Inside:From the President 3 | Grass Clippings 5 | All’s Fair in Love & Bluegrass 7 | Volunteer

Spotlight: Brett Day 9 | Cover Story: MBOTMA’s Harvest Jam 10 | GMUG 12 | Shortenin’ Bread 13 | MBOTMA Board Ballot 16 | Ukes, Banko Ukes and the American Banjo Museum

20 | CD Review: Bob Bovee 22 | Bluegrass Saturday Morning 23MBOTMA Calendar of Events 25 | Coming Up 26 | Tab 35

Malina Brothersheadline the

Harvest Jam

November 2017

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MBOTMA Hot Line(to subscribe and for other information)612-285-9133 or 800-635-3037 info@minnesotabluegrass.orgP.O. Box 16408, Mpls, MN 55416www.minnesotabluegrass.org Twitter: @mnbluegrass Facebook: minnesotabluegrass

MBOTMA Board of DirectorsPresident: Laura Cooper - president@minnesotabluegrass.orgVice President: Nic HentgesTreasurer: Robbi PodrugSecretary: Shane ZackBoard Members: Term expires 2017: Alan Jesperson Bill Lindroos - welindroos@gmail.com Rudy Marti - rudolphmarti63@gmail.com

Gary Germond - gerpork@concast.netTerm expires 2018: Dale Gruber - dalergruber@me.com Brett Day, Philip Nusbaum Youth Representative: Theo Hougen-Eitzman - theohelbg@gmail.comFor meeting minutes and other Board business, go to: www.minnesotabluegrass.org/board-minutes

MBOTMA StaffEvents Manager: Matt Johnson eventsmanager@minnesotabluegrass.org Office Administrator: Darcy Schatz info@minnesotabluegrass.org

Minnesota Bluegrass MagazineEditor: Doug Lohman, editor@minnesotabluegrass.orgContributors: Tony Tony Anthonisen, Bob Douglas, Wayne Erbsen, Martha Galep, Nic Hentges, Corey Mohan, Philip NusbaumComing Up: Loretta Simonet, John BrandbergY’All Come: Bill Lindroos Wordmark: Katryn ConlinPhotography: Doug Lohman, Jasper McCroskey Cover image: Back: Kelly O’DonnellDeadline for submissions: The 1st of the month preceding publicationSubmit 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 writ-ten permission from the publisher. The publisher is not respon-sible for the loss or return of unsolicited photos, recordings, or manuscripts. ©2017 Minnesota Bluegrass. All rights reserved. ISBN 0891-0537.

Thank you, MBOTMA members

Sustaining:Vicki Andersen Rod & Barb AndersonDaryll & Mary ArntsonVaughn AsselstineMariltn Bergum & Melvin RupprechtKenneth BlochSusan Christensen-WichmannJane CongerKatryn ConlinBrian CornellBob & Vicki DalagerHal DavisDoug DuncanMary DuShaneMatt Edwards Craig EvansLeon EvansNathan FjeldJim Franczyk Warren GumesonTimothy & Ginger HaalandDavid HolmDick & Sue HopperstadDavid & Laurette Hougen-EitzmanMark Johnson

Patrons: Peter & Bridgit AlbrechtTony & Ann AnthonisenLenny & Colleen BaltusGary & Karen BartigRon & Kathy BladeBarry & Annie BrooksDoug ChasarGary & Janet CobusLaura CooperBob & Marilyn DoddWilliam FancherJennifer FaulknerMark & Kathleen FisherDarrell & Marilyn FuhrTom & Jill FurrerJon & Sharon GaronArt GeffenGary & Jae GermondDavid GlattDale & Diane E GruberTom & Marlys GustafsonMichael & Paula HildebrandtMabel HouleAnn Iijima & Myles BakkeJim JohnsonDavid Johnson

