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April 2018
The High 48s
Special Festival Issue
Inside:
From the President 3 | Grass Clippings 5 | All’s Fair in Love & Bluegrass 6 | Cabin Fever
Festival Preview 7 | Cover Story: The High 48s 8 | CD Review: Becky Buller 11 | Big Bang
Theory of Bluegrass 12 | 2018 Festival Section 13 | Bluegrass Saturday Morning 35 |
MBOTMA Calendar of Events 37 | Coming Up 38 | Tab: Gold Rush 43
April 2018 Thank you, MBOTMA members
Vol. 44 Membership as of April 1, 2018: 957
No. 3 Patrons:
Newsstand: $3 Peter & Bridgit Albrecht Jim Johnson
Subscription: $35 Tony & Ann Anthonisen Roger & Maggie Jorgenson
Lenny & Colleen Baltus Janine Kemmer
Gary & Karen Bartig Jim Lally
www.minnesotabluegrass.org Ron & Kathy Blade Russel Lane
MBOTMA Hot Line Barry & Annie Brooks Loren Laugtug
(to subscribe and for other information) Doug Chasar James Lee
651-456-8919 Paul Christianson Douglas Lohman
info@minnesotabluegrass.org Gary & Janet Cobus Richard Luckeroth
P.O. Box 16408, Mpls, MN 55416 Laura Cooper Bob Lundeen
Twitter: @mnbluegrass Facebook: minnesotabluegrass Bob & Marilyn Dodd Rodger McBride
MBOTMA Board of Directors William Fancher Bill & Ella Merrill
President: Laura Cooper - president@minnesotabluegrass.org Jennifer Faulkner Douglas & Georgene Nesheim
Mark & Kathleen Fisher Milaca RecFest
Vice President: Nic Hentges
Darrell & Marilyn Fuhr David & Betty Pfeiffer
Treasurer: Robbi Podrug
Tom & Jill Furrer Brian Ronning
Secretary: Shane Zack
Jon & Sharon Garon Tom & Cathy Schaefer
Board Members: Art Geffen Thomas & Barbara Schommer
Term expires 2018: Dale Gruber - dalergruber@me.com Gary & Jae Germond Thomas & Maragaret Schuveiller
Brett Day, Philip Nusbaum Paul Gille Penelope Scialla
Term expires 2019: Alan Jesperson David Glatt Denise & Tony Stachnik
Bill Lindroos - welindroos@gmail.com Dale & Diane E Gruber David Tousley &
Rudy Marti - rudolphmarti63@gmail.com Tom & Marlys Gustafson Margaret Brandes
Joe Hallman Lyn Hauger Donna Velasco
Youth Representative: Michael & Paula Hildebrandt Jane & Dobson West
Theo Hougen-Eitzman - theohelbg@gmail.com Mabel Houle Jim Whitney
Ann Iijima & Myles Bakke John Wilcox
For meeting minutes and other Board business, go to:
David Johnson
www.minnesotabluegrass.org/board-minutes
MBOTMA Staff Sustaining:
Events Manager: Matt Johnson Vicki Andersen Mark Johnson
eventsmanager@minnesotabluegrass.org Rod & Barb Anderson John Johnson
Office Administrator: Darcy Schatz Daryll & Mary Arntson Chris Juettner
info@minnesotabluegrass.org Vaughn Asselstine David Lang
Minnesota Bluegrass Magazine & Lorenzo Tunesi Bill Lindroos & Rebecca Reifler
Rolf & Lisa Lund
Mariltn Bergum &
Editor: Doug Lohman, editor@minnesotabluegrass.org
Melvin Rupprecht Mac & Namcy McKay
Contributors: Bob Douglas, Laura Cooper, Wayne Erbsen, Mary & Bob McSorley
Kenneth & Ann Bloch
Nic Hentges, Jed Malischke, Philip Nusbaum, Susan Christensen-Wichmann Karla Menzel
Loretta Simonet, Ellen Stanley Jane Conger Susan & Joe Meyer
Coming Up: Loretta Simonet, John Brandberg Katryn Conlin Corey Mohan
Y’All Come: Bill Lindroos Wordmark: Katryn Conlin Brian Cornell Jerry & Connie Nelson
Photography: Doug Lohman, Daniel Corrigan Bob & Vicki Dalager Dennis & Jan O’Brien
Cover image: Daniel Corrigan Back: Pat O’Loughlin Hal Davis Linda & Tony Omann
Deadline for submissions: Doug Duncan Dominic Orrico
The 1st of the month preceding publication Mary DuShane Bob Ostlund
Submit content or request advertising guidelines at: Matt Edwards Gary Peterson
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Craig Evans Marty & Carol Schirber
editor@minnesotabluegrass.org.
Leon Evans Wendy Schoen
Minnesota Bluegrass is published monthly by The Minnesota
Nathan Fjeld Howell Smith
Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association™, a Minnesota non- Rory & Marian Thompson
Jim Franczyk
profit corporation, P.O. Box 16408, Mpls, MN 55416. No part of Warren Gumeson Lynn & Carolyn Thorson
this publication may be reproduced in any form without written Timothy & Ginger Haaland Ross & Elizabeth Vaughan
permission from the publisher. The publisher is not responsible David & Mildred Holm Rebecca Wagner & Dan Forsythe
for the loss or return of unsolicited photos, recordings, or manu- Dick & Sue Hopperstad Tin Wankel
scripts. ©2017 Minnesota Bluegrass. All rights reserved. David & Laurette David & Bonnie Warner
ISBN 0891-0537. Hougen-Eitzman Carole Wilson
2 April 2018
From the President Become a Member
The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association is
I recently received approximately 70 emails, primarily from open to everyone. Our members include people who love to lis-
ten to music and people who love to make music. As a member,
ukulele players, asking that MBOTMA reinstate the 2018 Harvest
you’ll be invited to participate in bluegrass and old-time mu-
Jamboree. Tony Anthonisen who has spearheaded and organized
sic events and celebrations. You’ll receive discounted prices on
the Twin City Club had urged folks to communicate their desire admission to events and merchandise, and you’ll receive a sub-
to keep holding the Great Minnesota Uke Gathering (GMUG) scription to Minnesota Bluegrass magazine.
at the Harvest Jamboree. I appreciate the time and energy Tony Becoming a member of MBOTMA is easy and afford-
has put into bringing the ukulele players into the MBOTMA fold able. Your membership will not only nurture your own inter-
and the participation and feedback from the ukulele folks. I had ests, but help to ensure that the bluegrass and old-time music
thought I would have an update regarding a fall event by the time tradition is sustained and grows in Minnesota.
I wrote this blurb for the magazine, but alas, I do not have any-
thing concrete at this time. Individual Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, events
The Winter Bluegrass Weekend (WBW) ran smoothly and $35 discounts for one person, and a free classi-
was big fun thanks to the efforts of Jana Metge, Festival Chair, fied ad.
the rest of the WBW staff, Matt Johnson, Events Manager and Family Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, events
Darcy Schatz, Administrator. If you purchased your tickets to $50 discounts and a free classified ad.
the WBW in advance, you likely noted significant changes in the Band Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, advance
process. Darcy has been involved in upgrading our technology so $75 booking information for MBOTMA
our operations are more efficient. We experienced a few glitch- events, a free classified ad, and listings in
es at the ticket table due to insufficient WIFI, but otherwise it the MBOTMA member band directory in
worked swimmingly. print and on our website.
Unfortunately, attendance and revenue was down once again
Sustaining Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, first-class
at the WBW. We believe that one of the areas we need to work on
Level postage, events discounts, and a free
is getting the word out. However, we also need you, our members,
$100 classified ad.
to spread the word regarding every event we put on.
