June 2017
Switched at Birth Variety is the spice of life!
Inside: Inside: From the President 3 | Theo Hougen-Eitzman 5 | Grass Clippings 7
4th of July Morristown 9 | Cover: Switched at Birth 10 | State Fair Band Contests 14 Bluegrass Instructional Camp 17 | CD Review: Switched at Birth 20 | Bluegrass Saturday Morning 25 MBOTMA Calendar of Events 27 | Coming Up 28 | Tab 34
June 2017 Vol. 43 No. 5
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 - president@minnesotabluegrass.org Vice President: Nic Hentges Treasurer: Robbi Podrug Secretary: Matt Johnson Board Members: Term expires 2017: Alan Jesperson Bill Lindroos - welindroos@gmail.com Rudy Marti - rudolphmarti63@gmail.com Gary Germond - gerpork@concast.net Term expires 2018: Dale Gruber - dalergruber@me.com Brett Day, Philip Nusbaum Youth Representative: Theo Hougen-Eitzman - theohelbg@gmail.com For meeting minutes and other Board business, go to: www.minnesotabluegrass.org/board-minutes
MBOTMA Staff
Executive Director: Jed Malischke 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: Mark Anderson, Bob Douglas, Theo HougenEitzman, Martha Galep, Ann Iijima, Philip Nusbaum Coming Up: Loretta Simonet, John Brandberg Y’All Come: Bill Lindroos Wordmark: Katryn Conlin Photography: audrey@mnprairieroots.com Cover image: Stan Kolupailo Back: Tom Peschges 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 June 1, 2017: 962
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 William Fancher Jennifer Faulkner Mark & Kathleen Fisher Darrell & Marilyn Fuhr Tom & Jill Furrer Jon & Sharon Garon Art Geffen Gary & Jae Germond David Glatt Dale & Diane E Gruber Tom & Marlys Gustafson Michael & Paula Hildebrandt Mabel Houle Ann Iijima & Myles Bakke David Johnson Russel Lane
Sustaining:
Rod & Barb Anderson Vicki Anderson Daryll &Mary Arntson Vaughn Asselstine Kenneth Bloch Susan Christensen-Wichmann Jane Conger Katryn Conlin Brian Cornell Bob & Vicki Dalager Hal Davis Doug Duncan Mary DuShane Matt Edwards Craig Evans Leon Evans Jim Franczyk Warren Gumeson Timothy & Ginger Haaland David Holm Steven Holste Dick & Sue Hopperstad Mark Johnson John Johnson Howie & Maggie Jorgenson
Maxine Larson Loren Laugtug James Lee Douglas Lohman Richard Luckeroth Bob Lundeen Rudy & Jeanne Marti Rodger McBride Karla Menzel Bill Merrill Douglas & Georgene Nesheim Milaca RecFest David & Betty Pfeiffer Lincoln Potter & Cecelia Green Brian Ronning Tom & Cathy Schaefer Thomas & Barbara Schommer Penelope Scialla Denise & Tony Strahnik David Tousley & Margaret Brandes Michael Valentiner Donna Velasco Jane & Dobson West Jim Whitney John Wilcox
Chris Juettner Jim Lally David Lang Bill Lindroos & Rebecca Reifler Rolf & Lisa Lund Mac McKay Mary McSorley Susan & Joe Meyer Corey Mohan James Natwick Jerry Nelson Dennis & Jan O’Brien Linda & Tony Omann Dominic Orrico Bob Ostlund Gary Peterson 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 June 2017
From the President About the time this magazine arrives on your doorstep, MBOTMA’s Spring Kickoff will be underway. I’m hoping the weather cooperates as it bodes well for attendance and it makes jamming, camping and taking in the talent at the main stage more enjoyable. The Kickoff festival committee is headed by Matt Johnson. The committee has worked diligently on this event for several months. Lucky us, we get to reap the benefits of their efforts. A lot of time and effort goes into putting on each of our festivals, so if you see a volunteer at one of our events, be sure to thank him or her. Better yet, find out how you too can help out, or if you’re interested in getting more involved, consider joining a festival or standing committee. What is your area of expertise or passion: planning and organizing; public relations/promotions; grant writing; fundraising; physical labor; sales; or? It’s not all work and no play nor all play and no work, but it is highly rewarding. I’ve previously talked a lot about the challenges MBOTMA faces and the board’s efforts to address those concerns. We have discussed the possibility of paring down the number of festival/ events MBOTMA puts on and we would like input from you. Our volunteers are spread thin and our financial situation is precarious. Jed’s mantra for the past several years has been something like, “That’s a great idea, but who is going to do it?” Your task is to let me know which two of the following events would you choose to eliminate: Winter Bluegrass Weekend, Cabin Fever, Kickoff, August Festival, State Fair contests, or Harvest Jam. Please send me an email at ldcoop08@gmail.com. If that task is too distasteful, send me a list of your top three. One final thing, I’m always getting asked to contribute to various arts and service organizations. Sometimes I find it tiresome. That said, I am asking you to contribute financially to MBOTMA over and above the cost of your membership. Specifically, MBOTMA merchandise (t-shirts, caps, sweatshirts, etc.) is severely depleted. We need to replenish our stock but don’t have the reserves to do so. Merchandise sales help support all of MBOTMA’s events, but we can’t sell what we don’t have. Plus, we all like to promote our organization with MBOTMA wear. Please help out and send $25.00, 50.00, 100.00 or 1000.00 or more. We will print a list of donors (if you like) in the July issue of the magazine. - Laura Cooper
June 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:
From the President 3 - Theo Hougen-Eitzman 5 Grass Clippings 7 - 4th of July Morristown 9 Cover: Switched at Birth 10 State Fair Band Contests 14 Bluegrass Instructional Camp 17 CD Review: Switched at Birth 20 Bluegrass Saturday Morning 25 MBOTMA Calendar of Events 27 Coming Up 28 - Tab 34
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
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Every Musician’s Second Home
Get Ready for Summer Festivals We have what you need! New & Used Martin Guitars
Protective Cases
Gigbags
Capos Strings Picks Straps Tuners Harmonicas Tin Whistles Jaw Harps Even Hats!
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
www.elderly.com Family Owned and Operated Since 1972
Toll-Free in the USA 888-473-5810
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June 2017
Whenever we leave a MBOTMA festival... by Theo Hougen-Eitzman
June 2017
such as two to five guitars or mandolins playing together. Sometimes it is cool just to hear different people’s styles. Volunteering is an important part to our family. Everybody likes to help keep the festival running smoothly. I am in charge of the workshops at the August festival and whenever I need people to sit at the table there is no hesitation. Watching the musicians give workshops is really cool especially if there are a lot of excited participants. When the band Hot Rize came two years ago I was really excited since Tim O’Brien is one of my favorite mandolin players and singers. They were one of the first bands I ever listened to. I remember walking up to him to ask him some questions and thinking a m I really walking up to a nationally known musician? This is one thing that is cool about these festivals, they give people a chance to meet really great musicians. Whenever there is not a festival, friends and family start talking about how they wish we were at one of the festivals. I am already looking forward to playing until two in the morning and getting soaked with rain
Theo Hougen-Eitzman at the August festival this year. Editor’s note: Theo is the Youth Representative Board Member on the MBOTMA Board of Directors.
Banjo Lessons Bluegrass banjo lessons, Scruggs style, melodic, fiddle tunes and improvisation. Beginners to advanced. I picked up the banjo in the 1960’s and have taught since the 1970’s. I have played in many bands including Buckacre, A Pretty Good Bluegrass Band and was a founding member of Tangled Roots. Currently playing with Long Time Gone and Def Lester. I am a member of the Minnesota Rock/ Country Hall of Fame and was voted MBOTMA”S favorite banjo player on their 25th anniversary. I adjust coaching to the individual to get you where you want to go. Playing banjo can be a lifelong joy and I try to make it a fun experience.
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Whenever we leave a MBOTMA festival I’m always thinking I really want the next one to come. I’ve been listening to bluegrass music since age two and playing since about age ten. I live with a musical family; dad plays fiddle, mom is starting clawhammer banjo, my sister plays bluegrass banjo and I play bass. The first time I saw the upright bass I thought that looks really big, is it going to be really heavy?My main instrument is bass and I’ve been playing for about six years now. Whenever I come back from the festival I have blisters on my fingers from playing so much. I am always learning new fiddle tunes and songs to sing, which is good because it broadens my music knowledge. One of the best things about my summer every year is the August festival at El Rancho Manana in Richmond, MN. Lots of exciting things happen, including the music, at the festival. Part of the fun is that we are always camping and whenever we camp we have a really big group, about 12 people so there is a lot of energy. Whenever we are not playing music together we are at the campsite just playing by ourselves, practicing a fiddle tune, cooking or playing frisbee. The festival is a relaxing thing for me, I’ve liked it since it since I was two years old. Square dancing is always something we look forward to. We like to dance with the live old-time music. This is one of the few places that has square dancing with live music that I know of, and with so many people doing it. After dancing we are always hyper and ready for more. Rain is something that has to happen at this festival. Every time it rains, about two to three times, people just huddle under tarps to avoid it. The entrance to Old Washmachine Field is always a mud pit that people are trying to avoid. I’ve pushed cars out numerous times. The showcases are also cool for me since they usually involve a player from Nashville or players that just know their instrument really well. I like hearing good players of the same instruments
$25 for ½ hour $45 for 1 hour Barry St. Mane 612-860-2463 bluegrass1@me.com 5
Dick Kimmel & Pamela Longtine New CD: Fiddle and Mandolin
Our new CD is now available at www.dickkimmel.com
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Hear us at the Homegrown Kickoff. Saturday workshop-3:00 p.m. Sunday Main Stage–12:30 p.m.