November 2017Vol. 43No. 10

Newsstand: $3Subscription: $35

John JohnsonHowie & Maggie JorgensonChris Juettner David Lang Bill Lindroos & Rebecca ReiflerRolf & Lisa LundMac McKay Mary McSorleySusan & Joe MeyerCorey MohanJames Natwick Jerry NelsonDennis & Jan O’BrienLinda & Tony Omann Dominic OrricoBob OstlundGary PetersonMarty & Carol Schirber Wendy SchoenHowell SmithRory & Marian ThompsonLynn & Carolyn Thorson Ross & Elizabeth Vaughan Rebecca Wagner & Dan ForsytheTin WankelDavid & Bonnie Warner Carole Wilson

Janine KemmerJim LallyRussel LaneLoren LaugtugJames LeeDouglas LohmanRichard LuckerothBob LundeenRudy & Jeanne MartiRodger McBrideKarla MenzelBill MerrillDouglas & Georgene NesheimMilaca RecFestDavid & Betty PfeifferBrian RonningTom & Cathy SchaeferThomas & Barbara SchommerThomas & Maragaret SchuveillerPenelope SciallaDenise & Tony StachnikDavid Tousley & Margaret BrandesDonna VelascoJane & Dobson WestJim WhitneyJohn Wilcox

Membership as of November 1, 2017: 952

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Inside:From the President 3 | Grass Clippings 5 | All’s Fair in Love

& Bluegrass 7 | Volunteer Spotlight: Brett Day 9 | Cover Story: MBOTMA’s Harvest Jam 10 | GMUG 12 | Shortenin’

Bread 13 | MBOTMA Board Ballot 16 | Ukes, Banko Ukes and the American Banjo Museum 20 | CD Review: Bob Bovee | Bluegrass Saturday Morning 23 | MBOTMA

Calendar of Events 25 | Coming Up 26 | Tab 35

From the President

Individual $35

Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, events discounts for one person, and a free classi-fied ad.

Family $50

Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, up to four discounted tickets per event, and a free classified ad.

Band $75

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.

Sustaining Level $100

Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, first-class postage, events discounts, two free con-cert tickets, and a free classified ad.

Patron Level $150

Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, first-class postage, events discounts, four free con-cert tickets, and a free classified ad.

Become a MemberThe 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.

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

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 55416Call 800-635-3037 or 612-285-9133 for details or if you would like to join by phone.

I recently returned home following a three week road trip to Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and Ken-tucky. Besides the incredible beauty of and hiking in the Appala-chians, we visited a number of iconic music venues and museums including the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman (Opry Country Classics), the Station Inn (Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley), the Blue Ridge Music Center, Floyd’s Country Store and the Birth of Country Music Museum (the Bristol Sessions). The Bristol Ses-sions have been donned the “big bang of country music.” The most notable folks discovered as a result of the Bristol Sessions were the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers.

The museums offer historical perspectives regarding blue-grass, old time and country music. I was fascinated by the cross pollination of so many musical genres including African banjo, minstrel music, old time string band music, early country music, blues, bluegrass and others.

Traditionalists tend to think bluegrass music should sound a certain way based upon the first generation folks like Bill Mon-roe, Flatt and Scruggs and the Stanley Brothers. Don’t get me wrong, I personally love “traditional” bluegrass. That said, the musicians in contemporary bluegrass bands demonstrate incred-ible prowess on their instruments and in their harmony singing. Bluegrass is not a stagnant one size fits all musical genre.

Similarly, MBOTMA cannot be stagnant. I attended my first August festival in 1989. So far as I know, the internet was launched but largely not used by the masses, there were no smart phones or social media then. In addition, there were very few places to hear or play bluegrass or old time music. On Friday and Saturday nights, you could go to Dulonos. The Monday Night Square Dance Collective offered square dancing to live old time string band music on, you guessed it, Monday nights. The only other festivals in the region that I was aware of were the SPBGMA festivals in Southern Minnesota and Iowa. Now, there a number of major festivals in the area.

