December 2016
Sherri and Chuck Leyda 2016 State Fair Duet Champions Inside: From the President 3 | Twas the Night Before Christmas 5 | Grass Clippings 7
Random Acts of Kindness - Monroe Crossing 9 | Cover Story: Singleton Street 10 Review: Foghorn/Spider John Koerner 13 | Review: High 48s - 10 Year Gala 15 | Mandolin Tab 17 Bluegrass Saturday Morning 19 | MBOTMA Calendar of Events 21 | Coming Up 22
December 2016 Vol. 43 No. 11 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: Peter Albrecht, henrypeteralbrecht@gmail.com Vice President: Jed Malischke Treasurer: Greg Landkamer Secretary: Mary DuShane Board Members: Term expires 2016: Kenneth Bloch, Alan Jesperson, Philip Nusbaum Term expires 2017: Ann Iijima, Nic Henges, Bill Lindroos Youth Representative: Theo Hougen-Eitzman, 1 Seat vacant For meeting minutes and other Board business, go to: minnesotabluegrass.org/About Us/Board/Minutes
MBOTMA Staff
Executive Director: executivedirector@minnesotabluegrass.org Administrative Assistant: Bea Flaming, 612-285-9133
Minnesota Bluegrass Magazine
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Editor: Doug Lohman, editor@minnesotabluegrass.org Contributors: Bob Douglas, Carol Dunbar, Philip Nusbaum, Coming Up: Loretta Simonet, John Brandberg Y’All Come: Bill Lindroos Wordmark: Katryn Conlin Photography: Doug Lohman, Cover image: Back: Doug Lohman 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. ©2016 Minnesota Bluegrass. All rights reserved. ISBN 0891-0537.
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Thank you, MBOTMA members Membership as of December 1, 2016: 959
Patrons: Peter & Bridgitt Albrecht Tony & Ann Anthonisen Mary Arntson 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 Furrer Jon & Sharon Garon Art Geffen Gary & Jae Germond David Glatt Dale & Diane Gruber Michael & Paula Hildebrandt Mabel Houle
Sustaining: Mary Ruth Alva Rod & Barb Anderson Paul Ashworth Vaughn Asselstine Kenneth Bloch Fred Boyer Mark & Erdyne Briere Susan Christensen-Wichmann Katryn Conlin Dan & Marilyn Cook BrianCornell Bob & Vicki Dalager Hal Davis Doug Duncan Mary DuShane Matt Edwards Craig Evans Leon Evans Nathan Fjeld Ji Franczyk Warren Gumeson Timothy & Ginger Haaland Thomas Hollenhorst & Karin Kraemer David Holm Steven Holste Dick & Sue Hopperstad Mark Johnson Chris Juettner
Ann Iijima David Johnson Howie & Maggie Jorgenson Maxine Larson James Lee Douglas Lohman Richard Luckeroth Bob Lundeen Rudy & Jeanne Marti Rodger McBride Douglas & Georgene Nesheim Harold Pederson David & Betty Pfeiffer Lincoln Potter David Rogers Tom & Cathy Schaefer Thomas & Barbara Schommer Thomas & Margaret Schuveiller Penelope Scialla Michael Valentiner Donna Velasco Tim Wankel Jane & Dobson West Jim Whitney John Wilcox Alan & Geriann Kagan Jim Lally Greg Landkamer & Jill Stefansen David Lang Steve & Elaine LeVasseur Bill Lindroos & Rebecca Reifler Travis Lockwood Rolf & Lisa Lund, Michele Marshall Mac McKay Mary McSorley Bill Merrill Susan & Joe Meyer James Natwick Dennis & Jan O’Brien Linda & Tony Omann Dominic Orrico Bob Ostlund Dan Robinson Robinson Family Bryan Ronning Mark & Jan Rubbert Marty & Carol Schirber Wendy Schoen Howell Smith Lynn & Carolyn Thorson Ross & Elizabeth Vaughan Rebecca Wagner & Dan Forsythe David & Bonnie Warner
Carole Wilson
December 2016
From the President
By the time you read this we will have elected a new president of MBOTMA; one of two well qualified candidates: Earl Jarosh or Laura Cooper. We will start the year 2017 with several new faces on the Board, with fresh, new ideas. We have had a wonderful but difficult year. We began 2016 by contracting with a new executive director, Arne Brogger. Winter Bluegrass Weekend and the Kickoff were held as usual and we were moving toward the August Festival when we lost the new executive director. This left the Festival without a committee chair. Dick Hopperstad had already stepped up to fill the festival planning void by calling and organizing the committee meetings, even while he was living/traveling a thousand miles away. The entire Festival Committee took on tasks and responsibilities well beyond those from prior years, and pulled together to make the Festival happen. After the Festival, the Board of Directors concluded that our financial situation was such that we simply did not have the funds to fill the executive director position for the next few months, and while many unknown management details did “fall through the cracks,” the entire Board worked to do their best at finishing the year without an executive director. Even so, the fiscal year ending in October, 2016, finished with an expected significant deficit. While all Board members worked harder than we ever had before, Jana Metge and Greg Landkamer deserve special recognition for the work they did with the Finance Committee. That committee took leadership in retaining an accounting firm in order to bring our accounting and bookkeeping into compliance with generally accepted accounting procedures, so that the Board could fulfill its most basic role of exercising fiscal responsibility. I want to thank you, our members, for allowing me the privilege of serving as your president during the past two years. It has been a meaningful time for me, during which I have met and worked with many of you. And it has been especially rewarding seeing us pull together as a community in order to keep our organization live and vital. Take care, and I look forward to seeing you at our continuing events. Peter Albrecht MBOTMA President
Inside:
December 2016
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
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
From the President 3 Twas the Night Before Christmas 5 Grass Clippings 7 Random Acts of Kindness - Monroe Crossing 9 Cover Story: Singleton Street 10 Review: Foghorn/Spider John Koerner 13 Review: High 48s - 10 Year Gala 15 Mandolin Tab 17 Bluegrass Saturday Morning 19 MBOTMA Calendar of Events 21 Coming Up 22
Become a Member
Call 800-635-3037 or 612-285-9133 for details or if you would like to join by phone. 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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December 2016
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Twas the Night Before Christmas, Twas the night before Christmas, and in the warehouse, The luthiers were sleeping, there were elves on the shelf. The instruments were hung, on their racks with great care, Preparing to ship, Gold Tone everywhere. The musicians were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of banjos played in their heads. Guitars and basses and mandolins too, All tucked away and wrapped just for you. When out on the bay there arose such a sound, A great chorus of music heard throughout town. From near and from far, they came all to see, Such a marvelous sight, they smiled with glee. The moon on the ground, a rare Florida snow, The lights twinkled and danced, a luminous glow. When what to my wondering eyes should pull up, A caravan of bands in the back of a truck! With a little old driver, so lively and quick, He flung open the door, lickity-split. With amazing finesse, he set up a stage, He handed out instruments, he called them by name! “A Plectrum! A Tenor! A Baritone and Bass! A Banjitar, A Dojo, An IT with Case! On to the stage! Come one and come many! We are going to have a great hootenanny!” As we all looked around, we knew what to do, We picked up a Gold Tone, some people picked two. We played and we played, such glorious song, Under the twinkle of starlight, til the wee hours of morn! The ballyhoo was great, but he made little fuss, He smiled and chuckled, because he played the BUS! As he strummed, that banjo uke with delight, It became quite clear, he played every night! And as the evening, was at last at an end, Ol’ Saint Nicholas said, “I’ll see you again.” Just as quick as he came, he was gone in a flash, I stuttered in amazement, “That’s balderdash.”
Still ‘til this Of a jolly old He played and he “Merry Christmas
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
The next day I awoke, still humming a tune, I looked at the clock, it was half past noon! Did that really happen? Or was it a dream? Was that Saint Nicholas, that I had seen? day, the rumors go ‘round, man, who came to our town. played, and bellowed with might, too all! And to all a good night!”
