Making it count…

In trying to get my head around what our town’s musical landscape will be without Page Wilson around, I came across the above photo of a gathering of musical compadres taken at the Moondance Saloon in Shockoe Bottom in November of 1998.  We all looked and were a little younger of course, and three friends pictured are no longer available for such spontaneous sessions of music making.  Jerry Mullins, Joe Sheets, and now Page.  We survivors are now more obligated than ever to keep that flame alive…that torch of friendship and common bonds that are the true stuff of life.   Those of us who get to hang around people like Page Wilson, whose passion for making and sharing his purebred American mongrel music was tireless, must redouble our efforts to keep the flame burning.  To practice hard, to support those who make a living enriching our lives with their artistry and to lend a hand to those who are struggling.  Page would often say with pride that he’d spent thirty-some years making a living off of music…as a singer, songwriter, band leader and radio host.  Sadly his declining health took away his ability to keep his long string of successes going.  But before he was forced off the road and off the air, he accomplished so much…go find a copy of his 1983 album Road Tired, Wired and Ready and listen to a uniquely powerful voice rendering well-crafted original songs.  Remember his generous spirit inviting the likes of Terry Garland, Susan Greenbaum and the Jackie Frost Ensemble to join him and his band Reckless Abandon in concert with the Richmond Symphony.  Look back longingly on those countless Saturday nights in Page’s make believe kitchen deep in the Chickahominy Swamp where all manner of roving musicians would gather around the table to chow down, chew the fat, and share tasty homemade tunes on the radio. Page understood the power of imagination and from his shack in the swamp, would preach the gospel of music.  His congregation was large and loyal, and as a long-time member, I’ll be forever grateful for having had a seat on the front porch.  Richmond’s roots music champion has been silenced but his mark is indelible.  And his pain is over.  Rest well Page.

Barnum & Bailey…not!

Whether you were a knowing fan or an innocent who stumbled unsuspecting into the Jepson Theater at UofR this past weekend for one of the dazzling performances by the French Canadian troupe Cirque Eloize, it was surely time very well spent…I’d never seen anything like it.  Such boundless energy, athleticism and choreography with dramatic staging, sound and lights.  It was a circus-sans-animals screaming into the new millennium with all its street sensibility and savvy.  Granted this is another less-then-musical journal entry but the throbbing and sinewy soundtrack was a huge part of this stunning night of balancing, juggling, in-line skating, bike tricks, aerial bravado and the most imaginative trampolining one could imagine.  Sorry if you missed it, but if the chance ever repeats here or anywhere, soak it in.  It’s show business at its powerful and engaging best.

Those who remember the successful folk string band Trapezoid led by Paul Reisler back in the seventies may well want to head down to Richmond CenterStage’s Rhythm Hall this coming Friday as Paul makes it very clear what he’s up to these days with his group A Thousand Questions playing a benefit for the national in-school songwriting initiative Kid Pan Alley.  Paul’s bandmates on this night will be harmonica phenom Howard Levy (now reunited with the original Flecktones), perennial Grisman henchman Joe Craven and gifted singer/songwriter and past JAMinc/In Your Ear guest Amy Speace…a potent lineup promising a memorable evening with proceeds going to Paul’s brilliant labor of love described in this compelling video.  Tickets here.

Empowering our kids with self-made music

 

Another benefit this Friday finds former John Denver and New Kingston Trio banjo man and composer of “Grandma’s Feather Bed” Jim Connor at Goochland High School helping raise money for the music department out there.  Tickets are just seven bucks and available here.

And as a third option, for those feeling really cheap and selfish, you can look in on those inbreds from Limber, West Virginia playing the Ironhorse in Ashland.  That’s right, Big Red, Harry, Slim, Rusty and Tiny Johnson are back in a big way as the Big Boss Combo…with no cover!  A serious bluegrass bargain, even if mysterious cousin Bentley doesn’t ever show up again.

 

All of us with JAMinc and In Your Ear Recording were tickled to hear that our first compilation CD of Studio A concerts is a finalist for this year’s Independent Music Awards.  Read all about it and even vote for it here.  Better still, buy yourself a copy via CDBaby at our JAMinc website or download it at In Your Ear’s website.  All proceeds benefit JAMinc’s school outreach programs…winners announced on March 29th.

