BMACC Notes
The Bluegrass Music Association of Central Canada Newsletter—Volume 3 Issue 1—January 2009
2008 Central Canadian Bluegrass Awards Weekend
AWARDS ISSUE
www.bmacc.caBMACC Notes—January 2009 Page 1
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President – Denis Chadbourn Home: 705-776-7754 Work: 705-474-2271
Vice-president – Gord deVries 519-668-0418
Secretary – Wes Lowe 519-539-8967
Treasurer – Roland Aucoin 905-635-1818 Congratulations go out to Amanda-Lynn Stubley (first President of BMACC) and her husband Martin Horak on the birth of their second son Directors at Large Oliver. A new baby brother for Jacob.
Cindy deBoer-Winterbottom 905-331-9915
Karen May ADVERTISING RATES 705-788-4362 Publicize your event, band or organization in “NOTES” or on our website. Steve Pritchard
416-696-1241 BMACC NOTES Bernie Melosh Single Issue Annual Larry Johnston 519-576-9768 1/8 Page (Business Card) $26.67 $ 96.01 1/4 Page 33.33 119.99 Donald Tarte 1/2 Page 53.33 191.99 888-876-3369 Full Page 80.00 288.00 Brother Brian Powley 613-374-3888 Envelope stuffing is 10¢ per insert
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WHAT”S INSIDE Quarterly Annual
From the President—Page 3 100 px X 250 pixels $20.00 $ 72.00
2009 Board of Directors—Page 3 200 px X 250 pixels 26.67 96.00
Award Winners—Pages 4/6 400 px X 250 pixels 46.67 168.00
Awards Weekend Comments—Page 7
Quebec Beat—Page 7/8
“STAGES” CD Reviews—Page 8 The meeting dates below are provided to allow members to make their concerns Old Timers—from DPR—Page 9 and issues known to a Board Member in advance of the meetings. Out Among the Stars—Page 10/13
Elliot Lake News—Page 14 Board Meeting Dates—2009 NASHCAMP—Page 15 Annual General Meeting Honeygrass CD Review—Page 16 February 21st November 21st Organizational Memberships – Page 17/18 May 9th Bluegrass on the Radio—Page 18/19 September 19th Events 2009—Page 19
BMACC Notes—January 2009 Page 2
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Bluegrass fans are wonderful Music Association’s annual awards has now added a bluegrass people, who listen, live, and category, thanks to Dave Patterson and his board. Who can argue love, great music. But more with the success the Grand Old Opry has had, featuring bluegrass folks need to hear bluegrass!!! and country music on the same stage? This arrangement exposes Congratulations to each and a vastly larger number of country fans, to their historical roots. every one of you, for having the Because bluegrass is the precursor to country music, this is in good sense to know and effect, a musical family-reunion of sorts. Our efforts to get appreciate hip music; bluegrass bluegrass in front of more people, also took us to the folk music is indeed a very cool genre. community. BMACC officially showcased bluegrass bands at the With all of the pre- Ontario Council of Folk Festivals conference in Ottawa last fall. programmed techno-pop, synth Getting bluegrass bands heard and hired by folk festival -rhythm, disco-ized gangsta-rap that corrupts the airwaves organizers, and their audiences, gives our grassroots organization these days, one has to appreciate the honesty and (forgive the pun) a fertile field upon which to sow the seeds of wholesomeness of bluegrass. I consider myself a fairly open- bluegrass. Your new BMACC board is eager to seek out other minded guy, who enjoys most genres of music, but inevitably fertile markets, that with time and maintenance, will yield further I get exasperated by most of what I hear on commercial opportunities for bluegrass to flourish. Not only is this a labour radio, and ultimately find myself reaching for a bluegrass cd. of love for bluegrass music, but we do it for you, the fans, the (I have Sirrius satelite on my Christmas list) Bluegrass is my musicians, the clubs, the festival promoters, et al. Bearing in refuge, and it probably is for you too! It is a time-worn mind that our board is made-up entirely of volunteers, who spend tradition… that I verily believe, if more people listened to… entirely of their own resources to do this job… I appeal to you… the world would be a better place. This is, in essence, our purchase or renew your 2009 membership, that we may further board’s goal,,, to expose bluegrass to as many people as elevate the profile of bluegrass music, to the level it truly possible. In 2008, and with Wayne Uncer at the helm, deserves. I could go on and on outlining all the benefits of BMACC had a very productive year. We made substantial BMACC membership, but as I said at the outset, bluegrassers are progress in fulfilling our mandate, to preserve and promote a sensible lot…and who wants to read what the president has to bluegrass, and as a resultant, the link between bluegrass and say anyway? Blah, blah, yadda, yadda…get on to the good stuff! country has been re-forged. Thanks to Larry Delaney, Country Music News now features an entire section on Warm regards, bluegrass in each issue. Also, the Northern Ontario Country
BMACC Board of Directors—2009
Brother Brian Powley
Gord DeVries Rolly Aucoin Vice-President Donald Tarte Treasurer Wes Lowe Secretary Steve Pritchard
Denis Chadbourn Larry Johnston President Karen May Bernie Melosh
Cindy DeBoer-Winterbottom
BMACC Notes—January 2009 Page 3
CENTRAL CANADIAN BLUEGRASS AWARDS 2008 AWARD WINNERS
DJ—Ron Moores (Ottawa)
Banjo Player—D’Arcy Campbell (Hard Ryde)
Fiddle Player—Tyler Beckett (Hard Ryde)
Bass Player—Max Heineman (Foggy Hogtown Boys)
Guitar Player—Marc Roy (Hard Ryde)
Mandolin Player—Will Meadows (Hard Ryde)
Dobro Player—Chris Barkley ( The Stowaways)
Female Vocalist—Sherry Philp (Concession 23)
Male Vocalist—Thom Gardiner (Northern Sons)
Composer—Thom Gardiner (Northern Sons)
Promising Group—Bluegrass Edition
Instrumental Group—Foggy Hogtown Boys
Recording—Stages (Hard Ryde)
Vocal Group—Northern Sons
Gospel Group—General Store
Overall Group—The Abrams Brothers
Entertainer—Doug de Boer (Hard Ryde)
Honour Roll Vocal Group—Hard Ryde 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 & 2007
BMACC Notes—January 2009 Page 4
NORTHERN SONS—Vocal Group GENERAL STORE—Gospel Group Sponsored by Conestoga Trail Bluegrass & Gospel Festival Sponsored by Willow Park Jamboree
Marc Roy—Guitar Sherry Philp—Female Vocalist Chris Barkley—Dobro Sponsored by Athlone Studios & Sound Sponsored by Lois White Sponsored by The Stringman Memorial Award
