“It’s been up and down the country roads, its’ brought a tear and a smile. It’s seen its share of dreams and hopes, and never went out of style.”

At the present moment, my great uncle Pete Hatton’s 1929 0-18 Martin is in the hands of one of Nashville’s finest vintage instrument restoration craftsman. In the last installment of this story, I promised to discuss how Marty Lanham was chosen to refurbish this cherished, vintage instrument.

Last June, at the Bill Monroe Memorial Bluegrass Festival in Bean Blossom, Ind., my cousin Ray Hatton and I got together. He brought along Uncle Pete’s vintage Martin, which he had inherited. We discussed what a shame it was to have that instrument in such disrepair.

Ray didn’t know who he could trust to do a good job. He certainly didn’t want to ship it through any of the normal freight companies. Ray was at a stand still with the renovation of this wonderful instrument. As you recall, there is a strong emotional attachment to the guitar also.

I have passed around, at various bluegrass festivals, the story of the instrument. This past winter, I got a phone call from Tom Ewing. He wanted to set up a phone interview with me about my grandpa working with Bill Monroe at the Sinclair oil refinery in Hammond, Ind.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Tom Ewing, he was the guitarist with Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys from 1986 until Monroe’s death in 1996. Tom actually played guitar with Monroe the last time he appeared on the Grand Ole Opry stage, just prior to his death.

Tom has written the wonderful book, “The Bill Monroe Reader,” and is following it with what many are saying will be the definitive book on the life of Bill Monroe.

Tom Ewing is hard at work trying to complete his newest project. As details emerge about when it will hit the shelves, we will keep you posted.

Tom has incredible insight into Bill Monroe’s character and his life. This comes from a man who worked longer with Monroe than just about anybody.

During our enjoyable visit on the phone, I asked Tom where he would recommend getting Uncle Pete’s guitar fixed.
Tom, without hesitation, said Marty Lanham in Nashville, Tenn., does all his guitar repairs.

As soon as I got off the phone with Tom, I did some research on the Internet about Marty Lanham and found nothing but praise heaped on his craftsmanship. I also found out he was the owner of the Nashville Guitar Company, maker of high quality instruments.

I immediately called my cousin Ray and told him about Tom Ewing’s recommendation. Ray did some research and came to the same conclusion, it was time to take the guitar to Marty.

Ray lives about 3½ hours north of Nashville. He had to wait for a day off and he and his lovely wife decided to take an excursion to see Marty.

Marty informed Ray it would take a couple of months to repair the guitar. I asked Ray if we at BluegrassJournal.com could follow the repair of this vintage Martin for our readers. He said he didn’t mind at all. Then I called Marty and asked him if he could keep us posted on his restoration work. He seemed happy to oblige and has been fantastic at sending us pictures and commentary.

We will continue to keep you posted, as details continue to emerge concerning work being completed on the old Martin.

Share This

You might also like to read these related news items:

• Uncle Pete’s Old Guitar - A Martin restoration in progress Part 1 -- April 7, 2008
• Bluegrass Bits and Pieces -- April 4, 2008

Google “money” and instantly flashing on your 21-inch LCD monitor are more ways to become a high roller than you can imagine. Do the same search for “moneyland” and you get pretty much the same results — with one very notable exception.

One search result that pops up mentions McCoury Records. Surely, Del McCoury, the label’s patriarch, isn’t pitching some get-rich-quick scheme, is he?

Not to worry. This “Moneyland” is a new CD, described as “a collection of songs dealing with issues facing Rural America.” It will be released on the McCoury label on June 24.

Although the label is only now releasing advance publicity on the project, it’s sketchy background, more than a year old, touches on presidential politics. On April 23, 2007, the Wall Street Journal reported that the John Edwards Democratic presidential campaign was giving away the “Moneyland” CD to contributors who gave $50 or more. The cover of the CD being offered back then looks like a clone of the new CD that’s headed to retailers.

