They say that everyone has a photographic memory….
….seems like mine doesn’t have any film!
Bluegrass & MORE.....
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www.myspace.com/deehallett and become one of my – myspace.com friends.Come and find me on TWITTER.COM….!!!
http://twitter.com/deehallett - OK - so I’ve only just joined - and it’s not exactly music - (more a bit of fun & nonsense - when I actually find time to devote to it!!!!!!) but join and - you can keep me updated on what you are doing……..!PLEASE, do continue to keep me updated with any information you
’d like shared with the worldwide family of Bluegrass & MORE. I couldn’t possibly produce it without your kind input….Many readers of Bluegrass & MORE will be familiar with the name - and music of Liz Meyer - who although American born, now resides in the Netherlands with her husband Peiter. Between them they contribute a vast amount of time and energy to promoting bluegrass and country music throughout Europe - and the rest of the world via their connections with the European Bluegrass Music Association and Strictly Country Records. Readers may also be aware that Liz has numerous courses of treatments because of breast cancer. With Liz’s kind agreement, I reproduce her latest email which for some may not be a comfortable read - but nonetheless may lead to a desire to help support Liz and her family. She says “My news is not so good. As some of you know, I was mugged in mid-Nov. by pickpockets at Dulles Airport in Wash. DC on my way home to Holland, after visiting my parents in Orlando. They slammed into my back twice, rather like football tackles, and caused some painful injuries. By late Feb. I was in a wheelchair, but after that I began to improve, if slowly. But by late April, I wondered why it was taking so long to heal, so I had blood tests that led to a bone scan. Apparently I have quite a lot of cancer in the bones - spine, most ribs, skull, shoulders, hips, femur, etc. A kidney is probably involved, possibly more, but we can't do a CT scan because the dye is too rough on kidneys, and the kidney function is marginal at best. Pieter and I will fly on June 8th to Bad Aibling, near Munich, Germany, where I will have 3 weeks of treatment at Klinik St. Georg. My doctor there is one of the best cancer docs on the planet. I have beaten breast/lymph cancer 6 times already, quite easily, thanks to Dr. Douwes, and if anyone can fix this, he can. I have every confidence in him and can only hope for the best outcome. I can still sing just fine, but haven't been able to hold a guitar for a few months. I hope to be able to pick up the guitar again before long and jump back into some songwriting. I continue to manage the European World of Bluegrass Festival website (
www.ewob.eu, if you haven't seen it yet). I worked on it much of last year, and there's a music player where you can hear the double CD I produced last year as well, 10 YEARS OF EWOB. I am proud of that one - it was the only bluegrass album to make the Top 10 Albums of 2008 for Folk & Bluegrass Radio Airplay! Sign our Guestbook if you visit. I also do the international press/radio & PR for the EWOB Festival, newsletter, and musician liaison tasks. I have done most of these things for some years already; the only difference is that they have become ‘official’ this year as I've become a member of the steering committee. However, I had to miss the EWOB Festival last week, which was a pity, and even most of the little concerts close to my house. I made it to the very last one to see my old friends Mac and Hazel McGee (White Mountain Bluegrass), on their last tour of Europe. I am still exhausted 4 days later from my little outing, but it sure was worth it to hear Mac & Hazel sing again. My heart is still singing. Those of you who love traditional bluegrass and old-style country should not miss these folks. They are the real deal. I produced an album on them 17 years ago called "Aragon Mill" that I still love - it's for sale at CD Baby at http://cdbaby.com/cd/wmbluegrass. Other music news - after 4 years' wait, we are finally getting my album THE STORM mailed to US/Canadian radio in June, along with a beautiful live solo album ("Rollin' Along") that I produced by Jonathan Edwards, a favorite singer of mine for 37 years. In a couple of weeks you should be able to phone your local folk or bluegrass radio show and pester them to play the music! It means a lot to me to finally get those songs out there, especially as I cannot get out and sing them myself. For those of you who have not heard it yet, THE STORM is my best release, with a handful of my best songs in different styles. And after an even longer wait, I will finally have a new website up in about 2 weeks, thanks to our intrepid website team in New England, the Thirsty Lizards (www.thirstylizards.com), whom I can't recommend highly enough. We will get the basic stuff up first and hope to add to it later. My CDs will be available there, as well as digital downloads from THE STORM. Pieter continues with our label, Strictly Country Records/Strictly Music, and has been busy reorganizing his vast archive of live recordings. He's also involved with a local group that organizes a few concerts in a nice little restaurant in nearby Aalsmeer. His family is all doing well, including his lovely 93-year-old mother, who still lives alone in her snug farmhouse nearby. My own parents are hanging in there, Mom having problems with diabetes and vertigo, Dad doing well with a new Pacemaker. Pieter had to miss doing sound for the little Dutch "Big Bear" Festival today, for the first time in 27 years, to stay home and take care of me. I am very sad to be the cause of that. Our daughter Liz continues to enjoy her studies in creative writing in Bath, England, where she has one year to go, following 2 years in Manchester. We miss her a lot and look forward to her visit in July. She started out in art school in Rotterdam, and will probably return to complete that degree when she finishes in Bath, but that's still another year away. You can follow her work and interests via www.stuffsucks.com. She ended the Stuff Sucks comic to focus on her studies, though, and closed up the web shop once the merchandise was sold. Our cat Elmo is in ‘hog heaven’, now that I have a special bed in the living room. He thinks I've moved in with him, and stays under my hand most of the night, or on my foot, watching over me. I get plenty of ‘paws-on therapy’. I guess that catches us up. I hope you will keep me in your prayers, light a candle, hold a good thought, send a good joke, healing energy - whatever suits you best. Picture me strong and healthy, and not feeling poorly. All these things are very much appreciated, and needed just now. I should be able to get online at the Klinik in Germany, but it's hard to know if I will feel up to answering all my mail. I'll do my best, but hope you'll understand if I don't manage much correspondence. I need a lot of rest at the moment. Thanks for the incomparable gifts of your friendship and kindness. I hope to continue to enjoy and return those for many years to come.â€ð If you would like to send Liz your best wishes via an email - her address is liz_at_lizmeyer_dot_comJeff Davies sends a cry from the heart - he asks “Does anyone knows where I can get an original Ibanez Artist 5 string banjo tailpiece please. Mine has broken and although I have got a replacement I would rather have an original. I have tried contacting Ibanez direct, but no luck, it seems they have stopped making them.â€ð If you may be able to help Jeff….please email him a.s.a.p. via
mr_dot_mrs_dot_davies_at_googlemail_dot_comApple i-phone
freaks (like myself -!!!) - and lovers of the I-Pod Touch may like to know that Charles Dumont, who developed the MandoChords and BanjoChords apps for the iPhone, has now added a new addition to his roster. Doing exactly what it says on the tin - or the I-phone - JamBuddy will turn your iPhone or iPod Touch into…your jam buddy. It will provide either mandolin or guitar accompaniment for 50 familiar jam standards, plus you can program in as many other songs as you like. Playback speed is adjustable and songs can be entered in either 3/4 or 4/4 time. The JamBuddy page in iTunes says; “‘JamBuddy will keep playing all night and never complain that you are hogging the spotlight.â€ð The app is compatible with any iPhone or iPod Touch running iPhone 2.2.1 software. http://www.apple.com or http://apple.com/uk Don’t you just LOVE modern technology……!!!!!Geoff Bowers is a great person to have around in these depressing times - he always seems to come up with something to make folks smile….and his latest suggestion is the following link….
http://efolkmusic.org/sounds/rcr_sauce.mp3 Despite it being a somewhat pitiful lament….it should still make you grin!!!Paul Castle of the Rosinators emailed “A friend of mine has produced this little children's animation featuring music by The Rosinators - Get Along Home Cindy - by The Bluegrass Babies;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DACmET6qI6M It has received over 1,000 views on YouTube in a week and has been featured in The Bluegrass Blog -DO check it out if you have young (or not so young children) in your family - or extended family…as it really is delightful….and the little un‘ in the blue baby grow who is playing guitar - is almost as cute as my 7 month old grandson!!!! I will definitely be introducing him - and his nearly) 10 year old sister - to the ‘Bluegrass Babies’….!
Unfortunately, the event that was scheduled to take place in Portsmouth has been cancelled - due to lack of support. Organiser, Ken Brown emailed; “Unfortunately we have had to cancel the planned Bluegrass night in Portsmouth on Sat 13th June in the Gun Room _at_ The RMA, due to lack of ticket sales. With such low ticket sales it would have cost the musicians money to have come down to Portsmouth and play and that is not fair on them.
This is particularly disappointing from my point of view as it is a missed opportunity to see high class musicians in the form of the Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys and the Henry Brothers. Plans for a regular Bluegrass night here in Portsmouth have now been shelved due to an apparent lack of interest - apologies to those people who did buy tickets and show an interest.â€ð …..The cancellation is a real shame - as possibly, some people (like myself) - often are unable to commit until almost the last moment - and finally opt to come along on the night of the show. However, I do appreciate that late decisions really doesn’t help promoters - or bands - especially if the musicians are they are playing for the ‘door money’…….The kind people at FOAOTMAD say that Mary Z. Cox and her husband, Bob are travelling to Quimper, Brittany in July. They will arrive in Southampton on July 12th and do not have to be in Quimper until July 15th. They were wondering if there are any kind of folk or an old time group that would like to host them for either a small house concert and/or a clawhammer banjo workshop somewhere near Southampton - or London during that time. There is a short bio, pix and links to many promo materials at
www.maryzcox.com They have a very nice audience friendly stage show that is appropriate for all ages. Although all of their CDs are instrumentals, they also do traditional and folk oriented vocals with short historical and stories about their instruments and families that audiences everywhere seem to enjoy. maryz_at_maryzcox_dot_com Please contact them as soon as possible if you can help.This is your last chance to attend the 2009 COASTLINE BLUEGRASS MUSIC EVENT held at PLAS UCHAF FARM - as it’s happening right now….. June 5th, 6th and 7th - Ticket prices have been held at 2008 rates and start at £35 for a full weekend including camping and admission to all concerts and workshops. Children under 16 are admission free if accompanied by a paying adult. Detailed ticket prices and contact information can be found on the website
www.coastlinebluegrass.co.ukOh how I love receiving promo blurbs from Sid Griffin of the fabulous Coal Porters - they are always fun…..!!! His latest reads ‘That low-range rumble you hear in the distance...is that a fighter jet? A coming thunderstorm? The sound of Gordon Brown fainting as he hits the floor? A General Election campaign announcement? No, 'tis the Coal Porters getting ready for their first UK gig after their triumphant appearance at EWOB in Holland two weeks ago! To find out what our wooden shoed, tulip growing cousins did please attend: Coal Porters back in the UK! This very Friday, June 5 at the fashionable Forest Gate Hotel, corner Godwin Road and Tylney Road, Forest Gate, London (where the hips hang out...) E7 (the postal code, not the chord) 0LW - onstage: 10:15pm sharp! See, hear, witness banjo God laughin' Dick Smith, fiddle whiz of all fiddle whizzers Carly Frey, the most ace of bass Jonny Bridgwood, smilin' six string Scottish gunslinger Neil Robert Herd and quiet, shy mandolinist Sid Griffin (no relation to Nick Griffin, thank you very much!!) do their thang in public and do to you what they just did to the Dutch!
www.MySpace.com/thecoalportersMartin & Marianne Lucas
say “We've now got tickets available for the Rachel Harrington concert on Sunday, 7 June 2009. WILDWOOD FLOWER MOUNTAIN MUSIC CLUB, North Devon are proud to present: RACHEL HARRINGTON – Old time country roots singer/songwriter from Oregon, USA, Rachel is a musician who truly understands and conveys the deep link between country and soul music. Rachel will be joined by multi-instrumentalist Zak Borden on vocals, mandolin and guitar. Acclaimed for her last CD, “The Bootleggers Daughterâ€ð, her follow up CD “City of Refugeâ€ð is just as impressive and features the legendary Tim O’Brien on fiddle. Rachel was featured for the second time, in April this year on ‘Bob Harris Country’ (Radio 2) . Bob has said of Rachel that he was “...absolutely enchanted!â€ð. Now you can see her LIVE at the WILDWOOD FLOWER MOUNTAIN MUSIC CLUB, The George Hotel, South Molton, North Devon, on SUNDAY, 7 JUNE 2009 8 PM. For tickets (£9), Tel: Martin & Marianne Lucas 01237 472083. DON’T LEAVE IT TOO LATE OR YOU MAY MISS OUT! Support acts for Rachel on the night will be ‘Our Friend, Kevin’ and ‘Fruit of the Vine’. Why not make a night of it and have an excellent 2-course, pre-concert dinner (only £14.95) at The George. Telephone the hotel directly on 01769 572514.â€ð For information about the Wildwood Flower Mountain Music Club - please email wildwoodflower_at_mountainmusic_dot_co_dot_uk or call Martin & Marianne on 01237 472083.Martin & Marianne are also hosting The Hot Seats (formally Special Ed & The Shortbus) at the 'Wildwood Flower Mountain Music Club', The George Hotel, South Molton on September 4th. Please email
wildwoodflower_at_mountainmusic_dot_co_dot_uk or call Martin & Marianne on 01237 472083 for more information/tickets.It was really nice to hear from Charlie Boston - who as well as having his own band, also performs with Three Tuns o’ Grass….
