Straight from the Crooked Road

Those who joined us this past Saturday night at the Virginia Historical Society for warm and wonderful performances by  Wayne Henderson & Helen White along with the Dixie Bee-Liners may still be sporting indelible smiles thanks to witnessing Wayne's mastery up close and hearing (maybe again) his delightful story of the day Billy Graham drove a limousine.  Or sharing in mom Melinda's pride as 15-year-old Danielle Sargent confidently filled Casey Henry's banjo slot with the Bee-Liners after only a brief green room rehearsal.  Here she is taking her victory bow with co-founder Buddy Woodward.  Thanks to Jennifer Guild and all the VHS crew for sharing their elegant space with us.  We hope to do more music there down the road.  Thanks to Bob Brown and Page Dowdy for the above photos.

You may have enjoyed Grace Potter and the Nocturnals at FloydFest this past summer...if you were left hungry for more, she graces the National this Thursday night.  She's a powerhouse.

 

The IBMA Awards handed out earlier this month saw last year's sweepers Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent take Vocal Group and the big one...Entertainer of the Year once again.   And I hear they blew the lid off the Ryman at the award show with their a cappella rendering of "Don't You Want To Go To Heaven."  If you've never supped from this duo's cup of soaring gospel harmony, your most pressing opportunity is this Friday as they make a return trip to Richmond's West End Assembly of God on Parham Road...thrills and chills guaranteed.

Our next JAMinc/In Your Ear Studio Concert promises to be another gem, as past MerleFest/Chris Austin songwriter winner Wil Maring and her duo partner Robert Bowlin join us on the eve of Halloween, Friday, October 30th.  They've toured Europe extensively and played the Opry.  Reservations only $15 in advance (no surcharges) and $20 at the door.   And we're happy to have our talented young friend Harper Speagle-Price, accompanied by her dad Terry and Barry Lawson on bass as musical appetizers. Harper's the former Mary Munford mandolin student who's now at Lucille Brown Middle School.  Come hear how far she's come.  Better not procrastinate on this one.

Lots more to come this fall...an embarrassment of riches, as they say.  Do pace yourself but catch as much as you can...the music matters.

(Bowlin & Maring photo from her Website)

TT

Don't Need No Ticket...

After Maggie Ingram's daughter completed her stirring monologue about simpler times and blessings to be counted, the throngs gathered under and around the Virginia Folklife tent were offered a completely heart-rending rendition of "Beulah Land" by Richmond's gospel treasures, the Ingramettes.  And when, right on cue, a CSX coal train lumbered over the riverside trestle and sounded its whistle, I fought back tears, recalling Curtis Mayfield's mid-sixties anthem "People get ready, there's a train a comin'.  You don't need no baggage, you just get on board.  All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'.  You don't need no ticket...you just thank the Lord."  Looking out over the reverent and completely engaged crowd of many colors, we listened to this gifted family sing with such soulful intensity, they dissolved the invisible walls that divide us and delivered hope for a brighter day.  I learned a lot that Saturday at the 2nd Richmond Folk Festival...that Maggie had moved to our city from Georgia in 1961 and found employment in the home of attorney and civil rights icon Oliver W. Hill, Sr.  And she often appeared with the Silver Star Quartet, forty-year Sunday morning fixtures on WRVA Radio.  This elegant matriarch and her progeny holding court was the highlight of this year's three-day gathering for me, much as it was two years prior.  Much credit again goes to Virginia's folklorist Jon Lohman who programmed the "Sacred Sounds, Sacred Places" theme for this year's Folklife area and wisely brought back the Ingram family, old time singing Baptist preacher Frank Newsome and Tidewater's powerful a cappella ensemble the Paschall Brothers.  Amen and amen.

 

(panorama by Charlie Reilly)                                           The heavenly Father blessed us with another wonderful weekend of weather despite the light sprinkles of Saturday afternoon.  If the TV weatherfolk hadn't made such a deal of a rainy Saturday forecast, attendance that day would have likely been as strong as Sunday's record-breaking numbers.  This fifth collaboration between our city and the National Council for the Traditional Arts continues to earn the affection and appreciation of an increasingly wide demographic, with respect to both age and ethnicity.  It's apparent that people are learning that folk music in the inclusive sense is less a hootenanny and more a celebration of the world's cultural traditions.  Let's take good care of it. 

