Grottoes Family Bluegrass Festival - June 17th, 18th & 19th, 2010~~~~Sedalia Bluegrass Festival - June 24th, 25th & 26th, 2010 Two Great Festivals!

There's a lot I want to share with you today.  I'll begin by telling you about the great time I had at the "Graves Mountain Festival of Music" out in Syria, VA.  I arrived on Wednesday and found Jack & Peggy Woodall and Bill & Gertie Richardson exactly where I expected to find them.  Bill came over to my sight and helped me get my canopy (Twice! But that's another story!)up.  From then on we enjoyed a wonderful weekend of Bluegrass and socializing.  I have to be honest and tell you it rained every single day, but the rains were short lived and the grounds dry quickly at Graves.  The friends I saw over the course of the weekend are too numerous to mention, but let it be said that Graves was a great time and seeing the old friends made it all the better.  I attended a number of the stage performances.  I guess my favorite was the last show Thursday evening when The Seldom Scene closed out the day.  As always, a great way to end any day at Graves.  The special performances held through-out the day on Friday as part of the Rural Rhythm live recording project were very good; especially the collaborations in the early evening followed by the special singing of "Graves Mountain Memories"  written by Carl Jackson especially for Jimmy Graves and the Graves Mountain Festival of Music.  The DVD and CD project is slated for release this fall.  It should be a very good recording.  Well, that's enough about what is past; it's time to tell you about two great festivals coming up real soon.

GROTTOES FAMILY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL - JUNE 17TH, 18TH & 19TH, 2010 - GROTTOES, VA

The team of Sweet Brenda & Him and their production company Lawson Entertainment presents the "Grottoes Family Bluegrass Festival" on June 17th, 18th & 19th.  If you've never been to Grand Caverns Regional Park near the town of Grottoes, VA you have missed not only a great and beautiful little park, but also the great Bluegrass Festival there.  My friends Billy & Lynette Dooley and Ralph and Rose Westfall and I went to the very first festival held at the park and to several more over the ensuing years.  Back in those days it was called the Grand Caverns Bluegrass Festival because the park is adjacent to the caverns.  The caverns, by the way, are wonderful and make a great break in the middle of a hot day at the Grottoes Bluegrass Festival.  One year WCVE Channel 23 brought their cameras to the Grand Caverns Bluegrass Festival and spent the entire day taping various jams and interviewing folks.  They took those hours of tape and reduced them down to about a 8 minute segment of their show "Virginia Currents."  It was a great segment that i still have on VHS tape.

Well, I had better get to the music or I'll be here on this computer all day.  There are three groups performing on Thursday beginning with a group called West Wind. This group is new to me.  What little I know I found on their FaceBook page  which is the link I have provided above.  Next is an up a coming band called The Hagar's Mountain Boys.  These guys are good and just keep getting better.  Be sure to catch them at Grottoes.  Last up in Thursday is none other than Marty Rabon & Full Circle.  Marty spent a number of years as part of the country act Shenandoah and after the break up of the group he reconnected with his Bluegrass roots and began the band Full Circle.  Marty has a strong lead voice and always keeps a top notch band.

Friday gets under way with Mill Run, a great band featuring the singing of Billy Sue & Bob Goff Junior.  Many of you may remember Billy Sue's dad Bill Clark.  His voice boomed over the top of his loud Martin Guitar back up work as he performed all around Central Virginia. Billy Sue learned from her dad and also is easily heard as she sings with soul and conviction.  Combine that strong voice with the equally strong voice of her husband Bob Goff Junior and you've got and unbeatable combination.  The next band up is Virginia Blue.  I can't tell you anything about Virginia Blue, so make some time to get down to the stage and check them out.  The next band is the very popular Country Fried Grass. These guys love to play Bluegrass which will be evident as you watch them perform.  These fellows all camp together at the Amelia festival.  Now, you don't see much of them during the daylight hours, but if you're up in the middle of the night and want to hear some Bluegrass then just listen and follow your ears to their all night jams.  The ever popular Bluegrass Brothers are up next.  This performance is just two short weeks after their their own festival.  I spoke with Rhonda Vincent at the Graves Mountain Festival this past Saturday and she said the crowds at the first Bluegrass Brothers Bluegrass Festival were huge.  Congratulations guys!  Wrapping things up at Grottoes on Friday is the great baritone lead voice of Josh Williams and The Josh Williams Band.  Most of you will remember Josh from his days with Rhonda Vincent & The Rage.  Josh's strong baritone voice is in great demand as he joins many performers in the studio to provide back up vocals.

There's another full day of Bluegrass on Saturday at Grottoes starting with one of the very best sister duets I have ever heard, The Church Sisters.  These twin girls, who really don't look like twins, are very talented and sing with that special harmony afforded very few, even if they are family.  Up next is another group of which I know little or nothing.  They are Shenandoah Drive.  The wonderful traditional sounds of Dark Hollow are up next at Grottoes on Saturday.  These guys truly love traditional Bluegrass and honor that tradition with superb arrangements of the older music in Bluegrass.  If you like your Bluegrass served up with a little braggadocio and comedy then you need to look no further than the music of Lonesome Will Mullins & The Virginia Playboys.  Last up on Saturday is the unmistakable voice of Junior Sisk & Rambler's Choice.  Junior was once a member of the now defunct band Blue Ridge, but during those years he never reached the success he now enjoys.

