September 2014
In this issue: Laughing Waters p. 7 Caponi Art Park and Bluegrass p. 9 | Festival for the first time—again p. 14 | Bill Hinkley scholarship p. 15 | Phil Nusbaum p. 19 | Coming Up p. 21 | Y’All Come p. 26
MBOTMA Hot Line
September 2014 Vol. 40 No. 9 Newsstand: $2.50 Subscription: $30
(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: Gary Cobus, 763-428-2394, garycobi@charter.net Vice President: Jana Metge, 952-996-6490, singdancesavetheworld@gmail.com Treasurer: Peter Albrecht Secretary: Mary DuShane Board Members: Term expires 2014: Alan Jesperson, Philip Nusbaum, David Smith Term expires 2015: Marilyn Bergum, Gary Germond, Greg Landkamer, Sandi Pidel Youth Representatives: Sarah Cagley, Catie Jo Pidel For meeting minutes and other Board business, go to: minnesotabluegrass.org/as_Board
MBOTMA Staff
Executive Director: Jed Malischke, 715-635-2479 Administrative Assistant: Bea Flaming, 612-285-9133
Minnesota Bluegrass
Editor: JoAnne Makela, editor@minnesotabluegrass.org Contributors: Mary DuShane, Ann Iijima, Nancy Thorman Dahl, Alan Jesperson, Jed Malischke, David Morris, Phil Nusbaum, Mike Sawyer, Ellen Stanley Coming Up: Loretta Simonet, Rick Swanson Y’All Come: Bill Lindroos Wordmark: Katryn Conlin Photography: Martin Chvatal, Tom Fletcher Cover photo: Martin Chvatal 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. ©2014 Minnesota Bluegrass. All rights reserved. ISBN 0891-0537.
Thank you, MBOTMA members Patrons: Tony & Barbie Andreason Lenny & Colleen Baltus Art & Teresa Blackburn Ron & Kathy Blade Kenneth Bloch Doug Chasar Paul Christianson Laura Cooper Bob & Marilyn Dodd William Fancher Jerry Frank Daniel & Maggie Freese Darrell & Marilyn Fuhr Jon & Sharon Garon Gary & Jae Germond Michael & Paula Hildebrandt
Howie & Maggie Jorgenson Linda Kjerland Maxine Larson Richard Luckeroth Rolf & Lisa Lund Rodger McBride & Mabel Houle David Rogers Tom & Cathy Schaefer Thomas & Barbara Schommer Penelope Scialla Carri Scott & Bryan Trappe Jane & Dobson West Jim Whitney John Wilcox
Sustaining: Rod & Barb Anderson Mary Arntson Lee Bjorndal Ann Crawford Brooks & Barry Brooks Bill & Ann Bushnell Dan & Marilyn Cook Brian Cornell Bob & Vicki Dalager Hal Davis Mary DuShane Garry & Linda Elfstrand Jim Franczyk Art Geffen Warren Gumeson Timothy & Ginger Haaland James Helig Dick & Sue Hopperstad
Ann Iijima & Myles Bakke Alan & Geriann Kagan Jim Lally Lloyd & Beverly LaPlant Jim Miller Ben Monk James Natwick Dominic Orrico / Rhapsody Design Bob Ostlund Leo & Ann Rosenstein Marty & Carol Schirber Wendy Schoen Tom & Margaret Schuveiller Howell Smith Roger Sweet David & Bonnie Warner Mark & Danelle Wolf
Membership as of December 1, 2013: 962 Funding 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.
From the editor
September 2014
having seen them a few times at MBOTMA Harvest Jam and Winter Bluegrass Weekend. IIIrd Tyme Out, the Platte Valley Boys, and the very late-night Drunken Catfish Ramblers did not disappoint. There was so much on the docket that I missed many things I wanted to attend, mostly because I wanted to get back to my campsite, where, I must admit, some of the finest music that could be heard at the festival was being played. Right there. Outside my tent. Amazing. All this is to say, I had a fine time. Even with striking camp in the rain on Sunday. And I will be back. Looks like I have a few more campfires to explore, and a lot more music to listen to. Thanks to everyone who treated me so well. You know who you are. A big THANK YOU goes to Bill Lindroos for tackling the jams listings. Y’All Come (p. 26) is now back and will keep you all updated on the latest jams. If you have one to add, or one to correct, please let us know at editor@minnesotabluegrass.org.
Pioneer Public Television taped all of the main stage performances at the 35th Annual Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Festival for broadcasting this winter. You can see their “Postcards” episode featuring the 2013 festival at http://bit. ly/mnbluegrass. Visit pioneer.org to keep posted about the broadcast schedule for this event. Photo: Martin Chvatal 3
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
I don’t remember any gourmet potlucks, and the campfire sing-alongs of my youthful camping experiences with my family in our pop-up back in the ’60s and ’70s never approached the caliber of those I witnessed at my first El Rancho Mañana camping experience at the 35th Annual MBOTMA August Festival. I do, however, recall the damp and the smell of outdoor bathroom facilities (I believe that, way back then, they were mostly holes in the ground with a wooden shack built around them, and the inevitable wasp’s nest in the corner). In any case, the hardships of camping were completely forgotten in the light of the warm fires, great music, and fine food of my neighbors up on Old Washingmachine. I made a decision early on that, if I was to truly get to know what August Fest was like from a variety of perspectives, it would be a multi-year commitment and I would take it piece by piece, campsite by campsite, stage by stage. So, I ventured into the eclectic field feet first. I met friends right off, who steered me in the wise direction of a small piece of available grass between two experienced campers, one of whom happened to be a retired chef (no mistake in that choice). The other was a wise woman who told me, upon my early morning puzzlement of how to wash my face, “take a washcloth. get it wet.” I assured all I met around the heavy feasting table, that though I was there as a first-timer, alien, journalist, what happend in Old Wash, would stay there. No names would be mentioned without permission. I just wanted to settle in for the conversation and jamming and they should pay me no mind. This was how, in the middle of Friday night (I have no idea what time), after an evening at the main stage listening to Ana and the Bel-Tones, the Hogwire Stringband, the Boxcars, and Monroe Crossing, I was delighted to learn most of the words to “In the Pines” (from several different campfires), meet the members of a dozen bands, and sing along to a bass-only accompanied version of “Pyscho Killer.” I did say this group was eclectic, but this was from some pretty well-known members of an iconic bluegrass band who could dish out everything from reggae to Violent Femmes. An education, indeed. Saturday, I witnessed the up and comers in the Showcase tent. We have some superstars in our youthful ranks. Not to mention our own Gary Hultman, now touring with the Boxcars (I know, I said no names, but you already know that one). I must admit a true fancy for the Volo Bogtrotters,
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Passings Remembering Lyle Lofgren Lyle Lofgren’s friends and many cohorts in old time music will tell you of his great intelligence and curiosity, wide-ranging research interests, and prolific output as a writer. Yet Lyle, born in 1936 to Swedish-American dairy farmers near Harris, Minnesota, liked to say things like (about learning to play the guitar), “A youth spent hand-milking Holsteins gives me the strength to squeeze the chords.” In 1961 Lyle and his musical buddies—Willard Johnson, Bud Claeson, Marcia and Jon Pankake, and a gal named Liz—dubbed their group Uncle Willie and the Brandy Snifters, continuing all these years to revive rare songs learned from 78-rpm records and directly from some of the finest players of the last century. In 1962 Lyle and Liz married and have since shown up cheerfully to support nearly every old-time event anywhere, including my first hesitant local performance in 1965. For years Lyle wrote bimonthly for Inside Bluegrass on “Remembering the Old Songs,” with tune transcriptions and funny stories. He enjoyed translating Swedish to English, learning the Ojibwe language, and, as Marcia Pankake revealed, taking the Brandy Snifters to seek bluebirds in the Minnesota River Valley on their first of many bird-watching trips, plus cross-country skiing together and attending Minnesota Orchestra concerts. His final illness came on fast, and Liz says he couldn’t have had a better death, with family and friends all around him, singing and telling stories. Liz and Lyle’s home page (www. lizlyle.lofgrens.org) features Liz’s fine photos and many entertaining articles 4
from Lyle, with quips such as (on the Meaning of Life), “As animals, it’s our duty to breathe out carbon dioxide and provide plants with essential nutrients.” And, “No matter how bad or good I feel, playing in the band makes me feel better.” Thank you, Lyle! There will be a concert memorializing Lyle Lofgren. It will likely take place on a Sunday afternoon in September at the Celtic Junction in St. Paul. Check their website for details: thecelticjunction.com. —Mary DuShane Marking the passing of Steve Boller I did not know Steve Boller incredibly well, besides playing music with the man dozens of times and through the meandering chitchat that goes on between tunes. I know he was a retired airline pilot. Still, his death had an impact on me, and I think we can learn some lessons from Steve as a community. Maybe our old-time community could make some changes in his honor. The first old-time jam I ever went to, I noticed a tight circle of aged men and a few younger stragglers on the outside. It was a fairly intimidating atmosphere, and I sat to the outside and mostly watched. At some point Steve came over and talked to me and his joy was apparent by his booming voice and big laugh. The next time I showed up he invited me into the circle. He got some sideways looks from his peers and I declined. Gently I made my way closer to the circle each week and it was always Steve encouraging me. It didn’t stop there. It got to the point that if I didn’t have my banjo, he would switch to fiddle and literally put his banjo in my hands. Steve’s fiddling
was maybe a little rough around the edges, but infused with this big infectious joy that made me enjoy playing with him. I remember one night at Bluff Country Gathering a few years ago. In general, the old-timers fall asleep first, younger folks follow suit a couple hours before the sun comes up, and I stay up until the sun rises. There was one such night when I thought everyone had gone to bed. The sun was due to rise soon. Out of nowhere comes Steve Boller begging me to play tunes with him. I remember the tunes being just wild and off the rails, but so much fun. He turned in just as the sun was rising. Today I remembered that, deep in the cauldron of pictures on Facebook, there was a picture of me and Steve, about to play a tune. We both look so happy to be out in the sun, playing tunes, seemingly free of cares. Of course, I am playing his banjo, which I am sure he put in my hands. When my band played the main stage this week at the MBOTMA festival I played his banjo. Our lesson, should we choose it: Reach across the ages, reach across our petty differences and divisions in our scene, and share the joy of music. Let others into the circle and be gracious with sharing our talents. Play with abandon, like it is our first and last tune combined. Steve Boller turned in just as the sun was rising. —Mike Sawyer
September 2014
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.
