The Seldom Scene played at the White House for Olympian party. Photo by Michael Stewart.

Washington, D.C. based The Seldom Scene played a unique gig Monday evening.

The pioneering newgrass group, originally formed in 1971, was selected to play at the White House, where President Bush hosted a dinner party for U.S. Olympians, both past and present.

The Associated Press reported the menu was “not a low-cal affair, with pea soup with duck pastrami, cheese puffs, crispy black sea bass, butter beans, salad and a dessert called the ‘Olympic Torch,’ a dark chocolate tart with raspberries and a blown-sugar Olympic flame.”

Guests undoubtedly also got the same type of colorful flamboyancy from the guest band, whose new CD, SCENEchronized, is earning rave critical reviews and is riding high in several bluegrass charts around the country.

Members of the band are Ben Eldridge on banjo; Dudley Connell on guitar, Lou Reid on mandolin, Fred Travers on dobro; and Ronnie Simpkins on bass.

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Nothing like a little (a lot?) of bluegrass to tickle the ribs, eh?

At least, that’s the way it is in Martinsville, Ind., which is putting together a Bluegrass and Barbecue Festival Aug. 9 on the town square, which is a few stone throws away from the famous Bill Monroe Memorial Bluegrass Park in Bean Blossom, Ind.

Organizers of the Martinsville event are now trying to sign up barbecue chefs and bluegrass bands to make their event a success. Proceeds will be earmarked for a local family shelter.

Event organizer Randa Powers told the Martinsville Reporter-Times newspaper the day-long benefit needs traditional bluegrass-oriented bands to fill the performing schedule.

“And they don’t have to just be local,” Powers said.

Several groups have already committed to playing, including Nathan and Katie Payne, The Old Time Christian Band, The Gospel Highway Band and The Sounds in the Wilderness band. Bands will take turns on the stage from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Powers said more businesses and organizations are also needed to join in the barbecue cookoff competition, which will also be going on all day. Organizers will supply the meat — beef, chicken or pork — while competitors supply the secret sauce and cooking technique.

Powers said fundraiser organizers are also interested in getting more sponsors and contributions for the event.

“Right now, the main vendor is Vectren Energy,” she said, referring to a local utility company,which has sponsored the event for the past three years.

Anyone interested in playing or cooking at the Bluegrass and Barbecue Festival can contact Karen at Wellspring Family Shelter at 765-342-6661, extension 306, by Aug. 1.

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