Minnesota Bluegrass Magazine July 2016 by Minnesota Bluegrass

July 2016

July 2016 Vol. 42 No. 6

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: Jana Metge, 952-996-6490, singdancesavetheworld@gmail.com Treasurer: Greg Landkamer Secretary: Mary DuShane Board Members: Term expires 2016: Kenneth Bloch, Alan Jesperson, Philip Nusbaum Term expires 2017: Marilyn Bergum, Sarah Cagley, Ann Iijima, Quillan Roe Youth Representative: Theo Hougen-Eitzman, 1 Seat vacant For meeting minutes and other Board business, go to: minnesotabluegrass.org/as_Board

MBOTMA Staff Executive Director: Arne Brogger, executivedirector@minnesotabluegrass.org Administrative Assistant: Bea Flaming, 612-285-9133

Minnesota Bluegrass

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Editor: Doug Lohman, editor@minnesotabluegrass.org Contributors: Philip Nusbaum, Charlie Parr, Joe Carlson Coming Up: Loretta Simonet, Pam Bowers, John Brandberg Y’All Come: Bill Lindroos Wordmark: Katryn Conlin Photography: Doug Lohman, Tom Pescheges Cover image: Traveling McCourys 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. 2

Thank you, MBOTMA Membership as of May 1, 2016: 932 Patrons:

Bridgit & Peter Albrecht Tony & Barbie Andreason Tony & Ann Anthonisen Mary Arntson Lenny & Colleen Baltus Gary & Karen Bartig Ron & Kathy Blade Kenneth Bloch Barry & Annie Brooks Doug Chasar Paul Christianson Laura Cooper Bob & Marilyn Dodd William Fancher Jennifer Faulkner Mark & Kathleen Fisher Jerry Frank Darrell & Marilyn Fuhr Tom Furrer Jon & Sharon Garon Art Geffen Gary & Jae Germond David Glatt Dale & Diane E. Gruber Michael & Paula Hildebrandt Mable Houle

Sustaining:

Mary Ruth Alva Rod & Barb Anderson Paul Ashworth Fred Boyer Mark & Erdyne Briere Brenda Burger Susan Christensen-Wichmann Dan & Marilyn Cook Brian Cornell Bob & Vicki Dalager Hal Davis Doug Duncan Mary DuShane Matt Edwards Nathan Fjeld Jim Franczyk Warren Gumeson Timothy & Ginger Haaland Mary & Fred Harms Thomas Hollenhorst & Karin Kraemer David Holm Dick & Sue Hopperstad Ann Iijima & Myles Bakke

David Johnson Howie & Maggie Jorgenson Maxine Larson Richard Luckeroth Bob Lundeen Rudy & Jeanne Marti Rodger McBride Mary McSorley Douglas & Georgene Nesheim Katy Olson & Ron Roller Harold Pederson David & Betty Pfeiffer David Rogers Tom & Cathy Schaefer Thomas & Barbara Schommer Tom & Margaret Schuveiller Penelope Scialla David Tousley & Margaret Brandes Michael Valentiner Donna Velasco Rebecca Wagner & Dan Forsythe Tim Wankel Jane & Dobson West Jim Whitney John Wilcox

Chris Juettner Alan & Geriann Kagan Jim Lally Greg Landkamer & Jill Stefansen Lloyd & Beverly LaPlant James Lee Steve & Elaine LeVasseur Bill Lindroos & Rebecca Reifler Travis Lockwood Bill Merrill Susan & Joe Meyer James Natwick Dennis & Jan O’Brien Dominic Orrico Bob Ostlund Dan Robinson Bryan Ronning Leo & Ann Rosenstein Marty & Carol Schirber Howell Smith Lynn & Carolyn Thorson R. & Elizabeth Vaughan David & Bonnie Warner

July 2016

From the President To quote a 75 year old fellow from Hibbing, The Times They Are a Changing. MBOTMA has a choice that needs to be made, and that choice is the subject of this letter. In what direction do you think we should go in these changing times? The question is: do we change with the times, or do we stay the same? It seems to me that we as an organization are going to have to make a decision soon. The Board of Directors will not make any decision without first giving all members of MBOTMA a chance to be heard. Your first opportunity will be to respond to this letter if you choose. But we will most likely also send a questionnaire directly to all MBOTMA members, asking your opinions. Many have observed that bluegrass as a music genre is not growing. In fact, it is likely shrinking. This is certainly true for MBOTMA. Our attendance at events and our membership are both shrinking. There has been a steady decline over the past several years. I mentioned in my last letter in this magazine that the Board of Directors is keenly aware of this, and that we welcome your ideas on how we might address this. Thank you to those who took the time to respond. Our older demographic (not just in MBOTMA, but in general) is not growing, and we can be pretty sure it will not. The Board of Directors has come to believe the answer to increasing membership is, in essence, attracting a younger crowd. Our old time music component seems to be better aligned with the musical tastes of those we would like to attract. But to really grow, it may be that we need to expand into other forms of roots and acoustic music. In other words, we may need to change with the times. But do we want to do so? It would definitely require a change in our mission statement, which is “to preserve and promote bluegrass and old time string band music.” The question is whether or not it is necessary that we grow? Nearly every business model I am aware of holds that (Continued on page 5)

Inside:

July 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 Charlie Parr 7 Inside Bluegrass: The Radio Show 9 Bluegrass Music at the MBOTMA Festival 12 Concert Review: The Gibson Brothers 17 Bluegrass Saturday Morning 21 MBOTMA Calendar of Events 23 Y’all Come 24 Kick Up Your Heels- Turn Your Radio On 26 Coming Up 28

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

August 25-28, 2016

ual n n A 11th

Pine River, MN Cass County Fairgrounds Featuring the Best in National & Regional Bluegrass Bands! Plus camping, jamming, workshops, food & more!

Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road

The Bluegrass Martins

NC • Fri. & Sat.

MO • Fri. & Sat.

Rebecca Frazier

Nashville, TN • Fri. & Sat.

Festival Schedule Gates Open Tues. at 3pm

Main Stage Thu. 5 - 11pm Fri. & Sat. 11am - 11pm Sun. 9am - 2pm

Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers

Workshops Fri. & Sat. 10am -5pm

Monroe Crossing

OH • Sat. & Sun.

MN • Thu. & Fri.

Also Playing: Po Ramblin’ Boys KY • Fri. & Sat.

The Bluegrass Express Dick Kimmel & Co. Shaffers Lost 40

And

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

More to Be Announced!

Platte Valley Boys

St. Paul Park, MN • Sat. & Sun.

800-728-6926

Ticket Information & Purchase Available Online 2016 Camping • NEW! Over 30 additional campsites • Over 100 total electrical sites. • Call early to reserve your site!

