The Masters…

Offering up a fitting finale to the indescribable four-day music fest at Telluride…Luke Bulla, Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas and Bryan Sutton…the “House Band.” I say indescribable because words or pictures can’t capture the spiritual and mystical experience that’s happened for the last 36 summers in a nearly 9000-foot-high box canyon in Colorado’s San Juan mountains. It was our sixth pilgrimage since 1988, and possibly the sweetest, having passed the 60-year mark and finding that shared moments with some of one’s favorite musicians and my cherished wife and daughter, are among life’s most countable blessings.

The veterans all proved why they continue to inspire, and the newcomers underscored that the music’s in very good hands and why this festival draws fans from all over the world, as this map illustrates. Doing this event justice is impossible…all I can do is present some shots that I hope might motivate you to make the journey if you haven’t, or at least give you a sense of what makes it special…

…like having Tim O’Brien and Jerry open things up on Thursday with a well-chosen hour of memorable tunes.

Or the Lovell Sisters’ high energy follow-up featuring the youngest and first female MerleFest mando contest winner, Rebecca.

Country-rock phenom Zac Brown, who recently packed Brown’s Island in Richmond with a record crowd, crossed one entry off his bucket list by having Jerry join him on stage.

 

Former Bill Monroe Blue Grass Boy Peter Rowan has personified the boundary-stretching attitude that pervades the Telluride experience since the Old and In The Way days. Us old timers still thrill to “Midnight Moonlight” and “Panama Red.”

 

 

 

Patty Griffin, Emmylou Harris and Shawn Colvin swapped songs with the singular assistance of Buddy Miller as Three Girls and Their Buddy.

Speaking of boundary-stretching, Thursday night’s finale featured Talking Heads’ innovator David Byrne and his entourage of singers and dancers all clad in white, with what many festival veterans called the most spectacular set they’ve ever witnessed on the Shellman Stage. No argument from me…an unexpected pleasure in every way. And that’s just the first day’s worth…

Bluegrass meets string quartet in the refreshingly fabulous Crooked Still comprised of cellist Tristan Clarridge (look out for his other group, the Bee Eaters at In Your Ear this fall), fiddler Brittany Haas, Corey DiMario on bass, Dr. Greg Liszt on banjo and the mountain-fresh vocals of Aoife O’Donovan. Watch for their brand new live album.

Two revered members of the 30-Year Club jammed it out during the John Cowan Band’s fine Friday afternoon set, the Cow and King Sammy. John charged out of the gate with former NGR bandmate Bela Fleck sitting in for “Callin' Baton Rouge.” The current JCB roster of Shad Cobb on fiddle, John Frazier on mandolin, Bryon Larrence on drums and beloved compadre Jeff Autry on guitar is as strong an ensemble as the “Voice of Telluride” has ever put together.

Festival first-timer and Rilo Kiley rocker Jenny Lewis and her solid backers won new hearts in the high country after snagging none other than Elvis Costello for a few tunes ahead of his own set to follow.

Her pointed songwriting and Jaggeresque stage presence validated the high anticipation level for this energetic set.

 

 

With a tip of the purple fedora, Elvis took the stage Friday night with a cadre of acoustic all stars, collectively the Sugarcanes, including Jerry Douglas and Jim Lauderdale (above) along with Stuart Duncan and Mike Compton, to play tunes from his new T-Bone Burnett project Secret, Profane and Sugarcane. Did you see them on the Tonight Show Tuesday?

Our first treat on Saturday just past noon was provided by Chris Thile’s Punch Brothers, (Jerry guesting) playing to a wildly-enthusiastic rain-soaked crowd. They served up a brilliant tribute to bluegrass music’s most influential bands including founders Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, and the Stanley Brothers, along with the Seldom Scene (Critter did “Through the Bottom of a Glass”), Hot Rize (“Shadows In My Room”), NBB (“Old Devil’s Dream”), and even “See Rock City” from Bela’s benchmark Drive album. And they had a LOT of fun doing it…payback for all the woodshedding that made it possible. Very impressive.

