What's Happening at MABA

Bluegrass Bits and Pieces

noreply@blogger.com (bluegrasshack) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 01:02:00 +0000

Bluegrass Bits and Pieces....

No pickin' at Collierville's Church of the Redeemer on April 10, 2009, which is Good Friday and Passover. Blessing of the season to you and yours.

Quick! Be sure to e-mail Music Choice at www.musicchoice.com to give your opinion of their cancellation of the Bluegrass Channel on April 15, 2009. Make your voice heard!

No bluegrass & barbecue at Redeemer on April 17, 2009. Pickin' only! We apologize!

The Collierville Historic Town Square Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Jam will resume on the town square on either April 17 or April 24. It's our 10th anniversary, in case someone should ask you! Weather determines date. Pete Spaulding, our hero, will continue to open the doors at Redeemer on either/both of those dates if we need to pick indoors. Thanks, Pete!

Maura O'Connell is headed for the Station Inn in Nashville, TN, on April 23, 2009. See schedule at www.stationinn.com/pgcalthis.html. I'm quoting Maura here..."Miss it at your peril!"

Check your calendar for events to come: Folk Festival in Mountain View, AR, on April 17-19, 2009; The Tennessee Gentlemen are at Atkins Celebration Hall in Paragould, AR, on April 27, 2009; The Pickin' Picnic (May 1-2, 2009) at BPACC/Lucy Opry, with a great two-day lineup, plus The Infamous Stringdusters ending the picnic with their ticketed concert; Festivals at Dyersburg (May 15-16, 2009) and at Williston, TN (June 12-13, 2009). Fine bluegrass music just ahead!

Kudos to Tony Sarwar restauranteur-alderman in Collierville! He recently hosted Blue Day at Fino Villa on Poplar Avenue in Collierville. We believe Tony will host more bluegrass in the future. Atta boy, Tony!

Pick away!
Betty

Flowers of the Forest

noreply@blogger.com (bluegrasshack) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 05:17:00 +0000

Flowers of the Forest
March 17, 2009

In Memoriam: WILLIE BURROUGHS (9/26/1937 - 3/12/2009) age 71 -- Well-known bluegrass and country music singer/guitarist; former member of the Lucy Opry; former member of the Tennessee Gentlemen (Troy Castleberry, David Luttrell, Joe Taylor, and Willie Burroughs); and former member of the Bobby Smith and James Monroe bands. Willie is survived by his wife Wanda, sons Tommy and Tim, daughter Laura, and his brothers Jim and Walter Burroughs.

In Memoriam: AMANDA CONNER GRAY (d. 3/14/2009) age 42 -- Daughter of Jack and Katherine Conner, who survive, along with husband Terry, daughter Katherine, sons Angus and David, and brothers Jackie Jr. and Bart Conner. Amanda's grandmother, Jim Conner, also survives. Amanda's father, Jack Conner, is a noted banjo player and has taught many Mid-Southerners how to play the banjo.

Willie and Amanda, may they each rest in peace. We shall miss them.

Pick a tune for both of these members of great West Tennessee bluegrass music families.

Sutton's Ole Time Music Hour in Granville, TN

noreply@blogger.com (bluegrasshack) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 18:58:00 +0000

Sutton's Ole Time Music Hour in Granville, TN
February 28, 2009

There really are several old garages and little country stores around this country that are trying desperately not to be overtaken by slick Madison Avenue types who have never even heard bluegrass and old-time string band music. That's a refreshing thought right there!

One such old country store is T. B. Sutton's store in Granville, TN. Sutton's store also is home to the Granville Museum, which is collecting genealogical and historical information about the families of Smith and Jackson Counties in Tennessee. You are welcome to contribute to the museum's information for those counties.

The store has a variety of country/bluegrass/old-time bands and musicians which perform there on Saturday nights. If that weren't good enough (and it is!), the store offers a tasty home-cooked meal served family style just prior to the pickin'. Old country store, friends and family with ya, cookin' almost as good as Mama's, and fine old-time music just about to start...how good is that?

The way the thing works is this: Eat first (good to know they have their priorities straight), listen to music performed just for the customers, then listen to even more music which goes out 'live on the radio to surrounding towns in Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky. A master of ceremonies keeps things rolling right along with his hand-waving and encouragement to clap and yell for the fans out there in radio land.