Lakesbluegrassfestival@gmail.com

iss ’t M Don Free

Wed. Night Old Time Dance

www.LakesBluegrassFestival.com 4

July 2016

From The President (continued from page 3): it is

necessary for businesses to continue to grow. But do we have to apply business models to our organization, or would we rather remain true to our original purpose, even if it means accepting that our membership and our attendance at events declines? Remaining committed to bluegrass and old time music might require us to be more realistic as to the amount of money we can spend on talent, likely in the form of fewer “big name” acts. We might even have to reduce the number of events we have worked so hard to create over the years. But we cannot continue to even exist as an organization if we continue to lose money. One way or the other, we have to remain solvent. That, then, is the question. Do we attempt to grow by broadening our draw and including other forms of roots or

acoustic music to sustain us, keeping bluegrass and old time music as two of a number of genres, or do we say no, we formed this organization and have continued its existence for 40 years because we love a specific type of music and we want to continue that stewardship, even if it means accepting a reduction in size and income? This is perhaps the most fundamental question we have ever faced, and as I said earlier, the Board of Directors will not make its decision based upon our own preference or by limiting ourselves to our own best judgment. We will do our best to represent the will of the majority of the MBOTMA community. Please give it some thought and please get back to me at: henrypeteralbrecht@gmail.com or Executive Director Arne Brogger at ExecDir@minnesotabluegrass.org. Peter Albrecht MBOTMA President

Blue Groove, 2016 Homegrown Kickoff Festival

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MinnesotaBluegrass.org

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

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

Premium Guitars, Ampliﬁers, and Repair July 2016

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July shows ... on the road, closer to home! Friday, July 1, 2016

5:30 & 8 pm

Balaton Fun Fest Celebration, Knudson-Bosley Park

Balaton, MN

507-734-2351

Saturday, July 2

7 - 9 pm

Prospect House Museum Benefit Concert Lakes Area Community Center, 112 Main Street

Battle Lake, MN

218-535-1588

Sunday, July 3

4 - 6 pm

Nashwauk 4th of July Celebration

Nashwauk, MN

218-885-1210

Monday, July 4

1:30 & 4pm

North Morristown 4th of July Celebration 4th of July Grounds, 10500 215th Street SW

Morristown, MN

507-685-4372

Saturday, July 9

2 - 4 pm

ArtStock Art & Wine Festival Parley Lake Winery, 8280 Parley Lake Road

Waconia, MN

Tuesday, July 12

7 - 8:15 pm

Plymouth Summer Music Series Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Avenue

Minneapolis, MN

612-871-7400

Wednesday, July 13

6-8 pm

Dodge County Free Fair Dodge County Fairgrounds, 62922 State Highway 57

Kasson, MN

507-634-7736

Friday, July 15 - 9:40-10:30 pm Saturday, July 16 - 8:00-8:50 pm

Pickinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on the Plains Bluegrass and Folk Festival Thomas County Fairgrounds

Colby, KS

785-460-3401

Thursday, July 21

7 pm

Long Prairie Thursday Night at the Park Memorial Park

Long Prairie, MN

320-266-5640

Friday, July 22

7 - 9 pm

Sounds of Spirit Lake, Spirit Lake Beach Pavilion

Menahga, MN

218-564-5462

Saturday, July 23

7 pm

Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center, Lucius Woods Park

Solon Springs, WI

715-378-4272

Wednesday, July 27

7 - 8:30 pm

Harmony in the Parks, Lions Park Bandshell

Lindstrom, MN

651-257-0620

Sunday, July 31

9 & 10:15 am

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 Lyndale Avenue South

Minneapolis, MN

612-312-3411

952-443-2066

Go to www.MonroeCrossing.com for detailed information on all our concerts! Booking: Art Blackburn, 844-monroeX or 763-213-1349, art@monroecrossing.com 6

July 2016

Casting for the middle of the river: John Koener by Charlie Parr

Editor’s Note: “Although Elvis Costello once said that ‘writing about music is like dancing about architecture,’ having musicians think out loud (or in print) about their art may be inspiring or just plain fun. Minnesota Bluegrass is going to start sharing these thoughts, beginning with a contribution by Charlie Parr. Here’s how Music News Nashville described Charlie’s most recent album, Stumpjumper: “The eleven tracks wash into each other with a marvelous, rolling rhythmic quality that captures the full range of modern country, Appalachian tradition and roots music.”

July 2016

playing lately, me and a small group of obviously like-minded individuals who stared, with a disturbing intensity, at John while he played, who wouldn’t talk to anyone, who let their beers go flat and stale, who had no other way to record this event and were desperately trying to capture it all. John didn’t seem bothered too much by it and told us jokes and stomped his foot and filled the air with the most unique sound I’d ever heard. That sound, that atmosphere that he produces, is as important as the song he’s singing. It’s a singular sound, from the tone of his oddly modified 12-string to his thumb-heavy syncopation to his voice and phrasing. Spider John is a cipher, he is one of one, as far as guitar playing goes. His style is immediately recognizable, coming to life in the songs he writes, and transforms the traditional songs he chooses to cover, into Spider John songs. After a long time struggling to play John’s style and rhythms, which can be likened to tossing a heavy rug into a washing machine – it creates an unpredictable sounding rhythm but it’s oddly always right in time – I finally and thankfully started to get the message: I was witnessing the folk process at work. From the first time I saw him play, and started listening to the recordings, I’ve been mesmerized by that undeniable sense that something really special is happening. John Fahey might have said that Spider John was a “revenant.” In Fahey’s canon he’s talking about music which is revived from the dead, given new life, not so much preserved as re-born. There is a weird spark that a lot of music, old and new, has and I think we as listeners feel it more than hear it, it creates an atmosphere that we can participate in, especially within folk music. Certain artists come along and seem to have ingested that spark and used it to create both original music and new

interpretations of traditional music, and John shows up right there. I can still feel that spark just like I felt it at the Viking Bar in 1985, just like I felt it when I heard “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Been”, just like I felt it the last time I saw John play. Along with Robert Pete Williams, along with Skip James, along with Doc Watson, along with Frank Hutchinson … Woody Guthrie … Geeshie Wiley … Robbie Basho … Mike Gangloff … the names keep coming, but what they share is the common thread of the folk process, and that spark. In the dream I had, it was either my Dad or Jerry Garcia talking, I’m still not sure which one, but I woke up thinking about Spider John Koerner – diving deep into the middle of that river, surrounded by the sound that comes only from him. Charlie Parr’s web site: www. charlieparr.com

Homegrown Minnesota Bluegrass

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

I dreamed one night that a shadowy figure came into my room and sat in the chair I use for practicing, an old wooden folding chair with a rag rug seat cover that hides a patch made out of a mechanic’s creeper. The chair creaks, and I swear I heard the creak as this fellow sat down. I couldn’t see his face, but I heard him talking about music, “…don’t make the mistake of thinking that you make music. Music made you, you can’t create it, music has always been there, rolling along like a river that you can choose to dip your toe into, or go ahead and dive into the middle of, and you’ll be given what you need according to how deep you get.” I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen Spider John Koerner play. When I moved from Austin (Minnesota) to Minneapolis in the mid-eighties I lived in a rooming house on the West Bank and tried to take college courses on philosophy that I never fully understood and spent the rest of my time working at temp jobs that I was ill-equipped for and struggling to play the guitar. In my parents’ house I’d been lucky enough to hear records by Lead Belly and Lightnin’ Hopkins and Mance Lipscomb, and I obsessively tried to learn their songs by ear since I didn’t know anyone who could play like that. Of course the West Bank changed all that; suddenly I was able to see a different guitar player every night and skip class and work every day just to sit and try to remember what their fingers were doing the other night and try it for myself. I couldn’t do it, of course, but I was so happy surrounding myself with music that I didn’t care and I kept trying anyway, living in a rowdy rooming house that didn’t seem to mind that I was still up at 3:30 AM trying to get Mississippi John Hurt’s “Candyman” to work. Every Sunday I headed down the street to the Viking Bar where Spider John had been

