Mother Banjo

Home , Bess Lomax Hawes, Joe Val, John McCutcheon, Matt Glaser, Pete Wernick

April 2019

Special Festival Calendar Inside: From the President 3 | MNBG Calendar of Events 4 | West Bank Revival 5 Cover Story: Mother Banjo 8 | Special Summer Festival Section 13 | Diamond Joe 30 Bluegrass Saturday Morning 33 | Coming Up 34 | Tab: Stone’s Rag 39 April 2019 Thank you, MN Bluegrass members Vol. 45 Membership as of April 2019: 910 No. 3 Newsstand: $3 Subscription: $35 www.minnesotabluegrass.org Silver level: MBOTMA Hot Line Peter Albrecht , Tony & Ann Anthonisen, Lenny & Colleen Baltus Gary & Karen Bartig, Scott Benson, Christopher Boone, (to subscribe and for other information) Clifton Brittain, Barry and Annie Brooks, Doug Chasar 651-456-8919 - [email protected] Katryn Conlin, Laura Cooper, Bob & Marilyn Dodd, P.O. Box 16408, Mpls, MN 55416 Doug Duncan, Craig Evans, William, Fancher, Jennifer Faulkner Twitter: Facebook: @mnbluegrass minnesotabluegrass Mark & Kathleen Fisher, Darrell & Marilyn Fuhr Tom & Jill Furrer, Jon & Sharon Garon, David Glatt Minesota Bluegrass Board of Directors Dale & Diane Gruber, Tom & Marlys Gustafson Michael & Paula Hildebrandt, David & Laurie Hougen-Eitzman President: Laura Cooper - [email protected] Mabel Houle, Ann Iijima & Myles Bakke, Vice President: Nic Hentges Roger & Maggie Jorgenson, Jim Lally, Russel Lane Treasurer: Robbi Podrug Loren Laugtug, Douglas Lohman, Richard Luckeroth, Secretary: Shane Zack Rudy & Jeanne Marti, Rodger McBride, Bill Merrill Board Members: Douglas & Georgene, Nesheim, Lincoln Potter Term expires 2019: Alan Jesperson Brian Ronning, Tom & Cathy Schaefer, Marty & Carol Schirber Bill Lindroos - [email protected] Thomas & Barbara Schommer, Thomas & Maragaret Schuveiller Rudy Marti - [email protected] Penelope Scialla, Denise & Tony Stachnik Mitch Rea - [email protected] David Tousley & Margaret Brandes, Donna Velasco Term expires 2020: Dale Gruber - [email protected] Rebecca Wagner & Dan Forsythe, Suzanne Weinstein Brett Day, Wayne Hamilton Jane West, John Wilcox Youth Representative: Theo Hougen-Eitzman - [email protected] Board Meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month. Con- tact info@minnesotabluegrass or call for location Board Meeting Minutes are available - [email protected] or Bronze Level: call: 651-456-8919. Vicki Andersen, Rod & Barb Anderson, Daryll & Mary Arntson Vaughn Asselstine , Kenneth & Ann Bloch, Jon Boylan Minnesota Bluegrass Staff Mark Briere, Jane Conger, Brian Cornell, Hal Davis, Gary Dunny Executive Director: Darcy Schatz Mary DuShane, Matt Edwards , Leon Evans, Nathan Fjeld [email protected] Mary Ellen Fox, Jim Franczyk , Dayle Goskesen, Warren Gumeson Events Manager: Matt Johnson Marcel Hofmann, David & Mildred Holm, John Johnson Mark Johnson , Harlan Jones, Chris Juettner , Wil Kelley [email protected] Debra Koehn , Lloyd LaPlant, Thomas Leach Bill Lindroos & Rebecca Reifler, Maggie MacKaman Minnesota Bluegrass Magazine Mac & Nancy McKay , Jim & Geri McLnnan Editor: Doug Lohman, [email protected] Mary & Bob Mc Sorley, Karla Menzel, Susan Meyer Contributors: Bob Douglas, Laura Cooper, Wayne Erbsen, An- Corey Mohan, James Natwick, David Nelson, Lisa Nielsen thony Ihrig, Philip Nusbaum, Zach Tauer, Peter Whiteman Dennis & Jan O’Brien, Dominic Orrico, Bob Oslund, Brin Petersen Coming Up: Loretta Simonet, John Brandberg Gary Peterson, Don Pope, Dick and Jeanne Reierson Y’All Come: Bill Lindroos Wordmark: Katryn Conlin Wendy Schoen, Howell Smith, Rory & Marian Thompson Photography: Cover image: Back: Pat O’Loughlin Lynn & Carolyn Thorson , Ross & Elizabeth Vaughan Deadline for submissions: Christopher Walchuk, Tim Wankel, David & Bonnie Warner The 1st of the month preceding publication Carole Wilson, William Wolf Submit content or request advertising guidelines at: [email protected].

Minnesota Bluegrass is published monthly by The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association™, a Minnesota nonprofit corpo- ration, P.O. Box 16408, Mpls, MN 55416. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for the loss or return of unsolicited photos, recordings, or manuscripts. ©2019 Minnesota

2 April 2019 From the President Become a Member The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association is open to everyone. Our members include people who love to listen It is the Monday after the Winter Weekend as I write this, to music and people who love to make music. As a member, you’ll and to be honest I haven’t accomplished much today as is often be invited to participate in bluegrass and old-time music events the case when I am sleep deprived. I had big fun and it looked and celebrations. You’ll receive discounted prices on admission like a lot of other folks did as well. We never know how we actu- to events and merchandise, and you’ll receive a subscription to ally fared financially until about a month after a festival. I was Minnesota Bluegrass magazine. encouraged when I pulled into the big parking lot behind the Becoming a member of MBOTMA is easy and affordable. Crown Plaza and took the last parking spot, and it wasn’t actual- Your membership will not only nurture your own interests, ly a parking spot. but will help to ensure that the bluegrass and old-time music Thanks to Matt Johnson, Events Manager, Jana Metge, Fes- tradition is sustained and grows in Minnesota. tival Chair, and the rest of the festival staff: Rick Anderson, Tony Individual Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, events dis- Anthonison, Bob Bayers, Brett Day, Jim Dostal, Brent Fuqua, $35 counts for one person, and a free classified Mabel Houle, Anthony Ihrig, Adam Kiesling, Addie Maass, Jed ad. Malischke, Vidya Neni, Phillip Nusbaum, Rina Rossi, and Aar- Family Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, events on Tacke. In addition, many folks volunteered for shifts with re- $50 discounts and a free classified ad. sponsibilities such as gatekeepers, merchandise sales, member- ships, ticket sales, load in and out, and so on. If you have not Band Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, advance volunteered at any of our events ever or recently, I’d like to guilt $75 booking information for MBOTMA you into doing so as it is often the same people volunteering their events, a free classified ad, and listings in time and talents over and over again. We would not exist if not the MBOTMA member band directory in for volunteers. It’s important for everyone to do their share. print and on our website. I made an effort to see some of the younger bands including Bronze Level Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, first-class Sarah Mae and the Birkeland Boys, Silver River Boys, and Good $100 postage, events discounts, and a free clas- Morning Bedlam. It pleases me greatly to see young people, who sified ad. have grown up attending our festivals and participating in Grass Silver Level Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, first-class Seeds and/or jam camps, developing into stellar musicians and $150 postage, events discounts, and a free clas- forming great ensembles. I think Grass Seeds is one of our most sified ad. successful endeavors. I just caught a couple of tunes by Grass Gold Level Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, first-class Seeds attendees on Sunday--delightful! $500 postage, events discounts, a free classified Fifty Four dedicated people attended the Member Forum: ad, and more. Branding on Sunday morning. Thank you all for showing up Platinum Level and participating. Someone suggested (tongue in cheek) that the Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, first-class $1000 board should make periodic controversial decisions to up the lev- postage, events discounts, a free classified el of engagement. We had lively discussions and the board will ad, and more. be reviewing all of the ideas that were generated as we formulate Add $18 for First Class or foreign postage to individual, family or band membership. our priorities and develop a new strategic plan. Warning: change takes time. The last strategic plan was adopted in 2009, and the organization has undergone profound changes since then. It’s exciting that we can move beyond survival mode to envisioning for Go to minnesotabluegrass.org and select the Membership tab to join online. the future. From the President - Cont. on Pg 4 Or mail in your personal information and payment to: MBOTMA, P.O. Box 16408, Minneapolis, MN 55416 Call 651-456-8919 for details or if you would like to join by phone. Inside: MinnesotaBluegrass.org From the President 3 Funding for Minnesota Bluegrass is pro- MNBG Calendar of Events 4 | West Bank Revival 5 vided in part by a grant from the Minnesota Cover Story: Mother Banjo 8 State Arts Board, through an appropriation Special Summer Festival Section 13 by the Minnesota State Legislature, a grant Diamond Joe 30 | Bluegrass Saturday Morning 33 from the National Endowment for the Arts, and private donors Coming Up 34 | Tab: Stone’s Rag 39

April 2019 3 Minnesota Bluegrass Calendar of Events Concerts and events presented or supported by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association

The following events are presented or supported in part by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association and made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Complete Info/Tickets at: www.minnesotabluegrass.org May 31, June 1,2, 2019 - Friday-Sunday August 8-11, 2019 - Thursday-Sunday Minnesota Bluegrass Minnesota Bluegrass Kickoff Jam August Festival El Ranch Mañana El Ranch Mañana Richmond, MN Richmond, MN