We loosened our belts a tad after dinner and prepared ourselves for the Galley Nippers from Carthage and Lebanon, TN. This band is strictly old-time, from sole to crown--in dress, speech, instruments, and choice of songs and tunes. Headed by Buddy Ingram on old-time open-back banjo and vocals, the Galley Nippers are also Lisa Ingram (Buddy's wife) on washtub bass and washboard with horns and cowbells, Brian Vollmer on fiddle, and Josh Smith on guitar. Everyone pitches in on vocals from time to time. These folks play a ton of good ol' old-time music!

Before it was over, the Galley Nippers had done these songs for their appreciative audience: Rabbit in the Pea Patch, Hear Jerusalem Moan, Daisy, Down by the River, Ole Joe (not Ole Joe Clark), Polly Wolly Doodle, How Many Biscuits Can You Eat, Bert Anderson's Tune, All Night Long, Knoxville Rag, Brown Dream (from the Roan Mountain Hilltoppers in East Tennessee), Sail Away Ladies, Hand Me Down, Pig in a Pen, Alabama Bound, Old Grey Mare, Soldier's Joy, and Watermelon.

Check out the Galley Nippers and also the Granville Museum inside Sutton's Store next time you're in the hills of eastern Middle Tennessee. Just listen to that banjo ring!

Further information:
Granville Museum www.granvillemuseum.com/index.htm?id=14125

Old-Time Music and Breakin' Up Winter (Mar. 6-8, 2009, Cedars of Lebanon [TN] State park www.nashvilleoldtime.org and www.nashvilleoldtime.org/BUW

Uncle Dave Macon Days on July 10-12, 2009, Murfreesboro, TN www.uncledavemacondays.com

A Galley Nipper (also called a Galley Napper)? What is it? Just google the term!

Pick away!

Flowers of the Forest

noreply@blogger.com (bluegrasshack) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 18:48:00 +0000

Flowers of the Forest
February 28, 2009

In memoriam: Dr. Bert Weesner, DDS (10/27/1935 - 2/20/2009)

Dr. Weesner and his wife Gail were great supporters of the Collierville Historic Town Square Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Jam. Bert's long and distinguished career was outlined in his obituary at www.commercialappeal.com. Keep Gail and his sons Jeff and Brent and their families in your thoughts. We shall miss him. Pick a tune for Bert, who loved bluegrass music, especially the banjo!

Memorials: www.pancan.org

High Point Funeral Chapel: www.highpointchapel.com

SPBGMA Awards/Band Champs/Preservation Hall of Fame

noreply@blogger.com (bluegrasshack) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:16:00 +0000

SPBGMA Awards at Nashville's Sheraton Music City on Feb. 12-15, 2009

Promoter: Bertie Sullivan (way to go, Granny Bertie!)
Radio Station: WDVX FM Knoxville, TN
DJ: Brenda Lawson WBBC FM
Club Newsletter: 'Bluegrass Express' by Oregon Bluegrass Association
Songwriter(s): Tom T. and Dixie Hall
Album: Keep on Walkin' by The Grascals
Bass: Darrin Vincent
Dobro: Phil Leadbetter
Guitar: Josh Williams
Mandolin: Alan Bibey
Banjo: Kristin Scott Benson
Fiddle: Hunter Berry
Vocalist (F-Contemp): Rhonda Vincent
Vocalist (F-Trad): Jeanette Williams
Vocalist (M-Contemp): Jamie Dailey
Vocalist (M-Trad): James King
Gospel Grp (Contemp): Dailey & Vincent
Gospel Grp (Trad): Paul Williams & The Victory Trio
Vocal Grp of Yr: Dailey & Vincent
Instr Grp of Yr: The Grascals
Band of Yr (Overall): Dailey & Vincent
Song of Yr: "By the Mark" by Dailey & Vincent
Entertaining Grp of Yr: Nothin' Fancy
Entertainer of Yr: Rhonda Vincent

SPBGMA 2009 International Band Championship Winners
1st: Brand New Strings--Knoxville, TN
2nd: Wilson Creek--Wayne, WV
3rd: Stone County Connection--Dyersburg, TN (way to go, SCC!)
4th: New Dixie Storm--Greenwood, SC
5th: Fast Lane--Hickman, KY
6th: Crosswind Bluegrass--Olive Hill, TN
7th: Hagar's Mountain Boys--Roxboro, NC
8th: The Jason Boone Band--Hattiesburg, MS
9th: Men of the Week--St. Louis, MO
10th: Jim & Valerie Gabehart--Hamlin, WV

SPBGMA Preservation Hall of Greats Inductee 2009
The Whites (way to go, Buck, Sharon, and Cheryl!)

Congratulations, everybody!

Pick away!