http://www.ttog.portesham.com/ Charlie kindly sent details of TToG forthcoming gigs - that include an appearance at the prestigious Glastonbury Festival.26 -28 June Croissant Neuf stage,
Glastonbury Festival12 July
The King Alfred, Burrowbridge (afternoon gig - 3p.m.- 6 p.m.)01 August,
The Rose and Crown, Trent (16:00 - 19:00)05 September
Drayton Fair between mid-day and 3 p.m.24 September
The Unicorn, SomertonCharlie has recorded with some of the finest bluegrass musicians both in the UK and in Nashville and has garnered two, well deserved, UK Country Radio Awards. Please also check out Charlie’s own website -
www.laramusic.co.uk - which features his recording and publishing company dedicated to the creation of original bluegrass music written in Britain.Rapidly become one of the UK’s top bands, The Toy Hearts emailed “Firstly, a big 'thank you' to everyone who sent their kind wishes concerning Hannah. She was admitted to hospital early last month and after a very scary 12 hours, treatment with tammi flu and a lumber puncture, she was finally diagnosed with a nasty, but totally treatable kidney infection. We are pleased to report she is fully recovered and back on top form! Hannah was really touched by all the lovely messages of support from friends and fans. We did have to cancel one gig on the 13th May at the Travelers Rest in Derbyshire – this has been re-scheduled for the 14th of October. The Toy Hearts had a great trip over to Germany; the gigs in Kassel, Hildesheim, and Radebeul were all very well received. Many thanks go to Ranier Zellner for booking this mini tour. We are very much looking forward to getting back over to Germany in December to take part in Europe's first ever traveling Bluegrass show, called "Bluegrass Jambouree" with the fantastic Steep Canyon Rangers. Dad and Brad are particularly looking forward to more Bratwurst and Kartoffel Salad! For those of you who are relatively technologically savvy, you will be pleased to hear that The Toy Hearts have finally entered the digital age! Within the next four weeks both albums: 'If The Blues Come Calling', and 'When I Cut loose' will be available to buy on itunes and Amazon mp3. Both albums are currently available from
www.toyhearts.co.uk, www.cdbaby.com and www.smartchoicemusic.com.The band are currently working on lots of new material, for the summer festival season, with a view to recording something like an EP before we head across the pond in September. Watch this space for news of the new recording and USA tour dates to be announced soon. Upcoming dates for June include;05/06/2009 Coastline bluegrass Event – North Wales
06/06/2009 Coastline bluegrass Event – North Wales
14/06/2009 The Kitchen Garden Café, Kings Heath, B'ham
19/06/2009 The Barton's Arms, Newtown, B'ham
23/06/2009 Brindley Place Bandstand, B'ham
26/06/2009 Warwick Arts Centre
27/06/2009 private party _at_ Officers Mess Shrewsbury
Many thanks to Joe Locker, who kindly emailed; “There is a free lunchtime concert
at The Rose Theatre (cafe), Kingston-on-Thames - on Tuesday 16 June, 1 to 2pm….featuring Davis, Locker and Winquist. Rosie, Joe & Bob play their mix of traditional American songs and tunes, with the added bonus of Rosie's flatfoot dancing.â€ð See their sampler video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFOLsnHW__0Many thanks to Andrew Noyes who kindly forwarded information he received regarding the session at the Truck Stop (last Tue of the month). Apparently, it has now finished as it had been getting less people - and more background noise. However - the organisers have found another pub at Cattawade - and the first session was on the 26th May. Please help to make it a success - and attend The Cattawade, Cattawade, Manningtree, Essex, CO11 1RE.Tel; 01206 392800.
Rick Townend
www.ricktownend.co.uk says that St Julian’s Club in Kent is putting on regular bluegrass and old-time music again, on the first Friday each month; most evenings will be open sessions hosted by the Kent Carters – musicians are always welcome.Rick also adds that a few special nights are coming up:
July 3 – The club’s contribution to the Sevenoaks Festival Fortnight is a special appearance by London band
Foghorn Leghorn, who went down a storm on their last visit some years ago.August 31 (bank holiday Monday) is St Julian’s annual ‘Kentucky to Kent UK’ festival, which this year features especially - long-time friend
Lilly Drumeva. Lilly lived and performed in the UK for some years; as well as being one of Europe's principal performing stars she does much behind-the-scenes work for the bluegrass scene, in particular liaising with the International Bluegrass Music Association's board in America. She has recorded many albums, solo and with her band 'Lilly of the West' who, in 1998, won the EBMA's best bluegrass band award, going on to showcase in the USA. She has worked with many of the world's top bluegrass artistes, including Marshall Wilborn and Jesse Brock of the Lynn Morris Band, who invited her to sing with them at a time when Lynn herself was unable to perform. In addition to her regular appearances she presents regular music shows on TV and radio in Bulgaria, and we are looking forward to hearing her sing again at St Julian’s.2009 SE Area Bluegrass/Old-Time Festival dates:
August 1-2
Surrey Mini Bluegrass Festival - Chris Moreton, The Off Chords, Howard Burton, Wood, Wire, & Words, High Weald Ridge, BuffaloAugust 31
Kentucky to Kent UK – Lilly Drumeva + artistes to be announcedSeptember 11-13
Sweet Sunny South Festival - Carl Jones & Beverly Smith, The Kittyhawks, Robin GillanTo join Rick’s mailing list - please email him via
richard_at_stjulians_dot_co_dot_uk or visit his website www.ricktownend.co.ukThe Down Trodden String Band
dates include;Sunday 14 June
- Nether Edge Farmer's Market, Outside ‘The Byron House’, Nether Edge Road, Sheffield, S7 1RU, 12-4pm, Free. Playing for the Well Heeled dancers.Saturday 27 June - Bakewell Day of Dance, Venues around Bakewell, 11-4pm,
Free
Now firmly established as a highlight of Bakewell carnival week, this
all day event will showcase a wide variety of dance styles at a series of venues
around the town. we'll be there with Well Heeled - for details and pictures from
previous years, see the Day of Dance web page -
Wednesday 7 October - Travellers Rest, Draycott, DE71 3NJ, 8-11pm, Free
Friday 18-Sunday 20 September - Cornish Bluegrass Festival, Hendra Holiday park, Newquay, TR8 4NY
Sunday 20 September - Bothy Folk Club, Park Golf Club, Southport, PR9 0JS, 8-11pm
Do visit
http://www.bluegrass-plusclub.co.uk/whats.htm for details of the latest happenings at The Bluegrass Plus Club, Coulsdon, Surrey CR5 1NE.Upcoming dates for the Kittyhawks include;
10th July Bath Folk Club
(with Leon Hunt)
11th July - Priddy Folk Festival, Somerset
4th-6th
September - Didmarton Bluegrass Festival
11th-13th September - Sweet Sunny
South, Hastings
Bluegrass & Old-Time Music
Every Monday: London, Bluegrass at The Hemingford, 158 Hemingford Rd N1
Some Mondays: East Sussex, Fortnightly folk music – often bluegrass/old-time - at The White Horse Bodle Street
Third Monday every month: Tonbridge, Woody’s Kitchen, The Foresters Arms
Every other Tuesday: on A27 Nr Angmering, The Woodman Arms, Greenhill
String-Band
Most Tuesdays: Dartford Ramblers, Residents at Dartford Folk
Club
Tuesdays or Wednesdays: Old-Time at Fairlight Lodge Hotel
Wednesdays: Stoke D’Abernon folk club welcomes bluegrass
pickers
Wednesdays: Old Isleworth, Bluegrass Session at The Victoria, Worple
Rd
1st & 3rd Wednesday each month: Rainham, Kent, Oast Community Centre,
Graham Anstee and Friends old-time session/clogging
'Every Wednesday: Old Town, Hastings, The Stag (not 'Stage'), hosted by Roger Churchyard'
Second Thursday every month: Biggin Hill, Civil Air Flying Club, AIP & Friends
Last Thursday every month: Isleworth, Middlesex, The Coach & Horses, Swampstomp (Bluegrass & Cajun)
First Friday every month: Ewshott, Hants, The Windmill, Gary & Sherryl Payne and Friends
Third Saturday each month (lunchtime): Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Arts Centre, Rosie Davis, Dave Arthur and Rick Townend (12 noon – 2 pm concert followed by old-timey picking session 2-3pm)
Saturdays : Camden, The Golden Lion, often bluegrass/old time/country roots.
One Saturday each month: Blackheath, The White Swan, The Mounthoolies
Every Sunday: Arlington, Nr Saddlers Wells, The Harlequin, Old-Time picking session
Every Sunday: Horton Kirby, Nr Dartford, The Fighting Cocks, ‘Open Mic’ club welcomes bluegrass & old-time players.
Many thanks to Andrew Perry for updating me re: music happenings in Chichester, West Sussex. Andrews says; “The Chichester Acoustic Music Club - (or the Chichester Pickers) meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month in The Cabin rear of ‘The Wickham Arms’, Bognor Road Chichester. West Sussex (opp. Coopers VW). Whilst we don’t have any rules about genres bluegrass, old-time, country and singer-songwriter material is especially welcome! Please be there at 8pm if you wish to perform. 15 minute spots are offered to all, as long as time permits – first come first to put their name on the roster! By popular demand we sometimes offer extended spots to those who (a) would like them, and (b) entertain the crowd. For instance – on 28th May we have Big Graham and Little Jo, and on the 25th June, we have John Gordon. Both will be 2 x 20 minutes spots, but there will still be time for some other 15 minute spots. Other nights, as per usual. Further details, queries – phone Andrew on 01243-776391 or e-mail
Andrew_at_andrewperry_dot_plus_dot_comUpcoming dates of the Old Time & Bluegrass Session at The Walnut Tree
Inn, Blisworth, Northants (3rd Monday of every Month) 8.00pm are;
June
15th
July 20th
Aug 17th
Sept 21st
Oct 19th
Nov 16th
Dec 21st
Contact Andrew Metcalfe
a_dot_metcalfe340_at_btinternet_dot_comUpdates for Kate Lissauer appearances are:
Saturday July 4 -
Buffalo Gals at the Hollybush Inn and Campsite Mini Festival, Hay on Wye,
Herefordshire
February 22-28 2010 - Buffalo Gals tour Leicester and Worcester Village
Halls through Artservice. More details to follow.
Autumn-Spring 2009-2010
- Buffalo Gals will be visiting some Hampshire Village Halls through Hog the
Limelight. Dates will be posted when the season has been booked.
Bluegrass by the Lake - June 19th - 21st 2009 - Llangorse Lake, Breconshire full details from
www.ukbluegrass.comCelebrating 21 years of the best of British Bluegrass - North Wales Bluegrass - in the town of
Conwy presents the 21st International Bluegrass Music and Dance Festival on the 2nd to the 5th July Your Hosts;
Highly Strung, present artists for the 2009 Festival including: Carter Brothers Band, Bononia Grass, The New Rope String Band, Brian Golbey, Britannia Band, Chill Until Blue, Chris Moreton, The Crocker Brothers, The Down County Boys, The Morris Boys, New Essex Bluegrass, Shake the Roots, Tin Box Mountain Band, Tom Hanway, and first time visitors; The Off Chords and Uncle Dave, - plus many other friends! For more information - please contact Gill & John Les (Highly Strung - the band…not their personalities) - on 01492 515921 - or 01492 580454 - or visit www.northwalesnluegrass.co.ukMoss Drew
kindly emailed updates re; The 6th Annual Cornish Bluegrass Festival - taking place 18th – 20th September 2009. He says “We are delighted to be holding our Bluegrass Festival at the multi-award winning Hendra Holiday Park, Newquay, Cornwall, once again this year. With fantastic amenities to suit the whole family, Hendra offers the ideal setting for a Bluegrass Festival. We will again be using Hendra’s fantastic 500 Seater Cabaret Room and by adding an 80 x 30 foot　heated performance marquee,　we hope to ensure that everyone will get the chance to see their favorite　bands. Added to this we will again have a late night bar for those who want to play into the early hours. Among the bands already booked are: The Foggy Hogtown Boys, one of Canada’s top Bluegrass bands; from America and Canada Corinne West & Doug Cox; from Spain Lluis Gomez & the Joan Pau Cumellas Band and from Germany L.bow Grease. Top UK bands include the Buffalo Gals, Doghouse Central, Down Trodden String Band, Home Territory, Monroe’s Revenge, New Essex Bluegrass Band, Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys, Uncle Dave and Wood, Wire and Words. As is our custom, we will be holding a wide variety of instrument, dance and singing workshops, plus there　will be Appalachian and Flat-footing Dancing exhibitions and workshops with Kickin’ Chicken and ‘Apple Pie’, throughout the weekend. We will be continuing our ‘tradition’ of holding the amazing Gospel session on Sunday morning. This year the session will be led by the New Essex Bluegrass Band. Following on from the Gospel session will be a ‘Slow band Jam’ run by ‘Garry Payne and friends’. The ‘Pig Roast’ will be there to help the morning along. Being mindful of the current economical situation, cost of fuel and the distance some people travel to be with us, we have decided to keep the ticket prices at £35.00 for a full weekend adult ticket, with FREE ENTRY to children under 16 (accompanied with a ticket buying adult) and free entry on Sunday. We think you will agree that £35.00 for a Bluegrass weekend in beautiful Cornwall is worth every penny and extremely　competitive with other festivals in the country (who else has fabulous showers and toilets with their pitch and an indoor heated wave pool?!). For those of you who　have yet to　visit us,　check out our website gallery to see the bands in full flow, and for those of you who come mainly for the jamming and picking sessions you won’t be disappointed, especially if the last five years have been anything to go by. All in all, with your continued support it promises to be another fantastic weekend in Cornwall. We hope that you can make it and look forward to meeting　you. To cap it all off,　all we　need is some of that beautiful weather again! For more information visit our website www.cornishbluegrass.co.uk, or phone Nigel and Carolyn 01209 710060 E-mail carolynandnigel_at_hotmail_dot_co_dot_ukâ€ðIf you might be interested in having the top class American, acoustic duet - Jeff & Vida - play their excellent blends of American roots music at your venue - the please read the following email from Bob Butler & Claire Stein of Grapevine Music - who say; “Just a quick note to let you know that we're bringing the very brilliant Jeff & Vida over from Nashville in September for their first tour here for 3 years. They'll be touring with another of our duos The Carrivick Sisters - who I know you know! The tour is now virtually complete but there are 3 dates left to fill and these guys just want to play every night. If anyone out there would like them to play on either 14th/15th September (in the Midlands or the North) or on the 21st in the South……..â€ð Please contact Bob or Claire - as soon as possible - if you would like the opportunity to have these fine artistes perform at your venue/event….tel: +44 (0)1404 813004 - 24 hours. Mobile: +44 (0)7713 161669 or e-mail the at
info_at_grapevinemusicagency_dot_co_dot_uk www.grapevinemusicagency.co.ukIf you’d like a copy of the excellent ‘Online Country’ e-newsletter - please email Jim Marshall via
jimars_at_globalnet_dot_co_dot_uk Jim says that ‘Rural TV’ - broadcasting for 24 hours a day, is an American station with a mixture of programmes on farming, cowboy culture, tractor racing and - here’s the interesting bit - Country Music. ‘Bluegrass & Backwoods’ is a daily show about Kentucky- horses, making dulcimers and Bluegrass music. ‘Country Gathering Reunion’ features around 20 old Country singers sitting around talking about the 'Good Old Days Of Country' whilst ‘Gospel Gathering’ is pure Gospel Bluegrass with many excellent groups. Porter Wagoner & Wilburn Bros TV shows from the 1960's and early 70's are repeated throughout the week. “Pop Goes Countryâ€ð is not as bad as the title might suggest, featuring, as it does, Ralph Emery and an array of 1970s country. There’s also the Marty Stuart show with Earl Scruggs, Rhonda Vincent, Leroy Troy and Nashville Mafia Jug Band with Eddie Stubbs as MC. In the United Kingdom, this global network is being distributed to over eight million homes Sky 279 and a further million on Freesat 403 adding an additional one million homes in the UK. The UK office of Rural TV is 1 Stephens Street, London W1T 1AL (Tel: 020 7131 6695)The Hot Seats (formerly Special Ed & The Shortbus) - make a welcome return to the UK in August;
Fri 21: Campbelltown, Mull of Kintyre Festival
Sat 22: Stirling, The Tolbooth Americana Festival
Sun 23 to Sat 29: Edinburgh, Acoustic Music Centre _at_ The Fringe
Sun 30: Birnam, Arts Institute
September dates;
Wed 2: Leicester, The Musician
Thurs 3: Banham, The Barrel
Fri 4: South Molton, 'Wildwood Flower Mountain Music Club' _at_The George Hotel
Sat 5: Leytonstone, What’s Cookin’ _at_ The Sheep Walk
Sun 6: Brighton, The Westhill Hall
Tues 8: Cardigan, Theatre Mwldan
Wed 9: Aberystwyth, Arts Centre
Thurs 10: Bristol, St Bonaventure’s, Bristol
Fri 11: Pontypridd, Wales (Geoff)!
