"Bluegrass Ramble, July 15th, 2009 - Dead Right! Maybe Not!

Before I get into the meat of this article I wanted to share two things with you.  First, this article will not have one iota of information about Bluegrass, but I think you will know me better after you have read it.  Second, my computer’s power supply burned out just prior to my weekend at the Sedalia Bluegrass Festival, which by the way was very nice.  I was without a computer for about three weeks.  Obviously, I’m back in business now.

I have a pet peeve.  Oh, I actually have more than one pet peeve, but this one came to light in a strong way just last week.  It concerns closed lanes approaching construction zones along the highway.  Usually, for about 3 or 4 miles before reaching the actual work zone, there will be signs warning that (for example) the right lane will be closed ahead.  I and most of the drivers on the road will heed those signs and move over to the left lane well ahead of the actual construction.  Certainly if everyone did this getting by the construction would be easy and fast.  There are those, however, who feel that they are privileged and will stay in the right lane all the way up to the work zone and then want the drivers in the left lane to let them in.  This has caused me to get extremely angry and to use rather crusty language and to gesticulate using the central digit of my right or even left hand.  There have been times when I have seen these cars streaming by in the soon to be closed lane and I've gotten so angry that I will actually get out in that lane and try to block those cars from passing if I can.  Because of these inconsiderate drivers the open lane becomes very slow as considerate (but mis-guided) drivers up at the actual merge point allow those inconsiderate ones into the lane.  So, here I sit for 20 minutes or more inching along because these drivers are causing my lane to barely move.

Now, this brings me to my experience just last week.  I had no more entered onto I-85 from US 460, when I found myself in a long line of traffic.  The left lane was closed ahead and we were slowly making our way toward the construction zone.  On this particular day there were very few drivers rushing ahead in the “closed” lane, so progress was fairly fast.  Just as I was entering the area where the actual construction was happening this car sped up beside me and tried to get in front of me.  I jockeyed and sped up and jammed on brakes and did everything I could to prevent him from getting up in front of me, all the while saying things like $%^&$%^*&*($%^$% or #$^$%^&&(*(*^&$%.  Rather salty and crusty words, to be sure. I was so angry that my blood pressure was most certainly cranked up and I trembled.  I was able to prevent him from getting in front of me and felt smug about my success, but as I looked back in my rearview mirror at the driver he was gesticulating at me and his mouth was moving animatedly.  I’m guessing there was some crusty language being sent my way, too.

As we passed out of the construction zone and both lanes opened up, this guy came by me rather slowly and enthusiastically gesticulated in my direction using the central digit of his right hand and continued to do so as he sped away.  This got me to thinking.  Did I actually win the construction lane battle?  Was it worth it?  This fellow could have easily had a handgun and I could be dead right now.  I’ve thought a lot about that little war and have decided to be less aggressive in the future.  I will let the driver in and simply resign myself to the fact that people will not always behave the way I would like them to.  To be sure, this lane closure thing will remain a pet peeve, but I will not risk my life being “right.”  It’s good to be right but what good is “dead right?”

"Nuff Said"

Special Report: Donnie Mason Is Recovering From Gastric Bypass Surgery

I know this is a bit unusual for me, but Donnie is a great guy and has been desperately waiting to have this life saving surgery.  Now, finally, after many tries he has had the surgery and is on his way to a new life. 

Donnie wanted me to share his great news and to again thank all of you who contributed toward this life changing event.

Donnie heads up the band In The Tradition as the lead singer and Mandolinist.  Playing with Donnie are his son, Scott Mason on Banjo, and daughter-in-law, Tammy Green Mason on upright Bass.  Also in the band is Tammy's father and Donnie's long time friend and singing partner, Ray Green on Guitar.  On Dobro is George "Little George to many" Evans, Sr.  These folks have been playing together for quite some time and if you have ever been fortunate to catch them in person you will know why the band is called In The Tradition. 