The 2019 Minnesota Bluegrass Kickoff Jam May 31st, June 1 & 2, 2019

We’ve made some big exciting changes to the Kickoff for like to have a reserved utility camping spot, you can contact El 2019. Instead of putting on the same Kickoff festival, El Rancho Rancho Mañana directly to reserve a spot. We are getting our Manana campground will host a Kickoff Pickin’ Party the week- name and number system in line with the campground’s system end after Memorial Day. This will be a three-day gathering of for reserved camping to help everything go smoothly. This new Minnesota Bluegrass members, family and friends with perform- event continues on in the spirit of doing what we all love best; ing opportunities at the Ranch House Live stage in the evenings. gathering as a community of pickers and grinners to make music Unlike past years, there won’t be any shows on the main stage, with people. We hope you all come out to make the inaugural and Minnesota Bluegrass won’t be selling tickets to the event. Pickin’ Party a great time! Instead, you’ll check in with the campground at the store and Reserved camping will be available starting this spring. pay a minimal fee for non-utility camping per person. If you’d

From the President - continued from page 3

A couple of other highlights of the weekend included a very Contribute to Minnesota large contingent in the auditorium singing Happy Birthday to Lloyd LaPlant. He celebrated his 90th birthday on Saturday. Bluegrass Magazine. Lloyd and his wife Bev are warm and wonderful and beloved by Write a Review of a favorite concert or CD. many in our community. Thank you to Kim Curtis Monson of the Fish Heads for pulling the whole thing together. Also, Jana Write an article about your favorite jam. Metge received the Tom O’Neill Lifetime of Service Award. Jana has previously been a board member and on festival committees Tell us about how you came to like for years. Most recently, Jana has been the festival chair of the Winter Bluegrass Weekend for the past two years. One of Jana’s Bluegrass and Old-Time String Band Music. most lasting accomplishments is that she started the children’s area when the festival was in Zimmerman. The children’s area [email protected] morphed into what is now the family area, a real treasure. MinnesotaBluegrass.org

4 April 2019 The Common Ground Company welcomes Blue Hazard to the West Bank Revival residency in April Zach Tauer & Peter Whiteman

Twin Cities’ up and coming pro- have been dwindling, however. The 400 to create a space for art and live music on gressive bluegrass band, The Common Bar, Triple Rock, Whiskey Junction, The West Bank. Ground Company (TCGC), will feature and Viking Bar closed down in the past No Cover. Doors at 7PM. Music at MBOTMA favorites Blue Hazard this decade. Thankfully, venues like The No- 8PM. The Nomad World Pub, Minneap- month at their “West Bank Revival” res- mad, Palmers and The Cedar continue olis. idency at the Nomad World Pub. This is the third iteration of TCGC’s residency, an effort to revitalize the music and art scene in a once influential neighborhood at the epicenter of Minneapolis. The event takes place on the first Wednesday of every month, falling on April 3 this time. The Common Ground Company curates the event monthly, showcasing performers that currently shape the Twin Cities bluegrass scene. Blue Hazard began playing together as a family band and has continued to perform and grow over the years. The group mixes contemporary sounds and roots bluegrass to create compelling new compositions. Their most recent album “Sideshow” was released in July 2017. When thinking of the West Bank, high rise housing projects, appetizing smells of African food, and the Carlson School of Management may come to mind, but don’t be mistaken—the West Bank has frequently been home to plenty of bluegrass music. The Cedar Cultural Center’s programming has included Hot Rize, Ralph Stanley, The High 48s, and The Lil Smokies in the past few years alone. In February, Pert Near Sandstone hosted its 9th Annual Winter Stringband MinnesotaBluegrass.org Gathering at the Cedar. This event is a rejuvenating highlight in many bluegrass followers’ winter experiences, highlight- ing community and national touring acts. The Nomad World Pub has hosted the after party to this event for eight of nine years. Supported by Minnesotabluegrass.org These vast opportunities for bands to grow and perform in the West Bank

April 2019 5 Curtis in& concert Loretta

“When There’s Good to Be Done” Tour Original songs of Minnesota unsung heroes Thursday, April 11 at 7 pm Princess Theater 505 1st Ave S, St James $5 suggested donation (kids 12 and under free) Info: 507-375-4370 www.curtisandloretta.com • www.ci.stjames.mn.us

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. MinnesotaBluegrass.org

6 April 2019 Bluegrass Jamming Class taught by grahaM SoneS uSing the Wernick Method* April 7-May 10 • Richfield, MN 5 SeSSionS · $195 1-4pm Sun 4/7. 4/14, 4/28 • 1-5pm Sun 5/5 • 6-9pm Fri 5/10 ($185 until March 15!) Homestead Pickin’ Parlor Graham’s students say: Graham Sones is a more than forty-year veteran of the banjo, a Scruggs-style picker who enjoys “Graham has great teaching skills. his craft and helping students learn to play. His picking, He keeps it fun.” singing, and recording experience includes three years “I’ve learned from many teachers, with Monroe Crossing all over the Midwest at festivals, and Graham is among the best.” concerts, and fairs, as well as with bands such as Tangled Roots, No Grass Limit, Dick Kimmel & Co., and “Patient, forgiving, ” currently Tony Rook Band. and inspiring!

• All bluegrass instruments Wernick Method Classes *teach real bluegrass jamming! • No jamming experience necessary * in your area * with other pickers like you * • You will be jamming the first session! * Hands-on learning in large and small groups * Learn many bluegrass standards * Gentle tempos! Mistakes expected * Full ground rules and etiquette of typical jams * How to lead songs and how to follow new songs * How to find melodies, fake solos, sing harmony * Ear skills taught and emphasized as in real bluegrass * Tab/note reading skills not needed or used * Group and individualized instruction on backup skills * Intermediates welcome, and given added challenges * Understanding, low-pressure, time-tested teaching!

Pete Wernick (“Dr. Banjo”, originator of Banjo DO YOU QUALIFY? It’s easier than you may think! If you play guitar, Camps and Bluegrass Jam Camps) has created a method that has taught mandolin, banjo, fiddle, bass, or dobro… you can be part of a bluegrass jam. thousands nationwide how to enjoy bluegrass jams at their own level. Only requirements: You must be able to tune your instrument (electronic MinnesotaBluegrass.org tuning devices welcome) and change smoothly between G, C, D, and A. Wernick Method teachers are certified by Pete based on knowledge of blue- (Fiddles and basses need to know which notes work with which chords) grass, teaching ability, and proper use Fast playing is not expected, nor is the ability to solo required. of the Wernick Method.

April 2019 7 Becoming Mother Banjo By Anthony Ihrig

If you have been around the bluegrass A CHANCE ENCOUNTER away camp in Vermont and was treated and roots music scene in Minnesota over Raised in New Haven, Connecticut to a live performance by a former camper the last decade and a half, you have likely by parents who placed a high value on and (then) up-and-coming folk singer encountered the work of Ellen Stanley. arts education, Ellen was encouraged to named Dar Williams. Ellen explains: Perhaps you’ve seen her MC, teach study music at an early age and began “At the time she wasn’t a big deal a workshop or judge a contest at a her musical life as a classically trained yet, she had just put out her first record MBOTMA event. Or maybe you have singer, pianist and oboe player (which she and was just known at some folk radio heard her radio show, “Women Folk,” jokingly called the banjo of the classical stations in parts of New England. She which she started hosting on KFAI in the world). She explained that throughout performed for this camp of teenage girls Twin Cities over 16 years ago. Perhaps her childhood she primarily performed and, of course, we were all totally in you attended one of the many roots music classical music and listened to “the usual love with her and we all bought her CD events and festivals she organized when diet of pop and rock.” and went back to our respective homes working for the local music label Red Although folk music wasn’t really throughout the world and were like ‘Dar House Records. Or maybe you’ve attended on her radar growing up, it seemed to Williams is SO cool!” a concert or workshop that she helped weave in and out of her life from an early It was through this chance encounter coordinate through her current role as age. Some of her earliest recollections of that Ellen discovered and fell in love with Executive Director of the Minnesota folk music are of her dad singing Tom the world of contemporary folk music. Music Coalition. Paxton, Bob Dylan and Peter, Paul and It turns out she hadn’t realized that a Or, perhaps, you just know her as Mary songs around the house when she modern form of the genre even existed. Mother Banjo—a nationally recognized was young. In high school she became This opened up a whole new world for songwriter and performing her and she was determined folk musician. to consume as much of this I’ve known Ellen music as she could. for many years and have She was thrilled to always marveled at her discover that contemporary ability to play these two folk singers were playing distinct roles in the music live shows all around New world. As both an industry England in venues that professional and a creative teenagers could actually artist, she has been prolific attend (and parents would and has contributed a lot approve of) like coffee shops, to the vibrant roots music church basements etc.. She scene here in Minnesota. admitted that most of the And yet, she has always crowds were much older managed to keep these than her, so, she rounded up two identities separate, her high school friends and ensuring the integrity of made them go too. each of her roles. It seems, without even How does she do it? knowing it, her career as a How did she get into radio folk music promoter had and the music business in the first place? exposed to a variety of traditional folk begun and the seeds of her future music When did she start playing folk music music, including bluegrass, through a career began taking root. However, it herself and why did she choose the name school friend’s dad who happened to host would still be years before she would be Mother Banjo? These are all questions (and still hosts) Connecticut’s longest writing and performing the music herself. I was finally able to ask during a recent running folk music radio show called interview with Ellen. Her journey into the “Profiles in Folk” on WSHU in Fairfield. SPREADING THE GOSPEL OF FOLK world of folk music is a fascinating story The pivotal moment for Ellen, After high school, Ellen left home to and, as you will find out, is about to begin however, occurred one summer in high attend Oberlin College in Ohio. She did an exciting new chapter. school when she was at an all-girls sleep- not go on to study music and, with the MinnesotaBluegrass.org