Next up is Cabin Fever in beautiful Duluth on April 6-8. Patron Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, first-class
More information is available elsewhere in this issue. Come for a Level postage, events discounts, and a free
day or stay for the weekend. And as always, tell your family and $150 classified ad.
friends (real and virtual) about it. Add $18 for First Class or foreign postage to individual,
family or band membership.
Go to minnesotabluegrass.org
MBOTMA and select the Membership tab to join online.
Or mail in your personal information and payment to:
Needs a Trailer MBOTMA, P.O. Box 16408, Minneapolis, MN 55416
Call 651-456-8919 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
Can you help out? - Donate one? Endowment for the Arts, and private donors
Donate funds?
eventmanager@minnesotabluegrass.org
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Inside:
From the President 3 | Grass Clippings 5 | All’s Fair in Love & Bluegrass 6 | Cabin Fever
Festival Preview 7 | Cover Story: The High 48s 8 | CD Review: Becky Buller 11 | Big Bang
Theory of Bluegrass 12 | 2018 Festival Section 13 | Bluegrass Saturday Morning 35 |
MBOTMA Calendar of Events 37 | Coming Up 38 | Tab: Gold Rush 43
April 2018 3
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Graham Sones is a more than forty-year
veteran of the banjo, a Scruggs-style picker who enjoys “Graham has great teaching skills.
his craft and helping students learn to play. His picking, He keeps it fun.”
singing, and recording experience includes three years “I’ve learned from many teachers,
with Monroe Crossing all over the Midwest at festivals, and Graham is among the best.”
concerts, and fairs, as well as with bands such as DriveTime
and No Grass Limit, and currently Dick Kimmel & Co.
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* How to lead songs and how to follow new songs
* How to find melodies, fake solos, sing harmony
* Ear skills taught and emphasized as in real bluegrass
* Tab/note reading skills not needed or used
* Group and individualized instruction on backup skills
* Intermediates welcome, and given added challenges
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4 April 2018
Grass Clippings
Jim Whitney Memorial comes hot on the heels of the publication The Gritpickers and
of her children’s book Libba: The Mag-
planned for April 21 nificent Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten
Pamela Longtine
April 21, 2018 1PM - 5 PM and the launch of her Midnight Lightning Combined CD release party
Eagles Club podcast. Veirs’ most recent album case/ April 21, 2018
2507 E. 25th Street lang/veirs was a collaborative project with
Minneapolis, MN 55406 k.d. lang and Neko Case and was called “a
Please bring your instruments, and stunner” by Paste Magazine.
your Jim stories. We would like to have Discounted early bird tickets for the The Gritpickers will join with Pa-
a Jim Jam in our brother’s honor. If any conference and the Friday night concert mela Longtine at a combined CD release
band would like to play specifically, or if go on sale Friday, February 23 at 10 am at party on April 21, 2018 at The Mpls Un-
you have questions, please contact Wendy The O’Shaughnessy Ticket Office: www. derground Music Cafe, 408 3rd Avenue
at wendy@nissanofdurango.com, or by oshag.stkate.edu or (651) 690-6700. N., Minneapolis, MN. The show is from
cell at 970-799-2242 and leave a message. The MN Music Summit is made pos- 7:00 to 9:00 P.M.
sible by the voters of Minnesota through Both groups have newly completed
a grant from the Metropolitan Regional CDs, the Gritpickers Camp Meeting and
Arts Council, thanks to a legislative ap- Pamela Longtine Saddle Old Kate. Pame-
propriation from the arts and cultural la’s CD was reviewed in the March issue of
Minnesota Music Coalition heritage fund. The Summit is also sup- Minnesota Bluegrass Magazine.
ported by the City of Saint Paul through Come join both groups for a fine eve-
presents its 8th annual ning of old-time music.
a Cultural STAR grant.
MN Music Summit
April 12-14, 2018
The Minnesota Music Coalition
(MMC) presents its 8th annual MN Music
Summit April 12-14, 2018 in St. Paul and
Minneapolis, MN. The only music indus-
CD Release
try event like this in the region, the 3-day The Gritpickers
music festival and conference brings a
taste of SXSW to the Twin Cities with Oldtime String
keynote conversations, music workshops,
industry panels, networking events and Band
performances by Minnesota’s top artists
and bands. Open to artists, industry pro-
fessionals and fans of all ages, genders and
Pamela Longtine
backgrounds, this year’s Summit will be & friends
themed around amplifying women’s sto- Saturday
April 21
ries, providing opportunities for 1,000+
musicians and fans to gather at venues
7-9 p.m.
across St. Paul and Minneapolis to dis-
cuss timely issues affecting artists and
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
our regional music communities.
This year indie artist, author and
The (MPLS) Underground
podcaster Laura Veirs will be our keynote Music Café
speaker, joining a diverse lineup of talent
408 3rd Avenue N., Mpls, MN
to talk and perform at The O’Shaugh- Downtown Minneapolis
nessy in St. Paul on Friday, April 13–the near the Target light rail stop.
day her highly anticipated new album
The Lookout is released and right be-
fore she goes on tour with M Ward. This
Come help us celebrate our new CDs!
April 2018 5
All’s Fair in Love & Bluegrass
By Nic Hentges
Practicing technique on your instrument
is important; it sets the foundation for
years of unspeakable joy. You probably
have spent countless hours practicing
scales and licks, analyzing every note.
When was the last time you thought about
the character of your playing, though?
The notes you play and sing are import-
ant, but equally important is how you
move between and around those notes.
The players that define this on each re-
spective instrument are not only revered
for their technical ability, but also for the
unique voice they use. Compare mando-
linists Sierra Hull and Mike Compton,
guitarists Bryan Sutton and Rebecca Fra-
zier, banjoists Noam Pikelny and Alison
Brown, fiddlers Michael Cleveland and
Stuart Duncan, bassists Paul Kowert and
Barry Bales, and vocalists Alison Krauss
and Rhonda Vincent. These are just a few
examples of the incredibly varied voices can say that we may not have heard yet. I
in bluegrass today. Whether you prefer for one, am listening...
precision or wild abandon, speed or care-
ful consideration, a heavy hand or a light Yours in love and bluegrass
touch, there is something musical you
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6 April 2018
Cabin Fever Festival in Duluth, April 6-8
By Jed Malischke
The first full weekend in April will guitar, Deering Goodtime banjo, Frost
likely bring warm winds, the ice going River travel bag, an Audio Technica mi-
out from the Lake Superior harbor, and crophone, and other prizes (tickets will be
wonderful bluegrass and old-time string- on sale throughout the day).
band music in downtown Duluth. The As Sunday rolls around and brings
Cabin Fever Festival is an annual, three the festival to a close, we can’t go with-
day, indoor music event produced by the out some gospel music. Gospel has been
Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music an integral part of bluegrass music since
Association (MBOTMA) and will fea- it began, and on Sunday morning begin-
ture bluegrass, old-time stringband, and ning at 10:00 am in the Radisson main
related forms of acoustic music from The ballroom you can enjoy a morning gos-
Georgia Rae Family, Cousin Dad, Patty & pel set from the Riverside Bog Stompers
The Buttons, The Fish Heads, TrueGrass followed by a gospel jam session for all to
Trio, May North, Double Down Dare- participate in.