Dobro master Douglas then launched his own set with soaring instrumentals and a few heart-rending vocal numbers thanks to multi-talented Luke Bulla, who graciously honored my earlier request to do “The Suit.” That song tears me up every time I hear it, whether it’s sung by Luke or James Taylor.

“Good evening music lovers!!!” Sam Bush’s trademark stage greeting on Saturday night prepared The King’s loyal subjects for a far-ranging two-plus-hour performance that included old chestnuts, and a sentimental new tune co-written with Jeff Black, “Circles Around Me” about the blessings of making it to 60 with old friends and good music. A parade of old pals joined in the love fest, including Pete Rowan, Emmylou, Chris Thile and then John Cowan blew us all away near the end when he, in glorious falsetto, snuck in to render the Stones’ “Just A Shot Away.” And the crowd went wild. Sam Bush for Entertainer of the Year. It’s time.

All too soon, it was Sunday and it began in a seriously soulful and spiritual way, thanks to powerhouse Mike Farris and the Roseland Rhythm Revue. Backed by a thunderous band with horns and Hammond B3 and the sensational McCrary Sisters, Mike held church amidst the towering snow-capped cathedrals surrounding Telluride. Don’t miss this act if they’re ever near. Amen and amen!

A compelling mix of the best of two musical generations, collectively the Works Progress Administration (WPA) next offered up some of the most moving new tunes of the weekend, thanks to former Nickel Creekers Sara and Sean Watkins, Glen Phillips and Luke Bulla. They were backed by a quartet of very well-seasoned players including keyboardist Beaumont Tench and Greg Leisz on pedal steel. Well-crafted songs of the heart lovingly presented. CD out in the fall.

We first heard renegade tunesmith Todd Snider at Telluride back on ‘02 and we’ve savored his fearless and often funny songs near home at AC&T a few times. Although for reasons unclear, he cut his set more than 20 minutes short (and didn’t do “Beer Run”) he had a good time sharing new material from his latest CD The Excitement Plan. Todd is Todd.

 

 

Our hero Tim O’Brien returned for his own signature set Sunday afternoon with the A-list support of Stuart Duncan, Bryan Sutton and Dennis Crouch. And it was all the more moving to see the impressive turnout of adoring young minions sitting up front to continue drinking from Tim’s prolific musical fountain…Sarah Jarosz, Sara & Sean Watkins, the Greencards’ Carol Young, Aoife O’Donovan and all of Crooked Still, and ALL the Punch Brothers.

 

Chris Thile was even moved to grab Sara Watkins’ hand for a turn or two on the dirt floor up front when Tim O broke into “Get On Up And Dance.” It was a tender reunion, one of among many at this remarkable gathering of kindred spirits.

 

Country music Hall of Famer Emmylou Harris loves Telluride and the festivarians’ feeling is mutual, so she’s been a regular for years. 

 

After many guest appearances over the weekend, she returned for her own turn late Sunday afternoon with a trio of players that again included our old Virginia friend Rickie Simpkins on mando, fiddle and backing vocals. The dream gig continues and it fits like a glove. Play on Rickie.

 

So my longest post to date comes full circle with the capstone set from the Telluride House Band from 9-11 Sunday night. Collaboration and camaraderie at the highest level. It was a more than fitting finish to four days of sun and starshine, rare mountain air, majestic scenery and music that gets no better. For fans of Conor Oberst, Railroad Earth, the Greencards, Kasey Chambers, The SteelDrivers, Gaelic Storm, and others I failed to cover…I apologize. I couldn’t do it all.  And thanks to Chris Eldridge who introduced me to his pal Ed Helms (Andy Bernard from “The Office” who goes way back with fellow banjo player Chris Pandolfi)…just there for the music.

Take a bow boys, along with festival director Craig Ferguson and the countless staff and volunteers who make this celebration of life such a profound experience. The gratitude will linger until we meet again.

TT

Power Pairing...