Gold Tone Music Group.com December 2016
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MBOTMAFundRaiser 2017
Saturday, February 4, 2017 2 pm to 10 pm Doors open at 1pm
Kraus Hartig VFW Post 8100 Pleasant View Drive, Spring Lake Park, MN
8 hours of concerts! 8 hours of jamming! Silent Auction and Raffle!
8 Bands to be annouced!!
Food & Beverages on Sale provided by VFW
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
$10 donation requested at the door
For More Info: 800-635-3037 www.minnesotabluegrass.org Thanks to Doug Lohman & Armadillo Sound & Design for sound and tech support. Thanks to Kruas Hartig VFW Post for use of the venue 6
December 2016
Grass Clippings: Holiday Shows Harder than your Traditional Bluegrass: The High 48s at Crossings
The High 48s make music that combines the soulful sound of classic bluegrass with a modern attitude. They’ll bring that sensibility to their Bluegrass Holiday Show on Fri., Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m. at Crossings. As traditional bluegrass bands go, The High 48s are about as non-traditional as they come. In a genre created and dominated by artists from the South, The High 48s were born and raised in the Upper Midwest. In a music scene where playing standards is the norm, The High 48s are a band of songwriters who perform their own material in addition to the “festival favorites.” These musicians found a passion for bluegrass after playing rock, alternative country, indie rock, punk and jazz, and they play original songs created from a wide range of influences far beyond Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, and Flatt and Scruggs. Last year, The High 48s released a holiday album featuring several seasonal classics. The group’s 2014 release, “Great Northern Railroad,” features songs from the likes of Greg Brown, Robin and Linda Williams, Becky Schlegel, Darrell Scott, Muddy Waters and the 48s’ own Anthony Ihrig and Eric Christopher. Tickets are $16 in advance, $19 at the door. To reserve tickets, go to www. crossingsatcarnegie.com, stop in to Crossings at 320 East Avenue in Zumbrota or call 507-732-7616.
The Midwest’s premier bluegrass and gospel quintet performs “A Bluegrass Christmas with Monroe Crossing” Sun., Dec. 11, 4p.m. at the State Theatre, Zumbrota, MN. Monroe Crossing dazzles audiences with an electrifying blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, and heartfelt originals. Their airtight harmonies, December 2016
past hits – from Elvis’ “Blue Christmas” to Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” – some seasonal band originals including the CD’s title track, and a few holiday surprises too. Named in honor of Bill Monroe, “the Father of Bluegrass,” Monroe Crossing also recently released a tribute CD, Monroe Crossing “Plays the Songs of Bill Monroe,” which features 15 classic bluegrass songs made famous by the “Big Mon” himself, and their third all-gospel recording, “Joy, Joy, Joy.” Tickets are $22 in advance, $25 at the door. To reserve tickets, visit www. crossingsatcarnegie.com, call 507-7327616 or stop in to Crossings at 320 East Avenue in Zumbrota.
Bluegrass Christmas Benefit
On December 10th there will be a Bluegrass Christmas Benefit at the Water Street Inn, 101 So Water St in Stillwater, MN. Honoring our Men and Women in Blue will be a staellar bluegrass line up, Blue Hazzard, Platte Valley Boys, Dick Kimmel and Jon Garon & Assited Picking (with special guests). $20 includes music and appetizers and starts at 7:00 p.m.
ATTENTION BLUEGRASS JAMMERS!
In the next couple of months, MBOTMA will be updating and converting its jam schedule to a link connected to our website. That way it will be available 24 -7 at your fingertips. If you head up a jam, attend a jam, or know of a jam, please contact Tony Stachnik at tdjejs@msn. com. Thank you and keep on jamming!
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Monroe Crossing Offers Christmas Wrapped in Bluegrass Sound
razor sharp arrangements, and on-stage rapport make them audience favorites across the United States, Canada and Europe. The band is touring in support of their latest CD, “Because You Asked.” This, their 13th CD, features live recordings of audience-requested favorites recorded during the band’s 2014 tours. While the evening’s program will include songs from this latest recording, “A Bluegrass Christmas with Monroe Crossing” prominently features selections from their seasonal sampler “The Happy Holidays.” Old familiar carols such as “Silver Bells,” “Holly Jolly Christmas,” and “Up on the Housetop” get a warm bluegrass feel from David’s banjo, Lisa’s fiddle and Matt’s mandolin. Audiences can hear seasonal favorites like “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “What Child is This?” Monroe Crossing also serves up country and bluegrassinspired tunes like “Christmas Time’s a Comin,’” traditional folk songs including “Christ was Born in Bethlehem,”
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A Bluegrass Christmas with Monroe Crossing Friday, December 2
7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 3
7:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 8
7:00 p.m.
Friday, December 9
7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 10
7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 11
4:00 p.m.
Wed, December 14
7:30 p.m.
Friday, December 16
7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 17
8:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 18
7:30 p.m.
Marion Ross Performing Arts Center 147 North Broadway Lakeville Area Arts Center 20965 Holyoke Avenue Minden Opera House 322 East Fifth Street West Point Community Theatre 237 North Main Street Memorial Auditorium Performing Arts Center 714 13th Street State Theatre, 88 East 4th Street Bloomington Center for the Arts 1800 West Old Shakopee Road Peace Lutheran Church 400 Franklin Street SW Le Musique Room, inside the St. Michael Cinema 4300 O’Day Avenue Pioneer Place on Fifth 22 Fifth Avenue South
Albert Lea, MN
507-377-4371
Lakeville, MN
952-985-4640
Minden, NE
308-832-0588
West Point, NE
402-380-4886
Worthington, MN 507-376-9101 Zumbrota, MN
507-732-7616
Bloomington, MN 952-563-8575 Hutchinson, MN
320-587-3031
St. Michael, MN
763-400-8006
St. Cloud, MN
320-203-0331
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
coming up in January Danny Stewart’s Bluegrass Cruises January 5-9, 2017 from Tampa, Florida to Cozumel, Mexico January 16-20, 2017 from Port Caraveral, Florida to the Bahamas Check to see if there’s still space - call 570-721-2760!
Go to www.MonroeCrossing.com for detailed information on all our concerts! Booking: Art Blackburn, 763-213-1349 art@monroecrossing.com
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December 2016
Monroe Crossing: 2016 Brooklyn Center, MN Random Acts of Kindness Recipient by Doug Lohman
In the September 2016 issue of Minnesota Bluegrass, we ran an article about Monroe crossing giving a private concert on a bluegrass cruise for Denny O’Brien. Denny had some complications with an old leg injury that made him cabin bound while on the cruise. When Monroe Crossing heard of this, they came to his cabin and gave him a private concert. After the article came out, Donna Valasco nominated Mark and Lisa, residents of Brooklyn Center, for the Random Acts of Kindness Award given by the Brooklyn Center City Council, and they were given the award on Oct 24th at the city council meeting. They brought Denny O’Brien with them to tell the whole story. The Brooklyn Center City Council has recognized persons who were nominated for a Random Acts of Kindness Award every year since 1997. This year there were 22 nominations received. Random Acts submitted included: donate homemade and homegrown items to the needy, provide transportation to neighbors, pick up trash in the neighborhood, perform a mini concert to a homebound resident, volunteer countless hours at community events and activities, cook meals for a sick or needy neighbor, host forums on topics of understanding abuse and domestic violence, volunteer in
Denny O’Brien, Mark Anderson, Mayor Tim Willson, Lisa Fuglie the school to help classmates, open a free clothing closet, offer food donations, donate to school students, support the Little Free Library, volunteer at church, visit an elderly neighbor. The City Council extended its appreciation to all who participated in this
-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
year’s Random Acts of Kindness recognition, to those making nominations, and especially to those who have contributed to the quality of life here in Brooklyn Center. Congratulations Mark and Lisa!
