Beyond that dark river…

One of American music’s most earnest and important voices has gone home leaving us with a catalog of powerful songs but taking with her the cutting instrument she used to sing them.  West Virginia’s Hazel Dickens died of complications from pneumonia last week summoning up the lyrics of one of her tunes I first heard Hot Rize do years ago…it would become one of their most requested:  “I feel the shadows now upon me, and the angels beckon me, before I go dear sisters and brothers, won’t you come and sing for me.  Sing those hymns we sang together, that plain little church with its benches all worn.  How dear to my heart, how precious the moments, we stood shaking hands and singing a song.”  My friend and JAMinc partner Wally Thulin remembered Hazel eloquently: 

I’m sure most of you acoustic music lovers have heard the sad news that we lost Hazel Dickens last week at the age of 75. Back when I used to drive to the IBMA gathering in Owensboro, KY, I‘d put on a Hazel Dickens CD (actually I think it was a cassette) the exact moment we crossed into West Virginia. It just seemed the right thing to do. Her raw, emotion filled voice seemed to belong to the dark hollows and intriguing hills of that state that she broke from as a young girl. In addition to her pro miner songs for which she was known, one of her most powerful, Mama’s Hands (IBMA song of the year by Lynn Morris in 1996) tells her story of leaving WV so vividly:

“One old paper bag filled with hand-me-downs

Plain old country girl raised on gospel sounds,

With only the love she gave me and pride in what I am,

It was hard to let go of Mama’s hands, my mama’s hands.”

She lived it and she sang it like she lived it, and it connected with her fans who really didn’t give a flip if she was always exactly on key. It was authentic; it resonated with listening hearts and moved them. Hazel’s voice, like black coffee, was an acquired taste, but once acquired, was treasured.

So much of today’s culture is slick, contrived, and fake. Lady Gaga comes to mind. Hazel was the real thing. Pitch correction? Who needs it? Sing with sincerity from the heart and it’s always on pitch to those who are tuned in emotionally.

I venture to say that at this week’s MerleFest, more than one artist will sing one for Hazel.

 

It was only a year ago when another lesser known but full of promise musician was taken in a tragic motorcycle accident.  Houston Caldwell was just 18 but had already become a Galax fireman, completed Army basic training and was a head-turning banjo player.  By all accounts, Houston was an impressive young man, mature beyond his years, and friends of mine who knew him were devastated this time last year when they learned of the fatal accident.  Caldwell will be remembered at Felts Park in Galax the weekend of May 6th and 7th with an event called Houstonfest, presenting a strong lineup of performers that includes Blue Highway, Mountain Heart, Sierra Hull, Larry Cordle, Wayne Henderson, Ron Block and the farewell performance of Cherryholmes.  There are lots more.  Tickets are available here and all proceeds will benefit the Galax Volunteer Fire Department.

Don’t forget JAMinc’s season-ending double header at In Your Ear…on Friday, May 13th it’s Piedmont blues night with Phil Wiggins and Rick Franklin.  And the very next night, it’s the fine folkgrass band East of Monroe.  Reservations for both are available now on the website. 

At the risk of too much gushing, I do want to mention again the new Alison Krauss & Union Station project as it debuted at #3 in Billboard Album Chart covering all genres and #1 in both the Billboard Country and Bluegrass Charts.  Here’s a link to a beautifully done video on the making of Paper Airplane.  Highly recommended.

Congrats to Scott Adams who won tickets here to enjoy Iron & Wine and The Low Anthem at the National Wednesday night.  Promises to be a great show…tickets still here.

The 24th MerleFest commences Thursday…we’ll keep you posted.