Fast forward a year from when the Edwards campaign was still on its feet, and McCoury has evidentally taken partisan politics out of the project. (Well, not entirely. McCoury gets a word in about the election in remarks below.) Del McCoury himself is leading the promotional campaign for the multi-artist CD, which includes some classic material and a new tune or two. He describes the project as “a timely … collection that offers a hard-hitting look at economic injustice through songs old and new.”

The CD begins and ends with excerpts from two of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Depression-era “fireside chats.”

It includes the Depression-era tune, “Breadline Blues,” recorded in 1931 by Bernard “Slim” Smith, and “Breadline Blues 2008,” a reworking by the McCoury clan that also features Mac Wiseman, Tim O’Brien, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings.

Familiar names and songs abound. Merle Haggard lends his support to the project with his 1973 classic “If We Make It Through December” and the more recent “What Happened?,” which appeared on his McCoury Music bluegrass debut last year. Haggard gets a third plug on the CD with Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell offering their take of his classic, “Mama’s Hungry Eyes.” And, yes, a fourth shot for the Hag — this time, his “Farmer’s Blues” with Marty Stuart.

Dan Tyminski’s “”Carry Me Across the Mountain,”based on a true Depression-era story, and Chris Knight’s “A Train Not Running,” are contemporary components to the project as is the title, “Moneyland,” which could be described as a bluegrass rap about the god-like role of the almighty dollar in today’s society.

In advance publicity about the upcoming CD release, bluegrass veteran Mac Wiseman, another contributor to the “Moneyland” CD, and McCoury talk about the changed face of America.

“I grew up on a farm myself, back during the late ’40s, and we raised everything,” McCoury said. “We raised hogs and chickens, had dairy cows, we shipped milk. Times were good for the farmer in those days, but now the farmers are just hanging on by their fingernails.

“It’s sad to me that country kids can’t stay in their hometowns any more. There’s no opportunity, there are no jobs, there’s just nothing. And at the other end of life, there are a lot of people losing the pensions they worked for. That happened to my wife, Jean — and there are more people relying on Social Security than ever.

“You know, we have a little fun on this album with that Beatles song, ‘When I’m 64,’ but really, it’s no joke. It used to seem like 60 was really old, but nowadays, it feels more like middle age, and to have a lot of years ahead of you without being sure that what you spent a lifetime working for, like a pension or Social Security, is going to be there, well, that just doesn’t seem right.”

“… in my travels, I get the feeling that we’re sliding back to the days of the breadlines, and more and more people are getting the short end of the stick — and a lot of it just seems to come down to greed.”

Wiseman,who grew up during the Great Depression, echoes McCoury’s thoughts.

“It’s very obvious to me that politics is running hand in hand with the big money these days,” Wiseman said. “There’s nothing wrong with a big house and a fine car and having plenty for the family. That’s good. But the greed we see now, that’s something else altogether.”

McCoury and his manager, Stan Strickland, shares executive producer credits. Strickland and Rob and Ronnie McCoury are listed as producers.

“I’m in a position where I can make good choices,” McCoury said. “And aside from just doing what I do musically, I can help others do the same themselves, and get a message out that people need to hear and think about — and, especially in an election year, take action on. This isn’t about party politics, it’s about doing what’s best for our country and everyone in it, not just a lucky few.

“That hillbilly boy in Appalachia and that farm boy in the Midwest and that black kid in the inner city, they’re all looking for the same thing: a way out and up. One of these days, those kids are going to start working together on their common problems-and when they do, they’ll fix them.”

Share This

You might also like to read these related news items:

• Enter to Win DelFest tickets !!! -- April 25, 2008
• McCoury putting together his first DelFest and he needs your help -- April 23, 2008
• Del McCoury announces finalized lineup for 1st annual DelFest bluegrass and music festival -- April 4, 2008
• McCoury Music and Sierra Music present first annual “Delfest” -- February 27, 2008
• Del McCoury Band on the road with Vince Gill -- August 7, 2007

Don’t think for a minute that Dan Tyminski is spending time in the rocking chair these days just because his long-time boss Alison Krauss is crisscrossing the country doing concerts with Robert Plant.