8 April 2019 exception of a few choral performances, creative outlet. I tried writing songs on the banjo? largely set aside her musical pursuits the piano but I had too much classical So I bought a banjo at The Homestead to focus on academics and her passion theory in my head and the songs never Pickin’ Parlor and took lessons from Russ for creative writing. However, she did came out how I wanted them to. I wanted Rayfield. Right away I wanted to learn find a great way to stay involved in the to write folk songs but they never came to play songs, play chords so I could contemporary folk music scene that she out that way, I would overthink them play John Prine and other cover songs. had recently discovered - by promoting it. and they would come out sounding too But, I feel like it wasn’t that long before I Alongside classmate Josh Ritter (now contrived.” actually wrote the first song that I really an acclaimed folk singer in his own right), That would all change, however, liked, it was written on the banjo, it was Ellen revived the Oberlin Folk Music when she graduated from college, moved a song called Square Envelope. It was on Club and the Oberlin Folk Festival, both to the Twin Cities to pursue a career in the my first record and I still play it live.” of which had originally started in the music business and ultimately stumbled It seems the banjo was the missing mid-1950s but had been abandoned. Ellen upon her songwriting muse. link between her classical music training, also got involved with the campus radio her creative writing, and her love for station early on in her college career and THREE CHORDS AND THE TRUTH contemporary folk music. it wasn’t long before she was hosting her As it turns out, the key that finally “I really took to writing on the banjo, first folk music radio show. unlocked Ellen’s inner folksinger was even when I only knew three chords…

“As it turns out, the key that finally unlocked Ellen’s inner-folksinger was hanging on the wall at The Homestead Pickin’ Parlor, a folk music store in Richfield, MN— it was, of course, the 5-string banjo.”

Ellen explains how this show came hanging on the wall at The Homestead because I didn’t overthink it. All you need to be: Pickin’ Parlor, a folk music store in for a good song is a good melody and “In high school I had always Richfield, MN— it was, of course, the good words. I overthought it on the piano, obsessively made thematic mix tapes and 5-string banjo. I was thinking too much about what I was thought, hey this is cool, I could do that “When I got to Minnesota, I really playing and not about the melody. The on the radio. I was newly baptized into missed being creative and I definitely banjo was just simpler and I think any this folk thing, I was a born again music missed performing music. I finally said time you learn a new instrument it opens fan, and I really wanted to spread the ‘this is dumb, I should really just learn up a different part of your creativity. gospel of contemporary One of the things I folk music. I noticed like about writing and there were a couple singing with the banjo other folk shows on the is all the space, it’s a station but they weren’t staccato instrument playing a lot of women, and, to me, that makes so, I started hosting it more interesting. I a women’s folk music like the space between show.” the notes. I gravitate And so her journey towards a more as a music organizer, minimalist sound when promoter and radio I write.” DJ had now officially With her very first begun. However, her song Ellen was not only inner folksinger still lay discovering her voice as MinnesotaBluegrass.org dormant. She explained a singer-songwriter, but that, although she was also establishing her a creative writer, she just couldn’t seem an instrument and learn to accompany unique approach to playing the banjo. marry her words with the music she had myself’ because I never did. She had been taught the basics of both been trained to play: My dad had taught me some guitar the three-finger/bluegrass style of picking “I didn’t really play a [folk] instrument chords one summer during college, but I as well as the old-time clawhammer and I wasn’t writing songs that were never got that excited about it. I thought, technique, and ended-up combining bits interesting to me. I did a lot of creative ‘everyone plays the guitar and I really of both to create her own distinctive writing in college, that was my main love the banjo, so why don’t I just play banjo sound.

April 2019 9 While she wears the typical finger needed to perform under a new name. the name has aged with me and I’m still picks associated with three-finger/ “By the time I was playing outside good with it.” bluegrass style, she plays her rolls slowed the open mics, I was working at Red Mother Banjo’s reputation and fan way down, leaving a lot of space between House Records doing publicity and I had base have grown steadily since that notes. She is also known for adding a hosted my radio show for several years first open mic over a decade ago. As signature, percussive “thump” to her and I guess I wanted a separate identity. a performer she has gone on to play playing; a technique she sometimes refers I didn’t want people coming out to my countless shows at venues and festivals to as the “MoJo Style” (a contraction shows just because they knew my radio throughout the country, including South of Mother Banjo). This technique is show or wanted to be on Red House or By Southwest (SXSW) and the Folk a nod to the rhythmic strokes of the whatever. I guess I just wanted… to earn Alliance International Conference, and clawhammer style and is achieved by it. Also, I didn’t want anyone else to feel has shared bills with artists such as as Lucy playing downstroke notes with her thumb like I was trading in on that capital.” Wainwright Roche and Grammy winning pick and then bluegrass legend Jim “thumping” on Lauderdale. the banjo head As a songwriter, with the side of her she has released four hand. critically acclaimed According to albums, was a Ellen, her banjo Midwest Finalist style was born for the prestigious out of necessity, Mountain Stage as she needed to NewSong Contest figure out a way to and has been featured accompany herself nationally on as a solo performer. SiriusXM Radio and She hadn’t yet CMT.com. played a “real gig” During this and was trying to time, Ellen has figure out a way to also expanded her perform in public live show with the on her own. formation of the The 5-string banjo had now become She joked that, although the last name Mother Banjo Band. This group of stellar not only a vehicle for her songwriting but of Stanley could have taken her far with Twin Cities musicians has evolved over the foundation of her solo performances the bluegrass crowd, it was important the last 7-8 years and the full version and was quickly becoming the very heart that she separate her identities as a music currently features Dan Gaarder (guitars, of her identity as an musical artist. publicist and a musical artist. And thus, vocals), Jim Parker (mandolin), Eric Mother Banjo was born. I asked her to Paulson (bass) and her husband Ben MAKING A NAME FOR HERSELF elaborate on why she chose that name. Cook-Feltz (keyboards, vocals). On any It wasn’t long after she discovered the “Well, the simple answer was that, given night you may catch Mother Banjo banjo and wrote her first song that Ellen banjo was everything. All the songwriting solo, with her full band, or with some kicked-off her banjo-singer-songwriter and performing I did, and still do, starts permutation of its members performing career at an open mic at the Riverview on the banjo. Even songs I perform where as a duo, trio, or quartet. Cafe in south Minneapolis. During those I don’t play banjo—I wrote it on the Recently, the band expanded by one early years, she would perform at many banjo. That’s the simplest answer. more member, drummer Joe Olsen, for more open mics around the Twin Cities, But there were other benefits to the the recording of the latest Mother Banjo building her repertoire and confidence name. As a radio DJ and publicist I knew project, an album that is being released to as a solo performer until she was finally it was simple, easy to pronounce and you the world at the time this article is being ready to start booking her own shows. know, hey, it’s a woman with a banjo! published and is one that Ellen considers It was at this point that she ran into a Also, when I started, I was playing solo her most “fully realized album to date.” bit of a dilemma. By then, she was already and I knew this was going to be my deeply involved in the business side of the moniker. It was really important that it EYES ON THE SKY Twin Cities folk music scene and didn’t was a name that I could live with for a Mother Banjo’s latest project, Eyes on want it to appear as if she was taking long time and could grow with me. I’ve the Sky, is an album of mostly original any shortcuts as an artist because of her been playing over a decade as Mother material that was written over the span professional connections. She knew she Banjo and I have aged over that time and of six years and represents Ellen’s first MinnesotaBluegrass.org

10 April 2019 full-length release since her 2013 gospel able to get these great performances— music with the harmonies of bluegrass album, The Devil Hasn’t Won. we’re not isolated or playing music to and the grooves and spirit of southern A lot happened in her life in the a click track—we’re just making music soul and gospel music. It is a fantastic years that she was writing this album, in a circle. We recorded all the tracks, album and the next best thing to seeing including marriage, personal loss and, including my main vocals live. It was Mother Banjo live! as she put it, “serious soul searching an amazing way to make music, it was a This album was officially released in a contentious political climate.” She joyful recording experience.” worldwide in March of 2019 and Ellen is explains that sometimes this type of This is clearly heard and felt when currently preparing for two big Minnesota personal change and self reflection helps listening to this album. The production album release shows featuring the full one get perspective about what is really is gorgeous. There is nothing quite like band— one in Duluth on April 20th at important. hearing fine acoustic instruments being Blacklist Artisan Ales (120 E. Superior “Although this is my most personal played live by skilled musicians in a good- St.) and the other in Minneapolis on album to date, this collection of songs is sounding room. The team at Beehive were April 26th at the Aster Cafe (125 SE Main ultimately about looking beyond oneself able to capture a wonderfully organic St.).

