fire on the mountain a bluegrass symposium

A symposium on bluegrass at Harvard University this Saturday and it's free, plus you will get to hear Alison Brown, Bobby Hicks, and Sam Bush. Click the links below for schedule, topics, and directions.

 

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fire on the mountain

a bluegrass symposium

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Thompson Room, Barker Center

12 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA

Harvard University

Free and open to the public; no tickets required.

(Directions & Important Information)

Sponsored by the Committee on Degrees in Folklore & Mythology, the Office for the Arts at Harvard (OFA), the Office of the Provost, the Undergraduate Council, and the Harvard College American Music Association (HCAMA)

(Note: this is a draft schedule; some aspects may change, or be clarified, as the event approaches.)

10:30 am     Welcome and Coffee

10:45 am     Introductory Remarks

                          Deborah Foster & Forrest O’Connor

11:00 am     Keynote Address

Matt Glaser (Berklee School of Music, American Roots Music Program)

11:30 am     Bluegrass: Its Roots and Branches

Historians, ethnomusicologists, and academically inclined performers consider the

history of bluegrass: its diverse (and controversial) roots, its major proponents, its

evolution, and its possible future.

                         Neil Rosenberg (Memorial University of Newfoundland)

                         Jack Tottle (East Tennessee State University)

                         Michelle Kisliuk (University of Virginia)

                         Alison Brown ’84 (Bluegrass musician, Compass Records)

                         Garry West (Bluegrass musician, Compass Records)

                         Scott Alarik (moderator) (Folk music writer, Boston Globe)

1:00 pm      Brief Musical Interlude

1:15 pm      Light Lunch for Attendees

2:15 pm      The Instruments of Bluegrass: Craft to Sound

Renowned guitar- and mandolin-maker Lynn Dudenbostel discusses his craft (and

the ways in which it relates to bluegrass), and displays actual samples of his work.

Afterward,  Forrest O’Connor presents his undergraduate thesis on luthiery, and Sam

Bush test-drives a Dudenbostel F-5.

                         Lynn Dudenbostel (Dudenbostel Stringed Instruments)

                         Forrest O’Connor ’10 (Harvard University)

                         Sam Bush (Bluegrass musician, TG2 Artists)

3:00 pm      Coffee Break

3:30 pm      Contemporary Bluegrass: A Discussion with Musicians

Notable bluegrass musicians demonstrate (and break apart) seminal bluegrass works.

                         Alison Brown ’84 (Bluegrass musician, Compass Records)

                         Sam Bush (Bluegrass musician, TG2 Artists)

                         Bobby Hicks (Bluegrass musician)

                         Jack Tottle (moderator) (East Tennessee State University)

5:00 pm      Dinner Break

7-8:30 pm  Evening Performance

                        Clint Miller ’11(Harvard University) opening

                        Alison Brown ’84 (Bluegrass musician, Compass Records)

                        Sam Bush (Bluegrass musician, TG2 Artists)

                        Bobby Hicks (Bluegrass musician)

fire on the mountain a bluegrass symposium

Bits and Pieces

It always annoys me to see folks I consider to be occasional bluegrassers nominated for awards in the Bluegrass field. Why aren't the hard working legitimate Bluegrass people nominated, the bands that work week in and week out traveling the country and playing dozens of dates. There are exceptions, Rhonda Vincent seems to be a contender quite often as well as Ricky and Del but so many really good people are overlooked. These performers have developed solid entertainment routines over the course of time through dedication and hard work and they've proven to be a good drawer for the festival producer and yet they are never nominated to the Grammy's.
I'm not questioning the skill of these sometime Bluegrass acts, they are very talented people, what I'm saying is they are not paying their dues in the Bluegrass genre and shouldn't be considered for awards in Bluegrass.

Master guitarist Jim Hurst is leaving the Claire Lynch Band to hit the road as a solo act. He just decided that after 15 years it felt like a change was right. Claire said she loves him and wishes him well and will certainly miss him.

Spirit Fiddle and the Shady Creek Band

Finally able to get to the Killingly Grange for their monthly Bluegrass show. This one was heavily attended and that's a good thing for the bands, its got to feel great to play before a full house. Most of the crowd pulled in early so as to have time to try that fine chili and cornbread not to mention the tasty whoopie pies and brownies.
The house band, "Nick Anderson and Shady Creek" kicked off the evening with their usual high octane set of older Bluegrass tunes and songs. The audience loves the Shady Creek Band and they respond loudly in appreciation of the energy that the boys and girl put into every tune. Nick has added some new faces this season, Elise Laflamme on fiddle, and she's a keeper, and Mark Doyle on bass and vocals. William Trickett returns on banjo and dobro and Monty McLanahan on mandolin and lead and harmony vocals.

The second set showcased the awesome talent of Master Fiddler, Robin Warren and talented rhythm guitarist Brian Clancy providing the harmonic underpinning to Robin's exciting bowing. These two have won many awards at competitions all over the country and were a treat to hear. They have quite an entertaining routine marked by a steady exchange of barbs directed at each others musical knowledge, of course it's in jest, these folks know their instruments inside out. Lots of encores called for on this night, folks couldn't get enough.

