GRASS CLIPPINGS Volume 17 Issue 4 October/November 2012

DESERT BLUEGRASS ASSOCIATION

THE CAMP BLUEGRASS ADVENTURE! (STATE OF THE GRASS)

Greetings Bluegrass Aficionados! I wanted to share with you a memorable Camp Bluegrass adventure that elev- en DBA members had this summer in Levelland, Texas. Early on a Saturday morning in Ju- ly we formed a loose car caravan and made our way to Roswell, NM for an overnight rest stop. We met for dinner and then went back to the hotel we were all staying at. There in the lobby we broke out our musical instruments and proceed- ed to entertain hotel guests. A teenage boy was fascinated by all the fuss, and eagerly joined in the singing. He brought his parents down to hear us as well. An older Continued on Page 10

TUCSON’S 13TH ANNUAL DESERT BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY THE DESERT BLUEGRASS ASSOCIATION

Hi folks, Fall is here, at least according to the calendar, and our 13th Annual festival is just around the corner. Mark your calendar now – October 26, 27 & 28 at AVA Amphitheater. The weather should be perfect by then. Your festival committee has been hard at work and is very busy getting everything ready. You can help by volunteering – see Jack Arnold’s call for volunteers in Continued on Page 3 PAGE 2 GRASS CLIPPINGS VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4 OFFICERS

President:: "Doc" Simpson (520) 298-9746 [email protected]

Vice President: Charlie Sides (520)579-5918 [email protected]

Secretary: Mike Headrick (520) 760-0745 [email protected]

Treasurer: Nannette Aiken (520) 591-4178 [email protected] TRUSTEES Geoff Fox (520) 731-3601 [email protected]

Bonnie Lohman (520) 349-4812 [email protected]

Andy MacLeod (520) 237-9832 [email protected]

Rudy Mamula (520) 977-5543 [email protected]

Jim (Doc) Reifschneider (520) 290-6615 [email protected]

Jim Sanchez (520) 869-8468 [email protected]

How to Contact the DBA

Newsletter Editor--John David: For information concerning letters to the editor, reviews, contributing newsletter arti- cles, submitting Concert & Band Listing information, Contact John via phone at (520)400-8853, e-mail, [email protected], or snail mail, 8205 E. Crooked Tree Trail, Tucson, AZ 85715 Webmaster--Andy MacLeod: For information concerning the DBA website www.desertbluegrass.org contact the webmaster at [email protected] Membership Secretary--Mike Headrick: To join the DBA, renew a membership or submit an address change, contact Mike via phone at (520) 760-0745, email, [email protected] or snail mail, 13308 Placita el Algodon Tucson, AZ 85749 Publicity--Mike Headrick: Contact Mike at (520) 760-0745 or [email protected] Booking Bands--Bonnie Lohman: To book a DBA band for an event, phone 520-349-4812 or email, [email protected] Advertising-- John David: To purchase advertising in our newsletter, contact by phone or email

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The opinions expressed in the DBA newsletter are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the views of the Desert Bluegrass Association, its staff or members. Reviews, concert listings, band announcements and advertising are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement by the Desert Bluegrass Association. In the event of an error, our liability is limited to printing a correction. Copyright 2012,. All Rights Reserved. VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4 GRASS CLIPPINGS PAGE 3

TUCSON’S 13TH ANNUAL DESERT BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL (CONTINUED) this newsletter. Jim Sanchez has been working hard to line-up sponsors for the festival. Our sponsors include MR K’S BBQ (PREMIER), DAVID G EISENHUTH INSUR- ANCE (PREMIER), GOOD NEWS COMMUNICATIONS, DAKOTA CAFÉ, ROAD- TH RUNNER LOCK & SAFE, THE FOLK SHOP, 17 STREET MARKET, MUSIC AND ART CENTER and Brooke Miner, who is once again sponsoring the Jam Pak Blues ‘n’ Grass Neighborhood Band. Please support our sponsors as they are supporting us. We also have five FESTIVAL PATRONS so far: Geoff Fox, Jim Click Automotive Group, Mike & Betty Headrick, Dan & Aina Dickerson and Don Domkowski. You too may become a Patron with a $100 contribution and you get 10 guest tickets to the Saturday evening show to share with friends and family. Contact me for details. Jim Sanchez and Amy Wheeler have been working on a great raffle to support the festival this year. We will be raffling three guitars, a banjo, a mandolin, a fire pit, a Sum- mit Hut Goody Bag, a Festival Quilt and a Wine Tasting Party for 20. Raffle tickets will be $1 each or 6 for $5. So the work will soon be behind us and we will have a weekend of GREAT bluegrass music in front of us. The bands (listed on our flyer) include fantastic national bands, great regional bands and wonderful local talent. The Friday night band contest is always a highlight. So far only TWO bands have entered to compete for the THREE winner slots. Sounds like a real opportunity for your band so check out how to enter on our website. This year the band contest is a benefit for the Community Food Bank, so bring a few cans of food to contribute to the food bank. With each contribution to the Food Bank we will give you one raffle ticket. The workshops will be taught by some of the best per- formers in the business. A list of the workshops and the performance schedule is listed in Grass Clippings. What a great place to learn a few new licks. There will be great vendors to check out and some great food to sample. Should be lots of good jamming in the camping area and the camping is FREE. Make sure to bring your DBA membership card because that gets you up to two $5 dis- counts on weekend passes. So tune up your instruments, get your camping gear packed and get ready for a great weekend Mike Headrick