So there you have it; three great days of Bluegrass at one of the very nicest parks in all of Virginia.  Make plans to attend The Grottoes Bluegrass Festival by ordering your advance tickets ($50)right now.  Call Sweet Brenda or Calvin at 804-561-0705.  Hurry!  Maybe I'll see you there.

Sedailia Bluegrass Festival - June 24th, 25th & 26th, 2010 - Big Island, VA

Do you remember those early festivals in the 70s and early 80s?  They were small and intimate and everybody knew everybody else.  Do you miss those days?  If you do then look no farther than the "Sedalia Bluegrass Festival" in Big Island, VA.  Now, if your thinking, "Hmm, Big Island, must be down on the coast?" Nooooo!  You are wrong.  Big Island, VA is on the James River near Bedford, VA.  I haven't seen it with my own eyes, but I've been told there's a (you guessed it!) big island in the river near there.  So now that we've got the 'big island" thing all cleared up, what about Sedalia?  To be truthful I don't know why it's called the Sedalia Bluegrass Festival other than it is held on the grounds of The Sedalia Center for Performing Arts which at one time was the Sedalia School.  Hey that's enough about that stuff; let's get down to the Bluegrass. Right? 

I'm not gonna give you a blow by blow story here, but rather I'll list who'll be there each day.  On Thursday you'll hear Black Bear Express, a local band, followed by Footbridge and Ted Jones & The Tarheel Boys.  Black Bear Express is back on Friday followed by Against The Grain and Junior Sisk & Rambler's Choice.  Saturday gets underway with the band Plain & Simple followed by Carolina Sunshine; Kenny Rorrer The New NC Ramblers; Kody Norris & The Watuga Mountain Boys and Big Country Bluegrass.

As much as I enjoy the togetherness and comradery of the Sedalia Bluegrass Festival I will most likely miss it this year to drive out the the River Of Music Party (ROMP) in Owensboro, Kentucky which is held that same weekend.  As an old retired guy I now can travel farther and stay longer.  I used to have this device called an alarm clock.  Oh, I hated it.  It's gone now and Bluegrass (Something I love!) has taken it's place.

Now, tomorrow I'm off to Franklinton, NC to enjoy a full weekend of Bluegrass at Rodney Preddy's PreddyFest Bluegrass Festival.  So, I guess for now  this is..............

"NUFF SAID!"

Preddyfest - Franklintom, N.C. - June 10th, 11th & 12th, 2010

Yes!  Look at those dates!  Preddyfest is upon us.  Starting on Thursday June 10th Preddyfest will be in full swing.  Performing on Thursday is the Sourwood Mountain Band.  This band is from Franklinton, NC and they have a new Gospel CD available.  Click on their link above to find out more about the Sourwood Mountain Band and this new project.  The next band up on Thursday is GrassStreet.  Here is a quote from their web site;"GrassStreet, based in central North Carolina, has entertained fans of all ages for over 6 years. Their mixture of original material and bluegrass standards along with their unique ability to cover musical styles ranging from rock to blues to jazz set them apart from the average bluegrass band. They pride themselves on an entertaining and high energy stage show full of the right balance of musical precision and humor. With influences ranging from the traditional sounds of Flatt & Scruggs to the progressive sounds of Seldom Scene and Tony Rice and with members with backgrounds in bluegrass, country, jazz, rock, and R&B there's always something for every listener at a GrassStreet show."  GrassStreet also has a new Gospel project out. 

Here is a quote from their web site about this new project: "We are excited to announce the release of our first all-gospel studio recording project, Grandma's Hymnbook. This new CD is a collection of several old hymns that we all grew up with along with some new original songs."  Last up on Thursday is the very popular Marty Rabon & Full Circle.  Please check out Marty's web site for more information about him and his efforts toward helping with the enormous problems after the terrible floods in Nashville.

Friday gets started with some of the best traditional Bluegrass you're likely to hear, who else but Al Batten & Bluegrass Reunion. 

Check out Al's latest CD "34 Years and Counting" and other stuff at his web site by clicking on the link above.  Simply trust me, if you like your Bluegrass traditional then Al Batten & Bluegrass Reunion is the band for you.  Next up on Friday is Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road.  Lorraine also has a new project called "Carolina Hurricane"

Lorraine asked me when I saw her at the Amelia Bluegrass Festival to tell you that the      Cherokee Bluegrass Festival will be presented as originally advertised.  Adams Entertainment dropped this festival, but it was picked up by Milton Harkey.  Check out Lorraine's web site for more details.  Those at Preddyfest on Friday will also be treated to the Josh Williams Band.  Josh has a lot of things going on so be sure to click on his band name above for all the details.  Wrapping up the day on Friday will be the great band The Grascals.  These guys got their start as a Bluegrass band by backing Dolly Partin on her very first Bluegrass CD.  They all were seasoned Nashville studio musicians, but had so much fun doing the back up for Dolly they decided to become a touring band.  As they say, the rest is history.

