Desert Bluegrass Association GRASS...

State of the Grass

“Doc” Simpson,

October 2010

Greetings Bluegrass Aficio-nados. Much like the swallows re-turning to Capistrano, it is our joy to welcome back so many of our members to the beauty of the Southwest de-sert. We are so glad you’ve returned. I’ve been wanting to tell you about an amazing thing that has been happening on Mon-day nights. Two years ago, the DBA’s Bluegrass Work-shop was brought to a close

because of cutbacks at the Udall Park center. But from the ashes, we relocated, re-shaped and re-energized the class. Christ Community Church offered us their choir room to meet in. So, we put the word out and started anew. Well, it wasn’t too long before we outgrew that space, so the choir director (Cindyrae Stang) graciously opened up their “Oasis Cen-ter” where we’ve had plenty of room to spread out! In the past two years we have seen the Workshop evolve into an exciting place to learn bluegrass. Every Monday night we’ve been averaging 35-45 students, even in the summer months. We meet at 6:30 pm and break into two learning tracks for the first 45 minutes. The Beginners track is for those who are learning chords and are new to the songs. Thanks to the creative work of Dave Polston, we now have a beginners’ set of songs planned for an entire

year. Each month beginners are learning three bluegrass classics through-and-through, even in different keys. So by the end of one year, beginners will have a repertoire of 33 songs! The Intermediate track is for those who want to practice instrumental leads in a group setting and focus on more diverse bluegrass tunes. Bill Paul has been drawing from his years of experience to lead the Intermediates, in-cluding having them break up into individual bands to perform new material. Then we break up by instru-ments (banjos, guitars, man-dolins) for a half hour of in-strument instruction. This really allows “instruments of a feather” to hang out with each other and learn specific aspects of that instrument. The remaining 45 minutes we all come back together for the “Grand Circle”.

Volume 15 Issue 4 October/November 2010

GRASS CLIPPINGS

Desert B luegrass Associa t ion

State of the Grass by President "Doc" Simpson

CONTINUED on PAGE 10

Newsletter Editor--Bonnie Lohman: For information concerning Letters to the Editor, Reviews, contributing newsletter articles, submitting Concert & Band Listing information

Webmaster--Bill Trapp: For information concerning the DBA website www.desertbluegrass.org contact the webmaster at [email protected]

Membership Secretary--Mike Headrick: To join the DBA, renew a membership or submit an address change, contact Mike via phone at (520) 760-0745, email [email protected] or snail mail 13308 Placita el Algodon Tucson, AZ 85749

Publicity--Mike Headrick: Contact Mike at (520) 760-0745 or [email protected]

Booking Bands--Bonnie Lohman: To book a DBA band for an event, phone 520-296-1231 or email [email protected]

Advertising--Bonnie Lohman: To purchase advertising in our newsletter, contact by phone or email

How to Contact the DBA

-OFFICERS-

1/4 PAGE--$25 PER ISSUE, $100 ANNUAL 1/2 PAGE--$40 PER ISSUE, $160 ANNUAL FULL PAGE--$60 PER ISSUE $240 ANNUAL CLASSIFIED ADS $5 FOR 5 LINES OR LESS DBA members free space permitting

The opinions expressed in the DBA newsletter are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the views of the Desert Bluegrass Association, is staff or members. Reviews, concert listings, band announcements and advertising are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement by the Desert Bluegrass Association. In the event of an error, our liability is limited to printing a correction. Copyright 2010,. All Rights Reserved.

PAGE 2 GRASS CLIPP INGS VOLUME 15 ISSUE 4

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

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

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

Treasurer: Barbara Van Hoesen (520) 777-8841 [email protected]

-TRUSTEES- Geoff Fox (520) 731-3601 [email protected] Bonnie Lohman (520) 296-1231 [email protected] Andy MacLeod (520) 237-9832 [email protected]

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

MEMBERSHIP DISPLAY ADS PRICES

VOLUME 15 ISSUE 4 GRASS CLIPP INGS

GRASS CLIPP INGS VOLUME 15 ISSUE 4

Open Mic's

Borders Bookstore Open Mic's - Acoustic Music Oracle just S of Wetmore 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month from 6:30 to 10:00

Family Bluegrass Night

Practiced Bands On-Stage Indoors! Jamming Outside!