 

Full disclosure up front:  the one on the right is daughter Emily, who’s had the good fortune over the past few years to be included in an enriching musical enterprise that’s now evolved into the group East of Monroe.  Richard Ward, Gary Ferguson, Jackie Frost and Billy Budd along with our dear departed friend Dave Giegerich have been faithfully and carefully woodshedding despite the inconvenience of homes spread from Baltimore to Fredericksburg to Urbanna to Richmond.  Because of that and the challenges of Dave’s extended illness, the band has yet to perform in public, save for their moving rendition of “Go Rest High On That Mountain” at his memorial service.  But now it’s time to pay tribute to their missing bandmate and try out all those songs they’ve been so lovingly fine-tuning all these many months for a real audience.  The venue for EOM’s debut is fittingly Ashland Coffee & Tea on Saturday, March 19th.  I’ll be packing a handkerchief.

 

I just went back and watched a TiVoed Austin City Limits performance by Sam and Sarah Beam and their tasteful band, collectively known as Iron and Wine.  This is thoughtful, lyric-driven music with Sarah’s ethereal harmony supporting Sam’s lead and the combination has been wildly successful.  Heck, they’re playing Bonnaroo this year.  Cool thing is, they’re also playing the National on April 27th.  Cooler still is the band that created all that buzz at FloydFest last year The Low Anthem is opening.  And the coolest thing of all is that I have a pair of free tickets to the tenth one of you to email me at mail@timtimberlake.com and say “I’m in.”  Perhaps you will be.  And MerleFest along with my 33rd year of wedded bliss start the very next day.  Life is good.

 

It might be a good time to start some ‘save the date’ entries in your calendars as the Friday Cheers lineup’s just been announced with notables like Sharon Jones & the Dap- Kings, Yonder Mountain String Band and the David Grisman Sextet headed to Brown’s Island.  Some will squirm about the price of admission which is a little higher than the two bucks charged last season, but given the quality of the lineup, it’s still a steal and you can get a season pass for just $35.  A big deal.

Another split season of Groovin’ in the Garden is being firmed up and like last season, May’s concerts are set at Lewis Ginter and June’s at Maymont for eight or nine consecutive Thursdays.  Can’t name names yet but you’ll be very interested…promise.

 

A couple of eagerly anticipated albums are due out soon:  another collection of originals from the multi-faceted Steve Martin and his solid road band the Steep Canyon Rangers.  It’s called Rare Bird Alert dropping March 15th.  Click here to download the title track.  While you listen, spend some time exploring his very entertaining website.

And after her extended hiatus to run with Robert Plant, Alison Krauss has regathered her stellar band Union Station and is about to deliver what promises to be a worth-waiting-for collection called Paper Airplane.  Release date-April 12th.  You can download that title track here.  Pure vintage AKUS.  We’ve missed you guys.

River’s up and so am I.  Hope springs eternal…TT

(This time, all illustrations except for East of Monroe photos are from artist websites.  JAMinc compilation cover art by Jay Bohannan)

Master Class

A lighter than usual crowd at West End Assembly of God Saturday for Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver’s annual bluegrass gospel event likely resulted from later and less promotion this year, but those of us who did  get the word were treated to yet another stirring performance by the ever-evolving band that owns this sub-genre.  Doyle’s latest class of young players maintained the high levels of perfectly arranged harmonies sung to rock-solid accompaniment that the boss expects.  But what’s this?  There’s a drummer now?  Yep, and despite the potential flack from traditionalists, and thanks to the subtlety of former Quicksilver bassist Carl White, it worked.  It certainly wasn’t the distraction one may have feared.  And Carl, who slid into Jamie Dailey’s slot on his departure a few years ago, still managed to make it to center stage to horse around with Doyle and even sing his moving “Help Is On The Way.”  The main vocal trio now consists of Doyle, bassist Corey Hensley and guitarist Mike Rogers with their tasteful young Dobro man Josh Swift adding bass vocals when a quartet was called for.  Sidemen are now Jason Barie on fiddle and a 20-year-old Crowe clone named Jessie Baker .  The evening was capped with a heartfelt tribute to departed WEAG pastor Fred Spivey that included a powerful take on “Precious Memories” led by Mike Rogers.  Fred leaves an unfilled vacancy. The Quicksilver revolving doors continue to spin and you can always count on Professor Lawson to deliver his well-honed message loud and clear.  Amen and amen.

For those who missed Kip Williams’ hot band Bop Nation at our In Your Ear show last month, you get another shot tonight at Capital Ale downtown starting at 8pm.  Seasoned veterans Keith Horne, Steve Kessler, Mike Ess, and Kevin Simpson work the groove with taste and touch.  $8 cover.