WELCOME TO OUR NEW & RETURNING MEMBERS

Tim Barrett Tucson Don Kimball Tucson Jennifer Allison Tucson Sylvia Schnick Young Tucson Brad Austin Tucson William Bartlett Tucson Steve Dolan Tucson David Socha Tucson Howard Raymond Tucson Shay Cardell Winkelman Mike & Jackie Crivello San Diego Lora Staples Kingman Elizabeth Yackley Tucson PAGE 4 GRASS CLIPPINGS VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4 VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4 GRASS CLIPPINGS PAGE 5 TUCSON’S 13TH ANNUAL DESERT BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL SCHEDULE & WORKSHOPS

Sunday Performances Saturday Performances 9:45 am Opening Ceremony 9:45 am Opening ceremony 10:00 am Crucial County (Gospel Set) 10:00 am Manzanita Bluegrass 10:45 am Chris Jones & the Night Drivers 10:45 am Band Contest Winners #2 & #3 11:30 am Sierra Hull & Highway 111 11:30 am Jam Pak Blues 'n' Grass Neigh borhood Band 12:15 pm Superstition Ridge 1:00 pm Mark Phillips & IIIrd Generation 12:15 pm Mark Phillips & IIIrd Generation 1:45 pm Band Contest Winner #1 1:00 pm Sierra Hull & Highway 111 2:30 pm Unusual Suspects 2:00 pm Chris Jones & the Night Drivers 3:15 pm Sonoran Dogs 3:00 pm Superstition Ridge 4:00 pm End of Festival 3:45 pm The Greg Morton Band 4:30 pm Mark Phillips & IIIrd Generation Sunday Workshops 5:30 pm Dinner Break 10:00 am Fiddle – Daniel Foulks (IIIrd Genera 7:00 pm Sonoran Dogs tion) 7:45 pm Chris Jones & the Night Drivers 11:00 am Harmony – Crucial County 8:30 pm Sierra Hull & Highway 111 12:00 pm “Pickin like Doc” – Dan Miller (Editor of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine) Instrument Petting Zoo All day - Jam Pak Blues "n" Grass Neighborhood Band Saturday Workshops 11:00 am Autoharp - Barbara Giamalvo 12:00 pm Song Writing – Chris Jones 1:00 pm Bass – Jon Weisberger (Night Driv ers) (shortened to allow Jon time to perform at 2 pm) 2:00 pm Guitar – Greg Morton (Greg Morton Time: 3PM to 5PM

Band) 8320 Thornydale Rd. 3:00 pm Mandolin – Sierra Hull (Highway Suite 150/170 Tucson, Arizona 85741 111) Thornydale/Cortaro 4:00 pm Banjo – Ned Luberecki (Night Driv ers) Tel No: 520-579-2299

“Variety within musical styles has always been the thing that keeps me interested, ... But the music has to come from bluegrass first. We always said back in the '70s that if you want to play new grass you have to go through the school of bluegrass. You know, maybe Jack Black can make a movie now called School of Bluegrass. That would be cool.” Sam Bush PAGE 6 GRASS CLIPPINGS VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4 INSTRUCTION

Bill Breen Andy McCune J.P. Thom-Gronachan Scruggs style banjo by ear 520-544- Bluegrass & clawhammer banjo, man- Banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, theory 2418 dolin, and beginning Dobro 520-869- 520-682-6201 6818 Corrine Cortese Lora Staples Fiddle lessons 520-235-3199 Peter McLaughlin Fiddle and Violin lessons Rudy Cortese Flatpick & bluegrass guitar: Beginner & Location: Online Banjo lessons 520-954-2103 advanced 520-247-1027 RedDesertFiddle.com; RedDesertViolin.com Mike Purdy Nick Coventry Email: [email protected] Guitar & mandolin 520-318-0659 Fiddle lessons 805-252-1851 Jeff Sanders Greg Morton Guitar & banjo Chicago Store Bluegrass Guitar lessons 520-682- Eastside 850-9802 2558 GREAT WEBSITES Desert Bluegrass Association Bluegrass Lyrics Banjo: www.desertbluegrass.org http://bluegrasslyrics.com/ www.banjohangout.org Arizona Bluegrass Association Bluegrass Tablature Bass: www.arizonabluegrass.com http://www.alltabs.com/ www.bluegrassbassplace.com Bluegrass Arizona Blog bluegrass_tabs.php Mandolin: www.bluegrassarizona.blogspot.com Guitar: www.mandohangout.com/ www.bluegrassguitar.com/ Daily Dose of Bluegrass; Dobro: www.bluegrassonthetube.com Fiddle: www.reso-nation.org www.fiddlehangout.com www.resohangout.com HELP! HELP! HELP!