David Grier Concert @ Fiddle & Pick in Pegram, TN

noreply@blogger.com (bluegrasshack) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 17:13:00 +0000

Fiddle & Pick in Pegram, TN, will host a concert by the incredible guitarist, DAVID GRIER. Here are specifics and information where you can learn more:

Date/Time: Saturday, February 28, 2009, from 7:30 to 9:00 PM CST -- Doors open at 6:45 PM

Fiddle & Pick is located on the outskirts of Nashville, in Pegram, TN. West Tennessee travelers would get off I-40 at Exit 192 and follow US 70 into Pegram.

Further information: http://fiddleandpick.ning.com or www.fiddleandpick.com
E-mail: events@fiddleandpick.ning.com

Get out there and see David Grier! He's one of the best--who has performed with still more of the best!

Pick away!

In Memoriam: Steven Rhone Moon

noreply@blogger.com (bluegrasshack) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 16:45:00 +0000

The bluegrass music family once again mourns the loss of one of its own. STEVEN RHONE MOON (December 1, 1952 - February 4, 2009) passed away in Murfreesboro, TN. He had deep family and music roots in West Tennessee, especially around Millington, TN.

Fans of the Tennessee Gentlemen Bluegrass Shack in Lucy, TN, can recall frequent visits by Steve's father, Johnny Moon, who was a popular favorite. He played and sang his country and bluegrass songs with such joy and abandon!

You may read the obituary for Steve Moon at the website for the Murfreesboro Funeral Home at www.murfreesborofuneralhome.com. Be sure to view and sign the guest book for family and friends while you are at that site.

A special local get-together/luncheon/Celebration of Life is going to be held on March 7, 2009, from 2-4 PM CST, at the Baker Community Center on Church Street in Millington, TN. A video about Steve's life will be shown at 3 PM. You're invited to attend.

Steve Moon is survived by his wife of 28 years, Yvonne, and several other family members. You may contact Yvonne Moon at smoon9671@aol.com.

Pick away for Steve!

What's in Your CD Player Right Now?

noreply@blogger.com (bluegrasshack) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 21:31:00 +0000

What's in Your CD Player Right Now?
January 31, 2009

What're you listening to at this very moment? What's that album that is sending chills up and down your spine? You know, the one you copied to keep with you so you could leave the original at home.

Bluegrasshack is totally blown away by the sounds of Joey Martin + Rory Feek (Joey + Rory), the Middle Tennessee couple from those pleasant, relaxing, "mac-and-cheese-comfortable" Overstock.com commercials. Yep! They're in the CD player even as these fingers type.

We found them as soon as that first commercial ended, wanting to know more, wanting to buy...even if it was from Overstock.com. Joey has an earlier self-titled album, "Joey Martin," and Joey and Rory have an album called "The Life of a Song".

Check out Joey + Rory and their music at:
www.joeyandrory.com
myspace.com/joeyandrory

Check out Joey Martin at:
www.joeymartin.com

You're going to hear much more from this amazing duo, especially since Carl Jackson, Stuart Duncan, Rob Ickes...and several other notables...have also noticed them and gotten involved in their music. "Sweet Emmylou"...oh, my goodness!

Now...what's that in your CD player? Let us hear from you!

Pick away!

Flowers of the Forest

noreply@blogger.com (bluegrasshack) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 01:41:00 +0000

Flowers of the Forest
January 28, 2009

The bluegrass music community once again is saddened to lose two incredibly talented musicians. PAT COLLINS (12/18/1955 - 11/21/2008) of The Drifters Bluegrass Band (KCMO) and KEN ORRICK (12/2/1940 - 1/24/2009) of Lost Highway Bluegrass Band will long be remembered for their contributions to this music we all love.

Here is information about both performers and their bands:

The Drifters: MySpace URL: www.myspace.com/thedriftersbluegrassband

Lost Highway: Website: http://www.losthighwaybluegrass.com Bluegrass Ireland Blog: http://bluegrassireland.blogspot.com/2009/01/ken-orrick.html and Bluegrass Blog: http://www.thebluegrassblog.com/ken-orrick-passes ~ Also see the following to read the obituary and tributes to Ken Orrick. Feel free to leave a tribute for Ken's family to read: www.tributes.com/obituary and type in Ken Orrick and January 24, 2009.

This writer treasures her signed vinyl called "Memories of the Past" (Lite Records LR 116), which she received when Ken Orrick and Lost Highway came through Memphis and played at the Tennessee Gentlemen Bluegrass Shack in Lucy, TN. The "Memories of the Past" recording featured Ken Orrick (guitar, vocals), Nick Haney (bass, vocals), Jeff Harvey (mandolin, vocals), and Lauren Seapy (banjo, vocals).