Listen to our CD “It’s Time” & Order at:

sarahmaeandthebirkelandboys.com

“They knocked it out of the park. I like every song.” -Lloyd LaPlant

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OV R P

Americana-Roots Band Contest

FIRST PLACE: $500 cash prize, 5 hours of studio time at Wild Sound, a feature article in Minnesota Bluegrass, a short paid set at the 2017 AmericanaRoots Duet Contest, State Fair Ribbons

FIRST PLACE: $1000 cash prize, a set at the 2017 Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival, cover article in Minnesota Bluegrass, 5 hours of studio time at Wild Sound, video session at Baby Blue Arts

SECOND PLACE: $250 cash prize, State Fair Ribbons

SECOND PLACE: $500 cash prize, main stage set at the 2017 Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff festival, State Fair Ribbons

THIRD PLACE: $100 cash prize, State Fair Ribbons

S E Z RI

Americana-Roots Duet Contest Friday, September 2, 2016 3:00–5:45 PM West End Market Stage, Minnesota State Fair ENTRY FEE: $20 per duet, LIMIT 10 duets

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

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Saturday, September 3, 2016 3:00-5:45 PM West End Market Stage, Minnesota State Fair ENTRY FEE: $50 per band, LIMIT 8 bands

THIRD PLACE: $250 cash prize, State Fair Ribbons

GOLD SPONSORS Baby Blue Arts David Vincent Guitars & Mandolins Nechville Banjos The Podium Wild Sound Recording Studio SILVER SPONSORS G. Edward Lutherie Hoffman Guitars LaPlant Instruments Willie’s American Guitars

July 2016

Inside Bluegrass: The Radio Show By Joe Carlson

July 2016

Phil is an active musician as well as radio host and Bluegrass historian. Phil does this very well. Denny and Tom like to feature both local talent as well as regional and national talent. They have interviewed some of the bigger name musicians in the business like the Gibson Brothers, Rhonda Vincent, Marty Raybon, and Del McCoury, just to name a few. They also love to talk to local talent such as Monroe Crossing, The High 48s, The Platte Valley Boys. It is their hope to spread the music on the airways and hopefully gain more enthusiasm for the music and convince more people to get involved in Bluegrass Music. These guys try and publicize all of the festivals around the area as well as the January Danny Stewart Bluegrass Cruise. One of the regular groups there is Monroe Crossing who are big supporters of MBOTMA and do all they can to promote the organization. Den-

ny and Tom are also trying their hand at promoting an event called “Bluegrass Sunday” on Oct 30th at Huikko’s Bowling & Event Center in Buffalo, MN. (Pronounced WeeKos). This will have a great Brunch and three great bands. Singleton Street, Rainbolt Mountain Project, and The High 48’s, all for $25.00 in advance and $30.00 at the door. Sounds like a great deal with great food and music. Tell your friends about their show “Inside Bluegrass” every Saturday from 11:00am to noon on KRWC 1360AM in Buffalo, MN and KBEK 95.5 FM in East Central Minnesota. This is also streamed on the internet at KBEK.com. Be sure to check out their Facebook page Inside Bluegrass and the website insidebluegrassradio.com. Let them know you like the show and what you would like to hear and who you would like to hear. You can email them at insidebluegrass @gmail.com.

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Inside Bluegrass “The Radio Show” has been around for about 3 years, now joining the “Bluegrass Review” as the two radio shows on the local airways in the non-public radio market. Since it started on a small AM station in Buffalo, MN the “Inside Bluegrass” show has grown. It’s now on KRWC 1360AM in Buffalo, MN as well as KBEK 95.5 FM in Mora, MN. KBEK has just updated its transmitter to 25000 watts at its studios in Braham, MN. They now have a terrific range of broadcast. They can be heard from near Moose Lake, MN to Blaine MN and from Cumberland, WI to St. Cloud MN. It can also be streamed on KBEK.com as well as Podcast on KBEK. KRWC can be heard from the west suburbs of Minneapolis to almost to Litchfield, MN, and the entire area of Wright County. Denny O’Brien and Tom Schuveiller are the co-hosts of the “Inside Bluegrass” show. They introduced Phil Nusbaum to the management of KBEK 95.5 FM who now also carry Phil’s show. Phil has been a mentor to the pair as they try and improve their show for the listening audience. Tom said, “Phil has been an inspiration to us and has given us valuable advice as we embark on this journey called radio”. Denny said, “The shows both play Bluegrass music, that is true, but the shows are quite different in style”. They went on to say that while they both play Bluegrass Music, “Inside Bluegrass” doesn’t get into the roots and history of music like Phil does. They say

Adults $5 or free with a student ID

July 2016

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

July 2016

Bluegrass Music at the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Festival August 11-14, 2016 - El Rancho Manana Campground

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

by Doug Lohman

There will be another stellar line up at the 2016 Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-time Music Festival. The Festival has always had topnotch entertainment and has been nominated 5 times for the Event of the Year by the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association). Headlining the Festival this year are The Travelin’ McCourtys. Led by sons of legend Del McCoury, Rob and Ronnie have become a force in their own right, continuing the bluegrass tradition that they learned from their father. Although the Traveling McCourys like to focus on traditional bluegrass like they do with their dad, they are not hesitant to try new things, or sit in with a band from out of the genre. They’ve performed with the Allman Brothers, Lee Boys, and Phish to name a few. Ronnie says, “We also like to be able to step into situations where we can really stretch out. If we need to plug in, we’ll plug in. We’re open to anything.” Perfecting their bluegrass chops playing with Del has given them a heritage and sound fundamental grounding in music that allows them to infuse their own music with excitement, fun and joy. Another great bluegrass band appearing at the Festival, is Monroe Crossing. Some may consider them a “local” bluegrass band, but in reality, they are international entertainment extravaganza, performing in Europe and South Korea this year. Their name comes from the Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe and they have taken his style of music and delighted audiences 12

The Travelin’ McCourys all over this great country since 2001. Lisa, Mark, Matt, Derek and David are excited about performing for you; they have been every time I’ve seen them. Their ability to reinterpret a bluegrass standard or an original tune has always been their strength. With over 15 recordings as a band, they continue to be at the forefront of bluegrass music today. The Clay Hess Band will be here to entertain us with tasty licks. Many of us first heard of him when he worked with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, earning a Grammy during that time.