Saturday is another great day of Bluegrass at Preddyfest.  Things get started with a great regional band, Constant Change.  They also have a new project called "Hills of Home."  Here is a quote about the band from the web site: "Constant Change was formed in January of 2002 by a group of North Carolina musicians in their twenties with a passion for bluegrass music. For the first several years the band lived up to its name, as various hot young pickers came and went. But once Brian Aldridge (banjo) and his brother Daniel (mandolin) stepped in to join founder Clifton Preddy (fiddle), the nucleus of a special band was in place. When singer/guitarist Dan Wells came aboard in 2004, the group zoomed into focus on the radar screen of "bands to watch." The last piece of the puzzle fell into place with the addition of bass player Gary Baird in early 2006."  Also on Saturday is a great band that just recently changed it's name.  Once known as Williams & Clark Expedition, they are now called simply The Expedition Show.  They are headed up by Blake Williams who once was a "Bluegrass Boy" playing Banjo for Bill Monroe.  Blake has a dry sense of humor and will have you laughing out loud.  Also appearing at Preddyfest on Saturday is The Bluegrass Experience.  This North Carolina band has this to say on their web site; "The Bluegrass Experience has been a vital force in the North Carolina/Southeastern Bluegrass scene for over 30 years.Since being named the Worlds Champion Bluegrass Band in 1972, the group has performed professionally throughout the eastern half of the United States and has appeared on many major festivals, done numerous college concerts, recorded 3 albums and appeared at The Finnish National Folk Festival. Members have worked or recorded with some of the greats of the genre including: Bill Monroe, Chubby Wise, Bobby Hicks, Jimmy Mills, Roland White, Wilma Lee Cooper, Gene Wooten and many others."   The James King Band will mount the stage at Preddyfest.  James has long been a favorite in the NC/VA area and is known for his forthright and soulful lead vocals.  Last up, but certainly not least, is the Bluegrass schoolmaster himself, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver.  The only thing I can add to the many praises already heaped upon Doyle is that he is a perfectionist.  His music will always be the very best it can be, because if it isn't there'll likely be a new face in the band the next time you see Doyle.

I'm on my way out of the door to the "Graves Mountain Festival of Music" tomorrow, but I wanted to let you know all about Preddyfest before I left.  When I return I'll be giving you details on the "Grottoes Family Bluegrass Festival" and the "Sedalia Bluegrass Festival."  Until then. . . . .

"NUFF SAID!"

"Whatcha Gonna Do" by Claire Lynch - a review

Rounder #11661-0606-2 The Claire Lynch Band "Whatcha Gonna Do"

Folks I've got to tell you that I am not qualified to review this wonderful new Claire Lynch Band project "Whatcha Gonna Do."  I sorta feel guilty trying to elevate myself to a level lofty enough to do this review, however,  I will try to do it justice.

First, there is Claire.  That should be enough to say, but unfortunately there are folks who really don't know who Claire Lynch is.  It is their loss.  If you are among those lost souls who have not heard the voice of an angel, then it is time you have.  Her voice is ageless and has a clarity that defies description.  Allow me to quote from guitarist, Jim Hurst, "My first experience hearing Claire's voice was in 1986............Her voice is elegant and pure, unlike anyone I had heard until that moment."  Jim's description is valid, but words simply cannot describe Claire's voice.  You simply must hear it.  Period!

I guess from what you've read so far you're pretty sure this will be a completely positive review.  You're right, except for one complaint.   The CD is over much too quickly!  I must include one more quote from Jim Hurst before moving on to the content of the project.  Jim said, "She has a way with words that allows the listener to absorb the story right along with the performance."  It can't be said any clearer.  While Claire's voice is soothing to listen to, it also so clear that it impossible to not hear the words and thereby the story.

The first track starts with the sounds of Mark Shatz' bass playing a catchy line of notes, joined by Jim Hurst's guitar and then by the wonderful voice of Claire Lynch as she sings songwriter Dana Cooper's "Great Day in The Mornin.'"  This is a super way to open the project; a bouncy and happy greeting.  Irene Kelley and Claire joined forces to write "Highway" a beautiful song of reminiscing along the highway of life.  Claire's voice is never better than here on "Highway."  Claire states in her liner notes about "The Mockingbird's Voice," that it is; "The first cheatin' song I've ever cut..."  Pat Alger and Kent Agee may have intended "The Mockingbird's Voice" to be a cheatin' song when they wrote it, but Claire sings of lost love in the most warm and wonderful way; really more of a love song than a cheatin' one.   Claire opens "Face to Face" and Jim Hurst picks a repeat line of each phrase in a call-response way.  Later Jim and Mark along with mandolinist Jason Thomas playfully interact with each other in this light hearted song of faith.  Of course it is the amazing voice of Claire that makes this such an uplifting song.  The only track on this project that has a voice other than Claire's is "That's What Makes You Strong."  That voice is the author of the song, Jesse Winchester.   It is a fine love song.  Track six is the project's title song, "Whatcha Gonna Do?"  It starts with a gorgeously haunting opening of guitar, bass and fiddle joined by Claire as she sings of life's crossroads and the choice, "Whatcha Gonna Do?"  Mark Shatz gets "Crazy Train" started with a jazzy bass line as Claire hops on board the "Crazy Train" singing playfully about what to do about her 'ride.'  Of "A Canary's Song" Claire states, "What beautiful language from Buddy (Mondlock) and Garth (Brooks) in expressing a miner's mindset of hope and destiny."  While Buddy Mondlock and Garth Brooks may have, indeed, written a beautiful song, it is Claire's interpretation that makes it great.  When I contacted Claire about the possibility of doing this review she replied with this, and I quote,   "  I might warn you that only one of the songs is really bluegrassy!  The rest is a little different... but I hope you do like it."  That song is Bill Monroe's "My Florida Sunshine."  True, it's bluegrassy, but I cannot  say it is my favorite one simply based on my being a self proclaimed "Bluegrass Nut!"  Claire's voice transcends Bluegrass or any classification.  Oh yeah, I do like the rest of it Claire.  It is simply Claire Lynch.  "Widow's Weeds" (Jennifer Kimball & Claire Lynch) opens with the old timey clawhammer banjo picking of Mark Shatz, followed by the the haunting words from Claire as she describes a widows life.  "Barbed Wire Boys" describes those men who chose the life of ranching or farming (Two very diverse occupations that have similar life experiences.) and their influence on the writer of the song, Susan Werner.  Claire expresses the words with great conviction and sincerity.   The last track on "Whatcha Gonna Do" is entitled "The Woods of Sipsey." Claire is the writer of this song and I'll quote her to describe it; "Clara Phillips ('Granny' as we called her) had lived the city life, but preferred her beloved home in the backwoods of central Alabama.  There she lived and died with no qualms whatsoever." Claire sings "The Woods of Sipsey" with a feeling of joy and loss all blended together into a melancholy but beautiful song.