“Making this record helped me get back to what matters—reconnecting with friends and making music in community with others.” and keeping your eyes on the big picture sound that conveys the emotion and I would highly recommend attending so we can be more present for each other. energy of an inspired live performance. one of these events, not only because they Making this record helped me get back to The arrangements for each song on will be two incredible nights of music and what matters—reconnecting with friends the album were well thought out and celebration but also because it might be a and making music in community with represent many of the incarnations of little while until you get a chance to see others.” Mother Banjo and her band that you Mother Banjo perform again. It turns out, These values are not only reflected may see live— from the sparse, open Ellen is preparing another announcement in Ellen’s lyrics this spring, a very BIG on the album announcement… but are, in fact, embedded into the BECOMING very recordings MOTHER BANJO themselves. With Ellen was very the exception excited to tell me that of some backup later this spring Mother vocals (from band Banjo will actually members and become a mother guest artist Sarah herself—that she and Morris) and one her husband Ben are fiddle part (Jake expecting their first Armerding), the child. Or, as she put entire album was it, “The next Mother tracked live on Banjo release drops in the stage of the May!” historic Sheldon Ellen is thrilled Theatre in Red Wing, MN over the span sound of just banjo and voice on “I Got a about this new chapter of her life and of three days. Tree,” to the sparkling bluegrass-inspired is extremely grateful that she was able MinnesotaBluegrass.org While they weren’t performing for arrangement of the Civil Wars’ “From to release Eyes on the Sky before this an audience, they were recording live This Valley,” to the rocking backbeat and milestone event. While she will be taking together in one room, in real time, at soulful organ on the title cut “Eyes on the a break from performing from May- the direction of Jeff Oehler of New York- Sky,” which features the full 6-piece band. July to concentrate on her new role as a based Beehive Productions. Ellen considers this album to be her mom, she told me that she already has “We arranged to have the Sheldon most “fully realized” project to date. I “notebooks full of song ideas” related to Theater for three days, it was magical would agree. It does a wonderful job her impending motherhood. because, not only is it a beautiful space showcasing her unique ability to combine to make music but Jeff is amazing, he is the storytelling of contemporary folk

April 2019 11 April & May Tour Dates - 2019 BBMA Big Thaw Bluegrass Festival Saturday, April 6 5:30 pm Hartland, WI Oakwood Church, 3041 Oakwood Rd. Sunday, April 7 3:00 pm St. John’s Lutheran Church, 215 Lincoln Ave. Lombard, IL 630-629-2515 The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass Wednesday, April 10 7:00 pm Watkins Glen, NY 607-796-5034 Watkins Glen Performing Arts Center, 906 N. Decatur Street Thursday, April 11 7:30 pm Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St. Fredonia, NY 716-679-0891 Friday, April 12 8:00 pm Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Lane Mamaroneck, NY 914-698-0098 Lucketts Bluegrass Saturday, April 13 7:00 pm Leesburg, VA 703-771-5281 The Old School House, 42361 Lucketts Road Thursday, April 18 3:00 pm The Commons on Marice, 1380 Marice Dr. Eagan, MN 651-688-9999 Thursday, April 25 2:00 pm Shaller Family Sholom East Campus, 740 Kay Avenue St. Paul, MN 651-328-2000 Stay in May Festival Monday, April 29 7:00 pm Naples, FL 888-613-8488 Moorings Park Auditorium, 120 Moorings Park Drive Northfield Retirement Community Thursday, May 2 3:00 pm Northfield, MN 952-210-3628 900 Cannon Valley Drive West Friday, May 3 7:00 pm Kaleva Hall, 125 Third Street North Virginia, MN 218-780-5246 Saturday, May 4 7:30 pm The Historic Chief Theatre, 314 Beltrami Avenue Bemidji, MN 218-444-5606 Sunday , May 5 2:00 pm Kezar Music, 315 Duluth Avenue North Thief River Falls, MN 218-681-2148 Thursday, May 9 7:00 pm Story Theater Grand Opera House , 512 Broad Street Story City, IA 515-733-4551 Saturday, May 11 Time(s) Bluegrass & BBQ Branson, MO 800-475-9370 Sunday, May 12 TBA Silver Dollar City , 399 Indian Point Road Friday , May 17 7:00 pm Amery Classic Theatre, 118 Keller Ave. N. Amery, WI 715-268-2219 9, 10, 11 am Sunday, May 19 Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 612-767-2263 & 12:00 pm Friday, May 31 7:00 pm Prairie Days, Memorial Park Long Prairie, MN 320-266-5640

Go to www.MonroeCrossing.com for the latest information on all of our concerts. Booking: Derek Johnson, 612-720-3746 or [email protected] MinnesotaBluegrass.org

12 April 2019 April 2019 Special Festival Pull Out Section MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Festivals from April to September & a handy calendar to keep them all straight This Festival Guide features schedules for summer bluegrass and old-time music festivals going on throughout the region. The calendar centerfold is a handy summary. Also posted on the Special April Festival Issue Page on MinnesotaBluegrass.org. Enjoy! Photo by Pat O’Loughlin: Becky Buller Band - Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival 2018

April 2019 13 9th Annual

April 12-14, 2019 Downtown River Falls, WI 40+ Hours of free Foot Stompin’ Bluegrass Music

Competitions Open Jam Sessions Workshops Beer & Wine Tasting*

Plus much more!

www.rfbluegrass.com (715)425-2533 Indoor Music Festival Multiple Venues Weekend fun for the Whole family! *Fees apply. MinnesotaBluegrass.org

14 April 2019 Celebrating our 42nd Year Tri-State Bluegrass Festival Kendallville, IN 46755 Dale Ann Bradley

Po’ Ramblin Boys

ALSO… Cedar Hill, Nu Blu, Dave Adkins, Edgar Audie Blaylock & Redline Loudermilk, Breaking Grass, Bull Harmon & Bull’s Eye, Kentucky Just Us, Bluegrastronauts, That Dalton Gang, Bluegrass Outlaws, The Miller Family, Harbourtown, New Outlook, Out of the Blue, and Kyle Jarvis & IIIrd Generation! Over 30 hours of music on stage! Don’t forget the instrumental workshops, Bluegrass Kids’ Academy, Gospel Sing & Vendors. Tri-State is the midwest’s best Parkin’ Lot Pickin’ festival, too!

The Wooks

Detour MinnesotaBluegrass.org Memorial Day & Labor Day Weekends Thursday through Sunday Night $35 Weekend Ticket - Camping Available BluegrassUSA.net 260-918-4790

April 2019 15 May 31 to June 2, 2019 El Rancho Mañana Campground, Richmond, MN A Camping and Jamming Weekend!!

In advance: camping $20/weekend per person with camping $80 per site utility camping MinnesotaBluegrass.org

16 April 2019 MinnesotaBluegrass.org

April 2019 17 MinnesotaBluegrass.org

18 April 2019 MinnesotaBluegrass.org

April 2019 19 Minnesota Bluegrass Festival Calendar 2019

April June River Falls Roots and Bluegrass Minnesota Bluegrass 12-14 Music Festival May Kickoff Jam River Falls, WI 31- El Rancho Mañana Campground, 715-425-2533, riverfallsbluegrass.com June 2 Richmond, MN 651-456-8919, Minnesotabluegrass.org Loring Park Acoustic Music Festival 8 Loring Park, Minneapolis, MN May 612-874-9002 [email protected] Black Hills Bluegrass Festival SEMBA Spring Bluegrass Festival 14-16 Elkview Campground, Sturgis, SD 17-19 Cushon’s Peak Campground, 605-348-1198, blackhilssbluegrass.com Houston, MN 507-864-8109, [email protected] Blue Ox Music Festival 13-15 Eau Claire, WI Tri-State Bluegrass Festival 715-602-4440 23-26 No Indiana BG Assn, Kendallville, IN blueoxmusicfestival.com Noble County 4-H Fairgrounds, 260-918-4790, [email protected] Bluegrass Americana Music Festival 29 Rosemount Central Park Amphitheater Rosemountarts.com - 952-255-8545 MinnesotaBluegrass.org

20 April 2019 Minnesota Bluegrass Festival Calendar 2019

July September Milaca RecFest Aug Tri-State Bluegrass Festival 26-28 Milaca, MN 29- No Indiana BG Assn, Kendallville, IN milacarecfest.com Sept Noble County 4-H Fairgrounds, August 1 260-710-3210, [email protected] Laughing Waters Bluegrass Festival Sugar Maple Music Festival 2 Minnehaha Park, Minneapolis, MN 2-3 Lake Farm County Park 1-7pm. Free and open to the public. Madison, WI 612-727-2489 mscb.com/minnehaha.htm SugarMapleFest.org Lake Itasca Family Music Festival 2-4 Cameron Bluegrass Festival Pioneer Farmers Grounds 6-8 Pioneer Village Museum, Cameron, WI Lake Itasca, MN Kathy Krug at (715) 458-0181 Familybluegrass.com Washington County Bluegrass Festival Minnesota Bluegrass August Festival 7 Lake Elmo Park Reserve 8-11 El Rancho Mañana Campground, Lake Elmo, MN Richmond, MN 651-456-8919, Minnesotabluegrass.org SEMBA Bluegrass Festival 16-18 Cushon’s Peak Campground, Houston, MN 507-864-8109, [email protected] Lakes Bluegrass Festival 21-25 Cass County Fairgrouns, Pine River, MN 800-728-6926, [email protected] LakesBluegrassFestival.com MinnesotaBluegrass.org

April 2019 21 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS MinnesotaBluegrass.org

22 April 2019 MinnesotaBluegrass.org

April 2019 23 August 8-11 2019 El Rancho Mañana Campground, Richmond, MN

Five Time IBMA Event Of The Year Nominee! Beautiful Main Stage Shaded Seating Area Ricky Skaggs 35 Hours of Concerts Nightly Dances & Kentucky Thunder Instrument Showcases Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver Children’s Activities Over 20 Workshops Monroe Crossing Plenty of Campground Jam Clay Hess Band Sessions 30 Merchant & Molsky’s Mountain Drifters Food Booths Fireside Collective Campground with Steam Machine - Barley Jacks Showers & Beach Barbaro - Platte Valley Boys Shuttle Transportation Cousin Dad - Tony Rook Band A Welcome & Safe Environment Mash Tun - Honky Tonk Jump Kids Are Free! Corpse Reviver - Silver River Boys Good Intentions - Sarah Mae & Birkeland Boys Switched at Birth - Georgia Rae Family Band Tickets on Sale NOW!! 1-651-456-8919 - www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Guitar & Mandolin MinnesotaBluegrass.org

24 April 2019 August 14th Annual 21-25, 2019 Pine River, MN Cass County Fairgrounds Featuring the Best in National & Regional Bluegrass Bands! Plus workshops, dancing, camping, jamming, food & more!