Premium Guitars, Amplifiers, and Repair December 2016
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Cover Story
The Winding Road to Singleton Street: A Band with a history of sticking together By Carol Dunbar
Photo by Prairie Public Television
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Editor’s Note: Chuck & Sherri Leyda are the 2016 Minnesota Americana Roots Duet Champions You might say that Singleton Street is on a roll. They were featured on NPR’s award-winning television show Prairie Musicians, nominated for best band at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, released a new CD called Milepost 2016, and just this September, they won first place in the 2016 Minnesota Duet Championship at the Minnesota State Fair. What’s most noteworthy about these accomplishments, however, is that they might not have happened at all were it not for a rededication – to the band, to the music, and to each other. Singleton Street is made up of Jimmy Newkirk on upright bass, Chuck Leyda on the octave mandolin, mandolin, and guitar, and Sherri Leyda on vocals and guitar. As a band that plays their own special mix of bluegrass, Americana, gospel, and a little bit of old-time, they have been per10
forming now for 15 years, but they’ve been making music together much longer than that. Their style is authentic and down homey, and their intention is to have fun. But listening to Singleton Street, you get the feeling that they aren’t just here to play you songs, they want to tell you stories. And boy do they have stories to tell. “The first time I saw Sherri was in an audition class in college,” says Chuck. “I didn’t know anybody there, and this girl gets up in front of everyone and sings “Something Wonderful” from The King and I. Her eyes just lit up when she sang, and I thought to myself, who is this girl?” At the same time, Sherri noticed Chuck. “He sang a Credence Clearwater Revival song, ‘Have You Ever Seen the Rain,’” recalls Sherri. “He sang with his eyes closed and his hands in his pockets.” This in a class full of people who were so afraid to sing, they had to stop halfway through. Chuck didn’t stop. “He was also the only one who sang to a guitar and not piano, and I thought to myself, is that him
playing guitar?” It was. Chuck learned guitar back in high school once he realized it hurt less than football and could still get you girls. He and his buddies would ditch practice to listen to the Grateful Dead, which exposed Chuck to the inspirations of Jerry Garcia, Peter Rowan, and David Grisman. “I always played in bands in high school and college,” says Chuck, “and singers would ask me to accompany them on guitar. I thought that was fun. I enjoyed the give and take and the connection that happens. I especially enjoyed playing for Sherri.” The couple married in 1990, but Chuck continued to pursue Sherri as a partner in other ways, buying her first a harmonica, a lap dulcimer, a penny whistle, a melodeon, a claw hammer banjo, and a guitar. “The guitar finally stuck,” says Sherri. She also learned the Bodhran and pennywhistle, and their first band, Kindred, was born. In 1993 they played at December 2016
December 2016
challenge of filling out the sound as a three-piece unit has been a satisfying creative process. “I now play an octave mandolin that is a little lower in pitch, and Jimmy has been doing experiments with bowing on the base. We’ve had to expand what we do when arranging tunes, not because we are trying to rebrand, but rather as part of the band’s natural evolution.” Putting a part of themselves into a song when putting together an arrangement is something they take to with an uncommon skill. This is most evident in their rendition of “Sail Away Ladies” on their newest CD, Milepost 2016. What is usually an upbeat dance song is slowed down and deftly harmonized in a moving tribute to the first year members of the Dark Horse Theatre Company, a troop the Leydas founded in Duluth back in the early 90s. “Traditional music has been played by so many people,” says Chuck. “These tunes are really more like a coloring book that you can put your own mark on. We don’t feel like a cover band. Each song is our own. You can ask yourself, what does this mean to me? You can tell stories about your life and express yourself through these old songs.”
the musicality and fills out a room. “Life has its ups and downs,” says Sherri, who does a rockin’ soulful version of ‘I’ll Fly Away.’ “And I for one appreciate it when other people talk about how hard it can be.” The year 2013 was one of those hard times and a turning point for the band. “We had played maybe four gigs,” recalls Chuck. “We had family issues, Jimmy had family issues. My dad died, my brother died, and Sherri was fighting the good fight against depression. I had gotten my masters and was teaching, in part to help our two severely autistic kids who were becoming more and more physical. The music had almost dried up, and I came home one day and said, you know what? We have to start playing again. It’s what brings us closer together.” “I started singing when I was five,” says Sherri, “and my mom always asked me, what’s your safety net?” Over the years, she and Chuck tried all the normal safety nets, but none of them proved strong enough. “It was during 2013 that Chuck and I finally realized: Music is our safety net.” Music is how they connect, but it’s not just each other that they feel closer to. With so many other options out there in the instant entertainment industry, the survival of live music depends on the audiences who make the effort to come out and see the show. “Without them,” says Chuck, “Nothing would happen.” “The audience matters,” says Sherri. “They are the real stars, and they make me happy.”
LaPlant Instruments maker of fine mandolins & guitars
Kindred All three band members participate in lead vocals and harmonies, and whether they are singing about unrequited love and baked goods or where we go after we die, there is an emotional presence and a connection between them that informs
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MinnesotaBluegrass.org
the Minnesota Renaissance Festival and were nominated for best act. “There were a lot of really good bands there back then, as there are now,” says Chuck, “and that opened up this whole world of traveling musicians. They weren’t world famous or anything, but they were making music and getting paid for it, and I thought that was pretty cool.” Their shared affection for music and each other led them to more awards and ultimately a sizeable contract as musicians for the Camelot theme park in Branson, Missouri. “We went down there and played for two months before the whole thing fell apart,” recalls Chuck, laughing. “It was like a bad movie. The owner of the land came out with an army of lawyers and bulldozers and we were told to leave although they owed us a ton of back pay.” This is the part of the story that starts to sound like the songs they play. Left high and dry and busted flat in a house on Singleton Street, they took to busking in the streets to get back to Minnesota. They had so much fun travelling, they came back and then left again, playing at festivals and living the life of a troubadour for five years from their RV. “Those were happy times,” says Sherri. You can hear the joy in their 1998 CD New Tune to Learn with Fred Keller on mandolin and Jimmy, even back then, on bass. They also put out a CD in 2014 as Kindred that features a hauntingly gorgeous tune written by Sherri for her son, Rowan. While Irish music is still part of their repertoire, it was the year 2000 when they drifted into bluegrass and started performing under their current moniker, Singleton Street. Sherri found herself drawn to the soulful sounds of Appalachia and bluegrass and started listening to Allison Krauss and Gillian Welch. “It was a pretty easy transition,” says Chuck. “The two styles have a lot in common, and a lot of tunes that are bluegrass come straight from Irish music.” Singleton Street started as a fourpiece with banjo player Craig Evans, and their 2008 gospel CD Wingin’ It showcases some pretty stellar harmonies. “We miss Craig, miss his voice, and it was a great 10-year run,” says Chuck, but the
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December 2016
Review
Foghorn String Band & Spider John Koerner September 26, 2016 - Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis, MN By Doug Lohman
December 2016
audiences around the world. Also in the current band are Reeb Willms on guitar and Nadine Landry on bass. These Portland, Oregon based musicians are just plain “on fire” for old-time music. The excitement and joy they bring to the stage is unmatched in these here parts. Whether it’s a rollicking hoe-down or tender old country ballad, Foghorn gives each type of song it’s due diligence; infusing it with energy and charm that can transport you to a different state of mind. Caleb, Reeb and Nadine all inject power and emotion into their vocals. Sammy’s fiddle drives each song. Throughout the night I kept thinking about how beautiful his playing was. His command of his fiddle causes the listener to feel all of the energy and passion he is channeling. His fiddling is both powerfully commanding and musically fluid, simultaneously, sweet and edgy. A lot of this energy would not be possible without the rest of the band. Sure, a solo fiddle can pack a punch, but they all work together to create tunes/songs than are complete. And the old-time and old country genre speaks to us about life; all the sorrows, the joys, the hard times, the silliness, and the
triumphs. Their preference for performing around a single mic is charming in terms of movement, because it causes performers to negotiate each other during the performance. It’s way more interesting to the eyes, than four musicians standing by four sets of mics. It also makes them appear more like a unit. But, at the Cedar this set up caused us to miss some of the performance; particularly, it was very difficult to understand Reeb’s words on songs she sang the lead. The Cedar is one of the best places to hear music in the Twin Cities. The Cedar’s dedication to bringing us the best music continues year after year. We are fortunate to have it around! Any of Foghorn’s CD are a “must have” if you want to be up on what’s exciting about old-time music in the here and now. They will be appearing at MBOTMA’s Winter Bluegrass Weekend at the Crowne Plaza in Plymouth, MN, March 3-5, 2017. For more info and CDs go to foghornstringband.com.
