BMACC Notes
The Bluegrass Music Association of Central Canada Newsletter—Volume 4 Issue 2—April 2010
Winter Concert Series—February 23—Ottawa hosted by The Ottawa Valley Bluegrass Association
CONCESSION 23 opens for THE JAMES KING BAND
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From the President—Page 3 If there are individual members of BMACC that belong to a band or Leadership Bluegrass 2010—Page 5/6 other organization, you should consider paying an additional $30 to take advantage of what BMACC can offer. Did You Know?—Page 6
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Readers Speak Out—Page 31/32 BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 2
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
BMACC Wants You!!! to just one man…but can be achieved much easier and Your mission should you much more quickly as a community. Our community consists of the fans, the musicians, the promoters, the decide to accept it… recording studios, radio broadcasters, etc… we are all on the same team, with the same goals in mind. As members of BMACC, and Collectively, we are the face of bluegrass. bluegrass enthusiasts at large, Unfortunately, there exist preconceived notions, myths, you possess a wealth of and stereotypes about bluegrass, that work against us. information, and are an The good news is… we have the means to correct this indispensable source of ideas injustice. It is called first hand information. So expose for us. We are here to serve you. That is why we bluegrass to whoever might listen…open their eyes, their continue to look to you for suggestions that will make a ears, and their minds. positive impact on our bluegrass community. In a few short years, BMACC has accomplished much good, and Other BMACC opportunities: we shall continue to work tirelessly, striving to serve If you can sit at a BMACC table for an hour or two, at a you. However, the success of any grassroots particular festival this summer… we’d be glad to hear organisation depends heavily on its members for from you. Hey, if you’re going to be there anyway…we’d support, feedback, and direction. certainly appreciate your help.
What can you do? Well, something as basic and simple We’d also welcome information about concerts, or as introducing someone new, to bluegrass music… a perhaps nominations for people worth recognising grandchild, a neighbour or friend, or even just a casual within our bluegrass community. Again, feel free to acquaintance. Just tell them, “Hey, you gotta hear this” send us pictures, festival reviews, or write articles for and hand them a cd of your favourite bluegrass band. this publication. If you have some constructive Invite a friend or someone new to a jam or a live show… criticism…we’ll give you a soapbox, in our Readers Speak there is no substitute for the real thing. Out section. If you are looking for economical advertising opportunities, BMACC rates are amazingly Each one of us are stewards of bluegrass, and it is inexpensive, so call us. incumbent upon us to plant the bluegrass seed, nurture it, and see that it grows strong. Do you recall your first In conclusion, I counted over 50 festivals and touring “Ah ha bluegrass moment?” That epiphany, when you shows for 2010 (not including club concerts). This goes were first struck by the realisation…so this is what it’s all to prove that we have fertile ground upon which to about! You, my friend, have the ability to recreate that plant, grow, and feed those, who hunger for honest moment in others. It’s profoundly humbling to know music like ours… and bluegrassers are the sort of people that you have the ability to shape people’s musical who don’t mind sharing! So go forth and spread the futures, and to shape the future of bluegrass music at good word; bluegrass is well and thriving here! For that, large. The term “grassroots” aptly has its origins in we can all be truly thankful. agriculture… and it all starts with the planting of a seed… which in this case, is bluegrass. Until next time…warm regards from bluegrass central. My grandmother used to say, “Many hands make light the work.” This is relative to us in that, if each of us does something small, as a community we can accomplish big Warm regards, things. The jobs of preparing the seed bed, the planting Denis Chadbourn of the seeds, and the nurturing of the crop, are daunting BMACC President
BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 3
BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 4 Leadership Bluegrass 2010 By Denis Chadbourn
I recently had the distinct honor of has a far greater potential to draw marketing. That is, drilling for, and attending the Leadership Bluegrass tourists from both outside of Ontario, extrapolating information from social course, in Nashville, the second week of and outside of Canada. Festival networking sites. The information March. This highly motivating forum promoters need to bear this in mind derived can help to build fan bases, sell presented by IBMA, and graciously when marketing their festivals. And the show tickets and merchandise, and get hosted by BMI, focused on the Internet is a great way to do that. In gigs. It is also useful in pitching to challenges facing the width and breadth fact, when it comes to the Internet…this sponsors, and encouraging radio airplay. of the music industry at large. is the equivalent of the Wild West…it is a Did you know that your top 20% of fans land of border-less opportunity. bring in 80% of your revenue? So it is I say that I was fortunate to attend this wise to keep them engaged via social prestigious course, networking tools. because only 25 people, from around the globe, If you need or want to were picked by a panel of get into the nuts and judges to attend this bolts of legal issues industry think tank. surrounding publishing Among the nations deals, label deals, represented were distribution deals, Australia, Ireland, the performance royalties, USA, and yours truly from licensing, contracts, etc., Canada. a good resource is Donald S. Passman, All Leadership Bluegrass is a You Need to Know About think tank on the state of the Music Business, the music industry at seventh edition. large, not just bluegrass. Although this was It addresses the required reading for the problems that all sectors music industry, it is also face, and provides the a very entertaining, and tools to construct and to very practical guide to formulate plans, to respond to these For artists, the music distribution model the music industry legalese. problems. Not only is it an opportunity has changed drastically. They can now, to devise a means of guiding and eliminate the middlemen altogether (i.e. Our leadership think tank was privileged building the future of our music, but it is Labels, distributors, etc.), and sell to be graced by guest speakers and also an empowering healing circle of directly to fans via their website. industry pro’s, such as: Eddie Adcock, leaders, equals, and friends. Although artists may sell fewer units, Dan Keen (ASCAP), David Crow their piece of the pie is substantially (entertainment lawyer), Ronnie Reno, The topics we covered in the three days larger. We have returned to an age of Todd Mayo, John Walker, Craig are far too numerous to mention here, singles…nearly 2 billion singles (digital Havighurst, (new media broadcasting), so I will give you only the highlights. tracks) were downloaded in 2009. While Brian Smith, Stephen Day, Kathy Suffice it to say that all the stakeholders it is still imperative to have CDs & Armistad (William Morris Agency rep’s. in the industry were represented…from merchandise for sale at live shows, the Brad Paisly), Kissy Black, Tim McFadden songwriters, bands, publishers, record bricks and mortar distributors are going artist management, Paul Lohr Touring, labels, studios, festivals, promoters, by the way of the dinosaur…music stores Ron Cox (BMI) and of course bluegrass broadcasters, retailers, educators, clubs, are closing at a fantastic rate and their flagship IBMA…and the list goes on. the new media, artist management, share prices are plummeting. touring agencies, and consumers. After the presentation on his Web based tools, like web metrics, now (Continued on page 6) Bluegrass truly is a global industry, and it give us access to high tech research and See LEADERSHIP BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 5 LEADERSHIP As your Canadian representative at There has been a 10% increase in the