MBOTMA’s evolution is in the hands of the board of di-rectors and we need your input. We want your ideas regarding programming, fundraising, promotion, etc. The annual mem-bership meeting at the Harvest Jam is the ideal place for you to present your ideas. You can also email me at president@minne-sotabluegrass.org.

Speaking of the Harvest Jam, I want to give a big shout out to Martha Galep and the Harvest Jam committee for all their hard work. I’m sure they still need volunteers. The MBOTMA website has all the information you need to sign up.

The Harvest Jam also hosts the Great Minnesota Uke Gath-ering. You might want to check it out, because as Tony Anthon-isen, long time MBOTMA volunteer and organizer of the event writes, You just never see someone playing a ukulele without a smile on their face!

Laura Cooper

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Grass Clippings

The HillBenders are currently touring in support of their latest project, Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry. This release transforms The Who’s iconic album into a fully real-ized, full length bluegrass tribute. Check out their take on “Pinball Wizard” on

Hillbenders present Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry at the Dakota, Nov 4, 2017 For the Bach & Bluegrass Jamboree,

the VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers will be joined by Minnesota-based bluegrass quintet Monroe Crossing. This seasoned group of performers have taken their repertoire of original music, classic bluegrass, and bluegrass gospel all the way to Carnegie Hall. The program will also include a boundary-expanding work from Minnesota composer Carol Barnett, whose Bluegrass Te Deum works the folk music into the form of devotional forms. The Bach & Bluegrass Jamboree will be held on Friday, November 10, at 8 p.m., at Roseville Lutheran Church.

Seven years have passed since the singers of VocalEssence teamed up with Monroe Crossing to perform and record The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass, and now the two groups are reuniting for a new hybrid choral and bluegrass com-position: Mortals & Angels: A Bluegrass Te Deum.

Monroe CrossingBach and Bluegrass Jamboree

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLgbU7acsgY. It’s a fun watch!They will be appearing at the Dakota Jazz Club on November 4. Check Dakota web-site for details.

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www.elderly.com

Your home for New & Vintage

Open Back Banjos and Accessories

888-473-5810(toll-free in USA)

Since 1972

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All’s Fair in Love & BluegrassBy Nic Hentges

A couple of issues ago we discussed reinforcing your instrument using micro-phones or a pickup, and now it’s time to address the sound system itself. Always remember that great sound is a combina-tion of the player, the monitors (speakers facing the band), and the mains (speak-ers facing your audience). I want to start by explaining why feedback occurs, then I’ll cover how we can use monitors to our advantage. When a microphone “hears” your instrument out of a speaker louder than the direct source itself, you have a signal loop. At that point, frequencies in harmful excess will “ring” or “squeal.” By utilizing stage monitors only to supple-ment what you do not hear without them, you will reduce the risk of feedback and increase the quality of sound for your au-dience. It is easy to think, “I need to hear everyone in my monitor” when, in reality, the musician standing right next to you may be audible without that assistance.

If you’re having trouble hearing a particular instrument, try to determine whether that instrument should be loud-er, or if there is another instrument that is too loud and can be turned down. Be especially careful when huddling around a single condenser microphone, as is com-mon with bluegrass bands. Sending that mic signal to your monitors can easily re-sult in feedback. Positioning your moni-tors in the place of best rejection based on the type of microphones you’re using will also help minimize feedback.

A cardiod microphone, whether dy-namic or condenser, rejects sound best from directly behind the mic. However, a super cardiod microphone rejects best about 45 degrees left or right of directly behind the microphone. You can keep stage volume under control by standing

close to your monitor, making sure it is angled up to your ears, and not letting music stands or other musicians between you and the speaker. Now that we know a bit more about how to manage our needs on stage, it is time to start considering our audience.

Yours in love and bluegrass

Scholarship winners play 7:15pm Gumbo 5:30pm til its goneJesse Lege and Friends 8pm Silent Auction 5:30- 10pmSuggested Donation $15.00 Open Music Jam 5:30pm til ?