Tyler Beckett—Fiddle Stages (Hard Ryde) - Recording Sponsored by Thames Valley Bluegrass Sponsored by Campbell’s Corner Music Sales Music Association
BMACC Notes—January 2009 Page 5
Ron Moores—DJ Doug deBoer—Entertainer Composer—Thom Gardiner Sponsored by Skyway Bluegrass Sponsored by Valley Bluegrass Festival Sponsored by Bluegrass Now Magazine Club
Male Vocalist—Thom Gardiner Most Promising Group—Bluegrass Edition Sponsored by Essex Kent BG & OT Music Assoc. Presented by Queens Bush Bluegrass Club
Banjo—Will Meadows Sponsored by Best of Bluegrass
Abrams Brothers—Overall Group Instrumental Group Sponsored by BMACC—accepted by Foggy Hogtown Boys Brother Brian Powley Presented by Tottenham Bluegrass Festival Accepted by Peter Deveau
BMACC Notes—January 2009 Page 6 The Central Canadian and Fran Morgan at their booth next to main bands, jams, and concert series. Campbell’s Corner. At some point Larry Bluegrass Awards Show Miller joined in with a mandolin and a When many Canadians outside of 2008 little later Sherry Philp showed up with Quebec think about blue grass in the by Wes Lowe her banjo. Another magic time. You province, they inevitably think of our won’t hear better music anywhere. own “King of Country”, Bob Fuller. had a great time, as usual, at the Along with Jeannie Arsenault and a I awards show. It’s great touching The Friday night showcase groups, as supporting cast of regulars, the Old-Time base with people you don’t connect always, put on great shows. Country Music Club of Canada, founded with all that often once the festival by Fuller in 1966, has held it’s Hillbilly season is over. I also manage to meet The show was headlined by The Night every Monday for 43 years. At some new folks each year and come Chapmans on Friday, Saturday and Hillbilly Night young and old alike get away with fond memories of a Sunday and IIIrd Time Out on Saturday together to play tunes that pre-date the weekend filled with good music, only. Canadian bands were represented electrification of Country music. fellowship and some of the best by Northern Sons, Foxtail, Jan Purcell entertainment you will find anywhere. and Pine Road, The Canucky Bluegrass Hillbilly Night takes place every Monday Boys and others. night at the Wheel Club, 3373 Cavendish Wayne, Jane and I had a truly Boulevard in Montreal at 8:00 p.m. - free wonderful time on Friday night when Even though I was a bit under the Jan Purcell and Pine Road welcomed us weather due to an infected ear, I had a A veritable institution on the Montreal into their pickin’ session in Building thoroughly enjoyable weekend. For music scene, what has become known #521. Jan is a real trouper who does an anyone who has not yet attended this simply as "Bluegrass Night at Barfly", has excellent Canadian version of Rhonda show, I recommend it as one of the been taking place for 11 years. This Vincent’s “Bluegrass Girl”. She premier bluegrass events in the concert-style jam attracts the younger punches it out with all the fire of the province. pickers in the scene and allows them to original and she’s a heck of a fiddler Wes get up in front of their peers and play too. I caught their on stage act on blue grass with a house band. Saturday and was thoroughly impressed. They are a class act and Bluegrass Night at Barfly takes place don’t need to take a back seat to The Quebec Beat every Sunday night at Barfly, 4062a St. anybody. Laurent. 10:30 p.m. – free
Saturday afternoon I was manning the Moonshine on Thursdays Bluegrass & BMACC table when I heard some Old-Time Jam Hosted by Glenn Patterson serious banjo pickin’ going on in and Bob Comeau has been going on for Campbell’s Corner. Turned out it was five years. It is a circle-type jam that Larry Miller, formerly of Cody, playing allows pickers of all skill levels to pick one of the banjos on display. I resisted and learn together. as long as I could but when Norm Tellier started playing one of the Moonshine on Thursdays takes place mandolins on display, I couldn’t take it every Thursday at Grumpy's Bar, 1242 any more. I borrowed a display guitar Bishop Street. 9 p.m. – free and joined in. Later Wayne borrowed a Matthew Large bass from Englehart Instruments and The Townships Bluegrass and Old-Tyme he Quebec blue grass scene has been joined us. Later still Gord DeVries Music Society has been preserving and alive and well for almost 50 years. borrowed a dobro that Wayne has for T fostering the growth of country music in Supporting bands and instrumentalists of sale. It was a magic time. Many thanks the Eastern Townships for many years. all stripes, linguistic differences are often to Dan and Shannon Campbell for the They feature weekend jam sessions and overcome by the universal language of loan of these very good instruments. host the eastern leg of the Northern Bill Monroe’s music. In coming months I Bluegrass Committee’s winter concert will attempt to keep you abreast of Sunday morning, while I was again series. happenings and developments in the manning the BMACC table, Mike (Continued on page 8) O’Reilly came into the hall carrying his Quebec blue grass scene, but I figure it is guitar and started jamming with Gerry first appropriate to introduce you to the See QUEBEC BMACC Notes—January 2009 Page 7
QUEBEC the first strains of Hold Onto Your gem. Purely fantastic. Buy it! Now! Check (Continued from page 7) Heart began to flow through the them out at www.hardryde.ca Events take place at the Royal Canadian headphones, and I heard the familiar -- CALVIN DANIELS Legion Hall in Waterloo, Quebec. sounds that mark bluegrass, mandolin, -- Review first appeared in Yorkton This bass, fiddle and banjo, I was smiling. Week newspaper Oct. 15, 2008 - Yorkton, In addition to these regular events, Of all the varieties of country music SK. Canada venues like the Yellow Door, the which exist, I like bluegrass best, past Posted by Calvin Daniels at 12:59 PM Hudson Village Theatre and the bands such as Steel Rail and Wintergreen Concert Series, as well as Tumbleweed forever holding a special others, promote and host blue grass place in my musical heart. Well, I can concerts. Bands like Notre Dame de now add Hard Ryde to that all too short Grass, Yonder Hill, The Murder Ballads, list, of wonderful Canadian bluegrass Road Scholars, Folkgrass, Steel Rail, bands. The great thing about Hard Hooked on Bluegrass, Last Chance, The Ryde is they don't hide who they are. “With this latest release for “Hard Ryde” Royal Mountain Ramblers, Acajou