Robin Warren

Brian Clancy

Monty, Nick, and William

Monty, Mark, and Nick

William Trickett

Elice Laflamme

Erica Brown

On a cold dark New England winter night it was rewarding to see a capacity crowd turn out to hear, Erica Brown and the Bluegrass Connection perform at the Grass Roots Coffee House in Northbridge, Mass. It was the largest crowd ever at the venue. Erica and the band covered some Country, Folk, Pop and Bluegrass music. Although the set was all Bluegrass to my ears because it had the precise bluegrass baseline played by our friend Ken Taylor and the instruments were the standard Bluegrass instruments. There was some original music written by Matt Shipman who played lead guitar and sang the harmony parts and some lead vocal. The band did covers of the Louvin Brothers, Allison Krauss, Bill Monroe, and Gillian Welch and others. Erica showed her fiddling prowess on several French Canadian reels and displayed her fine voice on the many ballads of the set.
The bands performance was tight and right with Matt on guitar and Read McNamara playing banjo and for a few tunes the dobro. The entire audience stayed put through intermission waiting for the second set which says something about the quality of the entertainment, I was impressed with the harmony of this group, especially when they did four part harmony with only the guitar playing softly. If they're playing someplace near to you I'd recommend you stop by and take in their music. You can see Erica's schedule here

Erica Brown and the Bluegrass Connection

Erica Brown and Matt Shipman

Read McNamara

Ken Taylor

Mineral Springs Footstompin Festival 2009

My first thought on arriving at the Mineral Spring Campground in Stafford, CT. was how fortunate it was to have such a perfect day to hang out with friends and hear Bluegrass music. And it was perfect, deep blue sky, a few puffy white clouds and temperature around 75. The music could be heard from the day parking lot as the bands had already started hours before I arrived. Fortunately there were several bands yet to play. Acoustic Blue was on when I got to the stage and as expected they were in top form playing one of the many Cory Zink originals,"Mountain Memories," with Zink singing lead in a deep baritone. Much of the material this band does is their own, Zink is a prolific writer and T. Shaun Batho writes for the band as well. And you know, this band always looks tack sharp, I'm always impressed with their appearance, it sets you up for a great performance, and that's what you get.

Corey Zink

T.Shaun Batho

Batho plays guitar and sings lead vocals and warms up the audience with a few tall tales.

"Bear" Aker and Mike VanAlstyne

Bear, provides rhythm and sings lead and baritone vocals, Mike is at home on banjo and resophonic guitar and contributes lead and tenor vocals.

NorthernBound

Harry Paden

The band "NorthernBound" has performed together around New England for two decades, it consists of three brothers, Ray, Harry and Steve Paden and good friend Mike LaRocque. Mostly traditional Bluegrass, although, some time ago I heard them do some "Beatles" music in a Bluegrass style. Whatever they do its always a fun set with some good three and four part harmony and the sharing of lead vocals

Mike LaRocque

Ray Paden

Steve Paden

Nick Anderson and William Trickett of ShadyCreek

Nick Anderson and Shady Creek performed two fine sets on Saturday with Nick and mandolin player Jim Plecan sharing lead vocals. They're backed by Roger Diebel on bass and a talented young player, William Trickett on dobro and banjo

Roger Diebel

Jim Plecan

Gail Wade and Turning Point

Gail and her band of virtuosos delighted the crowd with a mix of jazz, folk and bluegrass served up by a highly talented group of musicians, Gail's smooth vocals spaced with amazing solo breaks of banjo, sax, harmonica and bass were a treat that the fans loved.

Gail Wade and Peggy Harvey

Dan Menzone

Rob Rainwater

The GrassRoutes Band

GrassRoutes is noted for fine vocals and tight harmony, they do mostly traditional grass and in their set Saturday they did some covers from Alison Krauss' album "100 Miles or More which were well done and a nice break from the routine stuff. The band consists of: Joe Delillo on bass, Joe Lemeris on banjo, Jack Jolie lead guitar and vocals, Marilyn Toback-Reveley on rhythm guitar and vocals and Bill Reveley singing lead and playing fiddle.

GrassRoutes

Jack Jolie

The Ole Time Bluegrass Singers

This band always satisfies in their delivery of the early music and they appear to enjoy performing together, they have a lot of fun on stage and that allows the audience to join in and feel a part of all that's happening, they're a talented bunch and always a treat

Dick Bowden

Herb Applin,Dick Bowden and Lillian Fraker

Terry McGill and Bob Fraker

Promoter and MC Bill Goodale had the misfortune of severing his achilles tendon but it didn't stop him from putting on a fine Festival

Bill Goodale

CLaire Lynch Band plays East Hartford's Town Green

Claire Lynch

If you're in the area next week and want to see one of the finest Bluegrass bands in the country get yourself over to the East Hartford CT Town Green at 6 pm, thursday the 2nd of July, and you'll see the fabulous Claire Lynch and her band in concert. One of the finest voices in Bluegrass, Claire surrounds herself with some of the best pickers in the business, Jim Hurst on guitar, Mark Schatz on bass and Jason Thomas on mandolin and fiddle. This should be a wonderful musical event and there's no charge so come on out and enjoy yourself.
For directions and other information click on the link above