Several years ago a benefit show was held for Donnie to help defray the costs of this very expensive and dangerous surgery.  Many bands participated and  many thousands of dollars were raised.  My duty that day was to present a slide show before the performance.  These photos were taken by Donnie's many friends and family.    

Donnie Mason & In The Tradition            Donnie at the record table.

Those of us who really know Donnie and his band also know he travels with his alter-ego: Madonnie seen here after a trip to the beauty parlor.  Occasionally Madonnie performs as special guest with other bands.  Check out the picture below as she joins forces with that wonderful band from the Lexington Virginia area; Nothin' Fancy.   AS you can see Donnie enjoys life and has fun at his own expense.  Donnie has a serious side too as he reprises several of those great Lester Flatt recitations. Please join me in congratulating Donnie on this momentous occasion.  You may email him at: bigman1961@msn.com.   Donnie, here's hoping we see less and less of you in the future.

Bluegrass Ramble, June 13, 2009

Good morning!  I say that because here I sit at 6AM on a warm June morning in Central Virginia typing away on my computer.  I hadn't planned on writing today, but this is the way of a blog or perhaps a writer.  As I learned from John-Boy Walton, we never know when the urge to write will suddenly occur.

A few weeks ago I had two ideas about how to get myself into deeper debt than I am already.  The first was that I desperately needed a new lawn mower.  My grass (weeds actually) had been growing ever since the first warm day of spring and my yard looked like an abandoned home.  My last mower had been the biggest and best mower that Southern States had to offer.  It featured a 20 HP Kohler engine and a 50" cutting deck.  I actually made it through the first season without any problems, but by the next spring problems started cropping up.  Within a few years Southern States even stopped supporting the mower.  Parts were nearly impossible to get.  So, basically I needed a new mower.  At about that same time I had run upon an old Executive Motor Home that was in great shape for only $6,000!  By the time I spoke to the owner he told me another guy had shown great interest and was trying for a loan.  He told me if that guy couldn't get the money it was mine.  Well, you guessed it, he got the money.  So, then I started looking at other campers and motor homes.  But, the grass was still growing.  As a matter of fact it had matured and it was beginning to turn golden brown with heavy seed heads on top.  I had to decide to do something.  While at the Amelia festival I drove over to Crewe, VA to Crewe Tractor to look at their line of Dixie Chopper Lawn Mowers.  I even got to test drive one.  Believe me, if you've never driven a zero turn mower, that first try levels the playing field, cause it is different from anything you may have driven before.  I told my buddy, Ralph Westfall, about the mowers and he went over there that same weekend and looked them over, too.  While I'm still undecided and swaying in the wind between a newer camper and a Dixie Chopper, Ralph made a deal and bought himself a new Dixie Chopper.  Finally, just last week I decided that my old camper would get by for me a couple more years and so I also bought a Dixie Chopper.  Wow!  What a lawn mower!!!  Last Saturday, with the grass soaking wet from three days of constant rain, I mastered the operation of my new Dixie Chopper and mowed my entire yard in 90 minutes.  This is a yard that took me 6 hours to cut with my old Statesman mower, even when it was in perfect shape.  So, the next time you see me at a Bluegrass festival I'll still be driving that rusty old '76 Ford F150 and towing that even older 1972 tag along camper, but know this, the lawn will be cut.

GROTTOES FAMILY BLUEGRASS FESTVAL - June 18th, 19th & 20th.