TT

(Hazel Dickens and Houston Caldwell photos from artist websites)

On a roll…

Native and Fine Records is Bill Evans’ label where you can order his Banjo for Dummies book and any of his many great recordings.  He is a native Virginian, although now a west coaster, and he is a fine practitioner of all the five-string and its predecessors can deliver.  Bill brought his one-man Banjo In America symposium to In Your Ear for our latest JAMinc studio concert last Thursday.  With seven different instruments and a head full of stories and illustrative tunes, this genial and well-versed musician offered rare insight into why the banjo has so indelibly worked its way into our consciousness.  Some remember him from his UVA days and Cloud Valley, or his stint with Ron Thomason and the Dry Branch Fire Squad.  Those of us who go way back were reminded of what a genuinely nice guy he is, to supplement his tasteful musicianship and his scholarly appreciation of an instrument both beloved and derided.  And he finished up by bringing up old pal Jack Cowardin to offer a little mando backup.  Bill Evans is as much as anyone out there, giving the banjo a good name.

While we’re at it, here’s the deal on JAMinc’s “Farewell ‘til Fall” weekend at In Your Ear next month, a first-time double header the nights of the 13th and 14th.  As mentioned in our previous post, Phil Wiggins’ long-time partner John Cephas played his final solo set at In Your Ear on May 1st, 2009.  So it’s full circle that we welcome Phil and one of his new collaborators Rick Franklin to Studio A on a very lucky Friday the 13th.  Rick is a Virginia-born exponent of the Piedmont Blues and will bring a solid guitar and vocal complement to Phil’s signature harmonica style.  Reservations going fast here. 

We’ll leave the chairs and food tables set for the following night as we segue from blues to bluegrass with the acoustic string band East of Monroe (see full disclosure from previous post).  If you missed their sold-out show at AC&T in March, here’s a second chance, or if you did catch EOM trackside, maybe you’re hankerin’ for more of that sweet three-part harmony and Gary Ferguson’s tasty licks.  Catch JAMinc’s last concert until September by making your reservations here.  If you’re in the Fredericksburg area, the band’s playing upstairs at Picker’s Supply this coming Saturday.  And some of us will be headed back to my old hometown of Staunton on May 21st as EOM plays the Valley’s very nicest venue, the Mockingbird Roots Music Hall.  It’ll be the band’s final gig before Eminor packs it up to Portland…this would be a great chance to see and hear what all the Mockingbird buzz is about at 123 West Beverly Street in charming old downtown Staunton.

 

Some very special events coming to town the weekend of May 6-7…first, a homecoming for Ann Savoy who grew up in Richmond and ended up marrying and making a life of music with Cajun accordionist Mark Savoy.  The Savoy Family Band will play a benefit “Louisiana Friday Night” concert and Cajun fest at Trinity Methodist Church that will enable Goochland kids to attend Camp Westview on the James.  Read all about it here and get your tickets here.

And the next night, May 7th on the growing campus of St. Joseph’s Villa on the northside, the 17th annual Hoedown In The Garden marks the 17th consecutive appearance of the incomparable Lonesome River Band for this bigtime night of food and fun benefitting the Villa’s Flagler Home.  Tickets are $75 each and include an open bar, great barbecue and all the fixins from David Napier’s White House Catering, and a couple of choice sets from one of the top bluegrass bands in the land.  I’ve missed the last few, but trust me it’s an amazing evening for a great cause, not to mention a great deal.  Order tickets here, or…stop the presses…win them!  Thanks to the Villa’s generous CEO Kathleen Barrett, I have a pair of Hoedown tickets to give away to the 17th (get it) one of you to email me (mail@timtimberlake.com) with SAMMY! in the subject line.  Go for it.  I’ll miss Mr. Shelor and the boys this time around but will enjoy sharing judging duties with Stephen Lecky at AC&T’s Songwriter’s Showdown Shootout finals on that Saturday night.  Hope to see some of you there…I hear the finalists bring a lot to the table.  And on Sunday the 8th, a very special tribute show for our too-soon departed pal Page Wilson at Canal Club.  Details in our next post.

MerleFest moments starting in this space next week, like the journal’s title shot above featuring Emily and her fantasy band from a MerleFest long ago…fellas named Thile, Fleck, Witcher and Watkins.  Magic always happens in Wilkesboro every April.