and There are country bands who they’ve taken their place in bluegrass mu- many more gig regularly and showcase occasionally offer up a bluegrass tune, sic. The lead vocals of Doug DeBoer are high level blue grass music. or add some bluegrass strains to more the best of his career and stand up with mainstream country cuts. Not here. anything you will hear in bluegrass music Of course, this is but a snap-shot of all This is bluegrass from start to finish, for today. “Hold Onto Your Heart” is a great that goes on in Quebec. In future 11 sweetly tantalizing tunes. It is pure example of this as well as their great har- articles we will continue to feature joy to relax and listen to songs such as monies. They aren’t one sided though, more artists and events. All in all If You Don't Go, a tune written by Hard these guys are pickers too. Will, D’Arcy however, our scene here is exciting and Ryde guitarist and vocalist Doug de and all the guys get to show out on all vibrant and a joy to be a part of. If you Boer. Past The Point of Rescue is these tunes but “Lonesome Road Blues” are ever in the province feel free to join another winner. And, wait until you especially! “Hard Ryde” has already domi- us and add that baritone harmony or hear Lonesome Road Blues, a number nated the Canadian Awards and rightfully lean in for a break at one of our great by the famous Earl Scruggs. It's a so. This form of the band has a real events. chance for D'Arcy Campbell to let fly ‘energy” and I look for them to really make with some killer banjo work, work people stop and listen. I know I did! Great matched by Will Meadows on job guys!” Thanks for the article, please continue to keep us informed on the bluegrass scene in Quebec. mandolin. Tyler Beckett is the fiddle man in Hard Ryde, and he too can flat Alan Bibey Wes out play. Rich Koop on bass and vocals Grasstown and Marc Roy on guitar round out this fine sextet. In terms of material, Hard Ryde mixes original, covers and A couple of really great reviews for traditional material. There are some “STAGES” and Hard Ryde follow: great efforts here, the sad Weak In The Knees, written by Melissa Sherman, and a rendition of the traditional Blue- Wednesday, December 10, 2008 Eyed Boston Boy and Ridin' On The Review -- HARD RYDE -- Stages Midnight Train. As an overall package STAGES there really doesn't seem to be a Hard Ryde weakness here. There is not one song I Independent would have suggested they leave on 9.5-out-of-10 the studio floor. In fact, if you like bluegrass at all, you will wish they had Ah just how sweet is turning on the CD added more songs, or that they are at player and hearing the strains of a least heading to the studio again soon You can catch Hard Ryde and The Lost and musical genre you love dearly, but for another CD. Of course this is a Found Bluegrass Band at the Royal rarely seem to hear in terms of new veteran band with three previous CDs, Canadian Legion in Cambridge on February music these days? Well, in the case of material I know I am going to have to 27, 2009 at 7:30 pm. Hard Ryde is was darned sweet. When search out myself after hearing this BMACC Notes—January 2009 Page 8
Reprinted from the “Dill Pickle Rag” - December 2008
BMACC Notes—January 2009 Page 9 OUT AMONG Earl's sons Gary & Randy. Track Listing: has never been possible before. It's almost
THE STARS 1. Salty Dog Blues; 2. Borrowed Love; 3. like inviting Williams into your living room Random Bits of news Earl's Breakdown; 4. Streamlined and getting a rare snapshot of who he was from the world of Cannonball; 5. You Ain't Goin' in 1951. "This is a once in a lifetime event Bluegrass Nowhere; 6. Soldier's Joy; 7. In The in music history," says Mike Jason, Time By Tom McCreight Pines; 8. Doin' My Time; 9. Sittin' On Life, Senior Vice President, Audio & Video Top Of The World; 10. Sally Goodin; 11. Retail. "We have the unique opportunity Bluegrass Bouquet Foggy Mountain Rock; 12. You Are My to present deeply personal, never before Flower; 13. Bound In Jail All Night Long; available, high quality recordings from the Nashville, Tenn. - Blue Circle Records is 14. Black Mountain Blues; 15. Step It father of Country music, Hank Williams. proud to present the release of an Up And Go; 16. Ballad Of Jed Clampett; The fact that the music survived all these organic all-female album, "Bluegrass 17. Foggy Mountain Breakdown; 18. years, despite almost being lost a few Bouquet" from the IBMA Recorded Lonesome Ruben. times, makes our ability to share them all Event of the Year award-winning the more gratifying. When we have Daughters of Bluegrass. This CD is a Audacity is a free audio program that released all the songs, Hank's available landmark extravaganza featuring over you can use to record your LPs into catalogue of work will be increased by 50 daughters and 17 songs. Song memory. Then you can use the CD 50%." "These recordings are such a great samples can be found at the Blue Circle burner that should have come with snapshot of my dad, Hank Williams," says website. Albums are available for your computer. You can get Audacity his daughter, Jett Williams. "It shows his purchase from most of the women at from
Interested in "One -Man Bands"? country music's first superstar." Here's an interesting article: Hank Williams The Unreleased http://www.mustrad.org.uk/articles/ Recordings, hit retail stores in October. barrick.htm The first instalment showcases fifty- The Next Best Thing four of the 143 recordings of Williams' Is there a more powerful name than Vincent in the bluegrass world right now? performances on the 1951 WSM radio Rounder Records has released "Earl show sponsored by Mother Best's Rhonda V. is topping the charts and Scruggs With Family and Friends _ The Flour. The additional eighty-nine songs maintaining a brutal touring schedule, Ultimate Collection/Live at The will be released in separate instalments while her brother Darrin supplies the Ryman." during the next three years, with fans requisite Vincent in the new powerhouse getting to hear Hank as never before. act, Dailey & Vincent. Next Best Thing may American music icon Earl Scruggs The first instalment features Hank not officially share the family name, but helped give birth to bluegrass music Williams performing exciting, new they surely have plenty of the genetic when he first appeared on the versions of his classic hits including, material needed to join the family