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MinnesotaBluegrass.org
At first I thought this was an odd pairing, Spider John Koerner and Foghorn String Band, but it quickly became clear that it was a great match and, of course, I wanted to see both artists. What can one say about John Koerner that hasn’t been said before? Unpretentiously, he takes the stage. He sits down. He gets comfortable. Then he dishes out his interpretations of traditional and original songs. Joyfully, confidently and soulfully he played from his whole musical history. To mention a few: Good Time Charlie from Blues, Rags, and Hollers-1963, What’s the Matter with the Mill from Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Been-1986, Ezekiel from Raised by Humans-1992, and Rattlesnake from Stargeezer-1996. Koerner is undoubtedly the best interpreter of American country blues, but more than just interpreting, he has created and enlarged the genre with his original songs. The blues live on. Foghorn continues to be THE unstoppable force in old-time Appalachian and old-time country music. For close to 20 years this group of musicians, chaired by Stephen “Sammy” Lind on fiddle and Caleb Kaulder on mandolin, have excited
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December 2016
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Review
The High 48s’ 10th Anniversary Celebration October 21, 2016 - Parkway Theater, Minneapolis, MN By Doug Lohman
December 2016
by an old acquaintance of mine. The old movie screen was lit up with the High 48s’ logo giving the space a festive feel. A few highlights: Brothers Chad and Derek did a couple of numbers by themselves with just guitar, mandolin, and voices. The current band performed what has now become a staple of their shows, the acapella Children Go Where I Send Thee. It ended up with all 7 players on stage in a free-for-all finale and a rocking blaze of bluegrass. The crowd loved it! This band has been an important part of the bluegrass scene in the Upper Midwest for the last 10 years. I wish them another 10 years of comradery in our bluegrass family. We will be the benefactors of their love of bluegrass!
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
For 10 years, The High 48s, have been a mighty force in the bluegrass scene in the Upper Midwest. They have been prolific over those 10 years together, putting out 7 recordings. On Friday, October 21, they celebrated those 10 years together as a band, and included past members, Chad Johnson-mandolin and Derek Johnsonguitar, in the gala. Current members are Eric Christopher-fiddle, Anthony Ihrig-banjo, Mike Hedding-mandolin, Marty Marrone-guitar, Rick Casey-bass. It’s somewhat unusual for a band to be together 10 years and only have had seven members so it was great to see and hear them all together. Phil Nusbaum was the emcee for the show adding his vast knowledge of the genre that is called bluegrass. The show featured all versions of the band, first with Chad and Derek, then without Derek, adding Marty, then the current line-up. Throughout the course of the night they played selections from most of their recordings. The members of the band are not only outstanding players and singers, but the evening demonstrated their understanding of bluegrass in all of its forms; breakdowns, four-part acapella singing, lonesome love songs, the blues, and train songs, to name a few. Their recordings show this, also. They not only understand and perform the classic songs well, but are constantly adding to the genre with their original compositions. The crowd was enthusiastic, joining right in with the band in celebrating their history. The Parkway Theater was filled with family, friends and fans adding to the happening scene. The Parkway Theater has not been used as a movie theater for a number of years now, but has been kept in good shape hosting a variety of events. The front quarter of the seating area has been removed and replaced with an ample stage, perfect for this kind of event. The sound was handled very well
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December 2016
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Mandolin Tab
Texas Gales Texas Gales is one of those great fiddle tunes often heard in picking sessions. Steve Kaufman lists it as one of the “20 Bluegrass Guitar Solos That Every Parking Lot Picker Should Know.” I first learned the tune on guitar before my mandolin playing had begun. It was indeed a “must-know” flat picking tune thanks to the playing of Doc Watson. Doc recorded it with his son Merle in his second studio album, Ballads from Deep Gap (Vanguard VSD 6576) released in 1971. There’s a little mystery in the album’s credits. The tune is listed as being composed by Molly O’Day. Molly was a popular country singer in the late 1940s until she turned to Christian music in 1951 (she married a preacher). Now I re-
ally like Molly’s singing and even sing a couple of her songs. But she played banjo and was not a flat picker to my knowledge. Who knows? Most players consider it a traditional tune. The title is sometimes given as “Texas Gals.” But old-time fiddler Kerry Blech believes the “Gals” title is a misunderstanding of Doc’s spoken “Texas Gales” with a strong North Carolina drawl. The tune however is close to a Missouri tune called “Knockin’ at Your Door.” That tune was collected by John Hartford in a 1958 field recording of Walter Alexander, Leasburg, Missouri. Hartford’s field recording is the source for the notation of “Knockin’ at Your Door” in the Milliner-Koken Collection of American Fiddle Tunes. Missouri fiddler Gene Goforth recorded “Knockin’ at Your Door” as a tune on his 1997 Rounder release, Emminence Breakdown. John Harford was Goforth’s
protégé and just happened to play banjo on the recording. Texas Gales is in the key of C and is a three part tune played AABBCC. It’s a good tune both to play and to listen to. The notation given here is a basic rendering. Depending on your musical taste, there are many recordings of the tune from such notable players as Bryan Sutton, Chet Atkins, Norman Blake, Tony Rice, Matt Flinner, Mike Compton, Roland White... you get the idea! It’s well represented in the acoustic catalogue and something of a benchmark for flat pickers. After you learn the basic melody, listen to and learn some other renditions. Then come up with some variations of your own! It’s a fun tune to shine on. Practice! Bob Douglas dougfuls@usgo.net
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
December 2016
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Great Banjo Workshop Helps Banjoists Make Up Their Own Solos January 30, February 6, 13, 20 - 7pm
Held during woodsheddin’ time! Homestead Pickin’ Parlor - 6625 Penn Avenue South, Richfield, MN 55423 Get the needed nudge to get started making up your own solos; the most fun you can have playing. A True Workshop: Participants share banjo playing ideas with and group, which includes the convener, Phil Nusbaum, veteran banjoist. “Band mates telling me my solos and originals sound good was my entry point into making it up myself. It’s a process that builds on itself, and I’ve never looked back.” Listen to any of Phil’s recordings and you will hear well-constructed song solos and original tunes. Here’s what we’ll do: • Get playing ideas from what melodies and chords suggest • Locate the ideas on the banjo • Share ideas with other workshop participants • Have tons of fun And we’ll have plenty of dialog about great solos we’ve heard, about colorizing them, creating moods, song kickoffs, different kinds of breaks for different kinds of songs....and whatever else comes up. • Total Cost for the Four Sessions: $40. Definitely worthwhile and definitely worth it. • Space is limited so sign up now at the Homestead Pickin’ Parlor: folkmuse@aol.com; 612/861-3308 • Or talk to Phil: pnusbaum@bitstream.net; 651/245-1527
Wegen’s Guitar Picks ®
6625 Penn Ave. S. Richfield, MN 55423 (612) 861-3308
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
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
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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.
