MN Bluegrass Magazine March 2017 by Minnesota Bluegrass

March 2017

March 2017 Vol. 43 No. 2 Newsstand: $3 Subscription: $35

MBOTMA Hot Line

(to subscribe and for other information) 612-285-9133 or 800-635-3037 info@minnesotabluegrass.org P.O. Box 16408, Mpls, MN 55416 www.minnesotabluegrass.org Twitter: @mnbluegrass Facebook: minnesotabluegrass

MBOTMA Board of Directors

President: Laura Cooper - ldcoop08@gmail.com Vice President: Nic Henges Treasurer: Robbi Podrug Secretary: Jed Malischke - jed@minnesotabluegrass.org Board Members: Term expires 2017: Alan Jesperson, Bill Lindroos, Rudy Marti, Term expires 2018: Dale Gruber, Brett Day, Philip Nusbaum Youth Representative: Theo Hougen-Eitzman, 1 Seat vacant For meeting minutes and other Board business, go to: www.minnesotabluegrass.org/board-minutes

MBOTMA Staff

Executive Director: Patricia Bungert executivedirector@minnesotabluegrass.org Member Services Manager: Bea Flaming, 612-285-9133 bea@minnesotabluegras.org

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Minnesota Bluegrass Magazine

Editor: Doug Lohman, editor@minnesotabluegrass.org Contributors: Eric Christofer and Anthony Ihrig Philip Nusbaum, Kim Curtis-Monson, Coming Up: Loretta Simonet, John Brandberg Y’All Come: Bill Lindroos Wordmark: Katryn Conlin Photography: Cover image: Mike Melnyk Back: Hali McGrath Deadline for submissions: The 1st of the month preceding publication Submit content or request advertising guidelines at: editor@minnesotabluegrass.org. Minnesota Bluegrass is published monthly by The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association™, a Minnesota nonprofit corporation, P.O. Box 16408, Mpls, MN 55416. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for the loss or return of unsolicited photos, recordings, or manuscripts. ©2017 Minnesota Bluegrass. All rights reserved. ISBN 0891-0537. 2

Thank you, MBOTMA members Membership as of March 1, 2017: 960

Patrons:

Peter & Bridgit Albrecht Tony & Ann Anthonisen Lenny & Colleen Baltus Gary & Karen Bartig Ron & Kathy Blade Barry & Annie Brooks Doug Chasar Paul Christianson Gary & Janet Cobus Laura Cooper Bob & Marilyn Dodd Jennifer Faulkner Mark & Kathleen Fisher Darrell & Marilyn Fuhr Tom Furrer Jon & Sharon Garon Art Geffen Gary & Jae Germond David Glatt Dale & Diane Gruber Tom & Marlys Gustafson Michael & Paula Hildebrandt Mabel Houle Ann Iijima & Myles Bakke

Sustaining:

Mary Ruth Alva Rod & Barb Anderson Vicki Anderson Daryll &Mary Arntson Paul Ashworth Vaughn Asselstine Kenneth Bloch Fred Boyer Susan Christensen-Wichmann Katryn Conlin Dan & Marilyn Cook Brian Cornell Bob & Vicki Dalager Hal Davis Mary DuShane Matt Edwards Craig Evans Leon Evans Nathan Fjeld Jim Franczyk Warren Gumeson Timothy & Ginger Haaland David Holm Steven Holste Dick & Sue Hopperstad Mark Johnson John Johnson Chris Juettner Alan & Geriann Kagan

David Johnson Howie & Maggie Jorgenson Maxine Larson Loren Laugtug James Lee Douglas Lohman Richard Luckeroth Bob Lundeen Rudy & Jeanne Marti Rodger McBride Douglas & Georgene Nesheim Milaca RecFest David & Betty Pfeiffer Lincoln Potter Tom & Cathy Schaefer Thomas & Barbara Schommer Thomas & Margaret Schuveiller Penelope Scialla David Tousley & Margaret Brandes Michael Valentiner Donna Velasco Jane & Dobson West Jim Whitney John Wilcox

Jim Lally Greg Landkamer & Jill Stefansen David Lang Steve & Elaine LeVasseur Bill Lindroos & Rebecca Reifler Travis Lockwood Rolf & Lisa Lund Michele Marshall Mac McKay Mary McSorley Bill Merrill Susan & Joe Meyer James Natwick Jerry Nelson Dennis & Jan O’Brien Linda & Tony Omann Dominic Orrico Bob Ostlund Bryan Ronning Mark & Jan Rubbert Marty & Carol Schirber Wendy Schoen Howell Smith Lynn & Carolyn Thorson Ross & Elizabeth Vaughan Rebecca Wagner & Dan Forsythe Tin Wankel David & Bonnie Warner Carole Wilson March 2017

From the President The past year was discouraging for many folks involved in MBOTMA’s functioning. I just found out there is a name for it--Founders’ Syndrome. It happens when a long time executive director (ED) leaves. The new ED rarely lasts very long and boards, committees and volunteers often feel at a loss because “business as usual” no longer suffices. It turns out Founders’ Syndrome happens quite often as organizations reach middle age and it actually presents wonderful opportunities for evolution and growth. After presiding over my second board meeting, I received the following email from Vice President, Nic Hentgesl: “Great meeting last night. I really meant it when I said I love them [board meetings]. I am revved up about all that’s going on in the association right now.” Nic is one of several brand new board members not constrained by “this is how we’ve always done things.” The newbies’ curiosity, energy and commitment to MBOTMA is palpable and contagious. Patricia Bungert, now in her second month as MBOTMA’s executive director, also brings new ideas and enthusiasm to the organization. In addition, we benefit from the stalwart veterans of MBOTMA who have the institutional knowledge and who continue to contribute enormously to our recovery. Potentially, we are on the cusp of transformation. However, change does not come easily or happen overnight, so we must also practice patience. Phil Nusbaum and I co-chaired the 2 to 10 Fundraiser on February 4th. Folks enjoyed great music and fellowship and the event raised more money than projected. Thanks to the bands that generously donated their time and talent: Jack Klatt, Switched at Birth, The Bootlickers, Jumpin’ Jo and the Catie Cats, Brian Wicklund and the Barley Jacks, Cousin Dad, King Wilkie’s Dream, and Tony Rook Band. Also, a big shout out to Armadillo Sound, Nic Hentges for the stage, KrausHartig VFW, and the cadre volunteers who, as always, are the backbone of MBOTMA’s events. Finally, the Winter Bluegrass Weekend (WBW) will be happening a few days after you receive this magazine. Please invite your friends and families via tweets, instagrams, emails, Facebook, etc. Remember, our best publicity is friends telling friends that the WBW is big fun. As always, there are great volunteer opportunities at the WBW. You can sign up at minnesotabluegrass.org.

From the President 3 My Old Friend Donny 5 Grass Seeds 7 Cover Story: Laurie Lewis & the Right Hands The Winter Bluegrass Weekend 10 Bluegrass Saturday Morning 17 MBOTMA Calendar of Events 19 Coming Up 22 March 2017

The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association is open to everyone. Our members include people who love to listen to music and people who love to make music. As a member, you’ll be invited to participate in bluegrass and old-time music events and celebrations. You’ll receive discounted prices on admission to events and merchandise, and you’ll receive a subscription to Minnesota Bluegrass magazine. Becoming a member of MBOTMA is easy and affordable. Your membership will not only nurture your own interests, but help to ensure that the bluegrass and old-time music tradition is sustained and grows in Minnesota. Individual $35

Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, events discounts for one person, and a free classified ad.

Family $50

Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, up to four discounted tickets per event, and a free classified ad. Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, advance booking information for MBOTMA events, a free classified ad, and listings in the MBOTMA member band directory in print and on our website.

Band $75

Sustaining Level $100

Patron Level $150

Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, first-class postage, events discounts, two free concert tickets, and a free classified ad. Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, first-class postage, events discounts, four free concert tickets, and a free classified ad.

Add $18 for First Class or foreign postage to individual, family or band membership. Go to minnesotabluegrass.org and select the Membership tab to join online and pay with PayPal. Or mail in your personal information and payment to: MBOTMA, P.O. Box 16408, Minneapolis, MN 55416 Call 800-635-3037 or 612-285-9133 for details or if you would like to join by phone.