Tyminski, a key player in Krauss’ Union Station, has re-organized his own band , is performing at concerts and festivals and is waiting for the release of his long-awaited second solo album, “Wheels.” The CD will be released by Rounder Records on June 17.

Tyminski and his band will take to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry that evening to promote the CD.

The Dan Tyminski Band, which provides backing on the project, includes Union Station’s Barry Bales on bass and former AKUS mandolin player Adam Steffey, who has been touring and recording with Mountain Heart for the past few years.

Other members of the group are Ron Stewart on fiddle and banjo and Justin Moses on fiddle and Dobro.

Guest artists popping up on the CD are Vince Gill, Cheryl and Sharon White of The Whites and Ron Block, banjo player and guitarist with Krauss’ band.

Tyminski first rose to national prominence on the bluegrass circuit as a member of The Lonesome River Band. He’s been with Union Station since 1994, featured on guitar and mandolin and soulful tenor harmonies.

In 2000, Tyminski stepped further into the spotlight as the singing voice of George Clooney in the Coen Brothers’ movie, “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” In addition to being a pivotal element in the plot of the film, his powerful rendition of the Stanley Brothers’ version of “Man of Constant Sorrow” became a surprise hit single, winning the County Music Association’s Single of the Year award, an IBMA award for Song of the Year (the album was also named the Album of the Year), and a Grammy award for Country Collaboration with Vocals.

The album also received the Grammy for Album of the Year – a rare achievement for a soundtrack project.

That year also marked the release of Tyminski’s first solo album, Carry Me Across the Mountain, and some of the first dates performed by the Dan Tyminski Band. He has also toured as part of Vince Gill’s band and with Jerry Douglas. He was invited by Eric Clapton to participate in Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2004 and as a part of Union Station in 2007.

A Vermont native,Tyminski now lives near Nashville, Tenn. Tyminski is an avid golfer and has participated in a number of celebrity golf tournaments.

His new CD can be pre-ordered at www.rounder.com.

The track listing includes:

1. Wheels
2. Whose Shoulder Will You Cry On
3. Making Hay
4. Who Showed Who
5. It All Comes Down to You
6. How Long Is This Train
7. I Ain’t Taking You Back No More
8. Heads You Win Tails I Lose
9. How Many Times
10. The One You Lean On
11. Knock Knock! 01:52
12. Some Early Morning

Share This

You might also like to read these related news items:

• Several Rounder Artists will perform at Merlefest -- April 15, 2008
• Dan Tyminski will release Wheels on Rounder June 17 -- March 27, 2008
• Rounder announces slew of upcoming Bluegrass releases -- March 27, 2008
• Rounder Artists score Superfecta on billboard chart -- February 28, 2008
• Rounder Records - Honoree at Folk Alliance Confernce -- February 13, 2008

Branson, Mo. — At Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass & BBQ Festival, the liveliness of bluegrass music brings family harmonies and upbeat melodies to the stages and streets with over 50 bands and more than 500 performances. Amid the flavors of bluegrass music are the seasonings of an All-American barbecue. These two ingredients combine to create one of the Midwest’s most popular springtime festivals at Silver Dollar City, May 10 – June 1.

Throughout the years, bluegrass music has evolved into a musical genre that showcases award-winners and up-and-comers featuring new sounds and traditional favorites. “Bluegrass music has been influenced by, and has influenced, many other styles of music since its creation,” says Bluegrass & BBQ coordinator D.A. Callaway. This influence can be seen in the growth of crossover and cutting-edge bluegrass artists like the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Rhonda Vincent and The Grascals. Traditional flavors can still be heard from bands such as Dailey & Vincent and NewFound Road, all playing during Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass & BBQ Festival.