Sat 12: St Andrews, Byre Theatre
Sun 13: Glasgow (venue tbc)
Thurs 17: Kirkcaldy, Acoustic Music Club
Fri 18: Bathgate, Regal Theatre
Sat 19: Gartmore, Village Hall
Sun 20: Garly, Tin Hut Sessions
Wed 23: Peebles, Eastgate Theatre
Thur 24: Manorhamilton, Glens Centre
Fri 25: Wexford (venue tbc)
Sat 26: Belfast, Open House
Sun 27: Irvine, Harbour Arts Centre
Wed 30: Dunfermline, Carnegie Hall
Thur Oct 1: Newcastle, Jumpin Hot Club _at_ The Cluny
Fri 2: Hawick, Heart of Hawick auditorium
Sat 3: Inverness, Eden Court Theatre
Sun 4: Dundee, Fest & Furious
Corinne West’s tour runs from August 27th through September 26th - and covers most of the UK including the Isle of Wight and the Cornish Bluegrass Festival. Full details can be found on her website;
www.corinnewest.comThe Wilders tour dates include;
Fri Jun 26: The Séamus Ennis Cultural
Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin, Ireland.
UK fans of Chris Stuart & Backcountry will be pleased to read the following from Chris; “Just wanted to let you know that our band, Chris Stuart & Backcountry, is planning a tour of the UK in late March 2010, roughly March 23 through April 6, 2010. In personal news, my song ‘Mama's Flowers’, as recorded by Dan Paisley is #3 on the Bluegrass Unlimited chart, and I have songs recorded by Bobby Osborne and Doyle Lawson on their new albums coming out.â€ð
www.chrisstuart.comDon’t forget that
http://www.cmrnashville.net/ airs some great bluegrass among it’s country programs - including Music on Gail Comfort’s ‘Comfort Zone….Tuesdays 4pm-6pm, repeated 10pm-midnight/Wednesday 2009 repeated 4am-6am and 10am-Noon/Sunday 19th April 2009 repeated 2pm-4pm - and Ronnie Norton - Lonesome Highway Friday 1600 hrs - Saturday 0200 hrs, 2000 hrs.Bluegrass…..Scotland
Sincere thanks to John Sheldon - of the excellent Scottish Bluegrass Bluegrass Association - who sent the news of The Midnight Ramblers Bluegrass Band
- whose UK Tour starts Friday 25th July. Dates are available from then up until 30th July - please contact John via secretary_at_scottishbluegrass_dot_comJohn is also helping Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa Bluegrass Band - their UK tour starts Thursday 24th September - with dates available.
www.waynetaylorandappaloosa.com …..again, please contact John via secretary_at_scottishbluegrass_dot_comFind ‘Bluegrass On The Lawn’ at McKenzie House, Strathpeffer, Scotland on August 1st. Featuring The Moonshiners and Martin Stephenson, the event is part of the Tartan Heart Festival Fringe - that leads up to the Belladrum Festival
www.myspace.com/tartanheartfringeBluegrass Academy: Learn how to play and perform bluegrass music at the
Glanmavis Tavern, Bathgate – all welcome to attend, every second Wednesday at 7.30pm.
Bluegrass….Ireland
Tues 30th June - The Carter Brothers -
billed as ‘The best of American Country, Bluegrass and Appalachian music on fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin and dobro from Tennessee, U.S.A.’ will play St. Johns Theatre & Arts Centre, The Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry. Booking Tel: 068-22566Sincere thanks to Tony O
’Brien and the kind people of the Athy Bluegrass Music Association - who emailed to say “Our festival is on W/end 9th-12th July with The Bluegrass Patriots (Colorado) and 4Wheel Drive (Holland) as headline bands. Full details on www.athy-bluegrass.com28th - 30th of August - Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival, Dunmore East, Co Waterford, Ireland. Contact Mick Daly for details- 00 353 51 878832 or 00 353 87 2562899
The Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival is proud to announce the lineup for the 2009 festival, due to take place 24-27 September in Longford, Ireland: Tickets and weekend passes available at
www.ticketmaster.ie Further information at www.johnnykeenan.comBluegrass ….Europe
A promising young Swedish group called the Downtown Ramblers has just won the coveted #1 European Bluegrass Band Award at the European World of Bluegrass Festival 2009. The EWOB Festival 2009 had another banner year: beautiful weather, record-breaking attendance, and as always, excellent bands from all over Europe, alongside guest artists from the USA and Canada. Our guests this year included White Mountain Bluegrass, Naomi Sommers with Phil Rosenthal, Mike Stevens & Raymond McLain (playing with JB's Band), Tom Gray (also with JB's Band), clawhammer banjo player Hunter Robertson, Fayssoux McLean Band, and the Phil Rosenthal Band. EWOB 2009 is the apex of the EWOB Month, during which over 100 bluegrass-related festivals and concerts take place across Europe, our way of celebrating Worldwide Bluegrass Month. You can read much more about EWOB and the EWOB Festival 2009, and even listen to lots of great European bluegrass, by visiting our website:
www.ewob.eu The European Bluegrass Band Awards are decided in the most idealistic manner possible: voted only by the musicians playing at the EWOB Festival. This ensures that no one else can influence the course and development of European bluegrass - no jury of "experts," no politics. and no regional audience, just the people who make the music, choosing among themselves a band they feel will best represent European bluegrass in the coming year. This is indeed an unusual system, but we are less interested in doing things the way other events run their awards, than in creating something better for our bands. EWOB is truly all about the music!#1 European Bluegrass Band 2009:
Downtown Ramblers, a bluegrass band from Gothenburg, Sweden, have a style based on traditional bluegrass with added influences from all kinds of music, including Swedish folk music, pop, and jazz. They like to think of their special blend as Nordic urban bluegrass. The band has been together for 3 years and won the Swedish Bluegrass Championship in Salen in Sept. 2007. They have performed at nearly every major country and bluegrass festival in Sweden. Downtown Ramblers released their first CD in December, 2008, with all original material. Another CD is already in the planning stages. Winning the #1 European Bluegrass Band award at EWOB last week entitles the Downtown Ramblers to a trip to Nashville to IBMA's World of Bluegrass events in 2010. If you are interested in booking the Downtown Ramblers for a concert, festival, or IBMA After Hours Showcase in 2010, please contact us.#2 European Bluegrass Band 2009:
G-Runs 'n Roses - a contemporary bluegrass band from the Czech Republic whose style is defined by hot playing and good choice of material, as well as a deep respect for tradition. The band released its first CD in 2008. They play original material or their own arrangements of less-known songs.#3 European Bluegrass Band 2009:
Kreni - one of the most promising young bands from the Czech Republic. Formed in 2000, their line-up has been the same since 2006. They play contemporary bluegrass with occasional inspiration from new acoustic, folk, and swing - but they're also inspired by the traditional bluegrass roots. Fine players with plenty of good original material.#1 Audience Popularity Award, EWOB 2009: Blackjack -a very tight bluegrass band whose style lies between traditional and contemporary bluegrass, known for their dynamic vocals and rhythmic precision. Blackjack has played ten times at the European World of Bluegrass Festival and is always very popular with the audience. In fact, last year they won the #2 Audience Popularity Award. In their homeland, the Czech Republic, Blackjack won Emerging Artist of the Year 2000, and from 2001-2007 they've won 2nd place in the Bluegrass Band of the Year Awards from the Czech Bluegrass Music Association.
#2 Audience Popularity Award, EWOB 2009: Bluegrass Stuff adds yet another award to its impressive list. This is their 3rd award at the EWOB Festival alone! In 2000, they were the #2 European Bluegrass Band, and in 2002, they won the #1 Audience Popularity Award. Bluegrass Stuff plays traditional bluegrass in the style of Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, and the Stanley Brothers. They also enjoy playing original instrumentals, and Italian songs arranged bluegrass-style. With the exception of their new bass player, they have been together since 1977.
#3 Audience Popularity Award, EWOB 2009: Sunny Side is a traditional bluegrass band that celebrates the 1940's and '50s as the heyday of bluegrass music. Their performances reflect their favourite era in choice of material, style of dress, and sense of humour. Sunny Side has long been a favourite of the EWOB Festival audience in Voorthuizen. The band has won a number of Audience Popularity Awards: #2 in 2004; #1 in 2005; and #3 in 2008! That's an impressive run, by any standards!
Before USA President Barack Obama spoke to the assembled crowd at Prague Castle, in Prague, Czech Republic on April 5, Czech bluegrass fusion superstars, Druha Trava, entertained the audience with an hour-long concert.
Laurie Lewis & the Right Hands completed - and enjoyed their
successful May tour of Scotland. More details can be found at :
www.scottishbluegrass.com
The Rough Deal String Band will be appearing at the 3rd Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival, Co. Mayo - 26th to 28th June.
The Banjo Jamboree takes place June 19th - 20th at Caslav, Czech Republic. Featuring mainly Czech artists…the event sees most fans camp out - with jam sessions pretty much 24/7
Cor Sanne says that Audie Blaylock & Redline will be performing in Turfship, in Nieuwkoop, The Netherlands - on July 8th. The show starts at Start: 20.00 hrs. Tickets can be obtained via CMS Productions, P.O.Box 5, 2420 AA Nieuwkoop (NL) - telephone;+ 31.172.573118 or email info_at_cms-country_dot_nl Audie Blaylock & Redline have just been chosen as an official Showcase Artist for the 2009 IBMA World of Bluegrass convention to be held September 28 – October 4, 2009 in Nashville, TN. Audie has received numerous honors and awards by the Association throughout the years including the 2001 IBMA Entertainer of the Year Award (as a member of member of Rhonda Vincent & The Rage) and the 2007 IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year Award (Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper featuring Audie Blaylock). Audie’s impressive career also includes a Grammy® nomination for Best Bluegrass Album and an IBMA nomination for Recorded Event of the Year for ‘A Tribute to Jimmy Martin: The King of Bluegrass’. For a complete tour schedule, plus more information on Audie Blaylock & Redline, please visit: www.audieblaylock.com
The excellent La Roche Bluegrass Festival takes place over
29th July-2nd August at La Roche-sur-Foron, Haute
Savoie (a truly beautiful location) - and features the EWOBA Band
Contest with twelve bands from six countries; a further sixteen bands from
Europe will also perform, along with Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain (USA), Sally
& Chris Jones (USA), Bob Jones (USA; ex Blue Grass Boy) & Bononia Grass
(I), Monogram (CZ), Acousticure (H), and Philippe Naudot (F) & Vodopad (Sk).
The full programme can downloaded from the La Roche website
www.larochebluegrass.fr/ Entrance is free to
this five-day festival of non-stop music by some 30 bands. The biggest bluegrass
event in France, last year’s edition drew 12,000 fans.
Two years ago a group of devotees began a bluegrass jam session at the Celtic Cross pub in Barcelona - and now sessions are now held every two weeks on Sundays, always in a different place in BCN, check out the web for more information). The link is http://web.mac.com/lluisgomez/iWeb/Barcelona%20Bluegrass%20&%20Old-Time%20/Welcome.html
Limerick Irish Pub C/Bruc 55 19:30 to 22:00
Bristol Blue C/ Torrent de L’Olla 39-41 19:30 to 22:00
L’Astrolabi C/ Martinez de la Rosa 14 20:00 to 22:00
www.myspace.com/lastrolabiAccording to the Barcelona Bluegrass & Old-time website, the 8th Al Ras Bluegrass & Old-time Music Festival will take place on November 7th, 2009.
Mollet del Valles, Mercat Vell.