legendary stage of Nashville's Ryman "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," "Cold, tradition. This new trio is made up of Auditorium in 1945. Another historic Cold Heart," and "Hey, Good Lookin'," Rhonda's two daughters, Sally and Tensel night for Scruggs came in 2007 when he as well as songs he never recorded Sandker, along with Karen McNees.Sally headlined his first-ever Ryman concert. commercially including, "Blue Eyes (22) and Tensel (20) have been around Rounder Records is proud to announce Crying in the Rain," "Cherokee Boogie," bluegrass music all their lives - even before the release of that concert - The and "Cool Water." On the CDs, they were born - and sang with their family Ultimate Collection/Live at the Ryman. Williams gives some insight about the on occasion, but had never considered a On this career-spanning set of many of songs and with "On Top of Old Smoky," career in music. In fact, Sally spent her his signature tunes, the ingenuity and he explains this was a song he learned high school years focused on basketball undiminished vitality of Earl's playing, from his grandmother singing it in the while Tensel pondered medical school. along with the stellar contributions of original, mournful Appalachian style After graduation and a bit of college, the his Family & Friends Band, make for a instead of the more upbeat version of girls transfered to East Tennessee State magical and unforgettable listening the 1951 radio hit and campfire sing- University where they enrolled in the experience. Featured musicians along. The project gives the listener an (Continued on page 11) include: John Gardner, Hoot Hester, Rob intimate experience with Williams that Ickes, John Jorgenson, Jon Randall, and See OATS BMACC Notes—January 2009 Page 10 OATS their "home studio" and use music under the IBMA umbrella, has created a from their own personal library. website at http:// (Continued from page 10) bluegrasssongwriters.roxer.com/. I'd bluegrass music program. There they Also; if I receive music that is Gospel encourage anyone who's been writing met banjo picker Karen McNees, and oriented, I will include it on Hillbilly bluegrass songs to check it out: Jon with Sally on guitar and vocals, and Heaven, which streams from Weisberger Tensel on bass and vocals, the trio was shoutcast.com. born. The ETSU program has honed Carl Towns, PO Box 547, Trenton, Ga. their skills as performers and when the 30752 USA Tensels headed back to Missouri for the George McKnight to Become Host of http://www.carltowns.com annual Sally Mountain Festival in 2007, "BANKS OF THE OHIO". On November they invited Karen to tag along. This 29, 2008, a new voice will greet internet event has been produced by their and broadcast listeners to "Banks of the grandparents since 1986, and they had "The Wheeling Jamboree" (nee Ohio: Music from the Homeplace of attended since they were youngsters - "WWVA Jamboree," "Jamboree USA") Bluegrass." The weekly internet and just like their mom and uncle before is back on a weekly basis! For the broadcast radio program is a production them. While at the festival, a last winter it'll broadcast from the WWVA of the International Bluegrass Music minute opening in the schedule brought studios, and it regularly features Museum, which is located adjacent to them to the stage, and the three of bluegrass bands!! the Ohio River in Owensboro, Kentucky. them came up with the name as they George McKnight, the new host of were preparing to go on. The crowd It's on the air Saturday nights from 6 "Banks of the Ohio," is a veteran in reaction was such that a return to 9 pm at 1170 on the dial and it syndicated bluegrass broadcasting, a engagement in '08 was required and the booms into the Northeast and Eastern festival and event emcee, and stage 6th generation of the musical Vincent Canada as it always has!! Google manager, presently based in Kamloops, family is now in the business.Their self- "Wheeling Jamboree" and see how British Columbia, Canada. McKnight's titled debut CD has recently been you can listen to it online! current program, "Uptown Bluegrass" released, and can be purchased from begun in 1982, is broadcast by a string of the official Rhonda Vincent online store. mostly Canadian radio stations, and has Audio samples are up on the girls' Band Changes: been streamed on the World Wide Web MySpace page. Dale Perry is the newest member of since 2003. "Banks of the Ohio" was Cody Shuler & Pine Mountain Railroad. initiated by the International Bluegrass Dale will be picking the banjo. Music Museum in 2002 to expand the Attention Artists - New show beginning Banjoist Aaron McDaris has replaced Museum's global outreach and on the WWB Carl Towns announces his Kenny Ingram in Rhonda Vincent and awareness. The program is heard on forthcoming show on the Rage, and Ben Helson has replaced eight radio stations in the US and the WorldWideBluegrass.com. "I am asking Darrell Webb on guitar.Kristen Scott Museum's own webcast outlet, Artists and Labels to submit any music Benson has taken over the banjo spot Bluegrass Radio International. The they would like played on the show to with the Grascals. Darrell Webb has founding host, Fred Bartenstein, a noted me at the address below. I will be joined Michael Cleveland & bluegrass historian, writer, and playing mostly post 80's music, but will Flamekeeper broadcaster, will continue his also play some of the classics as well. I involvement with the Museum in other love bluegrass very deeply, it has been a capacities. Bluegrass Songwriters Association part of me and my family, even before I was born and I would love to be able to "At this year's World of Bluegrass, the For further information: promote you on the show! You can fledgling Bluegrass Songwriters Gabrielle Gray: Executive Director, learn more about me on my website. Association presented a well-attended International Bluegrass Music Museum, and well-received Songwriters Crash (270) 926-7891, gabriellegray@bluegrass If you have not heard of The WWB Course, took over responsibility for -museum.org before: We are an internet-only station organizing the Song Demo Listening with offices in Newport, KY. The WWB Sessions, and presented several nights' George McKnight: Host, Banks of the is listener supported and continues with worth of song circles and songwriter Ohio, (250) 852-0595, the help of dedicated volunteers to performances both on, and offsite. [email protected] promote and preserve Bluegrass music. Along the same lines, the Association,