Sometimes when I look back over a review I have written I find a lot of the words a bit stiff and completely unnecessary.  Some of that may be true here, but I want you to leave this review with a warm feeling toward Claire Lynch's "Whatcha Gonna Do."  It rivals anything she has done in the past and in many ways surpasses them.  Only thing is, how can Claire outshine Claire?  Impossible!  I highly recommend this CD to any lover of music whether it be Bluegrass or simply great singing.

"NUFF SAID!"

Graves Mountain Festival of Music - June 3rd, 4th & 5th, 2010 - Special Rural Rhythm Recording Event on Friday June 4th!

The spring festival season is in full swing and no spring in Virginia would be complete for any Bluegrass fan without attending Virginia's largest Bluegrass event, The Graves Mountain Festival of Music on June 3rd, 4th & 5th, 2010.  The very first piece of business you need to attend to is to be sure you order your weekend tickets by May 24th!  Why? Well, there's money to be saved, that's why!  After midnight May 24th tickets will be $90, but if you hurry you can save $10 per ticket, and that is nothing to sneeze at!  Call Graves Mountain Lodge at 1-540-923-4231 right now to reserve your tickets.  Do it now!

Did you order your ticket?  If so, continue with me as I try to tell you a little about the special live recording that will take place on Friday, June 4th.  Rural Rhythm Records has a long history of preserving Bluegrass music.  Most of you aren't old enough to remember Uncle Jim O' Neal.  He was the founder of Rural Rhythm out in California.  His specialty was to record and pack as many songs as he could onto one LP.  Some of those LPs had as many as 24 songs.  They way he managed to do it was to have the bands shorten the songs by reducing verses and instrumental breaks and by lowering the quality of the records themselves (smaller grooves, less sound).  It was an inexpensive way to have a lot of great music all on one LP.  Today, Rural Rhythm has been re-born and produces very well recorded and annotated CDs.  Rural Rhythm has signed many artists to exclusive contracts and many of those artists will be part of this very special recorded event at Graves Mountain.  Artists that will be included are: Russell Moore, Lou Reid, Carrie Hassler, Audie Blaylock, Sammy Shelor, Wayne Benson, Mike Hartgrove and Mike Anglin along with Carl Jackson and Mark Newton (As performer and producer!).  Wow !  What a grouping of talent on one project!    Among the songs to be recorded as part of this live event will be "Graves Mountain Memories;" a special song written by Carl Jackson about the history of Graves Mountain (Did you know that Jimmy Graves is the 12th generation of Graves on the mountain?).  I am looking forward with great anticipation to this event.  The CD should be released by the fall of this year.  If my guess is correct this will be a strong contender for recorded project of the year at IBMA this fall.  I will include the official press release below:

April 19, 2010

Rural Rhythm Records and Graves Mountain Festival of Music
Upcoming Commemorative Live Recording Album

Rural Rhythm Records and Graves Mountain Festival of Music are finalizing plans for this year’s “Rural Rhythm’s 55 Year Celebration at Graves Mountain” - a commemorative Live Recording taking place Friday, June 4, 2010 during the festival’s three day event (June 3-5, 2010) in Syria, Virginia. The upcoming live album will be released on Rural Rhythm Records in October 2010.
Kyle Cantrell of Sirius-XM Radio’s popular “Bluegrass Junction” will serve as Master of Ceremonies for this all-star recorded event held on June 4, 2010 with performances by:  The Lonesome River Band, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Carrie Hassler, Audie Blaylock & Redline, Lou Reid and Carolina, and The Crowe Brothers. Mark Newton is producing the event with Gene Daniel Sound overseeing the sound.  Highlights will be broadcast on Sirius-XM “Bluegrass Junction” soon after the festival.