December 2016
Bluegrass Saturday Morning By Phil Nusbaum
The End of the Year and the Beginning of the Next
We mark the occasion of the end of the year by playing Holiday-oriented bluegrass around Christmas, and then by reviewing the year in bluegrass. The show of Dec 21, on Bluegrass Saturday morning, we’ll play the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards Ceremony recorded in Raleigh, NC in September 2016. Then, on the Bluegrass Review we’ll play highlights of 2016. With the show of January 7, we’ll accent the interview material obtained in the Seattle area in April 2016. At the time, I fulfilled a long-standing ambition of visiting with Vivian and Phil Williams. They are not only long-time players but collectors of folk music specializing in the old-time dance music of the Pacific Northwest. The results of the trip will open ears to different sounds and points of view.
The MBOTMA Fund Drive
The event known last year as Jedfest will be repeated on February 4, 2017. Having been at the event the past two years, I found it a great way to enjoy some of the best that can be offered in bluegrass music. It’ll be at the Kraus Hartig VFW in Spring Lake Park again. When you arrive, there is a suggested donation that is way below what the event is worth. The day serves as a carefree oasis plopped down in an icy sea of Minnesota Winter. There will be great music on stage and a restaurant and lounge to hang out in, a silent auction and raffle, plenty of space to jam; in other words a winter highlight event. Hey, and by the way, I’m helping with the silent auction and raffle items so if you have something to contribute, give me a shout. (pnusbaum@ bitstream.net; 651/245-1527)
Banjo Playing Workshop Coming
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)
December 2016
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
Contribute to Minnesota Bluegrass Magazine. Write a Review of a Favorite concert or CD. Write an article about your Favorite jam. Tell us about how you came to like Bluegrass and Old-Time String Band Music.
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
I will be setting up shop at the Homestead Pickin’ Parlor in Richfield for a banjo workshop over four Monday nights, Jan 30, 2017 and Feb 6, 13 and 20, 2017. The goal of the workshop is to lead players to the area of greatest banjo-playing satisfaction: creating one’s own solos and original music. I’ve been doing both of these and find it much more fun than playing from tablature! Each of these sessions will truly be a workshop with a lot of space to work on music and then try things out in front of other participants. These four sessions will be popularly-priced, and give everybody space to create in an encouraging atmosphere. For info, talk to Marv at the Pickin’ Parlor (folkmuse@aol.com, 612/861-3308; or give me a shout to talk about the activities (pnusbaum@bitstream.net; 651/245-1527).
The Bluegrass Review is made possible in part by a grant the National Endowment for the Arts.
editor@minnesotabluegrass.org
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Don’t miss these future
MBOTMA Events
Presented by The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association The 37th Annual
A Festival of Bluegrass & Old-Time Music & Dance
March 3-5, 2017 Crowne Plaza Hotel I-494 & Hwy 55 in Minneapolis, MN
MBOTMA’s Winter Bluegrass Weekend is a Festival of Bluegrass & Old-Time Stringband Music & Dance. The Showcase of Bands features more than 50 groups on 2 stages all 3 days. The Saturday Night Headline Concert will feature:
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands
All at the beautiful Crowne Plaza in Plymouth, Minnesota (on the NW edge of Mpls). Call 763-559-6600 for lodging and ask for the Minnesota Bluegrass Festival rate. Or the nearby Residence Inn at 763-5771600.
The 13th Annual
The 25th Annual
March 31-April 2, 2017 Radisson Lakeview Hotel
505 W Superior St., Duluth, MN A weekend long cabin fever reliever event including stage shows, old-time dances, draw bands, open stage, workshops, and jam sessions around the clock. Performers TBA. Weekend tickets are $29 in advance ($26 for members). Day of show $15 Friday and $20 Saturday. Teens are half price and kids are free. For more information call 1-800-635-3037 or visit www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org. For lodging contact the Radisson Hotel at 218-727-8981 and ask for the special Cabin Fever Bluegrass Festival rate.
June 2-4, 2017
El Rancho Mañana 20 mi W of St. Cloud, MN
A three day outdoor music and camping festival with stage shows by more than twenty regional performers of traditional bluegrass, old-time stringband, and related forms of acoustic music. Plus workshops, “Jam With The Bands,” the Gathering Place, and plenty of jam sessions. El Rancho Mañana is the largest campground in Minnesota and boasts horse back riding, a swimming beach, boating, fishing, showers, and other amenities. Join us for an intimate musical weekend with some of the friendliest folks you will ever meet!
For More Info: 800-635-3037 or www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org These festivals are presented by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA), a non-profit 501c3 organization, and made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board through appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Call and ask to be on our mailing list.
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December 2016
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.
Februaray 4, 2017 - Saturday
MBOTMA’s 2017 Fundraiser 2to10 Party: 2:00 PM to
10:00 PM, Spring Lake Park MN: Kraus Hartig VFW Post (8100 Pleasant View Dr). A celebration of all things MBOTMA featuring 8 bands and more, additional bands listed on page 7. Plus an old-time dance, workshops, theme jams, uke jam, silent auction, raffles, and lots of jam sessions. Suggested admission donation of $10 with all proceeds to benefit the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA). Food and beverage available. For more information call 800-635-3037 or visit www. MinnesotaBluegrass.org. March 3-5, 2017 - Friday-Sunday The Winter Bluegrass Weekend: A Festival of Bluegrass & Old-Time Music & Dance, Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West Hotel in Plymouth (3131 Campus Dr, I-494 & Hwy 55). Some fifty groups will be performing bluegrass, old-time stringband, and related forms of acoustic music on several stages, including Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands for the Saturday Night Headline Concert and The Foghorn String Band in the Dance Hall. Plus workshops, dances, instrument exhibitors, and jam sessions around the clock. For more information call 1-800-635-3037 or visit www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org. To book lodging contact the Crowne Plaza at 763-559-6600 or the nearby Residence Inn at 763-577-1600. Ask for the special Minnesota Bluegrass Festival rate.
April 15-17 2016 - Friday-Sunday Cabin Fever Festival, Duluth MN: Cabin Fever Festival, Radisson Harborview Hotel (505 W Superior St). A weekend long cabin fever reliever event including stage shows, draw bands, open stage, workshops, and jam sessions around the clock. Weekend tickets are $29 in advance ($26 for members). Day of show $15 Friday and $20 Saturday. Teens half price and kids are free. For more information call 1-800-635-3037 or visit www. MinnesotaBluegrass.org. For lodging contact the Radisson Hotel at 218-727-8981 and ask for the special Cabin Fever Bluegrass Festival rate. Presented by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA).
Help Wanted: T-shirt team
The MBOTMA T-shirt team is looking for new members. They are in extreme need of volunteers to take charge of the merchandise booth at the Winter Bluegrass Weekend and the Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff. Working at the t-shirt booth is a great way to meet people and support MBOTMA. If you’d like to coordinate the booth at a festival or co-run it with a teammate, please let us know. The team will gather in January to plan for the coming year. And thanks to the current committee members: MBTOMA August Festival booth coordinator Barb Schommer, volunteer recruiter Maggie Jorgenson, and Bea Flaming who oversees it all. Email Bea at bea@minnesotabluegrass.org or call 800-6353037 if you’d like more information or would like to volunteer.
The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association presents...
