  As long as WSVS and the VMRE support Bluegrass as they do now, they will have my support, no matter what the musical style or venue.  </p> <p>I want to inform you that ticket sales fir Lynyrd Skynyrd began today, Friday March 23rd, 2012.  Tickets are $25 in advance and only 8 tickets will be sold to any one individual.  My understanding is that sales are running along briskly today, so hurry and get your tickets ASAP!  The following information, in italics,  was provided to me via email from Penny Parsons, a member of the Board of Directors for the VMRE.</p> <p>"<em>On Friday, May 11, 2012 at 7:00 PM the Virginia Museum of Radio <br />Entertainment is pleased to present iconic rock band LYNYRD SKYNYRD at <br />Hooper Park, on Highway 460 West in Crewe, VA.    Tickets are $25.00 <br />advance, $30.00 at the door, and $45.00 for Gold Circle seating.  They <br />are available through </em><a href="www.ticketstobuy.com" target="_blank"><em>www.ticketstobuy.com</em></a><em> and at select Benchmark Bank <br />locations.  TICKETS ARE LIMITED, SO ORDER EARLY!  For more information, <br /></em><a href="www.virginiacrossroadslive.com" target="_blank"><em>visit: www.virginiacrossroadslive.com</em></a></p> <p><em>With a catalog of over 60 albums and sales of over 30 million, Lynyrd <br />Skynyrd remains a cultural icon that appeals to all generations.  Known <br />for its driving, hard-edged live performances and signature hits <br />including "Freebird," "Sweet Home Alabama," and "Gimme Three Steps," <br />the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. <br />Beyond the history, the raging guitars and the killer songs, <br />ultimately, Lynyrd Skynyrd is about an indomitable will.  It's about <br />survival of spirit - unbowed, uniquely American, stubbornly resolute.  <br />Driven by core members Gary Rossington (guitar), Johnny Van Zant <br />(vocals) and Rickey Medlocke (guitar), along with longtime drummer <br />Michael Cartellone, Lynyrd Skynyrd very much lives up to the legacy <br />begun some 38 years ago in Jacksonville, Florida, and halted for a <br />decade by the 1977 plane crash that killed three band members, <br />including Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines.  Since then, the band <br />tragically lost Allen Collins, Leon Wilkeson, Hughie Thomasson, <br />founding member/keyboardist Billy Powell and longtime bassist Ean Evans <br />- yet they rock on.</em></p> <p> <br /><em>In 2008-2009, Lynyrd Skynyrd teamed with noted rock producer Bob <br />Marlette and guitarist John 5, drew from a wealth of material written <br />by the band and a cadre of elite Skynyrd-minded songwriters, and a <br />remarkable album emerged.  With a backbone of Southern rock and <br />country, passionate Van Zant vocals, and trademark layered guitars, <br />"God & Guns" manages to maintain the iconic Skynyrd punch while <br />sounding completely contemporary.  It is an album laden with attitude, <br />heart and purpose.</em></p> <p> <br /><em>This is a band well aware of the responsibility that comes with putting <br />the name ‘Lynyrd Skynyrd’ on anything, be it an album or a concert. “We <br />feel like we have to keep the standards high,” says Rossington. Van <br />Zant adds. “We love the music. We have to make a living, sure, but it’s <br />about the legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and what it stands for, what the <br />fans are all about. There’s nothing like getting out there playing a <br />great show with Skynyrd and seeing people love this music.”</em></p> <p> <br /><em>Don't miss your chance to rock out with the legendary LYNYRD SKYNYRD on <br />May 11 in Crewe, Virginia!  Your ticket purchase will help to sustain <br />important community service programs.  The VMRE thanks Lynyrd Skynyrd <br />for supporting our mission!</em></p> <p> <br /><em>The Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment (VMRE) is a non-profit <br />501(c)3 organization based in Crewe, Virginia.  The mission of the VMRE <br />is to archive, sustain, and perpetuate roots-based American music, and <br />to enhance public awareness of central Virginia's rich musical <br />heritage.  The VMRE works with public service agencies, including <br />Virginia State Parks and Virginia's Retreat marketing group, to provide <br />educational programs and promote tourism in the region.  In addition, <br />the VMRE partners with school systems in several counties, presenting <br />special programs to educate students about music business.  Since its <br />formation in 2010, the VMRE has hosted concerts with some of the top <br />names in acoustic music.  This year the VMRE has  expanded its concert <br />series to include an even greater variety of music in several new and <br />bigger venues!  Visit: <a href="http://www.vmre.org" target="_blank">www.vmre.org</a> to see a list of venues and <br />upcoming events.</em></p> <p> <br /><em>The Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment welcomes donations, which <br />are tax deductible, and may be made on our web site or sent to: VMRE, <br />PO Box 607, Crewe, VA 23930.  For more information about the VMRE or <br />for concert information, call: 434-645-7734. <br />Like us on Facebook at: The Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment"</em></p> <p><strong><em>"NUFF SAID!"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-74588849795001895082012-01-10T12:30:00.001-08:002012-01-11T14:01:23.954-08:00Third Annual Bluegrass Marathon Jam to be held at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen - Saturday, February 25th, 2012<p>Due to the closing of one of my favorite restaurants and Bluegrass night-spots, Grampa Eddies, the 3rd annual Bluegrass Marathon Jam has been moved.  For details about Grampa Eddies's future and reasons for closing, click <a href="http://grandpaeddiesbbq.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.  </p> <p>But, do not fear, the Bluegrass Marathon Jam will continue, this year at the <strong>Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen</strong> (CATGA) beginning at 12:00 Noon and continuing until 12:00 Midnight on Saturday, February 25th, 2012.</p> <p>Bands scheduled to perform are:<a href="http://www.highway249.net/" target="_blank"><strong>Highway 249</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Some-Assembly-Required/161761408927?sk=info" target="_blank"><strong>Some Assembly Required</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4qvf8XiRAA" target="_blank"><strong>Willis River</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="http://www.slackfamily.com/press.html" target="_blank"><strong>Slack Family</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href=" http://copperridgebluegrass.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Copper Ridge</strong></a><strong>,</strong> <a href=" http://eastofafton.com/" target="_blank"><strong>East of Afton</strong></a><strong>, River City Band </strong>and more bands to be announced.  Check out the web site for the 3rd annual <strong><em><a href="http://www.rvabluegrassjam.com/" target="_blank">Bluegrass Marathon Jam</a></em></strong>.</p> <p>I must tell you I was immediately concerned about the thought there would be no food or "adult" beverages available at this great event which provides funds for the <strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xe5RE6krms&feature=player_embedded" target="_blank">Fisher House Foundation</a></strong> which provides free housing to families of military that need hospital care or rehabilitation.  We owe these wonderful men and women our support and comfort.  I have been assured, just today, that there will be BBQ provided by a National BBQ cook-off competitor and that the adult beverages will be provided by Legend/Brown.  So fear not!  Come out and have some money along to spend of food and drink and to support the Fisher House.</p> <p>For more details on the event and ways you might participate click <a href="http://www.rvabluegrassjam.com/about-the-event/" target="_blank">here</a>.  This is a marathon event, so obviously seven bands can't do it all.  Do you have a band and want to be heard, then check it out, but hurry!</p> <p>Okay, mark your calendar and be ready for a great day of Bluegrass music at CATGA when the 3rd annual <strong>Bluegrass Marathon Jam</strong> kicks off the day at noon of February 25th, 2012.  See you there!</p> <p><strong><em>"NUFF SAID!"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-4290937158270155302012-01-01T13:17:00.001-08:002012-01-01T13:17:35.448-08:00Appomattox Bluegrass Concert Series, 2012 & So Long, Jody, Old Friend<p>HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!!!!  Yep! Another year has begun.  I'm only 62 years old, but I can remember back when I was in high school thinking that living to see the 21st Century would be impossible, and now look, I'm twelve years into this century now.  