GRASS CLIPPINGS - Desert Bluegrass
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Volume 21 Issue 2 June 2015/July 2015 GRASS CLIPPINGS DESERT BLUEGRASS ASSOCIATION MARANA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL 2015 BY Jim Sanchez, DBA Trustee Well another year has come and gone in the life of the MBF! It is always changing and has become Southern Arizona’s only bluegrass festival and a success. All reports from the attendees were positive. Although the attendance was down from 2014 we believe it is only a matter of time before crowds will be in the 2000 attendance range. Again, the food vendors were very happy as they made money and want to come back for 2016. Our headliner Jeff Scroggins was impressed with the festival and was a proud father, his youngest son was the 3rd place winner of our first Guitar Flatpicking Contest. Several people came up to me to share with me that they like our band format Continued on Page 5 I GOT MY MARTIN BACK! By Peter McLaughlin MY 1937 MARTIN D-18 GUITAR IS BACK WHERE IT BELONGS! This is the best day (Thursday, May 21st) I’ve had in a long time. It’s been a very strange, humbling, embarrassing, stressful 2-1/2 months since March 6th when it was taken out of my car. It was something I never thought would happen to me. I am always so cautious with instruments, never leaving them unattended, unsecured. But it did happen to me and with a guitar I hardly ever take out to play (my main performing axe is the one that’s all beat up and cracked). Anyway, I was distracted, exhausted, in a hurry, and took my eyes off it for less than a minute, but that will never happen again! Lesson learned -- Now it’s going straight into a super-locked and ultra-alarmed vault at a good friend’s home at an unspecified location in a gated community, much like Ft. Knox. I will visit it regularly to keep it played. I am grateful to so many for all the help and support here in Tucson and around the world. I have learned a ton from this whole experience and I feel like the luckiest guy in the world today. Huge thanks again to all of you for your help and concerns and for keeping a watch out for it throughout this ordeal. I am eternally grateful.. Peter
Transcript of GRASS CLIPPINGS - Desert Bluegrass
Volume 21 Issue 2 June 2015/July 2015
GRASS CLIPPINGS
DESERT BLUEGRASS ASSOCIATION
MARANA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL 2015 BY Jim Sanchez, DBA Trustee
Well another year has come and gone in the life of the MBF! It is always changing and has become Southern Arizona’s only bluegrass festival and a success. All reports from the attendees were positive. Although the attendance was down from 2014 we believe it is only a matter of time before crowds will be in the 2000 attendance range. Again, the food vendors were very happy as they made money and want to come back for 2016. Our headliner Jeff Scroggins was impressed with the festival and was a proud father, his youngest son was the 3rd place winner of our first Guitar Flatpicking Contest.
Several people came up to me to share with me that they like our band format Continued on Page 5
I GOT MY MARTIN BACK! By Peter McLaughlin
MY 1937 MARTIN D-18 GUITAR IS BACK WHERE IT BELONGS! This is the best day (Thursday, May 21st) I’ve had in a long time. It’s been a very strange, humbling, embarrassing, stressful 2-1/2 months since March 6th when it was taken out of my car. It was something I never thought would happen to me. I am always so cautious with instruments, never leaving them unattended, unsecured. But it did happen to me and with a guitar I hardly ever take out to play (my main performing axe is the one that’s all beat up and cracked). Anyway, I was distracted, exhausted, in a hurry, and took my eyes off it for less than a minute, but that will never happen again! Lesson learned -- Now it’s going straight into a super-locked and ultra-alarmed vault at a good friend’s home at an unspecified location in a gated community, much like Ft. Knox. I will visit it regularly to keep it
played.
I am grateful to so many for all the help and support here in Tucson and around the world. I have learned a ton from this whole experience and I feel like the luckiest guy in the world today. Huge thanks again to all of you for your help and concerns and for keeping a watch out for it throughout this ordeal. I am eternally grateful..