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June 2017
Grass Clippings Save the Date: High 48s CD Release Show - Friday, June 16th The High 48s are excited to announce the release of their new album “Daddy Was a Bank Robber.” The new CD will be released Friday, June 16th at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis! They’ll be joined by their good friends The Mother Banjo Band for an evening of original bluegrass and Americana music that you won’t want to miss. They can’t wait to share it with you.
World-Class Musicians to Celebrate 10th Anniversary Minnesota Irish Music Weekend June 9-11
June 2017
evening Master Artists Concert featuring all of the visiting musicians. Additional information including pricing at www.centerforirishmusic.org. The Center for Irish Music is a 501c3 non-profit music school located in the Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul. In 2009, CIM began “handing down the tradition” in its own permanent facility at The Celtic Junction, a flourishing Twin Cities hub of Celtic arts. CIM’s staff of 18 professional musicians serve over 300 students of all ages through workshops, master classes, and year round instruction in song, fiddle, harp, whistle, concertina, flute, bodhrán, guitar and more.
ARMADILLO SOUND & DESIGN
Serving the acoustic music community for over 35 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.
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Internationally renowned musicians will celebrate 10 years of lively and distinctive music education at the Tenth Annual Minnesota Irish Music Weekend (MIM) June 9-11 at the Center for Irish Music in Saint Paul. The event will feature 5 master artists, all of whom have received special distinctions for their skill and commitment to the tradition: John Carty (fiddle, banjo), Colm O’Donnell (flute, whistle, song), James Kelly (fiddle), Méabh Begley (accordion, song), Sean Gavin (flute, uilleann pipes). The three-day festival offers a free Friday night Great Session Experience, a Saturday night Master Artists Concert featuring all visiting artists, and music workshops and lectures throughout the weekend for children, teens and adults. Workshop and concert prices range from $6 to $235 for a weekend package and can be found online at http://www. centerforirishmusic.org/mim/. “Over ten years of hosting the
Minnesota Irish Music Weekend, we have seen a huge upsurge in Irish traditional music in the Twin Cities,” says Norah Rendell, executive director of The Center for Irish Music. “This year’s selection of master artists will be sure to energize and inspire the community, including more than 150 year-round CIM students and our 25 instructors. This will be a truly unforgettable weekend of traditional music and Irish culture.” The Minnesota Irish Weekend (MIM) offers unique learning opportunities for young musicians, including: A one-day Irish Trad Immersion Camp (ages 9-12) for intermediate-level students looking to expand their skills and learn new tunes A Teen Program (ages 12-19), offering a rare opportunity for intermediate to advanced students to study with renowned Irish artists A Beginner’s Program for children just getting started in Irish music. Taught by the Center for Irish Music’s expert teaching staff, hands-on workshops include traditional songs in Irish Gaelic and English, crafts, and opportunities to experiment with several Irish instruments. Adult programs are designed for intermediate to advanced-level students and include workshops in instruments such as fiddle, flute, tin whistle, piano, accordion, song, and Irish music accompaniment as well as talks on the Irish musical tradition by Altan member Dáithí Sproule. All Irish instruments are welcome. Teen and adult program participants all have the opportunity to learn in a small class environment from the visiting master artists. The Friday evening Great Session Experience is a free event bringing together the Twin Cities Irish music community with six simultaneous sessions, including one dedicated to song. Other activities include social community meals, sessions throughout the weekend, and a Saturday
612-306-3490 douglohman@aol.com
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June 2017 Concerts with Monroe Crossing Thursday, June 1
6:30 pm
Hinckley Summer Concert Series, Westside Park Bandshell
Hinckley, MN
320-679-0450
Saturday, June 3
Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff 2 pm: “Jam with the Band” - Gathering Place 5:10 pm: Concert - Main Stage El Rancho Mañana Campground, 27302 Ranch Road
Richmond, MN
800-635-3037
Sunday June 4
9, 10, & 11 am
Volunteer Sunday Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN
612-767-2263
Monday, June 5
12:10 pm
Rosemary and Meredith Willson Harmony for Mayo Peace Plaza, 1st Ave SW & 1st St SW
Rochester, MN
Thursday, June 8
7 pm
Northwoods Friends of the Arts Concert Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, 124 Fifth Street SE
Cook, MN
218-750-1989
Thursday, June 15
7 pm
Music in the Park, Sinnissippi Music Shell, 1401 North Second Street
Rockford, IL
815-987-8800
Friday, June 16
Times TBA
Bill Monroe Memorial Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival
Bean Blossom, IN
800-414-4677
Wednesday, June 21
7 pm
Harmony in the Parks, Lions Park Bandshell
Lindstrom, MN
651-257-0620
Friday, June 23
7:30 pm
Three Lakes Center for the Arts, 1760 Superior Street
Three Lakes, WI
715-546-2299
Saturday, June 24
6:30 pm
Witwen Concerts at the Campground, S 9855 Hwy E
Witwen, WI
608-215-2656
Sunday June 25
2 pm
Cotter Creek House Concert Series, W 9050 Boadway Road
Shawano, WI
715-853-6879
Monday, June 26
6 pm
Music on the Green Heritage Hill State Historical Park , 2640 South Webster Avenue
Green Bay, WI
920-448-5150
New from Monroe Crossing!
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 the latest information on all of our concerts. Booking: Art Blackburn, 763-213-1349 art@monroecrossing.com
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June 2017
125 years of patriotic tradition and bluegrass!
Join Monroe Crossing and special guests, The Larry Stephenson Band, at the 125th Annual North Morristown 4th of July Celebration! by Mark Anderson
June 2017
Photo by audrey@mnprairieroots.com Rage. He started working in 1972 with Jimmy Martin and the Sunny Mountain Boys. He also performed with Lester Flatt as well as Curly Seckler. The guitar hero of the group is Kevin Richardson who spent years working with such luminaries as The Seldom Scene, Ricky Skaggs, James King, Bobby Hicks, Randy Kohrs, Little Roy Lewis and his own group, Kevin Richardson & Cutting Edge. On bass we have ETSU graduate, Matt Wright who is the newest member of the group having held the bass duties since his 2014 graduation. This all day event is free and funded simply by donations made on the grounds. You can stuff money into the little bird houses you’ll find scattered about. There is limited bleacher seating which has been pushed back to accommodate more people in the concert area. They do provide some boards on hay bales for seating but you might want to bring a lawn chair or a blanket. Free parking is across the street at Trinity Lutheran Church, 10500 215th Street West, Morristown, MN 55052.
Come early! There is a fun run, the Firecracker 5k (registration required), at 8 am. The flag raising is at 9:45 prior to the parade which begins at 10:00 am (note: parking may be difficult during parade). After the parade there is a patriotic program at 11:30am. Monroe Crossing and The Larry Stephenson Band will be trading sets on the Bluegrass stage starting about 12:30. Volleyball, horseshoes and bingo are also on the agenda. The night ends, as it should, with a giant fireworks display at 10pm. It doesn’t get any more real or traditional than the North Morristown Fourth of July. This is a special year featuring a rare opportunity to see Nashville’s Larry Stephenson Band. We’d love to see you all there. North Morristown is just 31 miles south of the 35W/35E split in Burnsville on I35 then 9 miles west of Faribault. Learn more at http://www.larrystephensonband. com/ and http://www.facebook.com/ nm4thofjuly/ or by calling 507-685-4372.