Another rewarding experience for me came before the festival even started, as I drove and ran sound for the remarkable Tuvan throat singers, Khogzhumchu.  We took these four gentle souls and their interpreters Elena and Constantine from New York's CEC Artslink, to five public school appearances, where they filled young minds with sounds never before heard...of wind and birds and rushing water in rhythmic songs astonishingly created solely by vox humana.  It was a thrill to see and feel the reception they received. 

(Bora Ju and Min Ji Kim from Korea-Wally Thulin photo)   And I'm proud of our non-profit JAMinc for coordinating transportation and sound reinforcement for six Festival performing groups.  We covered sixteen different schools Thursday and Friday and brought compelling musical experiences to over five thousand young people.  Thanks to TNT Limousine for the vans.  Mission accomplished!

And a serious salute to all my intrepid artist hosts who made sure all the festival performers had a proper good time in our fair city and made it from hotel to stage to CD signing to lunch to the next stage and back to the hotel all weekend long.  You guys are the best ambassadors Richmond could ask for.  My one regret is that it's all over for another year.  I sincerely hope you witnessed at least some of RFF II.  It's  truly Richmond's finest hour.  And you don't need no ticket.

I wimped out and left my camera at home this year so I'm grateful for my visually-gifted pal Charlie Reilly for preserving images and sharing a few with us to your right.

At least there's much more great music in the pipeline starting with tonight (Thursday) at the Capital Ale House downtown as that highly-evolved string band from California makes its way back to town...that's right, the Waybacks return for a couple of wild and witty sets of quality tunes.  Don't miss James, Warren, Chuck and Joe.  We won't.

Saturday, one of the coolest roots combos you could imagine is happening on the Boulevard thanks to JAMinc and the Virginia Historical Society...an evening of "Tunes From The Crooked Road" featuring legendary luthier/guitarist Wayne Henderson and his tuneful pal Helen White along with one of the nation's top contemporary string bands, the Dixie Bee-Liners.  Virginia's Heritage Music Trail winds through the southwest part of the Commonwealth, near places like Rugby, Wayne's hometown,(population: 7) and provides an actual and figurative link to our dearest folk traditions.  The duo's earnest stories and songs will be complemented by the Bee-Liners fresh lyrics, tight harmonies and instrumental prowess.  The Roots Music Association named them Bluegrass Artists of the Year in 2008.  The concert starts at 7:30pm in the luxurious Robins Family Forum auditorium at 428 N. Boulevard.  Tickets are $20 in advance and for VHS members, $25 at the door.  You can buy them online here.

A footnote:  we caught the CD release matinee at Ashland Coffee & Tea a few Sundays back for the rock-solid string swing jazz band, Gypsy Roots.  Richmond should be very proud of Thomas Wakefield's impressive ensemble and how far they've come.  The new album is entitled Chakra Odyssey and it's must listening.  Somewhere Django is smiling.

Live music lives only if we head out to hear it.  Let's go.

TT

(Wayne & Helen photo by Bob Brown at In Your Ear; Dixie Bee-Liners photo from their Website)

Blown Away...

For those of us on hand for the first of two evenings with harmonica virtuoso Howard Levy at In Your Ear last night, it was one of those special nights that makes one grateful for the gift of music and those who invest their hearts and souls into the art of making it.  Howard and his gifted and tasteful guitarist Chris Siebold mesmerized the intimate audience which included local blues legend L'il Ronnie along with jazz mentor and JAMinc co-founder Doug Richards.  It was a profound experience to see such serious musicians truly astounded by Chris' and Howard's stunning artistry.  And the recording is spectacular...we'll let you know when some of it might air on WCVE-FM.  You should have been there...but the beautiful thing is, we have them for one more incredible show tonight at 7:30.  (Doors at 6:30, $20)   I can't urge you strongly enough to be spontaneous.  Just do it.  And be looking out for a short Flecktones reunion tour with Howard onboard this November.  In Your Ear Studios are at 19th and Broad.  (photo by Page Dowdy)

 

And it was a big night for Brad Spivey and his Honky Tonk Experience as they provided the proper backdrop for Black Tie & Boots, the annual pre-State Fair throwdown at the brand new venue, Meadow Event Park.  Don't let a little needed rain keep you away from this sprawling and much more appropriate setting for the State Fair of Virginia.  Just north of Ashland, exit 98 off I-95.  It runs through Oct 4th and there's a lot to see...and hear.