Peter
Newsletter Editor--John David: For information concerning letters to the editor, reviews, contributing newsletter articles, submitting Concert & Band Listing information, Contact John via phone at (520) 400-8853, e-mail, [email protected], or snail mail, 8205 E. Crooked Tree Trail, Tucson, AZ 85715
Webmaster--Andy MacLeod: For information concerning the DBA website www.desertbluegrass.org contact the webmaster at [email protected]
Membership Secretary--Mike Headrick: To join the DBA, renew a membership or submit an address change, contact Mike via phone at (520) 760-0745, email, [email protected] or snail mail, 13308 Placita el Algodon Tucson, AZ 85749
Publicity--Mike Headrick: Contact Mike at (520) 760-0745 or [email protected]
Booking Bands--Bonnie Lohman: To book a DBA band for an event, phone (520) 349-4812 or email, [email protected]
Advertising-- John David: To purchase advertising in our newsletter, contact by phone or email
How to Contact the DBA
OFFICERS
NEWSLETTER ADVERTIZING PRICES 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, its staff or members. Reviews, concert listings, band announcements and advertising are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement by the Desert Bluegrass Association. In the event of an error, our liability is limited to printing a correction. Copyright 2013,. All Rights Reserved.
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President:: John David (520) 400-8853 [email protected]
Vice President: Bonnie Lohman (520) 349-4812 [email protected]
Secretary: Mike Headrick (520) 760-0745 [email protected]
Treasurer: John Camm (520) 408-8092 [email protected]
TRUSTEES Geoff Fox (520) 731-3601 [email protected]
Jo Ann Shifflet (520) 647-4496 [email protected]
Andy MacLeod (520) 237-9832 [email protected]
Jim (Doc) Reifschneider (520) 290-6615 [email protected]
Jim Sanchez (520) 869-8468 [email protected]
Paul “Doc” Simpson (520) 298-9746 [email protected]
Amy Wheeler (520) 820-5505 [email protected]
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GREAT WEBSITES Desert Bluegrass Association www.desertbluegrass.org
Arizona Bluegrass Associa-tion www.arizonabluegrass.com
Bluegrass Arizona Blog www.bluegrassarizona.blogspot.com
Daily Dose of Bluegrass; www.bluegrassonthetube.com
Bluegrass Lyrics http://bluegrasslyrics.com/
Bluegrass Tablature http://www.alltabs.com/bluegrass_tabs.php
Guitar: www.bluegrassguitar.com/
Fiddle: www.fiddlehangout.com
Banjo: www.banjohangout.org
Bass: www.bluegrassbassplace.com
Mandolin: www.mandohangout.com/
Dobro: www.reso-nation.org www.resohangout.com
MY "THANK YOU"! By Jim Wagner
Hello fellow "pickers and grinners",
I want to say a huge "thank you" to everyone who volunteered for the marana bluegrass festival! Your efforts were vital to the success that the festival was. I also hope that ya'll had a fun time while you were volunteering and enjoyed each other's company as much as i did yours.
I am grateful to each and every one of you!
Jim Wagner
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PHOTO ESSAY MARANA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL 2015
Radio Talk Show
Opening Ceremonies
The Audience
Continued on Page 18
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MARANA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL 2015 (CONTINUED)
that showcases local new upcoming bands and the fact that admission to our festival is very reasonable. In fact some suggested we raise the prices!!
A big Thank You goes to all who volunteered to work the festival, and all the bands that played their fantastic music. I need to say that Jeff Collins, Co Chairman, has been a huge help in making the festival successful and profitable. Thanks Jeff!!