Amazing!  Enough of this, I've got a great concert series to tell you about, so I better get started.</p> <p>The first headliner to appear as part of the Appomattox County High School's Booster Club Bluegrass Series will be <strong><a href="http://www.flamekeeperband.com/" target="_blank">Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper</a></strong>.  <strong><em>Michael </em></strong>consistently wins the International Bluegrass Music Association's (<a href="http://ibma.org/" target="_blank">IBMA</a>) Fiddle Player of Year Award.  Why?  It's quite simple.  A lot of award winners are part of a popularity contest, but with <strong><em>Michael</em></strong>, it is simply there is no-one today that has a more innovative style and ability.  It's fun to watch the faces of his fellow band mates when <strong><em>Michael</em></strong> strikes out on a new and unexplored tangent when taking his fiddle breaks.  They look at him in awe and amazement.  So, you know if they are amazed, we fans are or should be totally blown away.  <strong><em>Michael's </em></strong>show starts at 2PM, but wait, before <em><strong>Michael</strong></em> blows us all away, there is another local bluegrass group, the <a href="http://www.jamesrivercutups.com/" target="_blank"><strong>James River Cut-ups</strong></a> to get things started off.  I'll let the band describe themselves in this excerpt from their web site:</p> <p><em>"We started out as a family band from </em><a href="http://www.nelsoncounty.com/"><em>Nelson County, Va.</em></a><em> Two of my brothers, Michael and Kenneth, have been playing together since they were kids. It all started when Michael got a guitar and Kenneth got a mandolin for Christmas. Soon after, my brothers started playing with other family members and friends.</em></p> <p><em>In 2002, I got married and I asked them to play at my wedding. My brother Wendell joined in, a friend of the family, Carroll Turner helped on bass and Tom Hogge (with the </em><a href="http://www.courtneyhollow.com/"><em>Courtney Hollow band</em></a><em>) helped on banjo. I joined them in a song to remember our dad who passed away in 1999. Our father was not one for flowers or poems, but instead a man who loved God, Bluegrass music and family. What better tribute than a family band preaching, praying and singing! </em></p> <p><em>We practiced for months and once the wedding was over, we really didn’t want to stop! We continued to get together and make Bluegrass music, occasionally doing some benefits. When contacted to perform for a benefit, we realized we lacked a name. At this point, we were just family and friends who loved to get together, cut up, eat some homemade food, and play some music. However, thanks to a good friend of the family, and Michael’s very witty wife, the James River Cut-Ups were formed.</em></p> <p><em>In the spring of 2010, we were so pleased to have Jered Gillispie join us. You HAVE to come out and hear him pick that banjo Stanley style!! He came into the band and it was the perfect fit."</em></p> <p>Following pretty close behind <strong><em>Michael Cleveland</em></strong> on February 12th, <strong><a href="http://bobbyosborne.com/" target="_blank">Bobby Osborne & Rocky Top X-press</a> </strong>will perform at Appomattox with a 2 PM show.  <strong><em>Bobby</em></strong>, once part of the enduring Bluegrass 'second generation' group, <strong>The Osborne Brothers</strong>, decided to stay in the business when his brother, <strong><em>Sonny</em></strong>, chose to retire.  Not intending to offend anyone, I must say I have never seen <strong><em>Bobby</em></strong> smile as much as he has since striking out on his own.  There's not much I need to tell you about <strong><em>Bobby Osborne</em></strong>, so I want to tell you that leading off the show that Sunday at 1PM will be a local group called <strong><a href="http://www.dixieridgebluegrass.com/" target="_blank">Dixie Ridge</a></strong>.  Here's just a little about the band from their "bios" page of their web site:</p> <p><em>"Dixie Ridge<b> </b>was formed in the winter of 2010 by the husband and wife duo of Adam and Amanda Clifton. Both have always loved playing and singing bluegrass music. Amanda has been singing since a very young age and her powerful lead vocals are without a doubt the foundation of the group. Adam serves as the bass player for the group and is also Dixie Ridge's bandleader and manager. <br />Adam and Amanda are very proud of Dixie Ridge's debut, self-titled album recorded on the <b>Blue Moon</b> <b>Records</b> label in Mount Airy, N.C. The ten track album features the band and guest musicians: <b>Scott Vestal</b>, <b>Rob Ickes</b>, <b>Jimmy Edmonds</b>, <b>Andy Leftwich</b>, <b>Jared Easter</b>, and <b>Russell Easter Jr.</b> who by the way is the owner of <b>Blue Moon Records</b>."</em></p> <p>Following <strong>Bobby Osborne & Rocky Top X-press</strong> just two short weeks later on February 26th at 2 PM, is none other than <strong>Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver</strong>.  <strong><em>Doyle</em></strong> is well known to folks all around Virginia for his flawless execution both vocally and instrumentally.  His show will begin a 2 PM, but at 1 PM a well known local Gospel Bluegrass group, <strong><a href="http://www.truespiritgospelband.com/" target="_blank">True Spirit</a></strong>, will get the day started.  I'll let the band tell you a little about themselves with this short excerpt from their web site: </p> <p><em>FIFTEEN YEARS OR SO AGO, GOD CALLED THE TRUE SPIRIT GOSPEL BAND TO SERVE AND MINISTER HIS GOSPEL IN SONG AND MUSIC. </em></p> <p><em>IT IS OUR MISSION TO LIFT AND PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME AND TO GIVE HIM THANKS FOR OUR SALVATION. </em></p> <p><em>IT IS OUR HOPE AND PRAYER THAT MANY WILL BE SAVED THROUGH THE MESSAGE THAT JESUS CHRIST DELIVERED TO US! </em></p> <p>As I look at the schedule, it seems that all shows are two weeks apart through-out the coldest part of winter.  Who says there's no Bluegrass in the wintertime?  Next up on March 11th at 2 PM the Appomattox Bluegrass Series will present <strong>Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out</strong>. I was gonna say that <strong><em>Russell Moore</em></strong> was schooled in the <strong><em>Doyle Lawson</em></strong> School of Bluegrass, but in all actuality, I believe that <strong><em>Doyle</em></strong> has been searching for another singer of the caliber <strong><em>Russell Moore</em></strong>.  He hasn't found one yet.  <strong><em>Russell's</em></strong> voice is distinctive and is as open and clear as I have ever had the privilege to hear.  There's just no-one to match him.  <strong><em>Russell</em></strong> coupled with his great band and harmony vocalists makes for a Bluegrass performance that is unequaled anywhere, period.   <strong>IIIrd Tyme Out's</strong> show gets under way at 2PM, but prior to <strong><em>Russell</em></strong> is  a group entirely new to me, <strong>The Epperson Brothers</strong>.  They will get the show started at 1PM.  I could find nothing on the Internet about <strong>The Epperson Brothers</strong> (Hey guys, if you're reading this you need to get on the Internet either on Facebook or a web site<strong>.)</strong>, so I guess we'll have to find out all about them by attending the show.</p> <p>The final concert of the Appomattox Bluegrass Concert Series is what can only be described as a Bluegrass Super Group.  <strong><a href="http://daileyvincent.musiccitynetworks.com/" target="_blank">Dailey & Vincent</a></strong> were met with great success from their very first concert at IBMA (I was there!).  <strong><em>Jamie Dailey</em></strong> after ten years with <strong><em>Doyle Lawson</em></strong> and <strong><em>Darren Vincent</em></strong> after many years with his family band <strong>The Sally Mountain Show</strong> and then after nine years with <strong>Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder </strong>have joined together to form <strong>Dailey & Vincent</strong>. Aided by great sidemen, <strong>Daily & Vincent</strong> has become one of the most sought after Bluegrass groups today.  Their show will begin at 2PM and there will be no other group on stage that day.</p> <p>Get that calendar and mark down all these dates so you won't miss a single show and be sure to get those tickets ordered as any one of these shows could possibly sell out.  You certainly wouldn't want to make the drive only to be turned away at the door.  All tickets are $15 each for adults and $5 for children 6 to 12 years old.  All children 5 years or younger are free.  For more information or to purchase tickets call <strong>Tony Clifton</strong> at 434-660-7101.  You may reserve tickets as "will call" is available for these concerts.  