The Bluegrass Standard - Volume 1, Issue 2 by The Bluegrass Standard

Volume 1 ~ Issue 2

“Patience for most people is a hard thing to come by, but my faith has carried me through my darkest and my brightest times.” ~ Doyle

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver

INSIDE: • Highway 80 Songwriters Fest • Jonah Riddle • The Music Barn

• Tomorrow’s Bluegrass Stars • Bluegrass Festival and Event Guide • Suits, Boots & Bluegrass ~ Fan photos

• From the Back Porch: Pappy & Harriet’s!

The Bluegrass Standard The Bluegrass Standard magazine is published monthly. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of The Bluegrass Standard or its staff, advertisers or readers with the exception of editorials. Publication of the name or the photograph of any person, business or organization in articles or advertising in The Bluegrass Standard is not to be construed as any indication of support of such person, business or organization. The Bluegrass Standard disclaims any responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

Advertising rates are subject to change without notice. The Bluegrass Standard reserves the right at its sole discretion to reject any advertising for any reason. It is our policy to publish any letters to the editor that are signed and verifiable by phone number. We reserve the right of anonymity upon request. Letters must be grammatically correct, clarity and original and free of libel. The Bluegrass Standard reserves the right to decline publishing or reprinting any letter. Please forward any letters to: editor@thebluegrassstandard.com The views expressed are not necessarily those of The Bluegrass Standard. Copyright ÂŠ2017. All Rights reserved. No portion of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed consent of the publisher.

Keith Barnacastle Publisher

Richelle Putnam Managing Journalist Editor

Shelby Campbell

Journalist Editor

Kara Martinez Bachman Journalist

James Babb Creative Director

Matthew Sorrentino Graphic Design 2

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

CONTENTS Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver

8 12 18 28 36

Highway 80 Songwriters Fest

Tomorrow’s Bluegrass Stars

Jonah Riddle & Carolina Express

My 52 Ford

22 32

Festival and Event Guide

42 48

Music Barn

From the Back Porch ~ Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace

Mahalo ~ Hawaiian Bluegrass

Suits, Boots & Bluegrass ~ Fan photos from across the country

Once in a while, now and again, a band comes together and there is magic. Meet Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver.

Growing up in the quartet in gospel

music, hearing his dad sing, and watching him read the old shape note style, Doyle learned a lot about vocal harmonies.

“They were not professional and “To a lot of people’s ear, they probably would not have been if they could have been, but they loved to sing can’t tell the difference because I’ve and they believed in what they were never had a bad band,” explained singing about,” said Doyle. “Having Doyle Lawson. “The special thing about this band is that they want to be said that, they were very dedicated to practice, usually once a week. The the best that they can be. And that’s quartet alternated at different houses part of the battle, having people that and I sat at their feet watching them aren’t just doing it for the paycheck,” said Doyle. “Money is a necessity, but while the other kids were outside for me it’s always first been about the playing.” love for music. And money is second In the late 1940s, Doyle was about because it’s a necessity.” five-years-old when he heard Bill Monroe playing something that Roy Added to the magic is the special Acuff, Ernest Tubb and Eddie Arnold cohesion of voices, those brilliant weren’t playing. Doyle’s mother told harmonies. him it was Bill Monroe and he was playing mandolin. “With the vocal blends, sometimes I really have to listen to who is “He sang really high, but the music doing what part because we switch around so much and then we have to grabbed me. I just remember him singing with such command and he remember what we did and who did played robustly.” what.”

Bluegrass is always about more than one person. Yes, it’s Doyle Lawson’s band, but he doesn’t do it all and doesn’t want to do it all.

“I’ve always thought a smart man in any kind of position or situation knows how to delegate responsibility. That does two things: creates loyalty and gives them a chance to express themselves.” Music is like any other business, explained Doyle, “but some people think music is picking and having a good time and it is. It’s enjoyable, but at the end of the day, it’s a business. If you’re going to stay around as long as I have, you better treat it like a business.” Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver work much harder than it looks like they’re working. Doyle has done it so long that the pre-show butterflies are gone, unlike the early days, when, in Doyle’s words, he was a basket case. “I had to learn how to get past that. When I started playing professional, I played banjo. I’d always dreamed about going to the Grand Old Opry and seeing everybody on stage. The first time I got to go the Grand Old Opry, I was on stage and I was near about scared to death. I looked down and I could see my pant leg shaking.”

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

Then, they started a 33-day tour with the first date in Baltimore, Maryland, where 14,500 people crowded in to see them.

told my manager at the time. I want to go see Manuel and I told Manuel I wanted to look like an entertainer.”

“The whole county I live in only has 5,500 people. I was really scared,” said Doyle. “I’ve been known to eat six packs of Rolaids between shows from being so nervous. But when you come off the stage and you feel that you’ve done good, it’s a great feeling. It takes about three hours to get the adrenalin down.” Doyle has seen Bluegrass change over the years, because you can’t stop change, no matter how hard you try. Sometimes, you aren’t even aware of it.

Everybody has their own interpretation of the music because it’s not where the song comes from, it’s the way you, as a musician and performer, treat the song. The kids playing bluegrass today are great pickers, but they can’t really relate to the little cabin home on the hill. Subject matters, explained Doyle, have changed in Bluegrass music.

Having played professional music

Manuel grew up on the west coast and started as a kid sewing under the famous designer Nudie. Then, Manuel married Nudie’s daughter and they moved to Nashville. Manuel will not create duplicates for anyone. Everything he does in an original. And that’s what Doyle wanted… and original Doyle Lawson jacket by Manuel. Nobody in bluegrass had ever stepped this far. This was Doyle’s evolution and it has served him well. “For me it’s the visual aspect and I hope the people know that I care enough about them coming and spending their hard-earned money to come see us. There is a visual importance to entertainment. I want people to feel like they’ve seen something worthwhile.”

oyle Lawson never walked onto a for 54 years and having his own group stage that he didn’t give his best. A lot for 38, Doyle Lawson doesn’t want to of kids are stepping up now that play change. awesome, but they’re sidestepping the vocals, said Doyle. And vocals are “You go back to Bill Monroe and “I’m old school. When I got to see the very important. his brother Charlie when they split. entertainers, they just knocked me Around 1944, Bill found Lester Flat dead with the way they were dressed. “I have more than one person who who was the perfect lead singer for can take the lead vocals because I’ve Bill. In 1945, Bill found a fiddle player You knew that you had bought a ticket and seen something special. I always loved singing harmonies,” said named Jimmy Shumate. Then Earl don’t tell other entertainers how they Doyle. “I’d rather sing harmony than Scruggs came on board. To me, that’s should or shouldn’t dress or what they a solo. I’d rather sing harmony than when Bluegrass was born. There’s anything. When I mix up the vocals, never been anything like it, not before should or shouldn’t do. Still, I felt that people were getting away from people don’t get tired of hearing one and not since.“ the visual aspect of entertainment. I voice all the time.”

