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