TT

 

(Wiggins, Savoy and LRB photos from artist websites)

MerleFest Momentum

Believe me I’m gladder than glad to be around for another one, but these trips around the sun we take each year just have to be taking much less time than they used to.  No way it’s time for another roadtrip to Wilkesboro for the remarkable reunion of kindred souls that is MerleFest.  It’s time to meet my fellow geezer Sam Sanger for the 20th time as Cabin Stage managers and spend April’s last weekend soaking up as much music as possible and picking up where we left off.  MerleFest is a marvel of loving logistics headlined this year by the likes of Lyle Lovett, Randy Travis, the Doobie Brothers (with John Cowan on bass) and Robert Plant’s Band of Joy.  And literally a hundred more Americana musicians filling thirteen stages for four full days.  If you’ve ever considered making the pilgrimage, this might be the right year.  Click here for a very cool tool that lets you click on a clock to see when and where your must-see artist is performing.  It’s an overwhelming undertaking that requires some energy and commitment but you’ll not find more quality music in one place in one long weekend anywhere.  April 28-May 1.

 

As mentioned previously, Alison Krauss, who won’t be making MerleFest this year, will be making up for lost Union Station time with her much anticipated Paper Airplane album.  AKUS disciples should find the wait worthwhile as it’s pure, sweet vintage Alison.  See if you agree…you can preview the whole thing here until it drops on April 12th.

 

Friday night the Camel on Broad welcomes alt-country phenomenon Justin Townes Earle.  His career has soared since an under-attended gig at Stretchin’ At The Barksdale a few years back…BJ and I were there…were you?  Opening will be Josh Small.  $20 tickets almost gone.

The next day…a great afternoon of alfresco jazz is coming up Saturday at Trinity Episcopal School off Cherokee on Pittaway Road south of the river.  This is a great chance to hear some of of the area’s top high school and college jazz players along with seasoned vets Bop Nation who are also doing a JAMinc-sponsored Trinity assembly performance bright and early this morning.  Bop Nation’s Saturday set kicks off at 2:20pm.  It’s outdoors under a big tent with burgers and dogs for sale but the music is free as the spring breeze.  A real good deal.

Later that night, worth checking out is the Kalob Griffin Band out of Philly and playing the Triple on West Broad with their own Avett-leaning rootsy rock.

Next week, we’re looking forward to welcoming Bill Evans back to town for one of his entertaining and illuminating Banjo in America sessions at In Your Ear.  Bill will bring vintage instruments including African precursors and trace the evolution of this beloved but oft-misunderstood instrument.  Reservations going fast at JAMinc.org.

Our last JAMinc/IYE show of the season is set for Friday, May 13th with the one and only blues harp king Phil Wiggins alongside guitarist Rick Franklin.  Phil will play Studio A almost exactly three years after his long-time partner, the late John Cephas graced our stage in what would be his last solo performance.  Don’t miss this one.  Tickets on sale soon.

 

Just got our tickets for what should be a knock-your-socks-off night at the Southern in Charlottesville on May 19th with Punch Brother Chris Thile in a duo gig with the amazing Michael Daves.  These two forces of nature have a new album out called Sleep With One Eye Open, and having heard what these young Turks can do as a twosome, it should be an ear opener.  Tix here.

 

Don’t forget to save some serious Fridays starting next month on Brown’s Island for acts like Carbon Leaf, Yonder Mountain String Band, Trombone Shorty, Drive By Truckers, the David Grisman Sextet and Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings.  Sync your calendars here.

 
And if that’s not enough to make you proud to live and love music in River City, how about the 2011 Groovin’ In The Garden lineup Thursdays in May and June including Cracker, Donna The Buffalo with New Riders of the Purple Sage, Nanci Griffith, Toots &

 The Maytals and a thrilling twin-bill offering the Del McCoury Band with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans.  So now it’s up to us to show our appreciation for this musical bounty by getting out and taking it in. 

Congrats to Scott Adams who won the pair of tickets to the Iron and Wine/Low Anthem show at the National on April 27th.  MerleFest eve will set a proper mood…oh yeah.

Signing off to catch a few winks before Bop Nation for breakfast at Trinity in a few hours.  And mad props to Coach Smart and his Rams and Coach Mooney and his Spiders for making March Madness the best this town’s ever seen…how sweet it was.

TT

(MerleFest photos are mine…the rest are from artist sites)

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)