Today’s Bluegrass grew from this

root. Doyle believes Bill Monroe was probably upset when people started copying his music because he didn’t realize what was happening. As time passed, he did. “It all started with him being a star on the Grand Old Opry and having the good fortune or foresight or both in hiring Lester and Earl,” said Doyle. “I think Earl’s banjo was the missing instrument. And it all moved and it all began to grow and every time it grows it changes a little bit.”

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

n La ws o Sw if t

Do yl e Py r tl

Jo e to n ns iJ oh El St ep

Bu r

“Everybody has a right to their own belief and I do mine, and I’m going to vote according to my heart. I don’t think people should get on a pedestal in our business because people who didn’t agree with you still bought a ticket. I don’t think we need to get out in the public and bash somebody. The Bible tells us to do good, but it also tells us that when we good, do it in secret.” Without his faith, Doyle could not have made it through the hard times when you feel like you’re going to have to quit because you’re so discouraged.

De an

Jo sh Doyle is an entertainer, so when he walks on to that stage he doesn’t see Republicans, Independents, or Democrats. He sees people who bought tickets to see him pick and sing, not to talk politics. That’s not his job.

Du st in

“Be still and wait upon the Lord. He said He will provide our every need, not everything we want, but everything we need, and He has, even when it seemed like I wasn’t going to be able to do it. Patience “I don’t lower my standards and if you for most people is a hard thing to have a problem with that you need to come by, but my faith has carried me through my darkest and my raise yours. I’ve lived by that.” brightest times.” In his lifetime, Doyle has been fortunate enough to see a lot of the world, all the United States and has even been to the white house. His top goal, however, is to always maintain his standards.

visit their website

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

Highway 80 Songwriters Fest

"I always have a great time and discover new Songwriters and new inspiration!" – Singer/Songwriter Thomas Jackson

The Hwy 80 Songwriters Fest was born like any other creative event, around a table where likeminded people gathered to share a meal and make conversation. This table just happen to be at the WAEM (West Alabama/East Mississippi) Mayors’ Luncheon in Meridian, Mississippi, hosted and facilitated by The Montgomery Institute (TMI), a Mississippi non-profit that pursues innovation and resources to upbuild people and places in East Mississippi and West Alabama. With its partners, TMI has attracted over $30 million in resources to support projects in its East Mississippi/West Alabama region with funding going to institutions to provide educational, workforce, entrepreneurial, and leadership services to individuals.

TMI’s Educating Artists and Entrepreneurs to Build Creative Economies in Rural Areas initiative was made possible by financial support from the AT&T Foundation. This program provided roster artist education to children in early childhood development programs, particularly Head Start; provided community-based programs to educate artists, artisans, writers, performers, etc., on how to start and grow small businesses, with a special emphasis on women, minorities and youth; and built a regional network of arts and culture organizations to promote integration of arts and culture into classroom teaching and development of the “creative economy” across the region.

"Dem o feel polis an like dM with I'm at ho eridian h folks m av tha e. Awes e made origi t truly w ome fes me an tiv nal m usic. t to hear al " – Sin ger Tayl /Songwr or C rave iter n THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

TMI Arts Project Director Richelle Putnam, a certified teaching artist and member of the Roster/ Teaching Artist Roster with the Mississippi Arts Commission, developed the early childhood program and coordinated the workshops, arts and culture organization network, and youth events. This initiative alongside TMI’s WAEM initiative steered and helped establish two creative economy forums: Creative Strategies for Economic Development held in Demopolis, Alabama on March 1, 2013 and in Meridian, Mississippi on January 30, 2014. From these efforts and accomplishments, another creative endeavor rose: The Hwy 80 Songwriters Fest.

Since the first fest in 2013, the goals and outcomes of the Hwy 80 Songwriters Fest have been to expand the songwriter’s platform and territory, provide education in the songwriting craft for songwriters of all ages and levels of expertise, to build and support the creative economy in local venues through songwriter rounds, to ignite the public’s understanding and appreciation for songwriters and their craft, and to build language and critical thinking skills in the schools through the art and craft of songwriting. That may be a mouthful, but these goals have been accomplished every year.

s of tell storie to y it n tu s r g to the oppo the form of son y "Having in n hat I e jo inging my upbr sissippians is w is fellow M most." iter /Songwr – Singer saway Sean Ga

Stephen Lee Veal of Mobile, Alabama was inspired to write a song about Meridian, Mississippi where he performed during 2013 the Hwy 80 Songwriters Fest. "Where a Jimmie Rodgers song is wailing like a midnight train, I've been there, I've been gone, I'm going back again, to Meridian." With the 2014 Fest, songwriting in the schools and summer programs began with MAC Roster Artists K. D. Brosia, Scott Albert Johnson, and MAAE & MAC Roster/Teaching artist Richelle Putnam. Subjects of lyrics have centered around bullying, self-awareness, and historical events in America. At Headstart centers, the preschoolers brainstorm on rewriting lyrics to familiar tunes, such as recreating the Itsy-Bitsy Spider into the ItsyBitsy Rabbit and composing lyrics to finish the story of “Where, oh, Where Has my Little Dog Gone.” Songwriting activities helped students improve reading, writing, comprehension and critical thinking skills. Funding is made possible through sponsors and grant awards from the Mississippi Arts Commission, Community Foundation of East Mississippi and Meridian Council for the Arts.

Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame inductee Marty Gamblin and award-winning songwriters Ralph Murphy, Tricia Walker, Alphonso Sanders and Karen Reynolds have facilitated the Fest’s free pro songwriting workshops open to age 12 and up, and all levels. All Hwy 80 venues and workshops are free to the public, except the Grand Finale, which is still free to children and students. The 2017 Grand Finale, held in July at the historic Soule Steam Feed Works in Meridian, welcomed Nashville’s up and coming versatile trio, Track 45, and one of Tennessee’s best singersongwriters, Karen Reynolds, who was also the pro songwriting workshop facilitator. Plans for the Fest are to expand venue locations, initiate songwriting workshops in the Hinds County School system, and add more venues along historic highway 80, from Demopolis, Alabama to Vicksburg, Mississippi.