We’ve been waiting for this one since last July’s FloydFest when Morwenna Lasko and Jay Pun and their quartet captivated the reverently quiet crowd gathered at the Front Porch stage by lantern light during the Friday night power failure.  Without a PA, these Berklee-bred artists held us spellbound.  Morwenna and Jay have played AC&T since as a duo, but add bass and percussion Friday night and it should be sublime.  See you at 8p on the tracks.  And Saturday, AC&T’s most prolific player BJ Kocen and his Gobstoppers hold forth for another fine evening of collaboration with the likes of Jackie Frost, Tater Brad Tucker, George Garrett, Jim Wark and Chris Fuller.  The Gob stops here…again.

    The compelling Americana band Yarn, playing AC&T on March 2nd, comes highly recommended.

The night before has legendary Leon Russell playing the Hat Factory on the canal, and the night after, Thursday March 3rd, we’ve got America’s reigning old- time fiddler Bruce Molsky back at In Your Ear Studio A after a five-year absence.  Not too soon to reserve your seat at at the JAMinc website as it will surely sell out like it did last time.  Heck we can only put 80 chairs in there. 

Bluegrass patrons and players have a great chance to exercise their passion at Grandpa Eddie’s in the far West End on Saturday, the 26th during the 2nd annual day-long jam benefitting the Fisher House.  East of Afton and a host of other bands will hold down the stage for the 12-hour marathon but spontaneous participation is encouraged.  Here’s your chance to try out your chops on “Rocky Top” with the big boys.  Read more from today’s Times-Dispatch.

And here’s a save-the-date for Memorial Day weekend…the first Virginia Traditions & Tunes festival at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen.  Think of it as a warm-up for this fall’s Richmond Folk Festival, only featuring all Virginia artists and craftspeople.  A great musical lineup already including Wayne Henderson and the Dixie Bee Liners.  JAMinc’s a participating sponsor.

Oh, almost forgot, soulful Steve Bassett plays AC&T TONIGHT with a couple sets worth of his original tunes, including this one which is my favorite, along with that other Breezy thing he wrote with Robbin Thompson. What a great hook. 

What’s this?  Richmond’s perennial source for viable musical alternatives is now a weekly columnist for the Times-Dispatch?  True that.  Here are his introductory remarks.  Bopst will stir it up for sure.

Spring peepers are already out…can that be?

TT

(Yarn and Bruce Molsky photos from their websites)

All Honky…No Tonk

So what was Brad Spivey, the Honky Tonk Experience front man to do without his band?  Simply charm the Ashland crowd as a long, tall guitar man with a coal car full of country gold.  Real country from the songbooks of Dale Watson, Tom T. Hall and Merle Haggard.  Firmly holding down the opening slot all by his lonesome.  He was there at the behest of Ted Pitney, former King Wilkie lead guitarist and songwriter who’d never done much singing in that much-missed ensemble, but now was fronting his own Teddy & The Roosevelts. Comprised of seasoned players like Jay Starling on lap steel and keys and former Wilkie bassist Jake Hopping, Ted and his cohorts rolled through an extended set of compelling originals that even included a fresh new take on “Lee & Paige,” the tragic love song from his more bluegrassy days.  And there was royalty in the house as Jay’s dad John proudly made the scene in support of his gifted son.  Highly recommended is Ted’s EP Genesee that includes the beautiful “October Fire” and is available thru CDBaby here.

More recently, we were back at AC&T for the return of Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen who continue their quest to become one of the hottest bluegrass bands in the land.  Heck they already are, but there are dues to pay and fans to earn and if there’s any justice at all, it’s just a matter of time.  Vocally and instrumentally, all the goods are there.  The other cooks, Mike Munford-banjo, Lincoln Meyers- guitar and Stefan Custodi-bass are as tasty as it gets. Don’t miss these guys if they’re anywhere close.  And get their CD here.

We’ve got an exciting lineup for the next few months at In Your Ear Music and Recording as JAMinc proudly presents the delightful folk duo Dana & Susan Robinson up from Asheville, partners in music and life.  They’re up this coming Thursday night and we still have room for you at this writing.  Reservations here.