Presented by MBOTMA
Supported by MBOTMA
9th Annual Harvest Jam Acoustic Music Experience, November 21–23, Marriott Minneapolis West Hotel, 9960 Wayzata Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN. Call 800-635-3037 or visit minnesotabluegrass.org. This 9th annual event will feature stage shows Friday night, all day Saturday, and Sunday morning featuring The Darrell Webb Band, Sawtooth Bluegrass, Ivory Bridge, Hey Lonesome, Bob Bovee & Pop Wagner, and The Fish Heads. Plus the Race For A Place Band Contest on Saturday from 10 a.m.to 5 p.m., the Saturday Banquet Dinner (get the best seats for the evening concert), Kip’s Live Open Mic in Kip’s Irish Pub throughout the weekend, workshops, musical exhibitors, a Sunday morning gospel show, and lots of jam sessions. For more information: 800-635-3037 or www.MinnesotaBluegrass. org. To book lodging contact the Marriott at 952-544-4400 and ask for the special Minnesota Bluegrass rate. Presented by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA).
WBSM’s Monthly Bluegrass Jam, Sundays, 2–4 p.m., West Bank School of Music, 1813 S 6th St., Minneapolis, MN. Bluegrass musician Bill Cagley heads an open bluegrass jam the third Sunday of every month. Admission $5. Call 612-333-6651 or visit wbsm.org. Produced by West Bank School of Music. Caponi Art Park Bluegrass Festival, Sunday, September 14, noon to 6 p.m., Theater In The Woods, Caponi Art Park, 1220 Diffley Rd., Eagan. Featuring The Okee Dokee Brothers, Monroe Crossing, Roe Family Singers, and The Blackburn Trio, this community celebration and fundraiser for Caponi Art Park starts with an open jam session and welcomes folks of all ages and families to this unique outdoor venue. $20 per person, kids 12 and under free. For more information call 952-454-9412 or www.caponiartpark. org. Produced by Caponi Art Park & Learning Center.
PHOTO CONTEST!
September 2014
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Who wouldn’t want to win two free four-day tickets to the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival? If you took some great photos at the 2014 festival, then this is your chance to enter your best shot in our photo contest and win tickets to the 2015 festival. Anyone can enter: just submit your photo JPG to photos@ minnesotabluegrass.org by November 1, 2014. Photos can be of any aspect of the 2014 Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival, from acts on the main stage to random pictures of jams at campsites. Only one photo will be accepted per person. Photos need to be high resolution JPGs (it needs to look great in print), and all submissions will become property of MBOTMA. The MBOTMA Festival Staff will review all entries and nominate the best to be contest finalists. These finalists will be displayed at the Harvest Jam during the Saturday banquet reception and dinner participants will vote on a winner. Start planning now, look through your festival photos and enter your best!
Backstage between acts at the August Festival. Photo: Martin Chvatal 5
Review
Dancin’ Annie: Bill Emerson & Sweet Dixie
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
By David Morris
A couple of things come quickly to mind while listening to Dancin’ Annie, the new Rural Rhythm release from Bill Emerson & Sweet Dixie. The first is that the passage of time hasn’t slowed one of bluegrass music’s steadiest banjo pickers. He still covers the fingerboard with as much aplomb and virtuosity as he did on a series of recordings with the Country Gentlemen oh so many decades ago. That much is clear not only on “State Line Ride,” a tune he wrote, but also throughout this fine speciman of a project. The second is that Chris Stifel should write more and Sweet Dixie should find room for more of his songs on their records. Once again, Stifel’s pen and mind have produced a winner, and once again, it’s the title cut. The cover song “Dancin’ Annie” is built on a common theme—country boy falls for someone who loves the bright lights of the city more than she loves him and his humble cabin on the hill. But in Stifel’s telling, the story is fresh and compelling, in the same way that “Streets of Baltimore,” popularized by Gram Parsons and recently recorded by Del McCoury, never gets old. The lyrics are straightforward, the arrangement is traditional, with strong pickers trading breaks, and the whole is a radio-friendly package that is already charting. In fact, nearly every song on the disc fits that definition. In addition to solid writing and easy-on-the-ears vocals, Stifel also contributes a solid guitar rhythm that blends well with Emerson’s five string and the steady beat of Wayne Lanham on mandolin and Teri Chism 6
on upright bass. But on many of the tracks, the instrumentation gets taken to an even higher plain by the fiddling of Pat White, Wally Hughes, and Rickie Simpkins. Lanham and Chism also contribute strong vocals, both on lead and with harmonies that sound like they come from people who have been singing together a long time. No surprise, there, since they’re married! In addition to the title track and Emerson’s tune, other standout cuts include Lanham’s instrumental, “Whistle Stop”; the Stifle-sung “Days When You Were Mine,” one of two songs from Pete Goble and LeRoy Drumm; “He Knows My Name,” a Rob Mills-penned song lead by Lanham. [Chism sings,] “The Only Wind That Blows,” by the late Liz Meyer. Any song that keeps Meyer’s memory alive is a treasure, at least to these ears. [. . .] If IBMA gave out a profile in courage award, Chism would be a sure nominee this year for her cover of “Walkin’ After Midnight.” It takes guts for anyone to put this Patsy Cline classic on record, but for Chism there’s even more pressure than usual. Like the legendary Country Music Hall of Famer, Chism is from Winchester, Virginia, where they take their legends seriously. Chism nails it, not only on the recording but in live performances
as well. And, let there be no doubt, Bill Emerson can make his banjo swing! Bluegrass fans everywhere are fortunate that Emerson is still at it and still at the top of his game. For those of us who live in the shadow of the nation’s Capitol, there’s the added benefit of seeing him perform regularly. He is, truly, a Washington monument. [First published April 14, 2014. Reprinted with permission from Bluegrass Today: bluegrasstoday.com/ dancin-annie-bill-emerson-sweet-dixie/ See Bill Emerson & Sweet Dixie at Laughing Waters Bluegrass Festival on Labor Day, September 1, Minnehaha Park, Minneapolis.
September 2014
16th Annual Laughing Waters Bluegrass Festival on Labor Day By Alan Jesperson
The Laughing Waters Bluegrass Festival has a life of its own. Sixteen years ago an idea to do a bluegrass festival at the new stage that the Minneapolis Park Board had just completed at Minnehaha Park in South Minneapolis came to fruition. It started with four or five local bands. The bands were paid with funds raised from local merchants and there was no admission. We had a few food vendors and it was a great success. It has continued to grow and now we have a national act each year and a good sampling of fine local bands. This year the festival is once again on Labor Day, September 1, 2014 at Minnehaha Park. Bands start playing at 1 p.m.
Our headliner is bluegrass banjo legend Bill Emerson (see CD review p. 6). Bill was the original banjo man with the Country Gentlemen in the late ’50s. He also played with Jimmy Martin and Cliff Waldron, and made the rock tune “Fox on the Run” a bluegrass standard. His banjo style is traditional in concept and genius in quality. We are welcoming back to the Twin Cities bluegrass scene John Niemann as guitarist in a new band, King Wilkie’s Dream, along with Robbi Podrug on fiddle, Shane Zack on mandolin, Mike Hedding on banjo, and Vaughn Asselstine on bass. The performance schedule is rounded out with Pride of the Prairie taking an old-timey approach to our music, with Bill Cagley on guitar and
SCHEDULE 1:00 The Pride Of The Prairie 1:50 The Middle Spunk Creek Boys 2:40 Sawtooth Bluegrass 3:30 The Platte Valley Boys 4:20 King Wilkie’s Dream 5:10 Bill Emerson and Sweet Dixie
-Kakos -Kennedy -Kopp -Kronbauer -Morris -Santa Cruz -Walden -Walker
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
New location! 4151 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis (612) 767-2800 podiumguitars@gmail.com
-Bourgeois -Breedlove -Carmel -Fairbanks -Goodall -Hoffman -Huss&Dalton -Hill
his charming daughter Sarah playing mandolin and clogging. Rounding out the lineup are: the Platte Valley Boys with their powerful traditional bluegrass; the Middle Spunk Creek Boys bringing humor and a modern touch to it all; and the superstar young fellers Sawtooth. The food selection is spectacular, with something for everyone. Bring a lawn chair in case the benches are full.