Stefano Santangelo is delighted that the Mideando String Quintet’s album Tutte le Direzioni (All Directions), is among those listed by the IBMA in their ‘2009 List of Eligible Recorded Product: Bluegrass Recordings released between April 2008 & March 31st 2009â€ð - for IBMA members to consider when nominating recorded product for any of the related awards in the first round of balloting.　
www.mideando.itBluegrass
….AustraliaThe delightful bluegrass & country music singer, Karen Lynne kindly emailed her updates from the other side of the world.… Talking about award nominations for her album ‘Long Journey Home’ she says; “Overall this album picked up 4 Award Nominations - Top 5 ‘Vocal Collaboration’ Section in the 2009 TIARA Awards for the track “Dreamsâ€ð; Top 5 ‘National Duet’ Section in the 2009 Victorian Country Music Awards for the Track “Dreamsâ€ð; Top 10 ‘Trailblazers Heritage Award’ section in the 2009 Victorian Country Music Awards for the track ‘The Spirit of the Southern Shore’ and Top 5 ‘Gospel Song Of The Year’ Section of the TSA Songwriters’ Salute Awards of Australia for the track ‘Arrogance’. Karen adds; “The song ‘The Spirit of the Southern Shore’ has been the second track released from Long Journey Home and once again received solid airplay. Written by Pat, this single is a traditional country/folk singer/songwriter ‘story telling’ style track and was released in the lead up to Australia Day & Anzac Day. Pat explains the song as “a list of 14 of the guiding national values that people over the years have told me were important reflections of our national psycheâ€ð. It was released over Christmas on the Australian NFS Series. I have released many radio singles in my 20 something years in Australian Country Music and I’ve always enjoyed great support from the many Radio DJs across Australia (and beyond!),... from those in the bigger country stations that play the ‘lions share’ of country music, to many of the little people’ at the community stations of who may only play a couple of hours a week. I would like to stress that ALL this airplay in the past has contributed to the success of my profile as an Indie artist and has allowed me to see this support materialise in my many Hit Singles’ that have often made their way up the ‘Country Tracks Top 30’ (which was considered Australia's leading weekly Country music singles chart and is compiled from certain radio airplay in Australia). Times have changed and changes made to the method of extracting airplay feedback & it’s sources will mean that while I am still lucky enough to get great radio support from you all, this support, may no longer necessarily show up in the chart. I will continue to let you know when we release Radio Singles but I will be moving my focus off their chart progress in future. So, although you may not see our songs on the chart as often,.. please keep spinning ‘em! Getting our music out to the radio stations via the NFS Singles or via sample CDs sent by myself, is still - and will always be, more important than seeing them ‘chart’.â€ð For folks in Australia…Karen says Please note we’ll be in Orange, Engadine, Cessnock, Nelson Bay, Wollongong, Lynwood, Beechworth, Mildura & even our home town of Katoomba in the coming months,.. so please come along and catch up if you’re near!â€ð To find our more about Karen and her music….please visit
www.www.karenlynne.com and http://profile.myspace.com/karenlynnemusicBluegrass
….USA
Nominations are currently being accepted from IBMA members for the
following awards,
to be presented during World of Bluegrass Week, Sept.
28th - Oct. 4th, in Nashville, Tenn.:
Bluegrass
Broadcaster of the Year
Print Media Person of the Year
Best Graphic
Design
Best Liner Notes
Bluegrass Event of the Year.
The deadline for nominations is June 30th.
‘Here's A Little Song’ - the excellent album by Valerie Smith & Becky Buller - has won Contemporary Bluegrass CD of the Year from the Rural Roots Music Commission (A subsidiary of the Traditional Country Music Association, Inc.)Valerie says “We are so excited about the news of our album winning an award. Thanks to all my fans who have called into the radio stations and requested our music.â€ð
It seems that there is nothing that will dampen the spirits of Del McCoury fans!!!! Sam Bush was tearing up the main stage with some blazing bluegrass on a sunny Saturday afternoon, when a few raindrops at the Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, Maryland, site of Delfest, suddenly turned into a storm that no one there will soon forget. The staff and crew had worked most of the week to get the site in pristine shape for thousands of campers and music lovers. The fans began arriving on Thursday and by Saturday everything had settled into a nice rhythm, which the storm quickly and spectacularly disrupted. However, the spirit of Delfest - bluegrass legend Del McCoury’s music festival - shone through. As rain turned into hail and high winds, the staff, crew, artists, and fans joined together to keep everyone safe and save as much equipment as possible. When the storm finally passed, the devastation was remarkable. In the music meadow, all the tents had blown away from the main stage and most of the vendors had lost their wares. The VIP tent was folded over. In the campgrounds, tents were scattered, ripped, flooded, and some were just plain gone. Del McCoury’s bus also sustained several thousand dollars in damages as a tent flew more than two hundred feet over a backstage area, which was crammed with folks waiting out the storm, and slammed into the front corner of the bus. The security staff, during and after the storm, checked on the safety of the attendees. Luckily, there were no serious injuries. And before the rain even stopped, the crew was rebuilding the grounds, repairing blown-over fences, using hair dryers to dry out equipment, salvaging tents, and making sure the festival would continue. The next set of the afternoon, by Old Crow Medicine Show, was moved into the Fairground’s indoor multipurpose building. The 1200-capacity building couldn’t begin to hold the huge crowd, but the large garage doors were rolled up, outdoor speakers were quickly wired, and as music filled the air, it was clear that the festival would go on. Old Crow put on an over-the-top performance feeding off the energy of the crowd. The Del McCoury Band followed with an abbreviated version of a ‘bluegrass story’ that they had prepared to share with the crowd on the main stage that evening. As if to put an exclamation point on the fact that Delfest would go on, the production staff had the main stage back up in time for the band Leftover Salmon to finish up the night to a very muddy, but packed, music meadow. Railroad Earth and the Del McCoury Band and friends closed out Saturday night in a packed multipurpose building with the last note of the Super Jam ending about 4 o’clock Sunday morning. Daylight on Sunday revealed a multitude of folks drying out their belongings and rigging their tents back together. The only interruption of the day was when the Travelin’ McCourys had to shorten their set when lightning threatened. While the music was phenomenal and Delfest presenters, High Sierra and McCoury Music, can enjoy the fact that the festival’s second year saw more than a 50% increase in attendance over the inaugural event, the true story of Delfest is how everyone came together to keep each other safe and to help their neighbors recover from the storm.
Delfest's Ning site is packed with stories of folks offering shelter during and after the storm, sharing dry clothes, helping salvage property, offering food and drink, and on and on. It’s also amazing to see how some people reconnected after posting a thank you note to folks whose names they didn’t even know. Those in attendance will never forget the event, and now have lifelong friends who will make the yearly trek to Cumberland, Maryland, to reconnect with fellow festers. When asked for a comment, Del McCoury simply wanted to say thanks to everyone who pitched in to help. “I was in one of the safest places on the grounds as I happened to be on the bus at the moment, but my wife and other family members were in the merchandise tent with 30 to 40 other folks who stood along the edges and held the tent down, keeping everyone in the tent safe and - less importantly - keeping all of the merchandise dry. As the storm subsided a little I was able to listen in on the radio to the efficiency of the security and site crew as they moved through the fairgrounds making sure everyone was safe. Allegany County’s police and fire departments also moved in quickly to aid in the safety effort. It was very moving to see everyone pull together at such a difficult time. I can say I’ve never seen anything like this and I’ve been at it for 50 years. I'd like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who helped out. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that the music fans at Delfest are so caring.â€ð For more information about Delfest including photos of the event, please visit www.delfest.com. You can also find photos here, at the Del McCoury Band site. For videos of the music and storm, visit http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=delfest+2009A dedicated bluegrass fan emails “After listening to bluegrass music on Comcast cable TV for seven years it was suddenly and without notice cancelled on April 15, 2009. There are over 19 million bluegrass fans, but Comcast told me that there is no interest in bluegrass music. My contact at Comcast is Brian Jeter. His e-mail address is Brian_jeter_at_cable_dot_comcast_dot_com. I and there other bluegrass fans would appreciate it if you could send Brian Jeter daily e-mails for one week complaining about Comcast prejudice against bluegrass fans. I told Brian that they can lose a lot of customers to DirecTV as it has a bluegrass channel with xm radio.â€ð
The Lewis Family has reached the difficult decision of announcing their retirement. Polly’s health continues to decline, and Miggie also has various health issuesTheir booking agent, The Harper Agency, has contacted promoters, and they have worked out the final touring schedule for The Lewis Family. Their final date is scheduled for September 5th, 2009 at Dover, PA. This is an emotional time for the family as they look back over almost 60 years of travelling and sharing their music. They want you to know how very much they appreciate your support and friendship through all these years on the road. They were excited to win two Dove Awards in April with their ‘We Are Family’ project, recorded with Jeff & Sheri Easter and The Easter Brothers. They won Bluegrass Album of the Year - and Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year (‘They’re Holding Up the Ladder‘). The Lewis Family enjoyed their Homecoming & Bluegrass Festival held earlier this month in Lincolnton. They also had a special evening of music with Jeff & Sheri Easter and The Easter Brothers at the old Lewis Family home place, which was a fundraiser hosted by Jeff & Sheri to help in their project of restoring the old home. Everyone had a great time. As you plan your summer vacation, don’t forget the 41st Annual Brumley Gospel Sing coming up in August in Lebanon, MO. The Lewis Family are Friday night regulars at the Brumley singing. They are scheduled to be there on August 7th, 2009. All the details about prices and accommodations can be found on the Brumley Music website http://brumleymusic.com This date is a long tradition for the Brumleys and The Lewis Family, and will be especially memorable this year as it is The Lewis Family’s last appearance at the Brumley Sing. http://thelewisfamilymusic.com
The Lewis Family’s final dates are;
JUNE 6, 2009 AVE MARIA TOWNSHIP, FL AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY 5:00 PM
JUNE 13, 2009 STAUNTON, VA ROBERT E. LEE HIGH SCHOOL AUD. 7 PM 540-337-3700
JUNE 19, 2009 CHAMBERSBURG, PA LIGHTHOUSE RESTAURANT 6:30 PM 717-263-4878
JUNE 27, 2009 HOUSTON, DE SAM YODERS FARM 6:00 PM 800-433-8383
JULY 10, 2009 SHIPSHEWANA, IN BLUEGATE RESTAURANT AND THEATRE 7:00 PM 888-447-4725
www.bluegatetheater.comJULY 11, 2009 SHIPSHEWANA, IN BLUEGATE RESTAURANT AND THEATRE 7:00 PM 888-447-4725
www.bluegatetheater.comJULY 31, 2009 PARSONS, WV FIVE RIVER CAMPGROUNDS 2:00 & 8:00 PM
www.fiverivercampground.comAUGUST 7, 2009 LEBANON, MO COWAN CIVIC CENTER (BRUMLEY SING) 7:00 PM 417-435-2225
www.brumleymusic.comAUGUST 11, 2009 WASHINGTONVILLE, PA MONTOUR-DELONG FAIRGROUNDS 7:00 & 8:45 PM 570-437-3968
www.montourdelongfair.comSEPTEMBER 5, 2009
DOVER, PA UNION FIRE & HOSE CO #1 7:15 & 9:15 PMRounder Records has a promotional giveaway going on to mark Bluegrass Music Month. The Grand Prize is a Deering Goodtime banjo, autographed by Steve Martin, whose CD The Crow on Rounder Records was released in May. 5 first prize winners will receive autographed Rounder projects from Doyle Lawson, Blue Highway, Michael Cleveland, Dailey & Vincent, The Steeldrivers and The Grascals, plus a $50 Rounder gift certificate. 3 second prize winners will receive the gift certificate, a one year subscription to Bluegrass Unlimited, and a spiffy Rounder T-shirt. Entries are submitted online - one per person - and will be accepted through June 30th. Winners will be announced on July 1. Full contest details can also be found on the Rounder www.rounder.com
Rounder Records duo Dailey & Vincent filmed for a video in May for ‘On the Other Side’ - a single from their chart-topping album Brothers From Different Mothers. Directed by Julian Smith, the performance clip features Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent, along with their band and a string section. The touching ballad, written by Jimmy Fortune, Kevin Denney and Tom Botkin, evokes the emotions felt when a loved one dies, ranging from grief, loneliness and regret to peacefulness and the hope of seeing them again ‘on the other side’. The video is scheduled for completion within three weeks. To listen to the song, visit
myspace.com/thedaileyvincentband .Still with Rounder Records - they, in conjunction with The Woody Guthrie Archives, will inaugurate the new Woody Guthrie Legacy Series with a 4-CD boxed set, My Dusty Road on August 25. The original metal masters for these songs, recorded in the mid 1940s by Herbert Harris and Moses Asch, had languished for years in the Brooklyn basement of an elderly woman, stacked in cardboard barrels. Reissue co-producer Michael Creamer, who had learned of the cache from his cousin, took a few of the discs to the renowned mastering engineer Doug Pomeroy.
www.rounder.comThe latest news from the IBMA includes; Emmy Award-winning
actor/comedian/ writer/banjo player Steve Martin made his debut on the Grand Ole
Opry May 30, performing with John McEuen, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Gary Scruggs,
Tim O’Brien and Stuart Duncan. Steve played songs from his new album,
The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo (Rounder), and the group encored
with ‘Foggy Mountain Breakdown’. On May 11 Martin was interviewed by comic
essayist Dave Barry and performed with The Steep Canyon Rangers at a benefit for
the Los Angeles Public Library. The Rangers and Martin repeated their
performance at The Rubin Museum in New York on May 27, and Steve also performed
songs from his new album on American Idol May 20 and the Ellen DeGeneres Show
May 25. Info:
Twenty thousand fans and music industry professionals from all around the globe will converge on the Nashville Convention Center from September 28 to October 4 for the International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) World of Bluegrass. The week is equal parts homecoming, family reunion, expo, business conference, celebration, and music festival, highlighted by the International Bluegrass Music Awards which honor the year's most outstanding talent.
To view a brief video about the unique World of Bluegrass experience, click here: http://www.ibma.org/events.programs/wob/index.asp The 20th anniversary of the International Bluegrass Music Awards is the centerpiece of the week, when the music comes home to the historical Ryman Auditorium on Thursday evening, Oct. 1. While the best seats are among the celebrities in the hallowed pews of the Ryman for the all-star lineup, the show is also broadcast live on Sirius/XM and around the world via a syndicated radio network. According to show co-producer Cindy Baucom, "The milestone 20th Anniversary IBMA Awards Show will truly be a night to remember as we bring together the biggest award winners of the past with the newest nominees, topped off with dynamic performances." Bookending the Awards Show are the association's Business Conference and Bluegrass Fan Fest. The Business Conference (Monday, September 28-Thursday, October 1), sponsored by Bluegrass Unlimited and D'Addario Strings, is the only convention focusing on the business of this unique genre. And while bluegrass may be perceived by some as an old-fashioned niche, in reality its professionals are engaged and tapping into new resources helping them to spur significant audience growth. According to recent data from Simmons Research, the number of bluegrass fans has increased 16% during the past two years, totaling 20,000,000 in the U.S. alone. The event offers benefits to industry reps from all professions who create relationships that foster growth--with thought-provoking seminars and interactive discussions about the direction of the industry, as well as the showcasing of talent and products that spur bookings and increase sales. The theme for the 2009 Business Conference is simply ‘Finding Answers in Today's Music Market’ and a new ‘Open Forum’ will kick off the convention on Monday, Sept. 28. ‘Music’ remains the first word in "music business" during the conference, with more than 300 showcase performances planned. It's the best place to introduce new acts, new songs and new recordings, and connect with key decision makers for bookings, media, broadcast and distribution. Showcases from Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Audie Blaylock & Redline, The Bankester Family, The Crowe Brothers, The Davidson Brothers, G2 Bluegrass Band, Gold Heart, Donna Hughes, The Martins, The Quebe Sisters Band, Billy Smith and Spring Creek will be featured during the week, in addition to scores of privately-hosted shows.Over 20 seminars will provide a spirited forum on topics ranging from key legislative issues to market research, broadcasting, event production and much more. Special events include a Gig Fair (described by participants as "speed dating between event producers and talent reps"), a DJ Taping Session, Songwriter Circles, Mentor Sessions and a Health Fair. New to the program for 2009, IBMA has added Educational Labs - an opportunity to get hands-on experience using skills discussed in seminars and to demonstrate new tools and technology.