Speaking of Bluegrass festivals, I've got to tell you about this wonderful festival presented twice a year by Lawson Entertainment (Better known and Sweet Brenda & Calvin "him" Lawson) in this absolutely gorgeous park, Grand Caverns Regional Park, near the village of Grottoes, VA.  I remember so well back in the 80s when a group of friends would caravan our campers up to Grottoes to attend this festival.  We would arrive early Thursday morning and the promoter would hold us up at the gate.  He explained that the county had to mark off the park with huge areas for each camper, as if he were marking off a mobile home park.  I remember the promoter telling us after the guy left for us to camp anywhere we wanted, and we did.  If we had followed the county man's wishes there could have been more that about 25 campers in the entire park.  But, enough about the old days.  This coming festival on June 18th, 19th and 20th, 2009 will feature some great Bluegrass featuring Goldwing Express on Thursday along with a potluck dinner.  Bring along your favorite dish and join in the fun.  Friday get going with a couple of bands that are evidently from the Grottoes area because they are unknown to me.  They are Allegheny Blue and Skyline Express.  Following these two bands is Next Best Thing, featuring Rhonda Vincent's daughters, Tensel and Sally Sandker.  Up next is a graduate of Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Josh Williams with his band The Josh Williams Band.  Wrapping up the day on Friday is the ever popular (and rightfully so!) Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out.  Things get started on Saturday with The Little Mountain Boys.  Now don't get yourself confused here. it's the mountain that's little, not the boys!  Next up is Big Country Bluegrass.  This band, formed by Tommy & Teresa Sells features Lynwood Lunsford on Banjo and presents a great traditional Bluegrass show.  The Deer Creek Boys are up next.  Most of us can remember when these guys actually were boys.  They were great when they were kids and they're even better now.  A favorite band from the Central Virginia area is up next, Country Fried Grass.  These guys mix up traditional songs along with what I like to call "modern traditional" Bluegrass.  Last up is Lexington, Virginia's Nothin' Fancy.  What can I add to the many fine things others have written about Nothin' Fancy?  All I can say is that you may not like everything they do, but if you aren't entertained then you weren't paying attention.  Try to make your way up to Grottoes; you'll have fun, I promise.  It's just 18 miles north of Waynesboro on one of Virginia's most pleasant and scenic routes, Route 340.  Grottoes is about 10 miles from one of the more famous festival sites of the 1970s; Orange Blossom Park.  That purple cow head (It was your signal to turn right toward Orange Blossom Park!) is still there as you leave Waynesboro.  Look up to your right and you'll see it!

BLUEGRASS AT SEDALIA - June 25th, 26th & 27th, 2009 - Big Island. VA

I've said this before about Sedalia (Bluegrass At Sedalia, but we like to simply call it Sedalia.) and I'm gonna say it again.  Do your remember when festivals were small and you knew almost everyone there?  Do you remember when festivals were just a little more rustic than those of today?  Well, Sedalia has that feel while still offering the amenities we expect nowadays.  This year will mark my first 3-day stay at Sedalia.  I've been to almost every festival, but only as a "day tripper."  This time I decided to pull the old camper up there while gas prices are still fairly low and the truck is still running.  There's one more thing that makes this trip more feasible.  Just before going to the Graves Mountain Festival I bought a brand new Honda 3000 watt generator.  (It was expensive; cost me more than twice the value of my camper and truck combined.) I ran it all weekend at Graves and it is so quiet most folks didn't even know it was running.  Now, before you begin thinking Sedalia doesn't have electricity I want to stop that thought right now!  I am told that the Sedalia Center has upgraded all of their electric hookups to 30 amp.  But I will warn you that like most festivals the number of hook ups are limited and they are on a first come/first served basis.  Since by the time I arrive most of the locals will have snapped up the hook ups, but I will have my generator ready to keep me cool all weekend.  I think my biggest worry was wondering if there were showers available at Sedalia?  I am assured there are handicapped accessible showers for both men & women.  Now to the music!  Since Sedalia doesn't publish a schedule in advance I'll just tell who's gonna be playing over the course of the weekend.  Bluegrass At Sedalia will feature: Black Bear Express; Blackwater; Bluegrass Brothers; Deer Creek Boys, FaithRidge; Hard Drivin' Grass; High Ground; Kinney Rorrer & The New North Carolina Ramblers; Mark Templeton & Pocket Change; Reed Creek and Smith Mountain Grass.  Come on out to Sedalia located just north of Bedford, VA.  Remember, I'll be there driving that old 76 Ford F150, but my grass will be cut!