 

The Experience is playing one of a handful of terrific pre-Folk Festival gigs starting Sunday, October 4th (theirs is at the Hat Factory on the 7th) called the Richmond Roots Music Sessions.  Check out the full lineup here.  Big thanks to Todd Ranson for all his legwork in putting this awesome addition to the Festival together.  Crank it up!

TT

Crown Jewel

By all indications, Richmond's elegant new performing arts complex CenterStage has been more than worth the wait. We got a first look tonight during dress rehearsal for the grand opening Saturday night in the fully enhanced and expanded Carpenter Theatre. It's been meticulously restored and repainted with more bars, more restrooms and inviting lounges and public spaces. First class all the way...and we didn't get to see the 200-seat Gottwald Playhouse and the smaller Rhythm Hall that will afford more intimate venues under the same big roof between 6th and 7th Streets along East Grace. You can take in the big show featuring all of CenterStage's resident companies including the Richmond Symphony, Ballet, Shakespeare and Jazz Society plus SPARC, The African American Repertory Theatre, Barksdale/Theatre IV, Elegba Folklore Society and the Virginia Opera. Tim and Daphne Maxwell Reid proved genial and light-hearted hosts during tonight's rehearsal and the challenging stage changeovers were amazingly smooth. If you make the scene on Saturday, look for John Winn and his dad Jack (left) blowing twin saxes and crooning "The Best Is Yet To Come" with Desiree Roots Centeio. (That's David Hoggard on drums) And prepare to be impressed by the AART tap and stomp production of Langston Is My Man inspired by Harlem poet Langston Hughes. (below) Hats off to producer/director Keith Martin who did a sterling job of wrangling hundreds of performers and crew, and this was just rehearsal. Richmond's new star attraction should shine brightly Saturday night. Plus you can tour the place for free during a Sunday afternoon open house. Details and info on all the above on the CenterStage Website. Oh, and fittingly, Mother Abbess showed up from the Sound of Music and sang "Climb Ev'ry Mountain." The climb has been challenging and contentious but the view from the top is spectacular.

TT

September Songs

So far, the ninth month has brought luxuriously less humid more comfortable weather, a full corn moon, a much-needed soaking rain at the end of the Labor Day weekend, and a heightened anticipation of the season that comes next. Fall is my favorite of the four, and I find that preference grows with each passing year. The AC-free open windows, the lengthening shadows cast by more golden rays of sunlight, and the wistful awareness that life is indeed passing and every moment is more precious. Music plays a big part in that and there’s so much to look forward to in this and the months to follow. A few highlights…

The much-anticipated opening of Richmond CenterStage is this coming Saturday downtown at 6th and Grace. After a long and often painful gestation, we’ll all be anxious to see the birth of the new Carpenter Theater with wider, more cushy seating, a freshly fancy paint job and a greatly expanded backstage/load in capacity. The first glimpse will feature performers from nine of our area’s cultural fixtures including the Richmond Symphony and Richmond Ballet. Hopes are high that this re-burnished jewel will assume its rightful place as Richmond’s cultural focal point, with creative booking that gives everyone a reason to come downtown and be inspired.