During last October's International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) World of Bluegrass, Rural Rhythm Records hosted a VIP Showcase that included a special preview of the upcoming Graves Mountain event. Carl Jackson, Mark Newton, Russell Moore, Lou Reid, Audie Blaylock, Carrie Hassler, Wayne Benson, Sammy Shelor, Mike Anglin, and Mike Hartgrove performed Carl Jackson's original song, “Graves Mountain Memories.”  The group will perform the song during the Rural Rhythm recorded event next June along with these other special shows:

• Crowe Brothers with Russell Moore, and Sammy Shelor

• Carrie Hassler and Brandon Rickman

• Audie Blaylock & Redline with Carrie Hassler, Russell Moore, and Lou Reid

• Graves Mountain Jam: Lou Reid and Carolina, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Lonesome River Band, Carrie Hassler, Audie Blaylock & Redline, and The Crowe Brothers.

• "My Home's Across the Blue Ridge Mountains” – Brandon Rickman, Crowe Brothers, Audie Blaylock, Mike Hartgrove, Wayne Benson, Steve Dilling, Edgar Loudermilk

************************************

I hope I haven't provided you with information overload, but I felt this event was so special I had to tell you everything I could about it.

Now, I want to tell about who will be at Graves on Thursday.  First up will be a group consisting of twin sisters (Yes, they are twins!) The Church Sisters.   There has been much written about sibling harmony.  The Church Sisters do nothing to cancel any of those arguments.   Next up on Thursday is Lonesome Highway.  I have no photos of this band, but I assure you they are very good.  The United States Navy Band "Country Current" is scheduled to play on Thursday, but be aware duty sometimes calls them away from scheduled performances.  Many of you will remember Darren Beachley from his stellar performances with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver.  Since those days he has re-organized his band and will perform at Graves as Darren Beachley & Legends of The Potomac.  Last up will be a Graves Mountain favorite The Seldom Scene. In the past the "Scene" has been a Saturday night closer and those are days I remember well.  To hear the mountains echo with "Wait a Minute" and "Muddy Waters" always seemed a fitting close for a great festival.  This year, however, they will close out Thursday.  Should be just as good AND there'll still be two more days of Bluegrass to follow!

Now, Friday is that big day when the special recording project by Rural Rhythm will occur.  Besides that there are a number of groups that will have regular performances.  The Crowe Brothers will get things started off on Friday.  These guys got their start accompanying Raymond Fairchild back in the early 1980s. You will enjoy them, believe me.   Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain will perform Friday.  When I first met Carrie at the IBMA World of Bluegrass a few years ago she was still searching for her sound.  Well, trust me she has found it!  This music is as hard driving and solid as any Bluegrass you will hear anywhere.  Another favorite of Bluegrass fans everywhere is Lou Reid & Carolina.  Lou currently has the #1 song on the Bluegrass Unlimited chart, entitled "Amanda Lynn."  Don't miss his show!  The Lonesome River Band will be at Graves on Friday.  Sammy Shelor heads up LRB and has kept a fine band together through the years.  Thanks, Sammy.  Last up, but certainly not least will be Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out.  There's not much I can add to the many laurels that have been bestowed upon this group other than to add my agreement to all that has been said.

Mark Templeton & Pocket Change will get Saturday at Graves off to a good start.  Mark has been a mainstay at Virginia festivals over the last few years and always entertains.  The all girl (or mostly all girl) band The Wells Family consists of a mother and her three daughters.  These attractive women sing and perform Bluegrass with that family style harmony.  Mark Newton is up next with a new band name; Mark Newton & The Stringtones.  Mark is your host band for the Graves Mountain Festival of Music.  Junior Sisk & Rambler's Choice also performs on Saturday at Graves.  If you like a good traditional sound to your Bluegrass then Junior is your choice.  Next up on Saturday is Cherryholmes.  I want to try to tell you that Cherryholmes is a family band, but I was roundly corrected by Sandy Cherryholmes back in 2008.  She explained that they were a Bluegrass band that just happened to be in the same family.  Duh!  Anyway, these folks are some of the best in the business.  Always great music from Cherryholmes.  Rhonda Vincent & The Rage will be at Graves on Saturday as will her brother and part of the great band Dailey & Vincent.  These two great groups don't need a lot of boosting from me.  If you've heard Bluegrass in the last 5 years you have heard these great groups.  I do want to share a rare photo.  This picture was taken at the IBMA Awards Show in 2003 in   Louisville, Kentucky.  At this time Darrin was a member of Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder.  There aren't many who have a picture such as this.  I was proud to be on hand to snap this photo.

If you're still reading now, I'm flattered that you care enough to read it all.  I guess for now there has been. . . .

"NUFF SAID!"

Hey Everybody! The Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival is next weekend; May 13th, 14th & 15th, 2010 ! ! !

That's right folks the "Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival" is coming right around the corner, next weekend; May 13th, 14th & 15th.  Now, I've got to apologize for not coming to you sooner on this, but I guess my retirement has made me lose track of time.  Every day is a Saturday!  I've got lots to tell you and a bunch of pictures from past festivals to share, so I better get with it.