“Not only is the festival a great chance to meet other likeminded artists and perform together, it is also a wonderful opportunity to give back to the next generation,” said singer/ songwriter and youth workshop facilitator Scott Albert Johnson. “I've had such a fulfilling time helping out with the songwriting workshop in connection with the Mississippi Freedom Project. The enthusiasm of these young people is infectious.”

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

Imagine spending your evening

at an outdoor music festival with the smell of barbecue in the air and the sound of rousing, slightly bluesy gospel music echoing through the air. Audience members are singing and clapping along to classic bluegrass being performed by the most talented young artists you have heard in a long time. That is exactly what The Sowell Family Pickers brings to the table. Reigning from the small town of Hempstead, Texas just outside of Houston, this 8-piece band of young grassers - including mom and dad - make quite the impression. The band is made up of Guynn and Cindy Sowell, both of whom sing with the group, along with their children: Jacob, Joshua, Naomi, Abigail, John-Mark and Justus. The youngsters range from ages 20 to 10 - with each of them playing an important part in the band’s success. 12

“The Sowell Family Pickers are a powerful bunch of enthusiastic players and singers,” said Stephen Mougin, guitarist for the Sam Bush Band. “Stongrooted in faith and committed to excellence, I expect great things from their music ministry!” This family band with a mission of sharing the Gospel through music had a not-so-traditional beginning. With neither parent growing up listening to or singing bluegrass, they truly are a ‘first generation’ bluegrass family. According to Joshua, they didn’t choose bluegrass. God chose bluegrass for them. And it seems He did just that.

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

On May 30, 2006, the Sowells

walked into the Opera House at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri and saw Rhonda Vincent & the Rage for the first time, and their lives were never the same. “Kenny Ingram was Rhonda Vincent’s banjo player at the time, and my eyes never left his hands,” said Jacob. “It was unlike anything I’d ever seen before! I told my parents on the ride home that I wanted to learn to play the bluegrass banjo.” Their journey in bluegrass began when Jacob and Joshua joined the All-Stars Youth Banjo Band at Sagamont Church in Houston, a band comprised of tenor banjos that played dixieland jazz and big band music. Later, Abigail and Naomi joined, followed by JohnMark.

Jacob’s first instrument was

the ukulele, but it was soon followed by the banjo, mandolin, guitar and bass. In 2014, he even became the Texas State Banjo Champion.

Joshua is referred to as The

Sowell Family Pickers xactoknife due to his incredibly strong musical ear. According to Cindy, he tends to ‘kindly’ inform the band when their pitch is off.

Naomi is the foundation of

the family band’s music by keeping them grounded with her consistent rhythm. She is bold in her faith and is unashamed to share her love of the Lord with others.

Abigail is Naomi’s twin sister -

with a quiet soul and an angelic voice to add to the band’s overall powerful sound.

John-Mark took to music very

naturally after being surrounded by music and bluegrass since he was a toddler. Audiences tend to be captivated by his stage presence - especially to be so talented at such a young age.

Justus, the youngest of the

“Since we officially started playing bluegrass as a band, the Lord has brought many amazing people into our lives to teach us more and more,” said Abigail. “We love playing our music wherever we’re allowed - festivals, churches and even nursing homes.” This amazingly talented family doesn’t stop at just simply performing - they devote their careers and lives to being ministry-minded and serving others.

bunch, is working diligently on learning to play the dobro - while his siblings also teach him to play the guitar, bass and tenor banjo.

The band’s slogan is ‘bluegrass with a mission,’ and their goal is to share the Gospel through their music and touch people’s lives. They hope others will see Christ working through them.

Little by little, the Sowells worked hard and officially became The Sowell Family Pickers in October of 2010.

“I am so humbled that God would allow us to minister to people through our music,” said Naomi.

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

The Sowell Family Pickers also has an overseas ministry to give back to others. Each year, they travel to Eastern Europe - specifically to Serbia and Romania - taking ukuleles and teaching children how to play while also sharing the Gospel. Learn more about their mission work at www. thesowellfamilypickers.com. Cindy is very thankful for John Colburn of Tomorrow’s Bluegrass Stars for helping to get the Sowell family name and music to the bluegrass community. Immediately upon meeting Colburn and seeing his dedication to bringing awareness to bluegrass music, the Sowell family decided to join Tomorrow’s Bluegrass Stars. According to Jacob, Colburn is a special guy with a love of bluegrass. With Colburn’s help, Tomorrow’s Bluegrass Stars has helped The Sowell Family Pickers to become noticed on the music scene by allowing them to be a part of large music festivals and so much more. “The day that I met the Sowell family will always be treasured,” Colburn said. “When we first discovered each other, an instant friendship developed. They are so full of love for each other, for others and, most of all, for Jesus.”

After much hard work and dedication, The Sowell Family Pickers recently won the 2017 KSMU Youth in Bluegrass Band Contest at Silver Dollar City. They were chosen from roughly a dozen young groups who performed live on stage for judges in multiple rounds. Winning this competition is often a springboard for professional success in bluegrass - a fact that excites the Sowell family.

This win was a huge plus for

the family this year - along with their signing to Poor Mountain Records in North Carolina. They are humbled and grateful to this small record company for believing in the family’s music and their calling. “These kids are the future of bluegrass!” said Rick Dollar, Promotional Director and Talent Scout for Poor Mountain Records.

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

As the Sowell family has journeyed this path and joined the bluegrass community, they are incredibly thankful that the Lord has brought amazing people into their lives to teach, shape, and encourage them to share soul-stirring music with all they meet.

“I’m always awed by people with extraordinary talent, but when an entire family possesses that gift, it’s almost overwhelming to take in,” said Kimberly Williams of East Public Relations. “God has truly blessed this family, and they, in turn, give all the glory to Him. That’s yet another reason to love them!”

Download The Sowell Family Pickers current album Trust in the Lord - available now on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Music and CDBaby. Visit their website for more:

The Sowell Family Pickers release their new all-Gospel album Shadowlands with Poor Mountain Records on August 8. They will also be recording their very first bluegrass Christmas album titled Best Gift of All on November 1.

Preserving Bluegrass One Youngster At A Time!

Tomorrow's Bluegrass Stars continues to support the awareness of its many talented young members. As always, they hope to preserve yesterday’s bluegrass music for tomorrow.

