Christmas Lights that Pop

Have you noticed that fewer homes are decorated for Christmas? It took driving through several neighborhoods to get a few pictures. I guess it's not a big deal anymore. At one time seems like most home's had at least a couple of ornaments on the lawn or lights strung on the eaves celebrating Christmas. We were able to find several after traversing many streets. Hope they bring some cheer to you.

Spectacular Christmas Lights

The Amarante family begins stringing lights and assembling animations way back on labor day hoping to be ready to light up Winter Wonderland by thanksgiving eve. With great effort they manage to have the 185 thousand bulbs sparkling on time to greet the thousands of visitors who will walk the marvelous paths of the Wonderland that is open until New Years day. The Wonderland is located on route 101 in Killingly, Ct. Here's a few video clips for you to enjoy. check out my You Tube channel at John Holland@bluegrassers

Blueridge Parkway Visit

I love Bluegrass, stringband and old time mountain music So when I had the opportunity to spend a week in Southwesten Virginia and Western North Carolina I packed up and headed south. I used a book written by Joe Wilson titled "A Guide to the Crooked Road" to find places to hear the music I favor. The book points out dates, locations, and interesting information about jams, concerts and festivals along Virginia's Heritage Music Trail. I got to see and hear some great performances but I also took side trips to places of interest off the Blueridge Parkway. I've inserted some images here, hope you enjoy. Joe's book can be purchased on Amazon.

Bluegrass Grammy's

Bluegrasstoday.com announced nominees for the 2024 Bluegrass awards to be held in February They are: Radio John: Songs of John Hartford- Sam Bush Lovin' of the Game- Michael Cleveland Mighty Poplar- Mighty Poplar Bluegrass- Willie Nelson Me And Dad- Billy Strings City of Gold- Mollie Tuttle and Golden Highway

Smokey Greene Passes

I think most of us hate change, we resist change, when it comes to my Bluegrass passion i just can't deal with change. whether it's in a bands lineup or maybe a festival moving to a new venue or ceasing to exist. I get pleasure out of remembering my time listening to a particular band or in knowing a place will look the same, have the same feeling. i'll be anticipating seeing familiar faces, hearing remembered music, eating festival food and feeling this is where I belong. So I'm saddened to know change has happened once again with the passing of one of the great gentlemen of Bluegrass, Smokey Greene. He wrote songs everyone could relate too and learn from. He had a decades long career and could be counted on to move you to tears, smiles, laughs and a good feeling overall. I know for me Jenny Brook just won't be the same without him. But change is constant so i'll have to deal with it and remember Smokey as he was up there on the stage giving it his best for all of us.

Barr's Fiddle Shop Jam

Some of the boys having a great time at the shop prior to playing a set out on the sidewalk for a street fest. Out on the street a flatfoot dancer is showing the folks how it's done.

Barr's Fiddle shop is located in downtown Galax, Virginia.

Upcoming shows

The Killingly Grange will be hosting a Bluegrass show and dinner on Saturday the 28th. of October. Opening the evening will be the Nick Anderson and Shady Creek Band offering solid traditional Bluegrass. Second band will be fronted by Mike Boulay backed by the Hope Valley Volunteers. Both bands are top notch having performed over decades. Check it out, should be a good night of Bluegrass and good food provided by the Grange. Location is Route 101 and Dog Hill Road, Killingly, Ct. show time 7 pm