First I want to tell you that your emcees for the 2010 Amelia Bluegrass Festival (that's what we regulars like to call it.) will be the winners of the 2008 and 2010  SPBGMA Bluegrass DJs of the year, Sweet Brenda & Him. Sweet Brenda and Calvin Lawson as "Lawson Entertainment" host two Bluegrass festivals of their own; The Grottoes Family Bluegrass Festivals in June and September.  Be sure to click on the link and visit their web site for details about these festivals.

We'll get started with what's happening in Amelia on Thursday.  As most of you know the world famous Lewis Family  retired last year after well over 50 years of entertaining America and the world with their own special brand of Bluegrass Gospel music.  Since their retirement, Little Roy and his adopted daughter Lizzy Long have joined together as Little Roy & Lizzy.  Little Roy has been known for his lightening fast Banjo and having saw him just a few months ago I can attest that he hasn't slowed down yet.  Now, if you like your Bluegrass to be traditional then you won't hear it done any better that by Junior Sisk & Rambler's Choice. You may recall that Junior was part of a band called Blue Ridge a few years ago.  With him in that band was a young Banjo player from right here in my neighborhood, Jason Davis.  Jason went with Alan Bibey as he formed the new group, GrassTowne.  Jason has since left GrassTowne and is back with Junior as a member of Rambler's Choice.  Keeping with that traditional style of Bluegrass there is yet another group to appear on Thursday; none other than The James King Band featuring that strong lead singing of James King.  Another group performing on Thursday is Country Poor.  I don't know much about this group, so I can tell you very little about them. From their web site I have the following: "Band Members consist of Stacy Roach on Guitar and lead singing, Brian Herring on Mandolin and Tenor singing, Nelson Davis on banjo, and Jason Smith on upright bass. Timmy Proffitt is the sound man and the salesman."  Also, on Thursday, is Highway 249, a local group from New Kent, VA.

 

 

 

There is yet another big day full of Bluegrass music on Friday at the Amelia Bluegrass Festival.  There are three groups I know nothing about, but I shall share the info I discovered today by searching each bands web site.  I'll get started with the California Ramblers.  From their web site: "Joey Tippett and The California Ramblers is a Traditional Hard Driving Bluegrass Band from Southern Maryland. They put their heart and soul into every song that they do as well as an excellent performance on stage, you can just feel the energy when they perform."  Also performing, The Ficklen Family.  This band seems to not have a web site, but there is a photo of them from 2008 available by clicking here.  The Snyder Family will also appear on Friday.  From their web site: "At an age where most children are usually concerned with bicycles and video games, Samantha and Zeb Snyder were winning fiddle and guitar championships.  Along with their Dad, Bud and Mom, Laine, they are today a festival favorite and will have even the most jaded Bluegrass fan on the edge of their camp chair.(Quote by Dennis Jones WNCW/FM)" An Amelia Festival favorite group, Country Fried Grass will be on stage Friday.  If you're looking for an energetic group of musicians then look no further than Country Fried Grass.  These guys not only rock the stage they also jam all night long in the camp ground.  Capping off the show on Friday will be Rhonda Vincent & The Rage.  There's not much I can add to the many laurels that have been heaped upon Rhonda, so instead I am including several photos I have taken through the years.  I hope you enjoy them.                                                                                 

                                                                          

 

 

                                    

There's yet another big day of Bluegrass on Saturday beginning with (After the morning Gospel sets) a group called Surefire.  From Surefire's web site: "Surefire was formed in December of 2007.  Based out of Boone, NC, the original members are Robby Norris, John Bryan, and Tom Isaacs.  Heavily influenced by the pioneers of bluegrass music, this band provides a traditional, hard-driving experience."  Marty Rabon & Full Circle will also perform on Saturday.  My first exposure to Marty was a few years ago at a theater on Hull Street in Richmond, VA (The name of that place is forgotten by me.) that had been converted into a performance venue (mainly gospel).  I think this show may have been his first in Virginia and among the very first since he began the band.  A great Virginia band featuring Billie Sue (Clark) and Bobby Goff Jr. is Mill Run and they'll be there on Saturday.  Featuring the two great and distinctly different lead voices of Billie Sue and Bobby, Mill Run is a powerful and exciting band to see and hear.  The traditional sounds of Al Batten and the Bluegrass Reunion will be heard Saturday.  In this writers opinion Al Batten is one of a very few great traditional band leaders that not only sings strong leads and harmonies, but is also the Banjo player for the group.  Al Batten is sort of like having Lester & Earl or Don & Red all sewed up into one person.  You will be entertained!  Tommy Brown & County Line will be on stage Saturday.  From the band's web site: "With family roots traced to Bill Monroe's home place of Ohio County, Kentucky, Tommy Brown cut his teeth, so to speak, on classic traditional bluegrass. A third generation musician, Tommy began pickin' the five-string banjo at age six. His musical abilities were recognized when he garnered both the Kentucky State and the Tennessee State Banjo Championships. In addition to banjo, Tommy is a masterful guitar and mandolin player. His powerful pickin' style and soulful vocals embrace his passion for the mountain-style bluegrass music he performs today."  Wrapping things up at the Amelia Bluegrass Festival is the unmistakable music of The Bluegrass Brothers.  The enthusiasm presented by the Bluegrass Brothers is exciting and engaging.  Fans get so involved with their music that they are sometimes exhausted when a show by the Bluegrass Brothers is over.