O'Shaughnessy's Steakhouse & Piano Bar 2200 N. Camino Principal (Right behind Tanque Verde BrakeMaster & Dairy Queen) For dining reservations call 296-SING (7464) The first Tuesday of every month from 7:00 to 9:00PM Come out and enjoy listening to Tucson bluegrass musicians showcase their talent at a venue unlike any other. Organized groups will perform inside the restaurant. Jamming is highly encouraged on the outside covered patio. Bring the kids and enjoy some great bluegrass music! To sign-up and play on the inside stage area contact Bill Paul at 520-256-4592

Bluegrass Open Mic Jam

Hosted by Cadillac Mountain every other Monday at the HUT on Fourth Avenue from 6:30 - 10:00pm Each person or group will get to play three or four songs. If any one would like some extra musicians, we will be there to help with the picking. Further info, [email protected].

Great Websites

Desert Bluegrass Associatiom www/desertbluegrass/org Bluegrass Arizona Blog: www.bluegrassarizona.blogspot.com Banjo: www.banjohangout.org Fiddle: wwwlfiddlehangout.com Dobro: www.reso-nation.org or www.resohangout.com Bass: www.bluegrassbassplace.com Daily Dose of Bluegrass;www.bluegrassonthetube.com

Radio

The Bluegrass Radio Show with Milo Saturday 10 am - 12 noon KXCI 91.3 FM

Instruction

Bill Breen Scruggs style banjo by ear. 520-544-2418 www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/music.asp Corrine Cortese Fiddle lessons 520-235-3199 Rudy Cortese Banjo lessons 520-954-2103 Nick Coventry Fiddle lessons 805-252-1851 Greg Morton Bluegrass Guitar lessons 520-682-2558 Peter McLaughlin Flatpick & bluegrass guitar: Beginner & advanced 520-529-2992 Mike Purdy Guitar & mandolin 520-318-0659 J.P. Thom-Gronachan Banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, theory 520-682-6201


Associations

Arizona Bluegrass Association 7257 N. 50th Dr. Glendale, AZ 85301 Rick Rhodes--Chair 623-435-8406 [email protected] www.azbluegrass.org International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) 207 E. Second Street

Owensboro, KY 42303 502-926-7891 So. Arizona Old Time Fiddlers Association 3020 W. Avenida Cresta Tucson, AZ 85745 Info: Wilbur 520-743-7086 Tucson Friends of Traditional Music Info: 520-408-6181 www.tftm.org Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association PO Box 26531 Tucson, AZ 85726 www.tkma.org Tucson Old Time Music Circle [email protected] Brad 520-818-0260 www.totmc.org

Bands

Bear Canyon Ramblers Marilyn 520-760-0479 [email protected] www.bearcanyonramblers.com

Cadillac Mountain Corrine 520-235-3199

Crystal Ridge Brian Davies 520-349-9497 www.musictucson.com

Desert Sun String Band Charlie Sides 520-579-5918 www.myspace.com/desertsunstringband

Dusty River Boys Mary Ann McCracken 520-977-8113

Greg Morton 520-682-2558

Los Hombres Kenny Erickson 520-235-7473

Manzanita Bluegrass Reid Griffin 520-349-4321 [email protected]

Peter Mc Laughlin 520-529-2992

The Bost Family Tradition Jeff Bost 520-432-5053 [email protected]

The Busted Cowboy Band Jim Koweek 520-455-5387

Titan Valley Warheads Ed Davenport 520-622-3699

Way Out West Emmy Creigh 520-323-0704

Whistle Stop Carol Pearse 623-780-8414 [email protected] http://www.myspace.com/whistlestopbluegrass

One or more players must be a member of the DBA to list your jam or band.

Jams All DBA sponsored jams and performances are listed on the DBA website at www.DesertBluegrass.org

Emeritus Retirement Center Jam 8151 S. Speedway Blvd 5:30-6:30 PM Info: JoAnn [email protected] Southern AZ Old Time Fiddlers Assn. Southwest Community Center Cardinal Ave, Tucson, AZ Tuesday 7 PM Info: Wilbur 520-743-7086 Tradition Acoustic Bluegrass Jam Sessions Tempe, AZ Wednesday 7-10 PM Please call for confirmation of dates Info: Howard or Susan 480-897-7425

Catalina Mountain Chapter of the AZ Old Time Fiddlers Association 3rd Monday at 7 PM Info: Laura 520-743-9491 Autoharp jam Glass Onion Café 1990 W. River Road Tuesday 1-4 PM Info: Bonnie 520-349-4812