With our dear departed Gary Gerloff providing upstage security, the 5th annual Music for Massey concert unfolded rain-free on Thursday night on the tracks at the Science Museum.  The Waybacks got it rolling with some early cross-pollination as Sam Bush on bottleneck electric mando and James Nash on lead guitar dueled mightily.  The two bands were a potent combination, especially when they joined forces for a finale that included Little Feat's "Easy To Slip," the Stones' "Gimme Shelter," and Santana's "Soul Sacrifice.  Having Sam's drummer Chris Brown and the Waybacks' Chuck Hamilton pounding twin drum kits was a heart thumping percussive power play.  Major creds to SoundWork's Steve Payne and Sam's venerable road manager Rob Stokes for the creative collaboration that enabled both full bands to play together at the end.  An end that came all too soon...just as the light showers began to fall.  We'd almost made the call to move the show inside earlier that morning due to the prospect of heavy storms but NBC12's Jim Duncan, after some creative consultation with his comely "computer models," urged us to stay outside.  And we were so glad we did. Proceeds went to
pediatric cancer research at VCU thanks to Connor's Heroes, an organization named for cancer survivor Connor Goodwin started by his folks and dedicated to conquering childhood cancer.  Connor, pictured above with mom Lisa, Sam and James, lists his pal Sam as perhaps his biggest hero, and did a fine job helping me emcee and introducing the band.   Mr. Bush also spent some quality time with fellow mandolin aficionado Harper Speagle-Price, sharing old road stories and generally encouraging her to keep playing.  He loves it more than ever.  And a serious round of virtual applause for MFM mastermind Jim Napier who tirelessly engineered this benevolent train down the tracks along with Patrick McCarty and Steve Goodwin who helped shovel the coal...let's do it again in twenty-ten! (thanks to the Goodwins and Lori Price for the pix)

And still floating from Thursday's heady experience, we made our way to Brown's Island for Friday Cheers last night, knowing that Old School Freight Train has now basically become New School and that this was the final official gig for the formerly C'ville-based band.   They sprang from bluegrass roots some nine years ago,  and as any gifted young musicians are expected to do, they've found their new road, now under Jesse Harper's confident direction.  With Ben Krakauer's banjo and Pete Frostic's mandolin in the rearview, the new quartet comprised of Harper and fellow-founder Darrell Muller, Nate Leath and drummer Nick Falk are plowing a more pop/rock furrow alongside Dave Matthews and John Mayer instead of Monroe-inspired mountain tunes.  Growing is good.  And all indications are, Jesse Harper's in the early days of a long and prosperous journey.  They insisted on having Richmond's No BS Brass Band open, to impressive effect, especially when most of them hung around to help OSFT lift "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" to a Crescent City crescendo.  A proud night for homegrown Virginia music.

We'll be on the road a bit this summer...stay tuned for a few reports from way out west...TT

Local Laurels...

I had to put up a quick post to acknowledge a couple of significant milestones for two local folks we've mentioned in past blogs.  The first kudos go to young Harper Speagle-Price from Mary Munford and student of Adam Larrabee who just became the Junior Mandolin Champion at the 85th Fiddler's Grove Festival in North Carolina last month.  She was the one who impressed us and Bryan Bowers last fall as she picked out a quick Monroe tune on his vintage Martin bowlback.  She's pictured above at Union Grove with proud pop Terry (Paul Zalinsky photo) and at right with Bryan in his van at Munford after the JAMinc in-school performance.  So exciting to watch the young ones so engaged in this music.

Last week I got an understandably enthusiastic email from former Richmonder Parrish Ellis who's been tirelessly pounding the pavement with the retro string swing band The Wiyos for the last five years.  (Parrish is 3rd from the left-Tommy Kearns photo)

The woodshedding and the persistence has paid off as they've just been picked to open 28 dates across America this summer for, hold tight, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp!  It's the minor league ballpark circuit again and the closest they come to here is Harbor Park in Norfolk on July 25th.  It was just a matter of time boys...now knock it out of the park.  Patience is a virtue, Martha Anne.