The Grass Seeds Music Academy 2017 faculty featuring the members of THE
HIGH 48s plus Chris Silver MinnesotaBluegrass.org
All musicians age 8 to 18 (or so) are invited to register for the Grass Seeds Music Academy during the Winter Bluegrass Weekend on March 3-5 at the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West Hotel in Plymouth MN. You will learn jamming etiquette, ensemble playing, how to play back-up and take a break, lead and harmony vocals, as well as instruction on your own instrument. The workshop begins Friday night with registration and a jam to get ready for a full weekend of playing. Participants will also meet for two sessions on Saturday and one on Sunday morning, and will finish with an onstage group performance on Sunday. Registration fee is $85 and includes admission to the festival. For more information contact eric@thehigh48s.com - 651-271-4392 or www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org. To register call MBOTMA at 1-800-635-3037 or info@minnesotabluegrass.org December 2016
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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, 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 December 2 Friday
Sawtooth No Man’s String Band
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
WmH 8pm
11/24 – Thursday
• The Rockin’ Pinecones, EAG, 7:30pm
11/25 – Friday
• Devils Flying Machine, 331C, 10pm • Roe Family Singers, Midtown Global Market, 920 E Lake St Mpls, 5:30pm • Leo Kottke, FITZ, 8pm • Sister Tree, Charlie’s Irish Pub, 101 Water St., Stillwater, 7:30pm • The Pines, CED, 8pm
11/26 – Saturday 22
Decemebr 10 Saturday
Bluegrass Christmas Benefit
Blue Hazzard, Platte Valley Boys, Dick Kimmel & Co, Jon Garon and Assisted Picking, Water Street Inn, 101 S. Water St, Stillwater, 7pm • Long Time Gone, HOB, 6th Annual Holiday Show, 7:30pm • Michael Johnson, ZUM, 7:30pm • New Riverside Ramblers, VC, 9 pm • Alternate Route, BSC, 10am • Contra Dance with Northern Aire, TAP, 7:30pm • Curtis & Loretta, Charles & Myrtle’s Coffeehouse, Chattanooga, TN • Sister Tree, Charlie’s Irish Pub, 101 Water St., Stillwater, 7:30pm
December 13, 14 Tuesday-Wednesday
Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder DAK 7pm
11/28 – Monday
• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm • New Riverside Ramblers, EAG, 7:30pm
11/29 – Tuesday
• St Dominic’s Trio, Driftwood Char Bar, 4415 Nicollet Ave, Mpls, 9pm
11/30 – Wednesday
• Lenz and Frenz, 331C, 9:30pm
12/1 – Thursday
• Jillian Rae, Brianna Kocka, Andy December 2016
Cook, 331C, 9:30pm • The Swamp Poppas, EAG, 7:30pm • Lynn O’Brien, WmH, 8pm
12/2 – Friday
• The Divers, GKb, 7:30pm • Monroe Crossing, Maron Ross Performing Arts Center, 147 No Broadway, Albert Lea, 7:30pm • The Fish Heads, Christmas Extravaganza, Old Hwy 61, Knife River, 5pm • Jeff Arundel - Holiday Variety Show, AST, 8pm • Christina Seaborn & Gerry Grider, BoDD, 7:30pm • No Man’s String Band, Sawtooth Brothers, WmH, 8pm
12/3 – Saturday
• Simple Gifts w/ Billy McLaughlin, ZUM, 7:30pm • Love Songs for Angry Men, Excelsior Brewing Company, 421 3rd St, Excelsior, 8pm • Monroe Crossing, Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave, Lakeville, 7:30pm • Roe Family Singers, Chateau St Croix Winery, 1998 WI-87 St, Croix Falls, WI, 1pm - 4pm • APHC - Hosted by Chris Thile, Broadcast from The Town Hall, NYC, 4:45pm • Alternate Route, BSC, 10am • The Don Juans, CrH • Wild Goose Chase Cloggers, EAG, 12pm - 7:30pm • Bedlam, Charlie’s Irish Pub, 101 Water St, Stillwater, 7:30pm • Sweet Colleens, Kieran’s Irish Pub, 85 N 6th St, Minneapolis, 9pm • Contra Dance with Moonlight Trio, TAP, 7:30pm • The Dead Pigeons, Mike Gunther, WmH, 8pm
12/4 – Sunday
12/5 – Monday
• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm
12/6 – Tuesday
• The Jugg Sluggers, RIV, 7pm • Gloryland Gospel Band, Vicksburg
December 2016
High 48s
Fri, Dec 9 7:30pm Crossings Stage
320 East Ave | Zumbrota 55992 507-732-7616 www.crossingsatcarnegie.com
Crossing Senior Community, 3155 Vicksburg Lane North, Plymouth, 763-559-1877, 6:30pm • St Dominic’s Trio, Driftwood Char Bar, 4415 Nicollet Ave, Mpls, 9pm
12/7 _ Wednesday
• The Langer’s Ball, Dubliner Pub, 2162 University Ave W, St Paul, 9pm
12/8 – Thursday
• Roe Family Singers, Prior Lake Library, 16210 Eagle Creek Ave SE, Prior Lake, 11am • Mother Banjo & Ben Cook-Feltz, Contented Cow, 302 B Division St. South, Northfield, 507 663-1351, 8pm • South Side Aces, EAG, 8pm • MN Songwriter Showcase hosted by Nick Hensley, AST, 8pm • Joe Newberry & April Verch, BoDD, 7:30pm
12/9 – Friday
• High 48’s, ZUM, 7:30pm • The Gated Community, Palmer’s Bar, 500 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, 10pm
12/10 – Saturday
• Bluegrass Christmas Benefit, featuring Blue Hazzard, Platte Valley Boys, Dick Kimmel & Co, Jon Garon and Assisted Picking, Water Street Inn,
Monroe Crossing Sun, Dec 11 4:00pm State Theatre
Art Gallery Clay Studio Concerts Classes in all the ARTS
101 S. Water St, Stillwater, 7pm • Mother Banjo w/ Ben Cook-Feltz, OAK, 8pm • Monroe Crossing, Memorial Auditorium Performing Arts Center, 714 13th St, Worthington, 7pm • Gloryland Gospel Band, Pax Christi Catholic Church, 12100 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, 952-941-3150, 1:00pm • Curtis & Loretta, Acorn Coffee House, Wheaton, IL • APHC - Hosted by Chris Thile, Broadcast from The Town Hall, NYC, 4:45pm • Lonnie Knight, CrH • Claudia Schmidt, Roots Cellar Music Series, University Baptist Church, 1219 University Ave SE, Mpls, 612331-1768, 7pm • Alternate Route, BSC, 10am • Contra Dance with Patrick O’Loughlin & Friends, TAP, 7:30pm • Bob & Lynn Dixos, Family Dance, TAP, 6:30pm
12/11 – Sunday
• Monroe Crossing, State Theatre, 88 E 4th St, Zumbrota, 4pm • Mother Banjo & Ben Cook-Feltz, Icehouse, 2528 Nicollet Ave., 5pm 23
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
• Corpse Reviver, 331C, 3pm • Blessings Gospel Trio, Calvary Lutheran Church of Golden Valley, 7520 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, 763-545-5659, 4pm • Curtis & Loretta, Holiday Show, The Landing, 2187 Highway 101 E, Shakopee, 763-694-7784, 1pm - 4pm • Swing Brunch with Patty & the Buttons, AST, 11am
Holiday Bluegrass
• Joe Newberry & April Verch, New York Mills Cultural Center, 24 N Main Ave, New York Mills, 218-385-3339, 7:30pm • Daniel Schwartz + Gabriel Andrews, AST, 8pm • Deborah Savran, WmH, 5pm • MARIN/MARIN, WmH, 1pm
12/12 – Monday
• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm • JJ’s Zydeco Paydirt, EAG, 7:30pm
12/13 Tuesday
• Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, DAK, 7pm • The Jugg Sluggers, RIV, 7pm • St Dominic’s Trio, Driftwood Char Bar, 4415 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, 9pm
12/14 – Wednesday
• Charlie Parr, 331C, 7pm • Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, DAK, 7pm • Monroe Crossing, Bloomington Center for the Arts, 1800 W Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington, 7:30pm • Roe Family Singers, Wee WednesdayMidtown Global Market, 920 E Lake St, Mpls, 10:30am • Mark Stillman & Francine, EAG, 8pm
12/15 – Thursday
• Alternate Route, BSC, 10am • Cathie Ryan’s Irish American Christmas, CED, 8pm • Contra Dance with Ken Steffenson & Friends, TAP, 7:30pm
12/18 – Sunday
• Corpse Reviver, 331C, 3pm • The Peterson Family - The Jam Before Christmas, DAK, 6pm • Monroe Crossing, Pioneer Place On 5th, 22 Fifth Ave So, St Cloud, 7:30pm • Cathie Ryan’s Irish American Christmas, Paramount Theater, 913 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud, 320259-5463, 3pm
12/19 – Monday
• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm
12/20 – Tuesday
• The Jugg Sluggers, RIV, 7pm • St Dominic’s Trio, Driftwood Char Bar, 4415 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, 9pm
12/21 – Wednesday
• The Langer’s Ball, Dubliner Pub, 2162 University Ave W, St Paul, 9pm
12/23 – Friday
• Roe Family Singers, Midtown Global Market, 920 E Lake St, Mpls, 5:30pm • Jon Garon and Assisted Picking, DUL,
• Gloryland Gospel Band, Summerwood Senior Home, 16205 36th Avenue North, Plymouth, 763383-8888, 7:00pm • Chris Laumb with Dean Severson and Ross Vaughan, BoDD, 7:30pm • The Lettermen Christmas Show, Paramount Theater, 913 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud, 320-259-5463, 1:30pm
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
12/16 – Friday
• Ann Reed w/ Joan Griffith, ZUM, 7:30pm • Monroe Crossing, Peace Lutheran Church, 400 Franklin St SW, Hutchinson, 7pm • The Fish Heads, Sir Benedict’s Tavern, 9th Ave. East and Superior St., Duluth, 6pm • The Lettermen Christmas Show, Paramount Theater, 913 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud, 320-259-5463, 1:30pm and 7:30pm
12/17 – Saturday
• Lehto & Wright, GKb, 7:30pm • Charlie Parr, OAK, 8pm • Monroe Crossing, A Bluegrass Christmas, 4300 O Day Ave, St Michael, 8pm
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December 2016
7pm
• The Swamp Poppas, EAG, 7:30pm
12/26 – Monday
1/6 – Friday
12/27 – Tuesday
1/7 – Saturday
• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm • The Jugg Sluggers, RIV, 7pm • St Dominic’s Trio, Driftwood Char Bar, 4415 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, 9pm
12/28 – Wednesday
• Curtis & Loretta, BoDD, 7:30pm • Alternate Route, BSC, 10am • Dick Kimmel & Pamela Longtine, The Pantry, New Ulm, 7pm
1/15 – Sunday
• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm
1/16 – Monday
• The Jugg Sluggers, RIV, 7pm
1/17 – Tuesday
• Jessica Lydia Skilar, 331C, 9:30pm
1/20 – Friday
• Art Garfunkel, Pantages Theatre, 710 Hennepin Ave., Mpls, 800-982-2787, 7:30pm
1/21 Saturday
1/9 – Monday
• Lenz and Frenz, 331C, 9:30pm
1/10 – Tuesday
• Amanda Standalone, 331C, 9:30pm • Good Diction and Little Riddles, AST, 9pm • The Rockin’ Pinecones, EAG, 7:30pm
1/11 – Wednesday
12/29 – Thursday
12/31 – Saturday
• The Double Down Daredevils, DUL, 8 pm • Mike Dowling and Friends, CrH • New Year’s Eve Contra Dance with Pat O’Loughlin & Friends, TAP, 7:30pm
1/1 – Sunday
• Corpse Reviver, 331C, 3pm
1/2 - Monday
• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm
1/4 - Wednesday
• Brady Perl, Excelsior Brewing Company, 421 3rd St, Excelsior, 6pm
1/5 – Thursday
• Stringdingers, 331C, 9:30pm
Festival, Jefferson City, MO • Kris Kristofferson, Pantages Theatre, 710 Hennepin Ave., Mpls, 800-9822787, 8pm
1/12 – Thursday
1/13 Friday
• Claudia Schmidt and Sally Rogers, CrH • Dick Kimmel & Co, SPBGMA Festival, Jefferson City, MO
1/14 – Saturday
• Layne Yost, ZUM, 7:30pm • American Roots Revue, DAK, 7pm • Alternate Route, BSC, 10am • Dan Newton’s Cafe Accordion Orchestra, CED, 8pm • Dick Kimmel & Co, SPBGMA
• Corpse Reviver, 331C, 3pm • Claudia Schmidt & Sally Rodgers, ZUM, 7:30pm • Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm • The Jugg Sluggers, RIV, 7pm • We Banjo 3, Paramount Theater, 913 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud, 320259-5463, 7:30pm • The Pines, OAK, 8pm • John Gorka, BoDD, 7pm • Alternate Route, BSC, 10am • All Strings Considered - Guitarathon, Sundin Hall, Hamline University, St. Paul, 612-677-1151, mnguitar.org, 8pm • The Crow’s Delight, Roots Cellar Music Series, University Baptist Church, 1219 University Ave SE, Mpls, 612-331-1768, 7pm
1/22 Sunday
• We Banjo 3, CED, 7:30pm
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
December 2016
25
MBOTMA Member Bands
Bluegrass Bands Alternate Route
Jerome Knopik, 651-208-5565 jerryknopicks01@gmail.com
The Alzen Family Brad Alzen, 715-749-3977
Art Stevenson & Highwater
Art Stevenson, 715-884-6996 artstevenson@hotmail.com
Assisted Picking
Jon Garon, 612-839-2277 jon@myfavoriteguitars.com
Biscuit Boys
Daniel Fish, 763-434-2734 nowandthencountry@gmail.com
Blue Groove
David Smith, 952-974-5121 bluegroovebluegrass@gmail.com
Blue Hazard
Hannah Johnson, 651-500-0747 info@bluehazardband.com
Blue Wolf
Shirley Mauch, 612-724-1482 samauch@worldnet.att.net
Borderstone
Ryan Morgan, 715-781-2989 info@borderstonetheband.com
Broken Heartland String Band
Joe Cronick, 715-966-6463 handpickedbluegrass@charter.net
The High 48s
Eric Christopher, 651-271-4392 eric@thehigh48s.com
Ivory Bridge
Kathe Liners, 952-237-0913 prettylittlegalaxy@gmail.com
JedFest
Jed Malischke jmalisch@centurytel.net
King Wilkie’s Dream Robbi Podrug, 612-562-8402 booking@kwdream.com
King’s Countrymen Lorn Schultz, 715-495-5275 schultzfam92@yahoo.com
Long Time Gone
Ben Manning, 651-448-8216 mndawg@gmail.com
The Lost Tracks
David Tousley, 612-788-2995 dtousley@gmail.com
Mark Kreitzer Band Mark Kreitzer, 612-724-7334 mark@markkreitzer.com
The Middle Spunk Creek Boys
Alan Jesperson, 612-727-2489 alanjesp@gmail.com
Monroe Crossing
Art Blackburn, 763-213-1349 art@monroecrossing.com
Wilson Goss, 310-310-4198 brokenheartlandstringband@ gmail.co
No Man’s String Band
Buffalo River Ramblers
Northern Posse
Marty Solmon, 218-850-8715 mmsolmon@arvig.net