CLASSIFIED ADS

For Sale

D41 Martin guitar, 1999, excellent shape F5L Gibson mandolin 1999 Bill 520- 648-3224 Student cello with bag and bow. Bonnie 520-296-1231


Letters & E-Mails to the Editor

Hi Doc, This is Anni Beach. I just wanted to let you know what an amazing thing you are doing in Tucson with the beginner/intermediate workshop for bluegrass. As you know Neil, Francisco, and I came last Monday night as it seemed like a very interesting thing. And I wanted to connect with Tucson people who have always been so wonderful to Jam Pak. All three of us got a lot out of it and we were impressed by the enthusiasm of all the people. Music, and making it together, seems to be one of the most satisfying and creative things that people can do. I hope that some of those people there will pass this new skill on to children. I would encourage them to do so even at the beginner level. They may be the best ones as they are not so caught up in their own band work yet. I have found that those who already are heavy into a band really have a hard time to give to the beginners or the little guys on a continuing basis. You are doing a fantastic job-it was such a delight to see. Please let Bonnie and the others know. In the music, Anni Beach Jam Pak Blues 'N' Grass Neighborhood Band Hello Anni: Thank you for your kind words. Our goal has been to create a safe & fun learning environment for beginners & intermediates. Our motto is “Have the courage to be imperfect.” The idea is to challenge students to try out new skill sets without worrying whether they goof up. It’s just us, and we’re all learning. We were so honored to have you, Neil and Francisco drive so far to be part of our circle. Please know our gathering will always welcome you. By-the-way, what about having a special Jam Pak afternoon? We could get the Workshop and regular DBA members to have a special gathering and dinner. Maybe the church would allow us to use their kitchen facility, we could have a couple hours of instruction for the kids and our students, have dinner, and wrap up with a Jam Pak performance. Keep on Pick’n, Paul “Doc” Simpson Doc, What are you saying!?! You know Bluegrass is Never “Safe” :@)> Reid (Griffin) Good Job Bro!

Pot Luck Supper and Band Scramble Come One, Come All

Again this year, on Saturday night, January 29, 2011, during the Pinal County Agri-County Bluegrass Festival we will be holding a Pot Luck Supper and Band Scramble. This will be in coordination with the Arizona Bluegrass Association and the Desert Bluegrass Association. It will be held in Building 3, directly behind the out door stage and will start at 6:00 p.m. Everyone is asked to bring a dish to share with 8 to 10 people and your own plates and utensils. Coffee and punch will be provided. Following dinner we will hold a band scramble on the outdoor stage. We had a great time last year so plan to attend. For additional information contact Klyle Stall at (520) 421-2596 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Violin Makers Association Open House On Wednesday, October 13th at 7 p.m. the Violin Makers Association of Arizona, International (VMAAI) is holding an Open House during its annual convention and competition (ongoing since 1958, and with an international membership). More than 50 newly hand-made violins, with some cellos and some violas, will be available to examine and play. In addition, the makers will be present for personal conversation and discussion. The makers themselves take this opportunity to sample the instruments they are competing against, and you as a guest are free to wander all around the ballroom, sampling any instrument that intrigues you. The atmosphere created by a ballroom full of music-lovers is also particularly enjoyable! Location: Randolph Park Hotel, 102 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson. In the Ballroom. If you have questions, contact Bill Barnitz at [email protected]

GRASS CLIPP INGS PAGE 8 VOLUME 15 ISSUE 4

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The Bluegrass Festival on October 29-31 is just around the corner. This year many of us have taken over some of the work that Mike has been doing every year. His hard work in the past has brought us many successful festivals. My name is Jack Arnold and I have been volunteering at the festival for the past couple of years. I am in charge of the volunteers this year. With the new venue this year we will still have two entry gates. However there is a nice stage and seating area so we will not have the set up that we have had in the past. There will still be plenty to do and I need to have all available members help out. There will be an organizational meeting on Wednesday, October 13 at 6:00 PM at the Udall Center. There I will go over the jobs, rules and layout of the facility. I will have signup sheets as we have done in the past. Four hours of work will get you a pass for the festival. Plan to attend and sign up to do your part to make this another great Festival. If you have any questions you can reach me at 820 6654. See you on Wednesday, October 13 at 6:00 PM at the Udall Center.