Flowers of the Forest: The phrase goes back to much earlier times in Scotland and Ireland. It is a tribute to fallen soldiers and friends.
Read more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flowers_of_the_Forest

Pick away!

The Town Square Bluegrass Twitch

noreply@blogger.com (bluegrasshack) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 19:10:00 +0000

Can you feel it yet? The Town Square Bluegrass Twitch? Faith and begorra, it's about to begin! All it takes is a green sprig here, a buttercup there, bright sun, longer days, a warm day or two...right here, 'way down deep in winter...and folks are already beginning to itch and twitch to get back to our wonderful Friday night riot which we call The Collierville Historic Town Square Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Jam.

We operate on BST (Bluegrass Standard Time), which means we start gathering at the square or at the church at "around 6:30 PM CST," and there's just no tellin' when we're liable to quit!

We're having a wonderful time on Friday nights out on Houston Levee Road at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. Fr. Colenzo Hubbard and his wonderful congregation have been so warm and generous! We love those folks! Thanks, everyone at Redeemer!

We also love our town square, and we're aiming for mid-April as a time to return...if it's not snowing that night! After all, this is West Tennessee!

If you're a regular at the square, warm up those fingers! It won't be long now! If you've never been to the square on Friday nights during the spring, summer, and early fall, you've missed it! It's free, it's completely open to everyone, and we don't watch the clock. We just hang out and pick 'til the last string is plucked! Sometimes that's purty late and the sprinkler system starts coming on! Is that a gentle suggestion, maybe?

There's no place more beautiful than the Collierville Historic Town Square in the spring...just you wait! Our hats are off to the Parks and Recreation Department for their superior work all over town, and especially at the square.

So, let's pick awhile longer indoors where it's warm and dry and then we'll head to the square for our (and this is the amazing part) 10th anniversary! Tell your friends and neighbors, hose off the folding lawn chairs, and we'll see YOU at the square in mid-April!

Pick away!

Yes, We (All) Can!

noreply@blogger.com (bluegrasshack) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:41:00 +0000

January 20, 2009
Inauguration Day

On this historic day, we are forced to remember, reflect, renew, restore, and go forward from where we are at this moment. Why not do something today to rekindle a friendship, to restore a relationship, to help someone rebuild his/her life? So what if it's met with indifference? You will feel better for your effort. Go pick a special tune for someone. Sing them one of their favorite songs. Try to right a wrong. Give back to your community. Make a donation. Let others know you care...right there in the small space around you.

Yes, We (All) Can!

Pick away!

How did you live your dash?

noreply@blogger.com (bluegrasshack) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:42:00 +0000

From: Heartland Circle Blogs
Author: Linda Ellis, with credit and appreciation
Passed on to Heartland Circle by: Sheila Hines Edmondson
For you because you asked

How did you live your dash?

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came her date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years. (1934-1998)

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth...
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;
The cars...the house...the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard...
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile...
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy's being read
With your life's actions to rehash...
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

Classical Gas!

noreply@blogger.com (bluegrasshack) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 23:08:00 +0000

No, not the "Classical Gas" written and popularized by Mason Williams 'way back when. I use my fuel card each time I shop for groceries at a local store. They scan the card and just today I realized a savings that even I don't believe. I filled up with regular unleaded for...ready? I filled up for 12.9 cents a gallon! Now, that's what I call classical gas!

Need me to connect that story to bluegrass music for you? I can now afford a new bluegrass CD of my choosing (Steep Canyon Rangers, perhaps), or I can attend a concert at the Lucy Opry, or I can check out the January Dulcimer Gathering (Jan. 17, 2009) at White Station Church of Christ, or I can afford to go to "Breakin' Up Winter" at Lebanon's Cedar Forest (Mar. 6-8, 2009), or I can go to the Station Inn in Nashville to see who is there this week, or I can even shove the savings deep in my jeans pocket and stumble on down the road whistling the theme from "The Andy Griffith Show".

Pick away...on "Classical Gas," maybe?

In Memoriam: Butch Baldassari

noreply@blogger.com (bluegrasshack) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:04:00 +0000

In Memoriam: Butch Baldassari (December 11, 1952 - January 10, 2009)

See details of this Nashville mandolin artist's amazing life at www.soundartrecordings.com

Please keep his wife Sinclair and son Blake in your thoughts and prayers.