Well there you have it; all of the makings for another (The 61st!) great Bluegrass festival in Amelia.  If you haven't been there, where in the world have you been?  I guarantee you will have a great time in Amelia.  As their slogan says: "We may not be the biggest festival in the country, but we are one of the friendliest and the best."  Here's hoping I'll see you there.

"NUFF SAID!"

IBMA Announces Invited Artists for the 2010 "World of Bluegrass" Showcases

The International Bluegrass Music Association has announced the artists invited to showcase as part of the 2010 "World of Bluegrass" in Nashville, TN the week of September 27th thru October 3rd.  To see a complete schedule of all events click here.

The following bands will showcase: The Boxcars; The Chapmans; Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper; The Cockman Family; Rodney Dillard; Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers; The Claire Lynch Band; Kati Penn & NewTown; Lou Reid & Carolina; Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band; Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa and The Darrell Webb Band.

Each of the above "highlighted" band names provide a direct link to their respective web sites.  Please visit them and find out more about these great groups.

Well folks, I'm finally retired and have enjoyed my first week on getting up whenever I please.  Problem is, after 32 years of getting up every morning a 5:00AM it's been kinda hard making the change.  But, do not dismay, I'm working on it and have already stayed in until after 7:00AM a few times.  I plan to pursue Bluegrass with a bit more zeal than in the past, if that's at all possible.  As soon as I get my "fixed income" straight I'll be hitting the road following wherever the music takes me. Until then......

"NUFF SAID!"

Three Bluegrass Events over the weekend of April 22nd - 24th, 2010!

Here's a little information about all three in no particular order.

"MR. "B's" SPRING INTO BLUEGRASS"

Mr. "B" has been in his bluegrass park located near Ladysmith, VA,  for over 5 years now and it is one of the nicest around.  Designed by Mr. B it is arranged for a great stage setting along with comfortable camping and great food in the tradition of the old "Mr. B's Restaurant."  The festival runs over the dates above and the entertainers are: Dailey & Vincent, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Bill Yates & The Country Gentlemen Tribute, Goldwing Express, James King Band, Kody Norris & The Watuga Mountain Boys, Ted Jones & The Tarheel Boys, The Bluegrass Brothers, Dark Hollow, Code Blue, Lonesome Will Mullins & The Virginia Playboys, The Church Sisters, Joey Tippet & The California Ramblers, Sweet Potato Pie and The Rye-Holler Boys.  Now, I've got to tell you that is a huge line up of talent, so if you haven't made plans for that weekend Mr. B's may just be the place to be.  Mr. B has a nicely shaded stage area, so bring your lawn chair and plan to sit back and be entertained.  Don't worry about bringing food as Mr. B's concession, right behind the stage, will keep your belly full the entire weekend.  I retrieved the following information from Mr. B's web site:

Mr. B's

'Spring.....Into Bluegrass Festival'

April 22, 23, 24, 2010

Come out and enjoy Bluegrassing in the first days of spring at Mr. B's Park.  Tickets and Reservation now available by calling:

Office 804-449-6350  or  Park 804-448-9446

**Purchase your tickets through a secure PayPal link**

Tickets are $65.00 each plus a $2.00 process and shipping charge for a total of $67.00 per ticket charged to your account.

HERE IS OUR LINE UP AND SET TIMES

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Joey Tippett & California Ramblers 1:00 & 4:40

Lonesome Will Mullins & VA Playboys 1:55 & 5:35

Bill Yates & Country Gentlemen Tribute  2:50 & 6:30

Goldwing Express  3:45 & 7:25

Friday, April 23, 2010

Dark Hollow  12:00 & 5:50

Code Blue  12:50 & 6:45

Sweet Potato Pie  1:45 & 7:35

Kody Norris & Watuga Mt. Boys  2:40 & 8:25

Dailey & Vincent  3:35 & 9:15

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Rye Holler Boys  12:00 & 6:00

Ted Jones & Tarheel Boys  12:50 & 6:50

Church Sisters  1:40 & 7:40

James King Band 2:30 & 8:30

Bluegrass Brothers  3:20 & 9:20

Rhonda Vincent 4:10 & 10:10

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"WILLOW OAK FAMILY STYLE BLUEGRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL"

Over this same weekend down in Roxboro, NC the folks at Willow Oak park present their family style Bluegrass Music Festival.  I've not been to Willow Oak park, but I have been told by friends who have been there that it is a very nice park that is well suited for a Bluegrass festival.  The entertainers at Willow Oak this weekend are: Marty Raybon & Full Circle, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Lou Reid & Carolina, The James King Band, NewFound Road, Junior Sisk & Rambler's Choice (Our own Jason Davis is now playing Banjo with Jr. Sisk!), Deeper Shade of Blue, The Hagar's Mountain Boys, Big Country Bluegrass, Mashville Brigade, Melvin Goins, Constant Change, Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass and Grasstowne.  As with Mr. B's this is another fine line up of bands, and both on the same weekend!  The willow oaks Campground is located 3 1/2 miles south of Roxboro, NC on Rt. 49 (Blaylock Dairy Road.)  Folks, I'm 60 years old and I've seen many changes through the years, but here's one that is a first for me.  Since so many now travel using Global Positioning Technology the folks at Willow Oak have provided their GPS coordinates.  They are: 36.37456-79.04302.  I gotta get me a Garmin!  I retrieved the following schedule information from the Willow Oak Festival web site:

 

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE - SUBJECT TO CHANGE

THURSDAY   APRIL 22, 2010

2:00 PM Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain

3:00 PM Grasstowne

4:00 PM NewFound Road

5:00 PM The James King Band

SUPPER BREAK

7:00 PM Melvin Goins & Windy Mountain

8:00 PM Grasstowne

9:00 PM NewFound Road

10:00 PM The James King Band

CAMPGROUND PICKING!!