Baker Family Kody Norris Nightflyer Missouri Tennessee Ohio Sat. & Sun. Fri. & Sat. Fri. & Sat. The Malpass Brothers North Carolina Fri. & Sat.

Sara Mae & The Birkeland Boys Joe Mullins Tim & Cindy Ohio Minnesota & Friends Sat. & Sun. High 48’s Sat. Minnesota Minnesota Thu. & Sun. Thu. & Fri. Rain/Sun Shelter in Concert Area New! Added Electrical Camping Sites

Shaffers Lost 40 Festival Schedule Minnesota Thu. & Fri. Gates Open Tues. at 3pm Clay Hess Band Main Stage Ohio Thu. 5 - 11pm Fri. & Sat. Fri. & Sat. 11am - 11pm Sun. 10am - 2pm Workshops Tony Rook Band MinnesotaBluegrass.org Minnesota Fri. & Sat. 10am -5pm Thu. & Fri. Eric’s Dance Band Minnesota Wed. Night Old Time Dance Purchase Tickets in Advance or at Gate. 800-728-6926 • [email protected] www.LakesBluegrassFestival.com

April 2019 25 Cameron 14th Annual Bluegrass Festival

September 6,7,8, 2019

Pioneer Village Museum 1866 13 1⁄2-14th Ave. (Cty. Hwy. W) Cameron, WI 54822

Featuring: Tommy Brown and the County Line Grass The Kody Norris Show The Stringsmiths Kody Norris Show Doubledown Daredevils The John and Rose Band River City Ramblers Highview, Gospel Notes R Country Offspring St. Paul Mudsteppers Maple Ridge

• Music begins Friday night at 5pm • Vendors, Jammin’, Workshops and more • Tommy Brown • For more information or directions contact Kathy Krug at (715) 458-0181 & the County Line Grass • Food and refreshments available

Gate Fee: Fri. $10, Sat. $15, and Sun. $10; $30 for weekend pass The Stringsmiths Rough camping is an additional $10 per day MinnesotaBluegrass.org

26 April 2019 th Walnut Valley Festival National Flat-Picking Championships 48 September 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 2019 Winfield, KS Over • Over 200 Hours of Acoustic Music on 4 Main Stages 100+ Luthiers and Juried Fine Arts and Crafts Show $115,000 • in Contest Prizes • 8 National and International Instrumental Contests • Around-the-Clock Jam Sessions • Hands-On Workshops ♫ 2019 Performers ♫ Muriel Anderson ♫ Appalachian Road Show ♫ ♫ The Cowboy Way Family-Friendly Festival ♫ Bryan Bowers Band Well-policed grounds. No animals, beer, alcohol or ♫ Roz Brown & Jim Ratts drugs. No motorcycles in campgrounds due to noise. ♫ Bing Futch ♫ Della Mae Matchsellers / Bluegrastronauts ♫ R.W. Hampton ♫ Hootin’ Annies Online Ticket Sales ♫ J2B2 ♫ JigJam at www.wvfest.com ♫ Christie Lenee Trio ♫ Ashley Lewis & Legacy Save money and order tickets in advance! ♫ Matchsellers / Advance tickets guarantee admission Bluegrastronauts Name ♫ Andy May JigJam Address ♫ Tim May & Stephen Smith City State Zip ♫ John McCutcheon Phone ♫ Old Salt Union Email After ♫ Barry Patton Aug. 24 ♫ The Quitters 5-day Full Festival x $95 = $ $100 ♫ Ruth & Steve Smith 2-day Fri/Sat x $75 = $ $85 ♫ Socks in the Frying Pan Special Consensus 2-day Sat/Sun x $65 = $ $75 ♫ Special Consensus Friday only x $45 = $ $55 ♫ Still on the Hill Saturday only x $45 = $ $55 with more to come! Total $ No refunds. $35 will be charged for returned checks. ♫ Payment: ___Check ___Visa ___MC ___ Discover Cardholder Signature Card # 3 or 4 digit Security Code Exp. Date / MinnesotaBluegrass.org Socks in the Frying Pan For advance ticket prices, orders must be received by August 24. Thursday ($50) and Sunday ($20) tickets available at the gate. Only full festival ticket holders allowed on grounds prior to September 17. Send form, payment and self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Walnut Valley Association PO Box 245 Winﬁ eld, KS 67156 For phone orders, call (620) 221-3250 [email protected] Hootin’ Annies Della Mae www.wvfest.com

April 2019 27 MinnesotaBluegrass.org

28 April 2019 SATURDAYS AT 7 P.M.

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April 2019 29 Diamond Joe by Wayne Erbsen

I’ve always been a sucker for a good did his wife quit him?” Since the song ole cowboy song. This isn’t because I doesn’t exactly explain it, I guessed that was born and raised on a cattle ranch in he was a shiftless, smelly, no account Texas; I’m actually a native of southern cow puncher and that she moved on to California. Growing up in the late forties greener pastures. and early fifties, I was raised on a diet All this talk about “Diamond Joe” of TV westerns like Hopalong Cassidy, made me remember that several years The Lone Ranger, Maverick, Rawhide, back I had done some research into The Rifleman, Bonanza and Have Gun the origins of the Jack Elliot version of - Will Travel. Actually, I was listening to “Diamond Joe.” With the help of Nick The Lone Ranger and Gunsmoke on the Hawes, I traced the song back to his father, radio before they became popular TV Baldwin ‘Butch’ Hawes, the husband of shows. My favorite movies were Shane Bess Lomax Hawes, who was the sister and High Noon. of Alan Lomax and the daughter of John Of course I also watched some of Lomax. Nick told me that in 1944 Butch the movies that featured Gene Autry, the wrote the song in New York City for a singing cowboy. Even though I admired BBC radio program called “The Chisholm some of his songs like “Back in the Saddle Gene Autry Trail.” Alan’s wife Elizabeth wrote the Again,” I wasn’t too keen on the fact that script based on the songs from the Lomax he was a little too “clean cut” for my song called “Diamond Joe.” I always collections. The major character in the tastes. His white hat and freshly starched lamented the fact that Jack Elliott’s song show was a tough hombre by the name shirts never had a speck of trail dust on didn’t have a chorus so I combined the of “Diamond Joe Chisholm.” Elizabeth them. I don’t recall him ever getting into chorus of the Georgia Crackers’ song did not read music so she inadvertently a gunfight where someone got shot or with Jack Elliott’s “Diamond Joe.” That’s selected a rather stately melody in 3/2 even slightly wounded. And predictably, the way I perform the song today. meter that had been transcribed by Ruth at the end of each program, Crawford Seeger, Pete’s step- he always got the pretty girl. mother. When she realized That’s what really ticked me that the tune wouldn’t work, off. I preferred my western it was too late to rewrite the heroes to be much rougher script. That’s when she called around the edges, unlike on Bess Lomax Hawes, her Gene Autry, who always had sister-in-law, who was the every hair tucked perfectly music director of the program. in place. Bess then asked her husband In the early sixties I got Butch to compose a new bit hard by the folk music “Diamond Joe” song that bug that was sweeping the would be more appropriate to nation. One my favorite the story. Since the song was to performers from that period be performed by Lee Hays of was Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. the Almanac Singers, Hawes To me, he was the perfect based the melody of his new combination of a cowboy Baldwin Butch Hawes, John Peter Hawes, song on “State of Arkansas,” and a folksinger. Among my Pete Seeger - New York 1940 which he knew Hays had been favorite songs that he sang singing for years. was “Diamond Joe.” I soon Along with Lee Hays, learned it and have been performing it Yesterday I was singing “Diamond Cisco Houston was also a cast member of ever since. Several years after I started Joe” around the house and my wife “The Chisholm Trail.” Cisco didn’t realize singing “Diamond Joe” I heard a County Barbara commented on the chorus that Butch had composed “Diamond Joe,” LP of an old time group called the Georgia (“Diamond Joe come and get me, my and assumed it to be an old authentic Crackers doing a completely different wife now done quit me”). She asked “why cowboy song. In 1952 Cisco recorded MinnesotaBluegrass.org