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Inside:

Become a Member

Funding for MBOTMA provided in part by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature, a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and private donors

Mar 31-Apr 2 2017 Radisson Harborview Hotel, Duluth (505 W Superior St)

Another MINNESOTA BLUEGRASS weekend of fun. Headline Concerts with:

THE HIGH 48S (Fri & Sat) THE GATED COMMUNITY (Fri & Sat) ROE FAMILY SINGERS (Fri & Sat) GEORGIA RAE FAMILY (Sat & Sun) MORE TBA (Fri & Sat)

Plus: Friday Night Live! open mic starts at 7PM Old-Time Barn Dance with Dance Caller Workshops & Draw Band Competition Lots of All-Day & Late-Night Jam Sessions! You’ll want to be there the entire weekend, so order your tickets in advance, then book a room at THE RADISSON HARBORVIEW HOTEL at 218-727-8981. Tell them you’ve got CABIN FEVER!. BULLYAN RV, FROST RIVER TRADING CO, STEWART TITLE, SAINT LUKE’S MEDICAL CENTER, CHRISTIAN EGGERT VIOLINS, SIR BENEDICT’S TAVERN, REPUBLIC BANK, and THE DULUTH READER

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Sponsored by:

Tickets: Advance $29Wknd; Gate $15Fri/$20Sat/$35Wknd (teens½, kids free)

800-635-3037 or MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Advance tickets are available online or by phone. This event is presented by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA) and made possible In part by This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

March 2017

My Old Friend Donny... by Kim (Suzi) Curtis-Monson

March 2017

much. He feels ashamed of this, but of course has no need to. The brain in all its beauty is a very complicated machine. I have personally worked with brain injuries most of my adult life and understand this at its core. Sometimes those files are just misplaced for a time, or not in the cabinet anymore. It could be temporary, it could be what just is from here on out. Again, it’s a complicated machine. I consider Donny a “mannel”, or a MAN WHO WEARS FLANNEL. I’m not sure if I’ve ever even seen him, or hugged him without feeling a flannel (usually red) shirt. Hot summer days, fall or winter, it just doesn’t matter...he’s a “mannel”. He has always been a wood worker, carpenter, antique collecting, handle barred mustached, God Loving, hunter, fisherman, deep woods kinda guy. When you hug him, he smells like wood smoke, and always, always carries the biggest smile on his face. Never wanting to Photo by Mary LaPlant talk about himself, he would much rather know “what’s happening I stopped by for a visit with my with you and your family”. It was no old friend recently. I like to say, “we go different with our visit. back to diapers”, which is the truth. Our Don has spent the majority families have been bonded since the 50s. of his life being a part time musician, I drove down the driveway with providing music for 200 funerals, my brother George, heading back weddings, church events and other into the woods to see our childhood gatherings with his long time musical friend. A beautiful home, deep in the partner Kim Harrington, better known north woods, overlooking a pond was to us as our own “Minnesota Cowboy”. exactly where I thought we’d find him. He also performs with Not Necessarily This home is almost too beautiful to Bluegrass or the LaPlant Family band. A imagine. “Built by Donny” was written soft-spoken singer and picker who has all over it. As we sat with Donny and Jed a large impact on the ears and hearts visiting, we talked about our childhood of all who listen. His wife Mary and together, our families, music and special children are also amazing musicians, instruments. He has trouble currently retrieving names of even the oldest Continued on page 6... friends. Faces are there, names not so chatted with yesterday also says he will likely become a Youth Minister when his educational journey is through. What a great fit that will be. Jed is finishing out the semester at home with on line courses to stay with Donny during this busy and confusing time and allow Mary to go back to work.

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

If you are reading this in the Minnesota Bluegrass magazine, then you are likely a friend or have knowledge of the LaPlant family from Grand Rapids, MN. Lloyd LaPlant is a well-known luthier, and his sons Don and Bill have also become quite the instrument crafters. We personally own a #16 Lloyd LaPlant guitar that my brother now cares for, a beautiful Lloyd sunburst guitar, and a Donny F style mandolin, one of his first. Bill has repaired for me, and these boys continue a long legacy of amazing instrument building and repair. Don LaPlant was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 inoperable brain cancer. Not only was this news devastating, in its own right, but Don’s only sister Gail lost her battle with breast cancer in her 40s. This family has been delivered another blow to the heart with this diagnosis and are preparing for another difficult journey. There will be 6 weeks of intense (5 days a week) chemotherapy and radiation, driving from Grand Rapids to Hibbing, with the hopes to shrink the tumor and give Don and his family and friends as much time together as possible. The LaPlants have always been rooted deep in their faith and though shaken by the news, their hearts have never wandered from the church teachings. They are grateful for the time, whatever that is, that they have left and give thanks for it. Don and Mary renewed their vows to each other in 2016. Their children Emily and Jed are in college at the University of Northwestern in St. Paul. Emily will graduate this Spring with a degree in Psychology. Jed, whom I

My Old Friend Donny.... cont. from page 5 out of that. We never know when the next miracle will happen, when a cure for dreaded cancer will come, or when something terrible will end life the minute you walk out the door. It’s all in the hands of someone or something else that no one can understand. I took our day together as just another “eye opener” to pay attention to those you love. Pay attention to important things in life, like helping others, opening your heart, giving when you can, but also to take care of yourself. Time is a precious commodity, of which none of us has enough of these days. I was grateful for our time we had, and want to thank my old friend for giving us his very precious time in visiting. To help the family I have set up a GO FUND ME page: www.gofundme. com. Search “Donny LaPlant Medical Fund”, and it will bring up the page. You

can donate to help the family during this difficult time. You can donate anonymously or type a message for the family. If you prefer you can send a check directly to the bank: Donny LaPlant (use Medical Fund in memo, DO NOT WRITE ON NAME LINE) send it to America Bank, 1215 S. Pokegama Ave., Grand Rapids, MN 55744. A card for the family may be mailed to: 18156 US Hwy 169, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 In closing, the family has been overwhelmed already by the out pouring of love and support from all who have already donated, sent cards, stopped by for visits in the hospital and home. We hope to provide a cushion for this family to help with travels and medical needs. Thank you to all who have shown your kindness, it is greatly appreciated. May your life be filled with love and blessings of family, friendship and faith.

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

as are most of his family. I chatted with Donny’s mom Bev last night before I headed back to Duluth. She said the kids had come over for dinner and then gathered in the living room and 1703 Dulono’s Horizontal AD.pdf played music together. This isn’t unusual, but of course, now the moments just seem a little sweeter. She said, “I just sat there in the chair listening and wanted to cry... but I didn’t. I think I’ve already cried a river between our house and Pokegama Lake”. Their music has that way of seeping into your heart where you can’t decide whether to laugh, cry, smile for joy, or, in this case, all of the above. For this moment and every moment is a true gift. The truth of the matter is none of us knows how long we have on this beautiful Earth. We all have a death sentence on this life, there’s no getting

March 2017

Grass Seeds 2017 Guitar, Fiddle, Banjo, Mandolin, Dobro and Bass by Eric Christofer and Anthony Ihrig

Grass Seeds and GS2 are MBOTMA sponsored youth workshops held in conjunction with the Winter Bluegrass Weekend, March 3-5, 2017. This will be our thirteenth year! We meet for one session Friday night, two on Saturday and one Sunday morning. The kids will then have the opportunity to show us all what they have learned with a concert on Sunday at 1:00. Some of the things we work on are jamming etiquette, ensemble playing, how to play back-up and take a lead break on your instrument, plus singing lead and harmony vocals. The kids have a lot of fun, but they work hard too. Grass Seeds is NOT just for beginners or “little kids,” nor are we only looking for those who are advanced players. While the kids will get a chance to show off a little bit onstage, if they’re so inclined, the focus of Grass Seeds is on group playing. So, whether you can play just a few common chords or fiddle a few tunes, or if you are a really “hot picker,” it doesn’t matter. Grass Seeds is about working together to make good music and have a good time. If you’re between the ages of 8 and 18 or so and

you like playing music with friends, there is a place for you. We spend most of the weekend in small groups, each one becoming a “band” for the weekend. We do our best to group kids according to their ability and comfort level, so a band can be as few as three or as many as seven or eight kids, in any combination of instruments. OUR FACULTY This year Grass Seeds favorite, The High 48’s (thehigh48s.com), winners of the 2009 Rockygrass band competition will return as instructors. They were also a huge success as the faculty of jam camp at the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival. Marty Marrone, Anthony Ihrig, Rich Casey, Mike Hedding and Eric Christopher will offer instruction on guitar, banjo, dobro, bass, mandolin and fiddle. This year Chris Silver (chrissilver. wix.com) will teach GS2. If there are strings on it, Chris plays it -- and plays it well. Before the Chris Silver Band, he was a member of Stoney Lonesome and is also well known for his songwriting. Chris has firm roots in Bluegrass but has honed his own sound from many influences, making him perfect for GS2.

REGISTRATION Grass Seeds Schedule Fri: 7- 9pm Sat: 10am - noon and 1- 4pm Sun: 10am - 12:30pm The concert is at 1pm The registration fee for the 3-day workshop is $85 per student. Students can only register for one instrument. Be sure to register early, as space is limited. Fiddle tends to fill the quickest. To register, please call MBOTMA at 1-800-635-3037. If you have any further questions, please email Eric Christopher at eric@thehigh48s.com or 651-271-4392. Grass Seeds is a unique opportunity for the young people in our area; there are very few programs like this one. Our goal is to keep the registration fee as low as possible and the quality of instruction as high as possible. Tuition alone, does not cover the cost of the program. Please consider making a donation to help keep this valuable program alive. You may do so by sending a check to MBOTMA at PO Box 16408 Mpls, MN 55416. Please specify that your donation is for Grass Seeds. All donations are tax deductible, you will receive a tax receipt by mail.