Premium Guitars, Amplifiers, and Repair September 2014
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A little bit of country in the city makes Caponi Art Park and bluegrass a fine fit by Nancy Thorman Dahl
September 2014
nature make this venue a perfect fit,” remarked Justin Lansing of The Okee Dokee Brothers. Quillan Roe of the Roe Family Singers was enthusiastic about playing in the park again: “The Roe Family Singers played at Caponi Art park for the first time just last summer, as part of the Family Fun Tuesday program. We had so much fun! There were tons of families there, and they were a lot of fun to perform for. We had a lot of kids singing along with our songs and dancing, which is always a plus. “We also loved the environment. The green copse of trees we played in formed a natural amphitheater of sorts, and was absolutely beautiful. It felt like just the right place to play our old-timey music in, for certain. There also were a fair amount of baby tree frogs hopping around in the grass, and our daughters had fun following them around and trying to catch them. “Having a green space like Caponi is a really special thing. One of the things that really impressed us was that we had taken large, four-lane roads all the way to get to the Park,
but once we turned off of the road into the park, we couldn’t tell at all that we were still in the city. It is such a beautiful, lush space, right there in the city! And discovering the art and sculpture throughout the space is like a treasure hunt, at least in our experience seeing the park without a map or guide. “We look forward to returning to Caponi, and hope that tons of people that haven’t seen the Park before come and join us to experience this unique space for the first time.” Tickets can be purchased at caponiartpark.org and are $20 for adults. Children 12 years old and under are free. As a fundraiser, the bluegrass festival will be the first time Caponi Art Park has charged a ticket fee. The financial support from the community and sponsors will help Caponi Art Park continue to operate as an independent nonprofit, present quality programming, and maintain the natural landscape. For more information on the festival and the Caponi Art Park, visit caponiartpark.org.
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Located on 60-acres of rolling wooded hills in Eagan, Minnesota, Caponi Art Park and Learning Center is a distinctive community space offering cultural and educational experiences in a natural setting that seamlessly blends art and nature. The Art Park will host its first-ever bluegrass festival featuring The Okee Dokee Brothers, Monroe Crossing, Lost Jim Trio, and the Roe Family Singers on September 14. Founded by sculptor and retired professor Anthony Caponi, the Art Park developed as an extension of Caponi’s teachings, which emphasized the role art and creative expression play in the well-being of the individual and community. Caponi Art Park features 30 sculptures by Caponi placed along miles of trails, and one of the largest amphitheaters in the region. Offering a unique venue for a bluegrass festival, Theater in the Woods is nestled in the park’s hilly landscape and offers a North Woods setting with near perfect acoustics. The creation of this community celebration and fundraiser for Caponi Art Park was inspired by the incredible responses received from the community when hosting bluegrass bands in the past. Artists who’ve performed at the Art Park, including The Okee Dokee Brothers, find the outdoor setting brings a different element to their performance. “We played at Caponi Art Park a couple years ago, and it’s not the type of venue you easily forget. It’s surrounded by trees, architecture, nature, and art. As musicians, it’s our mission to inspire folks to spend time outside, so that mixture of art and
Monroe Crossing performs in the natural bowl of the amphitheater. Photo: Tom Fletcher 9
Attention All Bands If you want to sell your music, you need a good band. If you want to sell your band, you need good smiles!
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
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It pays to advertise in Minnesota Bluegrass. Let us help you reach your audience. Contact editor@ minnesotabluegrass.org for advertising guidelines. 10
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Druhá Tráva’s Czech bluegrass returns to Minnesota International bluegrass band Druhá Tráva is returning to the U.S. from their home in Czech Republic, midSeptember through early November 2014. They will begin their tour with a concert presented by the Czech & Slovak Cultural Center of Minnesota on Friday, September 19, at Armatage Elementary Auditorium, 56th and Penn Ave S., Minneapolis at 7:30 p.m. MBOTMA’s own Catie Jo Pidel will sit in with the band for a couple of tunes at the September 19th concert. Catie Jo played her lightning-fast fiddle with them previously at The Cedar and at MBOTMA’s Harvest Jam. On September 20 they will be at Crossings at Carnegie in Zumbrota, and will perform at a house concert in Duluth on September 21. Check out the Druhá Tráva website for details on these and other Midwest concerts during their tour: www.druhatrava.com.
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Nominations open for MBOTMA board The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA) will hold its annual election for its Board of Directors during the month of November. We will be electing a president, vice-president, and three directors-at-large positions for two-year terms. Are you interested in serving your community as a director? Do you know someone who would be a good candidate? Nominations for candidates will be accepted by Election Nomination Chair Martha Galep at 715-233-0181 or election@minnesotabluegrass.org until October 1, 2014. 12
Questions about the election or the duties of directors should be should be directed to MBOTMA Executive Director Jed Malischke at 715-635-2479 or jed@minnesotabluegrass.org. Election ballots will be printed in the November issue of Minnesota Bluegrass. To vote, members must either mail a completed ballot to election judge Ken Bloch by November 20, or hand cast their vote using their printed ballot at the Harvest Jam on November 22 before 3 p.m. Results will be tallied at the Harvest Jam and announced during the Saturday Banquet dinner. September 2014
4th Caravan du Nord Returns to Greater MN in Fall 2014 By Ellen Stanley
September 2014
Study (pop/rock), and Grammy Award-winning band The Okee Dokee Brothers (bluegrass). Each stop on the Caravan du Nord will be hosted by a different DJ who will participate in workshops, host the networking events, and emcee the concert. The Current, from Minnesota Public Radio, broadcasts all over the state and brings listeners the best authentic new music alongside the music that inspired it, from local to legendary, indie to influential, new to nostalgic. Named “Best FM Station” in City Pages, The Current and its hosts have also been honored by the Minnesota Daily, Women’s Press Awards, and Vita.MN. The Caravan du Nord is also sponsored by Essential Sessions Studio, who will be filming and recording the events so that online audiences can benefit from these unique programs, celebrating and supporting Minnesota musicians. The MMC is the only statewide nonprofit serving Minnesota’s popular musicians. Through the Caravan du Nord and MN Music Summit festival as well as ongoing programs like musician mentoring, monthly workshops and industry networking events, they provide artists with the skills and resources to have sustaining careers in music. For more information about the MMC and Caravan du Nord, please visit www.mnmusiccoalition.org or call 651-347-1662.
2014 CARAVAN DU NORD DATES • Friday, September 26: Paramount Theatre, Austin with John Mark Nelson • Sunday, October 5: Historic Holmes Theatre, Detroit Lakes family day with The Okee Dokee Brothers • Friday, October 17: T.B. Sheldon Theatre, Red Wing with Communist Daughter • Friday, October 24: Newhall Auditorium, Faribault with Romantica • Thursday, November 6: Mitchell Auditorium, Duluth with Sleep Study
Media Web Source (http://www. mediawebsource.com) is dedicated to providing relevant music and entertainment industry job listings, promotion techniques, performing arts college lists, and a variety of music resources. Musicians can research our site to help guide them through that next step in their career path.
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Presented by the Minnesota Music Coalition (MMC) and sponsored by 89.3 The Current, the Caravan du Nord is a traveling showcase of Minnesota music. It brings 15 bands and solo artists to five historic theaters in Greater Minnesota for performances, workshops, and community engagement. Fitting with the MMC’s mission to connect and support Minnesota’s independent musicians, the Caravan du Nord brings together established regional artists to headline each show, emerging talents just starting to tour, and artists local to the communities on the tour; this year, Austin, Detroit Lakes, Red Wing, Faribault, and Duluth. These acts perform as part of a unique multi-genre concert, exposing new and local talent to audiences hungry for more live music. In addition to playing the show, the performers also participate in afternoon workshops, joining top industry professionals to teach business and creative skills to local musicians. In between the afternoon workshops and evening concerts, there will be a social hour giving local artists and community members an opportunity to network with the workshop leaders and panelists. Artists headlining this year's Caravan du Nord tour include Romantica (Americana), Communist Daughter (indie-rock), John Mark Nelson (singer-songwriter), Sleep
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35th Annual Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival: Seeing it for the first time −again!