On March 3, one of the very best friends an old-time fiddle has ever had, Bruce Molsky returns to IYE for another round of earnest and engaging tunes both original and traditional.  Bruce can cast a spell, and in this pristine acoustic environment, magic is pretty well assured.  A sold-out situation is likely, so grab your seats now right here.

And we’ve just firmed up an April 14th date for banjo player/historian Bill Evans who some of you may remember from his old Cloud Valley or Dry Branch Fire Squad days. Bill will present a musical and very informative evening with his priceless collection of instruments including precursors of the old five-string.  Bill did this for us many years ago at the Virginia Historical Society and it’ll be good to see him on the east coast again.  Reservations available soon on our JAMinc website. 

If you missed our most recent IYE offering or if you were there and are hungry for more, Kip Williams and his smokin’ fusion jazz band Bop Nation will reconvene at the Capital Ale House downtown on February 17th, a Thursday.  Area masters Keith Horne, Mike Ess, Steve Kessler and Kevin Simpson populate this tonal democracy, that gives each of these solid players a chance to shine.  You might want to get advance tickets for this one here.

Randy Fitzgerald and his East of Afton bluegrass buddies are hosting another all day jam on Saturday, 2/26 at Grandpa Eddie’s BBQ out on Three Chopt.  The first one last year was a big success and it’s a chance to hear a bunch of our town’s best pickers in an evolving and inclusive day of spontaneous fun.  It benefits the very worthy Fisher House which accommodates families of wounded veterans being treated at McGuire Hospital.  Check Grandpa’s website for further details.  And BYOI.

Have you discovered Garden & Gun?  The “Soul of the South” is not a primer for green-thumbed bounty hunters.  No sir. It’s actually a wonderfully well-done publication out of Charleston, SC that celebrates the broad southern ethic and its cultural reflection with great photography and design, some of our top writers and for the sake of this post, a discerning ear for our favorite Americana music.  It’s just a treat of a magazine.  The current issue’s cover story is “Bluegrass Nation…25 Bands Giving Old-Time Music a Whole New Sound.”  You may take issue with some who made the Top 25 but there’s no doubt they’re all pioneers and trend-setters who’ve found a comfortable branch some distance from the trunk of the bluegrass tree.  You can read the piece here but indulge yourself in a hard copy.  I’ll bet it won’t be your last one.  Brothers Seth and Scott Avett appear in the above photo from the cover shoot, thanks to James McClister.

And in the interest of full disclosure, I banged out most of this post today while revisiting the Hell Freezes Over Eagles reunion DVD and had a fine time.  Lots of guitars and big harmonies took me back to a nice sunny place.  I’ll share a video of the tune that’s my favorite from that reunion…it was a tough choice.  Joe Walsh with a string section.  And Don Henley hammering the most meaningful rimshots ever heard. Huge.

from Hell Freezes Over

I have more friends who are Steeler fans so I’ll pull for them but truth be known, I don’t give a rip who wins.  Regardless, I’ll be tube-glued all day I’m sure.  Have a Super day but take a minute to mentally list and savor everything we take for granted.  And pray for the freedom-loving people of Egypt.  They need us and we need them.

TT

(The Robinsons, Bruce Molsky and Bill Evans photos from their respective websites)

Smooth Sailing…

Acknowledging that this is a music-oriented blog, I can’t ignore an overwhelming achievement witnessed this past Saturday at the Byrd Theatre.  A grateful generation that came of age as loyal schooner mates of Channel 12’s Sailor Bob Griggs and his crew of characters were able to savor the memories evoked by a masterful 90-minute documentary screened before a full house moved to tears and frequent rounds of spontaneous applause.  Bob’s warm and witty presence on our hometown TV screens during the 60s and early 70s gave him celebrity status not seen here before or since.  His daily live shows with Gilliver Gull, Mr. Mouse and Bluebird endeared him to children with his drawing and musical stories as it ensnared the grownups with often hilarious improv.  The Sailor Bob Story lovingly captures this precious time in our past with on-air and behind-the-scenes clips, interviews with those involved in producing the show and some quality time with Bob himself, a humble and unassuming hero if there ever was one.