The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association presents...

The Grass Seeds Music Academy 2017 faculty featuring the members of THE

HIGH 48s plus Chris Silver MinnesotaBluegrass.org

All musicians age 8 to 18 (or so) are invited to register for the Grass Seeds Music Academy during the Winter Bluegrass Weekend on March 3-5 at the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West Hotel in Plymouth MN. You will learn jamming etiquette, ensemble playing, how to play back-up and take a break, lead and harmony vocals, as well as instruction on your own instrument. The workshop begins Friday night with registration and a jam to get ready for a full weekend of playing. Participants will also meet for two sessions on Saturday and one on Sunday morning, and will finish with an onstage group performance on Sunday. Registration fee is $85 and includes admission to the festival. For more information contact eric@thehigh48s.com - 651-271-4392 or www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org. To register call MBOTMA at 1-800-635-3037 or info@minnesotabluegrass.org March 2017

Cover Story

Laurie Lewis & the Right Hands Headline the Winter Bluegrass Weekend

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

by Doug Lohman

Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands will be the featured act at MBOTMA’s Winter Bluegrass Weekend, March 3-5 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Plymouth, MN. I have had the pleasure for quite a few years of seeing Laurie Lewis perform. I think the first time I saw her was in the middle 80s at a MBOTMA August Festival with the Grant Street

the late 60s. She discovered the bluegrass scene in the 70s and has not looked back. She played with The Phantoms of the Opry in the 70s, then co-founded the Good Ol’ Persons with Kathy Kallick. In 1979 the Grant Street String Band came along. Since then she has been leading her own bands, with names like the Bluegrass Pals, the Guest House Band and, lately, the Right Hands. Her musical

Bluegrass on the Beach (Oregon) and Bluegrass Week at the Augusta Heritage Workshops (West Virginia). For those of you who would like to dive deeper into her history, I will recommend the World Wide Web! The web is chock full of articles about her. There are many articles about her in such magazines as: Bluegrass Unlimited, Acoustic Guitar, Fiddler, No Depression,

String Band. I also remember a performance with the Good Ol’ Persons at the Winter Bluegrass Weekend at the Northwest Inn in 1991. These concerts are etched in my memory as many of my favorite bluegrass shows. She has continued over the decades to pursue her music with her characteristic intensity. From those first few shows to the two I have seen in the last 3 years, she continues to grow and progress as a musician and preeminent artist in the acoustic music scene. Laurie grew up in the Bay Area of California and got hooked by music in

comrade, Tom Rozum, has been part of her bands since the middle 80s. She has recorded 20 albums and CDs. That is a hefty body of work. She is constantly expanding the genre of bluegrass and old-time music. Not only reinterpreting the standards, but also adding her own compositions that have made it into many late night jamming sessions up at El Rancho. Twice she was named Female Vocalist of the Year by the IBMA (1992, 1994) and she won a Grammy for True Life Blues: The Songs of Bill Monroe 1997. She has managed teaching camps as program director for

LA Times to only mention a few. Go exploring… I, for one, am looking forward to hearing her again. Sweet singing, expressive picking, original songs, classic standards are only some of what you will hear at the Saturday evening concert at the Winter Bluegrass Weekend. Laurie Lewis is a performer with an ear for tradition and a gift at putting her own experience into her original songs. Enjoy!

March 2017

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

March 2017

Winter Bluegrass Weekend

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

by Phil Nusbaum

The Winter Bluegrass Weekend (WBW) is the first full-out, multi-day, music all the time Bluegrass experience of 2017. The WBW is held March 3-5 at the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West. The festival has everything a bluegrass fan could want: Performances, jamming, vendors selling bluegrass-related stuff, good restaurants, and hanging out in a bluegrass atmosphere. Most people look forward to the national artists who perform. Those who have previously seen this year’s national acts, Laurie Lewis and The Foghorn String Band, know how inspiring each can be. These are Bluegrass and Old-Time music acts that are as good as it gets. Laurie Lewis is an artist’s artist. Listen to her great repertoire of songs specially selected for content, such as those on Laurie’s tribute CD to Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerard. Hazel led the charge regarding songs with true depictions of life as she led it, about unrewarding work, and relationships that did not quite work out, and Laurie serves as a great interpreter. Or check out Laurie’s treatments of songs of Vern and Ray, California Bluegrass pioneers. Laurie does traditional, she does modernistic, and she also does original. When you see her throw herself into a performance, despite that she’s been doing it for decades, it all seems fresh. Maybe that is because Laurie and the Right Hands do it their way, and their commitment to performing, really shows. The event also has a concert and an old-time dance led by the Foghorn 10

String Band (FSB). It’s a group with great old tunes, played with a modern sensibility. The songs may be old, but they put out a lot of songs that are not that common, and are as danceable as could be. The group also does newer tunes mandolinist Caleb Clauder writes. These originals are of great interest to instrumentalists. They are neither hoedowns nor bluegrass, but are related to them. The FSB combination of

tried-and-true and original is what has made the group popular all over North America and overseas, too. One great calling card of the WBW is that in addition to the concerts and old-time dance led by national bands, there is stage music all the time. Our state has a greater number of Bluegrass and Old-Time bands than you might think. It’s the first big chance of 2017 for all of us to check out a big slice of local music. For a little walk on the wide side, check out a segment called Spotlight On, held on Saturday March 4 from 5-6:45 pm. It is a time when three cutting edge local guitarists, each with some relation to Bluegrass and Old-Time music, strut their stuff, and tell us about

their wide-ranging musical approaches. The participants are Mike Cramer, Dean Magraw and Tim Sparks. But you can talk about the stage music all you want. The WBW provides a fully saturated Bluegrass and Old-Time music experience. Know that you do not have to stay there if you don’t want to. At the Winter Bluegrass Weekend, it is instruments out, voices all warmed up, and nobody has to stop for any reason. There are a lot of rooms reserved for jamming, and then it overflows into hallways. Back in the 1970’s I made a pilgrimage to Bean Blossom, Indiana to attend Bill Monroe’s bluegrass festival. There were stage shows with groups as varied as the (then modernistic) Bluegrass Alliance and the (traditional) Goins Brothers, and bluegrass was like…air. Well that is what the WBW is like. Once acclimated, it is more the case that you always have Bluegrass in your ears than not. It, actually, seems strange when there is a minute of relative quiet. It is kind of like what people out west say when the wind stops blowing: “Everybody falls down!” At the WBW, when there is quiet for a moment, everybody wonders “Hey who stopped the music?”, as if there has been some kind of power failure. In our state, the Summer Sprint, where every single minute is filled with activity and nobody wants to miss a single thing, starts with the Winter Bluegrass Weekend.

March 2017

A Festival of Bluegrass & Old-Time Music and Dance 38th Annual

March 3-5, 2017 l Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West l Plymouth, MN

Saturday Concert Headliner: Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands 59th Annual Grammy Award Nominee for Best Bluegrass Album!

Invited 7:00pm Opening Band: Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers Invited 9:30pm Opening Band: The Bootlickers Stringband

$20 $20 Headline Concert Tickets Start at

General Admission Tickets Start at

Teen & kids tickets are just $10!

Old-Time Dance Band — Foghorn Stringband

Kids 12 & under free!

2 Stages with 40 Bands | Jamming | Workshops | Old-Time Dances | Exhibitors | Grass Seeds Music Academy General Admission Showcase Of Bands, Exhibit Rooms, Dance Parlour, Gathering Place & Workshops $20 Friday Door l $25 Saturday Door $5 Sunday Door l $10 Teens (Friday, Saturday Door)

Saturday Headline Concert (7:00pm or 9:30pm) $20 Advance (Members) l $23 Advance (Non–Members) $30 Door (Members & Non-Members) l $10 Teens & Kids

Bluegrass Extremist Package $60 Members l $70 Non-Members l $35 Teens — Pre–Sale Only. Not available at the door. Includes all 3 Days+ both Saturday Concerts Grass Seeds Music Academy $85 per Youth (8–18 years-old, includes a 3–Day Weekend General Admission Pass) Advance tickets are available by phone, paypal, or mail until Tuesday, February 28 at 5:00pm.

For more information and to purchase tickets call (800)635-3037 or visit www.minnesotabluegrass.org. Location & Hotel Information: Crowne Plaza (763)559-6600 — Location of Festival l Residence Inn (763)577-1600 l Ramada Inn (763)553-1600

March 2017

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

3–Day Weekend General Admission Pass Showcase Of Bands, Exhibit Rooms, Dance Parlour, Gathering Place & Workshops $32 Advance or $45 Door (Members) l $40 Advance or $45 Door (Non-Members) $10 Advance Teens — Kids 12 & under free!