JAMES KING BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL; Rockahock Campground, Lanexa, VA June 25th, 26th & 27th, 2009

The very same weekend as the Sedalia Bluegrass Festival is the James King Bluegrass Festival at Rockahock Campground in Lanexa, Virginia.  The James King Bluegrass Festival is a bit different from any other festival in Virginia.  To begin with the stage area is considered to be part of the restaurant there at Rockahock.  That restaurant has an ABC license which allows it to serve beer and mixed drinks.  Since the stage area is part of the restaurant you may sit at the stage and openly drink alcoholic beverages.  At the same time you cannot bring anything into the stage area.  Not even a bottle of water.  Anything, food or beverage, in the stage area must be purchased at the restaurant.  With that out of the way, there is not a lot of differences between Rockahock than most other festivals.  The line up this year includes: The James King Band; Sierra Hull & Route 111; The Bradley Walker Band; Lost & Found; Randy Waller & The Country Gentlemen; Blue Highway; Country Fried Grass; Code Blue; Bill Emerson & The Sweet Dixie Band; Lawson Creek Band; Goldwing Express and many more.  I won't see you at the James King Bluegrass Festival simply because it is not possible to be in two places at once.  I have attended Rockahock in the past and I can tell you it is a nice place for a festival and you will have fun.  There are some folks at Rockahock that you most likely won't see at any other festival in the state.  If you have not heard Bradley Walker, please be sure to go down to the stage and get up close and you will be blown away by this young man's voice and great attitude.

VIRGINIA BLUEGRASS FAMILY Meeting  - July 14th, 2nd Tuesday  Don't Forget!

'NUFF SAID!

"BLUEGRASS RAMBLE" May 25th, 2009

I have many things to write about today, that my guess is I will surely forget a couple of things I meant to say.  To keep from having so many entries in the blog I'll skip a space and type in sub-titles in bold print.

Grave's Mountain Festival of Music

That's right, coming up this weekend, May 28th, 29th & 30th, 2009 is the 17th annual Graves Mountain Festival of Music.  As best as I can recall this is the first time that at least one day of the festival did not fall in June.  I'm not gonna list every band here, but I want to touch on the highlights.  On Thursday we'll get to hear the wonderful voice of Junior Sisk as Junior Sisk & Rambler's Choice perform.  Also, Larry Cordle the great Bluegrass and Country songwriter ("Murder on Music Row") will be at Graves with his band Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time.  Wrapping up the day on Thursday is the great family band that refuses to call itself a family band, Cherryholmes.

Friday has so much going on that I'm gonna have to tell you about almost all of it.  First up on Friday is a little known band called Next Best Thing.  This band has both of Rhonda Vincent's daughters, making them the 5th generation of the Vincent family to perform Bluegrass music.  Next up is the great Navy Bluegrass band founded by Bill Emerson, Country Current.  If you like your Bluegrass from the heart and traditional then look no farther than The James King Band.  Sammy Shelor has kept the brand alive by keeping The Lonesome River Band staffed with top notch musicians; one listen and you'll agree.  Next up will be Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, serving up some of the clearest tenor lead singing you're likely to hear and great high harmonies.  Probably the highlight of the weekend, for me, will be the second re-union of The Heights of Grass, featuring Don Grubb, Billy Lux, Vernon Hughes, Richard Ward and several other "Heights" alumni (Sammy Shelor was one!).

Saturday gets underway with hard driving traditional sounds of The Bluegrass Brothers.  Follow that up with the annual appearance of The Mark Newton Band and you've got Saturday going with gusto.  Next up is a great new name in Bluegrass, Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain.  Carrie will blow you away with her strong vocals.  Next up is a new contemporary band, The SteelDrivers.  These guys have always performed their own music and, to my knowledge, have never performed a "cover" of anyone else's music.  There's nothing I can say by way of superlatives other than also on Saturday The Seldom Scene and Rhonda Vincent & The Rage will appear.  Things will wrap up on Saturday with an all-star Bluegrass jam featuring the imminent Carl Jackson along with Mark Newton and many others.  I'll be heading towards Graves on Wednesday.  Sure hope I see a lot of you there!