John Colburn & Maggie

Click here to visit the TBS website! THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

Jonah Riddle

& Carolina Express

Carolina Express was

formed by brothers Jonah and Grayson Riddle. Jonah is 17, and Grayson is 12. Growing up in the mountains of western North Carolina, Jonah has been playing the banjo for 4 and ½ years. From the first time he picked up the instrument, he fell in love. Jonah started out playing at church three times a week. Because he enjoys bluegrass and gospel music so much, he decided to start his own band – Jonah Riddle & Carolina Express. Jonah’s brother, Grayson, plays guitar and does vocals. He has been playing guitar for almost 2 years. From the time he was only 5 years old, he would pick the guitar at church services.

Both are members of Tomorrow’s Bluegrass Stars and have performed at IBMA Kids on Bluegrass in Raleigh, North Carolina. They have won several awards during the time they have been performing such as Best of Show and individual awards for playing their instruments as well. The band has numerous engagements coming up and a couple memorable past performances which were Dollywood and The Ryman Auditorium Bluegrass Nights, in September they will be playing

Jonah and Grayson credit the Lord for their playing and singing talent. Their dad, Benjie Riddle, plays the upright bass. Jonah and Grayson have had the privilege of picking on stage with many great artists such as Doyle Lawson, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Balsam Range, Ralph Stanley II, Nu Blue, Ricky Skaggs, J.D. Crowe, and Kody Norris.

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

High Lonesome Strings for the IBMA and will be on the Blue Water Cruise in January to the Bahamas. Some of the most memorable times for Jonah and Grayson were meeting and playing with J D Crowe, Ricky Skaggs and Playing Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman. They have had numerous opportunities in playing bluegrass all over the USA, but the most remembered place was the place of their first concert Woody’s Mountain Music in Old Fort North Carolina.

while Grayson also learned Guitar.

Both young men have a passion

for bluegrass music. Jonah remembers when Grayson got a guitar for his birthday and would stand in church and strum along to the song, as he grew older it just came naturally. Mom and his grandmother do all the bookings for them and as a family affair they love meeting new people and give thanks to the Lord who has made all this possible.

Jonah loves working on

instruments, his Tacoma truck and They always are having collecting antiques, while Grayson fun on the road trips by enjoys hunting, fishing and riding taking pictures of each his dirt bike. other sleeping and then posting them to their Facebook page, everyone gets kicks when they wake up. Jonah says their music keeps them close as a family, everyone with their own special part, His grandpa started teaching him early on the Dobro and the Guitar,

Visit the Carolina Express website!

Their dad is everything to them not only the bass player, but he drives them to the concerts as well as making sure they have what they need for each trip, Dad Started playing the Bass about 3 years ago and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when Jonah decided to form the band Jonah Riddle and Carolina Express.

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

“2010 Country Legend of the Year”

SHERRY BOYD, M.C.

Adams Bluegrass, LLC Presents:

NO VIDEO OR AUDIO RECORDING

SOUND BY:

A FAMILY FESTIVAL

- 43rd ANNUAL -

BLUE RIDGE SOUND

NORTH CAROLINA STATE

BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

AUGUST 17, 18 & 19, 2017

GENE WATSON

& The Farewell Party Band (Thursday, 17th) “Queen of Bluegrass”

DAILEY & VINCENT

1885 US 70 WEST

JOE MULLINS & RHONDA VINCENT & THE RADIO RAMBLERS (Friday, 18th) THE RAGE “8 Time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year”

(Friday, 18th)

MARION, NC 28752

THE LITTLE ROY & LIZZY SHOW

DOYLE LAWSON & QUICKSILVER

(Saturday, 19th)

(Thursday, 17th)

“2008- 2010 IBMA Entertainer of the Year”

MIKE SNIDER “Grand Ole Opry”

(Saturday, 19th)

“7 Time IBMA Vocal Group & Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year”

(Saturday, 19th)

JUNIOR SISK & RAMBLERS CHOICE (Friday, 18th)

GOLDWING EXPRESS

THE MALPASS BROTHERS (Saturday, 19th)

“Celebrating 25 Years”

(Saturday, 19th)

BIG COUNTRY BLUEGRASS (Saturday, 19th) FREE CAR PARKING MUSIC RAIN OR SHINE! COVERED PAVILION PROVIDED HOT FOOD / CONCESSIONS

LIST OF MOTELS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ADMISSION TO ANYONE

PLEASE BRING LAWN CHAIRS NO HIGH BACK , ROCKERS OR LOUNGE CHAIRS Max Size: 39” High 26” Wide

TOMMY BROWN & THE CHUCK WAGON GANG COUNTY LINE GRASS (Thursday, 17th) (Thursday, 17th)

DRY BRANCH FIRE SQUAD (Thursday, 17th)

SONS OF THE SOUTH (Friday, 18th)

SPRINGFIELD EXIT (Thursday, 17th)

SHOWTIMES: Ticket Prices Do Not Include Camping ADVANCE: AT GATE: THURSDAY, 12 Noon – 10 p.m. (Open stage at 11 a.m.) ..................... $40.00 .................... $45.00 FRIDAY, 12 Noon – 10:00 p.m. (Open stage at 11 a.m.) ....................... $40.00 .................... $45.00 SATURDAY, 12:00 Noon– 10:00 p.m. (Open stage at 11 a.m.) ............. $40.00 .................... $45.00 3-Day (Weekend Ticket Special) ............................................................... $90.00 ..................... $95.00 Children Ages 7-13, $15.00 per day. ......................................... 3-days $45.00 .................... $50.00 Children Under 7 .........................................................................................FREE with Parent CUTOFF DATE FOR ADVANCE PRICE - AUGUST 7

CAFE SERVING BREAKFAST AND LUNCH!

Security Guards On Duty NO Alcoholic Beverages, Smoking or Pets Allowed in Concert Area – Strictly Enforced –

THE PRIMITIVE QUARTET (Friday, 18th)

F O R C A M P I N G R E S E R VAT I O N S P L E A S E C A L L 1 - 8 0 0 - 2 2 5 - 7 8 0 2

TO STAY AT THE CAMPGROUND DURING THE FESTIVAL, ALL MEMBERS IN YOUR GROUP MUST EACH PURCHASE A 3-DAY TICKET Tickets not mailed: processing fee on credit cards: ($3.00 per 3-day ticket, $2.00 per 1-day ticket & children ticket)

THE FARM HANDS

*Order Tickets Online at : adamsbluegrass.com *

For tickets, complete details and free mailing list, contact:

Adams Bluegrass, LLC P.O. Box 98 Dahlonega, GA 30533 Phone: (706) 864-7203 www.adamsbluegrass.com

NOTICE!!! CHAIR POLICY:

FOR 3-DAY TICKET HOLDERS ONLY All General Admission Seating PICK UP TICKETS ON MONDAY AUG. 14, BEGINNING AT 9:00 AM AT THE REAR OF THE PAVILLION PLACE CHAIRS IMMEDIATELY AFTER PICKING UP TICKETS

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

(Friday, 18th)

NAME ADDRESS CITY Please reserve at $

STATE tickets for each for $

ZIP (specify day(s)) (Total) NC

Music Barn Jay, Florida's Amanda Cook acquired a love of bluegrass from her father who played banjo throughout her childhood. In early 2007, Amanda formed bluegrass group High Cotton with her father and received her first taste of performing, fueling a fire to continue on a professional level. In 2013, determined to create her own sound, Amanda stepped out on her own and released her first solo album One Stop Along the Road. The self-released album brought Amanda significant regional attention and furthered the desire to grow her brand, resulting in the addition of a full touring band. Amanda has created quite a loyal fan-base through her palpable delivery of a soulwrenching song. And her light-hearted, down-to-earth style helps her create an undeniably strong connection with her audience. Amanda has come onto the Bluegrass Scene with drive and determination. Bringing a mix of Traditional and Contemporary Bluegrass in every show, audiences of all ages enjoy her live performances. Amanda Cook and her band Kennesaw Ridge played many shows regionally and they are moving into the national level at a fast pace. Her band members are Carolyne VanLierop Banjo, George Mason Fiddle, Scotty French Guitar, Greg Jones Mandolin and Joshua Faul Bass, all accomplished musicians and great vocals making sweet harmony sounds. "I am humbled and honored to join the Mountain Fever Records family, and I'm looking forward to working closely with Mark Hodges and his staff. I anticipate wonderful things for the future of my music with this great group behind me!!" Amanda's first single from her debut album for Mountain Fever Records is "No Rhyme or Reason," written by Eddie Sanders, Dennis Crouch and Don MacAfee. Of the song, Amanda says, "This song spoke to me from the very first listen. It reminds me of the love my husband and I have for one another. We came from two very different backgrounds, and marrying at 19, not many people understood why we wanted to get married so young. But, here we are 20 years later and happy as can be. Definitely looking forward to the release of this album just from the first song, great vocals and a soulful sound to anyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ear. Will get our copy and hope itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signed we see big things to come for Amanda Cook. Mountain Fever will release Amanda's debut album for the label, Deep Water, November 3rd. For more information on Amanda Cook, please visit her at www.AmandaCookBluegrass.com and follow her on Facebook. For more information on Mountain Fever Records, visit www.MountainFever.com.

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

Music Barn Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver bring unparalleled storytelling to fans on August 25 with the 12-track wonder LIFE IS A STORY. Described by Lawson as a mix of Bluegrass styles “from the middle of the road to the very traditional,” the album never strays from the heart of the genre. “So much of what makes good Bluegrass and Country music compelling comes down to great songwriters – and the stories told in their songs,” Lawson observes. “Life itself is really a continuous story that embraces the beginning, the middle and inevitable ending.” LIFE IS A STORY, and here it is sweetly sung. Produced by Lawson and recorded in Sparta, Tennessee for Mountain Home Music Company, the new album features patriarch Doyle’s signature Lead and Baritone vocals, Mandolin and Mandola, and includes members: Josh Swift (Resophonic Guitar, Acoustic Lead Guitar and Percussion); Joe Dean (Banjo and Guitar); Dustin Pyrtle (Lead and Tenor vocals, Guitar); Eli Johnston (Lead and Baritone vocals, Bass) and Stephen Burwell (Fiddles). It is a massive array of talent that forms a powerful – and immediately identifiable musical force. The circular nature of life is highlighted in the lead off track, “Kids These Days,” which Dustin Pyrtle sings in a nuanced tone that reflects on innocence, lyrically invoking the perfect memories of childhood. “Little Girl,” a #1 Country hit for John Michael Montgomery written by the late Harley Allen, was a crew favorite that made the project because Doyle heard it sung so often at sound check. “They love that song,” recalls Lawson. “And the more I listened, the more I loved it too.” The inspiring “Life To My Days,” the offering’s first “great-track,” was written by friend and fellow hit songwriter Jerry Salley. Band members Joe Dean, Eli Johnston and Dustin Pyrtle co-wrote “Life Of A Hardworking Man” while the group was in the studio recording the new project. “We already had the album title,” Lawson notes. “The guys wanted to create a character within the narrative – and so they crafted this hammer-banging, big machine thumping tale of a typical working man.” No life story would be considered complete without a bit of heartache, so Doyle and frequent co-writer Paul Humphrey sat down to write a song acknowledging that reality. The result is the fiddle-laced traditional Bluegrass “I See A Heartbreak Comin’.” Website: www.DoyleLawson.com

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

Music Barn Fans of Hammertowne have come to expect a certain amount of tradition with their bluegrass and the band never disappoints. Each member of the group has their musical and personal roots planted firmly in none other than Kentucky, an area of the country known for good-hearted, honest people who are serious about their families, work, tradition, and bluegrass music. With Hillbilly Heroes, Hammertowne pays their respect not only to their musical lineage, but also to their ancestors' way of life touching on subjects of coal-mining, moonshining, family, and love. Pulled together, the project is a beautiful representation of the heart and soul of the "bluegrass state." Hammertowne presents something very unique in today's current lineup of talentâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;four very strong lead vocalists in one single ensemble. The album kicks off with a punch on "Don't Ever Cross A Moonshine Man," sung with great conviction by Bryan Russell who sings four of the 12 cuts and also plays bass for the band. Scott Tacket also delivers lead vocals on four songs including the title track - an effective tribute to the forefathers of bluegrass capped off with a driving reprise of "Randy Lynn Rag" written by Earl Scruggs and delivered to perfection here by Hammertowne's banjoist, Brent Pack. The hit songwriter of the group (he penned half the cuts on this album), Dave Carroll, delivers smooth-as-glass vocals on two tracks including "Scorcher Carroll's Farm" while holding down the rhythm with his solid guitar playing. Rounding out the album and the band is mandolinist Chaston Carroll who absolutely delights with his picking, and also sings lead on one track. The band is an all-encompassing package of bluegrass perfection on their own but they took it a step further on Hillbilly Heroes and brought in the additional talents of Gaven Largent on Dobro and Ron Stewart on Fiddle. Hillbilly Heroes is a must-have album of bluegrass music delivered with grit and drive from people who have lived and breathed it their entire lives.