If you want to give the CenterStage folks a little time to work out the inevitable bugs and don’t feel the need to be there on opening night, you might want to witness the potent reunion of Chuck “Rockin’ Daddy” Wrenn and Barry “Mad Dog” Gottlieb who’ll be overseeing the festivities this Saturday at the BennyFit for Hospice at the Playing Field out on West Broad. For those who frequented Benny Waldbauer’s punk rock club Benny’s, near Monroe Park back in the eighties, you can bask in those hazy memories as members of the Ortho-Tonics, Beex, The Good Guys, the Diversions and others give it their all to recapture the magic. Outspoken smooth operator Chris Bopst will also partake. Proceeds go to Bon Secours Hospice. (old Benny’s poster from The Throttle-1981)

The following weekend, the Virginia Folk Music Association will bestow its highest honor to native son Sammy Shelor for his contribution to bluegrass and evolution of the five-string banjo. He will join fellow finger pickers Roy Clark, Ralph Stanley, Bill Emerson, Eddie Adcock and Ben Eldridge in the VFMA Hall…Sammy’s a four-time winner of IBMA’s banjo player of the year award and is a finalist again this year, has played with the Heights of Grass, the Virginia Squires and currently leads the solid-as-ever Lonesome River Band. Sammy’s induction will include an LRB performance at the Chesterfield Fairgrounds on Friday, the 18th. More info and tickets are available here. Let’s all turn out and celebrate one of this generation’s true stylists and genuinely nice guys.

Ashland Coffee and Tea has regained its stride with some very compelling local and touring artists on its fall schedule, including Bill Kirchen, Chatham County Line, Chris Smither and Jesse Winchester. Keep an eye on their ever-changing Website.

A fine lineup of players will join Mark Newton in Fredericksburg on September 19th for his Homecoming Pickin’ Party at Maury Stadium.  Artists include Larry Stephenson, Claire Lynch, IIIrd Tyme Out and the Seldom Scene and a big jam at the end of the day.  Advance tickets are $30 available here, and proceeds benefit the James Monroe High School athletic program…I think Mark played baseball there.  So its a….homer!

JAMinc presents a double opportunity to experience the remarkable virtuosity of Grammy winner Howard Levy, one of the most innovative harmonica players of all time on September 24th and 25th at In Your Ear Recording in the Bottom. Howard and his veteran guitarist Chris Siebold will offer a far-ranging set list including jazz, blues, latin and pop melodies with a few old Flecktone favorites thrown in for good measure. You can reserve one of 80 seats we’ll have each night here (click on “events”) or you can get lucky and win a pair for Thursday night here by answering the following question: Mr. Levy’s harp was heard on the soundtrack of what 1996 film adapted from a novel of the same name by a Virginia writer? I’ll draw from all correct responders to mail@timtimberlake.com on September 12.

Jamgrass devotees will welcome Railroad Earth back to the National on Friday, the 25th and I’ve got a pair of comps to that show as well…here’s the question: Name the band lead vocalist Todd Sheaffer played in prior to starting Railroad Earth. Email answers again to mail@timtimberlake.com. Drawing for duplicate correct replies on September 14th.

There are still quite a few volunteer slots in numerous capacities available for the 2nd annual Richmond Folk Festival, October 9-11. Check the Website to sign up and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of being a part of one of the best things ever to happen to our city. And stay tuned for the soon-to-be announced lineup of the Richmond Roots Music Sessions, a nightly warm-up for the Festival starting at Legend Brewery on Sunday, October 4th. Some of our town’s best from all over the musical map will be performing at places like Capital Ale House, Plaza Bowl, Gibson’s, and The Hat Factory. What an amazing week we have in store…soak up as much as you possibly can.

And if RFF II leaves you hankering for more, the west coast’s Waybacks blow into town on Wednesday, October 15th at Capital Ale House.  Preaching to the choir for many of you extolling their extensive musical virtues, but this is definitely a band that shines live.  The records don’t do them justice.  They can do it all.  Tickets available online.

A footnote: the previously announced reunion concert with the Robbin Thompson Band at the National on November 27th will be re-scheduled to another date shortly…

Hope your summer’s been as memorable as mine…hard to let the memories fade so quickly. But that’s ok…fall’s in the air and that will ease the post partem summertime blues.