My Weekend at The Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival

Along with at least a couple thousand others I enjoyed a wonderful weekend at what is lovingly called the Amelia Festival by most of us.  There were heavy downpours of rain in all directions, but for some reason Amelia was not the usual "rain-magnet" as in years past.  We enjoyed a beautiful weather and many hours of great Bluegrass.  The jamming was everywhere and at times a bit boisterous, but always lots of fun.  I am counting the days until August 14th, 15th & 16th when the summer edition of Amelia Bluegrass will continue the great times in Amelia.  I have to believe this festival was the most successful with the largest crowd of any other held at the Amelia Family Campground.

Great Times at PreddyFest

I drove down to Franklinton, NC this past Saturday to enjoy a few hours at PreddyFest.  Rodney Preddy, who presents the festival, has been wrestling with choosing the best dates to have it.  The first years were held on the first weekend of August.  All that could be said about that weekend was , hot, hot, hot.  Then last year he chose to move it to the weekend vacated by the closing of The Christopher Run Bluegrass Festival.  Wow!  Last year that weekend was the hottest weekend of all of 2008.  This year, not wishing to compete with any other event, and after learning the The Bass Mountain Bluegrass Festvial was ended, Rodney chose to have PreddyFest on Memorial Day Weekend.  Even though the festival at Bass Mountain was revived, PreddyFest was a huge success, blessed with great weather and many great bands.  I think that two festivals could occur the same weekend less than 75 miles apart, and each achieve the success desired, attests to the strong and growing fan base of Bluegrass.

Donnie Mason Scheduled for Gastric Bypass June 15th, 2009

Donnie Mason of the band In The Tradition wanted me to tell all you that his health insurance company has finally agreed to allow his gastric bypass surgery.  It is scheduled for June 15th.  Donnie again wanted to express his heartfelt thanks to all who contributed toward this great day that will finally happen.  To write Donnie with your best wishes you may contact him via email by clicking here.

Christopher Run Campground to host "A Bluegrass Weekend" June 5th & 6th, 2009

Once again this year the Christopher Run Campground will host another "camp & pick" at the campgrounds this June 5th & 6th.  They will open up the old Bluegrass festival camping area with electric and water in that area costing $15 per night.  Remember camping on the "fence row?"  There'll be no bands on stage, and for that matter there'll be no stage, but there'll be a great chance to get together with old friends and to tell a few lies and pick and sing together.  For details and information on reservations, etc, click here.

JULY meeting of The Virginia Bluegrass Family will be moved to July 14th, Second Tuesday.

Due to a conflict with Jahnke Road Baptist Church's "Vacation Bible School" we will not be able to have our meeting on the 1st Tuesday of July.  Instead we will meet on the second Tuesday, which is July 14th.  I will make every effort to get this information  to everyone at the June meeting which will be on June 2nd.

Well I don't want to wear you out, so I'll wrap up this edition of the Bluegrass Ramble by saying......

'NUFF SAID!

Festival Season is in Full Swing: Central VA Family Bluegrass Music Festival - May 14th thru 16th: PreddyFest May 21st thru 23rd: Graves MT. Festival of Music - May 28th thru 30th, 2009

Yeah, I know that's really fat headline. but I wanted to cover all of this in just one post so you wouldn't have to scan the entire blog for info.  I will, however, insert hyperlinks to my original post on each festival and also hyperlinks to the web site of each festival.

Before getting to the festivals I wanted to mention a Tuesday night jam.  It's pretty far away, but they do have jams every Tuesday and if you're heading toward southwest Virginia you might want to stop by Gerta's House of Music right off exit
77 on I-81/77 just down from the Wilco/Hess Truckstop/Wash. For more information please feel free to email Sarah Strang by clicking here.