The House of BBQ serves up a barbecue feast from St. Louis ribs and smoked chicken to Texas brisket and sweet roasted corn on the cob, direct from large outdoor charcoal grills and a custom-made 9-foot smoker for Silver Dollar City’s famous flavor. Sample hundreds of sauces from smoky chipotle and sweet hickory to Carolina vinegar and honey habanero.

The festival also highlights two national competitions with the 2nd Annual National Single Mic Championship on May 17 and 18, and the Youth In Bluegrass Band Competition on May 24 and 25. New for 2008, Great American Country Nights In Echo Hollow presents today’s greatest country hits nightly in the park’s 4,000-seat amphitheater.

Silver Dollar City, located near Branson, Missouri, is open daily during Bluegrass & BBQ, May 10 – June 1. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. May 24 & 25). For tickets, information and a complete schedule of performances, call 1-800-831-4FUN, or visit the web site, www.silverdollarcity.com.

Bluegrass headliners include:

• Seven-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year Rhonda Vincent
• 2006 & 2007 IBMA Entertainer of the Year The Grascals
• 2005 IBMA Entertainer of the Year and Grammy nominees Cherryholmes
• 2007 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year Bradley Walker (May 10th Only)
• A special concert by 3-time Grammy winner the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on May 30

Share This

You might also like to read these related news items:

• Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass & BBQ Festival gets underway May 10 -- April 23, 2008
• SPBGMA Midwest Convention coming up. -- October 24, 2007

Nashville, TN — Hailed by the New York Times as one of the artists at the forefront of the neo-folk movement, the Duhks continue the evolution with their fourth album, “Fast Paced World,” set for an August 12, 2008 release on Sugar Hill Records. “We traveled from Winnipeg, locked ourselves in a Nashville basement, pooled our ideas together and invented a new sound,” says new frontwoman and bilingual, budding soul queen, Sarah Dugas (she replaced Jessee Havey in 2007).

Produced by Jay Joyce, who joins an impressive line of producers (Béla Fleck, Tim O’Brien) before him, the Duhks have created their most energetic, fully realized, unearthly album to date. Seriously. “Jay’s basement studio was like something out of the Star Trek Enterprise,” adds founder and clawhammer banjoist, Leonard Podolak, who, in the past, “traditionally stuck close to the acoustic sound of our instruments. This record is a beautiful mosaic of different ideas and soundscapes.”

Leonard, Sarah, Tania Elizabeth (fiddle, mandolin), guitarist Jordan McConnell and new worldbeat drummer Christian Dugas (Sarah’s brother) have melded French lounge pop (”Toujours Vouloir”) and scratchy soul meditations on the Galveston flood in 1900 (”Mighty Storm”) and sleeping (”Sleepin’ Is All I Wanna Do”) with the soundtrack of the weirdest 1930s Marlene Dietrich movie you never saw (”This Fall”), and beyond. “We’re all proud of this record and can’t wait to release it to the world,” adds Sarah.

In the space between the Grammy-nominated ‘Migrations’ (2006, Sugar Hill Records) and now, the Juno-winning band has gained critical love (”overall virtuosity that could make them stars” - Boston Globe), toured the world and earned a solid fan base - no doubt due to their manic, spirited live shows. (Check YouTube for John Paul Jones joining the band for “Whole Lotta Love”).

Environmental issues have always been a passion for the band, inspiring them to launch The Duhks Sustainability Project (www.greenduhks.com). The goal is to “tour as sustainably as possible - Biodiesel, local organic farmers, sustainable eco-conscious clothing,” says Tania, who was invited by Bonnaroo to speak about sustainability during the festival on June 13th. In addition, Bonnaroo has chosen the Duhks to perform on the Solar Stage on June 14th.