The live dj's produce and host from formed as a sort of working group (Continued on page 13) BMACC Notes—January 2009 Page 11
BMACC Notes—January 2009 Page 12 OATS operation for 18 years, and although they entered by our readers. Exclusive Videos are very sad to end publication, the Our three multimedia issues have (Continued from page 11) Bledsoes are definitely ready to enjoy included exclusive videos from a variety Country Music: The Masters - Marty their leisure time. In this letter, we'd like of creative bluegrass artists, including... - Stuart's recently released book of to point out some of the highlights of our Canadian Rhonda Withnell performing photographs. final multimedia issue. This issue includes "Don't Kneel At My Graveside"
Photos taken by Marty Stuart. Photos stories featuring, and contributed by, of showcards, of showclothes and of some of bluegrass music's most intriguing - The Pegheads of Rhode Island in a hot showmen (and women). Photos of personalities... - Eddie Adcock's Well- version of "Dusty Miller" photos. It's an amazing collection and Tuned Brain by Shari Lacy - Lisa McCoury's - Margot Leverett and the Klezmer is available at County Sales as well as NASHVILLE - Pickin' In The Parlor with Mountain Boys from New Jersey on various places on the Internet. An Mark Johnson - "Bury Me Beneath The - Greek multi-instrumentalist John absolutely lovely and loving collection Willow": The Story Behind The Song by Trikopoulos performing his own "Ridin' of photographs. The accompanying CD Richard Matteson, Jr. - From The Blue With Uncle Bill" is a great addition to thepictures. On it Highway by Tim Stafford: What IBMA Is - Washington's Jake Dewhirst flatpicking Marty tells some of the stories behind Doing For YOU - Art & Commerce by Art his original "Fly By" the photos. Menius: The Thankful Column - We hope you enjoy the final issue of Songwriter's Journal by Tim Walsh: Bluegrass Now, and we are very grateful Bluegrass Songwriters Association- Music for your support and friendship over the Of interest to Banjo Players: City Breakdown by Craig Havighurst: years. If you are a subscriber, you will be The January 2009 issue of "Silver Subterranean Homesick Bluegrass - hearing from us by e-mail regarding our Strings" is available now free at http:// OffStage with Travis Book of the Infamous obligation to you; we appreciate your www.angiesbanjo.com Stringdusters patience as we sort everything out, and work to close up shop. We'd also like to highlight some of the In this issue: Thank you, "Ask the Banjo Teacher" Contest great features and columns in our first Wayne, Deb & Caroline Winner - Wil Huckabay* 2009 Banjo two issues, in case you missed them... BLUEGRASS NOW Setup Workshop - Wil Huckabay* Most have exclusive video, audio, and/or Bluegrass Now Moving on Up "How Mountain Girls photographs! - In The Studio With Steve P.O. Box 2020 Rolla, MO 65402 Can Love" by George Chapman* Martin (November) - The Last One: Phone: 573-341-7336 Bluegrass Jamming - Part 2 by Bob Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival (November) - Geoff Morris' Bluegrass Altschuler* Pete Wernick's Upcoming Camps* Returning to the Basics - America (November) - Gospel Profile: Bill Monroe's Mandolin to Remain at Counting by Geoff Hohwald and More! Lorraine Jordan Is Too Busy For Trouble The Country Music Hall of Fame and (November) - A Joyful Noise: Bruce Museum Hornsby & Ricky Skaggs (October) - Robert W. McLean bought Bill's A Farewell Message from Bluegrass Making Bluegrass Green with Planet mandolin (and various other Now: Bluegrass (October) - Rob Ickes' instruments, including Mother We'd like to let you know that the new Contemporary Dobro Artistry (October) - Maybelle's guitar) and donated them to Teen Scene with Sierra Hull (October) the CMHoF. However, it later came to issue of Bluegrass Now is now online at http://www.bluegrassnow.com. With Congratulations to our winning Best light that the funds used to make the sadness, we must also tell you that this Shots! purchases had been obtained by fraud. will be our final issue. McLean committed suicide after these Our BEST SHOT photo contest was quite charges were made, and the people he This was an incredibly difficult decision, popular, and we received some terrific defrauded launched a lawsuit to regain as you will read in this issue's farewell entries. Readers especially enjoyed being their lost funds. They wanted the letter from our publisher, Wayne able to vote for their favorite images. instruments returned and sold to help Bledsoe, but it was compelled by Congratulations to the winner of our raise these funds. After nearly a year of several factors: the troubled American October contest, Frank Merenda, and the negotiations, a settlement has been reached. The museum will keep the economy, rising operational costs, and winner of our November contest, Angela a decline in advertising revenue. The Whetzel! Visit http:// instruments and pay McLean's decision was also compelled by our www.bluegrassnow.com and click on the bankruptcy estate $750,000.00 (which is publisher's desire to enjoy his CONTESTS tab to see the winning BEST likely much cheaper than fighting the suit in court).For more details visit retirement. Bluegrass Now has been in SHOTS, and all the wonderful photos www.cybergrass.com BMACC Notes—January 2009 Page 13 ELLIOT LAKE NEWS This group has its roots in Kirkland Matt Naveau. Matt, Matt, Matt. I have Lake, Timmins and Sudbury/Sault never in five decades of watching and From Gloria areas, genuine Northern Ontario home- listening to bluegrass music seen nor grown products. heard a bass player like Matt. He is in a Hansen and the league of one. His timing, like the rest of Elliot Lake Individually, Lee D. Roy strikes me as the band, is so tight that it inspires little Bluegrass the ambassador for the band, greeting screams and moans of pleasure from all Jammers newcomers to venues, and generally who listen. His ongoing love affair with being an all-round nice guy, as are his his standup bass is a source of laughter bandmates. His rhythm guitar work to audiences, as he hoists it in the air, I have just returned from Silverwater on sits you straight up in your seat--you plays it horizontally, caresses it, looks it the lovely Manitoulin Island where I don't want to miss