Getting in the Turkey Mood?

Hello everyone,

This is always a wonderful time of the year because we can truly be thankful for all our blessings!  I believe we all know that we are very wealthy in comparison to many third world countries.  Our true riches are really not monetary.   Of course we can be thankful for family, friends, and live in a country democratic society.  After all we the people, is the government by which we support and obey.  Of course, Thanksgiving is a holiday that started with the Pilgrims and remains as one of my favorites of the year. 

Having turkey and dressing with all the trimmings is a real treat.  I hope you can take some time to be thankful for all your blessings and get to play some of your favorite bluegrass tunes.  Here is a turkey tune just for you by the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band:  I hope you enjoy it.

IBMA Winners 2012

Hello everyone.  If you don’t already know the Gibson Brothers won the IBMA Entertainer of the Year Award for 2012. The video below shows the announcement at the award. Guess who else was on the candidate list?

Enjoy and see you at the Heartland Jam on October 27th starting at 6:30pm Bill

KC Bluegrass Club – New Location

Hello Everyone.  Thanks to each of you for continuing to support the “Heartland Jam” on the 4th Friday of each month.  Our last jam was a lot of fun and we had a large group of pickers and our loyal listeners. 

Speaking of support, don’t forget to attend the jam at the KC Bluegrass Club.

REMINDER:  This Friday, October 12th, is the “kick off” of the KC Bluegrass Club meeting at its

New location at:
Pittman Road Church of God

4700 Pittman Road
Kansas City, MO 64133

(816) 737-1313
 
Easy Directions:  Take I-70 to Sterling (Exit 10), go South to E. 47th street, turn right (West) to Pittman Road


Here is a map:  Church of God

Hope you can make it out as they have a great line up for you. Green Side Up with guest Shirley Smith.  Plus the Great White Possum String Company.

Bill

Bluegrass Gospel

Hello Everyone,
I have been thinking about who would be the top “Bluegrass Gospel” entertainer if I was to pick?  The first thoughts that came to my mind was Doyle Lawson, James King and several others.  However I truly believe that Doyle has to be the winner.  He has won many awards and spawned so many successful individuals to go out there own including JD Crowe, Jamie Dailey and lots of others. It seems that Doyle and his group always have a great blend of harmony singing with songs that really deliver a message in a way that only gospel music can do.

Who would you vote for?  I have attached a you tube video of Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver.  Hope you enjoy it.  See you at our next jam.  Bill

Bluegrass Band Interview – Wildwood Boys

BB:  Hello and welcome to my first interview with a new band in town called the:  Wildwood Boys.  I know you will welcome some of these “seasoned” musicians.  It is always a pleasure to have folks share their musical beginnings.  The band is led by Dave Batson who many of you already know as the bass player for the Bluegrass Missourians and will continue to be.  Dave is branching out so he can play his banjo.  Hope you enjoy this interview.
 
BB: How did you band get started?
WWB: My son, my nephew and I played in a rock band together for several years. When that band broke up, I came back home to bluegrass.  To make a long story short, my son and my nephew wanted to learn bluegrass. We started getting together and jamming and pretty soon my neighbor from up the street and another old rocker started coming to the jamb.

BB:  What type or style of music will you be playing?  (traditional bluegrass or what?)

WWB:  Most of our songs are based on the older traditional style.  With exception of one song, our originals are done traditional style.

BB:  What is the total number of years of experience of musicianship in the band?

WWB:  About 275 years. I’ve been in bluegrass about a total of 18 years, the other guys about 2 years each.

BB:  Who are the band members and what instruments do they play?

WWB:  David Bullock – guitar, Nate Batson – mandolin, Tom Thiesen – fiddle, Chris Spriggs – bass and Dave Batson – banjo.

BB:  What are the vocals?  (who is lead, tenor, bass) or who sings harmony?

WWB:  David, Nate and Dave Batson take turns singing lead. We also sing either tenor or baritone when not singing lead. Chris sings bass.