I also wanted to make sure you got the word about the Isaacs concert coming up at the West End Assembly of God, 401 Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229, Doors open at 6:30 PM, Music starts at 7:30 PM, $15 in advance/$20 at door, nice group discounts available for 10 or more, see www.JAMinc.org or call 804 320-7067 Give Mom a ticket for Mothers' day (May 10).  JAMinc is a non-profit organization whose mission is stated as: Mission: "To open minds, hearts and ears to music deserving a
wider audience through education, performance and support." I think the goals of JAMinc are wonderful and whenever I can I support them.  Won't you do the same?

Also, there is a wonderful multi-part documentary now showing on PBS entitled, " Appalachia, A History of Mountains and People."  For more information about the series go to the web site by clicking here.  There is also a companion CD of the music from the series.  More information about how to obtain a copy is available by clicking here.  I plan to review the CD within the next few weeks.

Now, to the festivals!  Coming up in in 12 short days (May 14th, 15th & 16th) from the date of this blog is the Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival.  John & Fern Hutchinson have been presenting this fine festival for 29 years and this year will mark the 30th year of Bluegrass at the Amelia Family Campgrounds.  Clink on the link for details concerning the 30th Anniversary festival and camping information.  Also to read my previous blog entry about the Amelia Festival (that's what we all affectionately call it!) click here.  Coming up just 5 short days after the Amelia Festival is PreddyFest, in Freanklinton, NC, on May 21st, 22nd & 23rd.  To connect to the PreddyFest web site click here for more details.  To read my previous post about PreddyFest click here.  The last festival in Central Virginia in May is the Grave's Mountain Festival of Music.  Virginia's largest festival takes place on May 28th, 29th & 30th. For detailed information about the festival and all the other activities throughout the year at Grave's Mountain click here.  To read my previous blog with a more detailed description click here.  One way or another I'll be attending all of these great Bluegrass festivals.  I really hope I see you at each and every one of them.

Yet Another "Bluegrass Ramble" April 18, 2009

Good Morning Bluegrass friends.  I've got a lot to cram in this ramble so I better get right to it.  First I want to mention the thing that is farthermost in the future, as far as this writing goes anyway.  The Virginia Folk Music Association, better know to all of us as the VFMA  will bring us their festival "Jumpin' Bluegrass '09 this coming September 17th, 18th, 19th followed by the official Virginia Bluegrass Championship contest on Sunday September 20th.  I'll be mentioning this in the future, but felt I should bring it up now so you can mark your calendar and reserve your leave time.  Bands that will be performing over the course of the weekend are: The Lonesome River Band, Michelle Nixon & Drive, The James King Band, Code Blue, Copper Ridge, Borrowed Time, Thunder Creek and Virginia City Grass.  For a printable copy of the official flyer click here.  In an effort to boost attendance this year you can attend each and every day for only $5.  That's right you read it right, only $5 for the day or only $20 for the entire weekend.   Also don't forget the "Cornbread & Soup Beans Pot Luck Supper" on Thursday.  Remember that our club The Virginia Bluegrass Family provides the BBQ and Rolls that day.

Coming up tomorrow are two Bluegrass shows right here in Central Virginia.  First up at 1PM Borrowed Time will be playing at Namaw's Restaurant in Amelia at 1PM.  Ralph Westfall will be standing in as guest on Banjo.  Then at 7:30PM The Big Boss Combo will be performing at Lulu's on 17th Street across from the farmer's market.  There is a nominal $7 cover charge which includes a light dinner buffet.  I'm gonna try to make both shows, so maybe I'll see you at one or the other.