The weekend (Oct. 2-4) arrives on a ‘high lonesome’ note with the uniquely exciting Bluegrass Fan Fest, sponsored in part by Martha White Foods, Martin Guitars and Knee Deep in Bluegrass. Inside the comfortable setting of the Nashville Convention Center, fans will enjoy music from more than 60 acts on three stages, including the Main Stage, the Masters Workshop Stage and the Grand Master Fiddler Championship. A 100-booth expo centre is the place to browse and buy the latest music gear, publications, recordings and merchandise - while also getting to meet the artists at their booths in between performances. Featured acts confirmed at press time include the award-winning talents of Dailey & Vincent, The Del McCoury Band, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Cherryholmes, Steep Canyon Rangers, The SteelDrivers, Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, Don Rigsby & Midnight Call, Johnny Warren & Charlie Cushman, Grasstowne, Audie Blaylock & Redline, The Church Sisters and a Carter Family Tribute featuring special guests. Additional acts will be announced throughout the summer. Returning to the festival is the popular Fan Feast breakfast on Friday morning, Oct. 2. For only $20, fans can enjoy breakfast served by the biggest stars in bluegrass. Proceeds from Fan Fest ticket sales benefit the Bluegrass Trust Fund, established to help bluegrass professionals during times of emergency need, as well as support IBMA's marketing and educational events to promote the music year-round. All artists appearing at the event donate their time and talents for the cause. Tickets for all events are available beginning June 1st at www.ibma.org or by calling 1-888-GET-IBMA. For discount rates on accommodations, call the event housing bureau at 1-877-259-4716. A full schedule of events is available at http://www.ibma.org/events.programs/wob/schedule.asp.Sam Bush and Jerry Douglas have been nominated in the ‘Instrumentalist of the Year’ category by the members of the Americana Music Association. Award recipients will be announced at the Americana Honours & Awards show, presented by the Gibson Foundation at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Sept. 17. The Americana Music Festival & Conference is scheduled for September 16th -19th at the Nashville Convention Centre. Information is available from :
www.americanamusic.orgThe folks at the Colorado Case Company say “The biggest news for Colorado Case Company is that we were awarded a Colorado Export Development Grant from the governor of Colorado's Office of International Trade. Fifty one Colorado companies applied for the first year grant, but we were one of the 17 companies who actually received the grant. For us, the grant will provide funding to be used for travel expense to the UK. While in the UK we will be meeting with several new dealers and case manufacturers in an effort to broaden our export reach. As an exciting footnote, with special thanks to our friends at
Cybergrass, the story even got picked up by USA Today. If you have ever been involved with small business press releases, you know that is quite an accomplishment. A couple of months ago we mentioned that we were involved with several social media sites. I had several people who missed that and so I'll list them again. We are actively on LinkedIn, MySpace, Twitter or Facebook, we would love to connect with you, so give us a shout. We do occasionally offer product specials through these channels that are not available elsewhere. Lastly, our good friend Steve Kaufman has a list of recommended links on his website. We are currently listed at #51 in overall popularity. Now 51 is great, but I think we can do better. If you have a minute, hop on over there and vote for us by clicking here. Take a look at the whole site if you have never been there before. His compilation of Banjo jokes is second to none.â€ð http://www.coloradocase.comThere is much excitement at the International Bluegrass Music Museum in Owensboro centred around its upcoming annual festival, ROMP, the River of Music Party and The Pioneers of Bluegrass Gathering. Not only is this year’s line-up the biggest ever, but the museum is also hosting between 65 and 70 of bluegrass music’s pioneering generation to attend. Do visit
www.bluegrass-museum.orgA cover story on legendary Bluegrass Hall of Fame artiste, Jesse McReynolds, who will turn 80 in July, graced the cover of the May-June issue of Living Well magazine. Jesse McReynolds - who continues to delight audience with his superb mandolin picking, is planning a bluegrass music birthday celebration at his ‘Pick Inn’ music park at 550 Zieglers Fort Road, Gallatin, TN, 37066 - on July 10th and 11th. Jesse and Joy McReynolds invite you once again to their Pick Inn in beautiful Gallatin, Tennessee on Friday, July 10th and Saturday, July 11th for the Summer Pick Inn’ Party & Jesse McReynolds 80th Birthday Bash . This two day, music-filled party will celebrate Jesse’s lifetime of musical achievements and offer up the finest in bluegrass music and southern hospitality. Fans, friends and fellow musicians are all invited to share in the fun. As always, Jesse McReynolds has brought together a selection of fine players and singers including Daniel Rothwell, Judy Carrier & Rens Vreeburg, Smokey Lonesome, The Chigger Hill Boys & Terri and plenty of surprise guests! Radio personality Harv Mason will be your guide through this unforgettable weekend of entertainment headlined by the legendary Jesse McReynolds & the Virginia Boys. The Summer Pick Inn’ Party will also be the place to be for the 2009 Virginia Boys Band Reunion! All former Virginia Boys band members are invited to attend, perform and share their memories of their time on the road with Jim & Jesse. The fun begins at 4:00 PM CST on Friday, July 10th with a concert and country-style meal. The music continues on Saturday, July 11th beginning at 12:00 PM. Admission is $10.00 per day. Camp sites are available at the Pick Inn (rough camping for only $10 per night for up to 4 persons). Camping space is limited. Please contact Joy McReynolds at
jimandjesse_at_bellsouth_dot_net or 615.452.7321 for reservations. The Pick Inn is located at 550 Zieglers Fort Road in Gallatin, Tennessee across from Bledsoe Creek State Park. The Pick Inn has played host to Jesse McReynolds’ Pick Inn Party Radio Show as well as weddings, concerts and other special events. To reserve the Pick Inn for your next gathering, please visit www.jimandjesse.com/resources/Pickinn.php or contact Joy McReynolds at 615.452.7321 or jimandjesse_at_bellsouth_dot_net.
Red hot picker, Eric Lambert emailed to say; “Just wanted to write
and let you know about an exciting show that's happening this
Friday. The Chicago Bluegrass Legends Concert Series is
presenting Rounder Recording Artist James King and his band and have
included me on the show as the opening act.I played a couple of festivals with
James and his band last summer and found that his brand of bluegrass is a very
soulful one.To say the least I'm very excited to be on the bill with him. If you
enjoy Americana music you'll love this show. For more info on James go to
See ya at the showJ â€ð
www.ericlambert.comThe Bill Monroe Memorial Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival takes place - June 13 - 20, 2009. The Bean Blossom Jamboree Foundation would like to thank you for your continued support to help preserve the traditions of the Bill Monroe Music Park and many festivals that take place throughout the year. The next festival is of course the Bill Monroe Memorial Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival! We hope to see you there. Here are just a few of the exciting announcements: The Bill Monroe Music Park now has a new
website. 1st ANNUAL GOLF CART PARADE - Wednesday, June 17th beginning at the main gate at 3:30 pm. First prize winner receives a gift certificate to the Park Gift Shop. Please decorate your golf carts with Patriotic, Bluegrass or any theme you want and join us! The event hosted by the Bean Blossom Jamboree Foundation. There will be FREE WIRELESS INTERNET available in the camp store for all campers. WiFI is available at all campsites and cabins for a nominal charge. BLUEGRASS YOUTH BOOT CAMP - FULL - REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. Over 70 kids have signed up for this popular event! Visit www.beanblossom.com for more details.
Monroe Crossing emailed “The first half of May was primarily
focused on presentations of "The WorldBeloved: A Bluegrass Mass," as we
performed the choral work four times in Minneapolis and Rochester MN. But now
it's turning to festival season in earnest, and we're heading down to Silver
Dollar City for the Bluegrass & BBQ Festival, then on to
Arkansas
& Franklin, TN to close out the month. June brings us to
Santa Ana, California for the Bluegrass Mass, then to Harry
Grant's festival in Wind Gap, PA, the Festival of the Bluegrass in
Lexington KY, Bill Monroe's Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival in
Indiana, as top in Indianola, IA, and finally back home for a few shows (St
Croix Festival Theatre) before we head down to Texas for the Free State
Bluegrass Festival. We'll be racking up some frequent flyer miles, and
plenty of long hours on the road. The new CD, Heart Ache & Stone is
nearing completion. The new band photo is done, and graphic artist Katryn
Conlin has finished the CD cover art and continues working on the layout.
Final mixing is underway, and we're counting the days! Hope to visit and pick
with some of you at one of our upcoming festival stops.â€ð To find out more,
please visit.
The 7th Annual Henry Reed Memorial Fiddlers Convention will be held in Glen Lyn, VA on June 12-13. Glen Lyn is located along the New River near the VA-WV line - right across the river - and not far from where Henry used to live. Friday will include shows by the Reed Family band, Stateline Bluegrass, & Box 283. Most of the competitions will be held on Saturday, & include a variety of band & individual categories. Alan Jabbour will again be giving a 2-day fiddle workshop.
www.gilesmountainstringband.com/henryreed.html www.henryreed.orgThe Cherryholmes say “We had a great Memorial Weekend, and wanted to let you in on some of the fun, and what life is like on the road with Cherryholmes. Sandy put a great video together from the weekend, and we've posted it on our YouTube Channel, and our website. So click on the links below, and check them out!
www.YouTube.com/cherryholmesband www.Cherryholmes.com We'll also be sending you some information on the CMA Music Festival, June 11 - 14, 2009, here in Nashville! We'll be performing in several places, and signing autographs! We have a few dates already listed on our website, so click on the link below for those dates we have confirmed.â€ðFOLK….Here & There
The Beverly Folk Festival
organisers are delighted to welcome to the weekend’s programme of events, local hero, Henry Priestman whose latest album (The Chronicles of Modern Life), has just reached Number 1 in Amazon's ‘World and Folk’ chart. As Priestman said “....so I must be a folk artist!!â€ð Former keyboard player with the band The Christians, Priestman, who hails from Hull, has been living for many years out of the area but will be returning to his native area for this special event. A timely bit of programming on the part of the festival organisers and Henry himself, in that his new single is due for release the day following the concert, on 22nd June. Appearing in the Finale Concert of the Festival weekend (Sunday 21st June) , alongside the latest star on the folk scene - Seth Lakeman, will make a memorable end to what promises to be a first rate weekend of music, song, dance, comedy and the spoken word. Seth, from a traditional folk background has been a ground breaker in the Nu-Folk genre of music and will be a fitting performer for Henry to link up with. Other artists booked over the weekend include one of this country’s finest songwriters and performers, Billy Bragg (Friday), plus the band of the legendary Lonnie Donegan, fronted by his son Peter Donegan. They will be performing at the festival’s mid-summer party night on Saturday 20th June, along with Celtic Dance heroes, The Peatbog Faeries. For anyone wanting a GREAT weekend away – look no further, come and relax in the shadow of Beverley’s historic Minster and sample some first rate music and fine ales straight off the Yorkshire Wolds! Tickets are now on sale for the weekend or single days, plus single events. For further details or to book online go to – www.beverleyfestival.com or contact the Festival Hotline on 01377 217569. Beverley Folk Festival 19 - 21 June 2009 - 3 nights & 2 days of Breathtaking music, dance, comedy, spoken word & events for all ages plus a special Americana theme for 2009, not to be missed! The Festival Village promises to be crammed with wonderful events for all ages, craft stalls, workshops & a Real Ale bar.Dent Folk Festival
in Cumbria takes place on 26 - 28th June this year - on a new site just outside Sedbergh. For further details see www.dentfolkfestival.co.uk.The Co-operative Cambridge Folk Festival has been at the forefront of the huge resurgence in English folk music led by younger artists including Kate Rusby, Seth Lakeman, Eliza Carthy, Rachel Unthank, Jim Moray and Lisa Knapp. To see the full news story
please click here.For all the latest information, please visit
www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.ukThe following Folk Festival tickets are still available to purchase online at
www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk or by phone on 01223 357851:- CITY RESIDENT FULL FESTIVAL TICKETS
- CHERRY HINTON HALL CAMPING
- COLDHAMS COMMON CAMPING
- THURSDAY - CITY RESIDENT TICKET
- FRIDAY TICKETS
- FRIDAY - CITY RESIDENT TICKETS
- CHILDREN 5 - 13
- CHILDREN 0 - 4
Please note: A camping ticket can only bought at the same time as purchasing a Full Festival Ticket. If you have previously purchased a Full Festival ticket online and require camping you need to call Box Office on 01223 357851 as you will not be able to purchase a separate camping ticket online through See Tickets.
Many thanks to Vic & Tina Smith for their folk updates. They are sincerely appreciated.