Monroe Crossing

His first solo CD, “Rain,” was critically acclaimed going to #1 on the Bluegrass Today weekly chart. I’ve heard him a couple of times with Mountain Heart. Clay’s band include his son Brennan on guitar, Nick Keen on mandolin, Luke Montgomery on banjo and Irl Hees on bass. All of them are steeped in the bluegrass tradition. Brennan grew up in the musical family, builds guitars and helps out with recording as an engineer. Nick has won the Merlefest mandolin contest and has an IBMA award for Emerging Artist. Luke has been playing music since he was 6 years old. Irl is a journeyman bass player, having worked with Rhonda Vincent, Chris Jones and the Night Drivers (they were at the MN Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Festival a few years ago), the Lonesome River Band, the Cleverly Trio and Roy Rogers Jr. Dick Kimmel & Co wil grace the stage also. Dick has been a mainstay of traditional music in our area for a long time. Whether it’s on guitar, mandolin or claw hammer banjo, he’s an ace. Two dozen recordings, and numerous inductions into music halls of fame makes him a great ambassador for bluegrass and old-time music. He has a new CD out, “Corbitt on the Couch” which focuses on his mandolin. The band includes Tony Rook on guitar (Tony’s new CD was reviewed in MN Bluegrass in May), Grahm Sones on banjo and Terry Johnson on bass. Hand Picked Bluegrass is a high energy acoustic band playing everything from the traditional “high lonesome July 2016

Dick Kimmel & Co

Clay Hess Band sound” of Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys to the exciting sound of today’s progressive bluegrass groups – as well as their own original music. Led by Joe and Susan Cronick, they have been a regular in the WI bluegrass scene for many years. Anot her great Minnesota band, King Wilkie’s Dream (KWD) will join us. KWD does not worry about achieving a particular level of drive or meandering in the wilderness of rhythm and vibe. The band sets out to stretch musically and creatively, while entertaining in a way that transcends generations and connects with audiences. Whether it is an original song, a wellworn traditional number, or something

July 2016

from outside the genre of bluegrass, the tune receives the same attention to detail, resulting in the band’s New Sound, Big Noise. Bluegrass, blues, swing, Americana, country, tin pan alley, old time, and just a little pop are all represented in the music

Kill Boys. Long Time Gone will be with us again this year. The “Golden Era” of bluegrass may be a long time gone — but not to the members of Long Time Gone.

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

King Wilke’s Dream

Hand Picked Bluegrass

that you may hear from KWD. One of the great young bands from Minnesota, Sarah Mae & the Birkeland Boys will be entertaining at the festival this year. Sarah plays upright bass (and other stringed things, too), and is joined by her brothers, Derek on mandolin and Adam on resonator guitar, along with her father, Mike, on guitar. You’ll hear bluegrass standards and original songs from this family band. Sarah also plays in the Bill and Kate Isles Band, Porcupine Creek and (a band I haven’t heard but want to because of the name, if for no other reason) the Road

Sarah Mae & the Birkeland Boys 13

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Led by the soulful, lonesome lead vocals of Leo Rosenstein (mandolin), Long Time Gone faithfully brings back to life the classic bluegrass hits of the 1950s, hearkening back to an era when Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs and The Stanley Brothers ruled the country airwaves. Ben Manning (guitar) and Katryn Conlin (string bass) anchor the band’s rhythm section while two of the region’s leading instrumentalists, Barry St. Mane (banjo) and Mike Hildebrandt (fiddle), trade dazzling breaks. Long Time Gone isn’t just about traditional bluegrass. The band branches out into old-timey songs of the 1920s and original songs written by band members. Double fiddle tunes, a touch of Celtic, hard-driving banjo instrumentals and quite a bit of instrument swapping keeps Long Time Gone shows entertaining. “It’s not just about playing the fastest tunes or the most intricate arrangements, it’s also about having fun,” says Ben Manning, who handles much of the band’s front work. “This band evolved from a regular jam session that began back in 2000, and we’ve always valued being good friends. We hope that enjoyment and ‘comfort zone’ of the band comes through in the music we make together.” No Man’s String Band won the 2015 Race for Place contest at MBOTMA’s Harvest Jam last November. Influenced by the classics and inspired by the modern, the No Man’s String Band have taken a familiar sound and made it new. In 2013 the band released their debut album titled “Let The Truth Be Told,” and 2014 saw the launch of the recurrent music series “Cuttin’ Grass.” Fresh out of the Twin Cities of Minnesota and including Justin Rosckes on guitar, Nic Hentges on mandolin, Melissa Hentges on accordion, Lindsey Bordner on fiddle, and Pat Loftus on bass, the No Man’s String Band hits the 14

Long Time Gone

road hard to bring you the very best of the bluegrass American tradition and its future. The Halvorson Family Band from Mankato, Minnesota plays a family

No Man’s String Band friendly variety of bluegrass, old-time and gospel music. Daniel, age 20, sings and plays fiddle, mandolin, dobro and banjo. John, age 18, sings and plays double bass.

The Halvorson Family Band

Madeline, age 13, sings and plays fiddle, and their dad, Loren, sings and plays guitar. They carry on the tradition of the family band. Rosby Corner is a Bluegrass Band offering performances of published and original works, with a focus on three and four part harmonies. With the newly released first CD, Grace Lake Jig, the band is offering audio samples and videos of performances on their website www.rosbycorner. com . Originally founded by sisters Jeanne Marti on mandolin and vocals and Lynn Thoreson Eschbach on guitar and vocals, the band is rounded off with the support of Greg Landkamer on guitar, mandolin and vocals, and Kenny Bloch on bass, guitar, mandolin and vocals The Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Festival is not just about bluegrass. Rounding out the festival are two bands that best fit into the “Related” category of bands, Pushing Chain and the Revelers. Pushing Chain is a duo from northern Minnesota. They were formed in 2012 by Boyd Blomberg and Adam Moe. The duo, which has been performing together in various manifestations since 1997, plays Folky-Tonk music featuring Boyd on guitar and vocals and Adam on the fiddle and vocals. Strong songwriting, tight harmonies, and a gonzo approach have been winning fans for Pushing Chain across the Midwest and beyond. In 2014 Boyd won the Riverfalls Roots and Bluegrass festival’s Upper Midwest Songwriter of the Year! The Grammy nominated Revelers hail from Lafayette, Louisiana. Mixing Cajun, zydeco Louisiana swamp pop, western swing and jazz the Revelers tear down the house with energy that will get you on your feet. Formed out of the ashes of the Red Stick Ramblers, the Revelers are redefining what SW Louisiana music July 2016

Pushing Chain

Rosby Corner is all about. The Minnesota Bluegrass and OldTime Music Association is excited about presenting this line up. The volunteers are in place. The bands are lined up. Now all

Have fun on the web, checking out these artists: Traveling McCourys: thetravelinmccourys.com Monroe Crossing: monroecrossing.com Clay Hess: clayhess.com Dick Kimmel: dickkimmel.com Hand Picked Bluegrass: handpickedbluegrass.net