a thing. He makes it straight in the fretboard, and grasps it attended a benefit event, Bluegrass 'N' seem effortless, as he either takes the with his knees. His bass knows true Ribs, at the Silverwater Community lead in songs, or jumps in on the high love from its player. He walks up and Centre on October 25. Headlining the harmonies. down that instrument with ease, and event were the Canucky Bluegrass Boys, into the mix throws out strong lead and formerly Grassbackwardz. There is Daryl Rodgers appears to have been harmony vocals. He does have a serious nothing backward about these talented playing guitar since babyhood. Again, side, and that was evident as he traded men. They kicked off the afternoon by effortlessly, he picks out intricate his beloved bass for a guitar, grabbed a being back up band to anyone breaks and progressions with a speed chair and treated us to his version of interested in performing at an likened to Clay Hess and others. He Garth Brooks' "Thunder Rolls". open mike session. It was an honour to be on the same stage As the evening progressed, with them--they are the new after the delicious rib dinner, bluegrass best in all of Canada, the Canucky Bluegrass Boys not to mention internationally. played two sets that left us gasping with delight. Other Energetic and entertaining as a performers with them group, they are a driving force included the talented Mark St. to be reckoned with in the Denis of Coldwater, and burgeoning bluegrass world. Melissa, Daryl's better half, My ears still ring with the tight CANUCKY BLUEGRASS BOYS who wowed people with a harmonies, timing and stellar couple of beautiful songs. Her instrumental performance. They take makes a grown woman (me) cry with voice reminded me of a sparkling your breath away with continued his renditions of traditional bluegrass mountain stream, crisp and confident, flawless musicianship. Many perfomers tunes and on the other hand, leaves so easy on the ear. of that caliber of playing might often the audience wanting more when he have little time to talk to those of us belts out the hard-driving numbers that The amount of talent at that Bluegrass who are only at the “living room” level abound in the Canucky repertoire. 'N' Ribs event was awesome, and every of playing. Not the Canucky Bluegrass performance commanded ooohs. aahs Boys. They have all the time in the R.J. Nelson is another example of and vigourous applause. But the world to talk to their audience and flawless performances on the banjo, Canucky Bluegrass Boys captured our participate in the open jams. I could go calmly sending us into frenzy after hearts forever. We will definitely be on and on about this band, but check frenzy with no let up in the execution following their migration to world class out their website and their schedule. of instrumental classics like Salt Creek, renown. It is not far away for them. Go see them. You will rate them right Foggy Mountain Breakdown and Clinch Lee, Daryl, Red and Matt--a tip of the up there with Rhonda and Ricky, and in Mountain Backstep. Peppered with finger pick to you all--you RULE! fact, Rhonda has already jammed with high, lonesome fills for the slower them, and booked them. They will be numbers they do, I place him right Yours in bluegrass harmony standing among the royalty of beside the reigning banjo champions of Gloria Jean Hansen Bluegrass, and very soon. the bluegrass world. Elliot Lake, Ontario
BMACC Notes—January 2009 Page 14 ties together and if you found you evening all the instructors put on an- NASHCAMP were in over your head you could other performance, solo and as a Fall Banjo Camp switch and join any level you wanted. group. If you ever want to hear Van The classes were informal but very Halen on the banjo then go see Ned well laid out, and tons of material was Luberecki. That guy can play any- covered. Backup techniques, how to thing, he is just amazing.
work out breaks, playing in different The main reason I went was to see By keys, playing out of the D and C posi- J.D. Crowe who in my mind is the best Graham Stone tion, and various techniques to gain backup banjo player ever, period. His dexterity and learn the fingerboard to backup playing is phenomenal. ello everybody, I thought I would name a few. Sunday, was spent with another share my experience at the fall H It all started on Thursday evening workshop, and then a couple hours banjo camp with all of you. with dinner at the Big River Brew devoted to banjo setup which was I had never heard of NASHCAMP before, House in Nashville. After dinner, all hosted by Frank Neat and Charlie until Tom McCreight sent me an email the instructors put on a concert at the Cushman. It took Frank about 15 min- with a link to their website. As a student Station Inn. On stage they were utes to completely dismantle one of of the banjo with much to learn I was joined by Roland White on mandolin, his banjos and about 20 to put it back eager to check it out and once on their Chris Jones on guitar, and please for- together. It was very informative. website I made my mind up to go. give me but I can’t remember the Frank was on hand all weekend to do bass player, or the fiddler, but they The list of instructors was incredible; banjo setups for the students. were great. J.D. Crowe, Sonny Osborne, Alan Munde, The food was great and I would highly Charlie Cushman, Ned Luberecki, and Bill Workshops began at 1pm Friday and recommend this camp to anybody Evans. How could I not want to go. The ran till about 8pm. Then there were who is interested in improving their setting was equally fantastic. It was held jam sessions for every level (slow skills. at Hachland Hill Vineyard in Joelton, Ten- jams up to expert). To accompany Check out their website at nessee on 100 acres of rolling hardwood the jams they had Roland White on www.nashcamp.com bush and a small vineyard. mandolin, Missy Raines on bass and Tim May on guitar. I was a little intimidated, thinking that Happy Pickin’ It was a great experience getting to the pickers would be at expert level but play with people of that caliber, but as it turned out there were people of Graham Stone every level there. The organizers did humbling as well. Saturday was filled their best to put people of similar abili- with workshops as well, and in the
From the Editor
Many thanks to our contributors, in this issue, Tom McCreight, Gloria Hansen, Matthew Large and Graham Stone.