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
By Ann Iijima
It took introducing new festivalgoers to campgrounds—as well as the hundreds of the festival’s programming, having the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time of details being handled by Jed, Bea, assumed that the festival was only Music Festival to help me really see and MBOTMA’s army of volunteers. about the Main Stage concert. They and understand MBOTMA’s largest It doesn’t take a fourth nomination were amazed that MBOTMA was able festival. from the IBMA for Bluegrass Event to put together such an extraordinary, Maybe you saw the yellow and blue of the Year (although this did just well-organized event with such a small balloons at the Gathering Place on happen) to let us know we’ve created staff. Saturday. Fifteen members of Carleton something very special, indeed! As we came down the hill from the College’s extended family (alumni, If you would like to organize a simRanch House toward the Gathering family, and friends) gathered— ilar meet-up and tour for your group Place, we saw a vista of festival tents 10 festival newbies and four other fesnext year, contact MBOTMA’s office at and of fields full of trailers, tents, and tival veterans, Pete Mathison, George 800-635-3037 or info@minnesotablueRVs. It suddenly all came together Roberts, John Wallace, and David grass.org, and we will offer some tips for me and actually took my breath Hougen-Eitzman. and resources to help you plan. away: I was able to sense the big picWe set up our chairs at the Main ture —thousands of people enjoying Stage, grabbed a quick lunch, and set the music and programs occurring out exploring the festival, catching the simultaneously on five stages, in the Clogging Showcase & Workshop at the workshop tents, and throughout the Showcase Tent, returning to the Main Stage for Monroe Crossing, crossing over to The Underground for the Cajun Dance Workshop, then back to the Showcase Tent for the Midwest Fiddle Masters Showcase. Although this may sound fairly organized, in reality, it was somewhat chaotic, as, in true festival (and Carleton) fashion, the ducks kept scattering—the scents from the food vendors, sounds from the various stages, or opportunities to jam proving irresistible. (Thanks to the other veterans for helping with the herding.) Most of the newbies, though, got at least a taste of the variety of activities and a sense of the festival’s layout. John Wallace (Carleton College ‘69), David Hougen-Eitzman (Carleton College Sr. Lecturer, Biology), Michael Valentiner (friend), and Pete Mathison (Carleton College ‘80) Our newcomers were surPhoto: Martin Chvatal prised at the depth and breadth 14
September 2014
West Bank School of Music Hinkley Fiddle Scholarship Program
September 2014
to preserve and extend his marvelous legacy by encouraging another generation of musicians to study and perform the music that he loved. This scholarship is offered to a student between the ages of 12 and 25, with at least an intermediate level of ability, who Bill Hinkley with Garrison Keillor at the West Bank shows promise on the violin School of Music Founders Day Celebration, 2008 and/or fiddle. The candidate must already have shown an the application process can be found interest in American roots music. The online at www.wbsm.org, 612-333scholarship is open to all WBSM and 6651, or info@wbsm.org. Submissions non-WBSM students who meet the will be accepted until November 1, requirements. All non-WBSM students 2014 at 1 p.m. will need to provide references from One of the goals of this scholarship at least two qualified music educators fund is to preserve and disseminate (one can come from a well-known repertoire from the Hinkley tranperforming artist). If there are multiscriptions by requiring the scholarship ple students being considered for this recipient to include in their studies scholarship, the financial need of the pieces from Bill’s collection. The applicants may also play a role in the teacher will work with the student final selection process. to establish reasonable goals in this The scope of the scholarship is to regard and submit plans to WBSM offer the recipient a full year’s schedfor approval. The student will also be ule of 45-minute private lessons with required to participate at least once a WBSM violin teacher Jim Plattes, up year in WBSM’s spring or fall student to 48 lessons in a 12 month period. showcase during which they will perDepending on the availability of form three tunes from the Hinkley funds and the instrument the Hinkley repertoire and at least two pieces of Scholar plays, it might also be possible American roots music. The student to arrange an occasional “master class” will be encouraged to participate in with a renowned artist-educator as a both student showcases if the timing special supplement to the recipient’s fits their course of study. instruction at WBSM. WBSM offers classes, private lesInterested students may submit sons, ensemble instruction, and outapplications by filling out the Bill reach opportunities, and is located at Hinkley Scholarship Application Form 1813 South 6th Street in Minneapolis. and providing the necessary letters For more information, call 612-333of reference. More information about 6651 or visit www.wbsm.org. 15
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
In honor of MBOTMA member and longtime West Bank faculty member, Bill Hinkley, along with a generous donation from one of Bill’s devoted students, West Bank School of Music (WBSM) has established a scholarship program for a promising violin student who is interested in American Roots music. The selected student will receive tuition for one year of private violin instruction at WBSM. The deadline for submitting a scholarship application is November 1, 2014. Though Bill passed away in May of 2010, his legacy of education and performance is something music lovers continue to enjoy through the hundreds of students and musical collaborators he inspired, as well as the concert memories and the recordings he left behind. During the latter years of his life, Bill committed part of his legacy to paper by transcribing music in a series of bound notebooks that have been donated to WBSM. These notebooks contain a treasure trove of pieces that reflect the amazing diversity of music Bill played and shared with his students and audience. The wide array of musical genres represented in this archival collection is breathtaking: jazz, country blues, cowboy tunes, local and original compositions, pop music of various vintages, numerous Celtic fiddle tunes, Brazilian, Latvian, and Latin numbers, Nordic polkas, even a tune from Rachmaninov about Paganini, and a Paganini piece for good measure. Established by one of Bill’s devoted students, the purpose of the Bill Hinkley Scholarship fund is
Minnesota Bluegrass Deadline for November 2014 Articles, Ads, Coming Up, and News Clips
Due October 1, 2014
Send to: editor@minnesotabluegrass.org
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MinnesotaBluegrass.org
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CHARLES A. HOFFMAN, INC. 2219 East Franklin Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55404 612–338–1079 September 2014
MN Music Coalition launches artist member program
September 2014
to give artists the skills, resources, and opportunities to have sustaining careers in music. Current programs include: • Caravan du Nord (statewide musical tour of Greater MN, presented in partnership with 89.3 The Current) • MN Music Summit (3-day music industry festival in downtown St. Paul) • Workshop Wednesdays (monthly workshops covering a variety of business and creative topics) • Musician mentoring • Networking events (connecting musicians with promoters, booking agents, media and other industry professionals) The newly added membership program is the MMC’s latest effort to deepen its relationship with Minnesota artists and further engage with those who are interested in successful, longterm music careers. Discounted memberships are available to students and members of other local musician organizations like the Minnesota Association of Songwriters and the Minnesota Bluegrass & OldTime Music Association. All membership fees help fund the MMC’s statewide artist programs. For more information and a full list of member benefits, please visit www. mnmusiccoalition.org/membership. To learn more about the MMC and its various artist programs, please contact the MMC’s Executive Director Ellen Stanley at 1-651-347-1662.
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
The Minnesota Music Coalition (MMC) has created a new membership program for Minnesota artists and bands, offering special discounts and benefits that will help musicians across the state achieve the next level of success in their music including: • Free one-on-one mentoring session with a musician or industry professional • Invitations to private networking events • Performance opportunities at industry showcases • Regular email updates about grant opportunities for artists • Discounts at music businesses like Willie’s American Guitars, Noiseland Industries, and Twin Town For just $35, musicians can join the MMC’s vast statewide network of top musical and industry talent, which includes John Munson (The New Standards), Haley Bonar, Pert Near Sandstone, Brian “BT” Turner (96.3 KTWIN), Adam Levy (The Honeydogs) and more. “The MMC provides important connections and workshops for emerging musicians and helps established artists to expand their touring beyond the Twin Cities,” says MMC member Adam Levy. “They provide important economic and cultural stimulation in Minnesota by connecting fans with artists, providing important information for developing artists as well as paying artists to perform at their events.” The only nonprofit devoted solely to supporting musicians of all genres across the state, the MMC presents a variety of programs and services
17
Review
Scott Hopkins: solo in fine company
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
By Phil Nusbaum
When Scott Hopkins was a kid growing up in upstate New York, his father bought his wife a five-string banjo. But she rarely played it, preferring to sing to Scott and his brothers to the accompaniment of her guitar. As a teenager, Scott became interested in music. He played the tuba with one high school band and electric bass in another. But his life changed after he heard Flatt and Scruggs and realized that the great sound he most enjoyed was coming from a banjo. Then he remembered there was one stashed in a closet in the house. That began Scott’s banjo odyssey. He started banjo lessons and later started playing in bluegrass bands while majoring in music education and becoming a music teacher. Today, in addition to his work with young musicians in schools, Scott leads a bluegrass group known as Fairview Avenue, and plays the banjo in other bands. On Scott’s self-titled CD (2013), you can hear traces of the player who inspired Scott to play the banjo, Earl Scruggs. Though Scott uses some triplet ideas a la Bela Fleck, the total effect of Scott’s playing is that of an evolved form of banjo rooted in traditional bluegrass.