Georgia Rae Family
devils, Timbre Junction, Seldom Herd, A weekend festival ticket gets you into
Sarah Mae & The Birkeland Boys, Rosby all the Cabin Fever Festival activities and
Corner, Riverside Bog Stompers, O’Neill tons. is only $32 in advance or $35 at the Radis-
Family, Four Mile Portage, and the Coun- Saturday is the big day with after- son door on Friday. Single day admission
try Gentlemen. Spread out over three noon stage shows at the Radisson from at the Radisson door will be $15 on Friday
locations, but all within a couple city 11:00 am to 4:00 pm with Timbre Junc- and $20 on Saturday. Admission for stu-
blocks, there will be concerts, workshops, tion, May North, Rosby Corner, Double
dances, theme jams, and open stage time. Down Daredevils, Patty & The Buttons,
In addition, plenty of impromptu jam ses- Cousin Dad, and the Georgia Rae Family.
sions are expected to pop up throughout Also at the Radisson will be a number of
the Radisson Harborview Hotel around instrument workshops between 10:00 am
the clock. and 4:00 pm including such diverse topics
The festival begins at the Radisson as traditional Minnesota dance hall mu-
on Friday April 6th at 6:00 PM with 45 sic, traditional jazz and swing repertoire
minutes of on-stage, open-mic for any in- and history, an introduction to bluegrass
terested local musicians. The stage shows improvisation, a pedal steel demonstra-
quickly take over with a stellar Friday tion, and workshops for bass, mandolin, Cousin Dad
night line-up of Sarah Mae & The Birke- and fiddle.
land Boys, Country Gentlemen, Seldom Meanwhile across the street at The dents and teens is half price and kids age
Herd, Georgia Rae Family, and Cousin Incline Station there will be a dinner show 12 and under are always free. All seating
Dad finishing out the evening at about with The Fish Heads and The TrueGrass is general admission. More information
11:00 PM. Over at the Avalon Educational Trio from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. There will and advance tickets are available online at
Institute the Tamarack Dance Associa- be lots of fun here along with plenty of www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org.
tion will be hosting a swing dance from food and beverage available. Then later in The Cabin Fever Festival is produced
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm with Patty & The But- the evening it will back to the Avalon Ed- by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time
ucational Institute for another traditional Music Association and the Tamarack
old-time dance hosted by the Tamarack Dance Association and made possible
Dance Association with music from the by the voters of Minnesota through a
O’Neil Family Band together with Four Minnesota State Arts Board Operating
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Mile Portage. Terrence Smith will be call- Support grant, thanks to a legislative ap-
ing and teaching dances. propriation from the arts and cultural
Back at the Radisson the evening heritage fund. The Cabin Fever Festival is
concerts start up at 7:00 pm with a fiddle also being sponsored locally by Frost Riv-
loop solo set from Georgia Rae followed er Trading, Bullyan RV, Commonwealth
by stage shows from Patty & The Buttons, Builders, St Luke’s Medical Center, The
the Georgia Rae Family, and Cousin Dad. Reader Weekly, Republic Bank, Sir Ben-
Sometime during the evening we’ll also edict’s Tavern, Bent Paddle Brewing, and
Patty & the Buttons have raffle drawings for a Martin D-18 Christian Eggert Violins.
April 2018 7
The High 48s Walk on the Wild Side
By Ellen Stanley
Bluegrass with a Bang around one microphone to delight for ‘Bankrobber.’ Also, for the first time
Kicking off with a bang, The High bluegrass audiences with their masterful in the band’s 11-year history we went
48s’ new album Daddy Was a Bank playing and engaging stage presence. into the studio with a few open-ended
Robber begins with a cover of The Clash’s Since then, they have taken the scene arrangements. For instance, the section
song “Bankrobber.” Although giving the by storm and have become so good at of ‘House of the Rising Sun’ where the
rocker a surprisingly gentle treatment translating songs into the bluegrass idiom fiddle and the mandolin trade solos was
by fiddler/vocalist Eric Christopher, the that it’s easy to forget that at their hearts, essentially improvised in the studio.”
song sets the tone
for an album of dark Searching Out
story songs written Bankrobbers &
and selected by the Heartbreakers
band’s members. The band might
“For this album, we not have rehearsed
raided our personal all the solos or set
record collections out to make any
and picked a thematic record
bunch of songs (they’ve already
that got our blood done three), but in
moving,” fiddler Eric doing so, they may
Christopher says. have made their
“We didn’t worry too most cohesive album
much about whether yet. Due, no doubt,
the songs were to their weekly
‘bluegrass’ enough.” bluegrass brunch
Tackling songs gigs at Minneapolis’
by iconic rock Aster Cafe and
band The Clash, their rigorous tour
blues singer Little schedule, the band
Milton, alt-country artist Robbie Fulks they are a bunch of guys who like to has never sounded more musically in
and country maverick John Hartford is jam out to their favorite records, singing synch, understanding each other’s
a bold move for a band that has won songs by the bands they loved as kids. rhythms and artfully weaving their
the prestigious RockyGrass Bluegrass Those varying influences are felt not disparate influences into something that
Band Contest and has become known just on the covers but also the wide- is distinct yet comfortable for a bluegrass-
for its traditional bluegrass sounds. But, ranging originals. Mandolinist Mike loving audience. Likewise, the song
it doesn’t take long before you realize Hedding brings a dark Del McCoury- selections seem to fall together as though
“We definitely felt the urge to try some new things on this record.”
Daddy Was a Bank Robber feels like a style “Gospel Blues” and a complex the band members had actually written
lot of other High 48s albums because the string number called “Cold Winter’s the songs together. Featuring characters
truth is, those non-grass influences have Night,” while Anthony Ihrig offers a that are at their best sad and tired and at
been in their music all along. driving instrumental called “Heavy their worst delusional and criminal, these
Pedal” (inspired by a pedal steel guitar) stories are the stuff of classic country and
Bringing Trad Sounds to New
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
along with the sadsack country ballad blues songs.
Tunes “Rewriting My Memories.” Revisiting his “As we were putting the album
When The High 48s formed, the drumming roots, Ihrig adds some snare together, I do remember thinking that
band’s members came from a variety of drums--something that usually is a big there was a consistent mood among these
musical backgrounds, having played in no-no in traditional bluegrass. songs,” Christopher says. “Most of the
rock, country and folk bands. Setting “We definitely felt the urge to try characters in these songs live by night.
aside their jeans and leather jackets for some new things on this record,” Ihrig They’re outsiders looking in at the straight
suits and ties, they unplugged, picked says. “I took off the finger picks and world, the nine-to-five, sometimes with
up acoustic instruments and gathered played in the clawhammer banjo style longing, sometimes with defiance.” The
8 April 2018
High 48s did not set out to do anything “Between gigging with the band and the songs to play to the strengths of the
more than make a record of songs they trying to balance work and home life, I’ve new line-up, and the material suddenly
loved. But their years of playing together been stretched too thin,” Marrone says. feels new again, which is really exciting.”
and shared love for complex character- “I need to spend some more time being a Christopher agrees, saying, “More than
driven songs have enabled them to make husband and a dad. This is a bittersweet any other High 48s record, this one
their most fully realized album to date. decision for me as I’ve really enjoyed reflects the band as an ensemble, so it was
working with this group.” (Although easier than you might think--certainly
More Than the Sum of Its Parts his last performance with the band was easier than we expected--to play the
Truly a full band effort, Daddy Was a in December, he actually has not fully material live without Marty.”