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

Music Barn Cane Mill Road is a bluegrass band from the Appalachian Mountains in Deep Gap, North Carolina. The band plays bluegrass, old-time Appalachia, newgrass, and progressive bluegrass music, but specializes in preserving the traditional bluegrass music of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The band represented the United States of America in May of 2015 at the International Music Festival, Concierto En Iguazu where they were a featured band and the first in the festival’s 6-year history to play bluegrass. They joined 500 kids from around the world for 8 days of performances in Argentina. The band has been featured on National Public Radio’s Woodsongs Old-time Radio Hour, played MerleFest, IBMA, Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America, The Doc Watson MusicFest, Carolina in the Fall, and HoustonFest. The band regularly plays regional venues in North Carolina, Virginia and Eastern Tennessee. Band members include blue ribbon winners at major festivals including one of the oldest and biggest, The Galax Old Timers Fiddlers Convention. Band members include: 14-year-old Liam Purcell on vocals, guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and clawhammer banjo; 19-year-old Eliot Smith on guitar and bass; and 17-year-old Trajan Wellington on bluegrass banjo, bass, and guitar. Cane Mill Road plays an eclectic mix of bluegrass, newgrass, and old-time Appalachian mountain music on their new album like 5 speed, Sweet Georgia Brown, Shenandoah Breakdown and Trajan’s Ride. Listen for the vocals and harmonies as these three young men put their heart and soul into this new album.

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

Music Barn From 1946 to 1966, The Stanley Brothers were two of the most popular singers in bluegrass and oldtime country music and gospel singing. Together they became known worldwide with their style. Ralph Stanley II has dedicated this album to his father who died June 23, 2016. This is his first album release since his father’s death. Ralph II has the ability to carry on the Stanley sound and make his own place in bluegrass and gospel music. Ralph II is the executive producer on the album and singing lead vocals produces a sound that stays traditional to his roots. With Members Alex Leach vocals, and on banjo and guitar, Noah Brown on Bass and baritone vocals, John Rigsby on fiddle, mandolin and tenor vocals brings a rich melodic vibe. With songs like Raining in My Heart and Life to Go …… give this album a flair of its own for Stanley II. He does have the very traditional bluegrass sound as well with On Boot Hill, Goin Round This World and No More the Moon Shines on Lorena which has some awesome fiddle and banjo playing. Track 12 Cannonball Blues instrumental is just pure bluegrass thru and thru. A real treasure to have in your play list and carrying on a great tradition that his father instilled in him and his music.

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

Music Barn “Blood Stained Bible” by Chosen Road In talking with Jonathan Buckner of Chosen Road, one can tell that this song has touched him deeply in many different ways. In his words from the moment I heard the song I knew we had to cut it. The song tells the story of an army chaplain named Darby Lee who made the D-Day invasion. The song tells of the life he left behind to serve his country and humanity in general. The song connected with Johnathan because his grandfather, Henry Lee Comer, was a D-Day survivor and served in the United States Armed Forces for 37 years. He made the D-Day invasion on his birthday. While on the Higgins boat approaching the shore an army chaplain gave him a red New Testament Bible for his birthday. Later on, his grandfather was wounded on two separate occasions while in France. One in which he was left lying in the snow. When Grandpa would tell the story, he would say he thought that was it for him, but an army chaplain came by in jeep and rescued him. Later on, my grandfather would give his life to Jesus Christ. Henry Lee Comer served 37 years had two purple hearts, 2 bronze stars, and the Army Commendation Medal. “Blood Stained Bible” is the first single to drop from Chosen Road’s upcoming album entitled “The Storm In Me” on Poor Mountain Records. The song was written by Ronnie Bowman and Bob Minner.

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

'52 Ford Pickup Truck

It was the spring of 1974 and I walked in the house on a cool Saturday morning after doing my chores, daddy said he was going to teach me to drive, I was like I have wanted this my whole life, I was 13 man it seemed like a lifetime coming! We went down behind the house to his shop and learned the H pattern and clutch for like 4 hours on an old 52 Ford Pickup Truck, as he sat and made driving noises as if we were going around the dirt road curves and down the long sand hill flat on Camphouse Road. I was in heaven the whole time thinking I will be a great student and then get on that old back dirt road soon... Well that didn’t happen so fast but driving in the pasture in that old 52 Ford did on a daily basis after school. I would drive all over that 40 acres checking on the cows, down by the tadpole pond, around grandma’s garden and then returning home and doing it all over again. The closest I got to a road was driving the 200 yards up to my grandmother’s house at the end of the driveway. Grandma would always cook Saturday lunch for us and the family on the hill. We would have beef roast, purple hull peas, fresh tomatoes from the garden, creamed corn and usually fresh 28

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

yams or new potatoes. For dessert, there was a yellow cake with a chocolate drizzle that was on top and she would poke holes in the sheet pan cake so the chocolate would drain down into the cake and serve it with Borden’s ice cream. Daddy always sopped his plate with cornbread to make sure grandma didn’t have to wash another dish and dessert was served! It seemed that after lunch we always had something to do, even though it was hot and muggy, we went back to working in the garden or doing something with the cows, or cutting wood. Many days I would watch and help my dad in his shop fixing cars at night and trying to learn more about life and how to turn a wrench. I would help fix brakes on Mr. Rutherford’s 64 Ford T-Bird Pearl White not a scratch on it, or help change the oil, Dad was his favorite Mechanic and Parts Man. Not sure why we never had a radio going in the shop but I guess that was to be able to talk about what was going on in school or had I thought about what I would do for the rest of my life. Well, some 40 years later I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up, but I know I sure would enjoy a mess of collards or turnips right now with a big bowl of banana pudding that mother makes, since grandma has long since passed. You really do learn a lot when sitting in that old 52 Ford truck running the H pattern and clutch as you pretend to drive down those old country dirt roads. More stories to come…….next up, the Calf Scramble! THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

From the Back Porch Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace

How it all began… The legendary Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace has been delighting locals and travelers alike since 1982, with its mesquite barbeque, live music, dancing and friendly service. There is also a long history here. In 1946, Pioneertown was founded by a group of Hollywood investors with dreams of creating a living movie set — an 1870’s frontier town with facades for filming and interiors open to the public. On the outside were stables, saloons, and jails, and on the inside, were ice cream parlors, bowling alleys, and motels. Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Russell Hayden, and the Sons of the Pioneers (for whom the town was named) were some of the original investors and personalities who helped build and invent Pioneertown. More than 50 films and several television shows were filmed in Pioneertown throughout the 1940’s and 1950’s.