Yes, I said it the festival was profitable but it should also be said that without the Town of Marana that may not be the case. We are lucky to have them, especially working with Tom Ellis-Director of Parks and Recreation and his fantastic staff. Having the Arizona Bluegrass Association as a partner also makes our organizations seem like one big family. My Thanks go to the ABA for their involvement. This is a shot of a good Saturday crowd. Continued on Page 11
VOLUME 21 ISSUE 2 PAGE 6 GRASS CLIPPINGS
Bill Breen Scruggs style banjo by ear 520-544-2418
Corrine Cortese Fiddle lessons 520-235-3199
Rudy Cortese Banjo lessons 520-954-2103
Nick Coventry Fiddle lessons 805-252-1851
Reid Griffin Guitar Instruction All Levels and Styles (520) 349-4321
Greg Morton Bluegrass Guitar lessons 520-682-2558
Andy McCune Bluegrass & clawhammer banjo, mando-lin, and beginning Dobro 520-869-6818
Peter McLaughlin Flatpick & bluegrass guitar: Beginner & advanced 520-247-1027
Dave Polston Beginning Banjo lessons 520-245-6126
Mike Purdy Guitar, mandolin & Banjo 520-977-9780
Jeff Sanders Guitar & banjo Chicago Store Eastside 520-850-9802
J.P. Thom-Gronachan Banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, theory 520-682-6201
Lora Staples Online Fiddle and Violin lessons RedDesertFiddle.com; RedDesertViolin.com Email: [email protected]
INSTRUCTION
BANDS
TO INSTRUCTORS AND BANDS
Would you like your services, band, and or concerts listed on our website (www.desertbluegrass.org)? Current DBA members can be listed by sending their contact information to Andy MacLeod at [email protected]. Refer to the 'Links' tab on the homepage for the bands and instructors. For band concert information I will do my best to get your listing posted in a timely manner onto the 'Events - Concerts' tab. Please send me plain text with the details for the webpage. Varied fonts, colors, formatting, and inserted graphics are extremely time consuming to match in the webpage editor. A
link to a pdf flyer you provide me can be inserted from your listing on the Concerts page.
Bear Canyon Ramblers Marilyn 520-760-0479 [email protected] www.bearcanyonramblers.com
Buffelgrass Tim Barrett 520-235-3518 [email protected] www.buffelgrassband.com
Cabin John Howard Anderson--480-897-7425 Anni Beach--480-963-6811 www.cabinjohnbluegrass.com
Cadillac Mountain Corrine 520-235-3199
Cinder Mountain John Bragg (623)251-0613 [email protected] www.facebook.com/CinderMountain
Cisco & The Racecars Francisco Briseno--520-251-7183 www.facebook.com/ciscoandtheracecars www.ciscoandtheracecars.com [email protected]
Crucial County Corrine 520-235-3199
Crystal Ridge Bluegrass Band Brian Davies 520-349-9497 www.MusicTucson.com
Dusty River Boys Rich Errico 520 818 0358 [email protected]
Greg Morton 520-682-2558
Greenwood Sidee [email protected] www.facebook.com/thegreenwoodsidee www.greenwoodsidee.com
Jam Pak Blues 'N' Grass Neighborhood Band www.jampak.com Anni Beach - 480-963-6811
James Reams & The Barnstormers James Reams 718-374-1086 http://ww.jamesreams.com [email protected]
Los Hombres Kenny Erickson 520-235-7473
Old Pueblo Bluegrass Reid Griffin 520-349-4321 http://www.maranafestival.com/old-pueblo-bluegrass.html
Peter McLaughlin 520-247-1027
Rusty Strings Klyle Stall 520-709-1279 [email protected]
Superstition Ridge Bluegrass Band Larry Martell 480-588-5552 [email protected]
The Bost Family Tradition Jeff Bost 520-432-5053 [email protected]
The 2 Lazy 2 Ranch Band John Hall 520-647-1234
The Real Deal Band Francisco Briseno 520-251-7183 www.facebook.com/realdealband [email protected]
Titan Valley Warheads Ed Davenport 520-904-6050 www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/The-Titan-Valley-Warheads/161939573828277
Way Out West Emmy Creigh 520-323-0704
Whistle Stop Carol Pearse 970-375-9428 [email protected] www.whistlestopbluegrass.com
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MARANA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL FLATPICKING CONTEST
By Jeff Collins
When I envisioned this addition to our Festival I had no idea how great it would be! With two weeks to go prior to the Festival I was scrambling to get contestants. At that time I had only three registered contestants and a lot of promises.
