BLUEGRASS WEEKEND

Finding time to get back in the studio seems to be eluding me lately....but for good reasons.....my recent girlfriend art camp for one.....and over the weekend, for the 10th year in a row, we attended Bluegrass First Class.

It's an annual indoor bluegrass festival that features nearly non-stop music for over 12+ hours each day.  My butt is sore!!

The best known, most professional acts have been on this stage for 21 years.  The 'Queen of Bluegrass"  Rhonda Vincent is one such example. Now this is the way I'd like to travel....that is if a private plane is out of the question!

Most artists in this field of music are not glitzy like the country music stars often are.  She's the exception....high energy, glamour, and great music are a given at all her appearances.

The quality of musicians is outstanding.....just when you think a group can not achieve any higher standards....they do.  This young man on the left is....wait....drum roll......16 years old!!!  He's not considered excellent because of his age.....he is truly an excellent fiddle player.  Incredible in fact!  He's still in high school getting mostly A's with 2 B's.....while still traveling with a group called Sideline.

Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver is a group we've seen and enjoyed enormously many times.  He's the only male bluegrass star I can think of who dresses more 'country' than bluegrass.

I wasn't expecting too much from this group......students at Eastern Tennessee State in Johnson City, TN.  It's the first university in the country to offer a bachelor degree in Bluegrass music.  Graduates are now finding their way into some of the top touring groups in the country.  The fiddler on the left is only 20, hails from Canada and is winning fiddle contests all over the country.

One really special aspect of this festival is the organizer's dedication to offer opportunities to young players.  Generally the first 2 acts each day are just that. It provides them with experience and the chance to rise or fall as their talent warrants.  Kinda like the instructors that enter the quilt circuit.

The Bluegrass World is VERY family oriented. Audiences are super respectful, no talking during performances, no drunks, no disruptive shouting or other craziness, no smoking, no cell phones....I NEVER ever heard one ring in all the years we've been going.  Can't say that for quilt lectures or workshops!!   Oh....there is cheering, clapping, and well deserved standing ovations.....but all very civil.

Here's Lou Reid's 2 year old grandson who charmed the whole room as he stood on the stage for the opening song performed by one of my all time favorite groups, The Seldom Scene. 

The Seldom Scene's last founding member, Ben Eldridge retired in January.  You can see his photo on the screen which almost looks like an obituary.  Many people feel a sense of mourning, he was that loved.  His banjo style has often been copied but never duplicated.  We were delighted to be the first to hear his replacement....who plays every string instrument in the bluegrass arsenal....plus he has a great voice.  All in the family....he's the brother of the upright base player.

So....if you are a bluegrass fan....I hope you enjoyed this brief look at a wonderful annual festival held every February in Asheville, NC.  If you aren't.....hey......listen to one of the best songs they ever recorded....click here.

MOUNTAIN MUSIC

I've talked about our love of Bluegrass music many times on this blog.....the proximity of great nearby shows/concerts was definitely in the 'pro' column during our discussions whether or not to move here.

Balsam Range is a local group that has hit it HUGE.....each winter they host a concert series in a small restored theater in the paper town of Canton, NC. Most of the members have been playing music professionally all their lives and luckily for us, they feature some of their very talented friends at the shows.

My photo isn't good but that doesn't reflect on the quality of these two guests.  Trey Hensley's voice was like no other I ever heard......so very powerful!  But his guitar playing was nothing short of unbelievable.  Truly genius.  I'm guessing he's probably in his late 30's......but get this....he played the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville when he was only 9, plus played at the White House twice before he got out of his teenage years!!

Rob Ickes has been awarded the International Bluegrass Music Association's 'Dobro Player of the Year' award 15 times......having the opportunity to hear the best of the best will not be forgotten soon.

BLUEGRASS WEEKEND

As long time readers of this blog know.....I'm an avid bluegrass fan. We are so fortunate to have access to so many talented groups that pass through this area.  Each February 'Bluegrass First Class' - a 2+ day festival is held in Asheville. Live performances run 12 hours a day in the showroom, but everywhere in the hotel, music can be heard at every hour from the open doorways of rooms as the 'jams' are non-stop.