To purchase tickets in the Appomattox area go to Carquest Auto Parts or Baines Books & Coffee.  Visit the web site at <a href="http://www.appomattoxbluegrass.com">www.appomattoxbluegrass.com</a>.</p> <p><strong>JODY RAINWATER</strong> passed away on Christmas Eve at ten minutes to midnight.  He was a friend to all who met him and I am especially proud to have gotten to know this fine gentleman.  My earliest memories include my Mother listening to "<strong><em>Little Jody Rainwater</em></strong>" on WSVS every morning.  My two older brothers went to school but I was home with Mama and we listened to <strong><em>Jody</em></strong>.  In my mind he always sounded like a granddaddy and I seem to recall referring to him that way.  <strong><em>Jody</em></strong> was out of the public eye for many years as he helped his wife, <strong><em>Emma</em></strong>, take care of her aging mother.  After her passing, <strong><em>Emma & Jody</em></strong> began to attend Bluegrass events and shows all around Virginia and North Carolina.  It was during these later years in his life that I met and became friends with both <strong>Jody</strong> and <strong><em>Emma</em></strong>.  </p> <p>I interviewed<strong><em> Jody</em></strong> a few years ago with the plans to write an article about him for Bluegrass Unlimited, but I never completed the project.  If I can find my notes I hope to do a series of blog entries about <strong><em>Jody</em></strong>.</p> <p>I've rambled too long here.  I simply want to say that we all have lost a close friend with the passing of <strong><em>Charles E. Johnson</em></strong>, better known as <strong><em>Jody Rainwater </em></strong>to most of us.  We will miss him, but we know that <strong><em>Jody</em></strong> was a Christian man and that he is now enjoying eternal life with his savior.</p> <p><strong><em>"NUFF SAID!"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-34213709014602252182011-12-12T08:58:00.001-08:002011-12-15T05:37:41.433-08:00WSVS, 800AM & The Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment Present an Interview and live performance by John Cowan - Wednesday, December 14th, 2011 @ 11:00AM<p>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, <strong>John Cowan</strong>, most famous to my readers as part of the seminal <strong>New Grass Revival</strong>,<strong> </strong>will be in the WSVS studios.  <strong><em>John</em></strong>, along with <strong><em>Sam Bush</em></strong>, <strong><em>Courtney Johnson</em></strong> and <strong><em>Ebo Walker</em></strong> formed the original <strong>New Grass Revival</strong>.  Several of these guys had also been part of the band who bred so many Newgrass styled band, <strong>The Bluegrass Alliance</strong>.  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.  <strong><em>John Cowan</em></strong> will be in the <strong>WSVS</strong> 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 <u><strong>CLOSED</strong> <strong>to the GENERAL PUBLIC</strong></u> for this live show.  Do not attempt to enter the building as the doors will be locked.</p> <p>Today, <strong><em>John </em></strong>is a member of the long-lived rock band, <strong>The Doobie Brothers</strong>, but the band is taking a short holiday break and, so <strong><em>John</em></strong> is using this time off to take a tour of the eastern United States on a solo tour.  <strong>WSVS</strong> was chosen as a stop along the way.  But, why is this, you may ask?  Good Question.  Read on.  <strong>WSVS</strong> 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 <strong>WSM</strong> radio of Nashville, Tennessee, <strong><u>650AM</u></strong>.  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, <strong>Jody Rainwater</strong> (Real name <strong><em>Charles Johnson</em></strong>) left as Bassist and comedian for <strong>Flatt & Scruggs</strong> and joined the staff of <strong>WSVS</strong> as their morning air personality.  I, personally can recall hearing <strong><em>Jody</em></strong> on <strong>WSVS</strong> as early as 1953 when I was just four years old, since my mother listened to WSVS every day.  <strong><em>Jody</em></strong>, and his lovely wife, <strong><em>Emma</em></strong>, still live in the Crewe area.  </p> <p>For about six months, from August 1954 until January 1955, <strong>Flatt & Scruggs</strong> made <strong>WSVS</strong> their home radio station and recorded many of the "live" shows for Martha White Mills at <strong>WSVS</strong>.  These "live" shows were sent to Nashville where they were aired every morning on <strong>WSM</strong>'s early morning "Martha White Show."</p> <p>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 <strong><em>Mel Payne</em></strong> has presented most local and regional Bluegrass bands for hour long performances.  There have also been bands from far and wide, such as <strong>Missy Raines & The New Hip</strong>, <strong>The Quebe Sisters</strong> and most recently, one half of the famous <strong>Hazel & Alice</strong> duo, <strong><em>Alice Gerrard</em></strong>, 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 <strong><em>John Cowan</em></strong> choose to stop at a little out of the way country radio station?  Well, you just read the reason, <strong>WSVS</strong> is a most important part of the early life of Bluegrass music and <strong><em>John</em></strong> recognizes this.  <strong>WSVS</strong> is as important today as it ever was, but our economy is handing many small radio and TV stations very small paydays.</p> <p>Therefore, the decision was made to apply for a non-profit charter as, "The Virginia Museum of Radio Entertainment" (The <strong>VMRE</strong>), which has since been granted, allowing the <strong>VMRE</strong> to raise funds through public performances and public donations.</p> <p>This is quoted from <a href="http://www.BluegrassToday.com">www.BluegrassToday.com</a>, "<em>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."</em>  To read the entire article announcing the formation of the VMRE in BluegrassToday click <a href="http://bluegrasstoday.com/20506/virginia-museum-of-radio-entertainment-launches/" target="_blank">here</a><em>.</em></p> <p>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!</p> <p>The word was spread and various performers and personalities have made the pilgrimage to the <strong>WSVS</strong> studios.  One such pilgrim appeared as a surprise during the performance of<strong> The Quebe Sisters</strong> on the High Noon Hoedown one Saturday.  None other that <strong><em>Eddie Stubbs</em></strong>, announcer for <strong>The Grand Ole Opry</strong> and former Fiddler for the famed <strong>Johnson Mountain Boys</strong> walked through the front door.  He knew of <strong>WSVS</strong> from his very early interests in the history of Country and Bluegrass music (<strong><em>Eddie</em></strong> is a veritable encyclopedia of knowledge of early Country and Bluegrass).  He came by to help and support <strong>WSVS</strong> in it's efforts to preserve traditional Country and Bluegrass music and <strong>WSVS</strong> and the <strong>VMRE</strong> in keeping live music on the radio.</p> <p> </p> <p>And for that very same reason, <strong><em>John Cowan</em></strong> is giving of his valuable time to help <strong>WSVS </strong>and the <strong>VMRE</strong> continue in their quest.  So, please plan to listen to this important live interview and performance by <strong><em>John Cowan</em></strong> 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 <a href="http://www.wsvsam.com/">www.wsvsam.com/</a> and click on the the "Listen Live" button.  And remember: <strong><em><u>The doors to WSVS Studios will be locked and the general public is asked to not attend this show.</u></em></strong>  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.....</p> <p>..... <strong><em>"Nuff Said!"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-58511412624485752382011-10-31T09:42:00.001-07:002011-10-31T09:44:55.092-07:00Wesley P. Phelps: A Real Life World War II Hero in Cemetery with Bill Monroe<p>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. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vZJwq9NkwRY/Tq7P2iDlpsI/AAAAAAAAAhY/3kJiTbN7wUU/s1600-h/DSC01458%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="384" alt="Bill Monroe's tomb stone at the Rosine, Kentucky Cemetery" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AAjDAxM7FstyvtD2aq28Hr_0unmA-tHLn17NLHeXBAx4lPXSrAsgo-XvwTaCjksW4nEcnOVbMR_Ac0-lP42N8CEU1G8NUlkMvXRMgICAjMFGhL5sY0WI7mZD1Fg_OapgYzimtbpbqU5x/?imgmax=800" width="257" border="0" /></a> During one visit, a few years ago, while searching for Uncle Pen Vandiver's grave site<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xnEmJ78O9Kc/Tq7P39JbzTI/AAAAAAAAAho/Em4dI3IY0YQ/s1600-h/DSC01468%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="384" alt="The tombstone of Uncle Pendiver, placed in latter years by Bill Monroe at the Rosine, Kentucky Cemetery." src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lOOwHcBQyFI/Tq7P4ldreII/AAAAAAAAAhw/at-DNeImct0/DSC01468_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="257" border="0" /></a> 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!  </p> <p>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. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gSDiHabj-4M/Tq7P5TXsRqI/AAAAAAAAAh4/oXo2zHmN5a4/s1600-h/DSC01472%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="384" alt="Tombstone of PFV Wesley P. Phelps, recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor." src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-N12ZXTAaZuc/Tq7P6T63aaI/AAAAAAAAAiA/D7TxoqkOgls/DSC01472_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="257" border="0" /></a> 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.  </p> <p><b>Wesley Phelps</b> (June 12, 1923 – October 4, 1944) was a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Marine_Corps">United States Marine</a> who <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posthumous_recognition">posthumously</a> received the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor">Medal of Honor</a> for his heroic actions and sacrifice of life during the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II">World War II</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Peleliu">Battle of Peleliu</a>. </p> <p>Wesley Phelps was born in Neafus, Kentucky on June 12, 1923. He was educated in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohio_County,_Kentucky">Ohio County</a>, 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.</p> <p>Although he was the sole support of his aged parents who owned and operated a 70-acre (280,000 m<sup>2</sup>) farm with his help, he was called up by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selective_service">draft</a> and was inducted into the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Marine_Corps">United States Marine Corps</a> on April 9, 1943 in Indianapolis, Indiana. </p> <p>After <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recruit_training">boot camp</a> at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_Corps_Recruit_Depot_San_Diego">Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego</a>, Pvt Phelps was assigned to the Signal Battalion at the Marine Base at San Diego for one month and then was transferred to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infantry">Infantry</a> Training Battalion at Camp Elliot, California. He successfully completed an eight-week course on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Browning_Model_1919_machine_gun">Browning Heavy Machine Gun, 30 caliber</a>, and was classified as a heavy <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machine_gun">machine gunner</a>. Pvt Phelps joined the 27th Replacement Battalion in September and left the United States on October 23, 1943, joining Company M, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3rd_Battalion_7th_Marines">3rd Battalion, 7th Marines</a> of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Marine_Division_(United_States)">1st Marine Division</a> in December, just a few days before the unit left for the combat landing on Cape Gloucester, New Britain. After the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Cartwheel">Cape Gloucester campaign</a>, 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.</p> <p>After a so-called "rest" at Pavuvu Island in the Russell Islands, the 1st Division left for the little-publicized <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Peleliu">Peleliu Island operation</a>. 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. </p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_the_United_States">President of the United States</a> takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to</p> <p><b>PRIVATE FIRST CLASS WESLEY PHELPS</b> <br />UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE</p> <p>for service as set forth in the following CITATION:</p> <dl><dd>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 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Department_of_the_Navy">United States Naval Service</a>. He gallantly gave his life for his country.<sup><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/#cite_note-MOHCitation-0">[1]</a></sup></dd></dl> <p>/S/ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_S._Truman">HARRY S. TRUMAN</a></p> <p>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.</p> <p><strong><em>"NUFF SAID"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-52662617313351460902011-10-06T06:02:00.001-07:002011-10-06T06:11:22.235-07:00A Re-cap of the IBMA Awards for 2011<p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>[<em>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] </em></p> <p>The Master of Ceremonies of the 2001 IBMA Awards show was a pioneer of the Bluegrass idiom known as "Newgrass," <strong><em>Mr.</em></strong> <strong><em>Sam Bush</em></strong>.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oNvjD5tBL3Q/To2lelbI_lI/AAAAAAAAAfI/uqtuZrVPStc/s1600-h/DSC03744%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="Host of the 2001 IBMA Awards, Sam Bush." src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-quZ89q1bwNE/To2lguQT4-I/AAAAAAAAAfM/sNU08uaWueg/DSC03744_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>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 <strong><em>Ron Stewart</em></strong> and <strong><em>Kristen Scott Benson</em></strong>.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MxxEetejuBw/To2lhZ7hkAI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/12Be7bdWjT4/s1600-h/DSC037543.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="Ron Stewart & Kristen Scott Benson accepting the IBMA Award for Banjo Players of the Year, 2011 (tie)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yAw7onF3Jvg/To2liW69JYI/AAAAAAAAAfU/MhfrzQ757oE/DSC03754_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>The winner of the IBMA Award for Fiddle Player of the year was <strong><em>Michael Cleveland</em></strong>.       <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EYmdLXlm5R8/To2ljj9C4UI/AAAAAAAAAfY/aw0e8x_f_ac/s1600-h/DSC037703.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="Michael Cleveland accepting the IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year, 2011" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D_7XkI-dk9I/To2lkVLzV8I/AAAAAAAAAfc/4QAJ-ox_GhM/DSC03770_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>The winner of the IBMA Award for Male Vocalist of the Year was <strong><em>Russell Moore</em></strong>.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Oo-XXUAPniQ/To2lkxhtUWI/AAAAAAAAAfg/lfhKPFkrzxs/s1600-h/DSC037833.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="Russell Moore accepting the IBMA Award for Male Vocalist of the Year, 2011" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1MgERgSZoNk/To2ll6WXpTI/AAAAAAAAAfk/ru0FPvWEZe8/DSC03783_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a></p> <p>Just a few short minutes after being named Fiddle Player of the Year, <strong><em>Michael Cleveland</em></strong> was back on stage to accept the Award as Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year for his band <strong>Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper</strong> and the song, "Goin' Up Dry Branch.". <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PUlCTgAyFeU/To2lmkJy3II/AAAAAAAAAfo/LDYcepDGyYc/s1600-h/DSC03769%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="DSC03769" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2B7O0vYLr9E/To2lnPKYMgI/AAAAAAAAAfs/zEEcAXuT-fQ/DSC03769_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>The winner of the IBMA Award for Female Vocalist of the year was <strong><em>Dale Ann Bradley</em></strong>.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vWzM39rUssI/To2lnmrSr_I/AAAAAAAAAfw/P1YWxA8tyGg/s1600-h/DSC037953.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="Dale Ann Bradley accepting the IBMA Award for Female Vocalist of the Year, 2011" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FSj3CXmZJfU/To2lodc5KBI/AAAAAAAAAf0/P9clijJl8OQ/DSC03795_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a>   </p> <p>The winners of the IBMA Award for Emerging Artist of the Year were <strong>The Boxcars</strong>.  <strong><em>Adam Steffey</em></strong> accepted the award for the group.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7r2VKhDuLdQ/To2lpP2MdYI/AAAAAAAAAf4/kvJtX4Scq-o/s1600-h/DSC038123.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="Adam Steffey accepting the IBMA Award for The Boxcars as Emerging Artist of the Year, 2011" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UCUgI8lQ6Th60RPGffWr2iVc65SXTbmd5VbBdhNvusNOp2wYKk_v_S2gpAyXVYB3HG2BwKvZrY9_7m9yxrczy_WU3ycxq_k77AYn4U0BDO9vFtcRHUQa9cHhQzS-idT_-oP9m0qzwjh_/?