In the 2014 Marana Festival, Charlie Sides and Jim Sanchez asked me to be on the planning Committee for the Festival. After much humming and hawing I agreed. I was already on the Planning Committee for the Fall DBA Festival as Camp Host, which I really enjoyed. This new Event in Marana was going to be a challenge as it was just getting off the ground from its
first year. Charlie had mastermind a plan that would increase the size and Talent of the Festival a little bit every year. The Town of Marana was a more than willing partner as they want to increase tourism in the area and promote their beautiful town and friendly people. The setting at Orna Mae Harn Park was fabulous, big open spaces and nice parking lot camping.
Charlie passed away suddenly prior to the second Festival. I was suddenly in the Co-Chairman position. We centered the Festival around Charlie and his Family, all wonderful people. The Marana 2014 Bluegrass Festival was a success. I thought that was the end; it
wasn’t. The Town of Marana was ecstatic at the results; it was their first really successful Festival, not just Bluegrass; FESTIVAL ever! Jim asked me to stay on and build a little on the 2014 Festival. I was still on the committee for the DBA Fall Festival, which I loved, but suddenly our worst nightmare happened. The Fall Festival would be cancelled due to a late cancellation of venue.
I decided to put my efforts to the Marana Festival, the Town was a willing partner and, if you really think about it, not any farther than AVA to most DBA members. I started visiting other Festivals for ideas; now this is coming from a NYC guy who grew up with Hard rock and always thought Bluegrass was only for Hillbillies. More on that in a future article maybe.
Anyway, I visited all the Festivals I could find in Arizona and attended Jams and Workshops all over the Country while travelling in the Summer with our RV. I decided we needed a third day for the Festival. And in our neck of the woods, the DBA, what instrument is more popular than all the others, not the Bass, although we’re always seeking for one. More people play
Continued on Page 10
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guitar than any other instrument here. So came the Flatpicking contest.
I researched Winfield, the home of the Flatpicking National Championship. Learned the rules, setup and Scoring and incorporated them into our own unique Flatpicking contest. We acquired, what I believe, the best Judges in our area. All we needed was contestants. We would limit the Contest to 15 and get some decent prize money, not instrument or trophies; we wanted cash to attract talent. Jim Sanchez did a wonderful job getting “cash” from a mixture of sponsors. My job was to still get contestants. I got a lot of promises but no applications. We have some great talented flatpickers in the Tucson area as well as Phoenix, few takers.
One day, while I was messing with all the different Martins at a local Music shop, some UA students came in. they asked if they could jam with me, sure I said. After hearing them pick, they were really good and just improvising with my rhythm. I asked if they would be interested in our Flatpicking contest. They didn’t seem interested until I told them about the prize money (my saying is Cash is King); they immediately filled out applications and asked what a fiddle tune was (hmmm). I gave them a list and
these two became my second and third entries into the contest (they actually did well in the first round for not knowing what a fiddle tune was 2 months prior). I still had to fill in 12 more.
Back to the beginning of this article; I’m now at the two week period prior to the Contest with only three contestants. I decided it would still work if we could get Seven contestants and just have a longer second round. I then used social media and solicited every bluegrass and guitar site I could. With three days to go until the Festival I had 12 contestants; two dropped out on the morning of the event giving me 10 for the contest.
If you went to that Friday evening Event you saw maybe a group of some of the best Flatpicking in the country; yes
COUNTRY! It showed us a wide variety of ages in the Musicians and more importantly showed us hope for the future of Bluegrass. Two of the three finalists were 15 and 16! I truly believe if the 15 year old was playing a Martin or that caliber of guitar he would have placed
MARANA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL FLATPICKING CONTEST
(Continued)
Continued on Page 12
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Below are Jim and Jeff taking time to visit with Marlys Sides widow of our good ol’ friend Charlie Sides.
Next year 2016 will be an exciting year 4 for the festival with new bands and exciting music. I hope to see you next year.
Jim Sanchez
Co- Chairman
MARANA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL 2015 (CONTINUED)
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better. He was using a Yamaha that could be had for $200 on the open market. I played it afterward and noticed the dull lifeless sound. But in his hands it was pure and brilliant. John David, our current DBA president lent the young man his Custom Martin to play in the workshop and performance that they were required to do on Saturday. His playing on John’s Guitar went to the next level.