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The CD is full of surprises. There is nothing standard about the chord progressions in the songs and tunes, all of which are Scott Hopkins compositions except “Home Sweet Home.” Scott has the knack of composing adjoining melodic phrases that seem at first hearing, disjunctive. But a short time after a disjunctive portion there is always a quick resolution, so that the ear is both surprised and satisfied. “Sanchez Trace” provides a good example of that, as does the first CD track, “Jumper Cables.” The latter piece provides a technical workout with a lot of chromatic banjo playing. In the song “Long Red Boots,” the singer is impressed with a particular woman he would like to get to know, but not take home to meet his mother. At just the right time, the band quiets down to comedic effect. On another piece, “Before I Knew,” the tempo shift really catches the ear. The CD provides a good-sized helping of aggressive banjo playing, but it’s not all that way. “Home Sweet Home,” used by many banjoists as a showcase number, in this case pays tribute to Earl Scruggs. Scott’s take is obviously and unabashedly inspired by Earl. It’s a special treat towards the end of the tune, to hear the band soften the accompaniment behind the melody
played in harmonics, before coming in again for a rousing finish. Two of the pieces, “Night Night, Alison” and “Before I Knew,” display tender moods. Scott sings lead on one song, and there are three vocal numbers in all. The set of clogs and the hornpipe Scott composed display connections to the French/Irish/Yankee roots of New York State music. Several well-known figures played significant roles on the CD. Stephen Mougin serves as lead vocalist in “Nothing Left to Lose,” which comes across as a contemporary bluegrass song. Jesse Cobb serves as the mandolinist on many selections. Minnesota girl and Nashville songwriter Becky Buller, Infamous Stringdusters member Andy Hall, Mike Compton, and Randy Kohrs all play roles, along with players from Hopkins’ New York roots. Scott Hopkins’ CD must have been a big undertaking. It involved studios in New York and Tennessee and several groups of players. It could not have been easy to choreograph the work of everyone concerned. But, at the end of the day, you can tell that everyone who contributed was focused on creating a good project with well thought out variety. The CD showcases the banjo playing and composition of a unique current voice, Scott Hopkins.
September 2014
Bluegrass Saturday Morning By Phil Nusbaum
Another Great August Festival Everybody talks about the weather. In our state, the talk usually is that the weather is too-something. But at the time of the 2014 August Festival, the weather wasn’t “too” anything. It was nice. That’s nice, as in really nice. Are you going to say that the weather is too nice? No. So, there was nothing to catch your attention but the fine slate of bands performing for us. And how great it was! I heard a memorable set by Hogwire, an old time string band, great in every way. This fall, be ready for a Bluegrass Review interview with Brad Leftwich of the group. Joe Mullins, an Ohio broadcaster from a bluegrass family, led the Radio Ramblers through a traditional bluegrass set. I was able to interview Joe, and that interview will most likely be aired this October. On my way to the festival, I stopped off in Cold Spring, where Dwight Lamb and band were staying. Dwight and the band recorded a couple of sets of old-time fiddle and accordion tunes that we’ll broadcast in the near future.
Lyle Lofgren
September 2014
Bluegrass Review supporters • Hoffman Guitars, www.hoffmanguitars.com, sells handcrafted Hoffman guitars and authorized Martin repairs. • John Waddle Violins, www.waddleviolins.com, sells foreign and domestic, new and old violins, bows, and cases. • MBOTMA, www.minnesotabluegrass.org
Weekly Playlists Bluegrass Saturday Morning playlists are located at www. jazz88fm.com. Select “Music Room,” then search the lefthand column for “Bluegrass Saturday Morning.”
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 Mpls
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 19
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
We will all miss Lyle Lofgren, a great voice for old-time music, who died August 7, 2014. Lyle was one of the movers and shakers in the local old-time music community since about 1960. He was one of the original members of the Folk Song Society of Minnesota, whose members thought globally and acted locally on behalf of many kinds of folk music. They helped local libraries create recorded folk music collections, hosted concerts, and organized events that spread the word about folk music. Lyle was adept at recording musical events, and cataloging those recordings into a personal archive. In the 1960s, Lyle recorded concerts by traditional artists from the south, such as Wade Mainer, John Hurt, Elizabeth Cotton, and Mike Seeger when they visited the Twin Cities, and taped many 78 rpm records as well. He preserved much older music, and provided select recordings for use on the Bluegrass Review broadcasts he helped create. It always seemed that Lyle had just the right musical examples to illustrate the points made during the show. Lyle Lofgren was easy to work with and contributed mightily to Bluegrass Review broadcasts. In my opinion, the level of his research rose year by year, and his way of telling what it all meant became more vivid and succinct as time went on. When he retired from Honeywell, he did not
retire from old-time music. He figured out how to construct Bluegrass Review segments, and perfected his approach to presenting old-time music on radio. He also performed with Uncle Willy and the Brandy Snifters, a local band that has been playing together for decades. Lyle had been ill with a lung ailment for many years, but when recording the 2014 special summer segments on the Bluegrass Review, I thought he was coughing more than previously. A short time later, I called him on the phone wondering when would be a good time to come by and drop off some music and he told me that his illness had expanded. A few weeks later I visited him in a hospital room, where he was holding forth with jokes and stories in front of friends and family, and all of us enjoying our last encounters with Lyle. He seemed to be going out in a great way. Efforts are under way to digitize Lyle’s collection of audio tapes, so that they can be accessible into the future.
Coming Up Venue abbreviations 331C: 331 Club, 331 13th Ave NE, Mpls, 612-331-1746, www.331.mn 3Cr: Three Crows Cafe, 225 N River St, Delano, 763-972-3399, www.thethreecrows.com ACA: Acadia Cafe, 329 Cedar Ave, Mpls, 612-874-8702, www.acadiacafe.com 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 BTC: Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua, Bayfield, WI, 888-244-8368, www.bigtop.org 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, New Brighton, 651-633-5353, www. creekhouseconcerts.com DAK: Dakota Jazz Club, 1010 Mall, Mpls, 612-332-1010, www. dakotacooks.com DUL: 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, Mpls HOB: The Loft at Hobgoblin Music, 920 State Hwy 19, Red Wing, 877-866-3936, www.stoneyend.com HON: Honey, 205 E Hennepin Ave, Mpls, 612-746-0306, www. honeympls.com HOPK: Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, 952-979-1111, www.hopkinsartscenter.com KIP: Kieran’s Irish Pub, 85 6th St N, Mpls, 612-339-4499, www. kierans.com KRAM: Kramarczuk’s Deli, 215 E Hennepin Ave, Mpls, 612-379-3018, www.kramarczuks.com OAK: Oak Center General Store, 67011 Hwy 63, Lake City, 507-753-2080, www.oakcentergeneralstore.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 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
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS September 1
September 6
September 13
Laughing Waters Bluegrass Festival, with Bill Emerson and Sweet Dixie, plus many other bands. Minnehaha Park, Mpls. See page 7 for details.