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>The first of the two IBMA Hall of Fame inductees was <strong><em>George Shuffler</em></strong>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7auZVCV85RQBVX0UsiS4Ei8JQy7fjE0jG-bCimMsIAm_6umMsogovXEjblxPYl-iOoPhZpZCfndFV8JOrYh7cxW-QJiBtTyECAEtA1gFZ9C3yJHhcZTyW-qXWqyPGF081eE1HwV6P5NZa/s1600-h/DSC038393.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="George Shuffler inducted into the IBMA Hall of Fame, 2011" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YaRaJPOWET4/To2mlict_LI/AAAAAAAAAgE/XQvA6jLlun8/DSC03839_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>The winners of the IBMA Award for Vocal Group of the Year were <strong>The Gibson Brothers</strong>.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m1QYVICyrz4/To2mmq-lFJI/AAAAAAAAAgI/hshLUzl3eek/s1600-h/DSC038523.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="The Gibson Brothers accepting the IBMA Award for Vocal Group of the Year, 2011" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QtnN27YqnMA/To2moC3FJrI/AAAAAAAAAgM/VmOO6MFKNIQ/DSC03852_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>The second inductee into the IBMA Hall of Fame was <strong><em>Del McCoury</em></strong>.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-d-hAHhR2kZQ/To2mpKxp3CI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/5BAyWEFe0Zc/s1600-h/DSC038673.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="Del McCoury inducted into the IBMA Hall of Fame, 2011" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6qtbrkaHnps/To2mrLkJiKI/AAAAAAAAAgU/f6kWWAXkOsM/DSC03867_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>The winner of the IBMA Award for Song of the Year went to <strong>Balsam Range</strong> for their recorded performance of "Trains I Missed." <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBL_lSWn5sxOBytA-yWFd-RmnC05VYqXkR1YkhT7QWgGuBR2VZdWKcjC2Xk_6-1lfs7dmw7EG-2zY4G55GQpNBH8u85A4dQs_NeJ_BceTuIlRMYml-lFtKbhoEVOrYu7sL4z4_AGilJRGP/s1600-h/DSC03885%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="Accepting the award of IBMA Song of the Year " src="file:///C:/Documents and Settings/Gary Robertson/Application Data/Windows Live Writer/PostSupportingFiles/1526c9d2-982e-44d4-855f-f8bec18e7ead/DSC03885_thumb[1].jpg" width="344" border="0" 2011?="2011?" Range,="Range," Balsam="Balsam" of="of" Witt="Witt" Nicole="Nicole" is="is" missed?="missed?" i="i" trains="trains" /></a> </p> <p>The winners of the IBMA Award for Album of the Year were <strong>The Gibson Brothers</strong> for their album entitled "Help My Brother."<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NyST5LbmMIQ/To2mtrOe2bI/AAAAAAAAAgc/HYbOSG9olas/s1600-h/DSC039023.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="The Gibson Brothers accepting the IBMA Award for Album of the Year, 2011" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0xLtEyP10Nk/To2mupIXmhI/AAAAAAAAAgg/V2VlKVAa8u8/DSC03902_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>The winners for Instrumental Group of the Year were also Awarded as Emerging Artist of the Year, <strong>The Boxcars</strong>.  Accepting the award, <strong><em>Adam Steffey</em></strong>.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Zt4cXJG1e1E/To2mvaw0NPI/AAAAAAAAAgk/v3naZGiAMkI/s1600-h/DSC03813%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="Accepting the award for IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year, The Boxcars, is Adam Steffey, 2011" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UB0RuDMbPH8/To2mwYxWGJI/AAAAAAAAAgo/29e9mXJNTMk/DSC03813_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>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 <strong>J. D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson </strong>and<strong> Paul Williams</strong>.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-56wXZTNbvBI/To2mxMEaRdI/AAAAAAAAAgs/9hbnfGigeM4/s1600-h/DSC03776%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="Paul Williams, J. D. Crowe and Doyle Lawson performing the title song of their album " src="file:///C:/Documents and Settings/Gary Robertson/Application Data/Windows Live Writer/PostSupportingFiles/1526c9d2-982e-44d4-855f-f8bec18e7ead/DSC03776_thumb[1].jpg" width="344" border="0" 2011?="2011?" AWards,="AWards," IBMA="IBMA" the="the" at="at" Heaven?="Heaven?" In="In" Bells="Bells" ?Prayer="?Prayer" /></a> </p> <p><strong><em>Adam Steffey</em></strong> was busy at the 2001 IBMA Awards as he also won as Mandolin Player of the Year, 2011.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1pMv-dr095T5JwoqvYFunWSBrHySXGPPWG-H8t8mlEFaDRgKcx9QnT9c4VuuJLVcJojUvNvrUNudhCsuurwUFmsc9WmJzfvTd_xCu11q0NgH1DsqpZnzP54sEywCg68g9M1TkEzw6DOo/s1600-h/DSC03812%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="Adam Steffey accepting the IBMA Award for Mandolin Player of the Year, 2011" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUAdR874WeRVSkxG1Ayt2Iy-fuIS7GTIjCQBct8kdj9bBMqTuR5l1vIyIIoyQtdadxq9AlaCAX-0qvPywxkaJuSGcgixo8XI6uCgXp5xP-MmCPnVIad_ESRJnQNb_4FXMFdaOzpf6Ph0G/?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>The 2011 IBMA Award for Guitar Player of the Year went to <strong><em>Bryan Sutton</em></strong> who was not in attendance.  Accepting the award for <strong><em>Bryan</em></strong> was <strong><em>Pete Wernick</em></strong>.  <strong><em>Pete </em></strong>told us that <strong><em>Bryan</em></strong> was attending his son's softball game.  His priorities are in order.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1piWPlyEd0LWz0_oXKdHjyqB05UO7N4KtVq_qCR-YYgoPcb4qoUe5by8HgTD1ND2qfjyZMfhJxOVQcZcb-dCEXuxMOzhUjMzqIj8wlojI1m_w0qsMagbImUB2ll4jhnAMVux6igOikZnc/s1600-h/DSC03796%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="Pete Wernick accepting the Guitar Player of the Year Award for Bryan Sutton, 2011" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LElq97xJxlY/To2m0zVMfwI/AAAAAAAAAg8/HPMQX0yiZlM/DSC03796_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>The 2011 IBMA Award for Bass Player of the Year went to <strong><em>Marshall Wilborn</em></strong>, whom I somehow failed to photograph.  My apologies.</p> <p>The last award each year goes to the group voted as IBMA Entertainer of the Year.  This year's recipient was <strong>Steve Martin & The Sreep Canyon Rangers</strong>.  Accepting the award is <strong><em>Steve Martin</em></strong>.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BxHfBgLtwDY/To2m11wINdI/AAAAAAAAAhA/v4BMtdsfIU4/s1600-h/DSC03912%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="Steve Martin accepting the IBMA AWard for Entertainer of the Year, Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers, 2011" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYy1tPPKTcCT2nzRO5XFbWJjkkUd43z2Ek1jcndMPBRvBWvQz7xbxI1Uu29pXeWBfwXsD3DP4O0f7tO_JjQ_nDgkvJ53qLVzZYy-kg9dj6CfqmdYe7gaXtNUTJC-N0ihrJGtuR5kF6T9rc/?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>At the end of the show the two inductees into the IBMA Hall of Fame were on stage together.  <strong><em>George Shuffler</em></strong> can still do some mean cross-picking on the guitar and, of course, <strong><em>Del McCoury</em></strong> is still at the peak of his performing skills.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q6OBTKw4CYQ/To2m36n9-II/AAAAAAAAAhI/IG4U_EhAmug/s1600-h/DSC03916%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="George Shuffler doing some fine cross-picking!" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z6-dPoGE-3U/To2m5epV8nI/AAAAAAAAAhM/KG5QJL43alc/DSC03916_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5cwjq_UEsmC0w8JK-FMKQO88whZEIX-3xbnkv3XL1E_zbJzJ4xTNKOfaqAscNhZgFw2wr7YIhy7HAzaybkIDG_SUBYSDucBIVrOIft-meynlKfYKzhiMubVeiBLUaST6Kl7l-o950oln/s1600-h/DSC03918%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="The Del McCoury Band getting the job done in the finale of the 2001 IBMA Awards" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FdOCLIwlznk/To2m8eFXUqI/AAAAAAAAAhU/zBqSccIx1nM/DSC03918_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>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......</p> <p><strong><em>"NUFF SAID!"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-45240307541724465742011-09-12T18:19:00.001-07:002011-09-12T18:21:13.116-07:00Don't Forget The Special Benefit show for Peggy Woodall @ Amelia Family Campground - September 24th, 2011<p>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 <strong>Peggy Woodall</strong> during this most stressful time in her life.  To see my original post with all the details click <strong><a href="http://bluegrassvirginia.blogspot.com/2011/08/bluegrass-benefit-show-for-peggy.html" target="_blank">here</a></strong>.