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FRIDAY    APRIL 23, 2010

12:00 PM The Hagar's Mountain Boys

1:00 PM Constant Change

2:00 PM Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice

3:00 PM Lou Reid & Carolina

4:00 PM Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out

SUPPER BREAK

6:00 PM The Hagar's Mountain Boys

7:00 PM Constant Change

8:00 PM Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice

9:00 PM Lou Reid & Carolina

10:00 PM Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out

CAMPGROUND PICKING!!

---

SATURDAY    APRIL 24, 2010

12:00 PM Deeper Shade of Blue

1:00 PM Big Country Bluegrass Band

2:00 PM Mashville Brigade

3:00 PM Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass

4:00 PM Marty Raybon & Full Circle

SUPPER BREAK

6:00 PM Deeper Shade of Blue

7:00 PM Big Country Bluegrass Band

8:00 PM Mashville Brigade

9:00 PM Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass

10:00 PM Marty Raybon & Full Circle

CAMPGROUND PICKING!!

Contact:  Mike Wilson   mike@WillowOakPark.com  4060-M Harper Trail, Burlington, NC  27215

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THE VIRGINIA COUNTRY MUSIC & BLUEGRASS MUSIC FOUNDATION'S  ANNUAL SPRING FESTVAL, LAWRENCEVILLE, VIRGINIA

George Winn, Virginia's senior Bluegrass performer and promoter presents the Annual Spring music festival in Lawrenceville, Virginia.  I'm afraid I can provide very little data about George's festival.  I missed the last meeting of The Virginia Bluegrass Family, so wasn't there to get a flyer from George.  He always makes the April gathering at Jahnke Road, but I wasn't there.  I went to the foundation's web site on MySpace and retrieved the following from their blog:

THE VIRGINIA BLUEGRASS AND
COUNTRY MUSIC FOUNDATION, INC.

*PRESENTS :*

25^th Bluegrass & Country Music Festival at

“THE GEORGE WINN MEMORIAL PARK”

In Lawrenceville, VA near the airport,

corner of Rt. 678 (Rose Drive) & Rt. 733

April 22^nd, 23^rd and 24^th - 2010

Bands Performing:

Bonds & Dunn ------------------------------------Mechanicsville, VA

Some Assembly Required-----------------------------Richmond, VA

Becky Taylor & Open Fire------------------------------Richmond, VA

Coastline Bluegrass Band------------------------------Norfolk, VA

The Watts Brothers---------------------------------------Roanoke Rapids, NC

Jo & Wilma--------------------------------------------------Roanoke Rapids, NC

Vicki Hayes & Friends----------------------------------- South Hill, VA

Homeward Bound-----------------------------------------Mechanicsville, VA

George Winn & The Bluegrass Partners------------Richmond, VA

22^nd Thursday, Jam 7PM until you are done - donations requested

23^rd Friday, Featured Bands 7PM to 11PM adults $7.00 -under 12 yrs free

24^th Saturday, Featured Bands 1PM to 11PM adults $10.00 -under 12 yrs free

Camping – with hook-up $9/day, first come first served. In the rough camping is free on spacious mowed grounds

For more information call George Winn, days 804-329-5359 or call Ruth O'Berry – 434-535-8072

Food and Drinks provided by the South Hill Ruritan at nominal cost

Directions to the Park

-From Richmond on I95 South to Emporia: Take Rt#58 West towards South Hill approx 18 miles to

Rt#58/Rt46 business Lawrenceville exit. Go right to stop sign, then left and go under Rt#58 then 1 block, turn right and go over RR tracks (Rt#606), go 8/10ths of a mile and left on Rose Drive, then about 2 blocks to unpaved road on left, turn left, and go 1000 feet to park entrance at Park sign.

-From Richmond on I85 South: take I95 south to Petersburg and exit I85 south, go 30 miles and exit #39. Turn left at exit stop sign onto Rt#712, go 12 miles to Rt#58, continue across Rt#58 and across RR tracks to Rt#606 and continue for 2 miles to intersection with Rose Dr and turn left. Go about 2 city blocks to first road on left (unpaved), turn left and about 1000 feet to park entrance and sign on left.

THE VIRGINIA BLUEGRASS & COUNTRY MUSIC FOUNDATION INC. exists to to preserve and promoteauthentic Bluegrass & Country Music. VB&CMF is a non-profit tax exempt corporation

http://myspace.com/virginiabluegrasscountrymusicfoundation

Shows are rain or shine. We have a beautiful pavilion for inclement weather.

Come enjoy the fellowship and 'God Bless'

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Okay, I'm back.  I hope this info above is helpful and I'll see all of you this spring and summer on the festival circuit!

"NUFF SAID"