Without going to check the line-up sheet....I'm guessing we saw 12 different groups.  Here are some highlights.

I was excited to see Dale Ann Bradley's group this year for the first time.  This 5 time IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) female vocalist of the year did not disappoint.

 Russel Moore and lllrd Tyme Out plays annually and they never disappoint. Every member of that group is outstanding.....with loads of awards to their names.

 Rhonda Vincent also performs every year......professional, entertaining, and toe tapping.

 I'm partial to the dobro....an instrument that looks similar to a guitar....with what looks like a hub cab on top!  Normally, one or maybe two groups will feature one....this year, to my delight, that number was much higher.

 Doyle Lawson (and his group) has appeared the last two years at this festival. If you listen to Sirius radio (Bluegrass channel).....I swear you'll hear one of his recordings every hour.  A tribute to his longevity in bluegrass. His flashy clothing is more at home in the country music world, but it suits this 70+ gentleman so well.

 Then there's the new kids.......Joe Dean who may now but all of 21 has probably been playing professionally since he was 16.....and can he play the banjo!!!!  Wow...

Here's the really new kids on the block....none over the age of 25.  Flatt Lonesome just won the 2015 IBMA Emerging Artist of the Year Award.  There's something about family groups who sing together....the harmony is hard to beat.  With the exception of the shorter male playing the upright base.....the others are siblings.  Older sister on the left (at age 24)....in the center is Buddy....who is a twin of Charly on the right.  The blend of their voices sound like they have come straight from heaven.

The evening session began at 6:00 PM.....we didn't get to bed that night until 1:45 AM.  My butt is dragging now......

BLUEGRASS AT ITS BEST

I love Bluegrass music.....it makes me so happy! Fortunately, we have an abundance of opportunities to hear great groups right in our backyard.  The group, Dailey & Vincent continue to outshine them all.  Professional in every way and yet in the sold out concert I just attended....I'm sure every person in the 1,500 strong audience thought they came just to play and interact personally with them.

I took a short toe tapping video to share with you but for the life of me I can't upload it to blogger.  So....please treat yourself.....click here....and then click on the video link directly below the header on the right side to hear what the fuss is all about.   

TAPPING OUR TOES

Here's a subject you've read about here more than once.....my love of Bluegrass music.....

We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to experince excellent live concerts frequently in our own backyard.  We attend a sold out concert series each winter featuring Balsam Range, a local band that has become world famous. 

Their latest award winning album is called Papertown....a nod to Canton, NC where the local paper mill continues to keep area residents employed...though like so many other industries, it's not as large as it once was.

You might enjoy this song  which was nominated for IBMA's Song of The Year.  The group brought in some of their friends....famous, famous friends to play along. They are all 'studio' musicians....who have worked for every "A" list artist in the industry.  A for instance; the drummer is flown all over the world to play with Willie Nelson!

MORE BLUEGRASS BUZZ

This is all about Bluegrass......if that interests you read on....if not.....I'll be back to blogging fiber related posts as soon as I have time to get back to my ongoing projects...grinning.....

Despite weather challenges, the annual Bluegrass First Class weekend successfully concluded in Asheville last night at 1:00 AM (wayyyy tooo late for us old folks).  However, as morning came too early for me, many folks staying at the hotel are probably just now ending their all-night pickin'.  

 As the show ends each year, we can not imagine how the entertainment can be topped the next, but was.  This event has become known for the reunions the organizers magically arrange (with tons of hard work I'm sure).  

If you are a Bluegrass fan, perhaps you'll recognize folks in these photos.....but I'll refrain from detailing everyone for fear I'll scare the rest of you away.

Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver is a group that ALWAYS features the best musicians that also have incredible vocal skills.  Totally professional in every way.

 Doyle Lawson is known for being a task master and his flashy jackets....more often seen in the Country Western music industry than in Bluegrass.  I'm exhausted after 2 days of simply listening to music.....he's 70 years old and has a grueling travel schedule....

 What a thrill it was to see and hear members of his original band dating back to April 1979.  (Prior to that Doyle was with the group the Country Gentlemen.)
At first when he came on stage, I was surprised to see him wearing a corduroy jacket.....so 1970's.  Then it struck me......he did it because he was recreating the band, if even for only a short moment in time.  AND...to think the darn jacket still fit him!!