The Revelers

Sarah Mae & the Birkeland Boys: sarahmaeandthebirkelandboys.com Long Time Gone: longtimegoneband. com King Wilke’s Dream: kwdream.com

No Man’s String Band: nmsbmusic.com Pushing Chain: pushingchain.com The Revelers: revelersband.com

July 2016

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MinnesotaBluegrass.org

The Halvorson Family Band : on FaceBook

NORTH ER N INDIA N A BLUEG R A S S ASSOC I A TI O N ’ S

Labor Day Weekend Sept. 1-4, 2016

                  N OMIN A T E D

AS THE BEST

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N O B L E C O U N T Y 4 - H F A I R G R O U N D S 580 N. F S ., 4675 5 The Midwest’s biggest parking lot pickin’ festival! AIR

Dry Branch Fire Squad Frei g h t Hopp e r s Donna Ulisse

Gr a s c a l s

Cumberland Gap Connection Jeff Brown & Still Lonesome , Kevin Prater Band, Scott Bros., Backwoods Bluegrass, Branded Bluegrass, Calabogie Road Workshops, Band Scramble, Gospel sing Sun. AM.

      Thursday through Sunday 29 ½ hours of acoustic Bluegrass

 Free drive-in community night, 4H dinner $ donation 4:30-7:30p; show 6:30-10:05p  $10 6-10:30p

 $20 11:30a-10:45p  $15 10:30a-10:15p 15 & under free with adult, weekend ticket $30 Camping for Fri., Sat. and Sun. nights is included in a weekend ticket. All campers must have a weekend ticket. Early camping $10/day. 400 electric outlets, water near buildings, no camping in buildings, 15 amp electric is a one time $10 charge no A/C or heaters. Three hot shower rooms, RV dump station and honey wagon service.

Two large covered areas at the stage — BRING L O W B A C K LAWN CHAIRS — No advanced reservations. Best Western Motel , within sight of the fairgrounds, 260-347-5263 or Holiday Inn Express mile east, 260-343-0000 make reservations VERY early; ask for festival discount

 

MinnesotaBluegrass.org



   

NIBGA 5034 Wapiti Court Ft. Wayne, IN 46804-4946 260-918-4790  F16@nibga.com www.BluegrassUSA.net

No alcoh o l i c bever a g e s or pets in the stage area. All pets on a leash & poop scoops required!!  handicapped parking and camping with a view of the stage; must have handicap tag or plate security by the Noble County Police reserve generators in designated area away from campground 

 

July 2016

A Review

Gibson Brothers - Madison, WI - 5/15/16 By Doug Lohman

July 2016

Jesse, on mandolin, may be one of the great mandolin players of our age. He is a joy to listen to and and to watch. He seems to have this aura of “I’m having the time of my life!” He always adds something special to every song or tune.

They continued with the classic Sweet Little Miss Blue Eyes, the Everly Brothers’ Bye, Bye, Love, That Old Farm of Yesterday, and Singing as We Rise and then took an intermission. It’s been said before. Nobody sings together like siblings and the genetic similarities of

their voices was quite evident as the night progressed. The clear purity of their harmonies has always been a joy to hear. I think this might be the thing that stood

out most, throughout the whole show. But, the song writing stood out, also. The have a knack for telling a story in their songs. They have a way of infusing all of the angst, beauty and joy of being alive into their songs. Even though they are a bluegrass act, their songwriting harkens back and has hints of earlier country music. They opened the second half with Ophelia (by Robbie Robertson of the Band), followed by Lonesome Road Blues, Wine Mountain Miners, Fool’s Hill, Walking West to Memphis. They played 21 years, Pike County Breakdown, In the Ground, the gospel song - You’ll Never Need a Ticket, They Call it Music (from the 2013 album by the same name). The encore was Red Letter Day for the Blues (title cut from their 2006 recording). With 11 IBMA awards and 6 from SPBGMA (Entertainer of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, etc), they were showcasing, not only their love for performing and songwriting, but their love and respect for bluegrass, early country and stringband music. Eric’s wry humor was evident throughout the show. A brother can razz a brother, the way no one else can. Leigh is more laid back and sometimes managed to give the look of, don’t believe everything he says… I’m sure it will be a concert that all who attended will remember. They showed us why they are one of the top bluegrass acts today. They were at the August Festival a few years ago and I hope it’s less than a few years before we have them back. Thanks go out to the Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association for hosting this fine concert. 17

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

On a trip through Madison, WI, I got a chance to see the Gibson Brothers in concert. It was at a place called the Brink, part of a larger complex which includes 3 other bars/restaurants. After attending other events there, I thought it was a strange place for them to perform; rather small for artists of their caliber. I was pleasantly surprised! Seating was at tables which gave it a more intimate feel than sitting in rows in a concert. It was sponsored by the Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association, who did a great job making everyone feel welcome. After settling in with some hors d’oeuvre and drinks, the Gibson Brothers hit the stage. Suits suit bluegrass. They looked sharp and they played like they had been practicing all afternoon. They did five songs, Find Your Daddy Gone, The Wishing Well, Frozen in Time, Big Mon, and Safe Passage before they did much talking. The show was off to a great start; by the time they got to Big Mon, they tore it up. Helping out Eric and Leigh Gibson, guitar and banjo, were some of the best in bluegrass today. Clayton Campbell on fiddle, Mike Barber on bass and Jesse Brock on mandolin. This is one well-oiled ensemble. No weak links, they play like a finely tuned machine, infusing every song with fun, intensity and emotion. Clayton, on fiddle, compliments the Gibson Brothers so well. He can play a howdown as well as anybody else and pulls out even more tasty licks for the quieter, more introspective numbers. Mike, on bass, who’s been with them since 1993, is sometimes called the third Gibson Brother. He nails down the bottom end.

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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

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.

July 2016

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

July 2016

Contribute to Minnesota Bluegrass Magazine.

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

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 OldTime String Band Music.

editor@minnesotabluegrass.org 20

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Bluegrass Saturday Morning By Phil Nusbaum

Summertime It is now the season we’ve all been waiting for. Do you know the Sawtooth Brothers’ song title Summer All the Time? Well, I am all for it. I am also in favor of what the song Summertime says, especially the part about the living being easy. Just exit your back door, flop down on a lawn chair, and you are on vacation. It’s that easy. What’s on this summer on the Bluegrass Review and Bluegrass Saturday Morning? Well, I always enjoy programming summer fluff. In theater, summer fluff consists of plays that do not stimulate thought, but are lighthearted and fun. On our shows, fluff translates to bluegrass covers of pop songs and playful romps through instrumental pieces. But of course, we’ll play some of the serious stuff we always play, including the latest extended reworkings of Bill Monroe instrumentals, and songs that are set on the gritty underside of how we live today. We’ll also continue playing great bluegrass from the first generation artists and moving forward to include the envelope-pushing artists of today. KBEM-FM affords bluegrass a 5-hour window, and it is great that we have the space to play it all. Around July 4 we’ll pose the question of what is American about American Bluegrass, and attempt to answer it during the Gem of Bluegrass about 15 minutes after the show begins. All summer long, we’ll be listening to bluegrass artists address how their songs reflect everyday life. It should be fun all the way through.