All happening at the Eagles Aerie #34 2507 E 25th Street, Mpls, MN

Art work by Marie Stier - a limited number of prints will be in auction

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SWITCHED AT BIRTH • LABOR OF LOVE

CD Release Party!Sunday, December 3, 2017, 4-8pm

With Special Guests, Cousin Dad!

Hook & Ladder, 3010 Minnehaha Ave, Mpls. http://thehookmpls.com/Advance tickets $7, or $10 at the door.

https://fanlink.to/LaborLove

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Volunteer Spotlight: Brett DayByMartha Galep

It is widely known that some of the finest things in the USA come from the state of North Carolina: college basket-ball, pork barbecue (slaw ON the sand-wich, please) and Earl Scruggs to name a few. In Minnesota bluegrass circles, just about the finest thing from North Car-olina is Brett Day, and North Carolina’s loss has been MBOTMA’s gain for many years.

Growing up in Boone, N.C., Brett was exposed to bluegrass music at an early age as his grandfather dialed in the Grand Old Opry every Saturday night. The television stations from Bristol, VA., Charlotte, N.C., and Winston-Salem, N.C. would broadcast shows featuring country music, and much of it was blue-grass. Boone is a small mountain town even now, but back then radio and limited television were the only real connections to the music that Brett grew up listening to. This early exposure influenced Brett’s interest in bluegrass music, which stuck with him through graduate school in Auburn, AL, and later when he settled in Minnesota.

Brett recalled his first connection to bluegrass in Minnesota was back when he heard the music on the radio from Minneapolis. He had moved here in 1982 and was in attendance at the last festival that MBOTMA held in Taylor’s Falls, MN. When the festival moved to Zimmerman, Brett’s connection with a cable access show in St. Paul allowed him permission to record the festivities, and I guess you could say his path as Stage Manager for the August festival was paved. Working with Jim Haney and Ron Olsen as volun-teers (among many others), Brett helped build the stage at that venue.

It was during this time period, before the move to El Rancho, that I met Brett. Jana Metge had been “scouting” for MC’s at the August festival, and she approached me and asked if I’d consider being an MC on the Main Stage. I agreed so she took me backstage and introduced

me to Brett. As soon as I heard his warm southern accent, I knew I was going to like this! Jana had explained that Brett, as Stage Manager, “knows everything so if you get confused just ask Brett.” Truer words were never spoken - I spent the next few days learning what I could about the workings of the Main stage and watching Brett coordinate it all. To this day, I am always aware of the time he puts in back-stage - most people who attend our events have no idea of the long hours and weeks of preparation his Stage Manager job re-quires.

In addition to the August festival work Brett does, he also serves MBOT-MA in several other volunteer capacities. Last year he was elected to the Board of Directors, and he continues to serve on the Winter Bluegrass Weekend staff. Come to think of it, there are not many MBOTMA functions that don’t see Brett’s involvement in some way or another from Race for a Place Contest judge (who else but Brett would bring us a smart, capable scorer/timekeeper in the form of his gen-erous wife Gwen?) to annual fundraiser volunteer, Brett has “seen it all”.

I asked Brett about a lot of things re-lated to MBOTMA, and I’d say his insight was what all MBOTMA members need to hear right now. He sees good things com-ing for MBOTMA. “It is a strong organi-zation,” he said. “the future is bright and we are still true to our mission.” The goal of the Board of Directors is to promote bluegrass music, and Brett feels strongly that “MBOTMA has fostered this music community over the years and provided opportunities to listen and learn more about bluegrass. I wish we could do more of that.” He feels that the involvement of our younger set in crucial to the future success and growth of MBOTMA. His advice to these energetic folks? “Be vocal about the positive things MBOTMA can do. Take a leadership role by volunteering, running for the Board, serving on com-mittees. Be a leader by putting your pas-

sions about bluegrass to work!” One would do well to work along-

side Brett in any MBOTMA capacity, as he always has the best interests of the or-ganization at heart. I want everyone to know how fortunate we are to have Brett’s focus working hard for us. As Nomina-tions Chair, when Brett chose to run for the Board in 2016, I felt my blood pres-sure dropping back to a normal level. If one can have MBOTMA “heroes”, count Brett Day as one of mine!