Bluegrass Lovers Package $48 Members l $58 Non-Members l $29 Teens — Pre–Sale Only. Not available at the door. Includes all 3 Days+ 1 Saturday Headline Concert ticket

Welcome to the 38th Annual

A Festival of Bluegrass & Old-Time Music and Dance l March 3-5, 2017

Nechville Stage — Auditorium Friday, March 3

Saturday, March 4

MC: Dan Fish 6:00p Bob & Lynn Dixon 6:45p The Flemming Fold 7:30p The Eelpout Stringers 8:15p Assisted Picking MC: Margaret Brandes 9:00p Sarah Mae & The Birkeland Boys 9:45p Switched At Birth 10:30p Mark Kreitzer Band 11:15p Now and Then

MC: Kim Curtis-Monson 11:00a Rainbolt Mountain Project 11:45a Timbre Junction 12:30p The Middle Spunk Creek Boys 1:15p Porcupine Creek 2:00p Blue Groove MC: Earl Jarosh 2:45p Sawtooth Brothers 3:30p Brian Wicklund & Mike Cramer 4:15p The Platte Valley Boys

Headline Concert Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands 7:00p/doors open 6:30p with Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers 9:30p/doors open 9:15p with the Bootlickers The concerts are held at the Nechville Stage. If you have a ticket for both concerts, you may keep your seat!

My Favorite Guitars Stage — Europa Room Friday, March 3

MC: Ken Dugan 6:00p Double Down Daredevils 6:45p Scrapegoat Skin & Bones 7:30p Def Lester 8:15p Long Time Gone MC: Katryn Conlin 9:00p Broken Heartland String Band 9:45p The Roe Family Singers 10:30p Poor Benny 11:15p Noah John & Ringing Iron

Saturday, March 4

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

MC: Pam Kolupailo 10:30a-12:00p Open Stage 12:00p Tickwood String Band 12:45p Mary Dushane and Nick Jordan

Saturday, March 4 cont. MC: Thomas Schrack 1:30p S R Dugan 2:15p Curtis & Loretta 3:00p Rosby Corner 3:45p King Wilkie’s Dream

Dinner Celebration

5:00–10:00p Entertainment by: MC: Gary Cobus 5:00p Mother Banjo 5:45p The Fish Heads 6:30p JedFest 7:15p The Good Intentions MC: Kim Curtis-Monson 8:00p String Beans 8:45p Wink The other Eye 9:30p Biscuit Boys

Sunday, March 5

7:30a-12:00p Sunday Morning Brunch

Thank You, Stage Sponsors!

Sunday, March 5

9:45a-12:45p Gospel Show MC: Katryn Conlin 9:45a Gloryland Gospel Band 10:30a Singleton Street 11:15a Blessings Gospel Trio 12:00p Sherry Minnick & Jackson Buxton 1:00p Grass Seeds Music Academy Recital

Thursday Early Bird Jam

Fireside Lounge l THUR Night 6p

Exhibit Rooms

Conference Rooms B, C & D FRI 7-10p | SAT 10a-7p | SUN 10a-3p

Saturday Open Stage Sign-Up Sign up at the Gathering Place Starting FRI 7p

Saturday Dinner Celebration Europa Room Dinner service ends at 8:00p.

Saturday Ukulele with Tony Anthonisen

Studio 1, Upper Level Bluegrass Uke Jam 11a-12p Lower level conference rooms Bluegrass Uke Workshop 5:30-6:30p Yellow Book Uke Jam Bring your own yellow book. 8:00-10:0p

Workshops Presented by Homestead Pickin Parlor

Studio 1, Upper Level Beginning Claw Hammer Banjo with Quillan Roe | SAT 1p Beginning Appalachian Dulcimer with Karen Mueller | SAT 2p Beginning Bluegrass Banjo with Bruce Johnson | SAT 3p Beginning Autoharp with Karen Mueller | SAT 4p Beginning Bluegrass Mandolin with Mark Briere | SAT 5p March 2017

Deering Old-Time Music & Dance Parlor — Downstairs Friday, March 3

Saturday, March 4 cont.

5:00-6:45p Spotlight On Presents: Hot Guitar with Dean Magraw, Tim Sparks, and Mike Cramer 7:00-9:00p Square Dance with caller Sue Hulsether and Foghorn Stringband 9:15-10:15p Dance to the Hula Old-Time Headliner: Foghorn Stringband Peppers

7:00p Songwriters Round Robin with Tom Furrer 8:00p Minn. Folksong Collection Workshop with Brian Miller 9:00p Gritpickers Concert 10:00p Honky Tonk Dance with The John & Rose Band

10:30-11:30a Upper Midwest Fiddle Tunes with Don Jacques, Pamela Longtine & Dick Kimmel 12:00p Performance & Clogging Workshop with Wild Goose Chase Cloggers

Saturday, March 4

1:00p Old-Time Instrument Workshops with Foghorn Stringband (fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and bass) 2:00p Jam with Foghorn Stringband 3:30-4:45p Old-Time Concert with Foghorn Stringband

Minn. State Fiddlers Association Workshops: 9:30-10:30a Mastering Double Stops with John Wallace

Gathering Place — Conference Room E Friday, March 3

Saturday, March 4

6:00p Gathering Place Opens 6:30-8:30p Jam to Songs of the 50’s & 60’s with Chris Anderson 7:00p Open Stage Signup Begins 9:00-10:00p Old-Time Performer’s Film with Craig Evans

Sunday, March 5

9:00a Gathering Place Opens 10:30a-12:30p Kids Crafts with Mabel Houle (paper rolling to create your own art project) 1:00p Beginner’s Jam/Bill Cagley 3:00p Intermediate Jam/Bill Cagley 5:00-6:30p Bill Cagley’s TLC Stage

9:00a Gathering Place Opens 12:30p Intermediate Jam with Bill Cagley 4:00p Gathering Place Closes

Old-Time & Bluegrass Workshops — Second Floor Saturday, March 4

Saturday, March 4 cont.

Old-Time Workshops — Studio 5

10:00a Bass Hangout Hosted by Pat Loftus 11:00a Clawhammer Banjo Backup to Fiddle Tunes with Craig Evans 12:00p Beginning Old-Time Fiddle with Nick Rowse 1:00p Beginning Old-Time Bass with Karl Burke 2:00p Building a Great Set List and Why with Karl Burke M

3:00p Learning a Tune at an Old-Time Jam with the Gritpickers 4:00p Old-Time Fiddle and Guitar with the Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers

Bluegrass Workshops — Studio 3 10:00a Mandolin Hangout with Nic Hentges & Liz Ophoven 11:00a Songwriters Workshop with Sandi Millar 12:00p Guitar Styles with Clay Hess & Jon Garon

Hotel Map & Key B Bathrooms D Deering Old-Time Music & Dance Parlor

Foghorn Stringband perform SAT at 3:30p!

March 2017

Main Entrance & Parking

Creekside Lounge, Creekside Cafe, Concessions

G Gathering Place M Merch Table MF My Favorite Guitars Stage

1:00p Bluegrass Fiddle Styles with Brian Wicklund & Tom Schaefer 2:00p Bluegrass Banjo with John Bodle 3:00p Yodeling with the Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers 4:00p Swing Guitar with Mark Kreitzer

Harmony Workshop — Studio 2

3:00-4:00p Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum

WBW Event Staff Rick Anderson — Chair Bob Bayers Adam Kiesling Patricia Bungert Jed Malischke Eric Christopher Ben Manning Jasper McCroskey Brett Day Jim Dostal Jana Metge Bea Flaming Phil Nusbaum Mabel Houle Mark Peterson Anthony Ihrig Rina Rossi

Dinner Celebration 5:00–10:00p

N Nechville Stage MF

Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands perform SAT at 7:00p & 9:30p!

T Tickets

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

E Exhibit Rooms F Food Options

Saturday, March 4 cont.

Foghorn Stringband Headlines the Deering Dance Hall Stage at the Winter Bluegrass Weekend

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

“Many are called, but few are chosen. On their new recording Devil in the Seat, Foghorn Stringband proves once again that they are still the Chosen Ones when it comes to downhome, footstomping, ass-kickin’ old time music.” — Stuart Mason, FiddleFreak Headlining the Deering Dance Hall this year will be the Foghorn Stringband. Hailing from the Portland, OR area, this old-time string band will dazzle you with the depth and expertise of their knowledge of old-time and country music. They are not strangers around here, traveling through the area often throughout the year. Check out the review in Minnesota Bluegrass Magazine, December 2016. The addition of Foghorn to the WBW line up makes it one of the strongest in years, stellar bluegrass and sparkling old-time! 14

ARMADILLO SOUND & DESIGN Minneapolis, MN

Serving the acoustic music community for over 30 years.