Thanks for the read…TT

(Howard Levy photo from his Website)

Cautionary Tales

A belated retrospective of the past week of enhanced musical adventures, starting a week ago tonight when we were thankfully persuaded to make the Mekong scene ostensibly to celebrate the West Broad Vietnamese eatery’s 14th anniversary with a beer-soaked bash to remember, even though mine’s a bit hazy.  The draw was all the Belgian draft beer, wings and spring rolls you could consume, a commemorative glass and t-shirt (above) and the clincher, a beefed-up version of Richmond’s potent Modern Grove Syndicate, with Daniel Clarke back on keys and guest sax solos from Samson Trinh. (A side note:  Samson’s big band take on the Beatles’ Abbey Road, at least what I’ve heard of it, is remarkable…it’ll be well worth the long wait.)  It was a big night on all levels, especially the brew which I wasn’t quite prepared for…the Grande Reserve Chimay Ale for example weighs in at 9% alcohol.  Bottom line…the stuff’ll sneak up on you…it took many of us by surprise…I was grateful to have a designated driver.  Mekong’s selection of Belgian and world beers is said to be the best in town…behold but beware.

 

A healing ride up 64 to Staunton on Thursday meant a rendezvous with sister Robyn who was already headed there for Lee High School’s 40th class reunion, and an intimate evening with Middlebrook residents Robin & Linda Williams and Their Fine Group in a cozy black box of a theater on the campus of my sister’s alma mater Mary Baldwin College.  Robin and Linda were taping a live DVD with bandmates Jim Watson, Jimmy Gaudreau and Dr. Chris Brashear.  Robyn and Tim were enjoying re-discovering their old hometown.  The Williamses covered lots of musical turf including a lovingly revived “High Atmosphere,” their moving impression of seeing “Maybelle’s Guitar and Monroe’s Mandolin” in the  Country Music Hall of Fame, and some heroic homage to Hank Williams thanks to Robin’s take on “Ramblin’ Man” with his bluesy harp work and a stunning mando solo by Mr. Gaudreau.  The camaraderie and close harmony that ideally comes with more than 30 years of marriage shone brightly and the performance will be worth anticipating…the DVD is due out by year’s end.

We heard a lot of buzz from Stauntonians in the audience that night about the new upscale restaurant/music hall being carved out of an old downtown corner building.  Robyn and I stumbled on the construction zone on West Beverley during a post-breakfast walk the next morning and were excited to find the Mockingbird, billed as offering “Artisan Fare and Roots Music” well underway.  We got to talk with owner/proprietor Wade Luhn who was cagey about the level of talent he’s planning to book, but with a 160-seat dedicated listening room (above) and former Richmond chef Lee Gregory (Six Burner) in the kitchen, my gut says this guy’s gonna do things right and there may be a good many Queen City road trips in our future.  Breaking news…a fire starting in a trash can in the music hall on Sunday did some serious damage that will set back the opening but some hard work and insurance money should keep things on track.  And a chocolate malted for the road from Wright’s Dairy Rite was the perfect postlude.

We had to get back to set up for our 7th sold-out JAMinc/In Your Ear Studio Concert in a row, as seasoned PP&M players Dick Kniss and Paul Prestopino made their tedious way south on I-95 to join George Turman and Daniel Clarke once again for an emotional tribute to the folk legends who would likely do their last command performance at Wolf Trap the next night, sans Mary Travers.   Enduring friend Libby Dunton was also on hand to add her signature harmonies.  If you missed the music and the memories, stay tuned for a replay on Page Wilson’s Saturday night show down the road.

The finale to our four-day tour meant another run west up to the Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company near Wintergreen for the 1st annual Brew Ridge Trail Music Festival.   If you remember, Saturday was a bit soggy and a steady drizzle when we rolled in and the realization that you could see and hear the main stage from the terrace of the very nice and dry restaurant nearby, moved us to sit under an umbrella sipping craft brew and nibbling on nachos and wings all day. William Walter and his guitar man Tucker Rogers, along with Jesse Harper, Darrell Muller & Trey Pollard and the Infamous Stringdusters (right) were in top form as the crowd grew throughout the day and the rain went away.  The solo CD Jesse Harper & His Best Intentions is finally out and in a generous marketing gesture, he’s letting us download it for whatever we want to pay…let your conscience be your guide. Click here for details and follow the golden rule.