Washington County Bluegrass Festival: Barley Jacks, Monroe Crossing, Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave N, Lake Elmo
Powderhorn PorchFest: Bands, porches, food trucks, ping-pong, chalk art, puppets, square dance in the street. 3316 17th Ave S, Mpls
August 27—Wednesday
• Kevin Naquin & The Ossun Playboys, Leinie Lodge Bandshell, State Fair, 10:30am, 11:45am • Lenz and Friends, members of Pert Near Sandstone, Roe Family Singers, 331C, 9:30pm
August 28—Thursday
• The Blue Groove, 318 Cafe, 318 Water St, Excelsior, 8pm • John Evans and Dan Perry, Manitou Station, 2171 4th St, White Bear Lake, 7pm 20
• Curtis & Loretta, TC Muzique on MTN Community Cable Channel 17, Mpls, 8:30pm, www.mtn.org • Matt Hannaha, Minnehaha Falls, Mpls, 7pm September 2014
• Sourdough Slim with Robert Armstrong, Leinie Lodge Bandshell, State Fair, 11:45am
August 29—Friday
• APHC, State Fair, Falcon Heights, 7:45pm • Buckwheat Zydeco, Bandshell Tonight!, State Fair, 8:30pm • Minnesota Flatpicking Guitar & Duet Championships, West End Market, State Fair, Call to register 800-635-3037, 2–6, 5pm • No Man’s String Band, Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W Lake Harriet Pkwy, Mpls, 7:30pm • Southside Aces, Ramberg Senior Center, State Fair, 3:15pm, 4:30pm, 5:45pm • The Barn Birds, Hardy Performing Arts Center, 430 NW 8th Ave, Cambridge, 7:30pm • The Irish Brigade, Ramberg Senior Center, State Fair, 10:30am, 11:45am, 1pm
August 30—Saturday
September 2014
September 2—Tuesday
• Barley Jacks, Brookside Bar and Grill, Marine on St Croix, 3pm • Hey Lonesome, Ramberg Senior Center, State Fair, 3:15pm, 4:30pm, 5:45pm • Jim Price, Ramberg Senior Center, State Fair, 10:30am, 11:45am, 1pm • St. Mary’s Balalaika Orchestra, International Bazaar, State Fair, 10:45am, 12pm, 1:15pm • The Cleverlys, Leinie Lodge Bandshell, State Fair, 10:30am, 11:45am • The High 48s, West End Market, State Fair, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
September 3—Wednesday
August 31—Sunday
September 1—Monday
• Hey Lonesome, Ramberg Senior Center, State Fair, 10:30am, 11:45am, 1pm • Jim Price, Ramberg Senior Center, State Fair, 3:15pm, 4:30pm, 5:45pm • Laughing Waters Bluegrass Festival, Sawtooth Bluegrass Band, Pride of the Prairie, Middle Spunk Creek Boys, Platte Valley Boys, King Wilkie’s Dream, Bill Emerson and Sweet Dixie, Minnehaha Park, Mpls • Pocahontas County, 331C, 6:30pm • Roe Family Singers, 331C, 9pm • St. Mary’s Balalaika Orchestra, International Bazaar, State Fair, 10:45am, 12pm, 1:15pm • The Cleverlys, Leinie Lodge Bandshell, State Fair, 10:30am, 11:45am • The High 48s, West End Market, State Fair, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
• Fat Chance Jug Band, Driftwood Char Bar, Driftwood Char Bar, 4415 Nicollet Ave S, Mpls, Jug Band Jam hosted by Fat Chance. 1st Tuesday of the month, 7:30pm • Folk Showcase with Larry Carpenter, UMC, 7pm • John Evans and Dan Perry, Manitou Station, 2171 4th St, White Bear Lake, 7:30pm
September 4—Thursday
• Cactus Blossoms with Tom Brosseau & Andru Bemis, CED, 7:30pm • Swamp Poppas, EAG, 7:30pm
September 5—Friday
• Dick Kimmel, Nobles County Arts Center, Worthington, 7:30pm • The Longshots, DUL, 8pm • Roseanne Cash, O’Shaughnessy, 8pm • Cousin Dad, Junior’s Bar and Restaurant, 414 S Main St, River Falls, WI, www.cousindad.com, 8pm • Mother Banjo, Songwriters & Storytellers, with Lonesome Dan Kase, Ben Cook-Feltz. Butter Bakery & Cafe, 3700 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls, 7pm
September 6—Saturday
• Moonlight Duo (Mary DuShane & Nick Jordan), Mill City Farmers Market, 2nd Street in downtown Mpls next to Guthrie Theater, 11am • Barley Jacks, Monroe Crossing, Washington County Bluegrass Festival, Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave N, Lake Elmo • Chris Silver, Vino in the Valley, Maiden Rock, WI, 6pm • Contra Dance with Light of the Moon, TAP, 7:30pm • Bob Bovee, Anni Spring, Coreh Mohan, Lanesboro Barn Dance, Lanesboro. Square dance with caller; $7, 507-498-5452, 8pm 21
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
• Barley Jacks, North Folk Winery, Harris, 5pm • Buckwheat Zydeco, Bandshell Tonight!, State Fair, 8:30pm • Dick Kimmel & Co, Riverblast, New Ulm, 12pm • Jack Klatt, DUL, 8pm • Minnesota Flatpicking Guitar & Duet Championships, West End Market, State Fair, Call to register 800-635-3037, 2pm • Monroe Crossing, Hearts on Fire Fundraiser, Recreation Park Bandshell, 2nd St NW & 4th Ave NW, Milaca, 12pm • Sawtooth Bluegrass Band & Monroe Crossing, Emanuel Lutheran Church Fundraiser, Milaca, 1pm • Southside Aces, Ramberg Senior Center, State Fair, 10:30am, 11:45am, 1pm • The Flemming Fold, Old Midwest Threshers Reunion, Mt. Pleasant, IA
• The Irish Brigade, Ramberg Senior Center, State Fair, 3:15, 4:30, 5:45pm • Mother Banjo, with Dan Gaarder, St. Paul Farmer’s Market, Lowertown, St. Paul
September 6—Saturday
September 10—Wednesday
• Nordic Bees, Stonecrest, 8725 Promenade Ln, Woodbury, Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Community Fundraiser. Special Guest, Ann Larson., 651-295-4200, www.nordicbees.com, 10:30am • Cousin Dad, Brau Brothers Brewing, Hopfest 2014 Music Festival, 1010 Southview Dr, Marshall, 2pm • Bernie King and the Guilty Pleasures, The Tavern of Northfield, 212 Division St S, Northfield, 8pm • Vicky Emerson & Katy Vernon, AST, 9pm • Curtis & Loretta, Renaissance Festival, Shakopee. Performing as Haymarket Minstrels • Dick Kimmel, Arts’n’More Festival, Amboy, MN
• John Evans and Dan Perry, Manitou Station, 2171 4th St, White Bear Lake, 7:30pm • Four Mile Portage, Bent Paddle Brewery, Duluth, 6pm
September 7—Sunday
• High 48s, St. Paul Bike Classic, Indian Mounds Park, St Paul, 8:45am • Joshua James, CED, 7:30pm • Monroe Crossing, Roots on the Red, Bluestem Amphitheater, 801 50th Ave SW, Moorhead, 12pm & 7:30pm • Curtis & Loretta, Renaissance Festival, Shakopee. Performing as Haymarket Minstrels • Mother Banjo, with washboard player Mikkel Beckmen, Greenline Sundays at The Dubliner Pub, 2162 University Ave.W, St. Paul, www. thedublinerpub.com, 5pm
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
September 8—Monday
• Cajun Dance with Terr-Douglas Quintet, EAG, 7:30pm • Ellis hosts The Acoustic Guitar Project, CED, 7:30pm • Roe Family Singers, 331C, 9pm
September 9—Tuesday
• Mark Stillman & Francine, EAG, 8pm
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• Powderhorn Porchfest, bands, porches, food trucks, ping-pong, chalk art, puppets, square dance in the street. 3316 17th Ave S, Mpls
September 14—Sunday
• Celtic Music Showcase with Paul Garding, UMC, 7pm • The Fish Heads, Bulldog Pizza, Mt. Royal Shopping Center, Woodland Ave, Duluth, 218-728-3664, www. bigfishtunes.com, 8:30pm • Southside Aces, EAG, 8pm • High Strung String Band, HB, 9pm • Pert Near Sandstone, The Rex, Duluth
• Mary Gauthier and Sam Baker, CED, 7:30pm • Prairie Grass, Milner Heritage Winery, 32025 State Hwy 15, Kimball, 2pm • Caponi Art Park Bluegrass Festival, Theater in the Woods, 1220 Diffley Road, Eagan, 651-454-9412651-4549412, www.caponiartpark.org, 12pm • Curtis & Loretta, Renaissance Festival, Shakopee, Performing as Haymarket Minstrels
September 12—Friday
September 15—Monday
• Greenwood Tree, Sail Away Cafe, 3121 St Croix Trl, Afton, 651-4366555, 6:30pm • Dick Kimmel, GKb, 8pm • Pert Near Sandstone, Mountain Stage Radio Show, Grand Marais
• La Yegros with Banda Magda: Global Roots Festival, CED, 7:30pm • Roe Family Singers, 331C, 9pm • Dick Kimmel, Public Library, New Richland, Music/Wildlife Program, 2pm
September 13—Saturday
September 16—Tuesday