July 2016

Business Support The Bluegrass Review is supported by a combination of grants and business supporters. To promote your business locally, statewide or nationally through the Bluegrass Review, contact Phil Nusbaum (651/245-1527; pnusbaum@bitstream. net). For promotion through Bluegrass Saturday Morning, your contact is Kevin Barnes (612/668-1735; kbar264@aol.com). Bluegrass Review Supporters 1. Hoffman Guitars www.hoffmanguitars.com (hand crafted Hoffman guitars, authorized Martin repairs) 2. Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association www.minnesotabluegrass.org (membership organization supporting bluegrass experiences) 3. John Waddle Violins: www.waddleviolins.com (Dealer of international & domestic, new & old violins, bows, cases) Weekly Playlists Bluegrass Review playlists are located at www. bluegrassreview.com. Just use the “playlists” link you’ll find at the top of the page. Then click on “archives.”

the

The Bluegrass Review is made possible in part by a grant National Endowment for the Arts.

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

KSCR-FM, 93.5 Benson

Sunday

6 AM

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Streaming the Shows It is very easy to stream Bluegrass Saturday Morning and the Bluegrass Review. Streaming means that radio programming is available on the computer. Of course this is a great innovation. If it is Wednesday night for example, and you are doing something that would be helped by bluegrass accompaniment, streaming makes it available to you at any time. The bluegrass segment on KBEM-FM in Minneapolis is over at noon, and from that point, show segments are available for computer streaming. At http:// jazz88.mpls.k12.mn.us/, Bluegrass Saturday Morning segments are available in 2-hour chunks, while the Bluegrass Review is heard in its 1-hour entirety. If you conduct an internet search for KBEM, it’ll lead you to the address above. Once you are at the website, look at the column on the right for “KBEM OnDemand.” Click there and you will some icons on the right. Click on “kbemroots” and you will then have a lot of show segments to choose from. You can also stream the Bluegrass Review from www. bluegrassreview.com. At that website’s homepage click on programs, a spot at which Bluegrass Review programs are listed. The most recent usually is on top, and you will scroll to the bottom of a given playlist to reach a player for the show. Just click and listen. Similarly, if you type “Bluegrass Review” into a prx

search box, you’ll be directed to a player for use in streaming the show.

Four Time IBMA Event Of The Year Nominee!

August 11-14, 2016 - El Rancho Mañana

Richmond MN, 30 Minutes W of St Cloud (I-94 Exit #153 at Avon, 9 mi S on County 9)

THE TRAVELING MCCOURYS – CLAY HESS BAND

THE HORSENECKS – CANOTE BROTHERS – PERT’ NEAR SANDSTONE plus The Revelers, Hogslop Stringband, Monroe Crossing, Bob & Lynn Dixon, Poor Benny, Pushing Chain, Sarah Mae & The Birkeland Boys, Hand Picked Bluegrass, Dick Kimmel & Co, Long Time Gone, King Wilkie’s Dream, Halvorson Family Band, No Man’s Stringband, More TBA Beautiful Main Stage  Shaded Seating Area  35 Hours of Concerts  Nightly Dances  Instrument Showcases Children’s Activities  Over 20 Workshops  Plenty of Campground Jam Sessions  30 Merchant & Food Booths Campground with Showers & Beach  Shuttle Transportation  A Welcome & Safe Environment  Kids Are Free!

Come for the Day – Camp for the Weekend – Call for Brochure Thu-Sun Camping Package (per person) Admission Thu thru Sun plus unimproved camping Thu, Fri, & Sat nights, $95 Gate, $85 Adv, $75 Member Adv

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Single Day Tickets (per person) Admission one day, no camping, $20 Thu or Sun Gate, $30 Fri or Sat Gate, $25 Adv (any day) $20 Member Adv (any day)

800-635-3037

www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Presented by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association and made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

July 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.

Thursday through Sunday, August 11-14, 2016, Richmond MN: The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival, El Rancho Mañana Campground & Riding

Stable (27302B Ranch Rd 56368, 20 mi W of St Cloud, I-94 exit #153 at Avon, 9 mi S on Cty 9, L on Mañana Rd). Four-day outdoor music and camping festival with stage shows, dances, workshops, showcases, children’s shows, demonstrations, crafts, and good food in five stage areas. Five time IBMA Event of the Year nominee. 2016 performers will include The Clay Hess Band, Monroe Crossing, The Revelers, The Horsenecks, Canote Brothers, and many more TBA. Mainstage showtimes are 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM Thursday, 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM Friday, 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM Saturday, and 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Sunday. $20 to $30 daily at gate or $85 for all four days in advance including camping ($79 before March 1). Teens are only $10 and kids are free. For information or tickets call 800-635-3037 or visit www. MinnesotaBluegrass.org. Presented by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association

Friday through Sunday November 18-20, 2016, St Louis Park MN: Harvest Jam Acoustic Music Experience,

Marriott Minneapolis West Hotel (9960 Wayzata Blvd). This 11th annual event will feature stage shows Friday night, all day Saturday, and Sunday morning featuring top-notch bands to be announced. Plus the Race For A Place Band Contest on Saturday

from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, 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).

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.

July 2016

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Winter Bluegrass Weekend 2016

• Glen Cary Lutheran Church, 155531 Central Ave NE (Hwy 65), 612-366-1359, Joe Walters, 736-4345695, WhenWillitSnow@mac.com, Bluegrass, Country, Gospel, 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 • Ham Lake Senior Center, 15545 Central Ave NE (Hwy 65), Maxine Larson, 763-434-6750, Acoustic & Amplified, 3rd Tue, 1-4pm

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.

Minnesota

Hancock:

• By Lo Gas and Groceries, 969 6th St, (320) 392-5244, Bob, 320 392-5662, Blurgrass, Oldtime, Thu (Winter), 6:45-7:45 • Della Conroy Studio, Della, 320 392-5662, Bluegrass, Oldtime, Thu (Spring-Fall), 6:45-7:45

Bayport: Bayport Library, 582 N 4th

St, 651 275-4416, Mary, 651 439-8055, M3oberg@yahoo.com, Acoustic, Mon, 5:30-8:00pm Brainerd: Coco Moon Coffee Bar, 601 Laurel St, 218-825-7955, Bluegrass, 1st, 3rd 5th Thu, 6:30-8pm Cannon Falls: First Congregational Church, , 220 Main Street W (Highway 19), Mary Pat Kleven, 507-298-3016, mpkleven55@gmail.com, Old Time, 2nd Fri, 6:30-8:30pm Clear Lake: Travelers on the Mississippi, 11290 80th Ave SE, 320743--3133, Dick Pickens, 406-868-9205, , Bluegrass, Gospel, Amps permitted, May - Sep, 3rd Sat, 6-9:30pm

Minneapolis:

•

Delano:

Crow River Guitar and Sound, 45 Babcock Blvd W, 763 972-7200, Molly, hoofparker@frontiernet.net, Bluegrass, Sat, 11am-1pm

•

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Duluth:

Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake, 805 Superior St, 218-728-1192, http://sirbens. com, • Bluegrass, Wed, 7-9pm • Celtic, Thu, 7-9pm Fergus Falls: The Spot, 220 W Lincoln Ave, 218-998-2551, http://www. thespotpaniniandwine.com, 218-7366198, redblug@yahoo.com, Celtic, 3rd Thu, 7-9pm

Fergus Falls:

Westridge Mall, 2001 W Lincoln Ave, 218-739-4439, Bob Johnson, 218-7366198, redblug@yahoo.com, Acoustic, 1st Sun, 1-5pm

Ham Lake: 24

•

• •

•

• Blackbird’s Music, 3445 Cedar Ave S, 612-326-5745, http:// blackbirdsmusicstore.com, , Blackbirdmusicmpls@gmail.com, • Bluegrass, Thu, 7-9pm • Adult Learners, Tue, 6:30-8pm • Bluegrass, Every other Sat, 10am - noon Elliot Park Recreation Center, 1000 14th St E, www.TCUkeClub.com, tcuker@icloud.com, Ukulele, Blues, Jazz, Swing Group Lesson, 2nd, 4th Thu, 7-9pm Kenwood Park Community Center, 2101 Franklin Ave, , www. TCUkeClub.com, tcuker@icloud. com, Ukulele, Bluegrass, 2nd, 4th Mon, 7-9pm Kenwood Park Community Center, 2101 Franklin Ave, , www. TCUkeClub.com, tcuker@icloud. com, Ukulele, Americana, 1st, 3rd Thu, 7-9pm Kieran’s Irish Pub, 330 2nd Ave S, 612-339-4499, http://www.kierans. com, Irish, Sun, Noon-2pm Lunds & Byerlys Community Room, 1450 W Lake Street, , Donna, 651 698-4971, andaghs@earthlink.net, Acoustic, 2nd Friday, 7-9pm Walker Community United

Methodist Church, 3104 16th Ave S, 612-209-5311, Roy, revanster@ gmail.com, Bluegrass, Last Mon, 7-10pm

Monticello:

VFW, 713 Cedar St,, 763-807-6431, Milo Olson, mardellolson@yahoo.com, Acoustic & Amplified, May - Nov, Last Sun, 2-5pm

Northfield:

• Contented Cow, 302B Division St, 507-663-1351, http://www. contentedcow.com/ongoing-events/ Northern Roots, Mon, 7:30 PM • Northfield, MN, Contented Cow, 302B Division St, 507-663-1351, http://www.contentedcow.com/ ongoing-events/ Acoustic, Tue, 7:30-10 PM

Oakdale:

Silver Lake Methodist, 5399 Geneva Ave N, 651-777-2920, Junior, MNrover@juno. com, Acoustic, 3rd Sat, 10am-noon

Red Wing:

Winter Farmer’s Market, Sargent’s Nursery, 3352 N Service Drive, , Dave, 651-388-3847, Old Time, Nov-Mar, Sat, 9am-Noon

Richfield:

Homestead Pickin’ Parlor, 6625 Penn Ave S, 612-861-3308, http:// homesteadpickinparlor.com, • Slow Fiddle tunes, 1st,3rd, 5th Mon, 7-9pm • Flatpicking Guitar, Thu, 7-9pm • Beginning Bluegrass, 2nd, 4th Tue, 7-9pm • Advanced Bluegrass, Sat, 3-6pm • Fiddle tunes, Wed, 7-9pm • Folk Jam, 1st, 3rd, 5th Tue, 7-9pm

Rochester:

Peace UCC, 1503 2nd Ave NE, http:// peacechurchucc.org, Pat Lehey, 507-2617128, Bluegrass, Fri, 6:30 PM

Rogers:

Rogers Community Center, 21201 Memorial Dr, Dave Christen, 612859-5847, quickieauct@hotmail.com, Acoustic & Amplified, 1st Sun, 1-6pm

Roseville:

Ken’s Market, 788 Cleveland Ave SW,, Doug Chasar, 612-802-0833, dchasar@ att.net, Acoustic, Mon, 6:30-8:30 pm

Rushford:

Good Shepard Home, 800 Home St, July 2016

Roberta Albertson, 507-864-8109, semba@acegroup.cc, Bluegrass, NovMar, 3rd Sun, Noon-5pm

St Anthony:

Culvers, 4004 Silver Lake Road, , Barb, 763-784-7881, Sponsored by MBOTMA; all levels welcome. Bluegrass, Sat, 1:304pm

Saint Cloud:

Whitney Senior Center, 1527 Northway Dr, Ken Hoest, 320-260-3348, Acoustic & Amplified, 1st Tue, 6:30-9pm

Saint Paul: •

Burn Unit Coffee Ward, 945 West 7th St, Doug Chasar, 612-802-0833, dchasar@att.net, Acoustic, Thu, 6:30-8:30 pm • Dubliner, 2162 University Ave, 651646-5551, http://thedublinerpub. com, • Sea Shanties, 2nd Mon, 7:30 PM • Traditional Irish Session (Advanced Players), Fri, 6-9pm • School of Rock Lowertown, 417 Broadway St, Donna, 651 698-4971, andaghs@earthlink.net, Acoustic, 3rd Sunday, 3-5pm • Underground Music Cafe, 1579 Hamline Ave N, 651-644-9959, http://undergroundmusiccafe.com, , , Roots Music (Bluegrass, Old-Time, Country), 1st, 3rd Tue, 7-9pm • Underground Music Cafe, 1579 Hamline Ave N, 651-644-9959, http://undergroundmusiccafe.com, ,

, Cajun, 1st, 3rd Sat, 11am-1pm

Sartell:

The Legends at Heritage Place, 673 Brianna Dr,, Gary Loomis, 320-2232537, garymusic@midco.net, Acoustic, 4th Tue, 6-9pm

Spring Valley:

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 805 S Broadway, Roberta Albertson, 507-8648109, semba@acegroup.cc, Bluegrass, Nov-Mar, 1st Sun, Noon-5pm

Taylors Falls:

Memorial Community Center, 312 Government Street, Brian Pigott, 651465-5551, popspeejou@frontier.com, Acoustic & Amplified, Mon, 6-9pm

Wyoming:

Wyoming Methodist Church, 5459 E Viking Blvd, Stephen Whiting, 651464-7442, whitingsranch@gmail.com, Acoustic, Gospel, 2nd & 4th Thu, 7-9pm

North Dakota Fargo:

Red Raven Expresso Parlor, 916 Main Ave, 701-478-7337, Bob Johnson, 218736-6198, 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, 701-7218296, 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

Lewis:

Lewis Methodist Church, 3482 115th Street, Starr Warndahl, 715-653-4262, warndahl@yahoo.com, Gospel, Oct May, 1st Sat, 6-9pm

Menomonie:

Christ Lutheran Church, Elm & Wilcox Streets, Donna Harschlip, 715-673-4885, Mountain Dulcimer, 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 Streets, Ben Toppel, 715-688-3112, Benatoppel@yahoo.com, Old-Time, bring a chair. Tent available, but may cancel 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, 751-2484800, Jerry, Acoustic, Tue, 2-9pm

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

2016 Kickoff, Ranch House Live July 2016

Kick Up Your Heels Dances MON • MINNEAPOLIS, 7:30pm Monday Night Square Dance at The Eagles Club, 2507 E. 25th St. 612–729– 4469 (1st and 3rd Mondays) MON • MINNEAPOLIS, 7:30pm Monday Night Cajun Dance at The Eagles Club, 2507 E. 25th St. 612–729– 4469 (2nd, 4th and 5th Mondays) SAT • (1st) SAINT PAUL, 8pm New England Contra, Celtic Junction. Jim Brooks 651–222–5475 brooks@csp.edu SAT • MINNEAPOLIS, 7:30pm Tapestry Folkdance Center, New England–style contra dance.  SAT • (2nd) DULUTH, 7:30pm Contras, Squares, and round dances, Tamarack Dance Ass’n, YWCA, 202 West 2nd St.

Open Stages

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Open Stages

TUE • MINNEAPOLIS Kieran’s Irish Pub 612–339–4499. Sign–up 8pm, music 8:30.  TUE • (3rd) SPRING VALLEY, WI, 7pm Sneaker’s Pub and Eatery, 128 McKay Ave WED • (1st and 3rd) ST. PAUL Gingko Coffeehouse, 721 Snelling Ave. Hosts: Neal Dimick. Sign–up 6:30pm, music 7pm. 651–645–2647  WED • (occasional) MINNEAPOLIS Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Ave. S., 612–338–2674 THU • RIVER FALLS, WI Knitter’s group + open mic. Dish & the Spoon Café, 208 N. Main St., 715–426–9392  THU • (3rd) SPRING VALLEY, WI, 7pm Sneaker’s Pub and Eatery, 128 McKay Ave SUN • RED WING, 4–7pm Music Loft, Hobgoblin Music, 920 Hwy. 19 651–388– 8400 or 877–866–3936 26

Turn Your Radio On KAUR–89.1 FM Sioux Falls, SD “Folk Wave” Sat. 10–noon Host: Gaynor Johnson KAXE–FM 91.7 Grand Rapids, MN “Backporch Harmony” Sun. 5–8pm KBEM–FM 88.5 Minneapolis, jazz88fm. com • “Bluegrass Saturday Morning” Sat. 7am–noon. Host: Phil Nusbaum • “Mountain Stage,” Sat. 4–6pm  • “String Theory” Sat. 2–4pm Sun. 9–11pm Host: Kevin Barnes • “Tent Show Radio” Sat. 4–5pm  • “Celtic Nation” Sat. noon–2pm KBSB–FM 89.7 Bemidji, MN www.fm90.org “Backporch Bluegrass” Thu. 6–9pm Hosts: Arlan Roline and Jerry Brademan KDUZ–AM 1260 Hutchinson, MN “Our Bluegrass Gospel Get–Together” Sun. 5–6am Host: Tim Benoit KFAI–FM 90.3 Minneapolis, MN  • “Stone Soup” Wed. 9–11am Host: Pam K. • “Good ’n Country” Sat. 3–5pm Host: Ken Hippler  • “Dakota Dave Hull Show” Thu. 9–11am Host Dave Hull  • “Womenfolk” Sun. 11 am–1pm Host: Ellen Stanley  • “Dig Up The Roots” Tue. 9–11am Host: Greg Carr  • “Freewheelin’” Mon. 9–11am Host: Jackson Buck KLTF–AM 960, Little Falls, MN “Knee Deep in Bluegrass” Sun. 10pm– 12am Host: Cindy Bockem KMSU–FM 89.7 Mankato, MN and KMSK–FM 91.3 Austin, MN  • “Tent Radio Show” Sun. 7–8pm  • “Minnesota Morning” Mon.–Fri. 9–12am Host: Amy Triebenbach KRWC–AM 1360 Buffalo, MN  • “Inside Bluegrass” Sat. 10am Hosts: Denny O’Brien and Tom Schuveiller • “Bluegrass Review” Sun. 4pm Host: Phil Nusbaum KUMD–FM 103.3 Duluth, MN “Folk Migrations” Sat. 7–midnight KVSC–FM Saint Cloud, MN “Frets” Sat. 6am–noon Host: Wayne Bergerson KYMN–AM 1080 Northfield, MN kymnradio.net “The Long Way Home” Sun. 7–9pm Host: Will Healy

WBKV–AM West Bend, WI  “The Bluegrass Show” Sun. 4–6pm Hosts: Dale Palacek and Jim Burch WELY–FM 94.5, AM 1450 Ely, MN  • “Big Lake Country Bluegrass Show” Sat. 12–1pm Host: Matt Fetterer  • “The Bluegrass Review” Sat. s 1–2pm “Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour” Sat. 2–3pm  • “Twisted Roots” Mon.–Fri. 10am–2pm Host: Matt Fetterer WOJB–FM 88.9 Hayward, WI “Folkways” Wed. 7:30–midnight Hosts: Carl Solander and Ernie Martinson WORT–FM Madison, WI |WORT– FM.org “Back to the Country” Wed. 9am Host: Bill Malone  WRCO–FM 100.9 Richland Center, WI “Roots & Branches” Sun. 4–6pm Host: Gloria Hays  WTIP–FM 90.7 Grand Marais, MN “Classic Country” “Rainbow Trout” Sun. 3–9pm Host: Carl Solander WXPR–FM 91.7 Rhinelander, WI “Bluegrass Saturday” Sat. 12–4pm Minnesota Public Radio KSJN 99.5 FM | KNOW FM 91.1, St. Paul “A Prairie Home Companion”  Sat. 5–7pm, rebroadcast Sun. noon North Dakota Public Radio: 90.5 FM/Bismarck–91.9 FM/Beach  91.9 FM/Bowman–89.5 FM/Crary  91.9 FM/Crosby–91.5 FM/Devils Lake 89.9 FM/Dickinson–91.9 FM/Fargo 89/3 FM/Grand Forks–91.9 FM/Harvey 91.9 FM/Hettinger–91.5 FM/Jamestown 91.7 FM/Lakota–88.9 FM/Minot 91.9 FM/Tioga–89/5 FM/Tioga  89.5 FM/Williston–91.9 FM/Plentywood, MT 88.3 FM/Thief River Falls, MN “Old Time Music” Sun. 12:01am Host: Steve Nelson Wisconsin Public Radio: WHSA–89.9 FM | WHWC–88.3 FM WHRM–90.9 FM | WLBL–93 AM WHLA–90.3 FM | WHA–97 AM WHHI–91.3 FM | WERN–88.7 FM WHAD–90.7 FM • “Simply Folk” Sun. 5–8pm Host: Judy Rose • “Tent Show Radio” Sat. 7–8pm July 2016

Bluegrass, Beef & Corn Festival