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MinnesotaBluegrass.org
This 4th of July celebrate our nation’s birth at Minnesota’s oldest continuous Fourth! Since 1892 a handful of small buildings, where Jennings Ave ends and Jacobson Path becomes Karlstad Ave, has hosted the “North Morristown Fourth of July.” Travel back in time with homemade pie, homemade kiddie rides and games of chance. There’s a burger joint and a beer tent with a polka band. You can also buy a button for $2 and participate in the Medallion hunt and try to win the cash prize! Monroe Crossing is honored, once again, to be featured as the afternoon entertainment. This will be the eleventh time in the last twelve years! We’ve enjoyed watching the event grow and break attendance records. This year entertainment coordinator, Al Spitzac, asked me to help him find something extra special for the 125th anniversary. When I recommended Nashville’s Larry Stephenson Band, Al decided to go all out and accepted the offer. We’ve worked with Larry and his crew for many years on “Danny Stewart’s Bluegrass Cruise” and I’ve always been impressed with Larry’s high tenor, the group’s tight harmonies and their impeccable musicianship. They have the chemistry you can only achieve by playing together for years, one of the real advantages of having a stable lineup of musicians. Their most recent recording is the 2015 SPBGMA ALBUM OF THE YEAR - “Pull Your Savior In.” It’s been a while since Larry has brought the band this far north so let me reacquaint you with his team. Larry, on mandolin, cut his teeth as a child playing in his father’s band. He also played with Cliff Waldron before gaining fame as a member of one of the classic Bluegrass Cardinal lineups of the 80’s. On banjo we have the one and only Kenny Ingram. Before joining Larry in 2009, Kenny was working with Rhonda Vincent and the
Cover Story
Switched at Birth: Variety is the spice of life!
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
by Doug Lohman
I interviewed Switched at Birth one fine spring day at Mark Briere’s house in south Minneapolis (affectionately known as Walleye Acres, although I didn’t see or smell fish…). Rick, Pam, Mark and Mark spoke with me for a while about their beginnings and progression as a band. Catie Jo is out of the country and corresponded with me via pixels and email! Switched at Birth is made up of Rick Anderson (guitar, banjo), Pam Kolupailo (guitar), Mark Briere (mandolin), Mark Rizzardi (bass) and Catie Jo Pidel (fiddle). Everybody sings! MB: What influenced each one of you to start and continue to play music? Pam: I started singing at a very young age. There was a lot of music in the house and my parents encouraged me along the way. I tried a couple of times to be in bands as I got older. I liked performing. As I was growing up, I was in school plays and was encouraged to get out in front of people and sing, and even though I was shy and self-conscious, I could stand there and sing. I didn’t start thinking about playing guitar and being in a band until I got interested in bluegrass in about 1989 or 1990. Then I knew I wanted to play with other people. Then I met Rick in 98 and here we are! Rick: My older brother, 7 years older than me, had a band when I was in grade school, probably around 65 or 66. They would practice at our house, a garage band kind of thing, and would play high school dances and such. I was exposed to music and he would teach me chords on the guitar. I knew then I wanted to be in a band; I wanted to be like my older brother! I remember watching the Ed Sullivan Show and got interested in the banjo after seeing Glen Campbell Show and watching Larry McNeely play banjo: I thought it was really cool. I got my first banjo in 7th grade for Christmas and took some lessons. So, I’ve been doing it for a while. 10
Photo by Stan Kolupailo MB: What kind of music were you playing? Rick: Sweetheart of the Rodeo (The Byrds) came out about that time, so bluegrass and country. Bonnie and Clyde (movie) had a lot of banjo music in it. So, I played bluegrass for a while, then got into rock and country, playing electric guitar and pedal steel. But, I always kept the banjo around. Played in a country band, plugged in, for a lot of years, then got hooked up with the Blue Drifters (Steve Earl Howard’s band) and got back into bluegrass. Then met Pam and we’ve been playing together since then. MB: When were you with the Blue Drifters? Rick: Early 90s, Tom Shaefer, Mark Briere and Mark Rizardi were in the band, too. I also played for a while in the Missing Persons with Tom O’Neil (father of MBOTMA…)
Mark B: Rick’s a great pedal steel player! Rick: I probably have forgotten how to play, they’re too heavy to carry around, heavier than a banjo! Mark R: I can remember my beginning so clear, I was 12 and my mom brought home a nylon string guitar and a chord book about the time that Peter, Paul and Mary were huge! We also got a PP&M record and listened all the time and I thought it was so cool. It was so amazing, she learned some chords, I learned some chords, and we would just play along to the records! I got seduced by it; I had to learn this stuff. Before I knew it, I could play Puff, the Magic Dragon, and I thought it was the coolest thing ever! All though high school I played mostly acoustic songs. I loved the rock & roll but was drawn more to the acoustic stuff, like David Bromberg, the June 2017
acoustic side of Led Zeppelin. I played in my first band in college up in Marquette, MI; we were all into Old and In the Way. We played in the Wooden Nickel Tavern up there. I was switching off between banjo and guitar. I had finger picks from playing the guitar, so transferred that to the banjo, probably didn’t have the proper technique. Rick: When I showed up for banjo lessons, the guy was a 4 string Dixieland player and right away he said, “you’re not going to need that 5th string, so you might as well take it off.” So, I learned with a flatpick, songs like Waiting for the Robert E. Lee and stuff like that. Mark B: Rick, I’ve heard you drift
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MinnesotaBluegrass.org
guitar, but wasn’t very good until I got in the service and guys would show me techniques. I remember hearing Peter Ostroushko in the Middle Spunk Creek Boys on mandolin and thought that was pretty cool so I got one. About 1975 Dick Rees showed me a bunch of stuff and we would busk on the street for hours. So that’s where it started. One time he asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I said I wanted to know how Sam Bush played Foster’s Reel. So he put on the headphones and wrote it out for me. He’s an extremely intelligent musician. I’m still doing the Jugsluggers with Tom Cornish and Russ Rayfield. I played a while with Hardly Herd. I just love string band music. Pam: About 18 years ago we invited you to play on our first recording, First Rick: When I showed up for banjo lessons, the guy was a 4 string Born. Dixieland player and right away he said, “you’re not going to need that Rick: Debbie Boeh played with 5th string, so you might as well take it off.” us for a while. Ron Segal played fiddle after that. Then we landed Catie Jo! So, there have been 3 fiddle players and 2 bass players in the whole history of the into some of that stuff over the years. I Pam: You picked the right band! band. often wondered where that came from. Mark R: I thought it was a good fit, Catie Jo: I went to a very artsMark R: Then my centered elementary school, wife and I moved to AZ so singing and playing and I enrolled in grad instruments started in school in Tucson. Started first grade. Oddly, the first meeting all kinds of good instrument I played was musicians, joined a group, the recorder, and I was that led to another. Met absolutely terrible; even Ross Nickerson, a wellby first grader standards. known banjo player My teacher made me take and we formed the Fast private recorder lessons after Brothers. Then we formed school because I was so bad, another group called and I’m pretty sure there Blitz Creek and had good were ear plugs involved at success, winning the band some point. Given my track contest at Teluride about record with the recorder, 1985. We also played in no one had super high Japan at the Disneyland hopes for me when my class theme park for 7 months started playing stringed and play a few festivals, instruments in third grade. also. I was in another I really wanted to play the Photo by Stan Kolupailo band, the Titan Valley cello. However, my mother Warheads with Ross and guitarist Peter now it’s been a couple of years. I love the drove a volkswagen beetle at the time, McLoughlin and we won the Teluride variety. and fitting me and a cello in the back seat contest in 1988. Moved to Minneapolis Mark B: I grew up in SD. The first wasn’t going to happen. She convinced in 1991 and saw an ad for a bass player musical memory was hearing Chuck me to choose the violin by saying she’d for the Blue Drifters. That’s where I met Berry on KOMA (Oklahoma City) one let me take a few fiddle lessons as well. My Rick and Mark B. We had a great summer morning when I was 13 or so. I had a first fiddle lesson was with Pop Wagner at June 2017
working a lot. Then I got away from acoustic music for a while. I had picked up the bass in AZ and wondered what it would be like to play with a drummer, so I started playing rock and blues. I didn’t care for the spotlight of the lead player and am happy playing bass and singing. Rick: I remember meeting you at Merlins Rest (Minneapolis) and you asked how long Noel (former bass player) was going to be in the band, hinting that you wanted to be in the band and then started subbing for him. Now it’s been a couple of years. Mark R: I didn’t want to play in a straight bluegrass band…