The Festival is just around the corner. We have scheduled a Volunteer Meeting for Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at 6:00 PM. We will be meeting at the Udall Recreation Center. Any questions that you may have will be answered. You will have the opportunity to pick your volunteer opportunity as well as make sure your time doesn’t conflict with your favorite band or a workshop that you want to attend. We will have the Festival schedule there for your planning needs. We will cover procedures and Festival rules. Please plan to attend and that will help me to schedule all the needs we have. I want to thank some of those who have already volun- teered. Hollis and Sandy will again be hosting the Campground; Amy Wheeler is heading up the Hospitality room as well as the raffle. Jack McMeekin is in charge of workshops. Doc Simpson and David Eisenhuth are on board for MC duties. Andy McLeod has been doing Continued on Page 7 FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Staff the entry gates Set-up and tear-down Work the DBA booth Work the raffle booth VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4 GRASS CLIPPINGS PAGE 7

HELP! HELP! HELP! (CONTINUED)

Website work for advance tickets. James Sanchez has been securing our sponsors. The whole committee has been working on this year’s Festival since early in the year. I know there are many others who are working behind the scenes that I didn’t mention here. I am also looking for a Volunteer Assistant to come along side me and take over Volunteer coordinator for next year. Please call or email me with your volunteering commitment if you can’t make the meeting. Help make this year’s Festival a success by volunteering your time. We pay well, free admis- sion for only four hours of service! Mark your calendar for Tuesday October 9 at 6:00 PM. Thanks in advance for your help again this year. Jack Arnold, Volunteer Coordinator 520-820-6654 [email protected] PAGE 8 GRASS CLIPPINGS VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4 DBA WORKSHOPS PERFORM AT MARANA SUMMER BLUEGRASS CONCERTS BY JIM & PAT SANCHEZ

Editor’s Note: As most of you know, the Desert Bluegrass Association sponsors weekly workshops for beginner and intermediate musicians to learn to play bluegrass music. The workshops are held on Monday and Wednesday night with the Monday workshop held on the Eastside of Tucson and the Wednesday workshop held in Marana. See details on the website at www.desertbluegrass.org on the events webpage. On August 11th the Wednesday night workshop participants showcased their talent at the 4th Marana concert series of the summer. Sixteen jammers arranged themselves on stage (though crowded) and did their best to show the audience of 300 what they do on Wednesday evenings. Songs like “Long Journey Home”, “I’ll Fly Away,” to highlight vocals, and an instrumental, “Great Speckled Bird,” to highlighted individual instrument solos. Doc Simpson, DBA President, was the emcee for the member jam and provided insights, jokes and information about the Desert Bluegrass Association. Providence was the featured band of the evening and wowed the audience with their blend of music.

The workshop participants who appeared on-stage included: Nancy Hildreth, Marlene Molden- hauer, Brad Austin, Steve Langford, Sue Elsclager, Jason Otto, Jeff Collins, Joe Wilkie, Mar- shall Vest, Aaron Vest, Paul Larson, Scott Simmons, Mike Lonard, Doug Schneider, Kayleigh Mathews and Jim Sanchez. Saturday, Sept. 8 was the last of the current Marana concert series, and was a showcase for bluegrass enthusiasts in our part of the state. Fifteen participants from the Eastside workshop warmed up the crowd with many favorites tunes, including “How Mountain Girls Can Love,” “Turkey in the Straw,” and “Come On Up To The House.” The audience grew to approximately 500 happy grinners by the time the headliners, Superstition Ridge, took the stage at 7 p.m. The Saguaro Stompers Clog Dancers performed solo and group dance demonstrations that drew applause while the jammers and the band played. Continued on Page 9 VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4 GRASS CLIPPINGS PAGE 9

DBA WORKSHOPS PERFORM (CONTINUED)

The Eastside workshop participants who warmed up the crowd at the last concert, included: David Acklam, Monty Bonello, Michael Crownhart, Don Domnowsky, Ashley "Annie" Doughty, Alan Knebel, Le Ann Latham, Jeff Rainey, Jo Ann Shifflet, Paul Simpson, Kay Standerford, Daniel Stolte, Jim Swafford, Jim Wagner, Scott Warren, Marshall Vest. In previous summers Town of Marana had supported music/dance/theater groups at the park venue for one or more Saturday nights each month. Due to loss of sponsorships and Marana budget cuts, no events were on the 2012 calendar, until DBA members Jim Sanchez and Charlie Sides from the Marana DBA Workshop got the ball rolling and brought in sponsorships from local businesses. The plentiful monsoon season that Tucson has enjoyed enriched the cool Saturday evenings, but never washed out the DBA/SAACA/Marana concert series at Silverbell Crossroads Park. Countless families from Marana, Oro Valley and Tucson quickly spread the word that the second Saturdays at Crossroads Park was entertainment not to be missed. Most folks brought their lawn chairs up close to the stage, and many families with young ones spread out on blankets further back, giving the kids area to run and turn cartwheels to the acoustic tunes. An assisted care facility in the area brought residents in their bus as well. A variety of vendors provided snacks and beverages at each concert. The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) has invited DBA to plan on an expanded season next year, beginning in March 2013. Jonas Hunter and Kate Marquez from SAACA have worked hard to provide media promotion and on-site sound reinforcement. Their experience and expertise provided lots of foundation to build each performance upon. The Town of Marana has provided the stage and facility scheduling for the venue in the park. We can only hope that our com- bined efforts will continue to provide well received community events.