The article above is the kind of thing we would like to see more of in our publication. If you attend workshops, festivals or other events that you really enjoy, please share the experience with us. Our readers appreciate enjoying your experiences vicariously and may even explore some of the places or events you write about.
John and Joyce Kelly’s article on their rambles around the Maritimes last summer makes great reading. If any of you take in a Bluegrass Cruise, let us know about it. If you have pictures as well, send them in.
We can’t guarantee that your article will appear immediately but we do keep them on file for when we have a sparse news issue. We will make every effort to publish your article in a timely manner. Wayne cleans up pretty good doesn’t he? Thanks
Wes
BMACC Notes—January 2009 Page 15 The following Review of the debut CD from Honeygrass appeared on Page 65 of the December issue of Bluegrass Unlimited. Thanks for letting us know about this Karen. If any of our member groups are celebrating similar milestones, please let us know. Your successes are our successes.
Wes
HONEYGRASS - SHE'S RUNNING WILD no label, no number
HoneyGrass is a four piece band from Ontario, Canada, that is centered around the vocal talents of Eleanor Bell (guitar and vocals), Marie Gustafson (mandolin, guitar, and vocals), and Karen May Snell (bass and vocals). The quartet is rounded out by banjo picker Ray Winterstein. "She's Running Wild" is a 14-piece collection featuring a wealth of top-flight performances including "If Wishes Were Horses", "Those Memories", and Louisa Branscomb's "Crescent City Flood", which is the band's tribute to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Eleanor Bell is the group's prime songwriter, having contributed such gems as "Going Back Home", "You Don't Care", and "Calling all the Angels". The added presence of guest musicians Emory Lester (mandolin, mandola, viola and guitar) and Gene Gouthro (mandolin and shaker) add further excitement to an already exhilarating recording event. Anyone who appreciates stirring harmony vocals will certainly find much to savor in the music of HoneyGrass.
Les McIntyre
Reprinted from the “Dill Pickle Rag” - December 2008
BMACC Notes—January 2009 Page 16 ORGANIZATIONAL Tottenham Bluegrass Festival BANDS MEMBERS Contact: Peter Deveau 905-936-4100 Acoustical Strings
1-888-258-4727 Contact: Roger Spense Here is a list of the organizations www.tottenhambluegrass.ca 705-432-2598 who have become members of BMACC: Valley Bluegrass Festival Appalachian Grass Contact: R. Johnston/Shiela Kirk Contact: Vern McIntyre Bluegrass Sundays 613-432-5000 419-568-1220 Contact: Judy Fink [email protected] [email protected] 416-779-2627 www.fotmc.com Willow Park Jamboree [email protected] Backwoodsmen Contact: Marvin LaForme Campbell’s Corner Music Sales 905-768-1448 Contact: Lorne Buck 613-475-3740 Contact: Dan Campbell 519-371-5037 CLUBS C-Denny Band [email protected] Contact: Denis Chadbourn Manitoba Oldtyme Bluegrass Society Morgan Multi Services 705-776-7754 Inc. (MOBS) Conestoga Trail Festival Contact: John Sawatzky Church and State Fair Contact: Gerry or Fran Morgan 204-467-2182 Contact: Dottie Cormier 519-458-4515 www.manitobabluegrass.ca 416-996-4253 [email protected] [email protected] http://www3.sympatico.ca/gerrfran Nipissing Bluegrass Association www.myspace.com/churchandstatefair Contact: Denis Chadbourn Northern Bluegrass Committee 705-776-7754 Concession 23 Contact: Tony deBoer [email protected] Contact: Nick Strachan/Sherry Philp 705-758-9049 819-459-1089/613-623-0779 Ottawa Valley Bluegrass Association The Stringman Contact: Donald Tarte [email protected] Contact: Gord DeVries www.concession23.com 887-876-3369/613-234-1000 800-587-4647 [email protected] Crosswind [email protected] www.valleygrass.ca Contact: Roland Aucoin
905-635-1818 FESTIVALS Queensbush Bluegrass Club [email protected] Contact: Don Day www.crosswindbluegrass.ca Norwich Family Bluegrass Festival 519-376-7945 Contact: Mike & Maryann Tirellia www.queensbush.ca Foggy Hogtown Boys 518-783-3154 Skyway Bluegrass Club Contact: Chris Coole [email protected] Contact: Roland Aucoin 416-516-3796 www.norwichfamilybluegrass.com www.chriscoole.com 905-635-1818 www.foggyhogtownboys.com Palmer Rapids Twin Music [email protected] Contact: Allan Schutt Thames Valley Bluegrass Music Assoc. Foxtail 613-758-2747 Sally Creek Music Festival Contact: Gord DeVries [email protected] 519-668-0418 Contact: Wayne Uncer Sally Creek Music Festival 519-469-3392 [email protected] www.foxtail.ca Contact: Wayne Uncer [email protected] 519-469-3392 www.tvbma.ca General Store 1-888-288-4423 Townships Bluegrass and Old-Tyme Contact: Bill Blance www.sallycreekmusicfestival.ca Music Society 905-451-9077 www.tvmba.ca [email protected] Contact: Gordon Cameron Sand Road Sugar Camp 450-539-0333 The Generation Gap Contact: Julie or Brian Contact: Gretchen Lamers 613-538-2991 519-866-5910 www.sandroadsugarcamp.com [email protected]
(Continued on page 18)
BMACC Notes—January 2009 Page 17 (Continued from page 17) Silverbirch Brother John’s Sunday Morning Gospel Gid-R-Done Contact: Tom McCreight Hour Contact: Wayne Uncer 705-228-8426 www.theislandfm.com 519-469-3392 [email protected] Sunday 8:00 a.m. [email protected] Virginia Ridge Don Day and Dusty Hill Canucky Bluegrass Boys Contact: John Plantz Bluegrass Express (formerly Grassbackwardz) 204-853-7786 [email protected] Contact: Lee D. Roy [email protected] CKCY 93.7 FM-www.country93.ca 705-669-1945 www.virginiaridge.piczo.com 519-376-2030 [email protected] Bill White and White Pine Sundays at 9:00 p.m. www.canuckybluegrass.com Contact: Bill White Linda Elliott Hard Ryde 613-372-2400 Country and Bluegrass Contact: Doug DeBoer [email protected] CHIP 101.7 FM—www.chipfm.com 519-249-0397 [email protected] 819-683-3155 – 888-775-3155 [email protected] www.billwhiteandwhitepine.aztechdigital.ca [email protected] www.hardryde.ca The Uncalled Four Saturday – 5:00-10:00 p.m.