See that little dash (-) up there between birth date and death date? You have seen the little essay that asks the question "How Did You Spend Your Dash?" Well, Butch Baldassari spent his dash about as well as anyone ever could!

Spend your dash as well as you know how...starting NOW!

Pick away for Butch!

Lucy Opry Welcomed The Grascals

noreply@blogger.com (bluegrasshack) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:35:00 +0000

The Lucy Opry welcomed The Grascals on January 10, 2009. The band is a delightful combination of instrumental work, incredible vocals, and personality we should all hope for. The Grascals are: Jamie Johnson (guitar, vocals), Danny Roberts (mandolin), Terry Eldredge (guitar, vocals), Terry Smith (upright bass, vocals), and the two talented newcomers, Jeremy Adams (fiddle), and Kristin Scott Benson (banjo).

The Grascals have a new product: Keep On Walkin' which is available on CD and on a 33 1/3 vinyl album! Yes, vinyl is back and in a big way! Vinyl album producers can't keep up with the demand right now. Hope you held onto your albums from back in the day...hope you have something to play them on!

As some wit once said, "Lawdy! What a time!"

Next up at the Lucy Opry: The Steep Canyon Rangers on Friday, March 6, 2009

Season tickets available: www.lucyopry.com or for individual shows at the BPACC box office (901)385-6440 (30 days prior to performances)

The Lucy Opry is located inside the Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center at 3663 Appling Road, Bartlett, TN

Special thanks go out to Will and Beth Mays for bringing many fine bands to the Lucy Opry over the years--and for the incredible lineup for 2009. Haven't been to the Lucy in a while? Come on out and enjoy the music!

Pick away!

Free Banjo Workshop on Sat. 24th at 12:30

noreply@blogger.com (Rick Crenshaw) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:00:00 +0000

What would bluegrass music be without banjo? Who knows... but it wouldn't be bluegrass! If you are a beginner or intermediate banjo player, or if you are interested in learning how to play banjo, our own Tommy George has agreed to put on a free workshop. Tommy is our resident expert at building and setting up banjos (and other instruments!) Tommy has been playing banjo for quite awhile and plays with his group, Cypress Creek. Cypress Creek is a long established and popular bluegrass band here in our area. You won't find a nicer guy either. So come on out and take advantage of this great opportunity to learn from one of the best around.

The workshop is at Hope Presbyterian on Walnut Grove Road at 12:30 pm on Saturday, January 24.

Ya'll come and bring yer banjers!

The Lucy Opry 2009 Season

noreply@blogger.com (bluegrasshack) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:07:00 +0000

The Lucy Opry 2009 season is filled with major leaguers! Will and Beth Mays have sought and landed some of the finest award-winning bluegrass bands that are working today! Special thanks to Will and Beth for their efforts! Support them--support the Lucy! Buy your tickets! Get out there!

Looking for something to do on Saturday, January 10? How about checkin' out THE GRASCALS! Those folks are just plain incredible! This one may sell out!

The rest of the season looks like this--and boy, is it great!

Friday, March 6 THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS
Friday-Saturday, May 1-2 BPACC/Lucy Opry Pickin' Picnic capped off on Saturday with an indoor ticketed performance by THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS
Saturday, August 8 SPECIAL CONSENSUS
Friday, September 18 DAILEY & VINCENT
Saturday, October 17 BLUE HIGHWAY

The Lucy Opry is located inside the Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center (BPACC) at 3663 Appling Road, Bartlett, TN ~ Phone: 901.385.6440 ~ www.lucyopry.com

Pick away!

The Tennessee Gentlemen Bluegrass Shack

noreply@blogger.com (bluegrasshack) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:30:00 +0000

I stumbled in the Tennessee Gentlemen Bluegrass Shack in January of 1980. The little ol' shack was located on Pleasant Ridge Road in Lucy, TN. I almost never found the place! What I heard that night and many nights thereafter changed my life forever! I was hooked on bluegrass music from the moment that I heard the Tennessee Gentlemen, who were leader-founder Troy Castleberry (mandolin, vocals), Donny Catron (guitar, vocals), Steve Gregory (bass, vocals), and Richard Bailey (banjo). A lot of water has flowed under the bridge in the last 29 years--some good, some not so good--but I will always remember the warm, comfortable feeling I got inside that little hundred-year-old one-room schoolhouse known as the Bluegrass Shack.

Pick away!

Speak up MABA

noreply@blogger.com (What's Happening around MABA) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 17:31:00 +0000

Here's a venue to express your ideas and opinions for the Memphis Area Bluegrass Association.