Catie Jo: Our approach to music is organic. The musicianship in this group is incredible, and a lot of the time, our “arrangements” are just musical shenanigans that became habit. tried to pick a variety of genres. Mark R: I try to bring in songs styles that you haven’t done before. Pam: What I like about this band is that we all sing and I think that’s really fun! If it’s not fun, don’t do it. Rick: We like some of the old rock songs, so we just do our own thing to them. Mark R: Rock was so much a part of our growing up. Pam: For our generation, for sure. MB: The music we have listened to all our lives, influences how we play. 150 years ago, you were lucky to have heard the fiddler in the next county over, as you didn’t travel very far. Now, we’ve been listening to all kinds of styles that shapes how we play. I, too, would go to bed a night with the crystal radio, listening to
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Homestead Pickin’ Parlor, and I sat in the car outside scared stiff he was going to lasso me (I’d never met a real-life cowboy before)...I got over my fear pretty quickly, though, and I’ve been fiddling ever since. MB: How do you approach music as a band? How do you bring in new material? Mark R: We seem to be compelled to do a variety of music. Pam: If someone wants to do a song, they bring it to the band and hopefully it falls together quickly. We don’t practice a lot. Rick: Sometimes someone will bring a song to a gig and we’ll learn it quick and play it right away. For this recording, Labor of Love, we knew we only had one day to record, so we picked songs we were familiar with and had played a lot. We
KOMA, being introduced to all kinds of new stuff. 100+ years ago, you only heard other traditional musicians. They never heard rock, swing, reggae, modern blues and jazz, let alone Scandinavian, Arabic or Tuvan throat singing. That all shapes our approach to music. Rick: I think this band has really helped my singing. Mark B brings the Irish influences and Mark R brings the country swing, honky-tonk, cowboy music. Catie Jo: Our approach to music is organic. The musicianship in this group is incredible, and a lot of the time, our “arrangements” are just musical shenanigans that became habit. One of the things I love most in Switched at Birth is how we listen to each other--the whole experience of playing together feels like being in this wonderful sort of hive mind. If Mark adds a cool lick between the verses, another instrument will echo it the next time it comes around. If Pam starts really wailing on a chorus, we instinctively change the texture of the
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was lucky, I’ve only recently realized just how rare it is to be part of a community that totally accepts you and loves you... and wants to sit around a campfire in a field with you playing music ‘til the sun comes up. The incredible people in this organization are truly special, and even from halfway across the world, I still feel, very much, a part of this community. Pam: We had a pickup truck with a bluegrass bumper sticker and a friend, who knew about MBOTMA, kept saying we should come a check it out. We finally decided to go and I became completely enamored with the whole scene. I didn’t know that people still jammed around campfires. I called it complete immersion in Americana music. You go to sleep hearing it; you wake up hearing it. Rick: I forgot where I was, but a bluegrass band was playing and I went up and talked with them. They introduced me to MBOTMA and went to my first bluegrass festival at Wildwood Campground in Taylors Falls, MN in 1980 or so. The Osborne Brothers played and I’ve been going ever since. Mark R: While playing with the Blue Drifters, my first festival was at Camp in the Woods in Zimmerman, MN. I remember mixing bloody marys to get us ready to play. Rick: Well, we were younger then and could jam all night and hear the birds in the morning. Lot of good memories from those festivals. Mark R: That first year there was a good picking circle near us and I played a bunch of obscure songs with Bob Bovee. Mark B: I remember meeting John Niemann and Bill Giese when they were 16 or 17, playing with Tom O’Neil in the Uptown Shiners. They dragged me to my first festival. I remember Tom starting this magazine on his kitchen table, that’s where MBOTMA started! MBOTMA has been a gift to all of us musicians. Getting to see all of these masters and meet them, stand right next to them. We are very lucky. I hope the younger people realize what they have. Rick: And the community that has developed. Pam: It has been so welcoming to me! MB: Anything else you want to tell
the readers? Rick: We’d like to thank David Tousley for recording our CD! Mark R: I’ve met so many good players around here since playing with this band. Rick: We do miss Catie Jo playing with us regularly, but thankfully we’ve had some great fiddlers filling in with us while she’s been gone! Mark B: It was so great when she started playing with us. She just showed up one day, this force of nature, and blew us away. I think she was 15 or so. Pam: I think her first gig was an art crawl and we just threw everything we had at her and she never hesitated. Mark B: I was amazed that she would play with a bunch of geezers! Pam: I think she likes the variety! Rick: Well, we’re going to keep the band together and have a pretty busy summer with gigs. We have great fun playing together! I don’t see any end in sight for the band. MB: I used to have an adage: Band buys bus. Band breaks up. Band buys PA. Band breaks up. Pam: We don’t own anything together, so we should be good. MB: It’s good to hear that you’re not going away in the near future. Mark R: No, we’re having too much fun! Pam: We just enjoy playing together too much to break up. MB: Thanks for taking the time to speak with Minnesota Bluegrass Magazine!
LaPlant Instruments maker of fine mandolins & guitars
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backup to build it up even higher. If I get excited and jump at the end of a song, Rick jumps, too. MB: What do you find exciting about music today? Who are the artists that excite you? Rick: The Punch Brothers (Chris Thele) blow me away! Some of the younger bands are so good. They still have their roots, listening to the masters, but they take it and do incredible stuff with it. I think the scene is in good hands. Mark R: I was impressed with Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands when they played here this past March. The younger players seem to be studying music in college and I didn’t know anybody who did that when I was younger. Rick: Sierra Hull and Sara Jarosz are exciting. Mark R: Run, Boy, Run, they all studied music theory. Mark B: Technically it’s so advanced with all of the classical and jazz study being introduced. But, there are still times when I get blown away by Ralph and Carter Stanley. Pam: Yes, we have all these influences and as we explore them, it’s always good to come back around to the masters. Mark R: I tune into Prairie Home Companion and though it’s changed somewhat, it’s a great venue for acoustic music. Chris Thile is pushing the younger, skilled acoustic musicians. He’s raising the bar. He had to take a different path, from Garrison. MB: I think they’re doing an excellent job of showcasing the younger acoustic music that’s happening right now! Chris is so well connected to the scene, so you know that when you tune it in, you’re going to get some great music. Rick: Young, fresh ideas always help invigorate music. MB: What are your favorite memories of MBOTMA? How did you get introduced to MBOTMA? Catie Jo: Growing up, I always had a place where I felt I belonged, and that place was MBOTMA. MBOTMA has always made me feel like it’s ok to just be me, whether “me” was a 9-year-old with limitless energy, an awkward teenager, or a programmer who moved away to live in Switzerland. And while I always knew I
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2017 Minnesota Americana-Roots Music Contests Which band and duo will be the 2017 Minnesota State Champions? MBOTMA’s competitions at the Minnesota State Fair will be bigger and better than ever. The 2017 Minnesota Americana-Roots Music Contests once again will feature a vocal duet contest and a Battle of the Bands. Both contests are limited to acoustic groups playing Americana “Roots” music, including bluegrass, old-time, newgrass, and related music. Music professionals will judge the duos and bands on material selection and arrangement, instrumental and vocal performance, stage presence, and entertainment value.
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Americana-Roots Duet Contest Friday, September 1, 3:00–5:45 West End Market Stage
On Friday, September 1st, the Americana-Roots Duet Contest will award ribbons and cash prizes ($500/$250/$100) to the top three duos. Additionally, the first-place duo will receive five hours of studio time at the Wild Sound Recording Studio and a cover article in Minnesota Bluegrass. All the performers will receive a contest t-shirt and admission to the Fair. The duet contest will consist of vocal musical performances presented by two individuals for two voices and acoustic instruments, including at least one stringed instrument. Electric instruments are not permitted, with the exception of the bass. The state fair will provide all required sound equipment, including mics, stands, cables, and a bass amplifier (Gallien-Kruger MB112–II 150 Watt 1x12). Individuals may participate in only one duo and may not also participate in the 2017 Americana-Roots Band contest. Members of MBOTMA’s board of directors and of the competition planning committee are not eligible to participate in the competition. No one is eligible who has participated in a 1st-place duo in this contest within the last three years (2014, 2015, 2016). All duos will perform two songs in the preliminary round, and the top five duos will perform one additional song in the final round. Sherri and Chuck Leyda, 14
2016 Band Winners- The New Riverside Ramblers the 2016 State Duet Champions, will serve as emcees and perform while scores are tallied. The contest is limited to 11 duos, registered on a first-come-first-served basis. Go to www.minnesotabluegrass.org to register. Duos must pay a $20 entry fee with their on-line registration. The registration deadline is Monday, August 14, 2017. Registration will not be considered completed until the entry fee has been received. Visit the website for contest registration and complete rules. The entry fee will be refunded if the contest has filled at the time the entry form is received.