Leadership Bluegrass in Nashville, I number of consumers who purchased a (Continued from page 5) wanted to make it abundantly clear to bluegrass product in the last 10 years. educational Dobro workshops and those around the table…Canada is not Bluegrass fans are for the most part retreats, Rob Ikes pulled his Dobro out of just a hockey nation, it is a bluegrass active people who enjoy camping, its case, and gave the group a virtuoso nation as well. We have some world- sports, recreation and outdoor activities. performance of The Old Rugged Cross, class individuals, organizations, festivals, 78% are homeowners that left tears of appreciation in the eyes and musicians here in Canada. However, 64% are between the age of 25 and 54 of some attendees. for us to win gold, we need to improve Bluegrass consumers are 79% more on playing as a team! likely than the average American to play Doyle Lawson too, spoke at length about a musical instrument. coming to Nashville Feb.3, 1963 and If you have any specific questions about They are twice as likely as the average landing a job with Jimmy Martin. He the Leadership Bluegrass experience, or American to earn more than $75,000/ spoke of his subsequent tenures with about the workings of the music year. J.D. Crowe, and then with The Country industry, please feel free to They are three times more likely to own Gentlemen, before striking out on his communicate with me. If I cannot a full size motor home. own. Doyle was very candid when answer your question, we have a team They are found in all major markets in talking about 32 years of life on the road of experts that can. North America and dozens of countries and how it affected his marriages. The worldwide. (Bluegrass is very popular in band would spend 15 to 18 hours a day Europe, Australia, and Japan.) practicing when Quicksilver was first The number of people who enjoy formed. Doyle’s advice to succeeding in Bluegrass music is growing faster than the music biz…”You don’t need to be the any other genre of music. best, you need to be different. Respect There have been more bluegrass albums yourself, dress the part, and never lower charting in Billboard Magazine in the your standards…have those around you past three years than in the prior thirty raise theirs. years, prompting Billboard to initiate the first ever Bluegrass Sales Chart. ”In working together as a community, Broadcast programming of bluegrass using high standards of professionalism, content has increased 250% since 1996. we cannot help but succeed! We need Bluegrass music is traditional, natural, to find new audiences for bluegrass, and honest music that is generally played in build a greater appreciation for the family oriented environments. It music. The bluegrass community expresses wholesome core values. already has the tools and resources, and the ability to succeed in the changing Wayne and Rhonda in Nashville business environment. The greatest resource we have is one another. From Simmons Research Data
The ability to cooperate and to explore Did you know? new partnerships, is integral for success and for future growth. This is precisely According to Simmons Research, Terry Smith composer of the reason BMACC exists. The most bluegrass music is the fastest “Far Side Bank of Jordan” important message I gleaned from the growing genre of music. Here are at Mercedes, TX Leadership Bluegrass course, is …people, some interesting facts about are more important, than the music bluegrass consumers, based on itself. People with a common goal are data collected in 2008. It reflects unstoppable…that is the essence of any the American market, but still has grassroots movement. Putting aside some relevance north of the petty squabbles, and working together border. to achieve common goals…not only promotes personal growth, but also According to Simmons Research: guarantees the success of our bluegrass Over 80 million people listen to mission. Bluegrass music. This represents a 75% increase in the last 25 years. BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 6 Songwriter – Tom T. Hall and Dixie Hall and humbling! It is an opportunity to
Bass - Darrin Vincent, meet and jam with people from all over Dobro– Tim Graves, North America who have come together Guitar– Josh Williams, for the same purpose – to share their Mandolin– Alan Bibey, love of bluegrass. Many of the jammers By Karen Banjo – Aaron McDaris, are performers of the highest calibre; to Fiddle – Hunter Berry, have a chance to play music with these May Female Vocalist (Contemporary) – people you can’t help but learn and you Rhonda Vincent, come to realize how very high the bar is Female Vocalist (Traditional) – Alecia set. SPBGMA 2010 Nugent, Male Vocalist (Contemporary) – Jamie BMACC newsletters and flyers were Once again this winter, I had the pleasure Dailey, strategically placed on tables at the of attending the SPBGMA Bluegrass Male Vocalist (Traditional) – James King, elevators on every floor of the hotel, Music Awards and National Convention, Gospel Group (Contemporary) – Dailey and were provided to the MCs for which was held in Nashville February 4 – and Vincent, mention in between acts. 7, 2010. For those who are not familiar Gospel Group (Traditional) – Paul with this event, SPBGMA is an acronym Williams and the Victory Trio, If you are in a band or you are a which stands for Society for the promoter in Central Canada, Preservation of Bluegrass Music of getting on board with BMACC America. Their goals include and advertising your band or preserving the traditional spirit event in our publication can and art form of bluegrass music, help you get some visibility not offering management services for only across Central Canada, but festivals, encouraging wherever our directors go and professionalism in appearance and spread the word! Visit our showmanship in bluegrass website at www.bmacc.ca for performers, and supporting membership information and various bluegrass publications and advertising rates. If you are associations. Like the IBMA interested in getting more conference in the fall, SPBGMA is information on SPBGMA, visit a weekend full of performances by their website at the top acts in bluegrass, band www.spbgma.com. SPBGMA showcases, workshops, trade memberships are also available exhibits, opportunities to network to Canadians, for which you’ll with promoters, agencies and receive the annual Festival record companies, and of course Guide and Band Directory, as well as the quarterly Bluegrass jam sessions that last into the James King with “NOTES” night. Music News. Vocal Group – Dailey and Vincent, One of the highlights of the weekend is Instrumental Group – The Bluegrass If you are serious about your bluegrass the annual band competition, in which Brothers, and you can swing it to attend IBMA or aspiring bluegrass bands from all over Overall Band – The Grascals, SPBGMA, I guarantee you will come North America compete. If you want to Song of the Year – “Amanda Lynn” by home enriched for the experience! improve your band’s performance, Lou Reid and Carolina, witnessing this competition and getting Entertaining Group – Nothin’ Fancy, I am looking forward to seeing you an idea of the objective criteria for Entertainer – Rhonda Vincent. around the Ontario bluegrass circuit this judging will be very educational! Promoter—Bertie Sullivan summer – come and say hello! Previous winners of the band Radio Station—WDVX-FM, Knoxville, TN competition include Alison Krauss Union DJ—Brenda Lawson Karen May Station and Cadillac Sky. A special award was also presented to Roland White, who was inducted into The awards show is held on the Sunday the Preservation Hall of Greats. evening. This year’s award winners include: Jamming at SPBGMA is at once inspiring BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 7 OUT AMONG Moon Rising (Keith Garrett and Harold music. It could have sold for $100,000."