It would seem that Brett has fol-lowed his own advice for many years now, and those of us that hold MBOTMA near and dear need to know who to thank for so much that we enjoy. If it were not for folks like Brett who donate so much time and effort to our programs, we would never have made the friends we’ve made, enjoyed so much of the bluegrass we love, and felt ourselves to be a part of that big-ger bluegrass community Brett spoke so fondly of. When you see Brett at the Har-vest Jam, please take a moment to thank him for his dedication to MBOTMA and his years and years of work on MBOT-MA’s behalf. You’ll get to hear that south-ern drawl and see his eyes sparkle when he smiles and speaks about MBOTMA, and that’s what volunteering is all about. Trust me.

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Harvest Jam Previewby Harvest Jam Staff

The Harvest Jam Acoustic Music Experience is scheduled for November 17 through 19, 2017, at the Marriott Minneapolis West Hotel. This twelfth annual event is produced by the non-profit Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA) and will feature stage shows, featuring Malina Brothers, Lil Rev, Noah John and Ringing Iron, Gloryland Gospel Band, plus the Race For A Place Band Contest, Kip’s Live Open Mic, MN Songwriter’s Association, a Saturday night banquet dinner, music exhibitors, a Sunday morning gospel show, theme jams, and, of course, lots of impromptu jam sessions.

Stage ShowsThere will be

stage shows on Friday from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., featuring Lil’ Rev, Malina Brothers, and Noah John and Ringing Iron. Saturday 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. features the Race for the Place Champion band, the Malina Brothers, and the Minnesota Songwriters Association. The Sunday morning gospel show from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. features The Gloryland Gospel Band and the Malina Brothers.

Race For A PlaceThe Race For A Place Band Contest

will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Ten groups will compete to win a $1,000 contract for a spot on the main stage of the 2018 Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival and other prizes. The Race champions will be announced about 4:45 p.m. and be invited to perform later that evening at 8 p.m

Kip’s Live Kip’s Live is an informal open mic

in Kip’s Irish Pub located within the

Marriott Hotel. It all starts on Friday at 8 p.m. and on Saturday at 2 p.m. and finishes up about 1 a.m. both days. Mini-sets will be divided into a 20-minute set and a 30-minute set within each hour, allowing for a 5-minute emcee and setup time between sets. This odd set timing has been designed to allow for some different impromptu acts that have a short list but would like some mic time. There will be a simple single mic setup. If you have interest or a unique idea or just want to

get together with other band peers that you have always wanted to sing and play with, the Kip’s Live Open Mic may be the stage for you. To sign your group up for a slot prior to the festival, check out the schedule and Sign-up Genius link on the MBOTMA website. You can sign up to emcee, too! This is a great gateway to becoming a regular MBOTMA emcee at concerts and festivals.

WorkshopsThe Harvest Jam Acoustic Music

Experience features a band development workshop series. You’ll find these workshops scheduled on Saturday morning and afternoon. We recently

moved the workshops to a larger, more spacious location. Here is a sampling of the line-up of interesting topics for bands and musicians we have planned.

All About Your Instruments: with David Vincent, lead instructor in the Guitar building and repair program at the South East Technical College in Red Wing. Lloyd LaPlant from LaPlant Instruments along with others (TBA) will lead a workshop in instrument, care, repair along with tips and an instrument

tasting of higher quality instruments played by some of our more famous stars of the weekend.