Complete production services, sound and lights.

Complete studio and live multi-track recording with Protools©. You know Doug’s attention to detail in the live concert… Let him help you craft your next recording project. 612-306-3490 – douglohman@aol.com armadillosounddesign.com

March 2017

A Festival of Bluegrass & Old-Time Music & Dance

How do I get there? Where can I park? Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West 3131 Campus Dr, Plymouth MN

Exit I-494 at Hwy 55 (exit 22) and go East on 55 Turn North at Northwest Blvd (first set of lights) Then 1st left onto Campus Dr

Or take 2nd left onto Xenium & left again onto Campus Dr Parking Option #2 – North End From the northwest corner of the parking ramp follow the road around the back of the building to the north side. There is a large parking area. Enter the hotel through the fitness center entrances (there are doors on both the left and right side of the building as you approach from the parking lot). You can then walk the length of the building in heated comfort to the Main Lobby/Registration area.

Parking Option #6 Three Rivers Park District Across the street from the Crowne Plaza is a large parking area behind the Three Rivers Park District building. Please be careful crossing the street.

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Parking Option #1 – Main Parking Ramp Directly to the south of the Crown plaza is a two story parking ramp. The upper level is accessible on the west side just off of Campus Dr. The lower level is accessible from the north side directly across from the hotel. There is handicap parking in the lower level. Enter the hotel on the south side, down the stairs and in the door under the red canopy. Follow signs to the Lobby/Registration.

Parking Option #4 – Street Parking There are no parking restrictions on Campus Drive, and parking is allowed on both sides. If you park here you can enter the hotel through the same entrance as for the main parking ramp - on the south side, down the stairs and in the door under the red canopy. Follow the signs to the lobby.

March 2017

Additional hotel room Additional hotel room space has space has been reserved been reserved for WBW for WBW Festivalatattendee Festival attendees the Best. s at the Residence Inn Western Kelly Inn on Hwy 55 (763-577- 1600) is only 1/2 (763-553-1600). shuttle mile from theHotel Crowne rides will be available Plaza, a short walk onfrom low theretrafﬁc to theside Crowne Plaza. streets. The Residence Inn (763-5771600) is only 1/2 mile from the Crowne Plaza, a short walk on low traffic side streets. Front Entrance Drop Off You can drive in the front circular drive and drop off your passengers right at the front door, then park your vehicle elsewhere. Look for the hotel shuttles in the various parking areas and they will pick you up and drop you at this entrance.

NEW! Parking Option #3 – Atria Parking Lot Our neighbor Atria has once again given us permission to park in their lot. The entrance is across from the entrance to the upper level parking ramp. There is a lot of room here and it is convenient to the south entrance of the Crowne Plaza.

Parking Option #6 – Turck Neighborhood Parking There are several businesses just to the south of the Radisson Hotel that have graciously offered to let festival goers park for free. Look for the Turck parking lot and the other industrial lots around it. There is a walkway that leads straight to the Crowne. Watch for hotel shuttles to come pick you up.

Whatifif the the What CrownePlaza Plazaisisfull? full? Crowne

Parking Option #5 – More Street Parking The local police department has given us permission to park on the Crowne Plaza side of Xenium Lane despite the posted parking restrictions (unless we receive 2 inches or more of snow, then they need to plow). You can enter at the front entrance or south side entrance.

7th Annual

April 7-9, 2017 River Falls, WI 50+ hours of foot stompinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bluegrass!

beer & wine tasting* roots & bluegrass band competition singer/songwriter competition workshops, open jams & more!

art stevenson & high water

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

IC S U M E FRE EKEND WE

kind country

*fees apply call 715.425.2533 visit www.riverfallsbluegrass.com

@ rfbluesfest

March 2017

Bluegrass Saturday Morning By Phil Nusbaum

Approaching the Spring Fund Drive on KBEM The spring fund drive is almost here. KBEM raises money through on-air fund raising twice a year, and the spring event affects Bluegrass Saturday Morning and the Bluegrass Review on March 4 and 11, 2017. In recent years, all KBEM announcers have striven to reduce the length of the pitch breaks and lighten the tone of the proceedings, and the whole thing is more listenable than it used to be. Any lighter and we will have to term it “fun-raising” and not “fund-raising.” We think you’ll be able to listen to your favorite KBEM-FM shows straight on through the fund drive without ever feeling that you have to throw the radio out of the window. On-air fundraising causes a bit of a buzz in the station, and with listeners, too. Everyone knows that through the fund drive, KBEM is able to meet its expenses, and we are able to keep on with our style of public radio. On our station, programmers are able to build musical themes without having to stop for commercial breaks. I hope that listeners enjoy this feature as well. The MBOTMA Annual Fund Drive It occurred at the Kraus Hartig VFW in Spring Lake Park on Feb 4. I do not have any figures on the event as of this writing, but it seemed that attendance was up. The bands played great, it seemed like a jam session was always taking place, and the VFW put out a great chicken buffet. Plus, those who attended were able to help themselves to some great silent auction items.

bluegrassreview.com. Just use the “playlists” link you’ll find at the top of the page. Then click on “archives.” Bluegrass Saturday Morning playlists are located at www. jazz88fm.com. At the top of the home page, select “programs,” then click on “programs A-I.” Then search the right-hand column for “Bluegrass Saturday Morning.” Link to on-demand Bluegrass Review segments from the KBEM-FM home page.

The Bluegrass Review in Minnesota Check www.bluegrassreview.com for a complete station list. Station

Day

Time

KLQP-FM, 92.1 Madison

Monday

8 PM

KMSU-FM, 89.7 Mankato; 91.3 Austin

Sunday

10 AM

KBEM-FM, 88.5 Minneapolis

Saturday

11 AM

KSRQ-FM, 90.1 Thief River Falls

Sunday

11 AM

KQAL-FM, 89.5 Winona

Saturday

9 AM

KDDG-FM, 105.5 Albany

Saturday

9 PM

WTIP-FM, 90.7 Grand Marais

Thursday

10 PM

KUMD-FM, 103.3 Duluth

Saturday

4 PM

KRWC-AM, 1360 Buffalo

Sunday

5 PM

KOJB-FM, 90.1 Cass Lake

Sunday

6 PM

Programming on the Bluegrass Review

In March, we finally run out of pieces with Phil and Vivian Williams of Seattle. Our last one will be one during which Vivian plays original fiddle tunes for us. Regarding the traditional tunes that Phil and Vivian put out on their Voyager label (www.voyagerrecords.org), they seem to represent a northwest tradition that in some ways are related to other North America styles, and in others, distinct from them. Thanks to Phil and Vivian for making all of us aware of the unique contributions of northwest fiddlers.

Bluegrass Review Supporters

Weekly Playlists

Write a Review of a Favorite concert or CD. -

Write an article about your Favorite jam.

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

• Hoffman Guitars www.hoffmanguitars.com (hand crafted Hoffman guitars, authorized Martin repairs) • Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association www.minnesotabluegrass.org (membership organization supporting bluegrass experiences) • John Waddle Violins: www.waddleviolins.com (Dealer of international & domestic, new & old violins, bows, cases) The Bluegrass Review is made possible in part by a grant the National Endowment for the Arts.

Contribute to Minnesota Bluegrass Magazine.

Tell us about how you came to like Bluegrass and Old-Time String Band Music.

editor@minnesotabluegrass.org

Bluegrass Review playlists are located at www. March 2017

Don’t miss these future

MBOTMA Events

Presented by The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association The 38th Annual

A Festival of Bluegrass & Old-Time Music & Dance

The 13th Annual

March 3-5, 2017

March 31-April 2, 2017

I-494 & Hwy 55 in Minneapolis, MN

505 W Superior St., Duluth, MN

Crowne Plaza Hotel

MBOTMA’s Winter Bluegrass Weekend is a Festival of Bluegrass & Old-Time Stringband Music & Dance. The Showcase of Bands features more than 50 groups on 2 stages all 3 days. The Saturday Night Headline Concert will feature:

Radisson Lakeview Hotel

A weekend long cabin fever reliever event including stage shows, old-time dances, draw bands, open stage, workshops, and jam sessions around the clock. Performers TBA. Weekend tickets are $29 in advance ($26 for members). Day of show $15 Friday and $20 Saturday. Teens are half price and kids are free. For more information call 1-800-635-3037 or visit www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org. For lodging contact the Radisson Hotel at 218-727-8981 and ask for the special Cabin Fever Bluegrass Festival rate.

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands

All at the beautiful Crowne Plaza in Plymouth, Minnesota (on the NW edge of Mpls). Call 763-559-6600 for lodging and ask for the Minnesota Bluegrass Festival rate. Or the nearby Residence Inn at 763-5771600.