The VGO Productions team (above) that crafted this fitting tribute to Sailor Bob’s life and legacy enjoyed a well-earned moment in the spotlight at the Byrd.  From left, director Paul Roberts, producer Leslie Custalow, videographers Tim Wright and Charlie Reilly, video wizard Guy Spiller and original music composer Frank Coleman.  Frank gathered a studio full of Richmond’s most accomplished players to provide just the right sonic foundation for these perfectly-edited nostalgic images…including Charles Arthur, Daniel Clarke, Stefan Demetriades, Chris Fuller, Randall Pharr, John Winn and Forrest Young.  If you missed the premiere, you missed a heartwarming celebration of a career that mattered, made all the more special by Bob’s being there to absorb all the love in the room.  But The Sailor Bob Story will see its first air time on Tuesday, February 8th at 9pm on WCVE/Channel 23.  So you’ll have another chance.  And your chance to own your own DVD of the doc with lots of extras will come soon at the official Website.  And the Virginia Historical Society has committed to archiving and displaying the extensive collection of Sailor Bob video, artwork and memorabilia.  Stay tuned.  Incidentally, the aforementioned Coleman & Fuller will continue their long-running ‘brotherly love’ tour this Saturday at the Iron Horse in Ashland from 9-12.  No cover…no kidding!

Our day of re-living the best of the 60s continued that night at the CenterStage Carpenter Theatre as the Richmond Symphony feted 50 years of Motown with one of Berry Gordy, Jr.’s chosen groups, The Contours of “Do You Love Me” fame.  Despite having only one remaining member from the era of their one big hit, Sylvester Potts, the stylish quartet had us boomers singing along with songs wisely picked from the Smokey Robinson/Temptations/Four Tops set lists at the expense of their own.  It was an entertaining show but from our seats (orchestra right, row Q) the symphony was effectively inaudible behind the Contours’ six-piece band.  Conductor Erin Freeman appeared to be doing pantomime…was it just me?  Disappointing but a fresh reminder of how solid and durable those Motor City melodies remain.

Looking ahead for the next few weeks, we’re eager to catch Teddy & The Roosevelts for the first time, the latest evolution of King Wilkie co-founder/guitarist/composer Ted Pitney.  Opening will be our favorite Honky Tonker unplugged-Brad Spivey doing a solo set starting at 8p on the tracks at AC&T.  As we move into the shortest month, don’t miss the return engagements of

 

Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen on February 2

 

 

and the Honey Dewdrops on Feb 5

And dazzling C’ville violinist Morwenna Lasko and her guitar-wielding pal Jay Pun return with bass and percussion this time around…that’s right, the Lasko/Pun Quartet on Feb 18. They were a hands-down highlight at last summer’s Floydfest.  Not to be missed.  All coming soon to AC&T.

The Richmond Jazz Society hosts another of its terrific Guest Educators Series at the Capital Ale House music hall downtown on Feb 8th in tribute to the great pianist/educator Dr. Billy Taylor who passed away in late December.  Some of our town’s best players including Debo Dabney, Dr. Weldon Hill, Russell Wilson and Lucy Kilpatrick will perform on twin grand pianos.  Tickets available here.

Our next JAMinc/In Your Ear Studio Concert comes up on Thursday, February 10 with the engaging folk duo Dana & Susan Robinson from Asheville, NC.  These two life-and road-mates armed with guitar and clawhammer banjo promise an intimate evening of traditional treats, enhanced of course by our trademark pre-show pot luck buffet.  Reservations right here.

Almost forgot about a great band headed for Kenbridge this coming Saturday thanks to Chris Gowin who runs “Virginia’s Country Legend,” WSVS 800 AM in Crewe:  frequent IBMA bass player of the year Missy Raines and her talented young group, The New Hip.  The WSVS studios are being faithfully restored to look and sound like they did back in the early 50s when Flatt & Scruggs were regulars.  It’s a very cool and commendable project that’s well underway.  Go Chris!

Parting gift for this post is a video from a new Canadian duo named Dala whose first Compass Records CD Everyone is Someone is just out this week and is generating loud and loving buzz in the pop-folk arena.  Check out Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine singing “Horses.”  Nice.

For those who’ve seen the remarkable Oscar-nominated film The King’s Speech, did any of you think of Mel Tillis?