30 April 2019 it for Folkways records on an album (I’m gonna buy me a piece of meat, entitled “Cowboy Ballads” (FA 2022). In Cook me a slice once a week). 1954 the lyrics he sang of “Diamond Joe” were printed in Sing Out! Magazine. A In 1911, professor Howard W. Odum few years after Cisco’s record was released published an article in the Journal of a rodeo cowboy named George Williams American Folklore that included a apparently heard “Diamond Joe” from version of “Diamond Joe” from a woman’s Cisco’s record and taught it to Jack Elliot point of view. at a rodeo in Brussels, Belgium in 1958. It Diamon’ Joe, you better come an’ then became a career song for Jack Elliott, git me’ and that’s where I learned it. Don’t you see my man done quit, Here are the lyrics that Cisco Diamon’ Joe you better come git me. Houston sang: There is a man you’ll hear about Diamon’ Joe he had a wife, they most every place you go. Ramblin’ Jack Elliot parted every night; And his holdings are in Texas, and When the weather it got cool, his name was Diamond Joe After listening closely to their Old Joe he come back to that black gal. Well he carried all his money in a recording, I now realize that years ago diamond studded jaw I had misheard the recording and have But time come to pass, And he never was much bothered by been singing it “wrong” all along. Here’s When old Joe quit his last, the process of the law. what they were actually singing: An’ he never went to see her any mo’. Well I hired out to Diamond Joe boys, I did offer him my hand Diamond Joe, come and get me, And now, finally, we get to the And he gave me a string of horse so My wife died and quit me. other possible origin of “Diamond Joe.” old they could not stand Old-time music researchers Gus Meade Well I liked to died of hunger, he did So this answers my wife’s original and Lyle Lofgren dug up evidence that mistreat me so. question as to why she left him. She died! “Diamond Joe” was not a man at all. I never earned a dollar in the pay of But what is the meaning of the line Instead, “Diamond Joe” was a steamboat Diamond Joe. in the chorus, “Diamond Joe, come and line that ran from 1862-1910. According get me?” There is conflicting evidence to this theory, the poor cowpuncher in Well his bread it was corn dodger here. Fragments of the lyrics of this the song wants the steamboat to come and his meat I could not chaw, original “Diamond Joe” were published take him away. Delving a little deeper, And he drove me near distracted with the wagging of his jaw in the Journal of American Folklore as I discovered that there was a Chicago And the telling of his stories, I’d like collected from African-American sources grain dealer named Joseph Reynolds to let you know. in Mississippi from a Mister Turner by (1819-1891) who used a logo of JO inside a There never was a rounder that lied Professor E.C. Parrow in 1909. The diamond. He eventually built a steamboat, like Diamond Joe. chorus goes: the Diamond Jo, to haul freight on the Diamond Joe, Diamond Joe upper Mississippi River from St. Paul to Well I tried three times to quit him, Run get me Diamond Joe. St. Louis. So this might be the Diamond boys, but he did argue so, Jo that the poor cowpuncher wanted to That I’m still punching cattle in the Several of these verses of Turner’s “come get him.” pay of Diamond Joe. version of “Diamond Joe” are almost It should be noted that Bob Dylan And when I’m called to Heaven, and identical to those sung by the Georgia recorded the Georgia Crackers’ version of it comes my time to go Crackers in their 1927 recording. Here “Diamond Joe,” while Laurie Lewis and Give my blankets to my buddy, and give the fleas to Diamond Joe. are those verses by Mister Turner. In Joe Val both learned it from the recording

parenthesis are the Georgia Cracker’s of Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. MinnesotaBluegrass.org The other “Diamond Joe” song is a verses. Wayne Erbsen has been researching story in itself. It was first recorded for Then I’ll buy me a bar ‘el of flour songs and producing songbooks and Okeh Records on March 21, 1927 by Paul Cook and eat it every hour. instruction books for bluegrass and and Leon Cofer who were billed as the clawhammer banjo, fiddle, mandolin, Georgia Crackers. I’ve always sung the (Gonna buy me a sack of flour, dulcimer and ukulele almost since chorus to this “Diamond Joe” as: Cook me a hoecake every hour). dinosaurs roamed the earth. “Diamond Diamond Joe, come and get me Joe” can be found in his Backpocket Old- My wife she done quit me. Yes, an’ buy me a middlin’ o’ meat, Time Songbook. Check out his web site Cook and eat it twice a week. www.nativeground.com

April 2019 31 MinnesotaBluegrass.org

32 April 2019 Bluegrass Saturday Morning with new songs that resonate with a style of playing that has been around for a while. The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys is one of many bands By Phil Nusbaum that continues to develop traditional bluegrass. Living Musical Traditions That there are stylistic options regarding bluegrass and old- Players usually accept the written or unwritten rules affecting time music tells us that there is artistic ferment taking place. That musical performance. For example, you might have noticed that is a good thing. On the other hand, if there is only one approach many old-time fiddle tunes share a structural format: there is a to playing a traditional music style, it usually means that the style melody, which is repeated, followed by a related or contrasting is not being developed or that players find it difficult to express melody, which is repeated. The first melody is called the “A” themselves through playing it. At that point, a style is usually in part, the second the “B” part, and the form is written AABB. the process of disappearing. Learning a style has much to do with learning these conventions. So as we near the bluegrass season, that time of year when In the process of learning the conventions, players get clinical bluegrass / old-time groups and listeners gather under shade knowledge of some of the nuances that attracted them to the trees to enjoy the combination of music and fellowship, let’s get style in the first place. set to enjoy the stuff that is coming. It is bound to be a mixture There is of course an evolution in playing conventions, as of the expected and unexpected. there is in the types of songs and instrumental accompaniments Music Listings presented. Tracking the changes is the greatest pleasure that To access the Acoustic Music Listings, at www.jazz88.fm, comes with presenting bluegrass music on radio. For example, click on schedule. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on in the 1990s, it was exciting to hear the new rhythmic concepts Bluegrass Saturday Morning. Then scroll down to Blog Posts and ushered in by groups such as the Lonesome River Band. I click on Bluegrass Saturday Acoustic Music Calendar. thought it made the music more exciting. More recently, it’s Weekly Playlists, Listen Online - www.jazz88.fm been interesting to track banjo developments, such as the To stream KBEM programming, at www.jazz88.fm, click on jazz-influenced styles by players such as Dusty Ryder (The “listen live.” Bluegrass Saturday Morning playlists are located at Railsplitters) and Cory Walker (Section House). www.jazz88.fm. At the top of the home page on the right-hand But bluegrass also has a preservationist side. Take the recent side, select “playlists.” Then click on the desired date. To listen to Winter Weekend concert band, the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys. The archived shows, at www.jazz88.fm, click on “on-demand.” Then group strives not to copy old versions of songs, but to come up click on the date and show.

Songs of Life & Nature A Musical Weekend With Dick Kimmel

Friday, April 26 7:30 PM Folk Music Sing-Along with Dick Kimmel

Saturday, April 27 7:30 PM Concert Performance by Dick Kimmel MinnesotaBluegrass.org Two Night All-Inclusive Packages starting at $119 per person, per night

A Musical Weekend With Dick(800) 328-3325 gunflint.com

April 2019 33 Coming Up

Venue abbreviations 318: The 318 Café, 318 Water Street, Excelsior, 952-401-7902, FITZ: Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E Exchange St, St Paul, 651-290- www.three-eighteen.com 1200, www.fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org 331C: 331 Club, 331 13th Ave NE, Mpls, 612-331-1746, GINK: Ginkgo Coffeehouse, 721 N Snelling Ave, St Paul, 651- www.331.mn 645-2647, www.ginkgocoffee.com AGr: Amazing Grace Bakery & Cafe, 394 S Lake Ave, Duluth, GKb: Grand Kabaret, 210 N Minnesota St, New Ulm, 507-359- 218-723-0075, www.amazinggraceduluth.com 9222, www.thegrandnewulm.com AST: Aster Cafe, 125 SE Main St, Mpls, 612-379-3138, www. HOB: The Loft at Hobgoblin Music, 920 State Hwy 19, Red astercafe.com Wing, 877-866-3936, www.stoneyend.com BSC: Black Sheep Coffee Cafe, 705 Southview Blvd., South St. MER: Merlins Rest, 3601 E Lake St, Mpls, 612-216-2419 Paul, 651-554-0155, www.blacksheepcoffee.com OAK: Oak Center General Store, 67011 Hwy 63, Lake City, 507- BTC: Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua, Bayfield, WI, 888-244- 753-2080, www.oakcentergeneralstore.com 8368, www.bigtop.org RIV: Riverview Café & Wine Bar, 3747 42nd Ave S, Mpls, 612- BoDD: BoDiddley’s Pub and Deli, 129 25th Ave S, St. Cloud, 729-4200, theriverview.com 320-252-9475 SHL: Sheldon Theatre, 443 W 3rd St, Red Wing, 800-899-5759, CED: Cedar Cultural Center, 415 Cedar Ave S, Mpls, 612-338- www.sheldontheatre.org 2674, www.thecedar.org TAP: Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Ave S, Mpls, CJ: Celtic Junction, 836 Prior Ave, St Paul, 651-330-4685, www. 612-722-2914, www.tapestryfolkdance.org thecelticjunction.com UMC: Underground Music Café, 1579 Hamline Ave N, Falcon CrH: Creek House Concerts, www.creekhouseconcerts.com, Hts, 651-644-9959, undergroundmusiccafe.com 651-633-5353. MUST call and reserve for these events. VC: Vieux Carre, 408 St Peter St, St Paul, 651-291-2715, vieux- DAK: Dakota Jazz Club, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Mpls, 612-332-1010, carre.com www.dakotacooks.com WmH: The Warming House, 4001 Bryant Ave S, lower level, DuG: Dunn Brothers on Grand, 1569 Grand Ave, St. Paul Mpls, 877-987-6487, thewarminghouse.net EAG: Eagles Club, 2507 E 25th St, Mpls, 612-729-4469, ZUM: Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Ave, Zumbrota, 507-732- www.Mplseagles34.org 7616, www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

To post gigs and events to this calendar, request the link to our online submission form to [email protected] SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS Tim O’Brien Band Minnesota Bluegrass Evie Ladin Band Riverfalls Roots and March 29 Cabin Fever Festival March 30 Bluegrass Music Festival Friday March 29-31 Saturday April 12-14 The Dakota Friday-Sunday Warming House Saturday Minneapolis, MN Radisson Harborview Hotel 4101 Bryant Ave So River Falls, WI 7pm Duluth, MN Minneapolis, MN www.riverfallsbluegrass.com 8pm