Americana-Roots Band Contest Saturday, September 2, 3:00-5:45 West End Market Stage
On Saturday, September 2nd, the Americana-Roots Band Contest, emceed by Adam Granger, will award ribbons and cash prizes to the top three bands ($1,000/$500/$250). The first-place band also will receive a paid set at the 2018 Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff Festival, a cover article in Minnesota Bluegrass, five
hours of studio time at the Wild Sound Recording Studio, and a video session at Baby Blue Arts. All of the performers will receive a contest t-shirt and admission to the Fair. The contest is limited to eight bands, each with three to six members. Individuals may participate in only one band and may not also participate in the 2017 Americana-Roots Duet Contest. Members of MBOTMA’s board of directors and of the competition planning committee are not eligible to participate in the competition. No band is eligible which has won 1st place in the band contest within the last three years. This restriction applies to any band that has two or more members from the previous 1st-place band. Electric instruments are not permitted, with the exception of the bass. The state fair will provide all required sound equipment, including mics, stands, cables, and a bass amplifier (Gallien-Kruger MB112–II 150 Watt 1x12). As part of the entry form, bands must provide a “Stage Plot & Tech Request,” showing the musicians and instruments, as well as the number and placement of microphones. June 2017
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Duet Contest
Band Contest
West End Market Stage, Minnesota State Fair
West End Market Stage, Minnesota State Fair
Friday, September 1, 2017 3:00–5:45 PM
State Fair ribbons and cash prizes ($500/ $250/$100) to the top three duos. First Place Duo wins: • 5 hours of studio time at Wild Sound Recording Studio • A cover article in Minnesota Bluegrass
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Saturday, September 2, 2017 3:00-5:45 PM
State Fair ribbons and cash prizes to the top three bands ($1,000/$500/$250). First Place Band wins: • A paid set at the 2018 Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff • A cover article in Minnesota Bluegrass • 5 hours of studio time at Wild Sound Recording Studio • A video session at Baby Blue Arts MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Go to www.minnesotabluegrass.org for guidelines and to register. Register early - the contests fill fast! Gold Sponsors
Baby Blue Arts Wild Sound Recording Studio June 2017
SILVER SPONSORS
Homestead Pickin’ Parlor Hoffman Guitars LaPlant Instruments
The Guitar Shop, Rosemount Tim Reede Guitars Willie’s American Guitars 15
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The stage crew will position microphones for each band member according to the stage plot. A downloadable Stage Plot and Tech Request form is posted on the registration page at www.minnesotabluegrass.org. Bands must print and complete the form, and email a digital copy of the completed form to ann@silvercranes.com by the August 14 deadline. The contest will consist of two rounds. The eight bands will perform two songs in the preliminary round. The three bands earning the highest scores in the preliminary round will perform two or three songs in the final round, depending on the time remaining for the competition. The contest is limited to eight bands, registered on a first-come-first-served basis. Go to www.minnesotabluegrass.org to register. Bands must pay a $50 entry fee with their on-line registration. The registration deadline is Monday, August 14, 2017. Registration will not be considered completed until the entry fee and the Stage Plot and Tech Request form have been received. Visit the website for contest registration and complete rules. The entry fee will be refunded if the contest has filled at the time the entry form is received.
It Takes a Community
The Americana-Roots Music Contests, like all of MBOTMA’s events, would not be possible without the energy, passion, and creativity of MBOTMA’s dedicated volunteers. (We may be able to use one or two additional volunteers. Email ann@silvercranes.com if you would be interested.) Also, please thank and support the businesses and organizations that are helping make this contest possible!
Gold Sponsors:
Baby Blue Arts – http://babybluearts. com/ Wild Sound Recording Studio – http://www.wild-sound.com/
Silver Sponsors
Homestead Pickin’ Parlor – http:// homesteadpickinparlor.com/ Hoffman Guitars – http://www. hoffmanguitars.com/ LaPlant Instruments – 218-3264456 The Guitar Shop, Rosemount – http://www.mnguitarshop.com/ Tim Reede Guitars – http://www. reedeguitars.com/ Willie’s American Guitars – http:// www.williesguitars.com/
Wild Sound Recording Package Prize
The Wild Sound Recording Studio is located in Northeast Minneapolis and offers the highest quality audio production services. Its clients have included Becky Schlegel, Charlie Parr, and Monroe Crossing. Wild Sound will provide three hours of recording time and two hours of mixing to the first-place groups in both the duet and band contests.
Baby Blue Arts Video Package Prize
Baby Blue Arts will produce a 30-minute program of the band (including both music and an interview) that will be broadcasted on over 20 local television stations and made available to cable stations across the country. Baby Blue Arts will post the program on its homepage for three weeks – www.BabyBlueArts.com – and make portions of the program available indefinitely through its archives. The band will receive a copy of the program, as well as copies of five individual numbers.
2016 Duet Winners- Chuck and Sherri Leyda 16
June 2017
2017 Bluegrass Instructional Camp with Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen August 8-10, 2017 – El Rancho Mañana, Richmond, MN
Yes, you read that correctly - this year we are excited to welcome Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen as Staff Instructors for the Bluegrass Instructional Camp. This could quite possibly be a “once in a lifetime” chance to spend two and a half days learning bluegrass jamming with an award-winning band of this caliber. In 2016, FS&DK were awarded the IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year award, having won it also in 2014. We will be getting a rare opportunity to learn from a band that has racked up awards and continues to expand the realm of bluegrass with their extensive touring and recording efforts nationwide. It is also the band’s first appearance at the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Festival and students are advised to sign up early as class sizes are limited and are expected to fill. Students age 12 and up at beginner and intermediate levels who play guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle or bass are invited to enroll. It is suggested that students be able to play a few chords and be somewhat comfortable
in a group setting. Camp opens Tuesday evening, 8/8, with session 1 from 7:00 9:00 p.m. and continues with classes all day Wednesday and Thursday, 8/9-10. The Camp will conclude with student ensemble recitals Thursday evening. Cost
is $120 if registered by July 25, $150 after that date. Pre-registration is advised as class size is limited to 12 students. Students with questions about the Camp may call Martha Galep at 715-505-2062.
Sound workshop with Armadillo Sound & Design August 9-10, 2017 -El Rancho Mañana, Richmond, MN
June 2017
person. Camp begins at 9:00 AM on Wednesday August 9th and runs through Thursday August 10th, 2017. $100 registration fee before July 25th, $125 after that date. Pre-registration is advised as class size is limited to 15 students. Students with questions about the Camp may call Martha Galep at 715-5052062, or Doug at 612-306-3490. For questions or to register call 800-635-3037 or email to info@ minnesotabluegrass.org.
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Doug Lohman of Armadillo Sound & Design will be our audio and sound reinforcement faculty for a pre-festival 2017 Sound Workshop at the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival at El Rancho Mañana near Richmond MN. This will be an intensive two day workshop covering many aspects of audio production and sound reinforcement. The topics will be the nature and characteristics of audio, gear (analog and digital) and how to master it, and the characteristics of a successful sound
The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association presents...
The Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff o ut do o r Mus ic fe s t ival
June 2,3,4, 2017 | El Rancho Mañana Campground | Richmond, MN
2017 Lineup Monroe Crossing Ginstrings Gentlemen’s Anti-Temperance League Bill and Kate Isles Curtis and Loretta Switched at Birth The Blessings Gospel Trio The Mark Kreitzer Band Tony Rook Band Porcupine Creek
Monroe Crossing
Def Lester Noah John and Ringing Iron Blue Groove Eelpout Stringers Singleton Street Bob and Lynn Dixon Truegrass The Double Down Daredevils Dick Kimmel & Pam Longtine Mary DuShane & Nick Jordan
Ticket Options
Weekend Admission
Gentlemen’s Anti-Temperance League
(All 3 days, and includes Fri & Sat rough camping) Advance: Member $45 Non-Member $55 Gate: Member or Non-Member $65
Saturday & Sunday Admission
(Includes Saturday rough camping) Advance: Member $36 Non-Member $45 Gate: Member or Non-Member $55
One Day Admission
(Friday/Saturday/Sunday, without camping) Advance: Member $15 Non-Member $20 Gate: Member or Non-Member $20/$25/$10
Youth Admission Teens: $5 any day Children 12 & under, free with adult ticket
Pre-sales at outlets and by phone until May 19th After May 19th - available at the gate. Please bring lawn chairs or blankets! The Double Down Daredevils
Camping Information: “Reserved Camping” (includes electric and water) will be an additional charge. Please contact Bea with questions and to purchase.
For everyone’s enjoyment, we ask that you do not display alcohol in the concert area. Main Stage Show Times: Friday 6:00–10:30pm, Saturday noon–10:30pm, Sunday 11:00am–2:00pm.
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
2017 Offerings Workshops Jam with the Bands Ranch House Live The Gathering Place
This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Purchase tickets online at www.minnesotabluegrass.org or call 800-635-3037! 18
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The Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff outdoor Music festival
2017 Kickoff Entertainment Schedule MAIN STAGE FRIDAY
6:10 Noah John and Ringing Iron 7:00 Mary DuShane and Nick Jordan 7:50 Double Down Daredevils 8:40 Gentlemen’s AntiTemperance League 9:30 Switched at Birth
SATURDAY
12:20 Truegrass 1:10 Curtis and Loretta 2:00 Eelpout Stringers 2:50 Bob and Lynn Dixon 3:40 Mark Kreitzer Band 4:30 Bill & Kate Isles 5:20 Monroe Crossing 6:20 Blue Groove 7:10 Tony Rook Band Volunteer Prise Drawing 8:00 Porcupine Creek 8:50 Def Lester 9:40 Ginstrings
GATHERING PLACE WORKSHOP TENT SATURDAY 11:00 am
Cagley MusicBillfestival
Beginning Jamming Workshop
1:00 pm
Tom Schrack Beginning Mandolin Workshop
2:00 pm
Monroe Crossing Jam with the Band
3:00 pm
Bill Cagley Intermediate Jamming Workshop
11:00am
Bass with Sarah Birkeland.