THE STARS Nixon), The Isaacs (John Bowman) and Gray did come away from the auction most recently The Dan Tyminski Band Random Bits of news with a 14-inch statue that was presented (Steffey and Stewart), this quintet starts from the world of posthumously to Monroe when he was Bluegrass out with an impressive rap sheet. inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Steffey's newly released project on By Tom McCreight Fame in 1997. She got it for $2,500, Sugar Hill, One More For The Road is a below the anticipated price of $3,000 to NEW RELEASES receiving a great deal of airplay and $4,000. "It's being shipped to us," Gray Blue Highway attention and features guest said. "It's a very good artefact. I'm sorry SOME DAY: THE FIFTEENTH appearances by Krauss, Ronnie Bowman they waited until after his death to induct ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION - Featuring and Tyminski. Expect The Boxcars to him." She doesn't know yet when the the best of their Rounder Records cover this material and branch out into piece, a black human-shaped figure tracks, along with one cut from a Rob their own unique style of contemporary holding a disc above its head, will go on Ickes solo album and three new bluegrass laced with Steffey's signature display. "We'll possibly wait until the selections including: "Bleeding for a rhythm that can be traced back to the centennial" of Monroe's birth in Little Peace of Mind". Also includes: early days of Union Station. Award September 2011 "and make a big splash "Through the Window of a Train", "Still winning instrumentalist Ron Stewart then," Gray said. Climbing Mountains", "Marbletown", will deliver rock solid banjo work, but "Wondrous Love," 13 in all. Release will also lay down the banjo for the The name of the person or company that date 01/19/2010 CD..ROUN-CD0633...P fiddle on some tunes. bought the defaced headstock veneer,
which sits atop the mandolin's neck, is Emerson, Bill It's always a rarity to have multiple being kept secret, at least so far. Gray SOUTHERN - 2010 - Latest from the strong vocalists in the same group, and said she's written Christie's and asked banjo legend includes classics from Flatt The Boxcars will benefit from strong them to pass a letter on to the buyer, & Scruggs, Hazel Dickens, The Delmore vocal performances from Keith Garrett, asking for permission to display the Brothers, and others, as well as originals John Bowman and Steffey's signature veneer at the museum during the penned by Vince Gill, Tim Stafford, Pete baritone. Look for a new release first Monroe centennial in 2011. Goble, and Janet Davis. With guest quarter of 2010. http:// vocalists Tom Adams, Teri Chism, and www.TheBoxcars.com Monroe's 1923 F-5 Lloyd Loar mandolin, Wayne Lanham. Includes: "I Don't Care which sold in 2002 for $1.125 million, is Anymore", "The Midnight Train", "Old now in the Country Music Hall of Fame Coal Town", 12 cuts in all. Release date and Museum in Nashville. Monroe is said 01/12/2010 CD..RHY-CD1053...M Bill Monroe's mandolin continues to to have bought it in a Miami barbershop make history for $150 around 1943 or 1945. Kohrs, Randy By Keith Lawrence, Owensboro According to Christie's, Monroe, an Ohio QUICKSAND - 2009 - Acoustic Messenger-Inquirer Americana selections from this County native known as "the father of bluegrass music," sent his mandolin to masterful resonator guitarist/vocalist, OWENSBORO, Ky. A 7-inch mandolin featuring Shannon Lawson on harmony Gibson Guitar Co. in 1963 for a neck headstock veneer defaced by Bill vocals, Russell Moore, Scott Vestal, Ron reset, new frets and fingerboard, new Monroe nearly half a century ago sold tuners, a new bridge and refinishing. Block on banjo, Adam Steffey on at auction Dec. 3 for $37,500. That's mandolin, Bryan Sutton on guitar, and When Monroe got the mandolin back, $5,357.15 an inch. Christie's auction only the neck work had been done. In others. 13 tracks, including: "Time and house in New York City had estimated Time Again", "Die on the Vine", "Devil of anger, Monroe is said to have taken his that the piece would sell for between pocketknife and gouged out the pearl- the Trail", more. Release date $5,000 and $7,000. She wasn't the 01/12/2010 CD..RHY-CD1052...M inlay logo that read "The Gibson." He left buyer, but Gabrielle Gray, executive only the "The" on the veneer. Monroe director of the International Bluegrass played the Gibson-less mandolin for 17 Music Museum in Owensboro, Ky., was years until the company finally The Boxcars, a new group featuring: the last bidder to drop out before the Adam Steffey, Ron Stewart, John R. persuaded him to let it fix the instrument piece of bluegrass history was sold. in 1980. Bluegrass Unlimited said that Bowman, Keith Garrett and Harold Nixon has formed. With collective stints "People at Christie's were shocked at Pat Aldworth, a former Gibson employee, with Alison Krauss & Union Station the price," she said Thursday. "But it's kept the damaged headstock veneer (Adam Steffey, John Bowman), J.D. folklore. It's one of a kind. It came from after the new one was attached to the Crowe & The New South (Ron Stewart, the most famous mandolin in the world. (Continued on page 10) John Bowman, Harold Nixon), Blue It's at the heart and soul of bluegrass See OATS BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 8
BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 9 OATS wholesale outlet started by my father genre. Now it's official. Legislation was
(Continued from page 8) and myself more than 22 years ago. passed by the Kentucky General mandolin. He decided to put it up for Music Shed will continue to operate Assembly unanimously naming Bowling auction this year. "You could make a from our current location in Columbus, Green as the birthplace of newgrass, a movie just about the mandolin and all NC and can be reached at 828-894-2446. spinoff of bluegrass music. The it's been through," Gray said. The We will soon begin exploring how to legislation also recognizes Bush as the damaged veneer is an icon for Monroe best preserve the vast catalog Tom, the father of newgrass. fans, she said. Gray said the bidding artists and talented staff of Pinecastle Bush was a member in the seminal began at just over $3,500 and a lot of have amassed over the 20-year history newgrass band, New Grass Revival, people were bidding. "It was very, very of the label. Tom will be settling in to a which was founded in 1971. Bush was exciting to be in New York City at skilled nursing facility, close to our the only member of the band to be in all Rockefeller Center, seeing that many family, and in the near future we hope of its incarnations, until it disbanded in people interested in Bill Monroe," she to visit with our many old friends at 1989. said. "Bill would have been so excited shows and festivals." This is very sad to see it." Gray said she had backers news for Pinecastle’s many talented More recently, Bush is playing his who had authorized her to spend "up to artists, and for the bluegrass industry as mandolin on a tour that kicked off in a certain amount" for the headstock a whole. Frankfort to promote his latest album, "Circles Around Me." veneer. "I was the last person to drop out," she said. "I was well over what I "It's pretty amazing. As a kid who was was authorized to spend, but I wanted it (Phil Leadbetter Leaves Grasstowne raised on a farm out on Morgantown for the museum." "I want to announce that, I am stepping Road, it's humbling," Bush said. "I take a Keith Lawrence: klawrence@messenger down as a member and partner in the lot of pride in being from the -inquirer.com band Grasstowne. I started this band Commonwealth of Kentucky. The fact is along with my friends Steve Gulley and not lost on me that the father of Alan Bibey in December 2006. I have bluegrass, Bill Monroe ... is http://www.guitarstrapsonline.com – had a good run of 3 years and 2 from Kentucky." for some of the most unique and successful CDs here, but I have decided The official distinction could be helpful creative instrument straps around. to pursue a few others interests. Some in promoting the International Newgrass
ofthese are musical, and some are non- Festival. Bowling Green will host the
musical. It just seems like the right time, second annual festival Aug. 20-22. Dave Nichols of Spare Change loses his and I didn't want to leave the guys About 1,500 people attended the event son....Mark David Nichols, 40, died on hanging during the upcoming festival last year, and Bush was one of the Saturday, January 23, 2010. He died season. This will allow plenty of time for headliners. instantly in a snowmobile accident a replacement to be found. I have really while in Cranberry Lake, NY. Mark is enjoyed working with Alan, Steve and "I love that time of the year when the survived by his wife, Kelly Kehoe Jason as well as Lee Sawyer, Jamey festivals start rolling back around (and) I Nichols, Brownville NY and his daughter look forward to being there," Bush said. Booher, Travis Greer and Dale Perry who Taylor Mary Nichols, Chaumont, NY. He have also been members of the band. - For tickets to the International is also survived by his adoptive father Thanks to everyone who has supported Newgrass Festival, visit David Nichols, Malone, NY, and his me and been a friend." www.newgrassfestival.com. For more mother, Dianna Ellis, Ohio. Phil information on Sam Bush, visit www.sambush.com.