Please remember these names for the future:
1st place- Bob Hamilton, 30 years old, from California
2nd
Place- Keenan Hammock, 15 years old, from Chino Valley Arizona
3rd
place- Ross Scroggins, 16 years old, from Colorado
I also would like to thank all of the remaining 7 talented Flatpickers who entered the contest. The scoring was close on that first round as we took some time to add up all those scores several times to make sure there were no mistakes. I would also like to thank the Judges who did an awesome job sticking to the Winfield scoring so not to allow favoritism or fudging; great job on a very difficult task.
I look forward to the talent we will draw on next years Flatpicking event. I believe this put the Town of Marana on the Bluegrass Map for sure.
Thanks
Jeff Collins
DBA member “for life!”
MARANA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL FLATPICKING CONTEST
(Continued)
THE 10TH ANNUAL PICKIN’ IN THE PINES BLUEGRASS & ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL
When: September 18-20, 2015
Where: Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff, Arizona 86001
What: Three days of great music, jamming, camping, contra dance, educational workshops, band contest, kids activities, jamming and flatpicking guitar classes and more!
Lineup: The lineup for the three-day event features several award-winning performers including:
Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, The Infamous Stringdusters, Steep Canyon Rangers, Laurie, Lewis & the Righthands, Mountain Heart, John Reischman & the Jaybirds, Sierra Hull, Chris Brashear, Peter McLaughlin & Todd Phillips, Beppe Gambetta, Hogslop Stringband, Burnett Family Bluegrass, Tony Norris & Jesse Anderson, The Mars Hillbilles, The Knockabouts, Viola & the Brake-men, Cisco & the Racecars and more!
Tickets: 3-Day tickets, single day tickets and camping are on sale now. Tickets can be ordered online at pickininthepines.org or purchased from an area ticket outlet. Children 15 and under are free with accompanying ticket holder. Please visit our website for more information: pickininthepines.org/tickets
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JAM
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Emeritus Senior
Living
S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 3
1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 2 0
2 1 2 2 2 3 2 4 2 5 2 6 2 7
2 8 2 9 3 0 JAM
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Thirsty’s Neigh-borhood Grill
2422 N. Pantano
JAM 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Music & Arts 8320 Thornydale Rd Suite 150/170
JAM 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Pinnacle Peak Restaurant
6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
JAM 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sticks & Strings 8796 E. Broadway
Blvd.
JAM 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Udall Park Ramada
7200 E. Tanque Verde Road
JAM 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Rincon Market 2513 E. 6th St .
D BA Ev e nts
J une 2 0 15
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JAM
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Emeritus Senior
Living
S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 1 0 1 1
1 2 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 8
1 9 2 0 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 4 2 5
2 6 2 7 2 8 2 9 3 0 3 1
JAM 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Thirsty’s Neigh-borhood Grill
2422 N. Pantano
JAM 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Music & Arts 8320 Thornydale Rd Suite 150/170
JAM 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Rincon Market 2513 E. 6th St .
JAM 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Udall Park Ramada
7200 E. Tanque Verde Road
Newsletter Inputs Due
JAM 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Pinnacle Peak Restaurant
6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
JAM 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sticks & Strings 8796 E. Broadway
Blvd.
D BA Ev e nts
J u ly 2 0 15
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IF AN ARMY MARCHES ON IT’S STOMACH, WHAT DOES A BAND PLAY ON?
OR “NO GOETTA FOR ME, PLEASE!”
By James Reams
I’ve really been trying to eat healthier this past year and have learned to actually like things such as smoothies, herb teas, and protein bars as I worked to get myself in better shape. But heading out to festivals has a way of setting me back as I succumb to roadside diner meals and the options that pass for food at some of these events.
As I was driving along a particularly boring stretch of highway, my mind wandered off as it’s prone to do from time to time. I must’ve been hungry, it being a long time between dinner salads, and was thinking about some of the eccentric requests made by big-name celebrities as far as food for their dressing rooms (like the “no brown M&Ms” request from Van Halen).