• Monroe Crossing, Dinner Concert, Pine County History Museum, 6333 H.C. Andersen Ave, Askov, 6:15pm • Contra Dance with Bob Walser & Erin O’Neil, TAP, 7:30pm • Sawtooth Bluegrass Band, Top Hat Theatre, Ulen, 7:30pm • Moonlight Duo (Mary DuShane & Nick Jordan), Deer Lake Orchard, 1903 10th Street SW, Buffalo, 763-682-4284, Free, outdoors, family fun, 12pm • Prairie Grass, Milner Heritage Winery, 32025 State Hwy 15, Kimball, 2pm • Eelpout Stringers, Valley Natural Foods Farmer’s Market, 13750 Cty Rd 11, Burnsville, 12pm • Curtis & Loretta, Renaissance Festival, Shakopee, Performing as Haymarket Minstrels • High 48s, Franconia Sculpture Park, 29836 St Croix Trail, Shafer
• Roots Music Jam with Bill Cagley, UMC, 7pm • Conjunto Angola 70 with Derek Gripper, Global Roots Festival, CED, 7:30pm
September 11—Thursday
September 17—Wednesday
• Emel Mathlouthi with Alaev Family, Global Roots Festival, CED, 7:30pm • John Evans and Dan Perry, Manitou Station, 2171 4th St, White Bear Lake, 7:30pm • Dick Kimmel, Public Library, Janesville, History of Bluegrass, 2pm
September 18—Thursday
• Monroe Crossing, New London Little Theatre, 24 Central Ave E, New London, 7pm • Roots Music Showcase with Bill Cagley, UMC, 7pm • New Riverside Ramblers, EAG, 7:30pm • No Man’s String Band & Hey Lonesome, HB, 8:30pm September 2014
• New Riverside Ramblers, EAG, $8 cover, 612-724-4687, www.newriversideramblers.com, 7:30pm
September 19—Friday
• Druhá Tráva, Armatage Elementary Auditorium, 56th and Penn Ave S., Mpls, 7:30 p.m. • Andrea Lyn with Dick Kimmel, St. Peter Arts Center, St. Peter, 7:30pm • Monroe Crossing, North Dakota Farmer’s Union, 1415 12th Ave SE, Jamestown, ND, 7:30pm • Peter Ostroushko, Landmark Center, St. Paul, 8pm • Bernie King and the Guilty Pleasures, Manitou Station, 2171 4th St, White Bear Lake, 9pm
September 20—Saturday
September 2014
• Monroe Crossing, Miles City Bluegrass Festival, Miles City, MT
September 22—Monday
• Zydeco Dance with JJ’s Zydeco Paydirt, EAG, 7:30pm • Roe Family Singers, 331C, 9pm
September 23—Tuesday
• Bluegrass Showcase with Sarah Cagley, UMC, 7pm • JJ’s Zydeco Paydirt, Oktoberfest, Chippewa Falls, WI, 3:30pm • The Fish Heads, Emily’s at the Lighthouse, 218 Scenic Dr, Knife River, 6pm
September 24—Wednesday
• John Evans and Dan Perry, Manitou Station, 2171 4th St, White Bear Lake, 7:30pm • Lenz and Frenz, 331C, 9:30pm • Dick Kimmel, Public Library, Arlington, Music/Wildlife Program, 4pm
September 25—Thursday
• Bob Bovee, Folklore Village, Dodgeville, WI, 2pm • Luke Warm & the Cool Hands with Katie Belleville, Boats & Bluegrass, Winona, 5:30pm • The Rockin’ Pinecones, EAG, 7:30pm • Monroe Crossing, History of Bluegrass Program, Indus & Little Falls Public Schools
September 26—Friday
• Benson Family Singers, Cornerstone Church, Fall Festival, 1500 18th St SE, Owatonna, 5:30pm • Bob Bovee, Grey Dog Deli, Mineral Point, WI, Old time music in coffee house type venue, 9pm • Curtis & Loretta, Cannon Falls Library, 306 Mill St W, Cannon Falls, 507-263-2804, 1pm • Moonlight Duo (Mary DuShane & Nick Jordan), Midtown Global Market, 920 East Lake St, Mpls, 5:30pm
• Monroe Crossing, History of Bluegrass Program, Northome & International Falls Public Schools • Pert Near Sandstone, Boats and Bluegrass, Winona
September 27—Saturday
• Barley Jacks, Spirit of St Croix Arts Festival, Lake Front Park, Hudson, WI, 1pm • Monroe Crossing, Backus Auditorium, 900 Fifth St, International Falls, 7pm • John Hugelen Scholarship Benefit, EAG, 7:30pm • High 48s, Front Porch Music, Valparaiso, IN • Dick Kimmel, Muir Library, Winnegabo, Music/Wildlife Program, 10am • Ring of Kerry, Maplewood Community Center, 2100 White Bear Ave, Maplewood, Public ticketed Concert Series. 7:30pm • Chris Silver and The Good Intentions, DUL, 8pm • Moonlight Duo (Mary DuShane & Nick Jordan), St Paul Farmers Market, St Paul, 9am • Mike Dowling, CrH
September 28—Sunday
• Benson Family Singers, Community Covenant, Huntley, 31323 170th St, Huntley, 9am • High 48s, Chestnut Center for the Arts, Marshfield, WI, 3pm • Slaid Cleaves, AST, 6pm
September 29—Monday
• Ana & the Bel-Tones, EAG, 7:30pm • Roe Family Singers, 331C, 9pm
September 30—Tuesday
• Monroe Crossing, IBMA Business Conference & Bluegrass Ramble, Raleigh, NC
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
• Hot Rize, APHC, 4:45pm • Benson Family Singers, Kiesler’s Campground, MN Christian Campers, Waseca, 6:30pm • Barley Jacks, St. Croix Festival Theater, 210 North Washington St, St. Croix Falls, WI, 7:30pm • Contra Dance with Ken Steffenson & Friends, TAP, 7:30pm • Druhá Tráva, ZUM, 7:30pm • Poor Benny, GKb, 8pm • Bob Bovee, Old School Variety Show, Cavalier Theater, Lacrosse, WI; $15, 8pm • Monroe Crossing, Miles City Bluegrass Festival, Miles City, MT • JJ’s Zydeco Paydirt, Oktoberfest, Chippewa Falls, WI, 3:30pm • Tamarack 3rd Saturday Dance, Avalon Education Institute, Duluth, 218-310-0946, Wild Thyme String Band, caller Terrence Smith, 7:30pm • Greenwood Tree, Prior Lake Farmers Market, Prior Lake, 9am • Ring of Kerry, Baudette Festival, Main Ave, Baudette. Multiple bands. 320-251-0601, 10:30 am & 2pm
September 21—Sunday
23
Y’All Come Looking for a place to play with others? Jams are open to the public, but musical tastes and etiquette vary from place to place. A call is recommended before your first visit. Let us know of any changes or misinformation regarding these listings. Please update your own jam information or send us details about new ones at editor@minnesotabluegrass.org.
◆◆ Acoustic & amplified. 3rd Tue. 1–4pm
MINNESOTA
Elliot Park Recreation Center, 1000 14th St E, tcuker@icloud.com, www. TCUkeClub.com. Sponsored by MBOTMA; $5 suggested donation. Ukulele, Blues, Jazz, Swing. 1st & 3rd Tue. 6–8pm
Blaine: Culvers, 10550 Baltimore St NE, 763-784-7881. Barb: 763-784-7881. Sponsored by MBOTMA; all levels welcome. Bluegrass. Sat. 1:30–4pm Brainerd: Coco Moon Coffee Bar, 601 Laurel St, 218-825-7955. Bluegrass. 1st, 3rd & 5th Thu. 6:30–8pm Clear Lake: Travelers on the Mississippi, 11290 80th Ave SE, 320-743-3133. Dick Pickens: 406-868-9205. Bluegrass, Gospel; amps permitted. May–Sep, 3rd Sat. 6–9:30pm Duluth: Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake, 805 Superior St, 218-728-1192, sirbens.com ◆◆ Bluegrass. Wed. 7–9pm ◆◆ Celtic. Thu. 7–9pm Fergus Falls: The Spot, 220 W Lincoln Ave, 218-9982551, thespotpaniniandwine.com, Bob Johnson: 218-736-6198, redblug@yahoo. com. Celtic. 3rd Thu. 7–9pm
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Westridge Mall, 2001 W Lincoln Ave, 218-739-4439, Bob Johnson: 218-7366198, redblug@yahoo.com. Acoustic; “1st Sunday Mall Jam”. 1st Sun. 1–5pm Ham Lake: Glen Cary Lutheran Church, 155531 Central Ave NE (Hwy 65), 612-366-1359, WhenWillitSnow@mac.com. Bluegrass, Country, Gospel; community dinner at 6pm. 2nd Fri. 6:30–9pm Ham Lake Senior Center, 15544 Central Ave NE (Hwy 65). Maxine Larson: 763-434-6750 ◆◆ Country, Bluegrass, Old-Time & Horns. 2nd Thu. 7–10pm 24
Minneapolis:
651-777-2920, MNrover@juno.com. Acoustic. 3rd Sat. 10am–noon
Blackbird’s Music, 3445 Cedar Ave S, 612-326-5745, blackbirdsmusicstore.com. ◆◆ Bluegrass. Thu. 7–9pm ◆◆ Adult learners; $5 fee. Tue. 6:30–8pm
Red Wing: Winter Farmer’s Market, Sargent’s Nursery, 3352 N Service Dr. Dave: 651-388-3847. Old-time. Nov–Mar, Sat. 9am–noon
Driftwood Char Bar, 4415 Nicollet Ave S. Jug Band Jam hosted by Fat Chance. 1st Tue. 7:30pm
Richfield: Homestead Pickin’ Parlor, 6625 Penn Ave S, 612-861-3308, homesteadpickinparlor.com ◆◆ Slow fiddle tunes; all bluegrass instruments welcome. 1st, 3rd, 5th Mon. 7–9pm ◆◆ Flatpicking Guitar. Thu. 7–9pm ◆◆ Beginning Bluegrass, $1 donation for leader. 2nd & 4th Tue. 7–9pm ◆◆ Advanced Bluegrass. Sat. 3–6pm ◆◆ Fiddle tunes, intermediate level; all Bluegrass Instruments welcome. Wed. 7–9pm. ◆◆ Folk Jam. 1st, 3rd, 5th Tue. 7–9pm