June 4th
* £6.00 * TIM LAYCOCK - Tim is a folksinger, songwriter and actor. He has performed with Magic Lantern, The Albion Band and The Mellstock Band, and played concertina in five productions at The National Theatre.Vic and Tina add; “Our MYSPACE profile enables us to profile sample tracks of coming guests as well as show photos and biographies of coming guests. It is at
http://www.myspace.com/royaloakfolklewesVic and Tina also say “For all the listings of folk music, song club, dances, festivals in and around Sussex, have a look at
http://whatson.brighton.co.uk/folk This site all always kept updated with the latest events and those currently listed cover all the dates up until the end of June 2009. Most of the listings on the Sussex Folk Guide website are taken from the paper magazine, THE FOLK DIARY. Issue no 237 covers the months of June and July and this is now available. They are packed with adverts for various folk festivals, folk music record companies, specialist shops, instrument makers and other services as well as details of all the folk song and dance events in our area and several pages of reviews of CDs and books. To obtain copies of this free magazine as it is published, please send SAE's to Vic Smith at the address below. It is also the address to send album review copies to. Potential advertisers are also asked to contact Vic for a statement of our advertising rates. The copy date will be June 30th for the August/September issue. However, it should be mentioned that once the available space has been filled, no more adverts can be accepted even if they are received BEFORE the copy date. With this in mind, it is worth contacting the editors before the copy date to state your intentions and reserve advertising space even if you have not got final details or you copy prepared. Please contact JIM MARSHALL 01273 559750 jimars_at_globalnet_dot_co_dot_uk or VIC SMITH 01273 478124 tinvic_at_globalnet_dot_co_dot_ukAfter a gap of several years, Sunday afternoon tune and song sessions have returned to the bar of the Royal Oak in Station Street in Lewes. These will be on the last Sunday of the month from 3.30 - 5.30pm. Dates for the next sessions are 31st May - 28th June - 26th July. They will be run by Vic & Tina Smith….01273 478124
tinvic_at_globalnet_dot_co_dot_ukLewes Workshops at the Elephant & Castle - The workshops last a full
Saturday or Sunday and the tutor performs at the club in the evening. The
programme for the remainder of 2009 will be:-
6th. June - Kerr /Fagan
/Harbron Fiddle /Bouzouki /Concertina
7th. June - Kerr Fagan /Harbron Vocal
harmony/Winter MS tunes
11th. July - Will Duke Scan Tester's tunes
18th.
July - Bonnie Shaljean Harp
12th. Sept - Tommy Peoples Fiddle
19th. Sept -
Jeff Warner Song accompaniment
10th. Oct - Tim Edey Melodeon
14th. Nov -
Vicki Swan Scottish smallpipes
21st. Nov - Tom & Barbara Brown Ballad
forum
5th. Dec - Billy Teare Storytelling
5th. Dec - Kathleen O'Sullivan
Irish song
The website for more details is
The Cellar Up Stairs Folk Club; Venue: Exmouth Arms, Starcross Street, London NW1 2HR (on the corner of Cobourg Street, near Euston and Euston Square stations; parking is easy), on Saturdays at 8.15pm. Information: 020 7281 7700;
http://hometown.aol.co.uk/cellarupstairsSpecial guests:.
6 JUNE: ROB MASON and SIMON PRAGER
13 JUNE: BESKDY
The club is then closed for the summer - but will re-open on 5th September.
The excellent Diana Jones will be performing at the following venues;
June 19 - Manchester, Academy - 0161 832 1111
June 20 - Leicester, Big Session Festival - 0116 233 3111
June 21 - Birkenhead, Pacific Road Arts Centre - 0151 666 0000
July 24 - Ascott, The Indie Guitar Festival 2009 - 01635 579300
July 26 - Gateshead, SummerTyne Americana Festival - 0191 443 4661
Sara Grey & Kieron Means
tour dates include;You can catch the music of Janis Haves at the following venues/events;
Thurs June 17: Folk _at_ The Man of Kent
Thurs June 25: The Sunray Folk Club
Thurs Jul 26: Prom Wine Bar, Bristol
Mon Aug 31: Carshalton Environmental Fair
Mon Sept 21: Acoustic Music
Club, Maidstone
Fri Oct 9: Farncombe Music Club
In October - Joan Baez will be playing the following dates;
Thurs 1: Birmingham Symphony Hall
Fri 2: Cambridge Corn Exchange
Sun 4: Oxford New Theatre
Mon 5: Brighton Dome
Weds 7: Bristol Colston Hall
Thurs 8: Cardiff St. David's Hall
Sat 10: Gateshead The Sage Gateshead
Mon 12: Edinburgh Usher Hall
Tues 13: Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Thurs 15: Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
Adastra represents over 60 artists in the fields of - Traditional English, Celtic, Contemporary, Blues; World, European, Americana, Gospel, Dance, Concert artists, artists experienced at running Workshops… and many combinations of these. For details on Adastra’s artists - check out their NEW website....
www.adastra-music.co.ukJames Taylor
will present a Cunard Command Performance aboard Queen Mary 2's June 19th Transatlantic Crossing from New York to Southampton. During the Crossing, guests will also have the opportunity to join a live Question & Answer interview where James will talk about his award-winning career and the Summer European Tour he and his band will begin after arrival in England. Guests are also cordially invited to attend a private post-concert reception with James Taylor. Don't miss this opportunity to see music legend James Taylor aboard iconic QUEEN MARY 2. Call Renshaw Travel toll free at 1-800-745-7753 or email info_at_jamestaylorcruise_dot_com for more details and to reserve your stateroom on this special Transatlantic Crossing. Renshaw Travel www.renshawtravel.com is the official travel agency of ‘Cunard Command Performance with James Taylor’.Enjoy the music of James Taylor when he performs at the following venues;
Sat Jun 27: Bournemouth, BIC
Sun 28: Cardiff, CIA
Tues 30: Manchester, MEN
Sun July 5: Birmingham, NIA Academy
Mon 6: London, O2 Arena
In the USA
, McLean County Native and Kentucky Folk Artist Heath Eric will headline a FREE concert at the newly and completely renovated Diamond Lake Resort Theatre on Saturday, June 13, 2008. The line-up also includes Award-Winning Appalachian Folk Artist Carla Gover and a special performance by the campers showcasing what they have learned all week at the youth camp. The concert, presented by the weeklong music & camp for kids ages 10-12, Discover Music, Discover Nature, Discover Maple Mount, was originally scheduled to be held outdoors at Maple Mount. However, with the completion of the renovations in the theater, co-owner Brian Smith offered to host the show in this fabulous facilityIt simply doesn't get any more “realâ€ð and authentic than Heath Eric. His life experiences could make up twenty lifetimes. His new, all original album, finally gettin' it, reflects on his life, love, pain, near self-destruction, happiness, his love for his two boys, search for truth, and chasing dreams. Heath uses his soulful voice, steeped in truth, and earthly acoustic grooves, to create his own unique and original, homegrown blend of "Acoustic Soul Music." Heath has a rich love for life, a passion for sharing, and an overwhelming desire to touch as many lives as possible through his words and music.Carla Gover is an award-winning songwriter who has taken home wins at some of the nation’s biggest songwriting contest, including Merlefest’s Chris Austin Contest and The Kerrville New Folk Competition. Her shows feature original music and traditional tunes played on guitar and clawhammer banjo. Her love of Kentucky shines whether she’s sharing stories about her life or demonstrating traditional flatfoot dancing. She appears solo and with her band. Gover is the epitome of what an Appalachian Singer has always been: someone full of spirit and soul and heart, someone who is looking forward while always keeping the tradition alive, someone who has the mountains and their sounds right in her blood. Saturday, June 13, 2009. Doors open at 6:00pm / Show starts at 6:30pm Diamond Lake Resort Theatre, 7301 Hobbs Road (off of HWY 815)Owensboro, Kentucky 42301. Concessions Available. www.diamondlakeresort.net tel;270.229.4900. Discover Music, Discover Nature, Discover Maple Mount - www.discovermaplemount.org tel; 270.229.0200AND…..MORE from various places!
Tim Martin
of crhmusic.com has kindly emailed upcoming events taking place at St Bonaventure’s in Bristol. He says “For an outfit few people seem to have heard of, the Band of Heathens (Thursday 4th. June) are causing an amazing stir. Tickets are going very quickly and if you intend coming to see a group who sound like the Band jamming with Little Feat in 1974 (that’s a good thing by the way) pre-booking is advised. The following week, Thursday 11th. June, Steve Forbert returns for a second appearance at the venue. Originally touted as one of the more credible new Bob Dylans in the 1970s, he has gone on to enjoy a long and distinguished career, getting better with age. The first time he played at St. Bonaventure’s he managed to attract the furthest travelling customers we’ve ever had – a couple of women flew in from Australia for the show. Why do his hard core fans show such passionate devotion? Because his ironic wit and perfect delivery have produced dozens of classic songs and according to www.performingsongwriter.com “During 30 years in the music business, Steve Forbert’s raspy, cracking voice has gone from sounding like a 14-year-old with a nicotine habit to resembling an aging hound in a Disney cartoon. Though this adorable instrument will never make Forbert a credible salesman of anything dark, it gives you one more reason to broaden your grin at his aw-shucks tunes…This old dog still has the soul of an exuberant pup.â€ð Next comes Jason Isbell on Wednesday 17th. June. He made his name with the Drive-By Truckers, creating classic material like Decoration Day and Danko/Manuel. His solo debut, Sirens Of The Ditch, was widely acclaimed. His new record, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit has met with an amazing critical response. Spin Magazine says that “Southern rock is a minefield of rebel flags, drinking songs, and dudes yelling "Free Bird!" With Drive-By Truckers, singer-guitarist Jason Isbell learned to embrace some of those clichés; on his gritty, vibrant second solo album, he begins to transcend them. "However Long" personalizes working-class disaffection into a defiant anthem; stormy rocker "Soldiers Get Strange" is almost certainly the best tune ever written about post-traumatic stress disorder; and multiple tales of warm, lonely barrooms and the warm, lonely relationships they breed uncover new truths while traversing well-trod emotional terrain.â€ð This clip gives you an idea of what he’s about – although it should be noted that his UK shows are without his band – in fact a rare opportunity to hear him in an intimate setting. Tickets are in high demand, and it is probable that the show will sell out beforehand. That’s it for now. More news about July onwards in a couple of weeks time.â€ðThe Guardian said that award winning French band LO’JO "should be playing big stadiums and festivals. Anyone able to catch them in a small club should count themselves very lucky".
So Peppery Productionsare pleased to be bringing them to Ipswich Caribbean Club this Friday 5th June, when they will be be bringing us a taste of Loire sunshine with songs from their new album Cosmophono. Sweetly strange and bafflingly familiar" describes their magpie mix of influences, which combine French chanson and musette, dub reggae, African, Arabic and gypsy flavours with a jazzy and poetic sensibility. Tickets are now on sale from The New Wolsey Theatre Box Office on 01473 295900....if it says Peppery on the poster you're guaranteed a good time!'
www.peppery.co.ukMaverick Magazine - probably the finest roots music magazine available worldwide - has a regular sale of Promotional Cds for magazine subscribers. To obtain the excellent magazine - and be party to it’s special offers…please visit
www.maverick-countyr.com The June edition is available now…..Blabbermouth, aka Steve Thompson, releases his new single this month, which was mastered by Pink Floyd's sound engineer of 25 years Andy Jackson, and he is touring the UK in June and July at various venues and BBC regional radio stations to perform acoustically including live on BBC Leicester from his houseboat when he is in Leicestershire. Given that Blabbermouth's mode of transport is actually a houseboat, and that Steve is a continuous cruiser' (never staying moored anywhere for more than 2 weeks at a time), Steve will be travelling the length and breadth of the UK on tour via the many canals and waterways of the country taking his 'Roaming Busking Tour' to towns, cities and towpaths with numerous impromptu houseboat gig performances, also performing whilst in transit from his boat. Steve's route will take him through the country as he travels North stopping off at Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Norwich, Cambridge, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Northampton.
June 6th – Britain’s Got Talons _at_ The Zenith Bar, London
June 20th – The Cidershed, Norwich
June 25th – The Camden Eye, London /
July 25th – Farmfestival, Somerset
August 29th – Bladnoch Folk & Blues Festival, Scotland
‘I Return’ – Released June 19th (ISRC USTC90940768) and available from i-Tunes, Amazon, Napster and all major download sites.
www.myspace.com/therealblabbermouthThere’s a great chance to see up and coming new artists - The Whispertown 2000 and Maria Taylor in a unique, double-headlining bill this Sunday at the Lexington (Pentonville Road, Islington N1). Known for dreamy harmonies, countless hooks and a sound both modern and nostalgic, LA-based The Whispertown 2000 is the first band to be signed to Gillian Welch and David Rawlings’ Acony label. At the forefront are the melding voices of Morgan Nagler (vocals, guitar) and Vanessa Corbala (vocals, percussion), paired with the avant-blues guitar of Tod Wisenbaker (guitar, drums) and robust bass playing of his brother Casey Wisenbaker (bass, drums). New album ‘Swim’ was released to rave reveiws earlier this year. “Morgan Nagler is my favourite songwriter. Period.â€ð Jenny Lewis
. Maria Taylor is already picking up airplay for her single ‘Cartoons And Forever Plans’, featuring REM’s Michael Stipe. Deliciously diverse new album ‘Lady Luck’ (Nettwerk) is out on Monday. Although much of it is inspired by the end of a relationship, it is neither dripping with sadness and grief, nor is it in-your-face empowering. Rather, Taylor instead succeeds in striking a delicate balance between melancholic (aching strings, hushed vocals) and uplifting (rolling rhythms, shimmering keys), highlighted by sharp lyrics that draw optimism out of sadness. This is not a woman down on her luck.The folk from Hampshire Festivals emailed
“Just a quick update on this summer's Stokes Bay Festival in Hampshire which is now a five-day Festival with ticket prices 'frozen' at last year's 4-day level - great value for money! The all-star line-up includes The Zutons, The Proclaimers, Oysterband, Seth Lakeman, Lunasa, The Saw Doctors, Eric Bogle, Steve Knightley (Show of Hands), Blazin' Fiddles, Edward II, The Spooky Mens Chorale, Adrian Edmondson, Saltfishforty, Baskery, David Ferrard and many more. Dates are Wednesday 29 July to Sunday 2 August.The 2009 Maverick Festival will take place at the Easton Farm Park, Suffolk over the Independence Day weekend, 3rd/4th/5th July. More info available from
www.maverickfestival.co.uk Last year, they kept it ‘up close and personal’ and they liked it, so tickets will be strictly limited. Maverick says; "Friday night, at 7.00 pm we kick things off with our Welcome Jamboree, featuring four bands, in the Barn. Saturday we present music, dance, film and various workshops across FOUR stages, followed on Sunday morning by our traditional Gospel Brunch, guaranteed to raise the spirits and loosen the rafters….â€ðEarlybird Ticket Special - Book before April Fool's Day and save 10%
*Ranger - Fri/Sat/Sun inc. camping + Welcome Jamboree £50 (- 10% = £45)
*Wrangler - Sat/Sun only, no camping £35 (- 10% = £31-50)
*Tenderfoot - (10 & over) £7 for weekend (camping/non camping – no discounts)
Under 10's go free. Each child must be accompanied by an adult.