3/29 - Friday 200-5235, 8pm • Bob Bovee & Pop Wagner, CrH, 7pm • Pop Wagner & Bob Bovee, ZUM, • King Wilkies’ Dream, Steeple Center, • Tret Fure, Roots Cellar Music Series, 7:30pm 14375 S Robert Trail, Rosemount, University Baptist Church, 1219 • Tim O’Brien Band, DAK, 7pm 7pm University Ave SE, Mpls, 612-331- • The Rogues of St Germain, GKb, • The Fish Heads, Sir Benedict’s Tavern 1768, 7pm 7:30pm on the Lake, 805 E Superior St, • Contra Dance with Community Band, • Dan Sebranek, Mary Cortesi & Duluth, (218) 728-1192, 6pm with wranglers Ken Steffenson & Erin Friends, Leo & Leona’s, W1436 3/30 - Saturday Walsh, TAP, 7:30pm WI-33, Bangor, WI, 7:30pm • Matt Yetter, DuG, 7pm • Evie Ladin Band, WmH, 8pm • Peter Mayer, BoDD, 7:30pm • Mother Banjo, GKb, 7:30pm 3/31 - Sunday • The Silver River Boys, Wiese • Pistol Whippen’ Party Penguins, OAK, • Minnesota Acoustic Guitar Showcase Auditorium / KBEK Radio, 208 8pm with Dan Schwartz, Ben Abrahamson,

MinnesotaBluegrass.org Broadway Ave S, Braham, MN, 844- • Alternate Route, BSC, 10am Sam Breckenridge (Acoustic

34 April 2019 • Dick Kimmel & Lori Jean, MonaLena, • Molly O & The TrueGrass Band, 225 N Minnesota St, New Ulm, 7pm Ashland Folk Festival, 1411 Ellis Ave, Classified Ads • Live From Here, Broadcast live from Ashland WI Winspear Opera House, Dallas, TX, • Mother Banjo, Flying Dutchman 4:45pm Spirits, 6801 Flying Cloud Drive, Pro bluegrass group of banjo, • The Riverside String Band, Folk Eden Prairie, 6pm guitar and bass lack a 4th player, re- House Concerts, Golden Valley. For 4/7 - Sunday quires bluegrass instrument harmo- address & info contact Chuck at • Connor Garvey, WmH, 8pm [email protected] or 651-274- Milena Petkovic and Nickola ny vocals, or lead. • 6604, 7:30pm Korovljev, Dreamland Arts, 677 About 50, high-paying special event • Tim Sparks, The Icehouse, 2528 Hamline Ave N, St Paul, 651-645- gigs in 2018. You must be available Nicollet Ave, Mpls, 6:30pm 5506, 2pm to play them all, sometimes pop • Uke Jam, WmH, 10am • Swing Brunch with Patty & The up on short notice. Contact: hste- • The Fish Heads, Ripple Room at Buttons, AST, 11am ven02617@gmail. com Hoops Brewing, 325 S Lake Ave #109, • Barley Jacks, Valley Bluegrass Kiwanis Duluth, 218-606-1668, 7pm Benefit, Oak Glen Golf Course, 1599 Want to buy: Singer 114w103 for custom embroidery on bluegrass, old time, and country western wear. Call Clive at 612-600-2497

Fingerstyle), AST, 8pm • Swing Brunch with Patty & The Buttons, AST, 11am 4/1 – Monday • Roe Family Singers, 331, 8pm • Mad Jack and the Black Label Boys, EAG , 7:30pm 4/2/ - Tuesday • Jam Session with The OK Factor, Open to the Public, MacPhail Center for Music, 501 South Second Street, Mpls, 612-321-0100, 6pm • Rough Draft Songwriter Night, WmH, 8pm 4/3 - Wednesday • The Langer’s Ball, Dubliner Pub, 2162 University Ave, St Paul, 8pm 4/4 - Thursday • Pat Donohue and The Prairie Home All-Stars, Crooners Lounge & Supper Club, 6161 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley, 763- 760-0062, 7:30pm • The Cuckoo Bees & Woodblind, WmH, 8pm • The Swamp Poppas, EAG, 8pm 4/5 - Friday • Billy McLaughlin, Crooners Lounge

& Supper Club, 6161 Hwy 65 NE, MinnesotaBluegrass.org Fridley, 763-760-0062, 6pm • Sara Thomsen, Grassroots Concert, At Journey Church, 5459 Cty Rd 18, Nisswa, 218-829-4092, 7:30pm 4/6 - Saturday • Alternate Route, BSC, 10am • Contra Dance with Community Band, with wranglers Ken Steffenson & Erin Walsh, TAP, 7:30pm • Curtis & Loretta, UMC, 7pm

April 2019 35 Wildwood Artist Series, Chautauqua Fine Arts Center, 8000 75th St N, Mahtomedi, 651-269-9888, 7:30pm Armadillo • Call of the Loon Contra Weekend, Sound & Design TAP Minneapolis, MN • Cheryl Wheeler with Peter Mulvey, CED, 8pm Serving the acoustic music community for over 35 years. • Chris Smither, Fillmore Auditorium, Unity Spiritual Center, 931 5th Ave N, Complete audio production services: Sartell, 7:30pm • Curtis & Loretta, Acorn Coffee sound - multi-track recording – live/studio. House, Wheaton, IL You know Doug’s attention to audio detail. • Joe and Vicki Price, The Icehouse, Let him help you craft your next recording project! 2528 Nicollet Ave, Mpls, 6:30pm • Laura MacKenzie, Rum River North Equipment: Midas, Behringer, dbx, Shure, AKG, AudioTechnica, Country Park, 23100 Rum River Rd Crown amps, RCF speakers, Countryman, Radial, Protools NW, St Francis, 1pm Doug Lohman - 612-306-3490 • Live From Here, with The Milk [email protected] - armadillosounddesign.com Carton Kids, Aparna Nancherla, Broadcast live from The Town Hall, NYC, MPR, 4:45pm McKusick Rd N, Stillwater, 1pm • Old-Time Jam, WmH, 10am 4/8 – Monday Open to the Public, MacPhail Center for Music, 501 South Second Street, • River Falls Roots and Bluegrass Music • Roe Family Singers, 331, 8pm Mpls, 612-321-0100, 6pm Festival, Various locations, River Falls, • Contra Dance with DL Cajun Band, 4/10 – Wednesday WI, www.riverfallsbluegrass.com EAG, 7:30pm • The Northerly Gales, MER, 8:30pm 4/9 - Tuesday • Kimmel / Coyle, New Ulm Public Library, 17 N Broadway St, New Ulm, • Honky-Tonk Jump, OAK, 8pm • FTW / GNB Rough Draft Songwriter 12pm 4/14 - Sunday Night, WmH, 8pm 4/11 - Thursday • Call of the Loon Contra Weekend, Jam Session with The OK Factor, • • Curtis & Loretta, Princess Theater, 505 1st Ave S, St James, 507-375-4370 • Home Fires, Paradise Center for the You need more Arts, 321 Central Ave N, Faribault, dancing in your life! 507-332-7372, 5pm • Open Mic, New York Mills Cultural Saturday Night Contra Center, 24 Main Ave N, New York 7:30 - 11 pm Mills, 218-385-3339, 7pm • SouthSide Aces, EAG, 8pm April 6 Fado (Walser & Emblom) 4/12 - Friday Caller Robin Nelson • Call of the Loon Contra Weekend, TAP April 12 - 14 • Over the Rhine and Carrie Special Event Call of the Loon Newcomer, Pantages Theater, 710 Pre-registration required Hennepin Ave, Mpls, 800-982-2787, go to www.calloftheloon.org 8pm • Peter Mayer, Roots Cellar Music Series, University Baptist Church, April 20 Anytime English Players 1219 University Ave SE, Mpls, 612- Caller Don Gatheridge 331-1768 • River Falls Roots and Bluegrass Music April 27 Contratopia Festival, Various locations, River Falls, Caller David Kirchner WI, www.riverfallsbluegrass.com • High 48s, Steeple Center, 14375 S Robert Trail, Rosemount, 7pm • Barley Jacks, Flambeau Valley Arts Assn, High School Auditorium, Tapestry Folkdance Center Ladysmith, WI, 7:30pm 3748 Minnehaha Ave. Minneapolis 4/13 - Saturday 612-722-2915 www.tapestryfolkdance.org • Alternate Route, BSC, 10am