“It's like music theory, which was created to study what already was. Bluegrass exists, and since it's been around long enough there are people who want to talk about it.” ~ Béla Fleck PAGE 10 GRASS CLIPPINGS VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4

THE CAMP BLUEGRASS ADVENTURE! (CONTINUED) gentleman shared how he had grown up with bluegrass but hadn’t played in many years. We put a guitar in his hands and watched him smile ear-to-ear as he sung the old songs. We awoke early the next morning, took a group picture with one of hundreds of space aliens adorning the streets of Roswell, and drove for a half day to Levelland, TX. In case you’re wondering, it’s called Levelland because it is LEVEL LAND. You can step up on a milk crate and see oil pumps for a hundred miles in any direction. In the midst of this small town is South Plains College, home of Camp Bluegrass for the past 26 summers. They even offer a degree in County & Bluegrass – imagine that! Did I mention the faculty? Wow – banjo instruction included Bill Evans and Alan Munde. Mandolin was taught by Roland White and Steve Smith (of Hard Road Trio). Guitar was led by the lightning fast Tim May and Dan Mil- ler (editor of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine). Nate Lee and Robert Bolin – one of Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys – taught fiddle. Jon Weisberger (from Night Driver) took on the bass students. Wil Maring and Dede Wyland (from Skyline & Tony Trischa) taught vocals. Continued on Page 11

DUSTY RIVER BOYS BLUEGRASS BAND By Rudy Mamula - DBA Trustee

The Dusty River Boys are a Tucson based band with five members. The band actually started as a DBA throw-together band that was hired to play at Beaudry’s RV Gala in Tucson. There were eight to ten members that showed up that day and when the members were asked what the band name was, Rufus Rogers pulled the name out of the air and said “The Dusty River Bluegrass Band”. The band played additional gigs after Beaudry’s for about a year or so and practiced regularly. Band members were Sam and Rudy Mamula, Dean and Ryan Brunner, Geoff Fox, Irv Wright , and Thelma Carpenter. On April 21st 2008, bass player Ryan Brunner passed away at the tender age of 25 from accidental carbon monoxide poising. The band was devastated. Ryan’s brother Dean stopped playing the fiddle and quit he band for over a year. The band pressed on but creative differences arose. Rudy Mamula quit the band went off to start another band more in line with his belief of what a bluegrass band should be. Some of the original band members joined the new band and the name was changed to the “Dusty River Boys.” Current band members are Sam Mamula on guitar, Bill Paul on banjo, Rich Continued on Page 18 VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4 GRASS CLIPPINGS PAGE 11

THE CAMP BLUEGRASS ADVENTURE! (CONTINUED)

This year they put us up in a brand new dormitory. For five days we ate great food at the school cafeteria, attended bluegrass classes, ate, learned some more about bluegrass, ate, jammed in the afternoon, ate some more, attended fantastic faculty concerts in the evening, and then jumped into jams all over campus all night long. From newbies to old pros, there was something for everyone. Student performances were held on Friday morning. Our Tucson minstrels performed several songs; Daniel Stolte sang “Lord I Was Born a Rambling Man”, Jo Ann Shifflet did great yodeling on “Mule Skinner Blues”, and Michael Crownhart sang a song he wrote – “Standing Alone”. The whole gang got in on “Monroe Don’t Allow” in which we featured ukulele bass, octave mandolin, dobros, kazoos, and turkey basters (yes, you read that right). Of course we played this while every one of us was wearing purple shirts featuring a monkey in sunglasses. Be sure to go to the DBA’s website to see our performances. We hit the road that afternoon and made our way to Las Cruces, NM. We were having so much fun that a bunch of us decided to spend an extra day there. We went to their renowned farmer’s market in the morning and that night attended Hard Road Trio’s fundraising concert for NPR. We even got to go to the after party and hobnob with the band. As we made our way back to Tucson the next day, I reflected on the absolutely fantastic week we had. What is hard to capture in words are all the moments that got packed into those eight days: forming new friendships, Michael Crownhart’s magic demonstrations & origami, laughing till you couldn’t breathe, playing outside under the stars of a cool Texas night, and “Ah-hah!” moments of learning in the middle of a class. Memorable, regenerating, hilarious, peaceful, satisfying. I can’t wait to get back. You know, there’s plenty of room for you next July. Come run away with us! Life is so much more than work, paying bills, and watching TV. Camp Bluegrass is surprisingly affordable and you’ve got nine months to save your pennies. Go forth, do Good! Doc Simpson PAGE 12 GRASS CLIPPINGS VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4 PHOTO STORY OF CAMP BLUEGRASS 2012 BY DANIEL STOLTE With additional photos provided by Michael Crownhart, Marlene Moldenhauer, Paul ‘Doc’ Simpson and Arlene Tomlinson.

Editor’s Note: Camp Bluegrass is held in July every year at South Plains College whose main campus is located in Levelland, Texas, 25 miles due west of Lubbock. Established in 1957 by the residents of Hockley County, South Plains College offers its students a diverse educational program.

The entire campus of South Plains College is steeped in music. Walking across campus is like taking a tour through country music, with several buildings bearing the name of influential artists.

On the first day of camp, our teachers joined together on stage to kick off Camp Bluegrass 2012. What better way to introduce themselves to the participants and setting the tone for the days to come!

Every evening, after a

hard day’s work and a hearty dinner, campers were treated to performances by our faculty. In varying and often surpris- ing assemblages, our instructors came on stage in the auditorium to treat us to up to two hours of their mastery, wit and musical inspiration. The concerts were great, but toward the end of camp, I caught myself thinking I’d rather be jamming and try all the new things we’ve learned, and felt a bit guilty for it…

Continued on Page 13 PAGE 13 GRASS CLIPPINGS VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4

PHOTO STORY OF CAMP BLUEGRASS 2012 (CONTINUED)

After a morning of classes, instrument cases line the hallway to the cafeteria during lunchtime. At Camp, when you’re not playing music, or listening to music, or thinking about music, you’re eating. Or sleeping, but not so much.