Meet Cory and Jarrod: Join Jon Garon, Cory and Jarrod Walker Cory and Jarrod are from Nashville and play or have played in some of the most influential bluegrass bands going. Jarrod currently is with the Claire Lynch Band, Cory has played with Ricky Skaggs, Sierra Hull and currently with the Jeni Lynn Band) for a spectacular hour of instrumental performance and a chance to Q and A

some of Nashville’s hottest pickers. This is not to be missed if you want to get up close and see how the real pros do it.

Banjo Romantika: An independent film about Bluegrass Music in the Czech Republic. Our headline group The Malina Brosthers are from the Czech Republic.

Meet the Malina Bros: 45 minute meet and greet with our weekend headliner band.

GMUG!The Great Minnesota Ukelele

Gathering will be held at the Harvest Jam. Featured workshop/jam leaders and concert performers will be Lil Rev and Fred Sokolow.

Photo by Jasper McCroskey

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There will be workshops, organized jam sessions, as well as ukulele vendors. See the article on GMUG in this issue. For complete information, go to www.GreatMinnesotaUkeGathering.com.

Banquet DinnerAttendees to the Harvest Jam get a

chance to gather on Saturday evening for a grand banquet held in the main ballroom. Each year we celebrate our final event by feasting on a delicious meal while enjoying a dinner program that includes the results of the MBOTMA Election, a performance by the Race for a Place Contest winner and various tributes and recognitions of “our heroes!”

Savvy festival goers know that their ticket into the banquet affords them a chance to grab a great seat for the evening concerts to follow. The ballroom will open up at the end of the dinner, but diners can keep their choice seats for the remainder of the evening.

As always, there will be a social hour prior to the banquet so diners can visit and enjoy some music by Double Down Daredevils, while selecting their dinner seating. Those with banquet tickets will arrive prior to the banquet and check in with the seating volunteers who will provide a seating chart. The event organizers ask that diners present tickets at time of seat selection for ALL parties wishing to sit together, in order to guarantee that guests that wish to sit together can be accommodated. Please remember that this is a “first come” seating basis.

The Annual MBOTMAMembership Meeting

It will be conducted at the conclusion of the banquet. Hotel staff will open the ballroom to general admission, and all attendees are invited to this open meeting. It is a chance to hear from our Board of Directors and ask questions about our organization. All are encouraged to

attend.Tickets for the banquet dinner are

available by purchasing the VIP Ticket, which includes admission to the dinner. These tickets are limited and it is strongly encouraged that those wishing to attend the banquet purchase tickets early as they will sell out. See you there!

Music VendorsSomewhere in the flurry of activity,

you’ll need to find time to visit the vendor room. Right across from the main ballroom, the vendor room will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Theme Jams A very popular feature of last

year’s Harvest Jam, The Theme jams, will be back this year! With the Hayloft jam rooms upstairs, plus spaces in the hotel lobby, side rooms, the ballroom foyer, the workshop room at night, the ballroom late night, plus hallways and pool area, we count space for more than 20 simultaneous jams.

This is a picker’s festival, and there will also be several “theme jams” planned.

Y’all Come; a Friday night jam led by the Biscuit Boys, Tim Wankel and friends, 3 and 4 chord songs, standards that most people know or will catch up to real quickly. Great way to get the fingers loosened up and ease into the weekend.

Old Time Fiddle Jam with Mary DuShane. Very popular jam last year. Rosin up that bow and jump in!

Country Jam with Dan Fish of the Now and Then Band. Country classics you know and love.

Progressive Bluegrass Jam with Zach Tauer and the Common Ground Company. Fun local band with a lot of youthful energy!

Songwriters Jam - Hosted by the Minnesota Association of Songwriters. Come listen or bring your own originals!

Singers Jam hosted by Tom Peschges - The Double Down Daredevils. No fiddle tunes allowed! This is for singers! A mic

and a small PA will be provided so the singers can be heard over the instruments. You can bring your own harmony singers or ask for help from the group or make it a sing-along and invite everyone to join in, it’s up to you!. Locations to be announced.