Contact: Raymond Loponen Sunday – 6:00-10.00 p.m. Honeygrass Contact: Karen May Snell 807-345-9282 Audrey Lockwood
705-788-4362 The Young Family Band Bluegrass Program [email protected] Contact: Brad Young CKOL 93.7FM—[email protected] www.honeygrass.com 613-478-3356 Friday 9:00-10:00 p.m.
Keslering Ridge [email protected] Jim Marino
Contact: Ron Luxton Smokin’ Bluegrass 905-623-2828 Bluegrass on the Radio [email protected] (please note this section is included as a service [email protected] to members who want to listen on the radio or CFMU-FM 93.3
Lazy John internet – subsequent issues will only list DJ’s who http://cfmu.mcmaster.ca are members) Contact: Shane Crumb John and Angel McNaughton with Maria 613-472-5548 Linda Axman and Dan Joseph Polillo [email protected] Blueridge Express The Bluegrass Show www.myspace.com/lazyjohnband CKRW-FM-98.5—Kitchener [email protected] Wednesday at 7:30-8:30 p.m. CKRZ-FM 100.3—www.ckrz.com Lonesome Wind Dan Bieman Tuesday 7:00-11:00 p.m. Contact: Pam Brooks 519-765-1445 Bluegrass Rules Wilson Moore [email protected] AM920 CKNX—www.am920.ca Bluegrass Jam www.lonesomewind.ca [email protected] CHMA—FM 106.9—Sackville, NB 519-357-1310 – ext. 446 Northern Sons 506-364-2221 Sundays at 1:00 p.m. www.mta.ca/chma—[email protected] Contact: Rory Gardiner Evenings - 613-820-6027 David Blakeny Saturdays 6:00 pm—Sundays 4:30 pm Daybreak in Dixie (Atlantic Time) Days: - 613-829-2176 [email protected] CJAM-FM 91.5—www.cjam.ca Ron Moores www.northernsons.com [email protected] The Back 40 Sunday 8:00-10:00 a.m. CKCU FM 93.1—www.ckcufm.com Jan Purcell and Pine Road Contact: Jan Purcell Howard Bonner [email protected] 819-459-3362 The Catalogue Parlour www.back40.ca CFRC – 101.9 FM—www.cfrc.ca Saturday Noon-1:00 p.m. [email protected] www.pineroadbluegrass.com [email protected] Fridays – 6:00-8:00 p.m. Rhyme’N’Reason Contact: Stefan Van Holten 905-679-4049 [email protected] (Continued on page 19) See RADIO BMACC Notes—January 2009 Page 18 RADIO (Continued from page 18) Brian Powley Brother Brian’s Bluegrass Show CFRC 101.9 FM—www.cfrc.ca [email protected] Sunday 8:00-11:00 a.m.
Steve Pritchard Radio-Boogie CKLN FM 88.1—http://ckln.fm [email protected] Wednesday 10:00-12:00 p.m.
Other sources: www.mountainechosradio.com Wayne Uncer and Mike O’Reilly This site plays some good stuff all the time.
Live 365 Internet Radio http://www.live365.com/cgi-bin/directory.cg1? genre=bluegrass Saturday – Noon – 1:00 p.m.
February 25, March 25, April 22 EVENTS—2009 Christ Church, Kingston Contact: Bill or June White—623-372-2400 Winter Concert Dates Or Brian Powley—613-374-3888
February—The Lost and Found February 26, March 26, April 23 March—Tennessee Gentlemen Owen Sound Legion Br. 1450, Owen Sound April—Wildwood Valley Boys Contact: Don Day—519-376-7945
February 19, March 19, April 16 February 27—Preston Legion, Cambridge Clarence Centre, Akron Mennonite Church Contact: Doug or Melissa deBoer Contact: Ted Lambert—716-683-1495 519-249-0397
February 20, March 20, April 17 February 28—Havelock Legion Dutch Mill Country Market, Waterdown Havelock, ON Contact: Tony deBoer—705-758-9049 Contact:Cindy Winterbottom 905-331-9915
February 21, March 21, April 18 March 27, April 24 St. John’s Parish Hall, Woodslee Huntsville Centennial Centre, Huntsville Contact: David Blakney—519-975-2792 Contact: Tony deBoer—705-758-9049
February 22, March 22, April 19 March 28—Elks Club Hall, Espanola Highland Creek Legion, Scarborough Afternoon Jam Session Contact: Judy Fink—416-779-2627 Contact: Ed Guay—705-869-4631
February 22, March 22, April 20 April 25 Summit Room, Voyager Motel Montgomery Branch Legion, Ottawa North Bay Contact: Donald Tarte—877-876-3369 Afternoon Jam Session Contact : Tony deBoer—705-758-9049 February 23, March 23, April 21 The Waterloo Legion, Waterloo, QC March 29, April 26 Contact: Gord Cameron—450-539-0333 Riuniti Hall, Sault Ste. Marie
Afternoon Jam Session Contact: Duffy Schryer—705-949-8674 BMACC Notes—January 2009 Page 19
BMACC Notes—January 2009 Page 20