</p> <p>Just today I received an email from our friend <strong>Donna Trent</strong> 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; </p> <p><a title="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 " href="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">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</a></p> <p>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........</p> <p><strong><em>"NUFF SAID!"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-7976833857912947982011-09-09T04:40:00.001-07:002011-09-09T04:40:44.487-07:00VFMA's "Jumpin' Bluegrass '11 - September 15th, 16th, 17th & 18th, 2011 - Chesterfield County Fairgrounds.<p>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.</p> <p>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. <strong><u> 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 !!! </u></strong>   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.</p> <p>Now here's a quick listing of the bands appearing as part of the three day festival.  On Thursday: <strong>Amy Ladd & Friends, Harper & Company, Willis River, East of Afton, Sleepy Hollow and Bobby Adams Country Bluegrass.</strong></p> <p>Friday these bands will appear: <strong>The Bluegrass Brothers </strong><em><strong>(</strong>Note: The Bluegrass Brothers will be inducted as the 2011 honorees into the VFMA Country Music Hall of Fame<strong>), </strong></em><strong>Willis River, Copper Ridge, Shenandoah Drive, Tom Cline & The High Mountain Drifters</strong> and <strong>River City. </strong></p> <p>Saturday boasts: <strong>Junior Sisk & Rambler's Choice, Mitch Harrell & The Virginians, Code Blue, The Church Sisters, Adam McPeake </strong>and<strong> Homeward Bound.</strong></p> <p>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.  <strong>Out Of The Blue</strong>, last year's champion band will be featured as guests.</p> <p>I'm sure I have left things out during this hasty write-up, so be sure to check out the VFMA web page at <a href="http://www.vafolkmusic.org">www.vafolkmusic.org</a>. See you in a week or so.  Until then.......</p> <p><strong><em>"NUFF SAID!"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-55849809589162453052011-08-13T16:06:00.001-07:002011-08-16T05:12:46.215-07:00Two Great Bluegrass Festivals - Coming Soon!<p>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:</p> <p>08/15/2011:  Before reading about these two great festivals I have news to share about the <strong>Beachley & Scott Band</strong>.  <strong><em>Barry Scott</em></strong> 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 <strong>HeartTown</strong>.  <strong>HeartTown</strong> will fill the remainder of the <strong>Beachley & Scott</strong> tour dates.  With this name change a new member has come on board.  <strong><em>Greg Luck</em></strong> will be joining <strong>HeartTown</strong> on fiddle. </p> <p><strong>Mr.B's "Bluegrass Blowout"  August  25th, 26th &27th, 2011 - Mr, B's Bluegrass Park - Ladysmith, VA</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>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.</p> <p>Things get kicked off on Thursday with four bands each playing two sets apiece.  Bands playing on Thursday are : <strong>The Honakers, Milford Station, Dark Hollow</strong> and <strong>The Carolina Road Band.</strong>  </p> <p>For Friday there is another big day of Bluegrass with: <strong>Code Blue, Kody Norris & The Watuga Mountain Boys, Katie Penn, Mark Templeton & Pocket Change, Special Consensus </strong>and <strong>IIIrd Tyme Out.</strong></p> <p>The Bluegrass keeps rolling along on Saturday beginning with: <strong>Leon Morris,</strong> <strong>Jay Armsworthy, Special Consensus, Beachley & Scott, Larry Gillis</strong>  and <strong>Darrell Webb.</strong></p> <p>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. </p> <p><strong>"Bluegrass In The Park" The Grottoes Music Festival - September 8th, 9th & 10th, 2011. Grand Caverns Park - Grottoes, VA</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p>Now, on to the music!  Thursday is action packed with these great bands:<strong>  Dixie Pride, Page County Ramblers, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Ralph Stanley II </strong>and <strong>The Little Roy & Lizzy Show.</strong></p> <p>Have fun jamming Thursday night, but don't jam all night because these great bands will be performing on Friday: <strong>Carroll County Ramblers, Buck & Company, Wildwood Valley Boys, Special Consensus Bluegrass Band </strong>and <strong>Darren Beachley & The Legends of Potomac</strong> (A note from Gary;  My understanding is that Darren Beachley has disbanded the Legends of The Potomac and is now teamed with his fellow <strong>Quicksilver</strong> band mate <strong><em>Barry Scott</em></strong>.)</p> <p>There's a big line-up for Saturday as well.  Just take a look at who'll be performing: <strong>Kody Norris & The Watuga Mountain Boys, Paul Williams & The Victory Trio </strong>(Some of the finest and most sincere Bluegrass Gospel you are likely to hear anywhere!)<strong>, Bill Emerson & Sweet Dixie, Solid Rock </strong>and <strong>Bill Yates & The Country Gentlemen Revue.</strong></p> <p>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!</p> <p>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....</p> <p><strong><em>"NUFF SAID!"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-84626207899496251292011-08-10T10:26:00.001-07:002011-08-15T11:24:05.911-07:00Bluegrass Benefit show for Peggy Woodall - September 24th, 2011 - Amelia Family Campground<p>Those of us who know <strong>Peggy Woodall</strong> 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.</p> <p>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!</p> <p>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.  </p> <p>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: <strong>Donnie Mason & In The Tradition;  Billie Sue & Mill Run; Eddie Gill & The Grassmasters, The Willis River Band, </strong>plus<strong> Code Blue.  </strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p>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 <u>bring lots of cash</u> 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!</p> <p>And, may I ask one more thing of you?  <strong><em>Please keep Peggy and Jack in your prayers.</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>"NUFF SAID!"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-54407039444737434282011-07-01T05:40:00.001-07:002011-07-01T05:51:46.207-07:00A Special Evening with Dale Ann Bradley @ Ashland Coffee and Tea - June 30, 2011 - A Photo Review<p>It's Friday morning and I just returned, a few hours ago, from a very special evening with <strong><em>Dale Ann Bradley</em></strong> and her band in concert at <a href="http://ashlandcoffeeandtea.com/" target="_blank">Ashland Coffee & Tea</a>.  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 <strong><a href="http://www.daleann.com/" target="_blank">Dale Ann Bradley</a></strong> that helps AC&T keep the juices flowing.  (I'll let you in on a secret, <em>there's more Bluegrass at AC&T than at the famed Birchmere in Alexandria, VA.)</em>  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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Y3ScDkCb0wo/Tg3ALBJl29I/AAAAAAAAAeY/xUkJ6VB1rCY/s1600-h/DSC03669%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="231" alt="DSC03669" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgml-ivc_FUJAfGJD-ANJ3242hJ2Q6AyLpB4V4hXfBennHdaVgoxF4kqzpW3JPYD2QlZgPgp5lORFfX1Nfeg4XKXrLYKzMCL1YcYcvu_hBvxIFMuseEGCN9mVS1QrRqxOPyYMYCevxejs/?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6_afWSFriB8/Tg3AMrjApjI/AAAAAAAAAeg/mmaOtI59c1c/s1600-h/DSC03672%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="384" alt="DSC03672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyq3aPMREKFBzp9vW2Cmd7mICN2aiqDxhjcfTQurEofyYPxvvETU818yRiTJh7afSaNpiF8FCNqc8Hiz9C99ylPJxfVqY_qfRqVZC3mmCTXhhzAm0-uo3ggu-YTtsJ15xpzEzlSBtVdbv/?imgmax=800" width="257" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CIXRJ6K57Pg/Tg3AOReI6aI/AAAAAAAAAeo/CssA1LjqkCE/s1600-h/DSC03686%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="231" alt="DSC03686" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cqWFR34ApyI/Tg3APD6xf1I/AAAAAAAAAes/4Qz69TRPFfQ/DSC03686_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>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: <a href="http://www.timtimberlake.blogspot.com">www.timtimberlake.blogspot.com</a></p> <p><strong><em>"NUFF SAID!"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-1225102044748593632011-06-12T13:01:00.001-07:002011-06-12T13:01:56.552-07:00"Cracker Barrel Manners"<p>There will be no Bluegrass in this column, just some personal musings.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p><strong><em>"NUFF SAID!"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-83155650320574978062011-06-05T15:23:00.001-07:002011-06-05T17:14:25.846-07:00The Heat Wave Let's Go in Time for a Wonderful Weekend at the Graves Mountain Festival of Music!