Bank Robber represents all five members left the band, as he continues to book
of the band--Rich Casey (bass), Mike their shows and support them behind the Fostering The Next Generation of
Hedding (mandolin, vocals), Anthony scenes.) Bluegrass
Ihrig (banjo, snare drum, vocals), No strangers to band changes, The Hitting the ground running, the new
Marty Marrone (guitar, vocals) and Eric High 48s have altered personnel several lineup of The High 48s has kept up
Christopher (fiddle, vocals). “Every one times over the years but have maintained a busy tour schedlue, playing festivals
of us contributed equally to this record,” continuity through band members Casey, all across the Midwest, continuing their
Christopher says. “No one was front-and- Christopher and Ihrig, who have kept the weekly bluegrass brunch at the Aster
An extension of what The High 48s are doing individually, Grass Seeds
offers the band members an additional opportunity to mentor young
players beyond the individual instruction, classroom performances and
jam camps that they participate in throughout the year.
center. We all had our hands on the Ouija spirit of the band’s traditional approach, Cafe and recently heading up the Grass
board.” while showcasing a wide selction of Seeds Academy at MBOTMA’s Winter
Each band member selected or wrote musical material. With this spirit, it is Bluegrass Weekend.
material for the album, many took a no surprise, then, that they were able to Grass Seeds is MBOTMA’s youth
turn singing lead, and all members got a nab 3-time Flatpicking Guitar Champion initiative designed for ages 8-18 to teach
chance to shine on this project, including Clint Birtzer, who is known for his work students how to play bluegrass music
guitarist/singer Marty in a band, learning about
Marrone, who recently left the jamming etiquette,
band. He takes commanding ensemble playing, how to
ownership of Craig Market’s play back-up, how to take a
“Love for an Angel,” which was lead break and how to sing
selected by fellow band member lead and harmony vocals.
Mike Hedding specifically for For several years now, The
Marty to sing. As Hedding High 48s have led this
says in the album liner notes, effort, acting as instructors
“I had heard this one from for the next generation of
Ronnie Bowman back in the bluegrass players. During
day and always thought it’d be the Winter Bluegrass
a great tune to play and would Weekend, they meet with
fit Marty’s voice and style.” the students for one session
A perfect swansong for the Friday night, two sessions
veteran singer/guitar player, on Saturday and one
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Grass Seeds Academy
this album features Marrone’s session Sunday morning.
commanding vocals, showcased with the award-winning progressive The kids then have the opportunity to
masterfully on “Let Your Loss Be Your bluegrass band The Sawtooth Brothers. show us all what they have learned with a
Lesson,” which he learned from Alison “While I certainly miss all that concert on Sunday at 1:00.
Krauss and Robert Plant’s Raising Sand Marty brought to these songs, it is fun This year’s Grass Seeds concert
album. Not keen on leaving the band, to hear the way the music changes shape ranged from very young fiddlers playing
Marrone simply had to take a break from with Clint on guitar,” Ihrig says. “We’ve classic tunes to a teen band doing an
The High 48s’ rigorous tour schedule. re-worked the arrangements of all of inventive cover of Talking Heads’
April 2018 9
“Burning Down the House,” which
certainly lit up the stage and delighted
the main stage audience. An extension of
what The High 48s are doing individually,
Grass Seeds offers the band members an
additional opportunity to mentor young
players beyond the individual instruction,
classroom performances and jam camps
that they participate in throughout the
year.
Forging a New Path
Whether mentoring young players
or working up new band members, The
High 48s continue to forge their own path,
making music that excites and challenges
them, be it traditional bluegrass or rock
and roll. This has never been more
evident than on their new album that
brings all these elements together.
“We took a vacation from being a
‘traditional’ bluegrass band and let a High 48s record.” That’s because The of bankrobbing and heartbreaking, and
ourselves roam free stylistically. And as High 48s are doing what they do best. putting on one heck of a great show.
eclectic as it is, the funny thing is, it still They’re donning their best suits, shining
sounds like bluegrass and still sounds like a little bluegrass light on these dark songs
Wegen’s Guitar Picks
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.
6625 Penn Ave. S.
Richfield, MN 55423 In his search for new markets,
(612) 861-3308 Michel some years ago took on
www.homesteadpickinparlor.com the design of the lowly pick. The results have been phenomenal.
folkmuse@aol.com
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
and you can find us on Facebook Wegen Picks endanger no animal
species, and they are a fraction of the price
Making the world safe
of the illegal picks that do. We have eight
for discerning fans of models for guitar and mandolin on hand in
Traditional Music a variety of thicknesses. Try one out on
since 1979 your next visit.
10 April 2018CD Review:
Becky Buller
Crêpe Paper Heart
By Doug Lohman
Those of us in Minnesota that love
and follow bluegrass are no strangers to
Becky Buller and her talents. From her
beginnings in St. James, MN, to her stint
at East Tennessee State, and then to her
rise into the business of bluegrass, we
have been listening and at times awaiting
her latest creations. Crêpe Paper Heart
will not disappoint you!
The Stories: In my humble opinion,
a good song or tune must tell a story. Not
just one catchy phrase or instrumental
hook, but a plot line that develops and
takes you somewhere, maybe on a journey
that you didn’t expect. Crêpe Paper Heart
will take you on these journeys.
Love is the perennial subject of artists,
and Becky tackles this subject throughout
this collection. The sadness of a broken
heart is written about in “Another Love
Gone Wrong.” The loss of a decades long
love, the loss of a mate in “The Heart of touring band (Ned Luberecki-banjo, Dan a joyful romp around the fingerboard. It’s
the House.” “The Rebel and the Rose” Boner-guitar, Nate Lee-fiddle and man- exuberant. Daniel Hardin’s bass solo is
tells us a story of the healing of true love. dolin) she has added some of the best in exquisite. He plays on all tracks and nails
“She Loved Sunflowers” reminds us of bluegrass today: Sam Bush, Rob Ickes, it, but they let him fly on this tune, with
the love we had (have) with our departed Claire Lynch, Frank Solivan, Stephen good result.
loved ones. Mougin, Jana Mougin, Rhonda Vincent, Another highlight is “The Rebel and
Becky Buller is a shining beacon of creativity within the bluegrass world. This combined
with her exuberance for playing/making music is enough reason to listen to Crêpe Paper Heart.
The Gospel shines in a few songs. Brandon Bostic, and Daniel Hardin. the Rose.” A simple duet with Sam Bush,
“Bitter Springs to Big Trees” tells the story There’s only one instrumental on he on mandolin, she on claw-hammer.
of God’s love, plan and promises. I will Crêpe Paper Heart , “Cair Paravel.” Blue- The richness of their voices, combined
use a quote from the liner notes about grass has been evolving since the 1940s, with the starkness of the instruments,
“Speaking To That Mountain.” “For changing and adapting, depending on the drives home themes of the awfulness of
anyone out there who might be facing talents and collaborations of the people war and the redemption of love and ac-
a mountain right now.” It’s a story of playing the music. This tune is a good ex- ceptance.
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
God’s promise that we are not alone. The ample of where one branch of bluegrass Crêpe Paper Heart is impeccably re-
wonderfully sung, “Written in the Back has been moving for years; away from the corded, thanks to Stephen Mougin. Natu-
of the Book,” tells of God’s dealing with simple chord changes of early bluegrass, a ral, unaffected acoustic instruments and
humankind. It’s a collaboration with the style inspired by the even earlier old-time vocals is what you’ll get listening to it.
Fairfield Four, and as the liner notes say, music. Despite its musical complexities, in Becky Buller is a shining beacon of
“We had church in the studio that day.” both chord changes and rhythm, it gives creativity within the bluegrass world.
The musicians she assembled for this me a sense of joy. I can easily imagine a This combined with her exuberance for
project are equally exciting. In addition mythical kingdom with the people rel- playing/making music is enough reason
to the seasoned, talented players in her ishing their communal joy. It seems like to listen to Crêpe Paper Heart .