12:00pm
Songwriting with Bill Isles.
1:00pm
Guitar with Tony Rook.
3:00pm
Old-time banjo and fiddle with Dick Kimmel and Pamela Longtine.
4:00pm
Harmony singing with the Double Down Daredevils.
4:30 pm
Eelpout Stringers Jam with the Band
outdoor Music festival
The Minneso SUNDAYegrown Kickoff ta9:00am H om RANCH HOUSE LIVE
10:50 Blessings Gospel Trio 11:40 Singleton Street 12:30 Dick Kimmel and Pamela Longtine
June 2017
FRIDAY
Open Mic: 8:00pm, 8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, & 11:30 SATURDAY Open Mic: 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, & 11:30
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MinnesotaBluegrass.org
SUNDAY
Worship Service with Jack Trosen
CD Review
Labor of Love - Switched at Birth
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
by Phil Nusbaum
It is called Labor of Love and it is a fine CD by Switched at Birth. While group members are based in bluegrass, the CD features songs representing multiple musical genres. It’s a challenge to cast your musical net so widely, but Switched at Birth pulls it off convincingly. To this reviewer’s ear, the constant shifting of genres covered is the greatest highlight of Labor of Love. All of the renditions, though taken from stylistically distinct sources, seem natural to Switched at Birth. Labor of Love opens with a song written by Steve Winwood of the rock group Traffic, Can’t Find My Way Home. After the rock piece, the group turns on a dime to present its cover of a 1950-era Hank Williams country song, the Lovesick Blues, where Pam Kolupailo’s vocal shines. The third selection comes from “country and western,” the designation that preceded today’s “Country Music” with bassist Mark Rizzardi delivering Cow Cow Boogie. Listen further and there are Irish and American instrumentals, and gospel songs, too. Because of its mission to present a variety of styles, Switched at Birth might be called an acoustic variety group or Americana group. But it hasn’t forgotten about its bluegrass roots. Grouped in the middle of Labor of Love are bluegrassleaning songs like Hello City Limits, When the Cactus is in Bloom, and an oldtime fiddle medley. While the CD contains many memorable individual moments, group playing is where Switched at Birth excels. Listening clinically, Switched at Birth, like most bluegrass bands, play with layers of sound. When the singer sings, the singer is in the foreground. Listen to Switched at Birth’s Dream a Little Dream of Me sometime. You’ll of course notice Pam’s great song interpretation. But if it is quiet in the room, you might catch the delicate 20
interweaving of fiddle and mandolin in the background. Towards the end of the song, fiddler Catie Jo Pidel has the most prominent backup part, then gently feathers further into the background to give mandolinist Mark Briere some backup space. This is the kind of detail that listeners might not notice in a noisy club where everybody is talking. But when a band creates arranging surprises as frequently as Switched at Birth, the cumulative effect is to cause listeners to pay attention to the band. Musical connoisseurs will appreciate deep tracks such as Merle Haggards’ There’s a Road Down the Road. Or take Chattahoochee, a song
we hardly hear today that has a Cajun motif. In the Switched at Birth version of the song, entertaining arranging ideas keep unfolding. The song contains one of the CD’s many fine vocal duets between guitar and banjoist Rick Anderson and Pam. Rick plays a repeating guitar lick that helps define the Switched at Birth version of the song, and splitting the solos among multiple instruments really catches the ear. Labor of Love is the latest recording by Switched at Birth. It is a great representation of the identity of the group, and a most worthy contribution to the legacy of great local Bluegrass.
June 2017
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ual n n A 12th
August 24-27, 2017
Pine River, MN Cass County Fairgrounds Featuring the Best in National & Regional Bluegrass Bands! Plus camping, jamming, workshops, food & more! National Bands
Special Consensus
High Plains Tradition
Tickets Available for Purchase in Advance or at Gate.
Jeanette Williams Band
Kody Norris Show
Wed. Night Old Time Dance FREE!
Festival Schedule Po Ramblin’ Boys
Regional Bands
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
King Wilkies Dream Shaffers Lost 40 Porcupine Creek And More To Be Announced!
800-728-6926
Gates Open Tues. at 3pm
Kevin Prater Band
Main Stage Thu. 5 - 11pm Fri. & Sat. 11am - 11pm Sun. 10am - 2pm Workshops Fri. & Sat. 10am -5pm
Rain/Sun Shelter in Concert Area New! Added Electrical Camping Sites
• Lakesbluegrassfestival@gmail.com
www.LakesBluegrassFestival.com 22
June 2017
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June 2017
Sept. 3
Aug. 31-
Weekend Ticket: $35
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Darrell Webb Atkinson Family Northwest Territory
6 String Soldiers Kim Robbins Fox N Hounds Matchsellers
Kentucky Blue Backwoods Bluegrass Repeating Arms
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June 2017
Bluegrass Saturday Morning By Phil Nusbaum
The Bluegrass Season It cannot be denied. The Bluegrass season is here, as there will be no snow in June. Some will point out that today, every season is the bluegrass season, and there may be some truth in that. But when I say the Bluegrass season, I mean the time of year when you are under a shade tree wearing a hat and a light top and either playing bluegrass or listening to it, with no cares in the world. It is here a few short months, but they promise to be enjoyable and well worth the wait. Earl Scruggs On the Bluegrass Review shows heard the weeks of Saturday June 17 and 24, we’ll present segments centering on an interview with Gordon Castelnero, co-author of Earl Scruggs: Banjo Icon (Rowan and Littlefield). Earl Scruggs is the man whose style of playing 5-string banjo was adopted by every bluegrass banjoist from the 1940s onward. The interview will include examples of Earl Scruggs banjo music that illustrate some of Gordon’s points. Today, many view Earl’s style with nostalgia. Some listeners might find it surprising that Earl was, actually, a forwardlooking individual who accepted challenges to work in musical idioms differing from the ones he grew up with. What’s Going On From time to time, I am asked “what’s going on in bluegrass.” All I can say is “Everything.” It’s a great time to be a bluegrass fan because there are many new approaches evolving. The original bluegrass music of the late 1940s represented a new stylistic. There were big changes in the 1960s and 1970s, the evolution of more emphatic rhythm sections in the 1990s and the eclectism of today’s post-Monroe era. On both Bluegrass Saturday Morning and the Bluegrass Review, we attempt to represent the entire history of the music and depict the similarities and changes in all of the eras. Thanks for listening.
Contribute to Minnesota Bluegrass Magazine. Write an article about your favorite jam. Tell us about how you came to like Bluegrass and Old-Time String Band Music. editor@minnesotabluegrass.org
June 2017
Bluegrass Review Supporters • 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)
Weekly Playlists Bluegrass Review playlists are located at www. 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
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Write a Review of a favorite concert or CD.
Bluegrass Saturday Morning and Bluegrass Review Online To cruise Gems of Bluegrass and the Bluegrass Review, type either in the prx search box and you should get many hits. The Bluegrass Review and Bluegrass Saturday Morning are both archived www.jazz88fm.com.
August 10-13, 2017 El Rancho Mañana Richmond, MN Five Time IBMA Event Of The Year Nominee! 2016 IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year
Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen
The Po Ramblin’ Boys Bluegrass Martins - Dugout Canoe Evan Kinney & His Dixieland Squirrel Skinners
Roochie Toochie
& the Ragtime Shepard Kings
Mother Banjo - The Good Intentions The Wild Goose Chase Cloggers - The Woodpicks The New Riverside Ramblers - Tony Rook Band Art Stevenson & High Water The Sawtooth Brothers
Beautiful Main Stage Shaded Seating Area 35 Hours of Concerts Nightly Dances Instrument Showcases Children’s Activities Over 20 Workshops Shuttle Transportation Kids Are Free! Plenty of Campground Jam Sessions 30 Merchant & Food Booths Campground with Showers & Beach A Welcome & Safe Environment
Come for the Day - Camp for the Weekend Thu-Sun Camping Package (per person)
Admission Thu thru Sun plus unimproved camping Thu, Fri, & Sat nights, $95 Gate, $85 Adv, $75 Member Adv
Single Day Tickets (per person)
Admission one day, no camping, $20 Thu or Sun Gate, $30 Fri or Sat Gate, $25 Adv (any day) $20 Member Adv (any day)
Online, mail, and phone order advance price tickets available until July 31
Presented by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association 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.
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
1-800-635-3037 - www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org Thank you Sponsors!
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June 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.
June 2-4, 2017 - Friday through Sunday Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff Music Festival:
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 6:00 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 $55 for the weekend including camping ($45 for members) or $20 daily ($15 member). Gate prices are $65 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.