Guitar instructor Dan Miller working one-on-one with a student during his intermediate guitar class. The instruction at Camp is top-notch and take place in a fun yet productive setting.

After a day of music instruction, practice, more instruction in the afternoon, and jamming in the afternoon, we strolled back to our dorms to … play more music! Here, Jo Ann Shifflet, Don Dom- kowski, Daniel Stolte and Nancy Hildreth are fiddling around with a song arrangement. (Photo: Arlene Tom- linson)

Continued on Page 16 PAGE 14 GRASS CLIPPINGS VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4

DBA EVENTS October 2012

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 6 WORKSHOP WORKSHOP JAM (East Side) (NW Side) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Rincon Market Christ Community Marana Community 2513 E. 6th St . Church Center 7801 E Kenyon Dr 13251 N Lon Adams Rd., Marana

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 WORKSHOP WORKSHOP JAM (East Side) (NW Side) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Udall Park Christ Community Marana Community Ramada Church Center 7200 E. Tanque 7801 E Kenyon Dr 13251 N Lon Verde Road Adams Rd., Marana

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 WORKSHOP WORKSHOP JAM 17th Street (East Side) (NW Side) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Market Clinic 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Pinnacle Peak Vocal Harmonies Christ Community Marana Community Restaurant Titan Valley Church Center 6541 E. Tanque Warheads 7801 E Kenyon Dr 13251 N Lon Verde Rd. 1 - 3 pm Adams Rd., 17th St. Market Marana 840 E. 17th Street 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 WORKSHOP WORKSHOP JAM 13th Annual 13th Annual JAM (East Side) (NW Side) 5:00-6:30 PM Desert Desert 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Emeritus Bluegrass Bluegrass Music & Arts Christ Community Marana Community Senior Living Festival Festival 8320 Thornydale Church Center 8151 E. Speedway Rd Suite 150/170 7801 E Kenyon Dr 13251 N Lon Blvd AVA AVA Adams Rd., Amphitheater Amphitheater Marana 28 29 30 31 13th Annual WORKSHOP WORKSHOP Desert (East Side) (NW Side) Bluegrass 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Festival Christ Community Marana Community Church Center AVA 7801 E Kenyon Dr 13251 N Lon Amphitheater Adams Rd., Marana VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4 GRASS CLIPPINGS PAGE 15

DBA EVENTS November 2012

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 JAM 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Rincon Market 2513 E. 6th St .

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 JAM WORKSHOP WORKSHOP 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm (East Side) (NW Side) Udall Park 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Ramada Christ Community Marana Community 7200 E. Tanque Church Center Verde Road 7801 E Kenyon Dr 13251 N Lon Adams Rd., Marana

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 WORKSHOP WORKSHOP JAM 17th Street (East Side) (NW Side) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Market Clinic 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Pinnacle Peak Song Writing Christ Community Marana Community Restaurant Ron Doering Church Center 6541 E. Tanque 2 - 4 pm 7801 E Kenyon Dr 13251 N Lon Verde Rd. 17th St. Market Adams Rd., 840 E. 17th Marana Street 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 JAM WORKSHOP WORKSHOP JAM 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm (East Side) (NW Side) 5:00-6:30 PM Music & Arts 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Emeritus 8320 Thornydale Christ Community Marana Community Senior Living Rd Suite 150/170 Church Center 8151 E. Speedway 7801 E Kenyon Dr 13251 N Lon Blvd Adams Rd., Marana 25 26 27 28 29 30 JAM WORKSHOP WORKSHOP 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm (East Side) (NW Side) Thirsty’s Neigh- 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm borhood Christ Community Marana Community Grill Church Center 2422 N. Pantano 7801 E Kenyon Dr 13251 N Lon Adams Rd., Marana PAGE 16 GRASS CLIPPINGS VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4 PHOTO STORY OF CAMP BLUEGRASS 2012 (CONTINUED)

West Texas nights are perfect for jamming outside the dorms.

Each day, when the lessons are over and everybody enjoyed a de- licious and filling lunch, practice jams get together all across campus, from slow beginner jams to intermediate, faster jams to master-level pick-a-thons. Each session is led by one of the wonderful instructors (here: Gerald Jones at right).

What I enjoyed most about Camp Bluegrass was to be constantly immersed in music. As someone who spends most of his life in front of a computer screen in a cubicle, it was a liberating and stimulating experience to spend a week racking my brain over song lyrics, chord progressions and ar- rangements – and nothing else. Here, DBA members Don Dom- kowski and Jo Ann Shifflett are working on an arrangement.

Continued on Page 17 PAGE 17 GRASS CLIPPINGS VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4 PHOTO STORY OF CAMP BLUEGRASS 2012 (CONTINUED)

DBA’s very own Mi- chael Crownhart lead- ing a song during practice for our performance at the Student Concert on the last day of Camp.

This year’s Camp Bluegrass hon- ored the 100th birthday of the “Father of Blue- grass.” Here, Joe Carr, an associate professor of music at South Plains College and known to many as the author of music instruction books, hosts a presentation about the life and work of Bill Monroe together with some of the “Bluegrass Boys” – former members of Monroe’s band – including Robert Bowlin (fiddle, third from left) and Roland White (mandolin, right). Hearing first-hand about the man who shaped Bluegrass music was a great experience, although I got the impression that as great and innovative Bill was on a professional level, he didn’t seem like the kind of guy I’d want to jam with.