<p>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.  </p> <p>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.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-k0u_oVU5fQU/TewBctBipAI/AAAAAAAAAcc/K95o8FUgmHs/s1600-h/DSC03577%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="244" alt="Ben Eldridge preparing to wow us all with that distinctive Ben Eldridge banjo style - Great!" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-syJVZGUgqT0/TewBdd0kSHI/AAAAAAAAAcg/2sTxW6_HUTg/DSC03577_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5uixoBXiejI/TewBelsGiQI/AAAAAAAAAck/_Vt5-rqP35E/s1600-h/DSC03578%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="244" alt="Dudley Connell on stage at Graves Mountain" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O9_cfO5EXrM/TewBf1IADzI/AAAAAAAAAco/uIpCf6QwSJg/DSC03578_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" border="0" /></a>   <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f-iw_o1VEZo/TewBj_QBhNI/AAAAAAAAAcw/XzU0iOEh9gU/s1600-h/DSC03587%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="Back stage with Tim Timberlake and Donna Ulisse" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K1BmhGq9HcM/TewBlOwJ-8I/AAAAAAAAAc0/-SWOJfxi7r0/DSC03587_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IAVCMBCizhI/TewBmWvVMdI/AAAAAAAAAc4/r06ewqAFEWg/s1600-h/DSC03592%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="Balsam Range on stage @ Graves Mountain Festival of Music" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kvriaJCFHHo/TewBnqWkKPI/AAAAAAAAAc8/XxnHVKigRII/DSC03592_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1NryvPX_djM/TewBpMehadI/AAAAAAAAAdA/D4lIDZx0Agg/s1600-h/DSC03597%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="384" alt="Darren Nicholson of Balsam Range" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p2Q4f6ZP9I8/TewBraUBpHI/AAAAAAAAAdE/w7xj5vQIxIg/DSC03597_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="257" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ct8nDtDDAVNy1AcTRzk5JkORTnJwzs0Q8QOUeZKGk06Fk9m07XS6Qj7RyWB4Q8es-sTI-6iJPXX2NRpjcwKGCCNKs68dwNUv3N75u63mZnQ76PKlGgLU4wnFlgLVJc4tIEZt3qmMhOM-/s1600-h/DSC03594%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="Buddy Melton, lead singer, fiddler, dobroist all for Balsam Range" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OxXl6PWN0FQ/TewBuOyK5rI/AAAAAAAAAdM/uwLdFFu-9Gc/DSC03594_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fVDqAWmvBIw/TewBvM1llRI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/wd5wxjIHuOk/s1600-h/DSC03596%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="Caleb Smith & Marc Pruett, Balsam Range" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-udXHMpYaPnA/TewBwTArhwI/AAAAAAAAAdU/ULem1yiWEaU/DSC03596_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eA4RquPGzfg/TewBxAQ9OHI/AAAAAAAAAdY/ovtYrIu1q6E/s1600-h/DSC03610%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="Cathy and (a startled) Earl Banton enjoying great Bluegrass at Graves" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HeSCfe6xSAo/TewBx3rsjCI/AAAAAAAAAdc/JaapeD98YPg/DSC03610_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pg7kHrARKdA/TewBzVfjQlI/AAAAAAAAAdg/J2vAeIHwdVA/s1600-h/DSC03611%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="The Grascals on stage" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8WCNrLwAywQ/TewB0pdT9SI/AAAAAAAAAdk/yEeIPEgLP3s/DSC03611_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0F6qxi5jH2A/TewB1el9aRI/AAAAAAAAAdo/ja5-RwyDVcE/s1600-h/DSC03629%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="384" alt="Kristen Scott Benson hammering away on the old Five" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Y0HbTJiy6Ps/TewB13cT72I/AAAAAAAAAds/MeiKKVD-rSg/DSC03629_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="257" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F2dxHRs9a8k/TewB2pN6EtI/AAAAAAAAAdw/7mgLshdiOMI/s1600-h/DSC03615%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="Terry Eldridge" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pSxbVKG2c-E/TewB3g_KZII/AAAAAAAAAd0/ZbQybcn6-f0/DSC03615_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GiR5c6DqFJw/TewB4fATE9I/AAAAAAAAAd4/9avDojO6KJc/s1600-h/DSC03614%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="231" alt="Jamie Johnson & Terry Eldridge" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DLqJw7VSl8Q/TewB5aPlwNI/AAAAAAAAAd8/r28xXGqgEDY/DSC03614_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aNqp9pfeNzU/TewB6_zXz7I/AAAAAAAAAeA/bHllnVTYfYQ/s1600-h/DSC03620%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="384" alt="Danny Roberts" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Dt6RKxLtn4w/TewB8_tjoWI/AAAAAAAAAeE/MSzSZvFSS8Q/DSC03620_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="257" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Fi9vgXI53Xk/TewB9Wxvr6I/AAAAAAAAAeI/7p1p5AKkDpQ/s1600-h/DSC03619%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="384" alt="Jeremy Abshire" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ExWSVdy6TfU/TewB-f0I4VI/AAAAAAAAAeM/n3YQCU2MQDg/DSC03619_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="257" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>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???</p> <p><strong><em>"NUFF SAID!"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-49564172462749720462011-05-28T05:40:00.001-07:002011-05-28T12:15:21.926-07:00The "Virginia Folk Music Association" (AKA the VFMA) To Open Hall of Fame museum on June 11th, 2011<p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Yet, another contest was held at Hooper Park, the VFMA Gospel Music Competition.  In the mid-Eighties I was a member of <strong>The Church Road Gospel Singers</strong>.  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 <u>Virginia Folk Music Association</u> and should <strong><em>require</em></strong> 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.</p> <p>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 <strong>Bill Emerson</strong>, <strong>Eddie Adcock</strong>, <strong>Tony Rice</strong>, <strong>Buck Ryan</strong> 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 <strong><em>Tony Rice</em></strong> was inducted.  He and his eclectic group of musicians began to perform and folks were enjoying their music.  Then <strong><em>Tony</em></strong> 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 <strong><em>Tony</em></strong> is <strong><em>Tony</em></strong> and he is gonna do what he wants.</p> <p>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: <strong>Lost & Found</strong>, <strong>Mitch Harrell & The Virginians</strong>, <strong>Adam McPeak</strong>, <strong>Thunder Road</strong> and <strong>Billie Sue and Bob Goff & Mill Run</strong>.</p> <p><strong><em>Sigrid Williams</em></strong>, the President of the VFMA has sent me some of her thought to include in this article.  They are,  "<em>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.   </em></p> <p><em>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. </em></p> <p><em>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.  </em></p> <p><em>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.</em>"   </p> <p>Sure hope you'll plan to join me on June 11th as we celebrate this great milestone.   </p> <p><strong><em>"NUFF SAID!"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-55711542808011343152011-05-26T14:37:00.001-07:002011-05-26T14:37:24.223-07:00Sonny Mead, Long time Richmond and Central Virginia Fiddler in Ill Health<p><strong>Sonny Mead</strong> 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.</p> <p><strong><em>Sonny</em></strong> 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 <strong><em>Sonny</em></strong> 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 <strong><em>Sonny</em></strong> expressing your thoughts and memories of his many years fiddling in the area.</p> <p>My strongest memory of <strong><em>Sonny </em></strong>is when he was the fiddler for <strong>The Heights of Grass</strong>.  Most of us remember when <strong><em>Charlie Daniels</em></strong> 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.  <strong><em>Sonny</em></strong> 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.  <strong><em>Sonny</em></strong> 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 <strong><em>Sonny</em></strong> came to our meetings quite often.  He always seemed to have fun. </p> <p><strong><em>Sonny</em></strong> appeared at The <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IFAigoUPTOY/Td7IDqYsatI/AAAAAAAAAcE/9K_DTOXuBUk/s1600-h/MVC-012F%25255B24%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="384" alt="Sonny fiddlig with " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0FsEMSkjuCY/Td7IExRx58I/AAAAAAAAAcI/SBWYd6xjc8k/MVC-012F_thumb%25255B22%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" align="right" border="0" meeting.?