Next weekend presents a huge problem as there are two very good Bluegrass events happening at the same time.  Unfortunately, choices have to be made.  The Virginia Bluegrass & Country Music Foundation, Inc. will present the 23rd Bluegrass & Country Music Festival at "George Winn Memorial Park,' in Lawrenceville, Virginia at the corner of Rt. 678 (Rose Drive) and Rt. 733.  Bands playing will be: George Winn & The Bluegrass Partners, Becky Taylor & Open Fire, Against The Grain, Special Order, Robert Nelson, The Watts Brothers, Rome County, Take Two- Jo & Wilma, Vicki Hayes & Friends and The Sargent Family.  On this very same weekend about 100 miles north is Mr. B's "Spring Into Bluegrass" Festival, held at Mr. B's Park in Ladysmith, Virginia.  There's a full article about Mr. B's on the blog.  Click here to access that blog entry.

To access my blog entry for "The Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival," click here.  My entry for "PreddyFest" can be accesssed by clicking here.

I will close this blog by urging you to purchase the series if DVDs being offered by the Country Music Hall of Fame of the Flatt & Scruggs TV Shows.  I especially wanted to tell you about Volume 7.  Every volume has great classic live Bluegrass performed by one of the seminal and most important Bluegrass bands of all time, Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs & The Foggy Mountain Boys Volume 7 is special because it contains the earliest known film of the Flatt & Scruggs TV Show.  It is an amazingly complete and fine show.  Upon first seeing the show you might think the film is in awful condition, but you really don't have an idea how bad the film actually was.  After the show there is a special feature showing the amazing way the film was restored.

I'll close out this "Bluegrass Ramble" with a piece of Bluegrass Gossip i heard last night while enjoying a fine performance by North Ridge at Farmer's Cafe in Blackstone, Virginia.  Someone there said the James King got married last weekend.  Congratulations James!

"NUFF SAID!"

"Bluegrass Ramble" April 4th,2009

Hi folks,  This is my first article after the closing of my ten years of publishing "Bluegrass Virginia" the newsletter.  Those ten years were full of good times and I'm hoping that I can offer some interesting Bluegrass related stuff for you here in "Bluegrass Virginia, The Blog."  This is an extension of a column I had in the newsletter called the Bluegrass Ramble.  Whenever you see an article with Bluegrass Ramble in the title be prepared for just that.  I'll ramble from here to there with my thoughts about Bluegrass and some actual useful information along with, perhaps, some personal happenings as I make my way through life.

Just four short years ago I received an email from a young woman named Kim Gold.  She had heard from the IBMA that I, through our club, The Virginia Bluegrass Family, was doing some booking of showcase bands at the IBMA World of Bluegrass in Louisville, Kentucky.  She wrote to me that her three daughters had formed a band named Gold Heart, and they were interested in showcasing as part of my "Night Owl Concerts."  Always interested in new talent, I booked them without having heard a single note of music.  In the interim between booking them to play and the week of IBMA I met them when they came down to Chesterfield, Virginia to attend the VFMA "Jumpin' Bluegrass 05."  We were pleasantly rewarded with Gold Heart making a special guest appearance during the weekend of the festival.  Since that time they have performed all around Virginia and up and down the east coast.  Soon they will travel for a two week tour of the United Kingdom where I know they'll be welcomed and in turn they will treat those British Isles to some good old Virginia styled Bluegrass.  Probably the neatest thing I have to share about Gold Heart is that they have just been signed as Rural Rhythm Records newest recording artists.  To read the official announcement by their booking agent Hope River Entertainment and Rural Rhythm Records click here.  I'm so proud and happy for this fine family.  Here's a few photos of Gold Heart.

 

Hey, folks I wanted to tell you something about some recent posts here on "Bluegrass Virginia."  A couple of weeks ago I sent out a notice telling you there were 11 new posts on the blog, but when you went to look at them there were only 5 or 6 of them visible.  It turns out that the wonderful Internet service that allows me to present this journal to you free of charge archives all posts beyond the five most recent.  So, that means all of the posts are there.  You simply have to click on the words "older posts" that appear at the very bottom of the series of post that are visible right now.  Do take a little time to take a look.  Thanks!

"NUFF SAID!"