Friday July 3rd - 7pm Welcome Jamboree in the Barn (Ranger ticket-holders only)
Saturday July 4th - Noon till late, four stages indoors & out
Sunday July 5th - 10.30am – 1.00pm Gospel Brunch
Please send a cheque with stamped, self addressed envelope to: Claptrap TV Ltd, Easton, Woodbridge, IP13 0EJ (No postage or handling charges!)
www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk | www.maverick-country.comMaverick’s Radio Hour, along with more country music webspaces…
www.maverick-country.com – www.myspace.com/maverick_countryWith everyone going crazy for these technological advancements there are many new additions to the country music society on the web. Maverick Magazine now has it’s space on
www.nessmp3.com and www.digitalrodeo.com – both of these are fantastic interactive websites where you will find many new and amazing country talents – so please join up and say hi! There is a Maverick hour on www.ukcountryradio.com with Bob Preedy in the style of the podcasts playing some of the best artists featured in this month’s Maverick. So make sure you give it a listen the fourth Friday of each month at 8.00pm. The Maverick Myspace is also still getting bigger and bigger every day so if you haven’t dropped by to say hi, please do. The magazine team love to hear from their friendly subscribers and to hear your opinions of the magazine. They have over a 1100 friends on there now – many of them artists featured in the magazine who’d also love to hear from you…The Hot Club of Cowtown
(western swing/jazz trio)Aug 1 - Cambridge Folk Festival, Cambridge
Aug 7 - Broadstairs Folk Week
Festival, Broadstairs
Martina McBride is set to undertake a short tour of the UK, Northern
Ireland and Eire. Her dates include:
Friday Jul 31: Indigo 2,
London
Sunday Aug 2: King's Hall, Belfast
Tuesday 4: Aura Leisure Centre,
Letterkenny, Ireland
Wednesday 5: CityWest, Dublin
Friday 7: INEC,
Killarney
Saturday 8: Royal Theatre, Castlebar
Thanks to Gail Comfort - who has recently returned to Canada - but thanks to the wonders of technology, still is able to present her regular spot on cmrnashille.net Gail says “
This is my very first new show recorded in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It's a borrowed studio and I wrestle with the technology but that's all fine - it's just good to be back - and the music is absolutely wonderful.â€ð Her show is broadcast in the United Kingdom on Tuesdays at : 4pm-6pm, repeated 10pm-midnight/Wednesdays - repeated 4am-6am & 10am-noon…and Sundays - repeated 2pm-4pm. Winnipeg , Manitoba (CDT) times; Tuesdays at 10am-12noon, repeated 4pm-6pm & 10pm-midnight, Wednesdays - repeated 4am-6am and Sundays - repeated 8am-10amâ€ð Listen live http://www.cmrnashville.net/listenlive.phpJim Marshall “Despite earlier announcements to the contrary, this year's Wolvestock Country Music Festival, held at East Park in Wolverhampton on Saturday July 25th and Sunday 26th, will be ‘Admission Free‘. Among the performers scheduled to appear are The Swing Commanders (pictured), Travis Logan, Donna Wylde, Indiana Rain, Magill, The Ploughboys, Mac Bailey and Desperado and Rebel Creek. Details on the website:
www.wolvescivic.co.uk/index.asp?loc=od_wolvestockJim also emailed news of news of an event billed as the Best Of Irish Craic and Country Weekend that is taking place from Friday 29th May to Monday 1st June at the Grand Burstin Hotel, Folkestone - that will feature entertainment from Foster and Allen, John McNicholl and band, Hugo Duncan, Gary Gamble, Philomena Begley (pictured), Brian Coll, Fiddler Adam, Frankie McBride, Johnny McEvoy, May McFettridge, Hill Billy Willy, William Caulfield, and Jimmy Cricket. The cost is £199 per person sharing for 3 nights dinner, bed and breakfast and all the shows. It can be booked through Travel Soloutions on 028 9045 5030. More information from Tony Brown at David Hull Promotions on 028 9024 0360, email
tony_at_dhpromotions_dot_com or check the website www.davidhullpromotions.comMany thanks to Rodger Padfield for forwarding the following email he received from the shows promoters re: Deke Dickerson - along with Jimmy Sutton and Crazy Joe - playing the Paget Room in Penarth, Wales….on TUESDAY July 7th.
www.myspace.com/penarthsrockinrootsclub The email says “This will be their first show and if it is a successful night, we are hoping to bring some of the best 1st class touring roots artists to South Wales Audience's, (that normally go to London and then straight up to Newcastle) also to give the best local rooty's act a chance to be support acts and play to, hopefully, bigger audiences. Tickets £8 (limited number of tickets) £10 on the Door (if any room left) Doors open 7.30. Tickets available from:- The Albion Glebe St Penarth Spillers Records, Cardiff Tel: +44(0)29 20224905 or email penarthsrrc_at_ntlworld_dot_com Deke Dickerson is one of the most versatile and talented artists in American roots music today. Far more than just a rockabilly revivalist, he pushes the envelope by expertly drawing from virtually every 20th century musical genre: country, rhythm and blues, western swing, rockabilly, surf instrumentals, ghostly ballads and pedal-to-the medal rock 'n' roll. Armed with his signature double-necked guitar and batch of new songs from his latest release, he continues to entertain fans World wide. Bob Dylan even Interviewed Deke for his show. He is well known for his regular column in Guitar Player magazine & Hallmark Guitars have even produced the Deke Dickerson model guitar. Jimmy Sutton has been playing the doghouse bass since his school days. Nominated twice by the Illinois Entertainer as the best bass player in Chicago, Sutton incorporates many diverse musical styles. He is also one hell of a singer and front man in his own right and can be seen with his own band The Four Charms Crazy Joe has been playing guitar for nearly 25 years; producing and engineering recordings for 20 years; and designing musical, recording / hi-fi equipment for over a decade. He’s another amazing guitar picker and singer in this line up, who will be playing drums this tour .yea crazy But I’m sure he won’t be back on drums for long as these 3 swap instruments back and forth in a show that will leave you amazed. The support act for the evening will be local act - The John Lewis Trio.In Scotland - the Youth music project The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle is coming to Glasgow to offer some of the city’s finest young songwriters, bands and ensembles the chance to arrange, record and perform their own music accompanied by a dream team of session musicians from all over the UK. The Swindle is looking for local musicians aged between 16 – 25 who write and perform music in any genre – from rock to jazz to folk to electronic music – to take part in the project. Five lucky acts will be selected to work alongside members of the eclectic music ensemble Music at the Brewhouse to develop new skills in arranging, orchestration, composition and performance, before performing in a showcase gig at one of Glasgow’s most prestigious venues, the Old Fruitmarket, on 25th November accompanied by members of The Brewhouse. The project – which is devised and delivered by Music at the Brewhouse in partnership with Glasgow’s City Halls – aims to stretch musical imaginations, encourage experimentation and present a new way of inspiring and supporting young performers. Founded by Scotland based composer Stephen Deazley, The Brewhouse comprises thirteen musicians, a music director and a sound engineer, drawn from classical, improvised jazz, experimental and electronic music traditions. Members of the ensemble have played and recorded with many leading exponents and performers of contemporary music such as ensemblebash, The Smith Quartet, London Sinfonietta, Tommy Smith Sextet, Ensemble Modern of Frankfurt and Joanna MacGregor. Steven Deazley, founder of Music at the Brewhouse, said: "We can’t wait to hear what is going on across the city. When young musicians put their music in front of great players it has to be up to the mark, it also needs to take musical invention and orchestration seriously, otherwise it all slips into familiar territories. That said, Glasgow’s musical culture is a hotbed of originality, my guess is we’re probably looking forward to the best ever Swindle line up…." The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle was initially launched in 2006 in Perth and was part of the St Magnus Festival in Orkney in 2008. Now the project comes to Glasgow – a city renowned for its thriving music scene – as part of the City Halls Learning Programme. Since reopening in 2006 with newly installed state-of-the-art education facilities, the City Halls and Old Fruitmarket have become a hub of creative learning activity. The venue’s Education team works in partnership with a range of arts organisations to deliver a wide programme of activities for people of all ages and abilities, including everything from DJ skills workshops to a community choir. To participate in The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle the musicians or ensembles must have been playing for over a year and must write their own material. Applicants must be aged between 16 and 25 and be resident in Glasgow. Bands/musicians can apply by downloading an application form from
www.rocknrollswindle.org.uk and sending the completed form alongside a demo CD to: Hector MacInnes, Education, City Halls, Candleriggs, Glasgow, G1 1NQ. The deadline for entries is 22nd June.Do check out The Tartan Heart Festival Fringe - to be held in Scotland as a precursor to the
Belladrum Festival. According to the myspace page - ‘The Tartan Heart Fringe sets the mood in the run up to Belladrum Festival August 7 8 2009 and features not only the best of Highland talent but artists from around the world too, from July 24th - August 8th and offers a highland trail for the intrepid musical explorer around some of the musical hotspots of one of the world historically musical sensitive lands.’ http://www.myspace.com/tartanheartfringeOn the other side of the Irish sea…..The World Fleadh 2009 will be staged at Castlebar, Co Mayo, Ireland from July 31st to August 9th . Tickets are on sale now…..The following Concerts will be held at the 2200 seated Royal Theatre & Events Centre in Castlebar. Visit
www.theroyal.ie for ticketsJuly 31st: The Saw Doctors
August 1st: Ireland's Music Awards (Featuring Sharon Shannon, Shane Mac Gowan, Damien Dempsey, the High Kings, Kilfenora CéilÃÊ Band & many more)
August 2nd: Moving Hearts
August 3rd: TBA
August 4th: Mary Black in Concert
August 5th: De Dannan-A Celebration (featuring Mary Black, Dolores Keane, MáirtÃÊn O Connor & Frankie Gavin with an all new De Dannan line up)
August 6th: Irish Country Music Awards (see www.IrishCountryMusicAwards.com)
August 7th: Randy Travis
August 8th: Martina Mc Bride
UTV’s Country Fest 2009 - headlined by Randy Travis, Doug Stone, Hal Katchum, Connie Smith, John Conlee and many more - will take place at the King’s Hall, Belfast - August 1st & 2nd. Tickets for the event are on sale now priced at £40 for one day or £75 for a weekend pass. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster nationwide and regionally from Camerons Ballymena, The Waterfront Hall Belfast, The Music Shop Cookstown, The Music Centre Letterkenny, The Millennium Forum, Derry and the Strule Arts Centre Omagh. Ulster Travel are the official UTV CountryFest 09 accommodation outlet Tel: For further details +44 (0) 28 8772 2985 see
www.jwpromos.com for further information.The ACOUSTIC FESTIVAL of BRITAIN 2009 will take place at Catton Hall Park, on the Derbyshire/Staffordshire Border - Late Spring Bank Holiday Weekend from Friday May 22nd/Saturday 23rd/Sunday 24th - and Monday 25th May. Artistes performing include;
Roger Hodgson - The Voice & Composer of Supertramp.