I got to remembering some of the items (I can’t even call them “food”) that I’ve been offered during my career as a musician after a long day performing. This one time after a show, I was shuttled upstairs into an attic and fed some hideous black meat that had been sitting in a sterno heated aluminum pan for what must have been hours. I get the heebeegeebees just remembering the smell. And then there was the time I played Cincinnati and “had” to try the Cincinnati specialty called “Goetta” which is a sausage and oatmeal concoction normally served for breakfast. Let’s just say that there’s lots of great food in Cincinnati but “Goetta” is one I hope to avoid.
And that started me musing about what our bluegrass royalty would have requested if they’d even had a dressing room and hadn’t been so focused on just plain getting paid. Considering that they may have been a long way from home, I figured that most of them would be hankering for hometown favorites.
So here’s a fanciful look at the “Food Riders” that might have accompanied performance contracts (if there had been any!) back in the early days of bluegrass and what the venue probably delivered.
Bill Monroe’s (KY) Food Rider: Upon arrival, Mr. Monroe will be met with a freshly fried bucket of lamb fries. After the performance fresh possum burgoo with spoonbread, a side of butter beans, and blackberry cobbler (seeds removed) will be waiting for Mr. Monroe in his private trailer.
WHAT HE GOT: a bologna sandwich and black coffee setting on a dusty TV tray in the parking lot.
Lester Flatt’s (TN) Food Rider: One hour before the performance, Mr. Flatt requires a platter of Wonder bread puree topped with crispy chicken skin dippers. Immediately after the last set, Mr. Flatt expects to sit down to a dinner of “hot” fried chicken, Martha White biscuits, and cherries soaked in Tennessee moonshine. No paper plates, plastic utensils or paper napkins are to be used.
WHAT HE GOT: A box of Chicken in a Biscuit, crackers and a warm bottle of water.
Continued on Page 17
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Earl Scruggs’ (NC) Food Rider: Before each set, Mr. Scruggs prefers to snack on pimiento cheese sandwiches (crusts removed), Mount Olive pickles, pork cracklins and watermelon sliced into perfect half moon crescents exactly 1 ½” thick.
WHAT HE GOT: A greasy paper sack containing pac o’nabs, pork rinds and Jolly Rancher hard candies.
Don Reno’s (SC) Food Rider: Immediately after the final performance of the day, Mr. Reno requires a sit down dinner at a tablecloth covered table set with fine china. The meal is to include fried green tomatoes with wadmalaw sweet onions, frogmore stew, hoppin’ john, and rice pudding for dessert.
WHAT HE GOT: A soggy tomato sandwich on a Chinet plate and carton of rice milk.
Jimmy Arnold’s (Toronto) Food Rider: Mr. Arnold requires authentic poutine (french fries with gravy and cheese curds), a bucket of oysters, back bacon sandwich and a flat of beer (none of that wimpy Yank beer either) before and after each set.
WHAT HE GOT: Stale potato chips, a can of tuna and a flat beer.
Roni Stoneman’s (DC) Food Rider: Ms. Stoneman’s dressing room must be stocked with a case of Perrier mineral water, half smokes (smoked sausages made from pork and beef) and crabcake appetizers at least 2 hours before her performance. One hour before showtime, Ms. Stoneman requires a steak and cheese sandwich. Don’t even think of passing off a Philly cheesesteak with that ‘what is it’ cheese stuff. Ms. Stoneman’s sandwich must contain real ribeye steak, grilled onions and real cheese on a crusty homemade roll.
WHAT SHE GOT: Vienna sausages covered in Cheese Whiz, a pack of broken Saltines and a jar of sweet tea.
Now that I think on it a bit, things haven’t changed all that much since the early days. Send me an email [email protected] and let me know the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten at a festival. I’m making notes about future venues!
IF AN ARMY MARCHES ON IT’S STOMACH, WHAT DOES A BAND PLAY ON?