="meeting.?" Family="Family" Bluegrass="Bluegrass" Virginia="Virginia" a="a" at="at" Out?="Out?" Night="Night" Girls="Girls" New="New" /></a>Richmond Folk Festival a year or so ago along with banjoist, <strong><em>John Robison</em></strong>, demonstrating how the banjo and fiddle were vital parts of the folk music scene.  The following is a write up describing<strong><em> Sonny</em></strong> on the Richmond Folk Festival web page: </p> <p><em>"Fiddler <strong>Sonny Mead</strong> 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 </em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=the+world%27s+hottest+fiddlers&tag=yahhyd-20&index=aps&ref=pd_sl_8os9u4c7yj_b"><em>"The World's Hottest Fiddlers".  </em></a><em>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."</em></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045301358058007622.post-3109522448361565092011-05-23T08:56:00.001-07:002011-06-05T17:15:46.872-07:00"Graves Mountain Festival of Music" - June 2nd, 3rd & 4th, 2011<p>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.  </p> <p>Now, about the food at Graves.  The dinner Special on Thursday evening is <em><u>BBQ Pork Ribs</u></em> with all the trimmings.  On Friday the dinner special is <em><u>Fried Rainbow Trout</u></em> and on Saturday it's <em><u>Grilled Rib Eye Steak</u></em>.  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.</p> <p>There is a <u>chair policy</u> 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.</p> <p>Now, let's get down to the music.  Every day at Graves is big and Thursday is no exception.  First up is <strong><a href="http://www.donnaulisse.com/" target="_blank">Donna Ulisse & The Poor Mountain Boys</a></strong>.  <strong><em>Donna</em></strong> 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 <strong><em>Donna</em></strong> 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 <strong><em>Donna's</em></strong> music by clicking <a href="http://www.donnaulisse.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. [For those of you that can't make the trip to Graves, <strong><em>Donna</em></strong> will be performing on Friday June 3rd in Victoria, VA at the <a href="http://www.myspace.com/uptowncoffeecafe" target="_blank">Uptown Coffee Cafe</a>.]  Next up is another Virginia native, <strong><em>James King</em></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.thejameskingband.com/" target="_blank">The James King Band</a></strong>.  <strong><em>James</em></strong> 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 <strong><a href="http://www.larrystephensonband.com/" target="_blank">The Larry Stephenson Band</a></strong>.  <strong><em>Larry</em></strong> comes from the Fredericksburg area, but now makes his home in White House ,TN near Nashville.  I first saw<strong><em> Larry</em></strong> 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 <strong><em>Larry's</em></strong> band was one the chosen.  Next up on Thursday is <strong><a href="http://goldwingexpress.net/" target="_blank">Goldwing Express</a></strong>.  Read about <strong>Goldwing Express</strong> in this excerpt from their web page: "<em>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!</em>"   Closing out the day on Thursday;  who else, <strong><a href="http://www.seldomscene.com/fr_home.cfm" target="_blank">The Seldom Scene</a></strong>.  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 <strong>The Seldom Scene</strong>.  For a sample of the 'fun' of being at a live concert listen by clicking <a href="http://www.seldomscene.com/fr_home.cfm" target="_blank">here</a>.  Also, don't forget these concerts are all on Thursday and that means <u>BBQ Ribs</u>.  Get yourself some!</p> <p>After a night of jamming and visiting, dawn arrives and Friday begins at Graves with <strong><a href="http://www.lhway.com/" target="_blank">Lonesome Highway</a></strong> being first band up. Here's a note from <strong>Lonesome Highway's</strong> web page: "<em>COULD IT BE....???</em><a href="http://www.theboot.com/2011/03/30/steve-martin-bluegrass-music/"><em>Actor/comedian Steve Martin names Lonesome Highway as one of the bands he enjoys listening to!!!</em></a><em> 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</em>."  The next band up is a Central Virginia favorite, <strong><a href="http://www.mtempleton.com/" target="_blank">Mark Templeton & Pocket Change</a></strong>.  Now, if you like your Bluegrass more from the traditional side of things then you'll be happy to hear <strong><a href="http://www.juniorsiskandramblerschoice.com/" target="_blank">Junior Sisk & Rambler's Choice</a></strong> will be at Graves on Friday.  <strong><em>Junior</em></strong> 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) <em>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.</em>"   Next up on Friday is <a href="http://www.balsamrange.com/" target="_blank">Balsam Range</a>. This blurb from their web page best describes their music: "<em>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.</em>"  Last up on Friday is the one and only <strong><a href="http://www.lonesomeriverband.com/" target="_blank">Lonesome River Band</a></strong>, featuring the unmistakable Banjo work of Virginia's own <strong><em>Sammy Shelor</em></strong>.  I want to tell you something special about <strong><em>Sammy</em></strong> and the <strong>Lonesome River Band.</strong>  Every year for the past seventeen years <strong>LRB</strong> has performed in Richmond, VA at <a href="http://www.neverstopbelieving.org/" target="_blank">Saint Joseph's Villa</a> (A charitable organization dedicated to helping the poor and homeless, especially children).  I do not know the particulars of the financial reward to <strong>LRB</strong> for this show, but my guess it is very little to possibly nothing at all.  <strong><em>Sammy's</em></strong> reward is the good feeling he gets for helping this very worthwhile organization.  I am hesitant to tell you that  <strong>Cherryholmes</strong> is listed as performing at Graves on Friday.  My understanding was that <strong>Cherryholmes</strong> had dissolved the band and had their last performance a month ago.  From their web site: "<strong><em>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.</em></strong>"If this is <u>not true</u> 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 <u>Fried Rainbow Trout</u> dinner!</p> <p>I know you're tired from, yet another late night of jamming, but you gotta get up on Saturday to hear the <strong><a href="http://www.navyband.navy.mil/country_current.shtml" target="_blank">U. S. Navy Band "Country Current</a></strong>."  Started over 30 years ago by <strong><em>Bill Emerson</em></strong>, <strong>Country Current</strong> still survives with top notch musicians and more awards than I can tell you.  As always, <strong>Country Current</strong> 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, <strong><a href="http://www.iiirdtymeout.com/" target="_blank">Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out</a></strong>.  Now, it happens that not all of the music heard at Graves is strictly Bluegrass and the next band up, <strong><a href="http://www.quebesistersband.com/" target="_blank">The Quebe Sisters Band</a></strong> 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 <strong><a href="http://www.theboxcars.com/" target="_blank">The Boxcars</a></strong> and they'll drag you right back out of Texas to the center of Kentucky with their great Bluegrass music.   With <strong><em>Ron Stewart</em></strong> on Banjo/Fiddle and <em><strong>Adam Steffey</strong></em> on Mandolin, you know you're in for a great set of music.  Don't miss them!  <strong><a href="http://www.ryehollerboys.com/" target="_blank">The Rye Holler Boys</a></strong> 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.  <strong>The Rye Holler Boys</strong> are an exuberant group and will entertain you from start to finish.  There will be two of the <strong>Vincent</strong> family at Graves on Saturday.  First up will be <strong><a href="http://www.rhondavincent.com/" target="_blank">Rhonda Vincent & The Rage</a></strong> 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, <strong><a href="http://daileyvincent.musiccitynetworks.com/" target="_blank">Dailey & Vincent</a> </strong>will perform at 4:50 in the afternoon.  Please keep this in mind and don't expect two shows as this will be the <u>one and only performance</u> by <strong>Dailey & Vincent</strong>.  Well, that about wraps up Saturday at Graves, but don't forget to get that <u>Rib Eye Steak</u> for supper.</p> <p>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.</p> <p><strong><em>"NUFF SAID!"</em></strong></p> Gary Robertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506620590735540995noreply@blogger.com0