www.acousticfestival.co.uk
Many thanks to Country-France
France
pulls out all the stops for the 3rd COUNTRY BIKE FESTIVAL TOURS taking place 3rd to 5th July 2009 Billed as being for Cowboys,’Bikers’ and dancers inspired by the clubs of the region - who will be joined by Nathalie and Alain Menu, and Robert Wanstreet at Parc Des Expositions, the event will also feature Western riding competitions, livestock events. New this year are some rodeo styled competitions, including Barrel Racing (where cowboys race their quarter horses around barrels in a display of their athleticism, dexterity and speed) and ‘Roping’ (a two man team event showing how cowboys catch and rope a calf for branding). Country artists will be on stage throughout the weekend, including Charlie McCoy, and Gord Bamford (on his first visit to France). The Festival will close with a grand country ball. Festival Tours is also the meeting place for bikers and all things American! Discovery walk, parade, show biker, competition, run, bike expo, U.S. cars, trucks, Country Music, gospel concert and western strip-tease! Check the programme on http://www.country-bike-tours.com/ and book now.In the USA,
More artists are lining up to perform at a memorial concert for Loretta Johnson, one of three co-founders of the International Fan Club Organization (IFCO), June 9 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Nashville Palace (2611 McGavock Pike, Nashville–near Opryland). After a lengthy illness, Loretta passed away from bone marrow cancer in Nashville on April 13th at Alive Hospice. Artists currently scheduled to appear or perform at Loretta’s memorial concert include: Bryan White, Billy Yates, Charlie McCoy, Linda Davis, Buddy Jewell, Ty Herndon, Michael Peterson, Jimmie Van Zant, Lynn Anderson, Steve Hall & Shotgun Red, Ricky Lynn Gregg, David Ball, Baillie and the Boys, T. Bubba Bechtol, Annie Sims, Tommy Cash, David Church, Moore & Moore, Cerrito, Australian group The McClymonts, and French artist Pierre Lorry. The house band includes Brad and Kelly Orcutt and the Last Country Band with legendary steel guitarist, Weldon Myrick. Keith Bilbrey will emcee the event. Proceeds from the event benefit the Loretta Johnson Medical Fund. Because Loretta’s illness was lengthy, she left many medical bills. Direct contributions to her medical fund can be made to The Loretta Johnson Medical Fund, c/o IFCO, P.O. Box 40328, Nashville, TN 37204-0328. A silent auction at the event will include items donated by area businesses and celebrities. Those wishing to donate an item to the auction may contact Carrie Moore-Reed, Third Coast Talent, carrie_at_thirdcoasttalent_dot_com, or items can be mailed to her at Third Coast Talent, P.O. Box 334, Kingston Springs, TN 37082. A partial list of items already donated include items from The Grand Ole Opry, Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, Denise Jackson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Gene Watson, Gary Allan, Jett Williams, Jeannie Seely, Connie Smith, Mel Tillis, Bill Anderson, Johnny Lee, Lisa Wysocky, Judy Rodman, EZOrganizing, and Copley Guitars. Over the past forty years, IFCO has promoted and helped numerous country artists build their careers, and has also been instrumental in developing shows and festivals throughout the US and the UK. The annual “IFCO Fun Festâ€ð show is widely considered to be the precursor to “Fan Fair,â€ð known today as the “CMA Music Festival.â€ð This year, for the first time in over forty years, there will be no IFCO show. Instead, this non-IFCO sponsored memorial for Loretta Johnson will be held. Between running IFCO and taking care of Loretta, there was not enough time for Loretta’s sisters, IFCO co-founders Loudilla and Kay Johnson, to put together a show for 2009. Ticket prices are $30 reserved, $25 general admission. For tickets and other information, please contact benefit organizer, Terri Church, First Country Entertainment, tccountrymusic_at_aol_dot_com, 740-974-9885. The event is sponsored in part by Dreamwest (www.dreamwest.net) and Muse Revolution (www.muserevolution.com).Stan Hitchcock the visionary behind CMT, the Americana Television Network, and BlueHighways TV - has written an insightful memoir about the making of Nashville
’s Music Row, entitled ‘At The Corner of Music Row and Memory Lane’. The book release is set for 1:00 – 2:30 PM, June 10, 2009 at the historic Ernest Tubb Record Shop at 417 Broadway, Nashville, TN. Then from 4:30 to 6:00PM at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop #2, 2416 Music Valley Drive, Nashville, TN. The release will coincide with the 2009 CMA Fan Appreciation Week (June 11-16). On Sunday, June 7, 2009, Stan will be the featured guest on the Music Row Show, WLAC 1510 AM. Tune in from 7:00 to 9:00 PM to hear Stan’s first hand account of the making of Music Row. The Music Row Show is a locally produced talk radio show that features music industry pros. Many people write about country music, the Opry, and Nashville music scene, but Stan Hitchcock lived it. In his book filled with photographs of country music greats and vivid stories, Stan gives the reader a backstage, up-close-and-personal view of the making of Nashville’s country music scene. This is a guy who had one of the first television programs on WLAC-TV. It was during those early television programs that Stan learned about the magic of mixing music and the visual pull of TV. Stan is credited with being one of the pioneers of country music videos and, as we know today, those videos changed the face of country music forever. Stan was in Billy Sherrill’s office the day that Sherrill discovered Tammy Wynette. When he arrived, Stan noticed a pale, thin, shy blond sitting in the receptionist office, but did not pay much attention. Sometime later, the blonde was ushered into the office. Stan and Billy got the surprise of their lives, when they threaded her tape into Billy’s tape machine and pushed the button – out came one of the greatest female voices of all times. Stan Hitchcock’s book, ‘At The Corner of Music Row and Memory Lane’ is your personal backstage pass into a lifetime spent in the pursuit of music and the adventures along the way. http://www.bluehighwaystv.com/index.cfm http://hitchcockcountry.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 http://hitchcockcountry.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=44Chuck Mead - former front man of BR549 has emailed to say “Thanks to everyone who made it out to see us in May! It was great getting back on the road and reconnecting with old friends. We are heading out for another leg of the tour, this time to North Carolina, Virgina, back to Nashville, and then up to the Midwest. Check out the tour dates page for more info and other upcoming shows.â€ð
6-3-09 Wilmington, NC - The Soapbox
6-4-09 Asheville, NC - Grey Eagle Tavern & Music Hall - with Amy LaVere
6-5-09 Raleigh, NC - Berkeley Cafe
6-6-09 Mt. Airy, NC - B-52s
6-7-09 Virginia Beach, VA - The Jewish Mother
6-10-09 Nashville, TN - Robert's Western World
6-11-09 Ft. Collins Colorado - Lincoln Center (ETown radio broadcast)
6-14 thru 6-16-09 Green Bay, WI - Oneida Casino - with James Intveld
6-17-09 Chicago, IL - Schuba's - with James Intveld
6-19-09 Ann Arbor, MI - The Ark
6-20-09 Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom & Tavern - with James Intveld
6-22-09 Milwaukee, WI - Vnuk's Lounge - with Janes Intveld
6-23-09 Minneapolis, MN - Lee's Liquor Lounge - with James Intveld
6-26-09 Newport, KY - Southgate House
Chuck adds “Oh, I almost forgot, I am happy to report that my new solo
record, Journeyman's Wager, has been getting some great reviews. If you haven't
already, I hope you will check it
out. Both CD and vinyl are available from my
website. Hope to see you soon!â€ð
http://www.ChuckMead.com
Three-time Grammy award winning guitarist and Grand Ole Opry member, Steve Wariner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Member and 2009 Songwriting Hall of Fame Inductee, Felix Cavaliere, announced the names of those musicians who will be honoured at the 2009 Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum Awards Show on October 12, 2009 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Centre in Nashville. The inductees include some of the most influential and highly regarded musicians, producers and arrangers in music, of the last half century. The honourees are:
CHET ATKINS (MUSICIAN)
As a guitarist, musician, producer, record
label executive, and mentor, Chet Atkins, was one of the most influential
musical pioneers of the last half century. His contributions were pivotal in
helping young musicians everywhere. Atkins picking style elevated him in the
minds of others and brought him admirers both within and outside of the country
music scene, both nationally and internationally. Over the course of his career,
he produced records for a variety of artists including Perry Como, Elvis
Presley, Eddy Arnold, Jim Reeves, Jerry Reed, Skeeter Davis, Connie Smith,
Waylon Jennings, and others. He is well known as the co-creator, along with
Owen Bradley, of the "Nashville Sound," that expanded the appeal of
Country music to adult pop audiences.
BILLY COX (MUSICIAN)
West Virginia born bass guitarist and local
Nashville musician, Billy Cox, is best known for his longtime musical
relationship with Jimi Hendrix. Meeting in the early 1960's, while both were in
the army at Ft. Campbell, KY, they formed a relationship that would last until
Hendrix' passing. They would form, The King Kasuals, in Nashville, TN and when
invited to go with Jimi to England to start what would become the Jimi Hendrix
Experience, Cox had to decline because as he put it, 'I only had three strings
on my bass and not enough money to purchase a bus ticket to New York." Cox would
again reunite with his former bandmate in 1969, to play bass in the experimental
psychedelic/rock band, Band of Gypsys, as well as taking the stage with Hendrix
in 1969, at the legendary Woodstock Festival, forty years ago this coming
August.
DICK DALE (MUSICIAN)
Guitar innovator and stylist, Dick
Dale, was one of the most influential musicians in the creation of the
California surf sounds of the 1960's. From his stage work to his appearance in
the beach movies of the early 60's with Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello,
Dale made his mark on the guitar. His work with Leo Fender, changed the way
guitar amplifiers and speakers were not only used, but also the way they were
built. Fender recreated the guitar amplifier in order to meet the demands and
power of his playing. His stage presence influenced the name of such amplifiers
as "The Fender Showman," appropriately named after Leo Fender witnessed Dale
jumping from the amplifier to the floor and sliding on his knees on stage.
CHARLIE DANIELS (MUSICIAN)
Grammy Award winning, Grand Ole Opry
member, singer, fiddler, guitarist, songwriter, and country musician, Charlie
Daniels, has been performing the music he loves since the 1950's. From his
early days as a Nashville studio musician that included playing on Bob Dylan
albums, and recordings from Johnny Cash, Leonard Cohen, Al Kooper, Marty
Robbins, to becoming a number one hit songwriter with his platinum selling
"Devil Went Down To Georgia," to gaining status as one of the most beloved
figures in country music, Daniels continues touring and packing houses, as well
as giving of his time, energy, and talents performing tirelessly for men and
women in uniform, all over the world, who love his honest mixture of country and
southern rock influences, along with originality, that has lasted for over five
decades.
VICTOR FELDMAN (MUSICIAN)
Known as a "musician's musician,"
Victor Feldman saw his early years as a child prodigy and master of such
instruments as piano, percussion, organ, tympani, synthesizer, vibes and
marimba, turned professional when he sat in at the age of 10 with Glenn Miller's
Army Air Force Band. His flexibility throughout his career as a musician,
composer and singer, brought him opportunities to play and perform with everyone
from Miles Davis to Steely Dan. He recorded on many occasions with fellow
Musicians Hall of Fame inductees, The Wrecking Crew, and sadly passed away in
1987 at the age of 53.
FRED FOSTER (PRODUCER HONOR)
American songwriter, record producer,
and founder of Monument Records, Fred Foster, is credited with single
handedly starting the Monument Record Company and with the development of Rock
and Roll legend Roy Orbison'S major hits, including "Pretty Woman," "Only the
Lonely," "Crying," "Blue Bayou," and many more. Foster played a significant role
in Dolly Parton's early career, as wel as being instrumental in the signing of a
young Kris Kristofferson, with whom he co-wrote "Me and Bobby McGee." Foster
remains active as a producer, most recently producing Willie Nelson's 2006
Grammy nominated "You Don't Know Me: The Songs of Cindy Walker," and Nelson's
collaboration with Merle Haggard and Ray Price, "Last of the Breed," in
2007.
PAUL RISER (ARRANGER AWARD)
Grammy award winning arranger, Paul
Riser, is known as the most prolific arranger from Motown's golden years.
Riser progressed through his career from early musician to the arranger for
Motown's legendary Grammy winning studio musicians, The Funk Brothers. With hit
after hit, decade after decade, Riser was instrumental in putting Motown at the
top of the musical sound of the 60's and 70's. Among Riser's biggest hits as an
arranger are, "My Girl" and "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" (Temptations), Marvin
Gaye's "I Heard It Through The Grapevine," "My Cherie Amour," (Stevie Wonder),
"Tears of a Clown," (Smokey Robinson & The Miracles) and many more, as well
as arranging and co-writing "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted," by Jimmy
Ruffin, older brother of Temptations lead singer David Ruffin.
TOTO (MUSICIANS)
American rock band, TOTO, founded in 1977
by some of the most popular and experience session players of the era, became a
rock phenomenon with great commercial success in the late 70's/early 80's.
Original musicians, Jeff Porcaro, Steve Porcaro, David Hungate, David Paich,
Steve Lukather, and Mike Porcaro, were known for their technical skill in the
studio, as well as a musical style that combined elements of pop, rock, soul,
funk, progressive rock, hard rock, R&B, and jazz. Their broad array of
styles appealed to a variety of listeners. The band release 17 albums and has
sold over 30 million records to date. Although drummer Jeff Porcaro passed away
in 1992, the remaining members have continued performing their hits as well as
progressing their individual careers as studio musicians.
Nomination Process; Inductees are nominated nationally by the Musicians Union who has a membership of over 90,000 as well as a stellar list of other music industry professionals. Past inductees include: Booker T. & The MG's, The Crickers, Duane Eddy, Al Kooper, The Memphis Horns, The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, Billy Sherrill, The Nashville A-Team, The Blue Moon Boys, The Funk Brothers, The Memphis Boys, The Tennessee Two, and The Wrecking Crew.
According to CMT.com - Country Music
superstar, Alan Jackson, will make a rare club appearance in downtown Nashville on the night before the CMA Music Festival officially begins on June 11th. He will be at Cadillac Ranch, a restaurant and bar on Lower Broadway - and his concert is free and open to the public. However, the venue's Web site lists a capacity of 1,000 patrons, so it's pretty certain that this show will be one of the hottest tickets of the entire CMA Music Festival. Admission to the show will be on a first come, first served basis…..and wristbands for entrance will be distributed at the front doors of Cadillac Ranch beginning at 4:30 p.m. following the fifth annual CMA Music Festival kick-off parade. Adding to the momentum, Rodney Atkins will also serve as grand marshal of the festival's kick-off parade.Carrie Underwood: All-American Girl,
is a new exhibit scheduled to open on 11th June 2009, at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville.The weekly country music magazine ‘Country Weekly’ continues to keep readers updated with all sorts of information about their favourite artistes…including items like ‘How stars spend their cash‘; ‘What is something you’ve bought recently that you’re especially happy about? Country Weekly asked stars like Carrie Underwood, Rodney Atkins, Darius Rucker and others that very question––and their answers might surprise you! Rodney notes that his latest purchase was “an extension ladder,â€ð while Darius proved quite excited over his purchase of a big-screen TV. Find out more in this special section.’
Some 2009 events worth considering are;
Jun. 4-6 - BamaJam Music &
Arts Festival, Enterprise, AL
Jun. 11-14 - CMA Music Festival,
Nashville. TN
Jun. 19-21 - Nashville Songwriters Festival, Nashville.
TN
Jul. 15-18 - Country Thunder USA, Twin Lakes, WI
Jul. 17-26 -
Cheyenne Frontier Days, Cheyenne, WY
Aug. 1-2 - UTV Country
Fest, Belfast, Ireland
Sept. 23-27 - Gene Autry Film & Music
Festival, Gene Autry, OK
ABC-TV will air the 43rd Annual Country Music Association Awards on Wednesday, November 11th - live from the Sommet Centre in Nashville, Tennessee.
　
And….FINALLY
Paul Davis of New Christian Music
www.newchristianmusic.co.uk says he is hoping that religious establishments may consider hosting an inter-church meeting or concert - with invitations going to other neighbouring churches - with reference to the exciting forthcoming visit of TERRY WARREN to the UK in 2009-10 for an EVENING OF MUSIC & TESTIMONY. Paul says “There will be no ‘set fee’ charged. Rather, I would suggest a responsible gift be given to Terry to cover expenses and an honorarium. Remembering that this needs to cover all expenses (air-fare, car hire, petrol, work permit, food plus an honorarium etc), perhaps, this could be done on a love-offering or ticket basis. If you wish to discuss this matter please do so by phone. I do need a reply ASAP as the dates may need to be offered to another leader. A £15 per day booking-fee is payable to me upon confirmation of the booking please. Please confirm as soon as possible. Bookings, of course, will be on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and will have to fit in with the overall schedule of localities. Terry is anxious to be useful to local churches during this tour. Don't miss the opportunity!â€ðUK dates being actively offered for bookings;
(enq_at_newmusicenterprises_dot_com)12 NOV-10 DEC 2009 (December dates are Christmas Concerts)
& 4 FEB - 11 FEB 2010
12-14 FEB UKCMA Weekend Leighton Buzzard, Beds
15 FEB -11 MAR 2010
I cannot recommend Terry Warren more highly
.Paul adds “Talent-wise, he is ‘premiership’ material & highly suitable for Christian ministry in song.
Terry is a magnificent ballad singer (in 1997 he landed lead role of in Les Miserables on Broadway). He was also auditioned by Bill Gaither for the Gaither Vocal Band (he's on the short list). He has a dramatic testimony and winsome personality, well suited for British audiences. He was a great success at the National Christian Resources Exhibition (Sandown Park, Esher).
　
From Paul Davis and his excellent team at New Christian Music
www.newchristianmusic.co.uk comes the Christian music charts.　
NCM Country Chart W/E June 5 2009
NCM Euro Chart W/E 5 June 2009
* Please understand that information in this e-news letter comes from many different and generally reliable sources – and although efforts to verify the contents have been made – regrettably – its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.