Kenwood Park Community Center 2101 Franklin Ave. tcuker@icloud.com, www.TCUkeClub.com. Sponsored by MBOTMA; $5 suggested donation. ◆◆ Instruction provided 6pm. Ukulele, Bluegrass. 2nd & 4th Mon. 7–9pm ◆◆ Instruction provided 6:30pm. Ukulele, Americana. 1st & 3rd Thu. 7–9pm
Rochester: Peace UCC, 1503 2nd Ave NE, peacechurchucc.org. Pat Lehey: 507-261-7128. Bluegrass. Fri. 6:30pm
Kieran’s Irish Pub, 330 2nd Ave S, 612-339-4499, kierans.com. Irish. Sun. noon–2pm
Rogers: Rogers Community Center, 21201 Memorial Dr. Dave Christen: 612-859-5847, quickieauct@hotmail.com. Potluck at 4pm. Acoustic & amplified. 1st Sun. 1–6pm
Walker Community United Methodist Church, 3104 16th Ave S, 612-2095311, revanster@gmail.com. Roy’s Jam, Bluegrass. Last Mon. 7–10pm
Roseville: Ken’s Market, 788 Cleveland Ave SW, Doug Chasar: 612-802-0833, dchasar@att.net. Acoustic. Mon. 6:30–8:30pm
West Bank School of Music, 1813 S 6th St, 612-333-6651, info@wbsm.org. Bluegrass; led by Bill Cagley, $5 fee. 3rd Sun, 2–4pm
Rushford: Good Shepard Home, 800 Home St. Roberta Albertson: 507-8648109, semba@acegroup.cc. Bluegrass. Nov–Mar, 3rd Sun. noon–5pm
Monticello: VFW, 713 Cedar St,, 763-807-6431, mardellolson@yahoo.com. Acoustic & amplified. May–Nov, last Sun. 2–5pm
Saint Cloud: Whitney Senior Center, 1527 Northway Dr. Ken Hoest: 320-2603348. Acoustic & amplified. 1st Tue. 6:30–9pm
Northfield: Contented Cow, 302B Division St, 507-663-1351, contentedcow. com ◆◆ Northern Roots. Mon. 7:30pm ◆◆ Acoustic. Tue. 7:30pm
Sartell: The Legends at Heritage Place, 673 Brianna Dr. Gary Loomis: 320-2232537, garymusic@midco.net. Acoustic. 4th Tue. 6–9pm
Oakdale: Silver Lake Methodist, 5399 Geneva Ave N (Century Ave), September 2014
Spring Valley: Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 805 S Broadway. Roberta Albertson: 507-864-8109, semba@ acegroup.cc. Bluegrass. Nov–Mar, 1st Sun. noon–5pm Saint Paul: Black Bear Crossings Cafe, 1360 N Lexington Pkwy. Pam: 651-488-4920. Old-time (until December 2014). Sat. 10–Noon Burn Ward Coffee Unit, 945 West 7th St. Doug Chasar: 612-802-0833, dchasar@att.net. Acoustic; call for space availability. Thu. 6:30–8:30pm Dubliner, 2162 University Ave, 651-6465551, thedublinerpub.com ◆◆ Sea Shanties. 2nd Mon. 7:30pm ◆◆ Traditional Irish (advanced). Fri. 6–9pm Underground Music Cafe, 1579 Hamline Ave N, 651-644-9959, undergroundmusiccafe.com ◆◆ Roots Music (Bluegrass, Old-time, Country). 1st, 3rd Tue. 7–9pm ◆◆ Cajun. 1st, 3rd Sat. 11am–1pm
Taylors Falls: Memorial Community Center, 312 Government St. Brian Pigott: 651-465-5551, popspeejou@frontier.com. Acoustic & amplified. Mon. 6–9pm Wyoming: Wyoming Methodist Church, 5459 E Viking Blvd, 651-4647442, whitingsranch@gmail.com. Acoustic, Gospel. 2nd & 4th Thu. 7–9pm
NORTH DAKOTA Fargo: Red Raven Expresso Parlor, 916 Main Ave. Bob Johnson: 701-478-7337, redblug@yahoo.com ◆◆ Celtic. 4th Thu. 7–9pm ◆◆ Old-Time. 2nd Thu. 7–9pm Valley City: Barnes County Historical Society, 315 Central Ave N. John Andrus: 701-721-8296. Bluegrass. Sep–May, 2nd Sat. 1–5pm
WISCONSIN La Crosse: Southside Neighborhood Center, 1300 6th St S. Ron Sackett: 608-498-0020, ronaldsackettsr@yahoo. com. Bluegrass, Gospel. Sep–May, 2nd Sun. 12–4:30pm
Menomonie: Christ Lutheran Church, Elm & Wilcox Streets. Donna Harschlip: 715-673-4885. Mountain Dulcimer; other acoustic instruments welcome. Tue. 1–3pm Rice Lake: First Lutheran Church, 15 E Sawyer St, 715-458-0181, curlupndye@ mosaictelecom.net. Acoustic, Bluegrass, Gospel. Sep–May, 2nd Sat. 6–9pm River Falls: Farmers Market, 2nd & Locust. Ben Toppel: 715-688-3112, Benatoppel@ yahoo.com. Old-time; bring a chair. Tent is available, but may not occur if it rains. Jun–Oct, Sat. 9am–noon Funktion Junction Antiques and Local Goods, 125 North Main St. Ben Toppel: 715-688-3112, Benatoppel@yahoo.com. Old-time. Nov–May, Sat. 9am–noon Star Prairie: This Old Store, 301 Main St. Jerry: 751-248-4800. Acoustic. Tue. 2–9pm
Friends of Minnesota Bluegrass Music Stores
September 2014
Homestead Pickin’ Parlor, Richfield, MN, 612-861-3308 Kenny’s Music, Grand Forks, ND, 701-772-8670 Kezar Music Company, Thief River Falls, MN, 218-681-2148 Main Street Music, Elk River, MN, 763-441-1753 Marguerite’s Music, Moorhead, MN, 218-233-7546 Mr. Mark Music, Anoka, MN, 763-421-5455 Musicmaker’s Kits Inc., Stillwater, MN, 651-439-9120 My Favorite Guitars, Naples, FL, 239-530-7425 Nelson Music, Erhard, MN, 409-939-3062 Piano Circle, Bloomington, MN, 952-881-6165 The Podium, Minneapolis, MN, 612-767-2800 Rhapsody Music, Mankato, MN, 507-387-2562 Rocktown Music, Waite Park, MN, 320-257-7676 Scheitel’s Music, Mankato, MN, 507-387-3881 Simply Violins, New Hope, MN, 763-535-7055 Tone Music, Owatonna, MN, 507-451-5196 Waseca Music Co., Waseca, MN, 507-835-2980 25
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
A to G Music, Osseo, MN, 763-420-5500 All Strings Attached, Minneapolis, MN, 763-542-9542 Blackbirds Music, Minneapolis, MN, 612-326-5745 Cadenza Music, St. Paul, MN, 651-644-3611 Castle Accordion, Minneapolis, MN, 612-823-5848 Christian Eggert Violins Duluth, Duluth, MN, 218-726-1970 Christian Eggert Violins Fargo, Fargo, ND, 701-280-7017 Classical Guitars Etc., Apple Valley, MN, 952-322-1310 Dave’s Guitar Shop, La Crosse, WI, 608-785-7704 Eclipse Music, West St. Paul, MN, 651-451-8878 Evans Music, White Bear Lake, MN, 651-429-0236 Fein Stringed Instruments, St. Paul, MN, 651-228-0783 The Guitar Shop, Rosemount, MN, 651-344-8177 Haas Musical Instrument Repair, Arden Hills, MN, 651-631-8820 Ham’s Music, Saint Cloud, MN, 320-257-7011 Hobgoblin Music, Red Wing, MN, 651-388-8400 Hoffman Guitars, Minneapolis, MN, 612-338-1079
A full time professional luthier since 1978, combining experience in repairing fine instruments, building guitars and mandolins, and teaching lutherie since 1984. Now also taking in a limited number of repairs, specializing in neck resets, refrets, and set ups. davidvincentguitars.com vincentroost@gmail.com 651-380-0566 Clint Birtzer, 3-time Minnesota Flatpicking Guitar Championship Winner, proudly displays the hand-built Vincent guitar he won at the 2013 contest. See him play the guitar on YouTube.com by searching on “Red Haired Boy - Clint Birtzer.”
The Homestead Pickin’ Parlor ®
“For us, serving the needs of the acoustic music community has never been an afterthought—It has always been our only thought.”
We have Kentucky Mandolins! Kentucky, one of the best known names in mandolins, offers a complete line of instruments designed to please everyone, from the eager beginner to the most discerning professional. We have proudly carried Kentucky mandolins throughout our 35-year history. As with all of the instruments we offer at the Homestead Pickin’ Parlor, Kentucky mandolins are 100% set up by us before they go on the wall and we will custom fine tune that setup to satisfy your unique requirements as part of the deal.
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
The Upper Midwest’s Only Bluegrass & Old-Timey Store Founded 1979
Stop by and check one out today! 6625 Penn Avenue South Richfield, MN 55423 (612) 861–3308
FAX: (612) 861-0085 • Toll Free Order Line: (800) 497-3655 • www.homesteadpickinparlor.com Find us on Facebook: Homestead-Pickin-Parlor 26
September 2014
Non-ProďŹ t 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
Minnesota native Gary Hultman (foreground on Dobro) made his August Festival main stage debut with the Boxcars. Photo: Martin Chvatal