(Continued)
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Continued on Page 19
The Headliner
Jeff Scroggins & Colorado
Jam-Pak
Greg Morton & The Grass Kings
PHOTO ESSAY MARANA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL 2015
(Continued)
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PHOTO ESSAY MARANA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL 2015
(Continued)
Greenwood Sidee
2 Lazy 2 Ranch
Nehemiah
Continued on Page 22
VOLUME 21 ISSUE 2 PAGE 20 GRASS CLIPPINGS
Southern AZ Old Time Fiddlers Assn. Southwest Community Center Cardinal Ave, Tucson, AZ Tuesday 7 PM Info: Wilbur 520-743-7086
Catalina Mountain Chapter of the AZ Old Time Fiddlers Association 3rd Monday at 7 PM Info: Laura 520-743-9491
Tradition Acoustic Bluegrass Jam Sessions
Tempe, AZ Wednesday 7-10 PM Call for confirmation of dates Info: Howard or Susan 480-897-7425
Open Mic at The Hut on 4th Ave Every Monday 9:00 PM Info: Rudy [email protected]
Kibbey’s Jam and Open Mic Info: Jim Howard, 520-825-9413 Twin Lakes Drive, Catalina, AZ Every Friday Night 6:30 PM–9:00 PM
1st Baptist Church Jam and Open Mic Wilds Road, Catalina, Arizona Info: Jim Howard, 520-825-9413 Every Saturday, 6:30 PM-9:00 PM
Saddlebrooke Jam 1st Sunday at HOA 1 Saddlebrooke Clubhouse. Info: Jim - [email protected]
JAMS & OPEN MICS
DBA sponsored jams are listed at www.desertbluegrass.org & on the enclosed calendar.
CLASSIFIED ADS Hey folks, James Reams here. As you’ve probably heard by now I’ve got a new album that I hope to release by the end of this year. Rhyme & Season will feature band members from both coasts and a few surprise guests as well. With 8 CDs under my belt, you’d think I’d be used to the process by now, but each release generates its’ own excitement and hopes and I play the role of anxious new parent!
I’m so thankful for all the wonderful blessings I’ve received down through the years and I felt that it was time for a project that helped give back in some small way to those who have been less fortunate. So, I’m planning to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this upcoming album to a local charity right here in Arizona. The songs on the album will celebrate the perpetual pilgrim in all of us while raising awareness about the different faces of the homeless.
But without your help, this project may not be able to be completed any time soon. It costs a bundle of money to produce an album on your own these days and my well has just run dry! As we move into the recording phase, the costs escalate and continue to climb right up to the release date. So I’ve launched a Kickstarter Campaign to help with the final production phase for the new album.
Each level of contribution includes a reward…many involve receipt of the CD before it’s available on CDBaby or other sources. Any contribution helps and just knowing that you support a project like this makes a big impact on me. I hope you’ll take a minute or two to look over the video and information about the album provided on the Kickstarter page and then will contribute whatever you can toward the completion of this project in time for a release that will coincide with National Hunger and Homelessness Week in November. Thank you so much for our support. Together we can make a difference!
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Continued on Page 24
PHOTO ESSAY MARANA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL 2015
(Continued)
Titan Valley Warheads
Headline Bluegrass Band
Old Pueblo Bluegrass Band
PAGE 23 VOLUME 21 ISSUE 2 GRASS CLIPPINGS
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PHOTO ESSAY MARANA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL 2015
(Continued)
Cisco & The Racecars
Brush Arbor Revival
Cabin John
To View More Festival Photos,
Go To http://www.maranafestival.com/
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WELCOME TO OUR NEW & RETURNING MEMBERS
Kenneth Ray Oro Valley Beth Judd Tucson Ivan Manion Calgary, Canada Kathy Nye Tucson Bob James Vail Brad Laird Field, Canada
Virgil & Linda Rothrd Casa Grande Dan & Karen Hocking Yuma Joe & Arlene McCown Burley, WA Frank Brown Tucson Tommy Valentine Tucson
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL REMINDER
Many of our DBA memberships expire at the end of February. In fact, 85% of our members need to renew their membership for 2015. To find out if you are one of those, check the mailing label on this newsletter. If it says “expires 2-15” above your name then your membership needs to be renewed. You may re-new either by mail or from our website. To renew by mail simply fill out the form in the newsletter, enclose a check for $20 made out to the DBA, then mail it to the address listed. If your information is current you don’t even need to fill out the form - just include the mailing address with your payment. To renew from the website go to www.desertbluegrass.org, look for the “join DBA” area, click the “buy now” button and follow the instructions. Either way is simple and easy. So renew today and keep supporting Bluegrass Music in Southern Arizona.