August 10-13, 2017, Thursday through Sunday The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival: 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 Cty 9, L on Mañana Rd). Four-day outdoor music and camping festival with stage shows, dances, workshops, showcases, children’s shows, demonstrations, crafts, and good food in five stage areas. Five time IBMA Event of the Year nominee. 2017 performers will include Framk Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, The Bluegrass Martins, The Po Ramblin’ Boys, Dugout Canoe, Evan Kinney and His Dixieland Squirrel Skinners, Roochie Toochie & the Ragtime Kings, and many more TBA. Mainstage showtimes are 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM Thursday, 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM Friday, 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM Saturday, and 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Sunday. For information or tickets call 800-635-3037 or visit www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org. Presented by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association
The MBOTMA T-shirt team is looking for new members. Volunteering for MBOTMA has many rewards. Get an education on how to run a festival or event, by volunteering. Work along side professional people who know how to put on a show. Some of them have 40 years of experience. It is the learning opportunity of a lifetime. Email Bea at bea@minnesotabluegrass.org or call 800-6353037 if you’d like more information or would like to volunteer. June 2017
Minnesota Bluegrass in electronic form instead of by postal mail, it will be emailed to you directly before it is available to the general public. If you only want the digital copy or you have problems opening the file, please contact the Minnesota Bluegrass editor at editor@minnesotabluegrass.org.
10th Annual Northwoods Bluegrass Festival June 9 & 10, 2017 Rusk County Fairgrounds, Ladysmith WI
Friday: Band performances 6pm to 10pm Saturday: 9am to 9pm Ticket Prices: Advance Sales: Fri. & Sat. $20.00 Gate Prices: Fri. only $10.00 * Sat. only $15.00 Age 15 & under FREE with paid adult admission • • • • •
Bluegrass Instrument Workshops Sat. Open mic on Saturday Rusk County Historical Society events and Dairy Breakfast on Saturday This is a family friendly, no alcohol event Camping on the fairgrounds Fri. & Sat.
Band Lineup: Art Stevenson & High Water, Handpicked, Porcupine Creek, KR Bluegrass, Singleton Street and King’s Countrymen.
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Help Wanted: T-shirt team
Get a PDF of Minnesota Bluegrass before eveyone else... If you are already a member and want to receive
For more information call 715-532-7328 Email: manager@ladysmithchamber.com www.northwoodsbluegrassfestival.com
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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, 651-554-0155, 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 June 2-4 Friday-Sunday
Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff Festival
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
El Rancho Mañana Richmond, MN See Ad page 18
5/26 – Friday
• Roe Family Singers, Midtown Market, 920 E Lake St, Mpls, 5:30pm • The New Distractions, DUL, 8pm • The Hartley Family, D-C PAC, DasselCokato Performing Arts Center, 4852 Reardon Ave, Cokato, 320-894-5178, 7pm
5/27 – Saturday
• Dick Kimmel and Andrea Lynn, GKb,
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June 16 Friday
The High 48s CD Release
with Mother Banjo Cedar Cultural Center 415 Cedar Ave S, Mpls, 612-338-2674, www.thecedar.org 8pm 7:30pm • Machinery Hill, DUL, 8pm • Michael Lane, UMC, 2pm • The Fish Heads, Clearwater Grille, 5135 North Shore Drive, Duluth, 218525-4826, 6pm • Alternate Route, BSC, 10am • Contra Dance with Flour City Doughboys, TAP, 7:30pm • Dick Kimmel & Andrea Lyn, GKb,
June 10 Saturday
Loring Park Acoustic Music Festival
with Gin Strings, Charlie Parr, Mississippi Hot Club and more, Loring Park, Minneapolis, 1-8pm 7:30pm
5/28 – Sunday
• Bob Bovee, Harkin Store Historical Site, New Ulm, 1pm
5/29 – Monday
• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm • Como Town Hotshots, EAG, 7:30pm
5/30 – Tuesday
• St Dominic’s Trio, Driftwood Char Bar, 4415 Nicollet Ave S, Mpls, 9pm June 2017
5/31 – Wednesday
• MN Songwriter Showcase hosted by Nick Hensley, AST, 8pm
6/1 – Thursday
• SmithNThompson, 318, 8pm • Monroe Crossing, Westside Park Bandshell, Old Hwy 61 and 3rd St, Hinckley, 6:30pm • Graham Bramblett, Sarah Streitz, WmH, 8pm • The Swamp Poppas, EAG, 7:30pm
6/02 – Friday
• Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff Festival, El Rancho Mañana, Richmond, MN, See Ad page 18 • The Fish Heads, Thirsty Pagan Brewing, 1623 Broadway St., Superior, WI, 715-394-2500, 8pm • Pushing Chain, GKb, 7:30pm • Michael McDermott, WmH, 8pm • Wilkinson James, AST, 9pm
University Ave W, St Paul, 9pm
6/8 – Thursday
• Monroe Crossing, St Mary’s Catholic Church, 124 5th St SE Cook, 7pm • Dick Kimmel, Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, Waseca • Dick Kimmel, NU-Telecom Customer Appreciation Event, Springfield Community Center, Springfield, 11:30am • South Side Aces, EAG, 8pm
6/09 – Friday
• The Fish Heads, DUL, 8pm • Pushing Chain, 318, 8pm • Curtis & Loretta, Tin Bins, 413 E Nelson St, Stillwater, 651-342-0799, 6pm
6/10 – Saturday
• Loring Park Acoustic Music Festival, with Gin Strings, Charlie Parr, Mississippi Hot Club and more, Loring Park, Minneapolis, www.facebook.com/ LoringParkMusicFestival • Bob Bovee, Riverside on the Root, Lanesboro, MN, 8pm • Mother Banjo, Excelsior Art on the Lake, 135 Lake St., Excelsior, 952-4746461, 3pm • Michael Monroe, 318, 8pm • Erik Brandt & The Hillbilly Quartet, DUL, 8pm • Erin Chase, Falconer Vineyard, 3572 Old Tyler Rd, Red Wing, 2pm
6/3 – Saturday
• Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff Festival, El Rancho Mañana, Richmond, MN, See Ad page 18 • Hootenanny Nannies, GKb, 7:30pm • String Ties, Leo’s & Leona’s, W1436 WI-33, Bangor, WI, 7:30pm • Alternate Route, BSC, 10am • Classical Guitarathon, Sundin Hall, Hamline University, St Paul, 612-6771151, mnguitar.org, • Contra Dance with Light of the Moon, TAP, 7:30pm
6/4 – Sunday
• Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff Festival, El Rancho Mañana, Richmond, MN, See Ad page 18 • Rezo City: Resonator Guitar Series, 331C, 3pm • Steve and Stacie Jane, Falconer Vineyard, 3572 Old Tyler Rd Red Wing, 1pm • The Sweet Colleens CD Release, Parkway Theater, 4820 Chicago Ave S, Mpls, 7pm • Broken Heartland String Band, Kingfield Farmers Market, 4310 Nicollet Ave S, Mpls, 10am
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
6/5 – Monday
• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm • Monroe Crossing, Peace Plaza, 1st Ave SW and 1st SW Rochester, 12pm
6/6 – Tuesday
• Heather Hlavety, Rachel Coulter & Kaylee Etchison, 318, 8pm • Sarah Jarosz, DAK, 7pm • Byrne and Kelly, CED, 7:30pm
6/7 – Wednesday
• The Langer’s Ball, Dubliner Pub, 2162
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• Burke Lindell and Tate, UMC, 7pm • Greenwood Tree, Prior Lake Farmers Market, Main St Prior Lake, 9pm • Cactus Blossoms, Pioneer Place on 5th Theater, St Cloud, 7:30pm • Alternate Route, BSC, 10am • Contra Dance with Compass Rose, TAP, 7:30pm • Switched at Birth, Merlin’s Rest, Minneapolis, 8:30pm
6/11 – Sunday
• Broken Heartland String Band, Glewwe Castle Brewery, 4620 207th St E, Prior Lake, 1:15pm
6/12 – Monday
• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm • Cajun Dance with DL Cajun Band, EAG, 7:30pm
6/13 – Tuesday
• Roe Family Singers, Alexandria Library, 720 Fillmore St Alexandria, 1:30pm • Celtic Woman, Orpheum Theater, 910 Hennepin Ave, Mpls, 800-982-2787, 7:30pm
6/14 – Wednesday
• Vindonia Swedish Trio, House Concert, St Cloud, 320-253-8749, 7pm • Bob & Lynn Dixon, Nokomis Farmers Market, 5167 Chicago Ave S, Mpls, 4pm