The High 48s

The 25th Annual

June 2-4, 2017

El Rancho Mañana 20 mi W of St. Cloud, MN

A three day outdoor music and camping festival with stage shows by more than twenty regional performers of traditional bluegrass, old-time stringband, and related forms of acoustic music. Plus workshops, “Jam With The Bands,” the Gathering Place, and plenty of jam sessions. El Rancho Mañana is the largest campground in Minnesota and boasts horse back riding, a swimming beach, boating, fishing, showers, and other amenities. Join us for an intimate musical weekend with some of the friendliest folks you will ever meet!

For More Info: 800-635-3037 or www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org These festivals are presented by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA), a non-profit 501c3 organization, and made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board through appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Call and ask to be on our mailing list.

March 2017

MBOTMA Calendar of Events Concerts and events presented or supported by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association

The following events are presented by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA) or supported in part by MBOTMA, and made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

March 3-5, 2017 - Friday-Sunday The Winter Bluegrass Weekend: A Festival of Bluegrass

& Old-Time Music & Dance, Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West Hotel in Plymouth (3131 Campus Dr, I-494 & Hwy 55). Some fifty groups will be performing bluegrass, old-time stringband, and related forms of acoustic music on several stages, including Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands for the Saturday Night Headline Concert and The Foghorn String Band in the Dance Hall. Plus workshops, dances, instrument exhibitors, and jam sessions around the clock. For more information call 1-800-635-3037 or visit www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org. To book lodging contact the Crowne Plaza at 763-559-6600 or the nearby Residence Inn at 763-577-1600. Ask for the special Minnesota Bluegrass Festival rate.

April 15-17 2016 - Friday-Sunday Cabin Fever Festival: Duluth MN: Cabin Fever Festival,

Radisson Harborview Hotel (505 W Superior St). A weekend long cabin fever reliever event including stage shows, (the High 48s) draw bands, open stage, workshops, and jam sessions around the clock. Weekend tickets are $29 in advance ($26 for members). Day of show $15 Friday and $20 Saturday. Teens half price and kids are free. For more information call 1-800-635-3037 or visit www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org. For lodging contact the Radisson Hotel at 218-727-8981 and ask for the special Cabin Fever Bluegrass Festival rate. Presented by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA).

June 3-5, 2016 - Friday through Sunday Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff Music Festival:

Help Wanted: T-shirt team

The MBOTMA T-shirt team is looking for new members. They are in extreme need of volunteers to take charge of the merchandise booth at the Winter Bluegrass Weekend and the Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff. Working at the t-shirt booth is a great way to meet people and support MBOTMA. If you’d like to coordinate the booth at a festival or co-run it with a teammate, please let us know. The team will gather in January to plan for the coming year. And thanks to the current committee members: MBTOMA August Festival booth coordinator Barb Schommer, volunteer recruiter Maggie Jorgenson, and Bea Flaming who oversees it all. Email Bea at bea@minnesotabluegrass.org or call 800-6353037 if you’d like more information or would like to volunteer.

-Bourgeois -Breedlove -Carmel -Fairbanks -Goodall -Hoﬀman -Huss&Dalton -Hill

-Kakos -Kennedy -Kopp -Kronbauer -Morris -Santa Cruz -Walden -Walker

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

New location! 4151 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis (612) 767-2800 podiumguitars@gmail.com

Richmond MN, El Rancho Mañana Campground & Riding Stable (27302B Ranch Rd 56368, 20 mi W of St Cloud, I-94 exit #153 at Avon, 9 mi S on County 9, L on Mañana Rd). Three-day outdoor music and camping festival with twenty regional groups performing bluegrass, old-time stringband, and related forms of acoustic music. Showtimes are 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM Friday, 12:00 M to 10:00 PM Saturday, and 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Sunday. Advance tickets are $52 for the weekend including camping ($42 for members) or $20 daily ($15 member). Gate prices are $60 for the weekend including camping and $20/Fri $25/Sat and $10/ Sun. Teens are always only $5 and kids are free. For information and tickets call 800-635-3037 or visit www.MinnesotaBluegrass. org. Presented by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association.

Premium Guitars, Ampliﬁers, and Repair March 2017

March 2017

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

March concerts with Monroe Crossing Wednesday, March 8

7:00 p.m.

Grace Lutheran Church Concert Series US Highway 59

Erhard, MN

218-671-0522

Thursday, March 9

7:00 p.m.

Community Bluegrass & Gospel Concert Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 610 13th Street North

Moorhead, MN

218-233-2412

Friday, March 10

7:30 p.m.

Kezar Music 315 Duluth Avenue North

Thief River Falls, MN

218-681-2148

Saturday, March 11

4:30 PM

The Historic Chief Theatre 314 Beltrami Avenue

Bemidji, MN

218-209-7884

Sunday, March 12

2:00 p.m.

Myles Reif Performing Arts Center 720 Conifer Drive

Grand Rapids , MN

218-327-5780

Saturday, March 18

7:00 p.m.

Community Bluegrass & Gospel Concert Kaleva Hall, 125 Third Street North

Virginia, MN

218-780-5246

Sunday, March 19

2:00 p.m.

Encore Performing Arts Center 2035 Highway 33 South

Cloquet, MN

218-878-0071

Sunday, March 26

2:00 p.m.

Granite Area Arts Council Concert Yellow Medicine East HS Auditorium, 450 Ninth Avenue

Granite Falls, MN

320-269-2984

Brand new!

Monroe Crossing plays Classic Country

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Inspired by the greatest hits of the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s, Monroe Crossing covers new ground with a selection of country classics — songs like “Today I Started Loving You Again” by Merle Haggard, “If I Could Only Win Your Love,” by the Louvin Brothers, and “Ramblin’ Man” by Hank Williams. Available at all of our shows and on monroecrossing.com.

Go to www.MonroeCrossing.com for detailed information on all our concerts! Booking: Art Blackburn, 763-213-1349 art@monroecrossing.com March 2017

Coming Up Venue abbreviations 318: The 318 Café, 318 Water Street, Excelsior, 952-401-7902, www.three-eighteen.com 331C: 331 Club, 331 13th Ave NE, Mpls, 612-331-1746, www.331.mn AGr: Amazing Grace Bakery & Cafe, 394 S Lake Ave, Duluth, 218-723-0075, www.amazinggraceduluth.com APHC: “A Prairie Home Companion,” Minnesota Public Radio AST: Aster Cafe, 125 SE Main St, Mpls, 612-379-3138, www. astercafe.com BSC: Black Sheep Coffee Cafe, 705 Southview Blvd., South St. Paul, www.blacksheepcoffee.com BTC: Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua, Bayfield, WI, 888-244-8368, www.bigtop.org BoDD: BoDiddley’s Pub and Deli, 129 25th Ave S, St. Cloud, 320-252-9475 CED: Cedar Cultural Center, 415 Cedar Ave S, Mpls, 612-3382674, www.thecedar.org CJ: Celtic Junction, 836 Prior Ave, St Paul, 651-330-4685, www. thecelticjunction.com CrH: Creek House Concerts, www.creekhouseconcerts.com, 651-633-5353. MUST call and reserve for these events. DAK: Dakota Jazz Club, 1010 Mall, Mpls, 612-332-1010, www. dakotacooks.com DUL: Dulono’s Pizza, 607 W Lake St, Mpls, 612-827-1726, www. dulonos.com DuG: Dunn Brothers on Grand, 1569 Grand Ave, St. Paul EAG: Eagles Club, 2507 E 25th St, Mpls, 612-729-4469, www.Mplseagles34.org

FITZ: Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E Exchange St, St Paul, 651-2901200, www.fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org GINK: Ginkgo Coffeehouse, 721 N Snelling Ave, St Paul, 651-645-2647, www.ginkgocoffee.com GKb: Grand Kabaret, 210 N Minnesota St, New Ulm, 507-3599222, www.thegrandnewulm.com HB: Harriet Brewing, 3036 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis HOB: The Loft at Hobgoblin Music, 920 State Hwy 19, Red Wing, 877-866-3936, www.stoneyend.com MER: Merlins Rest, 3601 E Lake St, Mpls, 612-216-2419 OAK: Oak Center General Store, 67011 Hwy 63, Lake City, 507-753-2080, www.oakcentergeneralstore.com RIV: Riverview Café & Wine Bar, 3747 42nd Ave S, Mpls, 612-7294200, theriverview.com ROCK: Rockwoods, 9100 Quaday Ave NE, Elk River, 763-2224353, www.nograsslimit.com/RockwoodsCalendar.html SHL: Sheldon Theatre, 443 W 3rd St, Red Wing, 800-899-5759, www.sheldontheatre.org TAP: Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Ave S, Mpls, 612-722-2914, www.tapestryfolkdance.org UMC: Underground Music Café, 1579 Hamline Ave N, Falcon Hts, 651-644-9959, undergroundmusiccafe.com VC: Vieux Carre, 408 St Peter St, St Paul, 651-291-2715, vieuxcarre.com WmH: The Warming House, 4001 Bryant Ave S, lower level, Minneapolis, 877-987-6487, thewarminghouse.net ZUM: Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Ave, Zumbrota, 507-7327616, www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