TT

Deep Graves

The rich experience that comes from sharing music with old friends in a setting like this four-centuries-old travelers' mecca up against the Blue Ridge along the Rose River is a profound one.  This was number 17 for the Graves Mountain Festival of Music and as the years get shorter, these occasions get sweeter.  Sharing Pete's House with the Hughes, Lux and Ward families made for a four-day full house filled with afternoons of reminiscing and very long nights of homemade music.  And then there's the compelling lineup of folks who do this for a living up on the stage.  Like James King who sings a story like no other.  "She Took His Breath Away," dedicated to his new bride, took mine too.  And hearing the result of Sammy Shelor's dedication,  tenacity and hard work in crafting his beloved Lonesome River Band into one of the strongest configurations ever was a thrill.  Keeping a band on top (their latest album No Turning Back has spent two months at #1 on the BU charts) through personnel changes and growing competition is no small feat, but Sam's done it and I know it feels good.  It should.  You should buy that record. Back in the day, the 4-time IBMA banjo player of the year rode with the Heights of Grass who put on a much-anticipated and lovingly received reunion set Friday before suppertime.  He joined them for a couple of numbers and so did Mark Newton but the core band, Don Grubb, Vernon Hughes, Billy Lux, Sonny Mead and Richard Ward made it clear they could still cut it.  Maybe even better than back then.  It was a festival highlight for so many of us who followed them back in 80's.  There were other great performances from favorites like IIIrd Tyme Out, Larry Cordle, Carl Jackson, and the Seldom Scene and new sensations the SteelDrivers.  And there were heartwarming surprises from prodigious pickers like Dobro whiz kid Gavin Largent from Winchester who drove Rhonda Vincent's adoring fans wild.  12-years-old and definitely one to watch.

Our little cabin home on the hill was again the setting for late-night music making, single-malt sampling, and general chewing of the fat.  Friday night/Saturday morning was particularly enticing thanks to Tommy "Big Tree" Reynolds, Dave Giegerich, Russell Bonavitch, Richard Ward, Billy Lux, Gary Ferguson and Tara Lindhart, who held the packed living room enthralled for over four hours straight.  There were so many others over the course of the weekend but that night was magic.  Thanks to you all...my gratitude runs deep.  Especially you Tiny Johnson.

Coming up...Jerry Douglas this Friday on Brown's Island for free and Old School Freight Train the following Friday.  Same deal.  And don't forget at the old Broad Street train station (now the Science Museum) the Sam Bush Band and the Waybacks hold forth on June 11.  Not free but worth the price of admission for sure.  Tickets online right here.  See you there.

TT

GG

So this is what a ton of bricks feels like...raining down on you to get your full attention and make sure you take nothing for granted...to ensure that the "New York Minute" Don Henley wrote so eloquently about will not just be a clever lyric.  Gary Gerloff is dead and that resonates with an impossible but familiar ring evoking memories of others who've left us wanting for more...Otis Redding, Gram Parsons and yes Jerry Garcia...larger-than-life characters who've shaped our appreciation of music and our time on the planet.  For someone to have made such an impression on one who's only heard him perform maybe twice, speaks volumes of his private persona...a gentle, thoughtful, caring soul who had so much to say.  I'm just glad I caught a part of it...here's more from others pleading for more, like Don Harrison.

I remember making a quick phone call after I got out of my first National Folk Festival programming committee meeting a few years ago. I rang my friend Brent Hosier — a Richmond music historian of the first rank — and asked with an exasperated tone (as if some big secret had been kept from me all these years):

“Alright, tell me all about Gary Gerloff.”

Gary Gerloff, who passed away Saturday morning, made an indelible impression on me from the moment I met him. I’m told he specialized in that sort of thing. The longtime local musician — who performed a type of Americana music that he referred to as “Psychedelic Dixieland” — continued to be a distinctive and unavoidable presence at those committee meetings. With a build and a beard not unlike Jerry Garcia, Richmond’s own “Captain Trips” was kind of like the precocious class clown who keeps wanting to start his own discussion groups at the expense of the lesson plan.