• Andrew D Huber, UMC, 7pm • The Chris Silver Band, Vino in The Valley, W3826 450th Ave, Maiden Rock WI, 6pm • Alternate Route, BSC, 10am • Contra Dance with Northern Aire, TAP, 7:30pm • Elisa Korenne Story & Song Concert, New York Mills Cultural Center, 24 Main Ave, New York Mills • Georgia Rae Family Band, Libertyville Days, Libertyville, IL • Riders in the Sky, BTC, 7:30pm • Switched at Birth, St Paul Farmers Market, St Paul, 9am • Bob & Lynn Dixon, Stone Arch Bridge Festival, Central Avenue Bridge Stage, Mpls, 12pm
6/18 – Sunday
• Rezo City: Resonator Guitar Series, 331C, 3pm • Switched at Birth, Charlie’s Pub, 101 Water St, Stillwater, 1pm
6/19 – Monday
• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm
6/21 – Wednesday
• Cooker John Band, 331C, 7pm • Monroe Crossing, Lions Park Bandshell, Lindstrom, 7pm
• Claudia Schmidt with Dean Magraw and Bryan Nichols, Crooners Lounge, Fridley • Dick Kimmel & Pamela Longtine, Concert in the Park, Rugby, ND, 7pm • The Langer’s Ball, Dubliner Pub, 2162 University Ave W, St. Paul, 9pm
6/22 – Thursday
• Ali Gray Trio, 318, 7pm • The Barley Jacks, Trinity Lutheran Church, 115 4th St No, Stillwater, 7pm • Claudia Schmidt, GINK • Ecuador Manta, Salo Park Amphitheater, St Anthony Village, www.salparkconcertseries.com, 7pm • The Rockin’ Pinecones, EAG, 7:30pm
6/23 – Friday
• Black River Revue, Leo’s & Leona’s, W1436 WI-33, Bangor, WI, 7:30pm • The Barley Jacks, Alliance Church of The Valley, 1259 State Rd 35 No, St Croix Falls, WI, 8pm • Claudia Schmidt, Folk House Concert, Golden Valley, ccdericksen@ gmail.com for address & info • Django Festival All Stars, DAK, 7pm and 9pm • John Maxwell, CrH • Broken Heartland String Band,
6/15 – Thursday
• Monroe Crossing, Sinnissippi Music Shell, 1401 No 2nd St, Rockford, 7pm • Dick Kimmel, NU-Telecom Office (Customer Appreciation Event), Sleepy Eye, 11:30am
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
6/16 – Friday
• Michael Johnson, 318, 8pm • Phil Berbig, Contented Cow, 302B Division St S, Northfield, 8pm • The Chris Silver Band, Vino in The Valley, W3826 450th Ave Maiden Rock, WI, 6pm • Cactus Blossoms, Icon Lounge, 402 No Main Ave, Sioux Falls, SD, 7pm • Dick Kimmel, NU-Telecom Office (Customer Appreciation Event), Redwood Falls, 11:30am • The High 48s CD Release, with Mother Banjo, CED, 8pm
6/17 – Saturday
• Fish Heads, LaPlant Bluegrass Jam, Itasca County Fairgrounds, Grand Rapids • Daisy Dillman Accoustic, 318, 8pm • Tony Rook Band, DUL, 8pm • Dead Pigeons, Leo’s & Leona’s, W1436 WI-33, Bangor, WI, 8pm
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June 2017
Minnehaha Park - Movies and Music, 4801 S Minnehaha Dr, Mpls, 7pm
6/24 – Saturday
• New Riverside Ramblers, Redhead Creamery, 31535 463rd Ave., Brooten, 320–346-2246, http:// redheadcreamery.com/, 12pm • The Double Down Daredevils, Hastings Arts Center, 216 4th St E, Hastings, 7pm • Molly Maher and Eric Koskinen, 318, 8pm • Broken Hearland Stringband, DUL, 8pm • Jack Klatt, GKb, 7:30pm • Timbre Junction, UMC, 7pm • Alternate Route, BSC, 10am • Contra Dance with Moonlight Trio, TAP, 7:30pm • Django Festival All Stars, DAK, 7pm and 9pm • Eelpout Stringers, Rosemount Bluegrass Concert, Central Park, 2983 145th St, Rosemount, 5pm
6/25 – Sunday
• Mother Banjo, Turf Club, 1601 University Ave., St. Paul, 651-6470486, 6:30pm • Trace Bundy, DAK, 7pm
• Greenwood Tree, Glewwe’s Castle Brewery, 4320 207th St E Prior Lake, 1:30pm • Curtis & Loretta, Kingfield Farmers Market, 4310 Nicollet Ave, Mpls, 10am • Eelpout Stringers, Street Square Dance at Art House North, 793 Armstrong Ave, St Paul, 6:30pm • Rise Up Singing (Songs of Justice, Hope, and Peace), BTC, 7:30pm
6/26 – Monday
• New Riverside Ramblers, EAG, 7:30pm • Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm
6/27 – Tuesday
• The Fish Heads, Chester Bowl Park, Music in the Park Series, East Skyline Drive, Duluth, 218-724-9832, 7pm • Dick & Ian Kimmel & Co, Public Library, Trowbridge Park, Waseca, 7pm
6/28 – Wednesday
• Switched at Birth, Northrup Plaza, U of M, Minneapolis, Noon
6/29 – Thursday
• Greenwood Tree, UMC, 7pm • Curtis & Loretta, Campbell Park, Huron, SD
• The Tillers, CED, 7pm
6/30 - Friday
• The Fish Heads, Sir Benedict’s Tavern, 805 E. Superior St., Duluth, 218-7281192, 6pm • Ari and Chris Silver, DUL, 8pm • Dick and Ian Kimmel, GKb, 7:30pm • Bernie King and The Guilty Pleasures, Leo’s & Leona’s, W1436 WI-33, Bangor, WI, 8pm • Broken Heartland String Band, Tavern Lounge, 212 Division St S, Northfield, 8pm
7/01 Saturday
• Bob Bovee with AJ Srubas & Rina Rossi, Lanesboro Barn Dance, Sons of Norway Hall, Lanesboro, MN, 8pm • Alternate Route, BSC, 10am
7/4 – Tuesday
• Dick & Ian Kimmel with Mark Donohoe, Independence Day Concert, St James • Monroe Crossing, 4th of July, Morristown, with the Larry Stephenson Band, 12:30pm
7/6 – Thursday
• Dick Kimmel & Pamela Longtine, Peace Plaza Stage, Rochester, 7pm • The Swamp Poppas, EAG, 7:30pm
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
June 2017
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June 2017
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Wegen’s Guitar Picks Ž
6625 Penn Ave. S. Richfield, MN 55423 (612) 861-3308
www.homesteadpickinparlor.com folkmuse@aol.com and you can find us on Facebook
Making the world safe for discerning fans of Traditional Music since 1979
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. 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
June 2017
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Tab: The Flowers of Edinburgh By Bob Douglas
I’m putting this column together on May 1st, May Day, so I think it appropriate to post a tune with “flowers” in the name. According to the Fiddler’s Companion, this melody has also been used for dances in the U.S. for over two hundred years. It was included in New Hampshire dancer Clement Weeks’ collection of 1783, in Giles Gibbs’s Connecticut fife manuscript of 1777, and in the 1771 tune books of Henry Livingston. But the tune even predates the American Colonies. It’s known internationally from Scotland (where it likely originated), to Ireland, the Shetland Islands, and England, across the ocean to Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton, and all other Canadian provinces. In Ireland, “Flowers of Edinburgh” is played as a hornpipe, but, in Ryan’s Mammoth Collection and other sources, it is played as a reel. The meaning of “flowers” is under debate being claimed by some to refer to a particular woman, to women in general, city magistrates, prostitutes, chamber pots, to the smell of old Edinburgh a century ago, and, not least, to actual, fragrant flowers. This melody has certainly been around longer and played by more people than most tunes you’ll ever encounter. It’s a tune with universal appeal crossing numerous genres. It has been recorded by the likes of Mark O’Connor, Bryan Bowers, Bertram Levy and Kirk Sutphin, Bob Black, Bruce Molsky, David Grier, the Quebe Sisters Band, Earl Mitton, Ciaran Tourish, and Adam Granger to name just a few. I’ve personally heard it played in Irish, contra, old time, bluegrass, and Canadian sessions, and I’m told it’s even played in Morris sessions (who knew?). It’s a beautiful tune and a great one to pull out at your next tune session.
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Bob Douglas dougfuls@usgo.net
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June 2017
www.dulonospizza.com 607 W Lake St Minneapolis MN 612.827.1726
June
Friday 9 - The Fishheads Saturday 10 - Mississippi Hot Club Friday 16 - Detroit Don King Saturday 17 - Tony Rook Band Friday 23 - Urban Hillbilly Quartet Saturday 24 - Broken Heartland String Band Friday 30 - Ari & Chris Silver Saturday July 1 - The Deluxe Balladeers
July
Friday 7 - Parisota Hot Club Saturday 8 - Dreamcatcher Bluegrass Band Friday 14 - Ian Kimmel & The Heard Saturday 15 - Captain Gravitone & The String Theory Orchestra Friday 21 - The Swamp Kings Saturday 22 - Mash Tun Friday 28 - Becky Schlegel Saturday 29 - St. Paul Mudsteppers
Authentic Pizza - Craft Beer - Live Music
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
June 2017
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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
TIME VALUE DATA
Ranch House Live, Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff- 2016 Photo by Tom Peschges