April 2018 11The Big Bang Theory of Bluegrass asked him if I could send him some
questions via letter, and if he could record
by Wayne Erbsen
his answers on a cassette tape. He quickly
If the “big bang theory” helps to consented to this somewhat unorthodox
explain the origin of the universe, perhaps interview method. Many letters and
“the big bang theory of bluegrass” will cassette tapes went back and forth, and
shed some light on the origin of the my article finally appeared in Bluegrass
bluegrass music universe. Unlimited in February, 1982. As far as
First, let me say that there are two I know, I was the only one to interview
schools of thought as to the origins of Cleo or JC Davis about his role in the
bluegrass music. One has Bill Monroe origins of Bill’s band, the Bluegrass Boys.
single-handedly inventing bluegrass Unfortunately, he passed away a short
music around 1945. The other takes a more time later.
evolutionary approach, with a number Thanks to the wonders of computers,
of musicians and bands contributing to you can actually listen to those tapes I
the sound we now call “bluegrass.” In Cleo Davis and Bill Monroe made by going to http://dla.acaweb.org/.
particular, this approach points to Wade Simply type in “Cleo Davis,” and you’re
and JE Mainer’s Mountaineers as the Let me tell you how I became good to go. To read my entire article in
first band that had all the ingredients involved in all this. In late 1981, I received Bluegrass Unlimited, with all the details
of bluegrass music going back at least to a personal letter from Cleo Davis, who by of the “Big Bang of Bluegrass” theory go
1935. For this article, let’s put aside the then was calling himself JC Davis. He had to my website http://www.nativeground.
evolutionary argument, and concentrate read an article I had written for Bluegrass com/. Click on “Articles” and then click
on the theory that Bill Monroe invented Unlimited Magazine on Wiley and Zeke, the article, “Cleo Davis, the Original
bluegrass. the Morris Brothers. Cleo or JC contacted Bluegrass Boy.” This information can also
It is commonly known that Bill me in an effort to reestablish contact with be found in the book, The Rural Roots of
and Charlie, the Monroe Brothers, had the Morris Brothers, whom he had not Bluegrass by yours truly, Wayne Erbsen.
a contentious and turbulent relationship. seen since the late l930s. In addition to
Perhaps Charlie said it best, “We were providing him with contact information Wayne Erbsen is a musician, author,
hot-headed and mean as snakes.” In to get in touch with the Morris Brothers, publisher, teacher and radio host. Check
early 1938, they went their separate I asked if I could interview him for out his instruction books and songbooks
ways. To replace Bill, Charlie hired Zeke another article in Bluegrass Unlimited. for banjo, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin,
Morris to play mandolin and sing tenor. He readily agreed and seemed anxious to plus books of songs and lore of cowboys,
Interestingly enough, Zeke had been a tell his story. At the time he was living in railroads, cowboys, outlaws, gospel, plus
mainstay of Mainer’s Mountaineers. Lakeland, Florida, and I made my home historic cookbooks by visiting http://
Bill Monroe, on the other hand, near Asheville, North Carolina. Because www.nativeground.com/.
was looking for a lead singer and guitar of the difficulty of getting together, I
player to replace his brother Charlie. To
accomplish his goal, Bill placed a small
ad in the Atlanta, Georgia, newspaper
looking for someone who played guitar
and sang old-time songs. Among the
musicians who showed up at Bill’s small
travel trailer to audition was a nervous
young man named Cleo Davis. Bill hired
him on the spot because Bill’s wife,
Carolyn, reinforced Bill’s opinion that
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Davis’ voice sounded almost exactly like
that of brother Charlie Monroe.
It is my contention that the short
audition of Cleo Davis in Bill’s small
trailer in 1938 is the big bang of bluegrass.
It is when Bill hired the first of a long line
of sidemen who would make up Bill’s
legendary band, The Blue Grass Boys.
The rest, my friends, is history. Art Wooten, Bill Monroe, Cleo Davis, Amos Garren-1939
12 April 2018Magazine
April 2018
Special Festival Pull Out Section
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Festivals from April to September & a handy calendar to keep them all straight
This Festival Guide features schedules for summer bluegrass and old-time music festivals going on throughout the region. The
calendar centerfold is a handy summary. Search for Minnesota Bluegrass on issuu.com and on MinnesotaBluegrass.org. Enjoy!
Photo by Doug Lohman: Canote Brothers - Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival 2016
April 2018 13Apr 6-8 2018
Radisson
Harborview
Hotel, Duluth
(505 W Superior St)
Presented by The MINNESOTA BLUEGRASS & OLD-TIME MUSIC
ASSOCIATION and the TAMARACK DANCE ASSOCIATION
GEORGIA RAE FAMILY (Fri & Sat)
COUSIN DAD (Fri & Sat)
PATTY & THE BUTTONS (Fri & Sat)
THE FISH HEADS, TRUEGRASS TRIO,
MAY NORTH, DOUBLE DOWN DAREDEVILS,
TIMBRE JUNCTION, SELDOM HERD,
SARAH MAE & THE BIRKELAND BOYS,
ROSBY CORNER, COUNTRY GENTLEMEN
Plus:
Friday Night Live! (open mic starts 6PM)
NEW! Friday Night Swing Dance
Saturday Old-Time Barn Dance w/Caller
Workshops, Theme Jams, Impromptu Jam Sessions!
You’ll want to be there the entire weekend, so order your tickets
in advance, then book a room at THE RADISSON HARBORVIEW
HOTEL at 218-727-8981. Tell them you’ve got CABIN FEVER!.
BULLYAN RV, FROST RIVER TRADING CO,
Sponsored by:
SAINT LUKE’S MEDICAL CENTER, BENT PADDLE BREWING
CHRISTIAN EGGERT VIOLINS, SIR BENEDICT’S TAVERN,
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
REPUBLIC BANK, and BUILDERS COMMONWEALTH
Tickets: Advance $32Wknd, $29Memb; Gate $15Fri, $20Sat (teens½, kids free)
651-456-8919 or MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Advance tickets are available online or by phone. This event is presented by the Minnesota
Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA) and made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota
through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, and thanks to a legislative appropriation from
the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund.
14 April 20188th Annual
April 13-15, 2018
Downtown River Falls, WI
40+ Hours of
Foot Stompin’
Bluegrass Music
ions
Competit
Sessions
Open Jam
s
Workshop g*
r & W i n e Tastin
Bee
more!
and much
Premiere Event
Sponsor
call
u e g r a s s.com or
w.rfb l 5-2533
Visit ww o ffi c e a t 715-42
ber
the Cham
t a ils.
for de
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Banjo Sponsors
*Fees apply.
April 2018 15Tri-state Bluegrass Festival
KENDALLVILLE, Indiana
Memorial Day $35 Labor Day
ADULT WEEKEND PASS
May 24-27 INCLUDES CAMPING Aug 30-Sept 2
24/7 jamming 15 & under
free
Saturday Sunday
workshops Morning
Gospel Sing
activities 30 hours
for kids of stage
music
Private golf carts
leashed allowed
pets with licensed
drivers
welcome
p a r k i n ’
g e s t
i d w e s t ’ s b i g
l
T h e M ’ f e s t i v a
i c k i n
lot p
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
FOR BAND LINEUP AND MORE INFO ! WWW.BLUEGRASSUSA.NET
260.918.4790
daily Tickets available HONEY WAGON SERVICE
camping before Friday $10/day Electric $10 (one time
16 April 2018The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association presents...
The Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff
ou td oor Mu s i c f es ti val
June 1,2,3, 2018 | El Rancho Mañana Campground | Richmond, MN
2018 Lineup
Brian Wicklund and Mike Cramer The Common Ground Company
Tony Rook Band The Big Dixie Swingers M us i c f e s t i v a lMiddle Spunk Creek Boys
Tony Rook Band Bill & Kate Isles Band
Mash Tun Saint Paul Mudsteppers
Honky Tonk Jump Rosby Corner
Cousin Dad The Seldom Herd
Def Lester Dick Kimmel & Pamela Longtine
Broken Heartland String Band Mother Banjo
Switched at Birth The Biscuit Boys
Gloryland Gospel Band Broadfork String Band
Ticket
Minnesota HOptions
o ut do o r M us i c f e s t i v a l
Th f
e omegrown Kickof
Weekend Admission One Day Admission
Switched at Birth (All 3 days, and includes (Friday/Saturday/Sunday,
Fri & Sat rough camping) without camping)
Advance: Member $60 Gate only:
Non-Member $70 Fri: $20, Sat: $30, Sun: $10
Gate: Member or Non-Member $75
Youth Admission
Teens: $10 any day or camping
Children 12 & under, free
with adult ticket
Pre-sales at outlets and by phone until May 19th
After May 19th - available at the gate.