VOLUME 21 ISSUE 2 PAGE 26 GRASS CLIPPINGS
DOYLE LAWSON & QUICKSILVER
IN SESSION Review By Marilyn Ryan Hulbert
The band consists of Doyle on Mandolin, guitar and vocals, Eli Johnston playing the bass, singing and also playing guitar, Josh Swift is on Resophonic guitar, sing-ing and playing percussion. Stephen Burwell plays the fiddle on the song "Wilma Walker". Jason Barie is playing fiddle on the other songs. Joe Dean is on Banjo and Guitar. Dustin Pyrtle is playing guitar and singing.
Unfortunately, the liner notes in my copy of the album, don't tell me who is playing or singing on which song. But... that doesn't really
matter in reviewing the music. There are some very high and very lonesome tenor notes. There is also the usual terrific Doyle harmonies. He just knows how to gather band members who can weave harmo-nies that vibrate the speakers at a concert, and mes-merize me.
The variety of songs are all really good and worth having in your CD collection. The selections begin with "Roll Big River" - up-tempo.
Next is a love song called "Wilma Walker", written by Donna Ulisse.
"Calling All Her Children Home" is a beauty - amaz-ing harmonies.
"Weep and Cry" is a Charlie Monroe song. Number 5 on the album is called "I'd Just Be Fool Enough." This is a good honky-tonk dance rhythm. "Big Eight Wheeler" comes up next. "You, You, You" -
yep, old song from the way gone past comes next. "Evening Prayer Blues" is an instru-mental and it's a mountain modal - gor-geous! "Reasons Why" written by Juanita Southern is a quick tempo song. Then, "I Told Them All About You" is an old fashioned song - great one! "Captain" by Eli Johnson and Cody Shuler is another real-ly fine song. And last,
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ASSOCIATIONS
Arizona Bluegrass Association 7257 N. 50th Dr. Glendale, AZ 85301 Jan Zales--Chair [email protected] www.azbluegrass.org
International Bluegrass Music Association 2 Music Circle South, Suite 100 Nashville, TN 37203 615-256-3222 Toll Free: 1-888-438-4262 http://www.ibma.org
International Bluegrass Music Museum Museum Entrance: 117 Daviess Street Mailing Address: 207 East Second Street Owensboro, KY 42303 270-926-7891 888-MY BANJO (toll-free)
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
but not least, "Americana" is a traveling song about how wonderful our country is when you slow down and take a look.
Through the years, Doyle Lawson has always done bluegrass to, I would say, perfection. Actually, the more times I listen to this album, the more attached I become to every song. Amazing musicians and wonderful harmonies.
Keep pickin' and grinnin'
Marilyn
DOYLE LAWSON & QUICKSILVER IN SESSION
(Continued)
DESERT BLUEGRASS ASS OCIATION
8205 E . CROOKED TREE TRAIL
TUCSON, AZ 85715
First name: Last name:
Street Address: City: State: Zip:
Home phone: Cell phone:
Email address:
Do you wish to be included in the Membership Directory? (check one) YesNo
What instruments do you play? Banjo BassFiddle Guitar MandolinResonator Guitarother
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION/RENEWAL FORM
Phone: 555-555-5555 Fax: 555-555-5555
E-mail: [email protected]
Membership dues for the Desert Bluegrass Association are $20 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:
Mike Headrick (DBA Membership Secretary) 13308 Placita el Algodon
Tucson, AZ 85749
WWW.DesertBluegrass.org
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
TUCSON, ARIZONA
PERMIT NO. 1830
MEMBER OF THE DESERT BLUEGRASS ASSOCIATION
Cut out this box The mailing label is now your DBA membership card
June 2015/July 2015 Volume 21 Issue 2