Ah, but who would usually be the first among the group to bring up a topic nobody wanted to discuss, or to suggest an artist/genre/aesthetic that was somewhat provocative? Who was sure to get the discussion flowing with a thought or an argument that no one else anticipated? It was Gary, who could quickly become as serious, insistent and persuasive as a prosecutor when it suited his fancy. This guy was no clown — he was as sharp as they come.

According to his pal Todd Ranson, viewing arrangements are currently being finalized and “a full Catholic funeral is planned.” Reading this fine essay on Gary over at the Cool Stretch of Highway blog, I wished I had known him better… a lot better. I’m proud to have known him at all.

An excerpt:

He’s never left his hometown for more than a month. And if the former capital of the Confederacy, an aloof and well-mannered place, never will be considered a musical Mecca, it does hold special appeal for him.

“I just love the dignity of living in a once-defeated city,” he says. “A great deal of pride once carried us here. It gave us a noble cloak, and adorned us with the air of some ancient Greek city-state. Richmond is like some old whore or piece of architecture. She’s been around forever, it seems. But when you notice her in a certain light, why, there’s a real charm to behold.”

He’s talking in his basement over a 20-foot bar with three sinks. (“One to wash your hands. One to wash your face. And one to throw up in.”) Behind the bar are display cases jam-packed with the things he holds precious: bobble-head dolls of Satchel Paige, Grady Little and Keith Richards; miniature ceramic hand-painted jazz ensembles from New Orleans; an autograph from Hunter S. Thompson; a collection of Three Stooges shot glasses; an English nose whistle; two James Brown posters from concerts at The Arena; a stuffed and mounted bear’s head casually draped in a feathered Mardi Gras mask and beads; and a 1970s photograph of his late brother Peter, arm-in-arm with the family’s maid.

Behind him, on a 9-foot Brunswick regulation pool table, lie seven bamboo fly rods, an assortment of air horns, one birdhouse in the form of the Parthenon and two Halicrafter short wave radios. Behind the pool table stand 15 vintage guitars and six worn-out, antique tube amplifiers.

He says he’s tempted to call his 1960s split level, with its 1400 sq. ft. terraced deck, “a tumbled-down shack in BigFoot country,” but instead refers to it as his roost, his outpost and his thinking line of defense. He lives here on a densely wooded hill a half-mile from the James River with his wife who’s an accomplished pianist, his 11-year-old daughter who’s an aspiring writer, and his seven-year-old son, whom he tags a “yellow-haired monkey.”

All are unimpressed with his musical persona, one that plumbs the depths of American music and its attendant emotions.

Known to his fans as “Gary Garcia” because of a likeness for the late leader of the Dead, he labels himself a relic from another era – a living fossil. “I see myself as a bluesman first. Second, I am a champion of heartfelt emotions. I like awkward displays of love. I am an encourager of dreams,” he says.

Richmond musician Johnny Hott has played with Gerloff for 15 years. “His fans are about 30 years old and up. There’s this jam-band, Grateful Dead tie-in,” he says. “We were opening once for the Jerry Garcia Band after Jerry had died. There was this one guy in a tie-dyed T-shirt who was walking slowly to the stage from the back of the crowd, getting bigger and bigger, and he was chanting to Gerloff in a trance: ‘Jerry…Jerry…Jerry…” totally transfixed on him.”

Gerloff picked up his first guitar at age 12, and promptly abandoned all other ambitions; music became his life.

There will be a lot said about Gary Gerloff in the coming days. But his buddy Tim Timberlake passed along along a couple of quotes from a Times-Dispatch article on Gary from 2001 (written by Jim O’Brien) that helps us to get a grip on what a special dude that he was. [Say what you want about the man — he gave great interview. Here is another revealing Q&A, from Plan 9's 9X Magazine.]

Let’s let this beloved “force of nature” — who could always speak for himself very well — speak for himself:

On new music:

“I may not understand it but I don’t fear it,” Gerloff said. “When I go by Twisters or some place and I hear sounds like the end of the world Parts 1 through 4, I encourage every bit of that. You want to know why? That’s the launching pad and kids are going to develop and their final twist after I’m done and gone will incorporate everything we’ve been through.”