In 1946, where Pappy & Harriet’s stands today, was a facade used as a “cantina” set for numerous western films well into the 1950s. In 1972, Harriet’s mother, Francis Aleba, and her husband, John, purchased the building and opened “The Cantina”, an outlaw biker burrito bar. The Cantina rollicked for 10 years, and when it closed, Francis and John made sure the building stayed in the family.

In 1982, Harriet and her husband, Claude “Pappy” Allen, opened “Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace”. While the bikers still hung around, Pappy & Harriet’s presence created more of a family atmosphere. With family style Tex-Mex cuisine and live music featuring Pappy, Harriet and their granddaughter Kristina, P&H quickly became a local favorite with all walks of life getting along under one roof!

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

Pappy died in 1994 and his

friends and fans flew from all over the world to be at P&H for a celebration of his life. Victoria Williams, a good friend of Pappy and touring partner wrote the song “Happy To Have Known Pappy” off her critically acclaimed record “Loose”, that talks about that day. Harriet sold the bar to a family friend who gave it up after a few years. Enter Robyn Celia and Linda Krantz, two New Yorkers who loved P&H and wanted to see it returned to it’s glory days. The girls bought the club in 2003 and have done just that. Musicians from Robert Plant to Vampire Weekend to Leon Russell to Sean Lennon and many more have graced the P&H stage.

The legendary bar has become an indie rock favorite with a vibe that can’t be matched. Pappy&Harriet’s continues the tradition of live music, great barbeque, and good times in memory of Pappy and all those who came before him. The entry way is rickety, like you could borrow a lasso from the front desk to tie up your horse.

The sign on the wall reads, “If you’re in a hurry, you’re in the wrong place”, so leave your city life expectations back where As you wipe the dusty desert you came from. People gather twilight from your eyes, the for the music, as much as they alluring traces of the soft twang of do for the food, especially on music and laughter pours out from weekends, so reservations are inside the old roadhouse. strongly recommended. With a smoky mesquite barbeque in the The glowing 21st century sign back, you feel like John Wayne just plopped high above the western caught your dinner this morning styled, wooden doorway states and has invited your kin to help you are at “Pappy & Harriet’s”. As come eat it all. Dinner portions are the door swings open and closed, big enough to feed you and your customers float in and out, smiles imaginary horse. wide, and you get the feeling like you’ve just come home for the first While you wait for a table and time. build up your appetite, there is plenty to do to kill time. The “L” shaped bar provides frosty beverages in thick, glass mason jars with limited seating filled mostly by locals.

Saunter through the bar area to find happy diners surrounding a dance floor and a small, almost floor level stage. Old show posters of famous bands, like Lucinda Williams, Robert Plant, Eric Burdon, and others who have played at Pappy & Harriet’s line the old wooden walls. The crowd applauds wildly and a sense of community envelops you. The organic, natural flow of Pappy & Harriet’s has swept over you like a Grandma’s comfortable quilt. Grateful to catch a breath of fresh air after some two-stepping, you head towards the back door. The vast open patio, the size of a small soccer field, allows a gentle nighttime breeze to caress your hair. Just as fast, the barbequed meat on the open grill wafts into your nostrils telling your stomach it is indeed dinnertime. A sign on the back of the building near one of the picnic tables reads “Hippies use side door” and you’re left wondering if you used the wrong entrance earlier, though no one told you otherwise. Time stands still at Pappy & Harriet’s. Everyone seems happy here no matter whether you’re a cowboy, hippy, musician, or a 4-year old. As you catch your breath under twinkling starlight, a gentle voice calls out your name… your table is ready.

For event schedule and menu, visit PappyandHarriets.com

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

From the Back Porch Pappy & Harrietâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pioneertown Palace

Pappy & Harrietâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BBQ is definitely a must when visiting the Pioneertown hangout! The Santa Maria Tri Tip is seasoned with kosher salt, pepper and granulated garlic rub and fired over a 100% mesquite open flame grille. The oils from the wood give it that delicious divine luscious taste.

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

The BBQ Ribs consist of lots of spices for a dry rub as well using chili powder and brown sugar, they are steamed for about 4 hours before going onto the grille and cooked with the 100% mesquite. The Ribs are continuously glazed with a brown sugar and rich spice sauce that give them that wonderful heavenly look and mouthwatering taste.

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

Festival and Event Guide ~ August

Dates

Event

Location

Fridays

Friday Bluegrass Night - Blue Cypress Bluegrass

Fellsmere, FL

August 1-5

Pickinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Parsons Bluegrass Festival