The Duhks on tour

• Jun 6 — Bamajam Festival - Enterprise, AL
• Jun 7 — Freebird Live - Jacksonville Beach, FL
• Jun 8 — Skipper’s Smokehouse - Tampa, FL
• Jun 13 — Bonnaroo - Manchester, TN
• Jun 21 — Fly Me to the Moon Saloon - Telluride, CO
• Jun 22 — Telluride Bluegrass Festival - Telluride, CO

Share This

Other random bluegrass news:

• The Grascals - In the studio & a new site launched -- December 21, 2007
• McReynolds show will hit Internet today -- March 23, 2008
• spotlight: Winfield National fingerstyle guitar Competition Winners -- September 24, 2007
• New Bluegrass Releases for Feb. 12 -- February 12, 2008
• Williams & Clark Expedition kicks off spring in high gear -- April 9, 2008

The Sally Gap Bluegrass Festival returns June 6-8 at Jackson Farm, near Williamsburg, Ky.

Fronting this year’s show are Blue Highway, which will perform on Friday,and the Lonesome River Band, Saturday’s top act.

The festival is sponsored by Jackson Farms and Southern Sun.

The event focuses heavily on children’s activities, with a special workshop, the “American Traditional Music Project,” in which participants will be building their own banjos.

The festival also features the Sally Gap Children’s Band and special classroom teachers workshop, “Utilizing Bluegrass Music in the Classroom,” utilizing the International Bluegrass Music Association’s teaching model. The workshop will be held at the University of the Cumberlands.

Other bands on the play bill are Kentucky Win, Southern Sun, Blue Moon Rising, Blue Storm, and Ron, Vernon,
and Straight Creek, Virgil Bowlin and Peerless Mountain and the Dixie Ryders.

Ticket and camping information is available at http://www.sallygapbgfestival.com.

Share This

You might also like to read these related news items:

• Several Rounder Artists will perform at Merlefest -- April 15, 2008
• Rounder Artists score Superfecta on billboard chart -- February 28, 2008
• Lonesome River Band finishing up CD -- February 26, 2008
• Blue Highway: In the studio -- February 18, 2008
• Blue Highway “Through The Window Of A Train” (Rounder) -- February 14, 2008

This year’s program will feature Russ Barenberg, Paul Gilbert, Lisa Loeb, The John Scofield Trio featuring Bill Stewart and Steve Swallow, Kenny Burrell, Michael Angelo Batio, Jennifer Batten, Eric Krasno, Laurence Juber, Sonny Landreth, and more. Courses will be offered in bluegrass, rock, blues, jazz, country, classical, music technology, songwriting, and guitar exploration.

NGW features 8 locations nation-wide with campuses in Connecticut, Nashville, Austin, Washington DC, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Each location offers a wide variety of courses, all taught by world renowned musicians.

In association with Performing Songwriter Magazine, NGW is proud to present the Songwriting Summit featuring Lisa Loeb. In addition, the workshop is offering a seminar on Roots Rock featuring David Grissom, and a Flatpicking Seminar with Grammy-Nominated artist Russ Barenberg.

Our curriculum has also expanded to also include classes on Pro Tools, Garageband, and developing a Home Studio. These music technology classes are powered by Apple®.

For a complete list of dates, locations, guest artists and classes offered please check out our website www.guitarworkshop.com.

Share This

You might also like to read these related news items:

• Russ Barenberg to give seminar in Nashville as part of National Guitar Workshop event -- May 7, 2008

There are also several songwriting sessions and instrument demonstrations that will feature Beck Hobbs, Mike Webb, Charlie Collins, Alan Rhody and Leroy Troy. A complete listing of Hall of Fame events through May 25 is below.

Friday, May 9, 2008

• Curator’s Exhibit Talk: Marty Robbins: Among My Souvenirs - 1:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

• Book Signing w/ Marty Stuart (Country Music: The Masters) - 11:00 a.m. (FREE)
• Songwriter Session w/ Alan Rhody - Noon
• Concert: The Music of Marty Robbins featuring Jesse Lee Jones & Brazilbilly with Ronny Robbins - 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

• Film Loop: The Drifter (1965) featuring Marty Robbins - All Day (FREE)
• Guitar and Fiddle Demonstration w/ Owen Morrison and David Coe - 1:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

• Songwriter Session w/ Becky Hobbs - Noon

Sunday, May 18, 2007

• Film Loop: Best of the Marty Robbins Show (1968-69) - All Day (FREE)
• Dobro and Guitar Demonstration w/ Mike Webb and Charlie Collins - 1:00 p.m.