Hoping for a cloudy Ground Hog Day…

TT    

A Running Start…

The much anticipated holiday season is behind us and I’m left with the familiar ‘too much of a good thing’ feeling and a sense of relief that things are settling down.  But there’s only time for catching a quick breath, as the first few days of the new year are rife with opportunity to make good on that resolution to catch more live music in 2011.  You did make that one too, right?  My two most recent outings, a heartwarming holiday concert with the Richmond Pops Band and the Richmond Choral Society and last night’s run to AC&T to catch the up-and-coming Commonwealth Bluegrass Band, both pressed the right buttons and whetted the appetite for more.  Here’s a cool behind-the-scenes video shot by CBS 6 meteorologist Carrie Rose from the CBB’s appearance on “Virginia This Morning.”  They’re doing a dandy cover of Sammy Shelor’s “Ernest T. Grass.” How convenient.  On Friday…

…there’s a return trip to Ashland trackside to check out a new grouping of seasoned players, the Beachley/Scott Band.  Darren Beachley and Barry Scott are both alums of Doyle Lawson’s Quicksilver University.  Darren just disassembled his Legends of the Potomac that included Tom Gray and Mike Auldridge…Barry did the same with his gospel ensemble Second Wind.  The new pairing has lots of promise, especially in the vocal department…we’ll get back with you on that.

Also tonight, a very Bogart’s Friday night as John Winn and some of his peerless peers like Adam Larrabee, Devonne Harris, Randall Pharr and Daniel Clarke stroll down jazz alley in their own inimitable style.  Of course the old Bogart’s on Lombardy is now Balliceaux and you might finish the night there with the irreverent grass of the Flesh Mountain Boys in Chris Bopst’s back room.

Saturday marks another Robbin Thompson Band revival at the National.  It was just too much fun and too well-received a year ago to not do it all again.  Plus, they’ve got a terrific concert DVD to push, so if you didn’t catch them last January, or even if you did, here’s a great chance to hear five reasons (Robbin, Velpo Robertson, Eric Heiberg, Rico Antonelli, and Audie Stanley) why Richmond is a bona fide music town.  Just read Don Harrison’s great piece in the current issue of Style Weekly.  And RT does a solo gig at AC&T on the 14th.

JAMinc gets 2011 off to a jazzy start this Thursday the 13th, with power-percussionist Kip Williams and some top hand-picked players like bass monster Keith Horne (remember Secrets?), Mike Hawkins, Steve Kessler, Mike Ess, and Kevin Simpson.  Heck, Robbin might render one or two with this band too.  We’ll be having another of our famous pot-luck heavy hors d’oeuvre buffets before the show so bring something tasty starting at 6:30 and enjoy some tastefully funky fare in the perfect acoustic setting of In Your Ear Studio A starting at 7:30.  Reservations online here.

Fans of grass rockers Cadillac Sky, already reeling from the loss of lead singer/writer Bryan Simpson, now face the news of the band’s “indefinite hiatus” as revealed in this post on their website.  One of the most musically fertile acts of the new millennium, much like King Wilkie, leaving us way too soon.  Here’s the tune that hooked me on Bryan’s image-laden creativity from the start.  I’d frankly rather make up my own visuals for this haunting song…maybe just listen with closed eyes the first time through.

Thankfully still very much alive, the Infamous Stringdusters are out of the new year’s gate at a full gallop after their Grammy nomination (Best Country Instrumental) for Magic #9.  See how they do as the golden gramophones are handed out in L.A. on February 13th.  The Dusters’ five-string man Chris Pandolfi has gotten into doing some really fun stop-animation

Stringdusters Ski Tour/Caper

promoting their winter ski tour.  Looks like the boys had some extra time on their hands…good times.

The recent loss of our friend Dave Giegerich has brought comforting expressions from so many.  Read Dave’s East of Monroe bandmate Gary Ferguson’s heartfelt tribute here, and this from Robin Williams’ latest newsletter: 

“2010 ended with sadness for us. For the last 14 years we've done Hank Williams tribute shows in between Christmas and New Years. Standing on the far left for all those years has been Dave Giegerich playing steel and dobro. In September he had a bone marrow transplant and the word out on the street was that he was doing good. He and we were all hoping that he'd make this year's shows but his doctor ruled it out. We played the first show without him and took pictures and signed a poster to give to him. He never saw them. He died suddenly the next day. We all played one more show with broken hearts. Literally, to know him was to love him. He left this world without an enemy. We should all hope for that to be said about us. Our hearts go out to Pam, his wife, and his two sons, Axel and Carter. Steeling good/Steeling good/He was a mighty man and he was steeling good.”

What promises to be a fitting tribute to a life well-lived and music well-played, will be held in downtown Baltimore at the Maryland State Boychoir Center for the Arts at 3400 Norman Avenue, 21213 at 2pm on Saturday, January 15th.  We’ll make a joyful noise.

TT

(Robbin Thompson photo by Zachary Reid)