Please bring lawn chairs or blankets! Main Stage Show Times: Friday 6:00–10:30pm,
Saturday noon–10:30pm, Sunday 10:30am–2:00pm.
Camping Information: “Reserved Camping” (includes
electric and water) will be an additional charge. For everyone’s enjoyment, we ask that you do not
Please contact 651-456-8919 with questions and to display alcohol in the concert area.
Mother Banjo purchase.
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
2018 Offerings
Workshops
Jam with the Bands This activity is made possible in part by a grant pro-
Ranch House Live vided by the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an
The Gathering Place appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature and
a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Purchase tickets online at www.minnesotabluegrass.org or call 651-456-8919!
April 2018 1711TH ANNUAL NORTHWOODS
FESTIVAL
JUNE
RUSK COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
8 & 9 , 2018
U.S. Highway 8 | Ladysmith, Wis.
BRING A LA
W
Presented by The Greater Ladysmith Area Chamber of Commerce CHAIR AND N
and Rusk County Tourism ENJOY SO
F R I D A Y, J U N E 8 GREAT MUSME
6 p.m. The Biscuit Boys IC!
7 p.m. Double Down Daredevils
8 p.m. Art Stevenson & High Water
9 p.m. Jamming in the log building
Blue Hazar
d
SATURDAY, JUNE 9
10 a.m. King Wilkie’s Dream
11 a.m. Art Stevenson & High Water
Noon Mataczynski Tribute with
The Biscuit Boys
1 p.m. The WoodPicks
2 p.m. Blue Hazard King Wilkie’s Band
3 p.m. Double Down Daredevils
4 p.m. King Wilkie’s Dream
5 p.m. Karaoke & Jamming with
King Wilkie’s Band
6 p.m. Art Stevenson & High Water
7 p.m. Blue Hazard
The Biscuit Bo
8 p.m. The WoodPicks ys
9 p.m. Jamming in the log building
Sound by: LRS Studios (Shell Lake, WI)—Shannon Fout
ils
n Daredev
Double Dow
ALSO ENJOY
Hospitality Booth (with local coupons)
Door Prizes • Business Receipt Drawing
Food Vendors
Rusk County Historical Society “The Early Years”
June Dairy Breakfast • Saturday, June 9 Art Ste
venso
ALL AT THE RUSK COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS! n&H
igh W
ater
TICKET PRICES
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
INSTRUMENT WORKSHOPS Advance Sales: Friday & Saturday $20
Gate Prices: Friday ONLY $10
SATURDAY, JUNE 9 The WoodP
icks
Saturday ONLY $15
11 a.m. Beginner Line Dancing Ages 15 & under FREE with paid adult admission
1 p.m. Flatpicking with Double Down Daredevils
2 p.m. Beginner Clogging CAMPING PRICES FRIDAY & SATURDAY ONLY
3 p.m. Vocals with The WoodPicks On-site “Rough” Camping $15/night (no water/electricity)
4 p.m. Banjo with Blue Hazard Camping w/Electric $23/night (limited spots)
FAMILY FRIENDLY • NON-ALCOHOL EVENT • FESTIVAL IS HELD INDOORS AND CAN BE OPENED TO SOME OUTDOOR SPACE IF THE WEATHER IS GOOD.
FOR MORE INFO | 715-532-7328 | www.NorthwoodsBluegrassFestival.com | manager@ladysmithchamber.com | www.ladysmithchamber.com | www.ruskcountywi.com
Banner and brochure design by Cooper House Graphics LLC (formerly Canopy & Co. Custom Graphics LLC) | Weyerhaeuser, WI
18 April 2018MinnesotaBluegrass.org
19
April 2018MinnesotaBluegrass.org 20 April 2018
Advance Gate
Single Show $18 $20
Saturday (all day) $40 $45
Weekend $50 $55
(Saturday Only)
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
The Black Hills Bluegrass Festival is a project of
the Black Hills BluegrassAssociation, Inc.,
a 501(c)3 South Dakota not-for-prooit corporation.
April 2018 21Minnesota Bluegrass
April June
6-8 MBOTMA Cabin Fever Festival 2-4 MBOTMA Homegrown Kickoff
Radisson Lakeview Hotel, Duluth, MN El Rancho Manana, Richmond, MN
800-635-3037, Minnesotabluegrass.org 800-635-3037, Minnesotabluegrass.org
9 Loring Park Accoustic Music Festival
13-15 River Falls Roots and Bluegrass Loring Park, Minneapolis, MN
Music Festival 612-874-9002 Loveloring@gmail.com
River Falls, WI
715-425-2533, riverfallsbluegrass.com 8-9 Northwoods Bluegrass Festival
Rusk County Fairgrounds, Ladysmith, WI
715-532-7328, ladysmithchamber.com
NorthwoodsBluegrassFestival.com
May 14-16 Blue Ox Bluegrass Festival
Eau Claire, WI
blueoxmusicfestival.com
18-20 SEMBA Spring Bluegrass Festival
Cushon’s Peak Campground, 23
Houston, MN
Bluegrass Americana Music Festival
Rosemount Central Park Amphitheater
507-864-8109, darrbarr1962@gmail.com
Rosemountarts.com - 952-255-8545
25-28 Tri-State Bluegrass Festival 22-24 Blackhills Bluegrass Festival
No Indiana BG Assn, Kendallville, IN
Elkview Campground, Sturgis, SD
Noble County 4-H Fairgrounds,
605-348-1198, blackhilssbluegrass.com
260-710-3210, SF16@nibga.com
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
22 April 2018Festival Calendar 2018
July September
26-29 Milaca RecFest Aug Tri-State Bluegrass Festival
Milaca, MN 30- No Indiana BG Assn, Kendallville, IN
milacarecfest.com Sept Noble County 4-H Fairgrounds,
2 260-710-3210, SF16@nibga.com
August 3 Laughing Waters Bluegrass Festival
Minnehaha Park, Minneapolis, MN
3-5 Lake Itasca Family Music Festival 1-7pm. Free and open to the public.