Carver Creek Bluegrass
Julie Monsen, 952-466-2089 carvercreekbluegrass@gmail.com
Chuck Lahr & The Purdy River Band
Chuck Lahr, 563-929-0771 chucklahrmusic@gmail.com
Crow River Junction Tom Gustafson, 320-212-9163 tagus@frontiernet.net
Def Lester
Lincoln Potter, 651-483-0469 potter@umn.edu
Dick Kimmel & Co
Dick Kimmel, 507-359-1163 kimmel@newulmtel.net
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Hand Picked Bluegrass
The Fish Heads
Kim Curtis-Monson, 218-729-5326 KMonson802@aol.com
The Good Intentions Chris Silver, 651.491.4013 chrissilverband@gmail.com
Halvorson Family Band
Loren Halvorson, 507-345-7431 loren@birchcovesoftware.com
26
Nic Hentges, 612-387-0196 nihentges@gmail.com
Arlette Solom, 218-463-0710 Bluegrass@NorthernPosse.com
Ophoven Family Band Molli Ophoven, 218-327-2058 jmophoven@q.com
The Platte Valley Boys Ron Colby, 651-458-0804 roncolby@comcast.net
Porcupine Creek
Sarah Birkeland, 218-624-1781 arahsay328@gmail.com
Prairiegrass
Bonnie Hallett, 701-429-1666 bkhallett@yahoo.com
Rainbolt Mountain Project
David Kuenstler, 763-268-9291 orthotree1@hotmail.com
Riverside Bog Stompers
David Darnell, 218-260-6546 davestreetrod@hotmail.com
Sarah Mae & The Birkeland Boys Wendy Birkeland, 218-624-1781 arahsay328@gmail.com
Sawtooth Brothers MJ Moravec, 507-990-6456 info@sawtoothbrothers.com
Singleton Street
Sherri Leyda, 763-972-2341 singletonstreet@gmail.com
Timbre Junction
Karen Radford, 612-623-0261 KarenJRadford@eaton.com
The Gentlemen’s AntiTemperance League
Trackside
Daniel Rosen, 218-464-2887 anti.temperance.league@gmail. com
The Woodpicks
Georgia Rae Family Band
David Anderson, 952-474-0981 renee_ballroom2@yahoo.com Joel Kezar, 218-681-2148 kezarmusic@mncable.net
Related Bands
Ronilyn Mussared, 815-675-2554 mussared@mchsi.com
Gloryland Gospel Band Vicki Andersen, 952-457-7672 glorylandgb@gmail.com
Alabaster Falls
Greenwood Tree
Banjo And The Bear
Karen Mueller & Friends
Julie Kaiser, 218-308-3131 tiedyechick40@yahoo.com NathanGriner banjoandthebear@gmail.com
Barb & Gary
Barb Carlson, 763-784-7881 Blinkbug@aol.com
The Barley Jacks With Brian Wicklund Brian Wicklund, 651-402-5435 brian@fiddlepal.com
Benji Flaming
Bill Cagley, 651-636-9542 bcagley@comcast.net
Karen Mueller, 612-270-4740 karen@karenmueller.com
Mary DuSane & Nick Jordan
Mary DuShane, 612-724-5341 marydushane@gmail.com
The Moss Piglets
Ian Gamble, 651-644-0810 themosspiglets@yahoo.com
hsteven02617@gmail.com
String Beans, Chick Pea & Garbonzo Roger Cuthbertson rojo@visi.com
Switched At Birth
Rick Anderson, 651-230-2431 ricktune56@gmail.com
T&L Schwartz & Family Linda Schwartz, 701-659-3154 lspollanthra@gmail.com
Tucker’d Out
John Trelstad, 701-212-0015 jdtrelstad@aol.com
Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers
Joseph Hart, 414-439-2004 sapsuckersmusic@gmail.com
Old-Time Bands 39 Brackets
John Wenstrom, 651-500-0671 wenstrom11@yahoo.com
Bob & Lynn Dixon
New Riverside Ramblers
Lynn Dixon, 612-377-6819 lmdixon45@gmail.com
Now and Then
Bob Bovee, 507-498-5452 bobbovee46@gmail.com
O’Neil Family Band
Irina Rossi, rinarossi@gmail.com
Bill & Kate Isles
Patty and The Buttons
Dick Kimmel kimmel@newulmtel.net
Blessings Gospel Trio
Pert’ Near Sandstone
Blue Yodel #9
Peter Ostroushko
Tom Maloney, 18-464-3808 fourmileportage@gmail.com
Pickin’ Up Steam
Rob Daves, 612-822-0085 gritpickers@gmail.com
Pushing Chain
David Furniss, 651-699-0557 dfurniss50@gmail.com
Benji Flaming, 612-326-6521 mbotma@benjiflaming.com
Bernie King & The Guilty Pleasures Bernie King, 763-242-6943 bkandthegps@gmail.com
Big Daddy Bob Cameron
Bob Cameron, 807-626-0568 BigDaddyBobCameron@gmail.com Bill Isles, 218-340-4404 bill@billandkateisles.com Timothy Johnson, 763-464-3481 timkarin@comcast.net John Whitehead, 651-641-0752 jfw@bitstream.net
Cousin Dad
John Soderberg, 612-441-7382 john.soderberg@gmail.com
Curtis & Loretta
Loretta Simonet, 612-781-9537 loretta@curtisandloretta.com
Don D Harvey & the Ultrasonic Duo Donald Harvey, 608-781-3456 dondharvey@centurytel.net
Double Down Daredevils
Thomas Peschges, 612-232-5292 tompeschges@gmail.com
Due North
Louise Wiermaa, 218-721-5250 lew3355@hotmail.com
The Flemming Fold
Sandra Flemming, 952-758-7522 troynsandra@hotmail.com
Four Legg Fish
Eric Simpkins, 612-532-1863 ericrobertsimpkins@comcast.net
Karen Kleinspehn, 612-724-4687 info@newriversideramblers.com Daniel Fish, 763-786-2524 nowandthencountry@gmail.com Jeanne O’Neil, 218-773-3850 oneil@rrv.net
Patrick Harison pattyandthebuttons@gmail.com Pat May, 612-998-8647 patmay@crossovertouring.com
Peter Ostroushko, 612-529-2884 postroushko@visi.com Dale Martell, 612-387-0152 info@dalemartell.com Boyd Blomberg, 218-370-0910 boyd@pushingchain.com
Rosby Corner
Jeanne Marti, 763-559-7552 romarti3@aol.com
S R Dugan
Shawn Dugan, 952-737-7705 srdugan@gmail.com
Bob Bovee & Pop Wagner
The Bootlickers Dick Kimmel & Pam Longtine
The Eelpout Stringers Karl Burke, 651-784-7323 bltfolk@aol.com
Four Mile Portage The Gritpickers Poor Benny
The Roe Family Singers
Quillan Roe, 612-599-0266 pappyroe@yahoo.com
Rush River Ramblers Eric Hatling, 715-772-4421 ehatling@gmail.com
Scrapegoat Skin & Bones
Tickwood String Band
Sherry Minnick & Jackson Buxton
Mark Bridge, 218-255-2448 Mark@Lonehand.com
Holle Brian, 612-822-6593 holleb@aol.com
Sherry Minnick, 651-644-8682 minnicksherry@gmail.com
Sloughgrass
Soren Olesen, 218-634-2800 sloughgrass@gmail.com
Steven Earl Howard Hillbilly Music
Doug Wells, 218-736-4469 betsyanddougwells@gmail.com
Unpolished
Wild Goose Chase Cloggers Jim Brooks, 612-419-4576 brooks@csp.edu
Wink The Other Eye
David Gourhan, 651-674-8668 dgourh@aol.com
Steven Howard, 952-595-9819
December 2016
www.dulonospizza.com 607 W Lake St Minneapolis MN 612.827.1726
December
Friday 9 - The Three Muscatelle’s Saturday 10 - Cousin Dad Friday 16 - Sawtooth Brothers Saturday 17 - The New Distractions Friday 23 - Jon Garon, Clint Birtzer and John Bodle Saturday 24 - no music Friday 30 - Mill City Hot Club Saturday 31 - Double Down Daredevils
January
Friday13 - Captain Gravitone & The String Theory Orchestra Saturday 14 - Pushing Chain Friday 20 - Parisota Hot Club Saturday 21 - The Swamp Kings Friday 27 - Machinery Hill Saturday 28 - Minnesota Blue
Authentic Pizza - Craft Beer Live Music
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
December 2016
27
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
A little street music, September 26, 2016 - Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis, MN