MinnesotaBluegrass.org • Brian Wicklund & The Barley Jacks,

36 April 2019 TAP 610 University Dr N, Fargo, ND, 701- • River Falls Roots and Bluegrass Music 478-BEER, 5pm LaPlant Instruments Festival, Various locations, River Falls, • Mother Banjo Band, Blacklist, 120 E maker of fine WI, www.riverfallsbluegrass.com Superior St, Duluth, (218) 606-1610, mandolins & guitars • Swing Brunch with Patty & The 8pm Buttons, AST, 11am 4/21 - Sunday Buy - Trade • The High 48s, Sunday Afternoon • Swing Brunch with Patty & The Sell - Repair Concerts in Taylors Falls, Taylors Falls Buttons, AST, 11am Memorial Community Center, 312 4/22 - Monday (stringed instruments) Government St, Taylors Falls, 2pm • Roe Family Singers, 331, 8pm 4/15 – Monday • New Riverside Ramblers, EAG , 31751 LaPlant Road • Roe Family Singers, 331, 8pm 7:30pm Grand Rapids, MN 55744 • Ann Reed with Sara Thomsen, 4/24 - Wednesday Crooners Lounge & Supper Club, • Honky-Tonk Jump, Schooner Tavern, 218-326-4456 6161 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley, 763-760- 2901 27th Ave S, Mpls, 7:30pm 0062, 7:30pm 4/25 – Thursday Pub, 101 Water St, Stillwater, 7:30pm 4/16 - Tuesday • David Harland, AST, 8pm • Willy Porter, BoDD, 7:30pm • Jam Session with The OK Factor, • Gambler’s Daughter, Julia Christi • The Fish Heads, Sir Benedict’s Tavern Open to the Public, MacPhail Center Ann, WmH, 8pm on the Lake, 805 E Superior St, for Music, 501 South Second Street, • Hello Heartache at Last Thursday Duluth, 218-728-1192, 6pm Mpls, 612-321-0100, 6pm Honky Tonk Night, EAG, 8pm • Mother Banjo Band, AST, 9pm 4/17 - Wednesday 4/26 – Friday 4/27 - Saturday • Gaby Castro & Katy Vernon, WmH, • Dick Kimmel - Sing along, Gunflint • Alternate Route, BSC, 10am 8pm Lodge, Grand Marais, 7:30pm • Bluegrass Jam, WmH, 10am • Martin Sexton, Ordway, St Paul, • Peter Mayer, At Journey Church, 5459 • Celil Refik Kaya, Sundin Hall, 7:30pm Cty Rd 18, Nisswa, 218-829-4092, Hamline University, 7:30pm 4/18 - Thursday 7:30pm • Curtis & Loretta, Lake City Area Arts • Hiroya Tsukamoto, CrH, 7pm • The Northerly Gales, Charlie’s Irish Center, 220 Chestnut St, Lake City, • Kids’ Open Mic, WmH, 6pm • Open Mic, WmH, 7pm • Mother Banjo, Hook & Ladder Theater, 3010 Minnehaha Ave, Mpls, (612) 345-7166, 7pm 4/19 - Friday • David Huckfelt & The Unarmed Forces with Michael Rosetto, with Dave Simonett, CED, 8pm • Kyle Cox & John Statz, WmH, 8pm • The Gentlemen’s Anti-Temperance League, Wiese Auditorium / KBEK Radio, 208 Broadway Ave S, Braham, 844-200-5235, 8pm • TrueGrass Trio, The Ripple Bar on Lake Superior, 325 S Lake Ave, Duluth, 5pm 4/20 - Saturday • Alternate Route, BSC, 10am • Americana Song Circle, WmH, 10am • Bill & Kate Isles, BARC Library,

Windom, 8pm MinnesotaBluegrass.org • Live From Here, Broadcast live from The Town Hall, NYC, MPR, 4:45pm • Sherry Minnick & Phil Nusbaum, Bothy Folk Club, Emmy Frentz Arts Guild, 523 S 2nd St, Mankato, 507- 217-0408 • Switched at Birth, MER, 8:30pm • Tim Sparks, The Icehouse, 2528 Nicollet Ave, Mpls, 6:30pm • Pert Near Sandstone, Fargo Brewing,

April 2019 37 651-448-8665, https://lcaa-home.org, • Cajun Dance with Shawn Glidden & Spirits, 6801 Flying Cloud Drive, 7pm Friends, EAG, 7:30pm Eden Prairie, 6pm • Dick Kimmel - Concert, Gunflint • The Fish Heads, Bent Paddle Brewing, 5/4 - Saturday Lodge, Grand Marais, 7:30pm 1832 W Michigan St, Duluth, 218- • Alternate Route, BSC, 10am • Eliza Gilkyson, CED, 8pm 279-2722, 7pm • John Maxwell, CrH, 7pm • Live From Here, Broadcast live from 5/1 - Wednesday • Pat Donohue, Folk House Concerts, Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, MPR, • Pat Donohue and Dean Magraw, Golden Valley. For address & info 4:45pm Crooners Lounge & Supper Club, contact Chuck at ccdericksen@gmail. • Rachel Clemente - harp concert, 6161 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley, 763-760- com or 651-274-6604, 7:30pm HOB, 3pm 0062, 7:30pm • The High 48s, Birch’s on the Lake, 310 • Rachel Clemente - harp workshops, 5/2 - Thursday Wayzata Blvd, Long Lake, 1pm HOB, 9:30am and 12:30pm • Frances Luke Accord, WmH, 8pm 5/5 - Sunday • The Northerly Gales, Charlie’s Irish • The Swamp Poppas, EAG, 8pm • High 48s, ZUM, 7:30pm Pub, 101 Water St, Stillwater, 7:30pm 5/3 - Friday • Katey Bellville & Those SOBs, The • Pert Near Sandstone, The Castle, 121 • Purgatory Hollow, Dubliner Pub, 2162 Icehouse, 2528 Nicollet Ave, Mpls, North Broadway Ave, Rochester, 7pm University Ave, St Paul, 9pm 11am • Hoof on the Roof, West Concord • Steam Machine, Wiese Auditorium • Momcilo Aleksandric and Filip Historical Society, 600 W 1st St, West / KBEK Radio, 208 Broadway Ave S, Zivoanovic, Dreamland Arts, 677 Concord, 5pm Braham, 844-200-5235, 8pm Hamline Ave N, St Paul, 651-645- 4/28 - Sunday • Mother Banjo, Flying Dutchman 5506, 2pm • Laura MacKenzie, Northtown Library, 711 Co Rd 10 E, Blaine, 2pm • Susan Werner and Ellis Paul, CED, 7:30pm MINNESOTA BLUEGRASS AND OLD-TIME MUSIC ASSOCIATION • Swing Brunch with Patty & The Buttons, AST, 11am 4/29 - Monday OLD-TIME MUSIC • Roe Family Singers, 331, 8pm AND DANCE CAMP two days of pre-festival instrument workshops, jams, ensemble playing and square dance calling with STEAM MACHINE

AUGUST 6-8, 2019 / EL RANCHO MAÑANA CAMPGROUND, RICHMOND, MN for more information and registration: www.minnesotabluegrass.org/instructional-Camps questions: (651) 456-8919 or email [email protected] MinnesotaBluegrass.org

38 April 2019 Tab: Stone’s Rag By Bob Douglas

Some tunes are fetching enough to 1925. Bates’ Possum Hunters made their 10” shellac Decca recording in 1934 under jump across genres with good success. first appearance on the show three weeks the name “Whiskers” (may be found on “Stone’s Rag” is one of those tunes. The later. George Hay changed the name of You Tube). rag was composed by Oscar Stone, one WSM’s Barn Dance in 1927 to the “Grand Texas fiddler Bob Wills recorded a of the two fiddlers with Dr. Humphrey Ole Opry.” Bates and his bands played close variant in 1940 under the title “Lone Bates’ Possum Hunters. The Possum regularly on the Grand Ole Opry from Star Rag” in Saginaw, Texas, and also in Hunters were one of the first bands to play 1925 to 1936. Oscar Stone played “Stone’s 1947 on a Columbia 78 RPM Shellac, 10”. on Chicago’s WLS National Barn Dance. Rag” on early Opry broadcasts, but he There’s a fun 40s movie clip featuring They were the first musicians to play old- himself never actually recorded it. It was Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys playing time music on local Nashville radio station first recorded by his friend and fiddler, the tune (on You Tube yet again!) WDAD. In 1925,William Craig, agent for Charlie Arrington. Arrington played Andy de Jarlis (1914-1975), the National Life and Accident Insurance with Paul Warmack’s Gully Jumpers on Manitoba Métis fiddler, also recorded Company, invited Bates and the Possum the “Opry.” The Gully Jumpers recorded the tune as “Lone Star Rag” with his Hunters to play on the company’s new the rag on October 1928 in Nashville. You band Early Settlers on the London LP station, WSM. A month later, WSM hired can hear the original Victor recording, a recording, Backwoods Fiddle Tunes. Chicago Barn Dance announcer George 10” shellac 78, on You Tube. The New Lost City Ramblers, Hay who had introduced the WLS Barn “Stone’s Rag” remains an often pioneers for many in introducing us Dance. Hay kept the barn dance format recorded tune played in different genres to the joys of old time music, recorded and featured rural musicians from the under a couple different names: “Stone’s Rag” in 1964 on their Folkways Nashville area to play on the show. WSM’s The Alabama Stripling Brothers, album, String Band Instrumentals. Barn Dance first aired on November 28, Charlie and Ira, recorded the tune on a Bluegrass fiddler, Chubby Wise, who began playing with Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys in 1942, played some fancy variations of “Stone’s Rag” on Nuff Said, Stone’s Rag his 1969 Stoneway LP album. One of my favorite fiddlers, Byron Berline, played “Stone’s Rag” on Dad’s Favorites, his 1977 Rounder Records 0100 LP. Fiddle Fever, Jay Ungar’s great group of players: Evan Stover, Matt Glaser, Tony Trischka, Molly Mason, and Jay, recorded “Stone’s Rag” on Flying Fish FF 247, the 1981 vinyl. Doc Watson, whose contributions to guitar players are unparalleled, recorded his version of “Stone’s Rag” on his 1986 Sugar Hill recording, Riding the Midnight Train, SH-CD 3752. That

version has been featured in a number of MinnesotaBluegrass.org flat-picking publications And there are even more recordings, but you get the tune’s drift. “Stone’s Rag” may be included in a number of varied session settings. So it’s certainly a good one to add to your tune bag if it’s not already there.

April 2019 39 Non-Proﬁt Org. U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit 343

MINNESOTA BLUEGRASS & OLD-TIME MUSIC ASSOCIATION P.O. BOX 16408 Mpls, MN 55416

TIME VALUE DATA

Blue Hazard - 2018 Minnesota Bluegrass August Festival Photo by Pat O’loughlin