It seems everyone has worked for Doyle at one time in their career.....here's another look at the composition of the group later.....the fellow on the guitar is Jamie Daily.....of the Daily and Vincent group.

 My first very favorite Bluegrass group was the Seldom Scene Though the banjo player, Ben Aldridge is the only original member, the group holds true to its traditional sounds.  Their name was selected because they began as a musicians who just wanted to play together, and thought they should keep their day jobs since earning a living playing music was seemingly impossible.  They are still.....seldom seen!

 The most professional, entertaining, quality group in Bluegrass today, in my humble opinion, is Daily and Vincent.  Their awards could fill warehouses.....  The kid playing the guitar in the back is from Bryson City, NC....just up the road  from where we live......his talent is astonishing....and he's only 20!!

I'll leave you with this photo.  What a surprise to see two Go-Pros attached to instruments....one on an upright base and one on a guitar.  Don't know what that is??  Visit here....and check out some videos that are amazing.

One final comment.....Bluegrass fans are always respective audiences....they are not are not chatting with each other during songs, no cell phones are ever heard ringing, and everyone is very responsive to the artists talents.  Here is a link of some videos of various groups  'the husband' has taken.  Do check out Rhonda Vincent/Tod the Bod, I still laugh thinking about the antics of Tod.  The majority of Bluegrass shows do not serve alcohol.....so this is a bit unusual....but at least he was a happy drunk!   

19th ANNUAL BLUEGRASS FIRST CLASS

We await the weekend closest to Valentine's Day every year when one of the best bargains in live entertainment is held in Asheville.  It's called Bluegrass First Class.  And it's certainly a FIRST CLASS event for Bluegrass lovers.  It's a small venue....with big time groups playing music for a minimum of 12 hours a day.

Each year it seems we have to worry and contend with bad weather.  Just when we thought the after affects of our recent big storm were over......meaning we could drive to Asheville and back without ice/snow, we woke to near blizzard conditions today.  Ice is covering our roads again. It looks like the sun is trying to peek out just now so with any luck, it will melt enough for us to get back there today.  Some of our favorites groups will begin playing at noon.  

Yes, I'm sooooo over this winter and almost feel bad about complaining because I know so many other areas have been impacted far worse than we have.  Yet, we moved from Wisconsin to avoid this sort of thing!!

Russel Moore &  IIIrd Tyme Out (with two new band members that did NOT disappoint) put on two great sets.....

 The headliner on Friday is always Rhona Vincent and the Rage.  Fabulous entertainers doing what they always do so well.....

We've been watching her career escalate for years and years......at 51 she sure can belt out the songs and play the mandolin like she was a teen.

BLUEGRASS IN THE MOUNTAINS

We've loved Bluegrass long before moving to the mountains of NC was even a blink in our long term planning.  In fact, 'the husband' was just commenting that 50 years ago this past week, he and a friend saw Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs at Orchestral Hall in Chicago!  Now, you gotta be a fan to remember a specific event/date!!

Rhonda Vincent and the Rage (her band) preformed in the area last night....to a FULL house. One of the many reasons we admire Bluegrass bands, is their absolute loyalty to their fans.  Like Country Western stars and the various car racing associations.....they are grateful to their fan base and make themselves so available for autographs and 'shake and howdy' as they say it!

This is a terrible photo.......and it's terrible that my short video didn't turn out either so you could hear their music.  (Technology....grrrr)

So often I've lamented that I don't draw......when I really should be wishing to be able to sing/play an instrument.....or how about write a song....what would that feel like.  Amazing I'm sure......

MOUNTAIN MUSIC

One of our favorite activities is attending live Bluegrass music events.  We've heard about the Thursday night 'jam' at Zuma's Coffee House in Marshall, NC for a long time.  As is usually the case, travel time in the mountains is twice or more longer than the actual distance would normally require since there are no direct routes.

However, we finally made the trek and had an enjoyable evening.

 Zuma's is a small place....so get there early if you plan to come.  Everyone appeared to know each other but were very welcoming of newcomers.  The musicians played up front by the windows....and in the tiny space between where the tables began....energetic folks tapped their heels and swung their arms as they danced with great big smiles on their faces.  So fun to watch...