To post gigs and events to this calendar, request the link to our online submission form to editor@minnesotabluegrass.org

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS March 3-5 Friday-Sunday

MBOTMA’s Winter Bluegrass Weekend

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Plymouth See ads in this issue

2/24 – Friday

• Dead Pigeons, Leo and Leona’s, W1436 WI-33, Bangor, WI, 7:30pm • Roe Family Singers, Midtown Global Market, 920 E Lake St, Mpls, 5:30pm • Mary DuShane & Nick Jordan, Ingredients Cafe, 4725 Hwy 61, White Bear Lake, 651-426-6611, 6pm • Mobius Trio, Sundin Hall, Hamline University, 612-677-1151, mnguitar. org, 8pm

March 11 Saturday

Sierra Hull

Hopkins Center for The Arts 111 Main St, Hopkins, 8pm

• Matt Hannah (CD Release), WmH, 8pm

2/25 – Saturday

• Julian Lage & Chris Eldridge, Hopkins Center for The Arts, 1111 Main St, Hopkins, 8:30pm • Roe Family Singers, George Latimer Central Library, 90 W 4th St, St Paul, 11:15am • Mary DuShane, Adam Granger, Nick Jordan, TAP, 7:30pm

March 18 Saturday

Feufollet

Krewe De Walleye Mardi Gras Eagles Club, 2507 E, 25th Street, Minneapolis, MN 7:30pm

• High 48s Bluegrass Brunch, AST, 11am • Alternate Route, BSC, 10am • Broken Heartland String Band, Contented Cow, 302 Division St S, Northfield, 8pm • Siama, Hosmer Library, 347 E 36th St, Mpls, musicathosmer.weebly.com, 2pm • Lyle Lovett & John Hiatt, State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Ave., March 2017

Minneapolis, 800-982-2787, 8pm • Americana Song Circle, WmH, 10am

2/26 – Sunday

• Monroe Crossing, Adath Jeshurun Congregation, 10 Hillside Lane W, Minnetonka, 2pm • Parisota Hot Club, AST, 8pm • Swing Brunch with Patty & the Buttons, AST, 11am • Open Mic, WmH, 6:30pm

2/27 – Monday

• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm • Doug Otto and Friends, 331C, 10pm • Como Town Hotshots, EAG, 7:30pm

2/28 – Tuesday

• Ventanas, CED, 7:30pm • St Dominic’s Trio, Driftwood Char Bar, 4415 Nicollet Ave, Mpls, 9pm • Rough Draft Songwriter Night, WmH, 8pm

• New Riverside Ramblers, VC, 9 pm • Angie Citlali, Hosmer Library, 347 E 36th St, Mpls, musicathosmer.weebly. com, 2pm • Contra Dance with Light of the Moon, TAP, 7:30pm • Jamie Kallestad, No Tent, WmH, 8pm • Uke Jam, WmH, 10am • Ryan Liestman and Special Guests, 318, 8pm • Mark Schirmacher, UMC, 7pm

3/5 – Sunday

• MBOTMA’s Winter Bluegrass Weekend, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Plymouth – See this issue • Corpse Reviver, 331C, 3pm

• Broken Heartland String Band, Inbound Brewing, 701 N 5th St, Mpls, 7pm • Dervish, CED, 7:30pm

3/6 – Monday

• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm • Tom Paxton and The Don Juans, CED, 7:30pm

3/7 – Tuesday

• Rose Cousins, DAK, 7pm • The Jugg Sluggers, RIV, 7:30pm • Gloryland Gospel Band, Wayzata Free Church, 705 CR101 N, Plymouth, 7pm • St Dominic’s Trio, Driftwood Char Bar, 4415 Nicollet Ave, Mpls, 9pm • Rough Draft Songwriter Night, WmH,

3/1 – Wednesday

• Monroe Crossing, Kaleva Hall, 125 3rd St No Virginia, TBA • The Langer’s Ball, Dubliner Pub, 2162 University Ave, St Paul, 9pm • Roszo, UMC, 7pm

3/2 – Thursday

• Erik Brandt and the Urban Hillbilly Quartet, 331C, 9:30pm • Solas, CED, 7:30pm • The Swamp Poppas, EAG, 7:30pm • Amanda Grace and Laura Lou, 318, 8pm

3/3 – Friday

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

• MBOTMA’s Winter Bluegrass Weekend, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Plymouth – See this issue • Anne Hills, GINK, 8pm • The Long Nines, GKb, 7:30pm • Sawtooth, Rosemount Bluegrass Series, Steeple Center 14344 Cameo Ave W, Rosemount, 7pm • Bob Bovee, The Root Note, 115 4th St. S., La Crosse, WI, 8pm • Sawtooth, Steeple Center, Steeple Center 14344 Cameo Ave W, Rosemount, 7pm • Doug Wood & Wild Spirit Band, BoDD, 7:30pm • Brian Kocka, Vicky Emerson and Sarah Morris, 318, 8pm

3/4 – Saturday

• MBOTMA’s Winter Bluegrass Weekend, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Plymouth – See this issue • Hurricane Harold, Jeff Ray and the Stakes, OAK, 8pm • New Riverside Ramblers Trio, Como Dockside Louisiana Brunch, 1360 Lexington Ave N, Roseville, 12pm

March 2017

8pm

3/8 – Wednesday

• Monroe Crossing, Grace Lutheran Church, US Hwy 59, Erhard, 7pm • Dan Navarro, AST, 8pm • Dick Kimmel & Pamela Longtine, New Ulm Public Library, New Ulm, MN, Noon • Tim Foss and Bob Bovee, Leo and Leonas, Bangor, WI, 8pm

3/9 – Thursday

• Monroe Crossing, Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 610 13th St No, Moorhead, 7pm • John Hermanson & Jonathan Byrd, AST, 8pm • South Side Aces, EAG, 8pm • Grant Lawson, 318, 8pm

3/10 – Friday

• Bernie King and The Guilty Pleasures, Excelsior Brewing Company, 421 3rd St Excelsior, 8pm • Barefoot Wonder, GKb, 7:30pm • Monroe Crossing, Kezar Music, 315 Duluth Ave No Thief River Falls, 7:30pm • The Fish Heads, Sir Benedicts Tavern, 805 E. Superior St, Duluth, 6pm • Mill Creek Irish, BoDD, 7:30pm • Becky Thompson & Old School, EAG, 8pm • Phil Nusbaum & Sherry Minnick, DUL, 8pm

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

3/11 – Saturday

• Daisy Dillman Accoustic, ZUM, 7:30pm • Sierra Hull, Hopkins Center for The Arts, 111 Main St, Hopkins, 8pm • Chris Silver and the Good Intentions, OAK, 8pm • Balsam Range, SHL, 7:30pm • Monroe Crossing, The Historic Chief Theater, 314 Beltrami Ave, Bemidji, 4:30pm • Broken Heartland String Band, UMC, 8pm • Curtis & Loretta, Tin Bins, 413 E Nelson St, Stillwater, 651-342-0799, 6pm • Afoutayi-Haitian folklore, Hosmer Library, 347 E 36th St, Mpls, musicathosmer.weebly.com, 2pm • Celtic Festival with Willow Brae, Hjemkost Center, Moorhead, • Locklin Road, Haye’s Public House, 112 1st St, Buffalo, 7pm • Contra Dance with Pat O’Loughlin and Friends, TAP, 7:30pm • Old Time Jam, WmH, 10am • Pushing Chain, 318, 8pm

• Tony Rook Band, DUL, 8pm • Jack Klatt, Harding Performing Arts Center, 430 8th Ave NW, Cambridge, 763-689-6189, 7pm • Unsung Heroes, UMC, 3pm • Broken Heartland String Band, UMC, 7pm

3/12 Sunday

• Monroe Crossing, Myles Reif Performing Arts Theater, 720 Conifer Dr Grand Rapids, 2pm • The Double Down Daredevils, The Chili Hubub, Guardian Angels, 8260 4th St N, Oakdale, 11 am • Open Mic, WmH, 6:30pm

3/13 – Monday

• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm • New Riverside Ramblers, EAG, 7:30 pm • Noam Pikelny, CED, 7:30pm

3/14 - Tuesday

• The Jugg Sluggers, RIV, 7:30pm • St Dominic’s Trio, Driftwood Char Bar, 4415 Nicollet Ave, Mpls, 9pm • Rough Draft Songwriter Night, WmH, 8pm

3/15 – Wednesday

• Jeff Dayton Duo, Excelsior Brewing Company, 421 3rd St, Excelsior, 6pm • The Langer’s Ball, Dubliner Pub, 2162 University Ave, St Paul, 9pm • Vicky Emerson, Chuck Skajewski, 318, 8pm