Conserving sufficient energy for our final stop wasn’t easy, but thanks to my perennially patient road pal, with some difficulty we found Bel Rio on Monticello Road (not Avenue), a new place in the up-and-coming Belmont section of Charlottesville, where newgrass rockers Cadillac Sky were holding forth.  The boys came to play and the crowd was more than appreciative.  They have a new 5-song EP entitled Weary Angel that you can get for free here with a t-shirt order.  And you can watch their latest video, a cover of Death Cab For Cutie’s, “I Will Follow You Into The Dark” here.  We’re working on getting them back to R’town in November.

More breaking news…good news this time:  the Robbin Thompson Band is reuniting for a handful of shows to  reprise their breakthrough album Two B’s Please from almost 30 years ago, starting at the National on November 27th.  RT plus Velpo Robertson, Eric Heiberg, Audie Stanley and Bob “Rico” Antonelli are honing their highly-evolved skills  to perform the best-selling project in its entirety…in its original sequence.  As solid as “Brite Eyes,” “Candy Apple Red,” and yes, “Sweet Virginia Breeze” were back then, it should be a powerful experience to hear what these songs have become with all that accumulated musical wisdom.  We’ll let you know when tickets go on sale.

Here’s a save the date…they’re inducting the inimitable Sammy Shelor into the VFMA’s Hall of Fame at the Chesterfield Fairgrounds on September 18.  It’s a well-deserved honor for Virginia’s five-string stylist who’s guided the Lonesome River Band back into the bluegrass limelight.  Details to come. And don’t miss the cool corn maze that Sam and wife Sue have created again this year up near Meadows of Dan.  It opens September 5th.

We’re well into our second hundred posts here and we’re grateful for your readership, input and nice words.  They mean a lot…TT

(Turman & Friends photos by Charlie Dunton.  The awesome early Robin & Linda photo from their personal collection)

Straight Ahead...

Good live stuff in the short term:  tonight, Richmond's Mekong Vietnamese restaurant on West Broad celebrates its 14th anniversary with a big food, beer & music party featuring the all-out ensemble Fear No Beer, whose members you may very well mistake for the seasoned vets of Modern Groove Syndicate.  The roving keyboardist for said group says the suds selection at Mekong is world class...Danny C should know.  There's a $40 tab but food, drink and tunes plus a t-shirt and take-home glass are included.  Deal.

  The aforementioned Mr. Clarke, back off the road for a few weeks, will also join the venerable George Turman and his other compelling compadres at a sold-out JAMinc/In Your Ear Studio A concert on Friday in the Bottom.  No more reservations...hope you have yours.

Saturday, the Chickahominy Swamp's most visible denizen hosts the Out O' The Blue Stage Revue  once again at Pocahontas State Park with Marna & Macy, L'il Ronnie & The Grand Dukes and of course Page Wilson & Reckless Abandon.  Advance tix are $8 with parking included.  Music starts at 6.  Hot fun in the summertime! 

Further out of town is the new Brew Ridge Trail Music Festival up near Wintergreen with the Sons of Bill,  the Infamous Stringdusters, Jesse Harper, William Walter and others...15/advance, 20/gate. Noondark.  (at right, Dusters Jeremy Garrett, Travis Book and Andy Hall)

And later that night, power stringband Cadillac Sky plays Bel Rio in Charlottesville for a 12 buck cover.  Indoors.

Oh, and Saturday night right here in River City, the ever- ready National welcomes Drive By Truckers with MerleFest darling Tift Merritt opening.  And it's good to hear the Toad's Place space is back as The Hat Factory...with the National already in fifth-gear they've got a big hill to climb...even with a mechanical bull!  We wish them well.

A non-musical footnote...watched the HBO documentary Resolved on DVD last night.  It's about the academic pursuit of debate at the highest level and it's a most engaging and fascinating treatment of what I expected to be dry and tedious.  Highly recommended Netflix viewing when it's too hot to be outside.

Les Paul is more...TT

(Turman & friends photo by Charles Dunton/Page Wilson and Cadillac Sky photos from their Websites)