Besides every kind of coffee/tea drink you can think of....their sandwiches are modestly priced and quite good.

  Bobby Hicks is the headliner on these Thursday events.   An iconic Bluegrass fiddler who still can play with the best of them.

Another charming part of these types of casual events is seeing the next generation get an opportunity to play before a live crowd.

So, if you are ever in Marshall, NC, stop in and enjoy Zuma's.

BLUEGRASS HISTORY WAS MADE....

If you aren't a bluegrass music lover...you won't give a hoot about this post.....except perhaps to smile at the thought of the famous words spoken by John Belushi in the movie "Blues Brothers".

"WE ARE GETTING THE BAND BACK TOGETHER!!"

Saturday night, at Bluegrass First Class you could have heard a pin drop before each of the artists of the Bluegrass Album Band were introduced....followed by a thundering applause and lots of happy memories for many folks.

Here's what Wikipedia says about this group:

Bluegrass Album Band was a bluegrass supergroup, founded by Tony Rice and J.D. Crowe in 1980.^[1] Originally, there was no intention to build a group and the main reason for the collaboration was to record a solo album for Tony Rice. They found that this cooperation could work and the result was an album called The Bluegrass Album, released in 1981, with 5 more volumes of music to follow.^[2] On September 5, 2012, they announced a reunion show to be held at Bluegrass First Class in Asheville, NC on February 16, 2013. This event will reunite the Bluegrass Album Band with their former manager and promoter, Milton Harkey.^[3]

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'The husband' and I were there.....what an accomplishment Milton Harkey achieved by 'getting the band back together'.  Alas, it was only for one night....they were to play for appx. an hour +.......happily with a standing room only crowd....and numerous standing ovations we were treated to the best in Bluegrass music for much longer.  It was 2:00 AM before I turned my light out Saturday night...oops...Sunday morning!

In the photo, are the original members of that first album....L to R.....Bobby Hicks playing the fiddle, Doyle Lawson on mandolin, Tony Rice (center on the guitar who has been VERY ill....and up to that morning, it wasn't guaranteed that he'd be well enough to attend, sadly it appears he may have done his last encore)....  Todd Phillips on the bass, and the new comer Josh Williams.....who got the opportunity of a lifetime, singing and playing with this band to replace the vocals that Tony Rice can no longer do.  Finally, there was JD Crowe on the banjo.

I know of one blog reader who will understand what a really big deal this was....so Mary B. this post is for you.  I have now heard the best there ever was....and perhaps best there ever may be.....

So, before I get too sentimental here....let's lighten it up.  How about Doyle Lawson's jacket??  A country gentleman with style!  Here he's playing with his own current band in the afternoon. 

I was glad to be able to include Joe Dean (on the banjo) too.  Joe is now with Doyle's group after being with the very, very, internationally sought after group Dailey and Vincent.  Perhaps this is another "I can" example.  Despite the huge amazing success of the group he'd been in....he recently moved to Doyle Lawson's band.  They say Doyle has 'trained' more successful professional bluegrass artists than just about anyone.  Joe will expand his skills into different styles we are sure and will be a stand out for years to come.  BTW....he started playing with Daily & Vincent when he was only 18!!!  I know...he still looks 18!

By the time any of you who've gotten to the end of this 'personal love affair with Bluegrass' post......I'll be on my way to Hampton, VA to lecture and teach at the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival with 'the husband and 'the dog' holding down the fort at home.

I hope I'll be able to post during my teaching stint but perhaps not since paying $12.95 for hotel room Internet access is not in my budget!  I'll keep a good photo journal going to share when I get home if necessary...and come and say howdie to me if you are attending.

BLUEGRASS FIRST CLASS 2013

Every February, Asheville, NC is host to my favorite Bluegrass Festival.  It's held in a small venue....only about 800 tickets are available.  We were fortunate to be seated this year in the second row....center aisle!  Talk about up close and personal....and when I say 2nd row....I mean we were no more than 10-12' from the stage!