Continued on Page 19 PAGE 18 GRASS CLIPPINGS VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4

BLUEGRASS ACCENTS AT A GOLDEN EVENT BY PAT SANCHEZ

Do you ever wonder if jammers make any difference to the occasional ‘grinners’ who stop by? Read this little story about some DBA jam serendipity. Rev. Doug and Mrs. Bev Knox received congratulations and best wishes from longtime friends and family at a private party recently. The plans for their 50th anniversary party were in the works in early summer. They are lively and active couple who are still involved in ministry. As long time Tucson residents who have moved a lot during their marriage, they are happy to be back in the Old Pueblo. Bev has begun learning to play guitar, with the goal of being able to play ‘Silent Night’ for a Christmas service. Doug accompa- nied her to a regular lesson at Music and Arts one Sunday a few months ago. Engrossed in some reading to pass the time, Doug was pleasantly distracted by nearby music and was surprised to see the DBA jammers at the same music store for their regular monthly jam. Doug and Bev are Blue- grass fans, since attending a festival in Wickenburg. After the jam, Doug spoke with Jim Sanchez, requesting help to arrange for some live bluegrass at the upcoming anniversary party. The Labor Day weekend party accommodated a cordial group to toast the couple and enjoy cake in the Wilson Room at Tohono Chul Park. Against a backdrop of adobe brick and native woven wall hangings, eight jammers from the Marana DBA Workshop played throughout the gathering. Many thanks to Brad Austin, Sue Elsclager, Ste- ve Langford, Dave Lanham, Jason Otto, Jim Sanchez, Aaron Vest, and Marshall Vest. Their music brought applause and opportunity to plug upcoming DBA events. After 90 minutes of bluegrass, the party slowly wound down, but that probably would have happened even without the pickin’!

DUSTY RIVER BOYS BLUEGRASS BAND (CONTINUED)

Errico on mandolin, Dean Brunner on fiddle, and Rudy Mamula on upright bass. The Dusty River Boys are a mostly traditional band concentrating on classical bluegrass, original and Gospel songs. The band focuses on vocal harmonies and requires all members to sing both lead and harmony lines. Newer songs and original music are added to the repertoire as needed and as upcoming gigs require. “Something that separates the Dusty River Boys from other bands is that we view ourselves as en- tertainers first and musicians second,” said Rudy. “We do almost as much on stage humor and audience participation as music. If we don’t get the audience involved from the start, they might as well be sitting at home listening to a CD.” It must be work- Continued on Page 20 VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4 GRASS CLIPPINGS PAGE 19

PHOTO STORY OF CAMP BLUEGRASS 2012 (CONTINUED)

Paul ‘Doc’ Simpson and Don Domkowski backstage, moments before the performance of the DBA’s Official Camp Bluegrass band, “Los Changuitos Feos,” (The Ugly Monkeys), soon to become legend. Oh, and we adopted a “band-less” banjo player on the way. Don said: “Meeting other bluegrass players from around the country makes the Camp special. Attendees come from a wide range of backgrounds and all levels of ability, making it really fun and easy to fit in no matter what your skill level is. I'd tell anyone con- sidering next year's Camp, that if they don't attend, they'll never know what they missed. It’s a special opportunity with top level instruction at a bargain price tag.”

DBA members made up most of this year’s bass class, taught by Jon Weisberger. From left to right: Bon- nie McPherson, Marlene Moldenhau- er, Arlene Tomlinson. Arlene said: “I had heard that Camp Bluegrass was great but until I attended I had no idea how great! I especially enjoyed the instructors’ nightly concerts. In July 2013, I will be back at Camp Bluegrass.” – Marlene said: “Camp Bluegrass is something that needs to be experienced first-hand. I expected instruction from well-qualified instructors. What I got was that, plus mentoring and encouragement from other camp participants. I expected a fun and relaxing atmosphere. What I got was that, plus I got to bond with the individuals from the Tucson area workshops who attended the camp.”

Michael Crown- hart: “My mandolin was tired after Bluegrass Camp but was all the wiser because of it! The people were all great, and being immersed into the music really helps playing! The instruction on our instruments catapulted me into the next plateau of playing! If you are hitting your head against the wall or raised to a stagnant part of playing this will really help reach the next level.” PAGE 20 GRASS CLIPPINGS VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4 DUSTY RIVER BOYS BLUEGRASS BAND (CONTINUED) ing as the Dusty River Boys have had standing ovations on almost every performance they have done in the last year or so. “We also go to the exit doors immediately after a performance and thank the audience for coming as they leave. It gives us an instant read on what we are doing right and wrong.” The band has played at Benson’s Bluegrass festival, Tucson’s Bluegrass festival, Saddlebrook’s Center for the Performing Arts, Sun City Vistoso’s Performance Center, and the Kentucky Derby Day Festival at the Manning House for four years in a row. They have also played many local churches, restaurants and private par- ties as well. The band is currently working on its first CD and writing new original music. With two band members also playing in other bands around Tucson scheduling is more important than ever. If you have a chance to go see the “Boys” please do so. The band has put together a Bluegrass Christmas show in time for the holidays and would be happy for your support.