Pinecastle R.I.P.— by John Lawless From Cort Riggs, son of Pinecastle For anyone interested in "Bluegrass Records and Music Shed founder Tom Routes" a Bluegrass Board Game, you Riggs: "Given recent events related to can order the game or find out more my father’s health and the current information at: http:// business environment, we find it bluegrassgame.com necessary to cease operation of Pinecastle Records effective February 1, Sam Bush – Father of Newgrass 2010. Artists and distributors will be able to purchase Pinecastle product Bowling Green and native son Sam Bush through Music Shed, the retail/ have long been considered by music fans as the progenitors of the newgrass BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 10 Larry Ketterlin. When not performing at committed group of Trustees, chaired by WINTER GRASS IN local roadhouses, Parres, an Ontarian George Rogers of nearby Edinburg, have THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY who winters in the valley, leads the parlayed their brainchild from a single 12 By Vicki. Bissillion popular Thursday evening jams at Palm ft. X 12ft. tent, (held down physically in a Resort R.V. Park to a packed and windstorm by volunteers) 6 years ago, to Bluegrass now grows openly in the Rio enthusiastic audience. an exciting, professional festival with the Grande Valley. One group calling Another group “The South Texas help of nearly 100 dedicated volunteers. themselves “GID-R-DONE,” has made it Ramblers” claims international status This year’s 6-day festival gave musicians their goal to invite the uninitiated to with lead singer, Canadian, Jim Parres, listen and form their own opinion of backed up by well-known native Texans: bluegrass sound. The group has piloted singer/guitarists, Violet and Larry this infectious acoustic music from Ketterlin. When not performing at local outdoor park venues to capacity crowds roadhouses, Parres, an Ontarian who at various local roadhouses. Their fans winters in the valley, leads the popular keep returning for more toe-tapping Thursday evening jams at Palm Resort sounds and good-natured banter, R.V. Park to a packed and enthusiastic instigated by Wayne Uncer of Innerkip, audience. Ontario, Canada: lead vocalist, doghouse bass and the front man on the mike. Many of the hundreds of R.V. resorts in Wayne is backed up by wife, Jane with the Rio Grande Valley host a weekly jam vocals, guitar and mandolin. Another session, encouraging seasoned and mainstay of the group is Wes Lowe, beginning musicians to perform. editor of BMACC “Notes” playing Ironically, there seems to be an even mandolin and rhythm guitar along with split between Canadian and American Bill Dumboski lead and tenor vocals. The group is participants. Obviously, Bluegrass supported by invited musicians, many of thrives in this warm windy climate. and fans in the valley a gigantic shot in whom are Winter Texans – passionate the arm as both a player-friendly venue about their art – like Coy Mann from BLUEGRASS AT THE RIO GRANDE and a non-threatening introduction for Arkansas, with his intriguing dobro VALLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL new listeners. With 5 stages manned twang; like Bob Bissillion, leader of mostly by working professionals and two Kelowna, Canada’s bluegrass band, “A During the middle week in February, “unplugged” jamming tents, there was a Day Late and a Dollar Short” on banjo Mercedes, Texas is the scene of a musical genre to suit all of the fair’s and performing guest vocals that range musical tsunami called “THE RIO 2,000 visitors. In 2009, nearly $10,000 in from the traditional favorites to his own GRANDE VALLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL. The net profits was donated to local youth compositions.Another group “The South annual event is a non-profit organization music education, travel and programs by the
Open Mic on the Bluegrass Stage at the Festival
Texas Ramblers” claims international “dedicated to providing a venue for Trustees. status with lead singer, Canadian, Jim musicians of all levels of ability to Parres, backed up by well-known native perform in a professional setting”. The (Continued on page 12) Texans: singer/guitarists, Violet and See WINTER GRASS BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 11 WINTER GRASS retains the mournful quality that
(Continued from page 11) reminds folks of ‘back home’.” The acoustic Bluegrass tent was originated and hosted by one of the Although much of the music is festival creators, Bill Dumboski who traditional, today’s style sees bluegrass alternates seasons between Mission, TX being performed in more innovative and St. Louis, Mo. Bill claims to have arrangements, from slow ballads and started playing nearly 40 years ago on Gospel, to lightening-fast breakdowns Arkansas’s Granite Mountain and and everything in-between. dabbles in nearly as many musical Apres Concert at Bob and Vicki’s place Contrary to modern thinking, instruments: from his traditional near Harlingen, TX Takemimi guitar to a whimsical, custom bluegrass is not ‘as old as the hills’ but was only introduced in 1939 at the fiddle/uke with over two dozen strings. first week of January. Grand Ole Opry by Bill Monroe. Like his The gregarious Dumboski, a retired rousing rendition of ‘Muleskinner Blues’, NASA engineer, has shared his stage Space does not permit me to describe all ‘The Father of Bluegrass’ arranged music with “bluegrassers from nearly every our adventures in this issue but if space in atypical keys to add tension. He state and province. Most of them are becomes available in a future issue, rest featured instrumental solos that ambidextrous, amazing musicians who assured I will regale you. demanded a high level of musicianship, a can’t read a note of music,” he laughs. requisite that continues in today’s The tent is a fun-filled, non-stop and Our band Gid-R-Done morphed into a bluegrass. It is rumored that Monroe highlight of the festival. Texas Edition with various players from was a difficult man to please, evidenced all over North America helping us out. by the claim that during Bill’s 60- year BLUEGRASS – A BACKGROUND We travelled extensively in the Valley career, some 200 different musicians from South Padre Island to Mission were honored to be called, ‘The How would you describe bluegrass music bringing Bluegrass Music to RV Parks, Bluegrass Boys’. to someone who had never had ginning Flee Markets, Farmers’ Markets and musicians to perform. Ironically, there street corners. We were featured in a Today, when we think of bluegrass, we seems to be an even split between couple of local newspaper articles. might flash onto that tense scene from Canadian and American participants. ‘Deliverance’, memorable for its thrilling Obviously, Bluegrass thrives in this warm Wayne also started a new club, The Rio rendition of ‘Dueling Banjos’ or the more windy climate.the distinct pleasure of Grande Valley Bluegrass Association. recent comedy “Oh Brother, Where Art hearing it? Kurt Wolff (Country Music – This is a free strictly information sharing Thou” with its infectious ‘SoggyBottom The Rough Guide) says it best. “Bluegrass club with a website in the works. Boys.’ (not to be confused with is a rare music. It’s an amalgamation of RGVBA.com. acclaimed Stanley Brothers and the styles from blues and jazz to old time, Foggy Bottom Boys with their hits, “Fox traditional country and gospel; a closer It was a super way to spend a winter. on the Run”, and “Rollin in My Sweet kin to rock & roll than an Appalachian Baby’s Arms.”) hillbilly string-band; the ‘high lonesome Wes sound’ of acoustic instruments, predominantly the southern fiddle, that WINTER TEXANS I spent the winter in The Rio Grande Valley in Texas this winter It wasn’t all about Bluegrass with Wayne and Jane Uncer and my better half. I thus became a “Winter Texan”.
We had a great time including a stop in Nashville on the way down just after Christmas arriving in Mercedes during the Your intrepid editor trying out Bill’s fiddle BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 12
BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 13 notices. Options are: EMAIL, POST or PHONE. Web Report By Gord DeVries 3. Your preference for how much or how little of your profile information you wish to share with Membership Manager other BMACC members. Options are: NONE, ALL, or ALL EXCEPT ADDRESS. In February 2010, BMACC went live with its online membership management software. This software is made up Once you have made all the corrections, click on the of the following parts: SUBMIT button. Your changes are written to the 1. A database which collects and stores your personal database and you are returned back to the PROFILES profile information, such as name, address, contact page. information, your musical background and tastes, and some important preferences such as how you UPGRADE – A provision for future enhancements. At this wish BMACC to communicate with you and how time, has no effect. much of your personal information you wish to share with other members. CANCEL MY ACCOUNT - Obvious function, but. Why Would 2. A private “Members Only” section on the website for You?? delivery of services such as The BMACC Notes, (for those who wish to upload it from the internet.), LIST ALL ACCOUNTS – Takes you to a page listing all active access to our meeting minutes, and other private members. Clicking on the “Details” link at the end of each information we wish to provide to members only. line, will take you to the members personal profile. Here, you 3. Software which automates the renewal process for can view (but not change) that member’s information, upcoming expiry date warnings and renewals. subject to the limitation determined by his/her privacy setting. (as set in EDIT Question # 3) During February and March, you may have received several emails from this automated system. We apologize for any LOG OFF – Self explanatory. inconvenience it caused. During the implementation of any new software project, there are glitches which have to be Ok, Now What? ironed out. We hope most have been dealt with by this While you are logged in, you will have access to the private printing. members areas, such as Members Ad Rates, Newsletters, and Minutes. There also is an Admin Login link, which Using your username/password – log in. permits the BMACC Membership Director to access and You will have received a username and password in one or update your activation and/or renewal information. more of those emails. (For those without an email address on file, you will have been sent a letter with this information.) Since we now have a system for creating secure zones within The website now contains a LOGIN button on the home page. the website, we will develop other member services that can You can also get to the LOGIN page by sliding your mouse over be delivered efficiently using this method. Your comments the “Member Services” link on the Menu Bar and selecting and suggestions are always welcome. the “Login/Register Now” link. While we have vastly improved capabilities for administering (If you can’t get logged in, it means your membership has membership registrations and renewals and electronic expired and you need to renew. Instructions for how to do provision of services, we are still reliant on the postal service this are at the end of this article.) for collection of the membership dues. This will also change in the future, but for now, we need to ask you to send your Once logged in, you are taken to your “Member Profile” page, dues payments to: which displays the information we have collected about you. At the top of the page, there are five navigation buttons. I will BMACC Treasurer briefly explain the functions. Rolly Aucoin 205 Plains Road West, Unit 84 EDIT - Permits you to correct errors and make changes to Burlington ON L7T 4H3 your account. You should do so now. Of particular interest are three questions: Please mention your username when making a payment to 1: Your preference for delivery of the BMACC Notes ensure credit to the right account. newsletter. Options are: EMAIL or POST. Questions/comments should be directed to Gord DeVries, 2. Your preference for how we deliver renewal web coordinator.
BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 14 www.sallycreekmusicfestival.ca.
IBMA Commends The TVBMA has donated more than 400 Children 16 and under are admitted free The Thames Valley Bluegrass DVDs to schools throughout Ontario of charge to the festival with a paying Music Association during the past year, to be used by adult, so there is no charge for the teachers as an educational resource; bluegrass camp. Young musicians are and they hope to get 200 more out to encouraged to bring their own By Nancy Cardwell educators and libraries by the end of instruments if they own one. “We look this summer. The association also helps forward to seeing bluegrass fans The Thames Valley Bluegrass Music to fund educational, live bluegrass band throughout Ontario and their families Association (TVBMA) is a non-profit return each hear as we build the Sally organization dedicated to the Creek Music Festival into the kind of preservation and promotion of acoustic event everyone wants to attend,” roots music throughout the Wayne Uncer says. “The volunteer southwestern Ontario region of Canada. questionnaires attendees filled out at In short, they’re concerned with the 2009 festival were a big help in our treasuring the history of bluegrass music, efforts to organize the festival this year. while also helping to introduce it to new Your input is important, and the TVBMA fans of all ages. leadership sincerely appreciates your participation.” Bluegrass has always been about more Nancy and Wayne in Nashville than the soulful, lonesome-edged, In addition to workshops at the summer skillfully played music itself. The presentations in schools. festival, musicians of all ages who want musicians who play acoustic, roots-based to improve their skills are encouraged to music and the fans who enjoy listening to One of the best places to experience check out educational DVDs and CDs it are a community of friends—almost a the community aspect of bluegrass, as from the association’s lending library on family. Although it originated in the ‘40s well as enjoy hearing the music live, is wheels, which is present at every in the southeastern United States, at festivals. The Thames Valley meeting. Jam sessions open to all are bluegrass has now spread in popularity, Bluegrass Music Association started The hosted Thursday nights at the literally around the world. The IBMA, the Sally Creek Music Festival in Woodstock, Thamesford Legion (between genre’s international trade association, Ontario in 2009, which will move to Woodstock and London) from claims members in all 50 U.S. states and Dorchester July 1-4, 2010. The event September through June. An 30 countries. Southwest Ontario is no will take place at a comfortable instrumental workshop is presented exception, with a number of dedicated fairground venue this year, complete monthly, and the second Thursday of bands and fans in the region. And if the with 150 RV hook-up’s, 500 camp sites, each month is a designated “slow jam” TVBMA has anything to say about it, that showers and flush toilets. for beginners not quite ready to play at number—along with the community it breakneck speed. represents—will continue to increase. The star-studded line-up will feature Bluegrass Hall of Famer J.D. Crowe & For more information on getting The association, along with the other 10 the New South, The Claire Lynch Band, involved with the Thames Valley bluegrass clubs in central Ontario, is The Charlie Sizemore Band, Daren Bluegrass Music Association or attending concerned with “planting seeds,” TVBMA Beechley & the Legends of the the Sally Creek Music Festival, go to president Wayne Uncer says, through Potomac, Robert Hale & Wildfire, The www.tvbma.ca and offering high quality, family-oriented Spinney Brothers and more. In addition www.sallycreekmusicfestival.ca. festivals and working to introduce the to workshops on all the bluegrass music to children at local schools. instruments, a special two-day As the Special Projects Director for the “Bluegrass Boot Camp” for children 16 International Bluegrass Music Association, based in Nashville, Tennessee, Nancy Cardwell edits “Part of promoting and presenting and under will be offered during the publications and manages professional bluegrass is spreading the word,” Uncer festival. Based on the bluegrass development, leadership and Bluegrass in the says, “and where better to spread the academy by the same name at the Bill Schools program word than at the elementary school Monroe Bean Blossom Bluegrass level? The IBMA-produced educational Festival in Indiana, group instruction will DVD, Discover Bluegrass, does a good job be offered on beginner, novice and of telling the story of the music—where advanced levels. Young people it’s been how it’s played and sung, and interested in the Boot Camp may sign where it’s going.” up online at BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 15
BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 16 ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBERS Tommfest Townships Bluegrass and Old-Tyme Lake Ontario Park, Kingston, ON Music Society Here is a list of the organizations [email protected] Contact: Gordon Cameron who have become members of Tottenham Bluegrass Festival 450-539-0333 BMACC: Contact: Peter Deveau Bluegrass Sundays BANDS 905-936-4100 Contact: Judy Fink 1-888-258-4727 Acoustical Strings 416-779-2627 www.tottenhambluegrass.ca Contact: Roger Spense [email protected] 705-432-2598 Valley Bluegrass Festival Campbell’s Corner Music Sales [email protected] Contact: R. Johnston/Shiela Kirk Contact: Dan Campbell 613-432-5000 Appalachian Grass 519-371-5037 [email protected] Contact: Vern McIntyre [email protected] 419-568-1220 Willow Park Jamboree National Bass & Cello [email protected] Contact: Marvin LaForme Contact: Bill 705-246-3261 www.fotmc.com 905-768-1448 [email protected] Backwoodsmen http://nationalbassandcello.com CLUBS Contact: Lorne Buck Northern Bluegrass Committee Elliott Lake Bluegrass Jammers 613-475-3740
Contact: Tony deBoer Contact: Gloria Hansen Blue River Band 705-758-9049 705-461-8077 Contact: Jim Mayville [email protected] The Stringman 613-771-0492
Contact: Gord DeVries Manitoba Oldtyme Bluegrass C-Denny Band 800-587-4647 Society Inc. (MOBS) Contact: Dennis Chadbourn [email protected] Contact: John Sawatzky 705-776-7754 204-467-2182 FESTIVALS [email protected] www.manitobabluegrass.ca Lindsay Country and Bluegrass Church and State Fair Nipissing Bluegrass Association Music Jamboree Contact: Dottie Cormier Contact: Denis Chadbourn Contact: Lyn Hepburn 416-996-4253 705-776-7754 705-741-3341 [email protected] [email protected] www.lindsaycountryjamboree.com www.myspace.com/churchandstatefair Ottawa Valley Bluegrass Association Norwich Family Bluegrass Festival Concession 23 Contact: Nick Strachan/Sherry Philp Contact: Mike & Maryann Tirellia Contact: Nick Strachan/Sherry Philp 819-459-1089/613-623-0779 518-783-3154 819-459-1089/613-623-0779 www.valleygrass.ca [email protected] [email protected] www.norwichfamilybluegrass.com Queensbush Bluegrass Club www.concession23.com Contact: Shannon Campbell Palmer Rapids Twin Music Festival Crosswind 519-371-5037 Contact: Allan Schutt Contact: Roland Aucoin www.queensbush.ca 613-758-2747 905-635-1818 [email protected] Skyway Bluegrass Club [email protected] Contact: Roland Aucoin Sally Creek Music Festival The Ducharme Family 905-635-1818 Contact: Wayne Uncer Contact: Nicole Ducharme [email protected] 519-469-3392 705-758-9589
1-888-288-4423 Thames Valley Bluegrass Foggy Hogtown Boys www.sallycreekmusicfestival.ca MusicAssociation Contact: Chris Coole www.tvbma.ca Sally Creek Music Festival 416-516-3796 Contact: Wayne Uncer Sand Road Sugar Camp www.chriscoole.com 519-469-3392 Contact: Julie or Brian www.foggyhogtownboys.com [email protected] 613-538-2991 www.TVBA.ca www.sandroadsugarcamp.com
(Continued on page 18)
BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 17 (Continued from page 17) [email protected] Dan Bieman Foxtail www.myspace.com/lazyjohnband Bluegrass Rules
Contact: Gord DeVries Northern Sons AM920 CKNX—www.am920.ca 519-668-0418 Contact: Marty Coney [email protected] [email protected] 613-836-2589 519-357-1310 – ext. 446 www.foxtail.ca Sundays at 1:00 p.m. [email protected]. General Store www.northernsons.com David Blakeny