Parsons, WV

August 2-5

Pemi Valley Bluegrass Festival

Thornton, NH

August 3-5

PreddyFest Bluegrass Festival

Franklinton, NC

August 3-6

AFBA Bluegrass Festival

Wind Gap, PA

August 4-5

Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival

Madison, WI

August 4-5

Dillard Bluegrass & Barbeque Festival

Dillard, GA

August 4-6

Blueberry Bluegrass & Country Festival

Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

August 5

Milan Bluegrass Festival

Milan, MI

August 5-6

Bluegrass and Beer Festival

Keystone, CO

August 7-12

Old Fiddler's Convention

Galax, VA

August 10-13

Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival

Hebron, CT

August 10-13

Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival

Richmond, MN

August 10-13

Plattsburgh Bluegrass Festival

Plattsburgh, NY

August 10-13

Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival

Tres Pinos, CA

August 11

Podunk Bluegrass Festival

Hebron, CT

August 11-12

L'il Margaret's Bluegrass Festival

Leonardtown, MD

August 11-13

Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival

Alta, WY

August 11-13

Mount St. Helens Bluegrass Festival

Toledo, WA

August 11-13

Blue Waters Bluegrass Festival

Medical Lake, WA

August 17-19

North Carolina Bluegrass Festival

Marion, NC

August 17-19

Amelia Bluegrass Festival

Amelia, VA

August 17-20

SEMBA August Bluegrass Festival

Houston, MN

August 17-20

Winding Creek Bluegrass Festival

Russiaville, IN

August 17-20

Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival

Gettysburg, PA

August 18-19

Prairie Sky Music Festival

Monticello, IL

August 18-20

Shady Grove Bluegrass Music Festival

Vista, CA

August 18-20

Summergrass Bluegrass Festival

Vista, CA

August 18-20

Folks Festival

Lyons, CO

August 19

Paddle Faster Bluegrass Festival

W. Suffield, CT

August 19

Evergreen Bluegrass Festival

Evergreen, CO

August 19

Long Island Bluegrass Festival

Copiague, NY

August 19-20

Laurel Hill Bluegrass Festival

Somerset, PA

August 23-26

Blistered Fingers Bluegrass Festival

Litchfield, ME

August 24-26

Central City Bluegrass Festival

Central City, IA

August 24-26

Mansfield JamFest

Mansfield, OH

August 24-27

Rainier Bluegrass Festival

Rainier, WA

August 25

Greenbridge Celtic Folk Fest

Keene, Ontario, Canada

August 25-26

Jam in the Trees

Black Mountain, NC

August 26

Wild Things Park

Washington, PA

August 31

Annual Bluegrass Festival at Salmon Lake

Grapeland, TX

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

Festival and Event Guide ~ September Dates

Event

Location

Fridays

Friday Bluegrass Night - Blue Cypress Bluegrass

Fellsmere, FL

Aug 31 - Sept 3

Armuchee Fall Bluegrass Festival

Armuchee, GA

Aug 31 - Sept 3

Back 40 Labor Day Bluegrass Festival

Curryville, MO

Aug 31 - Sept 3

SamJam Bluegrass Festival

Piketon, OH

Aug 31 - Sept 3

Salmon Lake Park Labor Day Bluegrass Festival

Grapeland, Texas

Aug 31 - Sept 3

County Bluegrass Labor Day Festival

Fort Fairfield, ME

Aug 31 - Sept 3

Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival

Brunswick, ME

September 2

Piggin' and Grinnin'

New Bern, NC

September 1-3

Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival

Woodstown, NJ

September 1-3

Hovander Homestead Bluegrass Festival

Ferndale, WA

September 2

Chet Kingery Memorial Bluegrass Festival

Arthur, IL

September 3

Shenandoah Valley Bluegrass Festival

Orkney Springs, VA

September 7-9

Twin Oaks Bluegrass Festival

Hoboken, GA

September 7-10

Oldtone Roots Music Festival

N. Hillsdale, NY

September 9

Susie's Cause Music Festival

Cockeysville, MD

September 9

Wheeling Bluegrass Festival

Wheeling, WV

September 14-16

Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival

Kodak, TN

September 14-16

Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival

Conway, MO

September 15-16

Sandyland Bluegrass Reunion

Nacogdoches, TX

September 20-23

Uncle Pen Days

Bean Blossom, IN

September 21-23

Nothin' Fancy Bluegrass Festival

Buena Vista, VA

September 21-23

HOBA September Bluegrass Festival

West Plains, MO

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

Kahuna Nui Hale Kealohalani Makua “Love all you see, including yourself.” This is what I feel Hawaii was all about and yes, it is in many cases, the beautiful flowers, Hawaiian music, mountains above the clouds as if they are floating on pillows of cotton, palm fronds weeping in the cool breeze on the shore as waves crash against pristine beaches, wonderful landscapes of lava rock fields coming down the mountains flowing to the sea.

Bluegrass in Hawaii? Never in my mind would I have thought of hearing bluegrass music in Hawaii, but I got to pull up a chair, sit in, listen and chat with a group of unique individuals while visiting Hawaii recently. The bluegrass sound is alive in Hawaii and amazing. I mistakenly thought Hawaiian music could be summarized as Ukulele, lei’s and hula dancing, but this was pickin and having fun. How wrong I was and how delighted to be invited to a special get together at Scott Crockfords home the mandolin player of the group Sand Hill.

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

As I arrived at Scottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home I took my shoes off in the Hawaiian style and entered to a host of welcoming individuals brought together for the love of bluegrass, the pickers hailed from Massachusetts to Maui. Along the way we heard Bluegrass, Old Country, and Americana music. All instruments of bluegrass were represented the Mandolin, Banjo, Fiddle, Bass, and Guitar playing Songs of Traditional Bluegrass, Davy Crockett Tennessee, I Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Stop Loving You, some Rolling Stones and many more. We talked about Flatt and Scruggs, Bill Monroe, The Stanley Brothers and who started Bluegrass Music and more. I met some great people, like James Wagoner 90 years old playing guitar and singing, Mark Lee, Wes and Barbara Berkaart and the band Sand Hill.

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

Sand Hill is Maui's newest addition to the Bluegrass community. The all acoustic band plays a diverse set of traditional, contemporary, and sometimes obscure tunes ranging from old Carter family and Doc Watson standards to Stanley Brothers and Flatt and Scruggs classics, with some random offerings from Grateful Dead, Steve Earle, etc....all done with a fresh and exciting bluegrass feel. In other words, they play anything that strikes their fancy and can be re-worked into the standard bluegrass format. Whether it be gospel songs, murder ballads, love songs or nonsense songs for square dance, they do their best to "Get it on".

The group's current members are Michelle Steuermann rhythm guitar and vocals, Jonathan Clay lead guitar, banjo and vocals, Scott Crockford mandolin, guitar and vocals, and Harry Timmins on banjo, guitar and vocals. The band members hail from all corners of Maui, and are as diverse a group of individuals as you'll be likely to meet, (a farmer, a construction worker, a real estate broker, and a Pastor), but the love of the music keeps them coming back for more. The band currently plays at Ulupalakua ranch store, the Maui coffee attic, a monthly jam called "Pickin with Chickens" located at Rainbow Park in Makawao and the Contradances. For more info, or to book a concert, party, jam or dance please contact Michelle at tipsam3@gmail.com.

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

Other Places to hear that Bluegrass sound in Hawaii: Maui Singalong Circle, Bluegrass Radio Show (Kauai) www.kkcr.org, Willis Saturday Jam (Big Island), First & Third Saturdays Contradancers Of Hawaii (Oahu), Fourth Sunday of each month Bluegrass Hawaii Half-Fast Bluegrass Philharmonic Society. Click on www.bluegrasshawaii.com and find all the events on the different Islands.

Mahalo

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

Monthly Bluegrass get-together at Rainbow Park in Makawao, Maui

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

Suits, Boots Fan photos from y r t n u o c e h t s s acro

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

& Bluegrass

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

Suits, Boots

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

& Bluegrass

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

Suits, Boots

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

& Bluegrass

"Hey

girl,have you tried the new Caramel Apple LipSense from Rhonda Vincent?" THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD

Next Month...

from the Editor's desk

Dailey & Vincent Tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bluegrass Stars ~ The Baker Family Six String Soldiers Get your upcoming Bluegrass event poster or announcement in the next edition of The Bluegrass Standard, for FREE!

From the Back Porch: Appalachian Cuisine

Email editor@thebluegrassstandard.com

For the latest Bluegrass News, Event Schedules and more... visit our website, TheBluegrassStandard.com!

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to Like us on Facebook!

THE BLUEGRASS STANDARD