On how he would like to be remembered:

“Well I’ve been described as a force of nature and I don’t know whether I like hearing that or not. But if I’m going to be viewed, I want to be viewed as somebody who cared about other people and the impact music can have. I want to be viewed as someone who made a stand for what I consider to be important music.”

And that you are, my friend. That you are.

Gary's life will be celebrated at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church on Huguenot Road tomorrow.  Visitation is from 4-6pm and a full-blown mass will follow at 7.  Then it's on to the Positive Vibe Cafe for lively reflection.  Throat lumps and tears guaranteed.

TT

One-Two Punch

  Back to back experiences like the two I just had make me very proud and glad to be here in Richmond...perfect weather, world-class outdoor venues, nationally known bands and record crowds were exciting combinations to behold.  Last night saw hundreds turned away at the Lakeside gate as Lewis Ginter's Groovin' In The Garden reached capacity before Old Crow Medicine Show took the elegant new stage.  They followed an engaging solo set from Shenandoah Valley native son Scott Miller.  Then there was tonight's huge gathering on Brown's Island for Friday Cheers with hot country shooting star Zac Brown.  Those who should know say it's the biggest crowd the island's ever seen...ever!  Educated guess is 16,000.  And all for a breakout down home artist playing solid country tunes, many co-written by Richmond's own Wyatt Durrette. No, not his dad, the former delegate and GOP gubernatorial hopeful...Wyatt III, who's surely picking up some nice royalty checks these days now that Zac's arrived big time.  He also co-wrote "Chicken Fried," Mr. Brown's signature hit.  My hat's off to Tom Beals of Haymaker Productions and Stephen Lecky of Venture Richmond for having the vision and savvy to snag these two acts that one might've expected to be "out of our range" and raising the bar on our town's summer musical offerings.  I urge you to check the coming lineups for Groovin' and Friday Cheers.  Along with the Folk Festival, they're signs that Richmond's come a long way. Now if they could figure out how to shorten those endless beer lines and lines for the places where you deposit the beer, once it's been internally processed.  Much patience and strong sphincters required.

After giving you guys a few days to get back to me with your guesses, I'm happy to announce the two winners of a pair of tickets each to the June 11th Music For Massey concert at the Science Museum with the Sam Bush Band and the Waybacks.  I did an eyes-closed drawing from among the right answers and pulled out Maggie Rainwater-Budd and Barry Lawson.  Oh, and Sam's eight string pride and joy is a 1937 Gibson F5 lovingly referred to as "Hoss"...one of the most recognizable sounds in all of string music.  The rest of you will just have to pony up to hear Sam jamming with guitar marvel James Nash of the Waybacks on the tracks.  Will that ever be worth the price of admission...whew!

Hope to see a bunch of you at Graves...but first, have a meaningful Memorial Day, the holiday we don't celebrate, we commemorate.  God bless our defenders of freedom.  TT

 

(I hope the cartoonist who did this, whose name I can't make out, won't mind my sharing it.)

And thanks to Erika Gay of Venture Richmond for the Friday Cheers photos.

Back and Forth...

Now that Kris Allen has upset Adam Lambert to take the crown of this season's American Idol, I can finally get back to the business of getting my head around the local music scene to recap a few worthwhile experiences and focus on the near future and all the promise it holds.  Since my last post, I've witnessed the first two Groovin' in the Garden concerts at the magnificently-enhanced rose garden and terraced lawn at Lewis Ginter.  Shooter Jennings and Brandi Carlile proved to be strong leadins for tomorrow (Thursday) night's blockbuster featuring Old Crow Medicine Show, which promises to produce record-breaking numbers.  General admission tickets should still be available here at $25 (plus $3.75 handling), or for $30 at the door.  Discovered by Doc Watson and revered by everyone from Merle Haggard to Gillian Welch, these guys bring a powerful arsenal of vocal and instrumental prowess to the Americana tent...with attitude.  Should be a major night under the stars with the Commonwealth's own Scott Miller opening well.