Contact: Bill Blance Daybreak in Dixie 905-451-9077 Rhyme’N’Reason CJAM-FM 91.5—www.cjam.ca [email protected] Contact: Stefan Van Holten [email protected] 905-679-4049 The Generation Gap Sunday 8:00-10:00 a.m. [email protected] Contact: Gretchen Lamers Howard Bonner 519-866-5910 Scattered Grass The Catalogue Parlour [email protected] Contact: Gloria Hansen CFRC – 101.9 FM—www.cfrc.ca 705-461-8077 [email protected] Gid-R-Done Shades of Grey Fridays – 6:00-8:00 p.m. Contact: Wayne Uncer 519-469-3392 Contact: Lou Hebert Brother John’s Sunday Morning Gospel [email protected] 807-622-2518 Hour [email protected] www.theislandfm.com Canucky Bluegrass Boys Silverbirch Sunday 8:00 a.m. Contact: Lee D. Roy 705-669-1945 Contact: Tom McCreight Don Day and Dusty Hill [email protected] 705-228-8426 Bluegrass Express www.canuckybluegrass.com [email protected] [email protected]
Hard Ryde Virginia Ridge CKCY 93.7 FM-www.country93.ca Contact: Doug DeBoer Contact: Susan Wollman 519-376-2030 204-268-3714 Sundays at 9:00 p.m. 519-249-0397 [email protected] [email protected] Linda Elliott www.hardryde.ca www.virginiaridge.piczo.com Country and Bluegrass
Hometown Bluegrass Bill White and White Pine CHIP 101.7 FM—www.chipfm.com Contact: Al Benner Contact: Bill White 819-683-3155 – 888-775-3155 905-936-2008 or 647-430-5761 613-372-2400 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Saturday – 5:00-10:00 p.m. [email protected] Sunday – 6:00-10.00 p.m. www.hometownbluegrass.ca www.billwhiteandwhitepine.aztechdigital.ca Audrey Lockwood Honeygrass Contact: Karen May The Uncalled Four Bluegrass Program 705-788-4362 Contact: Raymond Loponen CKOL 93.7FM—[email protected] 807-345-9282 Friday 9:00-10:00 p.m. [email protected] www.honeygrass.com The Young Family Band Jim Marino
Jan Purcell and Pine Road Contact: Brad Young Smokin’ Bluegrass Contact: Jan Purcell 613-478-3356 [email protected] [email protected] CFMU-FM 93.3 819-459-3362 [email protected] http://cfmu.mcmaster.ca Bluegrass on the Radio www.pineroadbluegrass.com John and Angel McNaughton with Maria Linda Axman and Dan Joseph Keslering Ridge Blueridge Express Polillo Contact: Ron Luxton CKRW-FM-98.5—Kitchener The Bluegrass Show 905-623-2828 Wednesday at 7:30-8:30 p.m. [email protected] CKRZ-FM 100.3—www.ckrz.com [email protected]
Tuesday 7:00-11:00 p.m.
Lazy John
Contact: Shane Crumb
613-472-5548 SEE RADIO (Continued on page 20) BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 18
BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 19 RADIO Bean Blossom Brown County Jamboree (Continued from page 18) Preservation Foundation Inc. Wilson Moore Bluegrass Jam The foundation continues fundraising efforts with the goal of CHMA—FM 106.9—Sackville, NB $500,000 to assume operations of the music park. 506-364-2221 www.mta.ca/chma—[email protected] Saturdays 6:00 pm—Sundays 4:30 pm (Atlantic Time)
Ron Moores The Back 40 CKCU FM 93.1—www.ckcufm.com [email protected] www.back40.ca Saturday Noon-1:00 p.m.
Brian Powley Brother Brian’s Bluegrass Show CFRC 101.9 FM—www.cfrc.ca [email protected] Monday 6:00-8:00 p.m. Sunday 8:00-11:00 a.m. The Foundation announced The Bean Blossom Memorial Brick Wall Project at the Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park. Steve Pritchard The initial price per brick is $100 and includes a custom Radio-Boogie engraving worded by the brick donor. Once the wall is up, CKLN FM 88.1—http://ckln.fm the price will be $125 due to the added expense of engraving [email protected] bricks already in place. Go to the website for further details. Wednesday 10:00-12:00 p.m. Look for us on the new Facebook Account that has been Other sources: created. www.mountainechosradio.com 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.
The James King Band and Concession 23—February 23, 2010 Ottawa
BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 20 Choose Your Tune and Tempo Wisely:
Playing in a group means playing as a unit. Try not to start From Gloria playing a song so fast that you can’t keep good time, or so and theElliot Lake slow that everyone falls asleep. Never pick along with Bluegrass Jammers someone else doing a break, unless you have agreed beforehand to do so (as in harmony picking). Picking over someone else’s solo break is viewed by seasoned ACOUSTIC JAM ETIQUETTE jammers as rude.
Playing Better Bluegrass When to play:
Never pick over someone else’s singing. Fills are fine Etiquette is all-important at a bluegrass jam, no matter when someone is singing (instrumental runs, riffs and licks where it is. I have been participating in jams for the last at the ends of phrases are welcomed), but playing the forty years, at festivals, at hotels and lodges, at melody at full throttle or even softly while someone is campgrounds, on stages and some just impromptu meets singing is not good bluegrass etiquette. I have been on a hot summer’s day in the park or the side of the reminded of this in jam settings across the border; it is a highway. The locales range from the Northern States to little uncomfortable when a jam master ‘shushes’ you, Ontario, Manitoba and the Maritimes. Bluegrass jams are uncomfortable enough that you back off real quick and somewhat different than our own living room jams in that return to chording, chucking, chopping and filling while the etiquette is an unwritten rule throughout the get-together. singer sings. Never loudly express your displeasure at There are always a few opportunities for improvement in someone else’s choice of song. Some members may only jam situations. They might be mentioned when out-of- know 2 or 3 songs well, and that is fine. Yes, you have towners sit in on our jams. heard the song often, but let’s have fun, and encourage jam mates whenever possible. Enthusiastic Now most of you reading this know all about jam encouragement is how you build and mold good jammers. etiquette, but newcomers to jamming may need a few Fills at the end of phrases in a song are welcome, as long pointers. There are unspoken ‘rules’. Here are some handy as they remain discreet and do not overpower the singer. If jamming tips: you are a fiddler, remember that sometimes other non- fiddling jammers know the song on their instrument, and Tune at the Jam: don’t mind taking a break during the piece. It will also give the fiddler a bit of a rest. PLEASE TUNE UP IN THE HALLWAY IF THE JAM IS ALREADY IN PROGRESS! Jam Tunes:
Arrive a little early and check your instrument’s tuning. It is hoped you will share your simpler tunes at the jam, (No, most of us CAN’T just tell by listening; invest about those that will be easy for even a beginner to chord along twenty bucks in a bona fide tuner. Your jam mates will to. Save your complicated and intricate numbers for home thank you.) No matter when you last tuned your or the stage. When everyone has to search for chords, and instrument, it may have changed. The ride to the jam, the try to navigate through a complicated melody, it takes weather, any number of variables will alter the state of away from the group enjoyment that a jam should be. The tuning. In order to sound as one unit in a jam, everyone group may break into levels in time, and you will be able to must be in tune. jam with those of your own expertise. For the most part, jams occur as one group. Bring a stand: A Jamming Circle Moves Clockwise: We watched in slow motion horror as someone at a jam in recent years tripped on a carpet and stepped onto a One tune per participant at a time, in a clockwise position. vintage Gibson laid out on the floor in front of a jammer’s This prepares you for festival jams, which are generally set chair he had vacated to grab a coffee. Guard your up in such a fashion. When your turn arrives, you can pass instrument as if it were a newborn baby. It wasn’t funny to or play. State the name of the song, the key, and any other see that grown man weep. pertinent information such as whether you will play an intro and outré, or start ‘cold’, or in other words, straight Practice at Home: into the song. In a jam situation, you are not present to showcase your many talents. You are part of a well-oiled When you pick out a tune at a jam, make sure you know it. machine, and that machine allows EVERYONE to Jamming means playing together, not trying a song for the participate. first time there. Please save the learning for your living room. Be prepared. We all make mistakes, but not (Continued on page 22) knowing a tune won’t help your confidence. See ETIQUETTE BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 21 ETIQUETTE when someone is playing or singing. That’s one reason most bluegrassers dislike playing in bars. Some jams do (Continued from page 21) mike the singers, but in most jam venues, the room acoustics support good vocals. Listeners are always Taking Instrumental Breaks: welcome at jams.