Annual MBOTMA Membership

Meeting: 6:45pm on Saturday,

November 18, 2017 in the main ballroom.

Tickets & Lodging A weekend ticket

that includes everything except the banquet

dinner can be had in advance for only $35 ($30 for members). A VIP ticket that includes the dinner along with weekend admission is $55 ($50 for members). Daily admission prices at the door will be $15 on Friday and $25 on Saturday. Teens are half price and kids are free. For more information and advance tickets for the Harvest Jam Acoustic Music Experience call 800-635-3037 or visit www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org. For hotel reservations (you won’t want to go home) contact the Marriot Hotel at 952-544-4400 and ask for the Minnesota Bluegrass Festival rate. The Minneapolis Marriott West is located in Saint Louis Park, near the intersection of Hwy 169 and I-394.

Photo by Doug Lohman

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During a recent visit to the Birth-place of Country Music Museum in Bris-tol, Virgina, MBOTMA President Laura Cooper learned about “the inclusion of the ukulele . . . on the Bristol Sessions [in 1927].” The exhibit plaque at the Museum says, “the ukulele’s small size and simple technique made it prominent in popular and folk music . . . including . . . the Ses-sions.” It also mentions the banjolele! The ukulele remains a part of the county, old-time and bluegrass music tradition.

Another ukulele boom started in about 2001. Statista.com reports that 501,000 ukuleles were sold in the Unit-ed States in 2009, 1,197,000 in 2015, and 1,400,000 in 2016.

The 2017 Great Minnesota Uke Gathering (GMUG)

at the Harvest JamboreeThe 2017 Great Minnesota Uke Gath-

ering takes place within the Harvest Jam. It is a Minnesota and area get-together for all ukulele players (or want-to-be players). It includes concerts, workshops, jams, and sing-alongs for all skill levels. Plus, there are even beginner ukulele lessons! Your Harvest Jam ticket includes admission to both Harvest Jam and GMUG events and concerts.

• Featured ukulele instructors and performers include Lil Rev and Fred Sokolow, international ukulele artists.

They will be doing a series of workshops on Friday and Saturday, and will perform a Main Stage concert Friday evening. There will be a Fred Sokolow blues jam on Friday evening and a Lil Rev led jam Saturday evening. These jams are for all skill levels.

• Minnesota-based jazz/swing/blue-grass specialist Mike Cramer will teach ukulele workshops on moveable chords.

• A Saturday Donegal Ballroom concert and workshop will showcase the

Ukuleles at a Bluegrass and Old-Time Festival?by Tony Anthonisen

award-winning U Can Jug or Nots jug band.

• Singer and die-hard ukulele fan Rhonda Laurie, along with Mike Cramer, will entertain us with a pop-up concert on Saturday.

• An open mic and jam appropri-ate for all levels using the Daily Ukulele: 365 Songs for Better Living will be led by THUG (Two Harbors Ukulele Group) ukers Al Anderson, with Dale and Brenda Moe.

• Learn and Improve will feature be-ginner ukulele lessons and expert help for those who want to move to the next playing level from ukulele and music ed-ucators., Dr. Chris Russell and Tony An-thonisen.

The uke boom is still going strong! The ukulele is inexpensive, easy to play and a ton of fun! Why not be part of the fun at the 2017 GMUG and Harvest Jam?

For complete 2017 GMUG details, go to www.GreatMinnesotaUkeGathering.com

For the complete GMUG schedule, go to www.bluegrassfun.com/2017-gmug-schedule.html.

Fred Sokolow Lil Rev

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“Shortenin’ Bread” certainly wins a prize for longevity. After all, it has been around for over 150 years. This version of “Shortenin’ Bread” comes from my new book, Ukulele for the Complete Ignora-mus!