The next night, Friday Cheers brings a free chance to find out what all the Zac Brown buzz is about.  I've been hearing folks drop this Georgia boy's name all over the place for the last six months, so where there's smoke, there's usually fire.  Let's go see what all the fuss is about, and enjoy some "Chicken Fried," starting on Brown's Island (they've already named the island after him) around 6pm.

We're getting dangerously close to the week when so many of us head west to Gordonsville and then up the Old Blueridge Turnpike to Syria and the four-centuries-old homeplace of the Graves family where Jimmy, Rachel, Lucky, Lynn and the whole hospitable bunch open their idyllic spot on the Rose River for the 17th year to thousands of bluegrassers new and old.  Charlie Rainwater and I look forward to hosting from the stage again this year with a solid lineup and a special reunion of the Heights of Grass on Friday. For those who just can't wait until opening day, Thursday the 28th, the campground opens day after tomorrow, the 22nd, for those with 3-day tickets.  It's one of America's best small festivals, and the food is legend.

And the hits just keep on comin' as Friday Cheers presents the Jerry Douglas Band on Brown's Island, again for FREE!, on June 5th and on Thursday, June 11th out on the tracks at the Science Museum of Virginia, the fifth annual Music for Massey benefit raises the bar with the triumphant return of the west-coastal Waybacks and this year, the Sam Bush Band, to make it extra special.  Tickets are available here, and if you're sharp, you might even win a pair of comps to the big show.  Just tell me by email (mail@timtimberlake.com) the model year and nickname of Sam's Gibson F5 mandolin.  I'll do a drawing in case of more than two correct answers as I actually have 2 pairs to give away.  Bring it on...it's gonna be a really big show!

In closing, let me mention a major jazz event that JAMinc, the Richmond Jazz Society and WCVE Public Radio are co-presenting on Friday, May 29th at In Your Ear Studio A.  Legendary Richmond reed man James "Saxsmo" Gates is recording a live CD and you can be in the audience if you hurry and reserve your seat here.  Just check out the who's who of a-listers who'll be there to lend a musical hand:  John D'earth, Hod O'Brien, Desiree Roots, Dr. Weldon Hill, Justin Kauflin, Jim Branch and Russell Wilson among others.  Saxmo's Jazz Summit gets rolling at 6:30 with a pot-luck buffet...it'll surely be one tasty and tasteful night.

Do it live...TT

For the love of Pete...

You look up "folk singer" in the dictionary and you'll likely find his picture.  Iconic activist, musician and banjo player Pete Seeger turns 90 on Sunday, and you're invited to his great big Richmond birthday party at The Camel on West Broad Street, with a whole host of local folk gathered to pay him homage starting at 6pm.  For a ten buck donation, benefiting musicians in need, you can catch the likes of friends George Turman, Jackie Frost and Sheryl Warner, plus Amy Ferebee, Becky Taylor and event organizer Ron Gentry.  Lots more. Kudos to Ron for his hard work.  Pete should be appreciative.

The big hootenanny follows another big benefit south of the river earlier in the day...it's Vibefest 2009 on Forest Hill Avenue out in front of the Positive Vibe Cafe.   If you aren't a regular, the Cafe is quality restaurant that offers employment and training to those with physical and developmental disabilities.  A serious roster of Richmond's top-drawer performers are lined up to sing and play for the cause starting at 11:30am.  Also a bargain @ $10.  Click here for the schedule, with one note:  that lovable rascal Gary Gerloff is on the mend after some surgery and won't be making this one.  We'll be pulling hard for his speedy return to the scene.  Garth Larcen's, the Cafe's owner is a real positive force in our community.  Hope he has a big day on Sunday.  Hope you all do too.

Thanks to all who will make our Cadillac Sky concert at In Your Ear tomorrow our fifth sell-out in a row.  And thanks to the writers at Style Weekly for voting JAMinc one of their First Annual Music Awards as "Best Musical Potlatch." Don't miss the next one...a jazz summit with James "Saxmo" Gates on May 29th.  Details on our Website soon.

And don't forget JAMinc presents The Isaacs for a night of stirring bluegrass gospel at the West End Assembly of God on Parham one week from tonight (May 8). Tickets here. 

TT