This post isn't so much about the music....which was fabulous as always.  Instead, I want to point out how the "I can" attitude can push help to achieve success.  Often in our frustration.....and I probably should be saying....often in MY frustration....that positive statement takes a back seat.  Eventually, I get there....but it's good for us to know that no matter what our passion in life is....saying "I can" is so vital.

The event is called, Bluegrass First Class....and that inspired my 'stamp' quilt "Bluegrass Forever".  The quilt is now the property of the show organizers and I was thrilled to see it publicly hanging at the registration desk of the host hotel.

 Every inch of this large convention hotel center is teaming with 'pickers'.  Right off the lobby a stage was set up where young and old non-professionals played to the delight of the attendees.

Many hotel room occupants leave their doors open for people to wander in and 'jam'....there is music everywhere at all time of the day and night.  However, there is a 'quiet wing' for those that actually wish to sleep at night!

 Back to the "I can" theme of this post.  This photo says it all.......

 This is the James King Band......a group I've seen many times and always especially enjoy the vocals of the band leader (center on the guitar).  One would never know by his professional presentation that he is struggling with the death of his daughter in a auto accident.

 Michael Cleveland's band....Flame Keepers is a high energy bluegrass group.  We've never seen this amazing fiddler player (Michael Cleveland himself!) not performing to his best...always a huge smile on his face.  He's blind.....and we think we have challenges to overcome!

 In an almost all male industry, Christen Scott Benson has won the highest awards in the industry for her skill on the banjo.  She plays with the Lonesome River Band.

And finally......'yes I can' is certainly important here.   The mandolin player on the left is now the son-in-law of the very, very famous Rhonda Vincent (right).

So.....today let's all say....yes I can!!!

BLUEGRASS CHRISTMAS

Since moving to Western North Carolina mountain area we've made several trips to Nashville, TN to attend the Grand Ole Opry, held at the historic Ryman Theater in the winter months.

No shows were scheduled during Christmas this year.....but luckily our favorite, internationally known Bluegrass group, Daily and Vincent had a show at the Performing Arts Center in Franklin, NC.

Each time we see this group we swear they can't get any better....and every time they do.  So....sit back and enjoy this short video I took.....and catch the Christmas Spirit.

SUMMER BLUEGRASS

One of the many positives about living in our Western North Carolina location is the abundance of opportunities to enjoy fabulous Bluegrass music.

We attended a Gibson Brothers concert last night in Franklin, NC at the Performing Arts Center.  Though we know their music, we've never seen a live show....and we were not disappointed.

Take a listen....

....one always needs to keep their eyes open as inspiration can be found everywhere....including bathroom doors as seen at this theater.  I loved how they used what appeared to be Corning Glass decorator panels in the door....opaque enough for privacy but it allowed light to filter into the stall.   

BLUEGRASS IN REVIEW

Bluegrass First Class 2012 has come and gone......we are already anticipating next year's event.

I hesitate to rave about it so much......because it's such a small venue, last minute ticket purchases are not always possible....so think ahead if this sounds like fun to you.

Besides the 'big name acts' who play in the showroom area.....other groups play in the lobby area, workshops are held in conference rooms, pickers play EVERYWHERE....hotel room doors are open, they are on the veranda, on their balconies.....if there is a banjo, guitar, fiddle within reach....someone is playing them. 

 Imagine this?  Some folks actually wish to sleep at night!!

Bluegrass is often called 'old time music'......yet advancements in musical instruments do make their way into some groups.  The bass player (left) in the Darrell Webb Band is an example.....his bass is not the typical upright style we commonly see.

Now...this was an amazing sight...this young man playing the mandolin in the James King Band is left handed.  Yet....he's playing a right handed mandolin, strung for a right handed player.....he plays it upside down....and plays it very, very well!

This is how a mandolin is normally played.....(Russell Moore & 111rd Tyme Out Band).

Almost every year we are delighted to see the Seldom Scene (from the Washington DC area)....this is THE bluegrass group that won my heart way back in the 1970's.  I still love them!

And....last but not least....our own Haywood County IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) award winning Bluegrass artist from the group, Balsam Range.....who won 'song of the year' for their song "Trains I Missed".  His name is Buddy Melton, who lives in the same mountain valley we do.