JOE MULLINS & THE RADIO RAMBLERS "THEY'RE PLAYING MY SONG" REBEL RECORDS Review by Marilyn Ryan Hulbert

Thanks to Rebel Records for sending me my preview copy of the new Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers CD. This will not be released until October, but by the time you read this review and decide to buy some new music, it'll be just perfect timing. "They're Playing My Song" is an album that plays tribute and honors the traditional sounds of bluegrass music and a teeny bit of Western Swing too (Steel Guitar Rag). These talented musicians and singers have their family roots in the Appala- chian Mountains. The band members live in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. They offer 2 original tunes. Fiddler Adam McIntosh wrote "Granddad the Preacher." On this he sings the lead. Mike Terry the mandolin player penned "Our Old Kentucky Home" and on this one he sings the lead. The group consists of Joe Mullins on Banjo, Mike Terry on mandolin, Adam McIn- tosh playing guitar and Evan McGregor on the fiddle. Tim Kidd plays bass. "A Blue Million Tears" begins your listening with an up-tempo tune written by Continued on Page 22

Editor’s Note: I have added two new links to “GREAT WEBSITES” ( See Page 6). Website http://bluegrasslyrics.com/ is a great source for bluegrass music lyrics. Website http://www.alltabs.com/bluegrass_tabs.php is a great source for bluegrass music tablature. VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4 GRASS CLIPPINGS PAGE 21 PAGE 22 GRASS CLIPPINGS VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4

JOE MULLINS & THE RADIO RAMBLERS "THEY'RE PLAYING MY SONG" (CONTINUED)

William Mullins. Next song, "Bottom of a Mountain", is also an up-tempo song about working hard in coal mines and not having much money at the end of the work week. "Steel Guitar Rag" on the banjo sounds just great! Tom Holt wrote the next song called "Lily" - 3/4 time with Joe singing the lead. I love the way they can change lead and harmony parts between the band members. "Some Kind of War" - this is a heartfelt song about everyone having some battles of their own to fight. Adam sings the lead on this one. Then we hear "When the Snow Fall on My Foggy Mountain Home" - written by one of my all time favorite singer, songwriter, musicians, Dave Evens. Dave comes from the same part of the country as the Radio Ramblers. Folks the Ohio Valley sure have some wonderful music they can get out and hear. "Moses, Set My People Free" - written by the lovely and talented Becky Buller. By the way, Becky is looking more beautiful than ever, as she is going through her pregnancy. Joe takes the lead on this one. Next is an Alton Delmore song - "She Left Me Standing on the Mountain". There's a wonderful med- ley of tunes that the Osborne Brothers have performed including "Windy City", "Making Plans", "Fair & Tender Ladies", and "Kentucky". Joe does a great job singing lead here. The title song "Listen They're Playing My Song" is about as lonesome a song as you'd ever want to hear. You know we love lonesome, just so we get to be lonesome with other lonesome pickers! "Katy Daley" arranged in 1962 by Paul "Moon" Mullins, Joe's Dad, is the last one on the CD. Great bluegrass harmony singing, tasteful pickin', songs from the heart - that's what it's all about for me! Rebel Records has always been a wonderful source for the finest bluegrass recordings. Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers are on the top of my list to play on my radio show when I'm in Maine, and also on the top of my list to get out and see! Pick a tune for me, Marilyn

CLASSIFIED ADS

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Violin and Fiddle lessons ONLINE, in privacy and comfort of home, at your own pace. RedDesert- Fiddle.com and RedDesertViolin.com. Email: [email protected] Friendly, Affordable, Ef- fective, Flexible, and Guaranteed! Note: Classified Advertisements are $5 for five lines or less per issue of the newsletter. Space permitting, DBA Members can post Classified Advertisements at no charge. If you wish to have a classified advertisement included in the next issue of the news letter, contact John via phone at (520) 400-8853, e-mail, [email protected], or snail mail, 8205 E. Crooked Tree Trail, Tucson, AZ 85715. Ads must be submitted no later than the 15th of the month preceding the date of the newsletter. VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4 GRASS CLIPPINGS PAGE 23 PAGE 24 GRASS CLIPPINGS VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4

JAMS & OPEN MICS DBA sponsored jams are listed at www.desertbluegrass.org & on the enclosed calendar.

Southern AZ Old Time Fiddlers Saddlebrooke Jam Anderson’s Traditional Acoustic Assn. 38759 S Mountain View Blvd BLUEGRASS Jam Sessions Southwest Community Center Workshop at 2:30 pm The Anderson's, Tempe, AZ Cardinal Ave, Tucson, AZ Jam 4-6 pm Info: Howard & Susan Anderson -

Tuesday 7 PM Info: Rich 520-881-0358 (480)897-7425 Info: Wilbur 520-743-7086 Howard's web sites: Open Mic at The Hut on 4th Ave www.astroshow.com & Catalina Mountain Chapter of the AZ Every other Monday 6:30 PM www.AZcendant.com Old Time Fiddlers Association Info: Rudy [email protected] Howard’s email: 3rd Monday at 7 PM [email protected]

Info: Laura 520-743-9491 Kibbey’s Jam and Open Mic Susan's web site: Info: Jim Howard, 520-825-9413 www.carcinoidinfo.info Tradition Acoustic Bluegrass Jam Twin Lakes Drive, Catalina, AZ Susan's e-mail: Sunny- Sessions Every Friday Night 6:30 PM–9:00 PM [email protected] Tempe, AZ ALL jams, will be held on the 2nd Wed. Wednesday 7-10 PM 1st Baptist Church Jam and Open evening each month, 7 P.M. until 10 Call for confirmation of dates Mic P.M. (NO JAM IN SEPT) Info: Howard or Susan Wilds Road, Catalina, Arizona 480-897-7425 Info: Jim Howard, 520-825-9413 Every Saturday, 6:30 PM-9:00 PM VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4 GRASS CLIPPINGS PAGE 25 Editor’s Note: A Craigslist posting. This is hilarious.