Pioneer Farmers Grounds 612-727-2489 mscb.com/minnehaha.htm
Lake Itasca, MN
Familybluegrass.com 7-9 Cameron Bluegrass Festival
Pioneer Village Museum, Cameron, WI
9-12 Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Kathy Krug at (715) 458-0181
Music Festival
El Rancho Mañana, Richmond, MN 8 Washington County Bluegrass Festival
800-635-3037, Minnesotabluegrass.org Lake Elmo Park reserve
Lake Elmo, MN
17-20 SEMBA Bluegrass Festival
Cushon’s Peak Campground, Houston, MN
507-864-8109, darrbarr1962@gmail.com
23-26 Lakes Bluegrass Festival
Cass County Fairgrouns, Pine River, MN
800-728-6926,
Lakesbluegrassfestival@gmail.com
LakesBluegrasFestival.com
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
April 2018 23MinnesotaBluegrass.org 24 April 2018
August 9-12, 2018
El Rancho Mañana
Richmond, MN
Beautiful Main Stage
Four Time IBMA Event Of The Year Nominee! Shaded Seating Area
35 Hours of Concerts
Becky Buller Band Nightly Dances
Chris Jones and the Night Drivers Instrument Showcases
Edgar Loudermilk Band feat. Jeff Autry Children’s Activities
Henhouse Prowlers Over 20 Workshops
Red Squirrel Chasers
Plenty of Campground Jam
The Laurel Mountain Ramblers Sessions
Dreamcatcher 30 Merchant &
Bob Bovee and Pop Wagner Food Booths
Blue Hazard
Hello Heartache Campground with
Blue Groove Showers & Beach
Double Down Daredevils
Gentlemen’s Anti-Temperance League Shuttle Transportation
Eelpout Stringers A Welcome &
Singleton Street Safe Environment
Kids Are Free!
1-651-456-8919 - www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
April 2018 25MINNESOTA STATE
OLD TIME
Fiddle
Championship
MOUNTAIN IRON, MN
The 37th Annual Fiddle Championship
August 4, 2018
Mountain Iron, MN at the Merritt Elementary School
SIX DIVISIONS ALL FROM US & CANADA WELCOME
CASH PRIZES TOTALING OVER $2,500!
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Minnesota State Old Time Fiddle Championship
218-290-9877
swilcox@vmps.org
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
http://www.mesabisymphonyorchestra.org/FiddleContest/
This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the
Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature's
general and arts and culture heritage funds, and in part by Natural Harvest Co-op’s Change Within
Reach program.
26 April 2018Annual August
13th
23-26,
2018
Pine River, MN
Cass County
Fairgrounds
Featuring the Best in National & Regional Bluegrass Bands!
Plus workshops, dancing, camping, jamming, food & more!
David Parmley & The
Cardinal Tradition The Purple Hulls
Kentucky Texas
Fri. & Sat. Sat. & Sun.
The Malpass The Darrell
Brothers Webb Band
North Carolina Pennsylvania
Fri. & Sat. Fri. & Sat.
Rain/Sun
Shelter in
Concert Area
Monroe Crossing
Minnesota
Thu. & Fri.
The Bluegrass Express
Amanda Cook & Michigan
Thu. & Fri. Tickets Available for
Kennesaw Ridge The Bluegrass Martins
Florida Purchase in Advance
Fri. & Sat. Missouri or at Gate.
Sat. & Sun.
Festival Schedule
Gates Open Tues. at 12pm
Wed. Night Old Time Dance, 6-9pm
Thu. Afternoon Square Dance, 1-3pm
Shaffers Lost 40 Tim & Cindy
Minnesota
Thu., Fri. & Sat. & Friends Main Stage
Minnesota
Sat. & Sun.
Thu. 5 - 11pm
Fri. & Sat. 11am - 11pm
The Eel Pout Stringers Sun. 10am - 2pm
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
& Dance Caller Robin Nelson
Eric’s Dance Band Minnesota Workshops
Minnesota Thu. Afternoon Square Dance Fri. & Sat. 10am -5pm
Wed. Night Old Time Dance
800-728-6926 • Lakesbluegrassfestival@gmail.com
www.LakesBluegrassFestival.com
April 2018 27Cameron 13th Annual
Bluegrass Festival
September 7, 8, 9, 2018
Pioneer Village Museum
1866 121⁄2 Ave. (Cty. Hwy. W)
Cameron, WI
Featuring:
• The Biscuit Boys
• Bluegrass Roundup
• The Doubledown Daredevils
• The Stringsmiths
• John and Rose Band
• Highview Tomm
& the yB
• River City Ramblers Count rown
y Line
Grass
• Gospel Notes
• St. Paul Mudsteppers
• R Country Offspring
• King’s Countrymen
v ils
Music begins Friday night at 5pm rede
ow n Da
Vendors, Jammin’, Workshops and more
oubled
D
The
For more information or directions contact Bisc
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
uit Bo
Kathy Krug at (715) 458-0181 ys
Food and refreshments available
Gate Fee:
Fri. $10, Sat. $15, and Sun. $10;
$30 for weekend pass
Rough camping is an additional $10 per day
28 April 201817uthal
Ann
Saturday September 8, 2018 • 2 - 6 pm • Lake Elmo Park Reserve
CAMPING ON SITE • FREE WITH VEHICLE PERMIT • FAMILY FRIENDLY
Surround yourself in the natural beauty of a 2,200 acre park reserve.
For more information please visit: www.co.washington.mn.us/parks
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
LEARN MORE AT PIONEER.ORG/GRASSLANDJAM. SATURDAYS AT 7 P.M.
April 2018 29Every Musician’s
Second Home
Get Ready for Summer Festivals
We have what you need!
New & Used Protective Cases Capos
Martin Guitars
Strings
Picks
Straps
Tuners
Gigbags Harmonicas
Tin Whistles
Jaw Harps
Even Hats!
www.elderly.com
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Family Owned and Operated Since 1972
Toll-Free in the USA 888-473-5810
30 April 2018Coming up: April Tour Dates
Chatfield Center for the Arts
Saturday, April 7, 2018 7:30 pm Chatfield, MN 507-884-7676
Historic Potter Auditorium, 405 South Main Street
9 , 10, 11 am Mount Olivet Lutheran Church
Sunday, April 8 Minneapolis, MN 612-767-2263
& 12 pm 5025 Knox Avenue South
Private Party,
Monday, April 9 3 pm Rochester, MN
Charter House
Community Bluegrass & Gospel Show
Friday, April 13 7 pm Virginia, MN 218-780-5246
Kaleva Hall, 125 Third Street North
River Falls Bluegrass Festival
Saturday, April 14 8 - 11 pm River Falls, WI 715-425-2533
Junior’s Bar & Restaurant , 414 South Main Street
A Night for Hope and Healing
Sunday, April 15 7 pm Rogers, MN 763-428-3450
Roger’s High School Theatre , 2100 141st Ave. N.
Friday, April 20 7:30 pm Kezar Music, 315 Duluth Avenue North Thief River Falls, MN 218-681-2148
The Historic Chief Theatre
Saturday, April 21 7:30 pm Bemidji, MN 218-209-7884
314 Beltrami Avenue
Alexandria Lions Fundraiser (benefits Elder Network)
Sunday, April 22 2 pm Alexandria, MN 320-760-5614
Alexandria Area High School, 1410 McKay Avenue S.
Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
Saturday, April 28 7 pm Bloomington, MN 952-948-6500
11411 Masonic Home Drive
Go to www.MonroeCrossing.com for the latest information on all of our concerts.