BB:  Do you have any original songs that you sing?
WWB: Right now we have three; Ride The River, Stayin’ In Tune and Go To The Water. We also have a couple more in the works.

BB:  Do the band have a particular bluegrass artist that they like?  If so, who and why?

WWB:  Stanley Brothers, Flatt and Scrugs, Reno and Smiley. The old time, lonesome sound.

BB:  Who is your primary audience?  (in other words, what venues do you prefer to play?) 

WWB:  Any place that will listen and enjoy.

BB:  What is the contact information for bookings?  (telephone, email,  or website). 

WWB:  For bookings or information contact;  Dave Batson – 816-358-6025    ddljbat@sbcglobal.net
 
If you get a chance, make sure you contact them for some bookings.  They have some really good family type harmonies.  I am sure you will be very pleased!
 
Bill

August 24th Heartland Jam has a new Location: ONE TIME ONLY !!!

Hello everyone,

One of our jam attenders, has offered his church for Friday, August 24th at 6:30pm only.  So the jam is back on if you don’t have other plans.

The location is:
Plaza Heights Baptist Church
1500 Clark Road
Blue Springs, MO 64015

Here is a map:  https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en

Let me know if you have any questions.

NOTE:  ENTER IN THE WEST DOOR WITH THE RED AWNING!

I plan to be there and I hope you can make it!

Bill

IMPORTANT: AUGUST 24TH JAM IS CANCELLED.

Hello everyone.  Our monthly jam has been double booked with a church activity.  This was due to a change of personnel at the church.  Unfortunately, our jam is being CANCELLED for August 24th.  Our apologies!

I also sent out an email to those of you who are on the list.  If you are not on the email list and want to be just let me know by calling me at 816-224-2330 or email at:  banjobarron@sbcglobal.net

We will pick up next month at our regular 4th Friday event in September.

Bill

Blazing Summer with some cool Bluegrass

Hello everyone,
If you live in this area you most likely know that the average July temperatures have been the hottest ever recorded.  No doubt, this has literally been a blazing hot summer.  However, when you add in some hot bluegrass it helps to keep things cooler because we can focus on the music and not the temperature.  I hope you had a chance to attend some regional festivals and enjoy some of the national talents that are featured at each festival.  Even if you didn’t attend and big festivals you can still attend our air conditioned monthly jams locally to enjoy picking with your friends.  There is something about a jam that provides some personal satisfaction in a smaller venue.  It makes it easier to learn and most of the musicians are willing to share some pointers.  You can even have them play your instrument.  Another point is that you should NEVER leave your instrument in the trunk of your car for an extended time during hot weather.  It can cause the neck to warp and the bridge to separate, and even cause banjo heads to break.

I have not mentioned the “lack of rain” and our historic drought.  I wonder if the song “Cold Sheets of Rain” was written during a drought period?  Does anyone know.  Here is a version by clay jones that I really like and I hope it makes you feel cooler.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwHPmweIgzw

Enjoy your summer!  Bill

Down to the River and Pray

Hello everyone.  I know that many of you saw the movie “Oh Brother, where art thou?”  featuring George Clooney.  However, the attached video actually has the lyrics on the screen to one of the songs call “Down to the River and Pray” and is sung by Alison Krauss.  The interesting part is that this is a song from the 1860’s and was sung by slaves.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Bill

Looking for some Bluegrass Gospel fun Music in July?

Hello everyone,
This posting is a quick reminder about the upcoming Cass Country Fair in Pleasant Hill, MO
If you have never been, you are missing some fun.  Each some our local bands will be performing to provide quality music for your enjoyment.

The fair also has a lot of other family fun activities including a bike rodeo, carnival, parade, pet show, FFA Exhibits, Livestock shows, a real RODEO with horses and steers, etc.

This fair has a lot for all ages for mark your calendar for July 17-22nd.

Here is the link to read all about it:
Cass County Fair

So get outside and enjoy the great outdoors and stay cool!
Bill