Tucson Film & Music Festival 6th Annual October 7 - 11, 2010

www.tucsonfilmandmusicfestival.com Thursday, October 7th Cinema La Placita. 110 S. Church Avenue. Tickets $3. 7:30 pm Unbroken: The Pearl Bluegrass Circle (Regional Premiere) Dir. Winston Hall; Exec. Prod. Donna Chance Mystic Films, LLC USA/2010/75 min. www.unbrokendocumentary.com Welcome to Pearl, Texas - a town so small it was once taken off the map. Join the colorful townspeople who gather monthly in the old schoolhouse for an impromptu bluegrass jam, where everyone is accepted. "Unbroken" offers a glimpse into the humble, down-to-earth spirit and unique authenticity of this under-the-radar bluegrass mecca.

Bands Wanted

The 2011 Pinal County Agri-County Bluegrass Festival is scheduled for the Weekend of January 28-30 2011, at the Pinal County Fair Grounds. There is a great bad line up for the main stage, which includes the Hillbenders, Digger Davis and Tombstone, The Hey Boys, Headline Bluegrass Band and Tangled Strings. Like we had last year we will be running a second stage outdoors and are looking for groups to perform on it for Saturday and Sunday. We already have the Jam Pac Blues "N" Grass Neighborhood Band and a couple of other groups wanting to perform but are looking for bands to fill the times. Unfortunately we are unable to pay for these bands but it is a great opportunity to promote your band and be seen on stage. Old Blue Sound will be running the sound for us this year on both stages so. Bands performing on stage will receive free admission for band members and one guest per band member, on the days they perform. Groups performing on the out door stage can also sell their CD if they have them. A table will be provided next to the outdoor stage for this purpose. Groups wishing to perform can contact Klyle Stall at telephone (520) 421-2596 or e-mail: [email protected] for more information. Those groups that performed on the outdoor stage last year had a great time and the audiences were great. This is a great opportunity to promote you band and to support a great and growing festival.


Sometimes we have guest instructors, which have included Dave Lanham, Bonnie Loh-man, Miller McPherson, Greg Morton, Carol Oldenburg, and the members of Chrystal Ridge. Wow! In September many at the Workshop started meeting 45 minutes early to learn Christmas carols in order to prepare for some special gigs we’re going to be playing this December. So, let me tell you the miracle I’ve been seeing. From middle-schoolers to retirees, our students have been learning bluegrass in a safe and fun environment. I see more and more of them showing up at regular jams – ready to spread their wings and fly! And from within our ranks leaders have appeared. Bill Paul, Gene Collins, Reid Griffin, and Dave Polston have taken turns leading the Workshop. Early on, Marshall Vest (the “Professor”) started monthly instrument clinics at the 17th Street Market. JoAnne Shifflet initiated a monthly performance at a retirement facility. This has allowed our students to try out their new skills in front of a very appreciative audience. Andy MacLeod took over the manage-ment of the membership (name tags, weekly email blasts, and organizing members’ infor-mation), and Cindy Paul has taken on the duties of directing traffic. And somewhere in the middle of all of this, I have come to realize how much I love this family of bluegrass nut-jobs. It is my conviction that providing the Workshop is one of the most important things the DBA does. It is how we “grow our own.” The students of the Workshop are bluegrasses’ future. They represent the next generation of seasoned players – passing along our impor-tant traditions to future “newbies” who haven’t yet discovered they are crazy about blue-grass. So, when Monday night rolls around, think about turning off that TV and come be a part of something phenomenal. We have plenty of room for those who want to learn and a des-perate need for experienced players to teach one-on-one. Keep on the grass, “Doc” Simpson

President's Message (continued)

Over Jordan Bill Stiver, past DBA Board Member and faithful Thirsty's grinner, passed away December 29, 2009 from complications due to his Parkinson's disease. Born September 12, 1923 Died December 29, 2009 We will miss seeing Bill at our jams.


Welcome to Our New Members

Roy Couser Tucson Ginger Sypolt Tucson Rick Leake Tucson Bill Cox - Gilbert, AZ LeAnn Latham Tucson MacDonald Family Tucson Nancy Riccio Flagstaff Joseph Turner Tucson Tony Williams Tucson Ed "Spike" Wolfensberger Tucson E J Ricotta Tucson Larry Martell - Superstition Ridge Bluegrass Band Scottsdale

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October/November 2010 Volume 15, Issue 4 A NON-PROFIT VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION

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

Complete this form then mail it, along with your personal check or money order payable to Desert Bluegrass Association, to:

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