Booking: Derek Johnson, 612-720-3746 or derek@monroecrossing.com
April 2018 31MBOTMA Member Bands
Bluegrass 715-635-2479
jmalisch@centurytel.net
renee_ballroom2@yahoo.com
The Woodpicks
Georgia Rae Band
Ronilyn Mussared
Switched at Birth
Rick Anderson
Bands King Wilke’s Dream
Robbi Podrug
Joel Kezar
218-681-2148
815-675-2554
mussared@mchsi.com
651-230-2431
ricktune56@gmail.com
Art Stevenson 612-562-8402 kezarmusic@mncable.net Gypsy Sally True Grass
& Highwater
Related
robertapodrug@comcast.net Julie Kaiser Tom Draughon
Arthur Stevenson Laura and the 218-308-3131 715-682-9362
715-884-6996
artstevenson@hotmail.com
Lagerheads
Matt Johnson Bands tiedyechick40@yahoo.com
Hole in the Bucket
tom@heartistry.com
Tucker’d Out
The Biscuit Boys 612-462-3546 Barb & Gary John Wenstrom John Trelstad
Daniel Fish johnsonbluegrass@gmail.com Gary Carlson 651-500-0671 701-212-0015
763-434-2734 Long Time Gone 763-784-7881 wenstrom11@yahoo.com jdtrelstad@aol.com
Old-Time
nowandthencountry@gmail.com Ben Manning Blinkbug@aol.com Honky Tonk Jump
Blue Hazard 651-448-8216 The Barley Jacks with Vaughn Asselstine
Hannah Johnson
651-500-0747
mndawg@gmail.com
The Mahlstedt Family
Brian Wicklund
Brian Wicklund
honkytonkjump@gmail.com
David Karam Bands
info@bluehazardband.com Isaiah Mahlstedt 651-433-4564 218-252-2953 A Time to Dance
Brian@fiddlepal.com d.m.karam@outlook.com Terrence Smith
Blue Wolf Duo 320-583-2255
218-728-1438
Shirley Mauch Spanhanks isaiah@procaremn.com Benji Flaming Karen Mueller & Friends
612-724-1482 Mark Kreitzer Band Benji Flaming Karen Mueller Bob & Lynn Dickson
samauch@worldnet.att.net Mark Kreitzer mbotma@benjiflaming.com 612-270-4740 Bob Dixon
Bernie King & karen@karenmueller.com 612-377-6819
Borderstone 612-724-7334
bobandlynndixon@gmail.com
Ryan Morgen mark@markkreitzer.com
the Guilty Pleasures Mary Dushane &
715-781-2989 Mash Tun Bernie King Nick Jordan Bob Bovee
info@borderstonetheband.com Jamey Guy 763-242-6943 Nick Jordan Bob Bovee
507-498-5452
Broken Heartland jamey@jameyguyphoto.com bkandthegps@gmail.com 651-895-3770
bobbovee46@gmail.com
String Band The Middle Spunk Bill & Kate Isles jorda020@umn.edu
Wilson Goss Creek Boys Bill Isles Mother Banjo The Bootlickers
218-340-4404 Ellen Stanley Rina Rossi
310-310-4198 Alan Jesperson
bill@billandkateisles.com 612-281-1364 651-261-0726
brokenheartlandstringband@ 612-751-1733
motherbanjo@gmail.com rinarossi@gmail.com
gmail.com alanjesp@gmail.com Blessings Gospel Trio The Broadfork
Buffalo River Monroe Crossing Timothy Johnson New Riverside
Ramblers Derek Johnson 763-464-3481 Ramblers String Band
derek @monroecrossing.com timkarin@comcast.net Karen Kleinspehn Aaron Murray
Marty Solmon
Blue Yodel #9 612-816-0646
218-850-8715 No Man’s String Band 612-724-4687
aaron.murry@zieglercat.com
mmsolmon@arvig.net Nic Hentges John Whitehead info@newriversideramblers.com
Carver Creek 612-387-0196 651-641-0752 One Ukelele EelPout Stringers
jfw@bitstream.net Karl Burke
Bluegrass nihentges@gmail.com Aaron Lockridge
651-784-7323
Tom Monsen Noah John & The Common Ground 612-670-3941
bltfolk@aol.com
952-466-2089 Ringing Iron Company alockridge@gmail.com
carvercreekbluegrass@gmail.com Noah John Klingseisen Jorgen Wadkins II The Radio Wranglers Four Mile Portage
Tom Maloney
Chuck Lahr & 920-229-5283 605-237-6178 Blaine McQuinn
218-464-3808
the Purdy River Band noahjohnklingseisen@gmail.com commongroundcompany@gmail. 608-728-2455
com blaine.mcquinn@gmail.com fourmileportage@gmail.com
Chuck Lahr Olive Sings The Gritpickers
563-929-0771 Kayla Zoltak Cousin Dad Rosby Corner Rob Daves
chucklahrmusic@gmail.com 715-651-7616 John Soderberg Rudy Marti
612-441-7382 612-325-7410 612-822-0085
Def Lester olivesingsmusic@gmail.com
john.soderberg@gmail.com rudolphmarti63@gmail.com gritpickers@gmail.com
Lincoln Potter Paul Family Bluegrass O’Neil Family Band
651-303-0728 Jesse Paul Curtis & Loretta S R Dugan Jeanne O’Neil
lincoln.potter@gmail.com 906-367-4191 Loretta Simonet Shawn Dugan
612-781-9537 952-737-7705 218-773-3850
The Good Intentions paulfamilybluegrass@gmail.com
loretta@curtisandloretta.com srdugan@gmail.com oneil@rrv.net
Chris Silver Pert Near Sandstone Poor Benny
651.491.4013 Nathan Sipe Don D Harvey Scapegoat Skin & Bones David Furniss
chrissilverband@gmail.com 612-245-0159 & the Ultrasonic Duo scrapegoat@comcast.net
651-699-0557
Grass Run Band nate@pertnearsandstone.com Donald Harvey Sherry Minnick & dfurniss50@gmail.com
Annie Rude Prairiegrass 608-781-3456 Jackson Buck Row Family Singers
319-230-7403 Bonnie Hallett dondharvey@centurytel.net Sherry Minnick Quillan Roe
annierude@aol.com 701-429-1666 Due North 651-644-8682 612-599-0266
Halvorson Family Band bkhallett@yahoo.com Louise Wiermaa minnicksherry@gmail.com pappyroe@yahoo.com
Loren Halvorson Pride of the Prairie 218-721-5250 Sloughgrass Rush River Ramblers
507-345-7431 Bill Cagley lew3355@hotmail.com Soren Olesen Eric Hatling
sue@halvorsonfamily.com 651-636-9542 The Fishheads 218-634-2800 715-772-4421
Hand Picked bcagley@comcast.net Kim Curtis-Monson sorenjudith@centurytel.net ehatling@gmail.com
Bluegrass Riverside Bog 218-729-5326 Spiritwood Tickwood String band
Stompers KMonson802@aol.com
Joe Cronick Homesteaders Doug Wells
MinnesotaBluegrass.org
715-966-6463 David Darnell The Flemming Fold Linda Schwartz 218-736-4469
handpickedbluegrass@charter. 218-260-6546 Sandra Flemming 701-659-3154 betsyanddougwells@gmail.com
net davestreetrod@hotmail.com 952-758-7522
troynsandra@hotmail.com
lspollanthra@gmail.com Wild Goose Chase
High Plains Jamboree Sawtooth Brothers Steven Earl Howard Cloggers
Brennan Leigh MJMoravec Gated Community
507-990-6456 Sumanth Gopinath Hillbilly Music Jim Brooks
512-507-8435 Steven Howard brooks@csp.edu
brennenleigh@icloud.com info@sawtoothbrothers.com 612-332-2006
Timbre Junction sumanth_gopinath@hotmail.com 952-595-9819 Wink the Other Eye
Highview The Gentleman’s An-
hsteven02617@gmail.com David Gourhan
Karen Radford
Bob Andrewson String Beans, Chick Pea 651-674-8668
715-891-2645
612-623-0261 ti-Temperance League dgourh@aol.com
KarenJRadford@eaton.com Daniel Rosen & Garbonzo
rcandrewson@sirentel.net Roger Cuthbertson
Tom & Jed Trackside 218-464-2887
952-474-2476
David Anderson anti.temperance.league@gmail.com
Jed Malischke rojo@visi.com
763-263-3985
32 April 2018You can also read