Sam Tidwell Tribute Day

After a night of heavy rain and thunder the Sam Tidwell Tribute Day at Sterling Park Campground in Sterling, CT was blessed by a clearing sky and as hundreds of fans and friends quickly filled all the spaces in front of the stage, the promoters, Myrna Riquier and Fred Etheridge breathed a big sigh of relief, how many times have festivals been ruined by bad weather, all that effort for naught. I bet they were surprised and pleased by the large turnout, by my guess, about 400 people, I know the food vendor was as the lines for food seemed to never end. Well, anyway the event was a huge success and Sam was thrilled by the honor as so many of the folks he found time to mentor and encourage, especially in the early years, had returned to say Thanks! Sam and his wife Edie were instrumental in the creation and growth of Bluegrass and have been honored for same by the International Bluegrass Music Museum where they're included in the list of the "200 Pioneers of Bluegrass." The museum is currently working on a video oral history project that when released will include a segment about the Tidwells.We are all indebted to them for what they've accomplished and for the pleasure of their music and of course for Sam's famous "Maine jokes." Thanks to Myrna and Fred, it was quite and undertaking putting this all together.

Sam Tidwell

Sam Tidwell Family and Friends

The band gathered together here is: David Tidwell, Bill Thibodeau playing guitar, John Stey also on guitar and lead vocals, Billy Kimball, guitar and vocals, Bob Denoncourt on bass, Sam Tidwell on the banjo, Marcel Huguenin, vocals and guitar and Carl Rebello playing fiddle. There were different configurations during the set as old friends and picking buddies were invited up to do a tune.

Jimmy Gaudreau

Jimmy and Moondi dazzled the crowd with powerful picking and vocals ranging from bluegrass to swing, they played mandolin, guitar and mandola equally well and were really sizzling when they chose to play fiddle tunes.

Moondi Klein

Smokey Greene

Smokey was there to offer up a song for his old friend Sam and it was a pleasure to hear him, he's one of a kind, his voice just gets better with time

Anna Mae Mitchell

Anna Mae and Rising Tide are a high energy group offering up traditional grass and gospel and a little bit of folk, Anna Mae has a powerful country style delivery and her band is loaded with fine pickers

Anna Mae Mitchell and Rising Tide

The rest of the band: Kadee Reynolds, percussion; Richard Silver on mandolin, Anna Mae, Bill Thibodeau playing the guitar and mandolin, Nancy Merrill on bass and Steve Peterson on the banjo

Pine Creek Bluegrass

Pine Creek calls Ct. its home, they're known for solid traditional bluegrass highlighted by tight harmony and solid vocals. This group can serve up three lead vocalists which is a plus for them and for the audience. Lead guitarist Fred Etheridge has played with Sam Tidwell and was honored to perform here today as well as co-produce this event. The rest of the band consists of Jim Beaver on banjo and lead vocal, Joe Mellet on mandolin and lead vocals, Nannette Addesso playing fiddle and singing lead and Mike Volatile providing steady bass rhythm

Rocky Hollow Bluegrass

This band has been perfoming for more than twenty years in the southern New England area with its mix of traditional and progressive style bluegrass. Members are Monty Mclanahan, vocals and mandolin, Dan Parker on bass, Nancy Hutchins, vocals and guitar, Dick Hutchins,banjo, Gary Hutchins providing lead guitar and Dan Gannon playing fiddle.

Back Porch Bluegrass

Out of Maine, this band features Fred Pike Jr. guitar and bass,Quentin Yattaw playing mandolin, Debbie Burdin on guitar and bass and Bruce Bjork on the resophonic guitar

No Spare Parts

A fine traditional band from Rhode Island. Nelson Hiller on mandolin, Mike Robino on bass, Rowland Mehlanbacher on guitar and vocals and Vince Peitte an banjo.

John Stey and Rich Guilbault

John and Rich served as soundmen for the event. Sam invited them up to showcase their musical skills.

Amy Orlomoski

Amy split the MC's duty with Marcel Huguenin, Amy is also a popular DJ at WHUS, Storrs, CT and promoter of Bluegrass shows in the area.

Marcel "The Ole Bluegrass Coyote" Huguenin

Marcel's the former host of the "Magic of Bluegrass" at WHUS-FM and a fine singer and picker. He worked as MC for the tribute and also performed on stage with Sam and the band

Dave Orlomoski

Dave has been a friend of Sam's for a long time and was happy to respond to a request to "come on up and sing one"

Roger Moss and Jim Beaver

Roger Moss is the promoter of the "Podunk Bluegrass Festival" in East Hartford CT as well as the "Winter Concert Series" held at the East Hartford Cultural Community Center. Jim Beaver leads the Pine Creek Band and is a DJ at the Bluegrass Cafe at WHUS, Storrs, CT.