Palmers Bar, 500 Cedar Ave. Mpls, 7 pm • Mary Flower and Pat Donohue, CrH • Feufollet - Krewe De Walleye Mardi Gras, EAG, 7:30pm • Locklin Road, Carlos Creek Winery, 6693 Country Rd 34 NW, Alexandria, 8pm • Zacc Harris, Roots Cellar Music Series, University Baptist Church, 1219 University Ave SE, Mpls, 612331-1768, 7pm • Contra Dance with The RoseBuds , TAP, 7:30pm • Americana Song Circle, WmH, 10am • Leslie Rich, Pantown Project, WmH, 8pm • Sparrows Rising, 318, 8pm • Irish Diplomacy, DUL, 8pm

3/19 – Sunday

• Corpse Reviver, 331C, 3pm • Eileen Ivers Band, DAK, 6pm • Monroe Crossing, Encore Performing Arts Center, 2035 Hwy 33 So, Cloquet, TBA • Gloryland Gospel Band, Founder’s Ridge Senior Home, 6600 Auto Club

3/16 – Thursday

• Boiled in Lead, CED, 7:30pm

3/17 – Friday

• The Barley Jacks, Juniors Bar and Restaurant, 414 So Main, River Falls, WI, 8pm • Ring of Kerry, Paramount Theater, 913 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud, 320-259-5463, 1:30pm and 7:30pm • Livingston Taylor, CED, 8pm • Legacy, Charlie’s Irish Pub, 101 Water St, Stillwater, 9pm • St Patrick’s Day Irish Celebration, Landmark Center, 75 W 5th St, St Paul, 10am - 5pm • Locklin Road, Celts Craft House, 7083 153rd St W, Apple Valley, 3:30pm • Michael Monroe, 318, 8pm • Blue Yodel #9, DUL, 8pm • Mary DuShane & Nick Jordan, Ingredients Cafe, 4725 Hwy 61, White Bear Lake, 651-426-6611, 6pm

3/18 – Saturday

• Pushing Chain, GKb, 7:30pm • Pistol Whippin’ Party Penguins, OAK, 8pm • The Double Down Daredevils, March 2017

LaPlant Instruments maker of fine mandolins & guitars

Buy - Trade Sell - Repair (stringed instruments)

31751 LaPlant Road Grand Rapids, MN 55744 218-326-4456

Road Bloomington, 2pm • Mary Flower Guitar Workshop, CrH • Open Mic, WmH, 6:30pm • Okee Dokee Brothers, Orchestra Hall, Mpls, 2pm

3/20 – Monday

• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm • Howie Day, DAK, 9:30pm

3/21 – Tuesday

• Pieta Brown, Hopkins Center for The Arts, 111 Main St, Hopkins, 7pm • The Jugg Sluggers, RIV, 7:30pm • Gaelic Storm, FITZ, 7:30pm • St Dominic’s Trio, Driftwood Char Bar, 4415 Nicollet Ave, Mpls, 9pm • Rough Draft Songwriter Night, WmH, 8pm • Greenwood Tree, DuG, 7pm

3/22 - Wednesday

• Kathy Mahoney, 318, 8pm

3/23 – Thursday

• Broken Heartland String Band, Black Dog Cafe & Wine Bar, 308 Prince St, St Paul, 8pm • The Pines, BoDD, 7:30pm • Jason Roberts, Savannah Smith, WmH, 8pm • The Rockin’ Pinecones, EAG, 7:30pm • John McCutcheon, 318, 8pm

3/24, - Friday

• The Double Down Daredevils, Red Wing Elks Lodge, 306 W 4th St Red Wing, 6:30 pm • Broken Heartland String Band, Acadia, 329 Cedar Ave S, Mpls, 9pm • Chris Silver & the Good Intentions, DUL, 8pm

3/25 – Saturday

• Charlie Roth Duo, GKb, 7:30pm • Dan Newton’s Cafe Accordion, OAK, 8pm • The Barley Jacks w/ Brian Wicklund, St Croix Festival Theater, Alliance Church - 1259 State Rd 35N St Croix Falls, WI, 7:30pm • The Fish Heads, Fosters Sports Bar, 4767 W. Arrowhead Road, Duluth, 218-727-7002, 9pm • Vladimir Gorbach , Sundin Hall, Hamline University, St Paul, 612-6771151, mnguitar.org, 8pm • Contra Dance with Pat O’Loughlin and Friends, TAP, 7:30pm • Americana Song Circle, WmH, 10am • Daisy Dillman Accoustic, 318, 8pm

• No Man’s String Band, DUL, 8pm

3/26 - Sunday

• John McCutcheon, ZUM, 7pm • Monroe Crossing, Yellow Medicine East, 450 Ninth Ave Granite Falls, 2pm • Open Mic, WmH, 6:30pm

3/27 – Monday

• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm • Dan’s Zydeco Buddies, EAG, 7:30pm • Carter Hulsey, American Opera, WmH, 8pm

3/28 – Tuesday

• The Jugg Sluggers, RIV, 7:30pm • The Double Down Daredevils, UMC, 7 pm • St Dominic’s Trio, Driftwood Char Bar, 4415 Nicollet Ave, Mpls, 9pm • Rough Draft Songwriter Night, WmH, 8pm

3/28 – Wednesday

• Loudon Wainwright, DAK, 7pm

3/30 – Thursday

• Good Diction, 331C, 9:30pm • Adriana Lehr and Kari Arnett, 318, 8pm • Greenwood Tree, UMC, 7pm

3/31 – Friday

• MBOTMA’s Cabin Fever Festival, Radisson Harborview Hotel, Duluth • Lucy Kaplansky, ZUM, 7:30pm • Harper’s Chord, BoDD, 7:30pm • Beth Wood & David Stoddard, CrH • Switched at Birth DUL, 8pm

4/1 – Saturday

• MBOTMA’s Cabin Fever Festival,

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Pert Near Sandstone, Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music festival - August 2012 March 2017

Radisson Harborview Hotel, Duluth • Lucy Kaplansky, CED, 8pm • Mike Dowling Guitar Workshop, CrH • Dick Kimmel & Pamela Longtine, Willmar Community Center, Willmar, MN, 3pm • Dick Kimmel & Pamela Longtine, Bothy Folk Club, Eagles Club, 708 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato, 507-2170408, 7pm • Dan Newton, Folk House Concert, Golden Valley, ccdericksen@gmail. com, 7:30pm

4/2 – Sunday

• MBOTMA’s Cabin Fever Festival, Radisson Harborview Hotel, Duluth • Mike Dowling Guitar Workshop, CrH

4/6 – Thursday

• Pierce Pettis, BoDD, 7:30pm • The Swamp Poppas, EAG, 7:30pm

4/8 – Saturday

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

• Bob Bovee, Lanesboro Barn Dance, Sons of Norway Hall, Lanesboro, 8pm • Barley Jacks, OAK, 8pm • Raffi (children’s music), Pantages Theater, 710 Hennepin Ave., Mpls, 800-982-2787, 1pm

March 2017

www.dulonospizza.com 607 W Lake St Minneapolis MN 612.827.1726

April

March

Friday 10 - Phil Nusbaum & Sherry Minick Saturday 11 - Tony Rook Band Friday 17 - Blue Yodel #9 Saturday 18 - Irish Diplomacy Friday 24 - Chris Silver & the Good Intentions Saturday 25 - No Man’s String Band Friday 31 - Switched at Birth

Friday 7 - Lars Carlson & The Second Hand Hipsters Saturday 8 - Tommy Bentz Band Friday 14 - Roe Family Singers Saturday 15 - Seldom Herd Friday 21 - Cousin Dad Saturday 22 - King Wilkie’s Dream Friday 28 - Mary DuShane & Nick Jordan Saturday 29 - Dick Nunnelly Tribute Band Sunday 30 - Richard Smith

Authentic Pizza - Craft Beer - Live Music

Wegen’s Guitar Picks ®

6625 Penn Ave. S. Richfield, MN 55423 (612) 861-3308

Making the world safe for discerning fans of Traditional Music since 1979

March 2017

In his search for new markets, Michel some years ago took on the design of the lowly pick. The results have been phenomenal. Wegen Picks endanger no animal species, and they are a fraction of the price of the illegal picks that do. We have eight models for guitar and mandolin on hand in a variety of thicknesses. Try one out on your next visit.

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

www.homesteadpickinparlor.com folkmuse@aol.com and you can find us on Facebook

Michel Wegen is a recognized Dutch model maker using sculpting and airbrush art techniques to meet the needs of clients such as theme parks, ad agencies and museums.

Non-ProямБt Org. U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit 343

MINNESOTA BLUEGRASS & OLD-TIME MUSIC ASSOCIATION P.O. BOX 16408 Mpls, MN 55416

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Laurie Lewis Headlines the 2017 Winter Bluegrass Weekend Photo by Hali McGrath