Saturday May 24, 2007

• Songwriter Session w/ David Lee - Noon
• Family Program: Country Costuming with Katy K - 1:00 p.m. (FREE)

Sunday, May 25, 2007

• Film Loop: Marty Robbins’ Spotlight (1977) featuring special guests Brenda Lee and Porter Wagoner - All Day (FREE)
• Banjo Demonstration w/ Leroy Troy - 1:00 p.m.
• Film Screening: Tribute: Grand Ole Opry Stars of the Fifties hosted by Marty Robbins (1954-55) - 2:00 p.m. (FREE)

The Country Music Hall of Fame ® and Museum tells the story of one of the world’s most popular art forms. Here, the music and its makers speak through timeless art, the latest interactive exhibits and live performances. Visitors may also dine at SoBro Grill, located in the conservatory, which offers a wide variety of contemporary southern cuisine.

The Museum is located at 222 Fifth Ave. S. in downtown Nashville, and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. The Museum Store is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily and the SoBro Grill is open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. A snack bar, Sobro2Go, is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

Admission is $17.95 for adults, $9.95 for children ages six to 17, and free for children under six. The Museum offers discounted admission ($16.15) to seniors (55 and older), the military and students (with valid IDs). Group rates are available for tours of 15 or more. There is no charge to visit the Curb Conservatory or the Museum Store.

Share This

You might also like to read these related news items:

• Vince Gill cookin’ with Carrabba -- April 24, 2008
• Kitty Wells exhibit to open August 15 at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum -- April 22, 2008
• Reggie Young to be saluted at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum -- April 18, 2008
• Marty Stuart, Connie Smith give early gift to Hall of Fame -- February 15, 2008
• Bluegrass on the Grand Ole Opry this week -- May 7, 2008

Justin Townes Earle was honored to make his Grand Ole Opry debut Friday, May 2nd. His performance was quite well received and will soon be streaming in the WSM archives at http://www.wsmonline.com/onair/archives.shtml.

With Justin Townes Earle’s pedigree comes mixed blessings. As the son of legendary singer/songwriter Steve Earle, high expectations are the name of the game; but he’s shown that he is up to the task, crafting stark portraits with elements of acoustic blues and folk. After a misspent youth in bluegrass/ragtime combo The Swindlers and the louder, more rocking The Distributors, the 25-year-old cleaned up his act, dropped his self-destructive habits and began to focus on songcraft. With inspirations as diverse as Townes Van Zandt (he was named in honor of the elder Earle’s hero), The Replacements, Ray Charles and The Pogues, Justin forged his own brand of American roots music.

The Good Life is produced by RS Field, who has made his mark on critically acclaimed albums by Billy Joe Shaver, Sonny Landreth, Webb Wilder and Buddy Guy. Recording is underway at House of David studios, the legendary room that has hosted sessions with George Jones, Yo La Tengo, Elvis Presley, Neil Young and countless others. Joining Earle in the studio are a cast of all-star players including longtime cohort Cory Yountes (Bobby Bare, Jr) on banjo and mandolin, pedal steel player master Pete Finney (Dixie Chicks, Patty Loveless), bassist Bryn Davies (Patty Griffin, Guy Clark), drummer Bryan Owings (Buddy Miller, Shelby Lynne), keyboardist Skylar Wilson and fiddle player Josh Hedley.

Earle kicked off his North American touring with a plethora of critically acclaimed shows in Austin at SXSW, earning kudos from outlets like Austin Chronicle, Time Out Chicago, CMT.com and others for his spot-on, warm performances of the songs on “The Good Life”. He is scheduled to appear on NPR’s Morning Edition in April, while continuing his non-stop road work.