If you are familiar with jams, most breaks are taken after Listen, Listen, Listen: the first chorus of a bluegrass song, and after subsequent choruses. They are generally to the melody of the verse of Listen to yourself and other members in the jam. This will the song, although some include the chorus and bridge if help you keep good timing and sound tasteful. Make any. certain you can clearly hear the solo or vocals. If you can’t, you’re playing is too loud, too strong. Remember to play as A nod in the direction of a jam mate, or calling out the one unit and listen for the overall tone. Listen for that name of the jam mate by the person singing the song will elusive musical energy phenomenon we call “clicking’. indicate the person who will take the break. During an Sometimes we achieve it, sometimes we don’t. instrumental number where no one is singing, each participant will take an instrumental solo following the Harmonies: initial solo, in the clockwise route, and may pass if desired. The person introducing the song will usually play the last Harmony singing is what makes bluegrass so unique and solo, or will call for a group effort. harmony singers are welcomed as a song is being sung. If you feel comfortable singing the harmony in a song, either If you are the singer, you stand behind the generally do the first performer and sing along, instrumental break, or you or sing from your spot. can delegate to whomever. Most bluegrass songs Some new to jams forget need a harmonist in the all about breaks. They chorus, and some all the come to know. Be patient. way through. Good
harmonists are gold. To The Accepted Signal for achieve a true three-or- Ending a Song: four part harmony in a
The universal sign for jam situation is one of ending a song in bluegrass the elusive goals of jamming is to raise your jamming. foot. How high is the singer’s choice! You might Playing at Festivals: want to call out ‘tag’ if you JAMMIN’ If you see a group playing are ending the song with at a festival campground, one, or ‘chorus’, if a chorus please don’t assume you are welcome to immediately join is repeated after a break. ‘Take it home’ is accepted if you in. Some are featured bands practicing for their session on want a jam mate to instrumentally end the song. stage. They are not jamming! They may jam when they are
through on stage, though. Gauge the level of expertise of a Back-off means ‘Back-off!’: group before you join in, and also assess their willingness It is a courtesy to ease up on your playing when a person is to have you join. Some groups will readily have you join in, singing. Chords, rhythm and fills are used to support a others remain aloof. You will learn where you are solo, not drown it out. If you don’t know the chords, maybe welcome, the more festival jamming you do. Walking ease off playing that particular song until it is more through a campground with your instrument slung over familiar to you. Your seatmates become completely your back is the best way to find a jam. Groups playing discombobulated if you are all over the map on chording. without say, a fiddle, will see yours and haul you in.
Never play over anyone else’s solo break. Back up should Above All: always remain in the background. If you can’t hear the singer, you are playing too loud. Electrified instruments are Remember to be kind, considerate, patient and not encouraged nor welcomed in a jam situation. encouraging to fellow musicians. Don’t take the music too seriously. Keep the joy and spontaneity fresh and exciting! Talking over the music: All of the above will assist you to play better bluegrass.
It is most impolite to carry on a conversation in the circle HAPPY PICKING AND SINGING! ENJOY!
BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 22
BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 23 FESTIVALS 2010 May 22—May 24 Birtle, MB June 18-20 Brandon, MB
Birdtail Valley Pasture Pickin’ Weekend Westman Jams Grand Valley Campout Birtle, MB Grand Valley Park—9km west of Brandon Ken Harman 204-842-3853 or 204-284-5212 Call Wayne Morrissey—204-834-2130 email [email protected] email [email protected]
May 22-24 Orono, ON June 20 Elliott Lake, ON
Orono Bluegrass and Old Tyme Country Jamboree Bluegrass Heaven Orono Fairgrounds Gentle Shepherd Church, Elliott Lake, ON Contact: Jim Hayward 705-778-9887 12:30—10:00 pm—Jamming to follow last act Box 127, Orono, ON L0B 1M0 Contact Gloria at 705-461-8077 [email protected] Email: [email protected] <
June 4-6 Olivet, MI June 25-28 Madrid, NY
Midwest Banjo Camp V Bluegrass River Festival Weekend Olivet College Campus Les Haas 315-322-4093 www.midwestbanjocamp.com [email protected] Tammy Hawkins 315-322-4341 June 18-20 Kingston, ON http://web.northnet.org/madridbluegrassfest/ TommFest Music Festival July 1-4 Dorchester, ON Loughborough Lake Holiday Park www.tommfest.ca Sally Creek Music Festival Dorchester Fairgrounds June 12 Providence Bay, ON INFO AT 1-888-288-4423 [email protected] Bluegrass in the Country www.sallycreekmusicfestival.ca Providence Fairgrounds—Manitoulin Island www.tvbma.ca [email protected] Or call 100.the Island—705-368-1419
June 12-19 Bean Blossom, IN
Bill Monroe Memorial Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival 800-414-4677—www.BeanBlossom.com (Continued on page 26)
See FESTIVALS BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 24
BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 25 FESTIVALS River and Sky Music and Camping Festival (Continued from page 24) River Valley, ON July 1-4 Cargill, ON <
Cargill’s Pickin by the Pond Country & Bluegrass July 22 25 Palmer Rapids, ON Festival Palmer Rapids Twin Festival Cargill, ON Contact: Allan Schutt 613-758-2747 Carman & Gail Lippert—519-881-1716 P.O. Box 225, Beachburg, ON K0J 1C0 www.cargillcdcf.com [email protected] [email protected] <
July 7-11, Winnipeg, MB Norwich Family Bluegrass Festival
The 37th Winnipeg Folk Festival Chenango Fairgrounds, Norwich, NY Birds Hill Park Contact: Mike Tirella 518-783-3154 http://www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca/wp/festival/ 518-334-6754 [email protected] [email protected] July 8-11 Renfrew, ON <
Valley Bluegrass Festival July 26-August 1 River Valley, ON Johnston’s Farm P.O. Box 333, Renfrew, ON K7V 4A4 River Valley Bluegrass Jamboree Contact: Shiela Warren 613-623-8545 Northern Bluegrass Committee [email protected] 40 Rochon Road, P.O. Box 148 [email protected] River Valley, ON P0H 2C0 Contact: Tony deBoer 705-758-9049 Fax: 705-758-9027 July 15—18 Lindsay, ON <
The Queensbush Club Campout Contact: Dan & Shannon Campbell 519-371-5037 or 519-374-1285 [email protected] <
July 16-18 River Valley, ON (ContinuedSee FESTIVALS on page 28) BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 26
BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 27 FESTIVALS September 3-6 Sidney, MB
(Continued from page 26) MOBS Fall Campout August 13-15 Moose Creek, ON Shady Oaks RV Resort & Campground Phone: 204-466-2777 Sand Road Bluegrass Festival Email: [email protected] Sand Road Sugar Camp www.rvcampingmanitoba.com P.O. Box 298, Moose Creek, ON K0C 1W0 Contact: Julie or Brian 613-538-2991 September 9-12 Marmora, ON <
Contact: Tony deBoer 705-758-9049 November 26-28, Huntsville, ON Fax: 705-758-9027 <
New Richmond Bluegrass Music Festival Contact: Tony deBoer 705-758-9049 Gaspesien British Heritage Village Fax: 705-758-9027 Telephone: 418-392-4487 <
Brantford—October 30, 2010. More details in our next issue.
BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 28 Reprinted from Dill Pickle Rag—November 2009 THE NORTHERN BLUEGRASS COMMITTEE Presents The 2010 Winter Concert Series
Monroe Crossing
April 19 8:00 pm The Police Association Hall 141 Catharine St., Ottawa, ON Contact: Nick Strachan 819-459-1089
April 20 8:00 pm The Waterloo Legion 77 Lewis St., Waterloo, QC Contact: Gord Cameron 450-539-0333
April 21 8:00 pm Christ Church 990 Sydenham Rd., Kingston, ON Contact: Bill or June White 613-372-2400 Or Brian Powley 613-374-3888
April 22 8:00 pm The Owen Sound Legion 1450 2nd Ave. W., Owen Sound, ON Contact: Don Day 519-376– 7945
April 23 7:30 pm Summit Room, Voyager Motel 123 Delaware, North Bay, ON Contact: Tony de Boer 705-758-9049
Bargain Hunting in Mexico 20 Minutes from our RV Park
BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 29
BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 30 READERS SPEAK OUT
The Opinions and Editorials section of the BMACC Notes is a place for the members of the BMACC community to express their views and opinions on issues that directly or indirectly affect any part of it. While we typically print every letter sent to us, the BMACC reserves the right to refuse any letter on the basis of ethics, which includes, but is not limited to, personal vendettas or attacks, racism or offensive language.
-The BMACC Notes Staff
On the Songwriters’ Association of Canada and award. The Ontario Council of Folk Festival “Songs From the “Song of the Year” Award. Heart” model of voting would be a good method to look at.
December 30, 2009 I always take seriously voting for the various awards and won’t vote one way or the other if I haven’t had some contact or I just read the recent BMACC NOTES and decided to respond to have not listened to the recordings. I don’t feel that it is fair to two items that caught my attention. vote for somebody or recording I know nothing about.
Firstly, regarding the Songwriters Association of Canada. I was Anyway, just a few comments from an “ancient” Bluegrass fan a member of this Association for many years and spent quite a and musician. few dollars getting songs critiqued. I realized after a while that the Association wasn’t very helpful and didn’t have any “feel” Lorne Buck for Bluegrass songs.
I submitted the song “Mountains and Memories” back in 1991 On “The Spirit of Kindness” and here are a few of the comments that were returned: 119 Victoria Street West a little cliché Amherst, NS is there a big market for a song about mountains? B4H 1C7 topic not very interesting
well done but who cares? January 5, 2010 this topic is very dated
listen to more Country radio (Yah!) Dear Sir: commercial potential – 3 out of 10
melody is weak This is in response to “The Spirit of Kindness” article submitted
by Audrey DeVries in the January 2010 issue of BMACC Notes. Anyway, as many of you know, the song went on to #2 on the
B.U. charts, staying there for 12 months and rated as 47th out She is to be commended for speaking out about how much of all songs recorded in the decade of the 90’s and has been better things would be if everyone worked together towards a recorded by 5 different Bluegrass bands and at least two common goal. But, alas, I am afraid that would be wishful Country artists. thinking.
Not to say that the Songwriters Association won’t be of much The spirit of un-cooperation is alive and well almost benefit to others but I just wanted you to hear of my everywhere. I have experienced it first hand in Nova Scotia, experience. having been a director of the Downeast Bluegrass & Oldtime
Music Society for a number of years. Bluegrass music is doing The other matter I would like to comment is the possible well here, but it could be doing better with more cooperation award for “Song of the Year”. between all of the different organizations, etc. I don’t know if
jealousy is a factor, or just what it is. I think there is justification for such an award but I don’t feel that it should be voted on the same way as all the other I was also on the staff, for over thirty five years, of a awards which are “Fan” votes. manufacturing plant here, but due to Union and Management
differences that plant is now closed. Somehow, I think the voters should be established songwriters or disc jockeys who would be able to hear all the songs and (Continued on page 32) make their choice based on comparisons. To my way of thinking such an award should not be a “popularity” based SEE READERS BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 31 READERS open, and am doing this for no other reason but to help. NO
(Continued from page 31) MONEY WILL GO IN MY POCKET. I just pray my MasterCard bill With human nature being what it is, “The Spirit of Kindness” will be covered. may be unattainable. Why is it that I can attend a jam of 30 people on a weekly basis (one of many local jams) and not see more than one or Yours Truly, two attending a show? Where is the support for fellow musicians? Where is the support of our music? Wilson Moore If we want to maintain a flow of quality Bluegrass, and if we want to maintain venues for our local bands to play, we need P.S. to take the time to support their efforts. Come on people!! Let’s support our I have been receiving two copies of the newsletter for the past three or four issues. Please adjust your mailing list, as I shows!!!! require only one copy. Thank You.. I really needed to say that! And if you do support the shows THANK YOU! Thanks Melissa Sherman
A BLUEGRASS PLEA From the Editor I’m writing this on behalf of the many hard working promoters in the Bluegrass Industry. The statistics are really bothering Thanks Lorne, Wilson and Melissa for your input. Thanks also me with reference to attendance at not only festivals but to Gloria Hansen for her timely article on Jamming Etiquette individual shows put on by both the bands themselves and now that the new camping and jamming season is upon us. individual promoters. It’s called the support of our music. I’ve had many discussions over the past few months with both As the season proceeds, please remember to record and share band members and promoters from the US to Canada. We are your experiences with us in the form of articles and pictures all in agreement that we are finding ourselves asking the same wherever possible. It seems the bulk of the pictures I use, old question. “Why are we doing this?” Everyone was in have been taken by myself or my close friends and the festival agreement that jams are doing well, but shows are down. My reports are by me or my close friends. It makes the question to all of you is where are the Bluegrassers that claim publication look like it’s all about me and my close friends. to support our music and most importantly our musicians! I feel blessed that at my festival (celebrating 18 years) in the This publication is about you, the members, our most valuable US our attendance continues to grow. We have gone from 300 resource. When you attend a festival or other event, let us to 7,000 people visiting over 3 days. The only reason I am know about it in words and pictures. PLEASE. successful is that my festival is free! I like many other Please send articles, letters and/or pictures to promoters and bands spend countless, unpaid hours working [email protected] or Wes Lowe, 339 Wellington St. N., on bringing shows to support our genre. Over and Over again Woodstock, ON, N4S 6S6. Send your input anytime. Don’t we either barely meet our obligations or end up footing one wait until just before the next issue. expensive party. Do we learn? No. We continue to try and support our beloved Bluegrass. Thanks There are 2 events coming up that have made me realize I need to say something. Both happen to be in the Kitchener Wes area. One of these shows (not mine) is showing poor ticket sales, and from what I’m told, 80% of these tickets are being Thanks also go out to Rosemary Davis for her pictures of the purchased by people other than Bluegrassers! I cannot February 23 Ottawa concert featuring the James King Band complain too much about that, because a common goal is to and Concession 23. She said “It was a great concert! We thor- introduce the music, however where is the support from the oughly enjoyed it”. Bluegrass world? I myself am hosting Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, who had Also, many thanks to Vicki Bissillion of British Columbia for her called me to say they needed a place to play as they were article on Bluegrass among the Winter Texans in the Rio coming though town. I did not refuse them, I found the venue, Grande Valley made the flyers and already have several hundred dollars invested for them to make it work. I contacted a local band to Wes
BMACC Notes—April 2010 Page 32