Date: 2012-02-13, 6:07PM MSTReply to: [email protected] Bass player available for PAYING GIGS ONLY. I play G, C, D. If your songs are not in G, please transpose them into G. If your song has an Em or Bm or anything off the wall I will probably sit out that chord. Or, I could learn those notes for $30 each. If you want me to do fancy stuff like go back and forth between G and D while you hold a G chord, forget it because I'm a "pocket" player. Mini- mum $100 per gig within a 5 mile radius of 59801. $5 per mile travel charge for other areas out of town. Please make sure your gigs are on a MOUNTAIN LINE bus route, or you can pick me up at my place. Since I use the bus, it is impractical for me to bring my amp, so you must provide a suita- ble amp for me to use, preferably an Ampeg SVT. If you pick me up, I can bring my amp, but since it's only 30 watts, everyone will need to play at a lower volume so as not to bury me in the mix. Must be home by 11pm due to previous legal hassles. No gigs within 500 yards of schools, parks, or playgrounds. Location: Missoula It's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests PostingID: 2850295503http://missoula.craigslist.org/muc/2850295503.html

BANDS Bear Canyon Ramblers Greg Morton The Bost Family Tradition Marilyn 520-760-0479 520-682-2558 Jeff Bost 520-432-5053 [email protected] [email protected] www.bearcanyonramblers.com Greenwood Sidee [email protected] The Real Deal Band Buffelgrass www.facebook.com/ Carlos Saldana 480-233-3241 Tim Barrett 520-235-3518 greenwoodsidee www.facebook.com/realdealband [email protected] [email protected] www.buffelgrassband.com Jam Pak Blues 'N' Grass Neigh- borhood Band Titan Valley Warheads Crystal Ridge Bluegrass Band www.jampak.com Ed Davenport 520-904-6050 Brian Davies 520-349-9497 Anni Beach- 480-963-6811 www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/ www.MusicTucson.com Chandler, Arizona pages/The-Titan-Valley- Warheads/161939573828277 Cadillac Mountain Los Hombres Corrine 520-235-3199 Kenny Erickson 520-235-7473 Way Out West Emmy Creigh 520-323-0704 Crucial County Manzanita Bluegrass Corrine 520-235-3199 Reid Griffin 520-349-4321 Whistle Stop Manzanitablue- Carol Pearse 970-375-9428 Drops in the River [email protected] [email protected] Ky Brown 520-664-5125 www.whistlestopbluegrass.com [email protected] Peter McLaughlin www.myspace.com/dropsintheriver 520-247-1027

Dusty River Boys Superstition Ridge Bluegrass Rich Errico 520 818 0358 Rer- Band [email protected] Larry Martell 480-588-5552 [email protected]

PAGE 26 GRASS CLIPPINGS VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4

ASSOCIATIONS

Arizona Bluegrass Association So. Arizona Old Time Fiddlers Association 7257 N. 50th Dr. 3020 W. Avenida Cresta Glendale, AZ 85301 Tucson, AZ 85745 Jan Zales--Chair Info: Wilbur 520-743-7086 [email protected] Tucson Friends of Traditional Music www.azbluegrass.org Info: 520-408-6181 International Bluegrass Music Association www.tftm.org 2 Music Circle South, Suite 100 Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association Nashville, TN 37203 PO Box 26531 615-256-3222 Tucson, AZ 85726 Toll Free: 1-888-438-4262 www.tkma.org http://www.ibma.org Tucson Old Time Music Circle International Bluegrass Music Museum [email protected] Museum Entrance: 117 Daviess Street Brad 520-818-0260 Mailing Address: 207 East Second Street www.totmc.org Owensboro, KY 42303 270-926-7891 888-MY BANJO (toll-free) VOLUME 17 ISSUE 4 GRASS CLIPPINGS PAGE 27 DESERT BLUEGRASS ASSOCIATION NON-PROFIT ORG. 8205 E. CROOKED TREE TRAIL TUCSON, AZ 85715 U.S. POSTAGE PAID TUCSON, ARIZONA PERMIT NO. 1830

Cut out this box The mailing label is now your DBA membership card

Volume 17 Issue 4 October/November 2012

A NON-PROFIT VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION

MEMBER OF THE DESERT BLUEGRASS ASSOCIATION

WWW.DesertBluegrass.org

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION/RENEWAL FORM Membership dues for the Desert Bluegrass Association are $15 annually per family, due March 1st, and includes bulk mailing of the bi-monthly newsletter to each member. Members joining after November of any year will have their membership extended through the next year. Those joining before November must renew the following March 1st.

First name: Last name: Street Address: City: State: Zip: Home phone: Cell phone: Email address: Do you wish to be included in the Membership Directory? (check one) YesNo What instruments do you play? Banjo BassFiddle Guitar Mandolin Resonator Guitarother

Complete this form then mail it, along with your personal check or money order payable to Desert Bluegrass Association, to: Mike Headrick (DBA Membership Secretary) 13308 Placita el Algodon Tucson, AZ 85749