Justin Townes Earle on tour
Jun 2 — One Longfellow Square - Portland, ME
Jun 3 — The Iron Horse - Northampton, MA
Jun 4 — Joe’s Pub - New York, NY
Jun 5 — Ashland Coffee & Tea - Richmond, VA
Jun 6 — The Birchmere - Alexandria, VA
Jun 7 — The Showroom - Spartansburg, SC
Jun 12 — Knucklehead’s - Kansas City, MO
Jun 13 — Blue Door - Oklahoma City, OK
Jun 14 — The Loft - Dallas, TX
Jun 15 — Stubb’s - Austin, TX
Jun 16 — Warehouse - Houston, TX
Jun 18 — Hi-Tone - Memphis, TN
Jun 19 — Workplay Theater - Birmingham, AL
Jun 20 — World Grotto - Knoxville, TN
Jun 21 — Smith’s Olde Bar - Atlanta, GA
Jun 22 — 3rd and Lindsley - Nashville, TN
Jun 25 — The Strutting Duck - Auburn, AL
Jun 26 — The Hummingbird - Macon, GA
Jun 27 — Arrowmount School of Arts and Crafts - Gatlinburg, TN

Share This

You might also like to read these related news items:

• Bluegrass on the Grand Ole Opry this week -- May 7, 2008
• Bluegrass on the Grand Ole Opry this week -- April 30, 2008
• Bluegrass on the Grand Ole Opry this week -- April 23, 2008
• Bluegrass on the Grand Ole Opry this week -- April 17, 2008
• Bluegrass on the Grand Ole Opry this week -- April 14, 2008

An annual membership can be had for the bargain price of $15 and gains you access to monthly meetings, voting privileges in the annaul election of Officers and Board Members. You will also receive a one-year subscription to the Midnight Flier monthly newsletter and a membership directory that is published every two years.

The event, which is free to attend, will feature lots of parking lot picking and Saturday will feature workshops geared towards children, beginners and intermediate players that start at 11:00 A.M. and a concert featuring the music of Blast of the Grass, Southern Lite and Gentle River begins at 2:00 P.M.

Camping is available for the weekend with a special discounted rate for NFBA members. The campgrounds feature a swimming pool, fishing lake, restaurant and a large store. More information can be found at http://www.flamingolake.com/ or you can email flamingo Lake.

• 11:00 am - Children’s Workshop
• 12:00 - Slow Jam Workshop
• 1:00 - Slam Jam Workshop
• 2:00 - Concert Begins with Blast of the Grass, Southern Lite and Gentle River

The NFBA currently consist of over 1,000 active memberships and meetings (with pickin’ sessions) happen on the third weekend of every month at a different location in North Florida or South Georgia except in December. The NFBA also hosts an annual Bluegrass Expo in November that features two days of music, instrument workshops and fun.

NFBA Raffling a Mike Long HD-18 Herringbone Custom guitar

The North Florida Bluegrass Association is also conducting a raffle for a Mike Long Custom HD-18 Herringbone acoustic guitar to generate funds for the organizations operating budget.

The guitar features forward shifted scalloped bracing pattern, Grover open back tuners, Vintage tortoise style pick guard, abalone pearl rosette, Herringbone Trim and an Ebony fingerboard and bridge.

TIckets can be purchased at any NFBA event or online at www.nfbluegrass.org and cost 1 ticket for $5 or 3 tickets for $10.

The drawing will take place Oct. 18, 2008 at the NFBA Expo at Twin Oaks Park in Georgia. You WILL need to be present to win and must have stub to validate winning ticket.

Share This

You might also like to read these related news items:

• Bluegrass Bits and Pieces -- May 2, 2008
• Watkins Family to perform in LaFayette, GA April 27 -- April 18, 2008
• Sacred Sound Fridays coming to North Georgia airwaves. -- April 2, 2008
• Florida RV park hosting Bluegrass Family Gathering -- November 8, 2007
• Lonesome River Band to headline 2008 Spirit of Bluegrass Fest -- August 22, 2007