I can’t tell you why, but I find playing Shortenin’ Bread almost addictive. When I start to play it, I can barely force my-self to stop. I must not be alone because this song has been popular since the ear-ly to mid 1800’s. Known as a “plantation song,” it is also likely that it was a favor-ite on the minstrel stage with blackfaced performers. The song was first collected and published in 1915. All this talk about shortenin’ bread is making me hungry! If you’re in the same fix, put your skillet on a hot fire. While it’s getting hot, mix up some corn meal and add some bacon gravy and bits of crisp bacon, which are called “cracklins.” No wonder it’s some-times called “cracklin’ bread.” Pour your mixture into a hot greased skillet, and sit back while you wait for it to cook. In the

Mama’s little baby loves shortenin’, shortenin’Mama’s little baby loves shortenin’ bread.Mama’s little baby loves shortenin’, shortenin’,Mama’s little baby loves shortenin’ bread.

Put on the skillet, put on the lid,Mama’s gonna make a little shortenin’ bread.That ain’t all she’s gonna do,Mama’s gonna make a little coffee too. (Chorus)

Three little boys, lying in bed,Two was sick, and the other most dead.Sent for the doctor, and the doctor said,Feed them babies on shortenin’ bread. (Chorus)

Slipped in the kitchen, slipped on the lid,Slipped my pockets full of shortenin’ bread.Stole the skillet, stole the lid,Stole the gal to make shortenin’ bread. (Chorus)

Shortenin’ Bread by Wayne Erbsen

meantime, pick a little bit of Shortenin’ Bread on the ukulele.

Try not to get hungry while playing Shortnin’ Bread! I like the Cowboy Strum on this classic. It is mostly D, played with the middle finger to make shifting to the A in the split measures a little easier. From the D, roll your finger to the 4th string for the A. To play the melody, play all the notes on the 2nd fret with your first finger. That way, you can reach the 5th fret with your pinky without moving your hand.

Wayne Erbsen has been chasing songs and their background histories for close to fifty years. He has written over thirty song and instruction books for bluegrass and clawhammer banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and ukulele. He claims he can teach even a frog to play. See for yourself by visiting www.nativeground.com.

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Michel Wegen is a recognizedDutch model maker usingsculpting and airbrush art techniques to meet the needs ofclients such as theme parks, adagencies and museums.

In his search for new markets,Michel some years ago took onthe design of the lowly pick. The results have been phenomenal.

Wegen Picks endanger no animalspecies, and they are a fraction of the priceof the illegal picks that do. We have eightmodels for guitar and mandolin on hand ina variety of thicknesses. Try one out onyour next visit.

Wegen’s Guitar Picks

6625 Penn Ave. S.Richfield, MN 55423

(612) 861-3308www.homesteadpickinparlor.com

folkmuse@aol.comand you can find us on Facebook

Making the world safe for discerning fans of Traditional Music

since 1979

®

www.cs-center.org

Building a “Civil Society” throughout the entire

state of MinnesotaMalina Brothers: www.malinabrothers.com

Banjo Romantika: www.banjoromantika.comDruhá Tráva: www.druhatrava.us

15November 2017

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

MBOTMAPO Box 16408Minneapolis, MN 55416

MBOTMA Election Judge c/o Kenneth Bloch19877 182nd Ave NWBig Lake MN 55309

PLACE FIRST CLASS STAMP HERE

Fold #1

Fold #2

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Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music AssociationOfficial

Board of Directors Election BallotPlease read the instructions carefully.

Step 1: Remove the ballot from the center of the magazine. Loosen the center staples and it will come right out. (You will still have a complete magazine after it has been removed.)Step 2: Cut the ballot in half along the fold. Return just this sheet. Step 3: Mark the ballot. Vote for TWO officers and FOUR At-Large Board Members.Step 4: Fold the ballot in thirds, with this side on the inside and the address on the outside. Do not place your return address on the ballot; your vote is confidential.Step 5: To vote by mail, staple or tape the ballot closed, apply a first class stamp, and mail. To vote in person, seal the ballot and bring it to the Harvest Jam, November 18–20, 2016

Mailed ballots must be received by Tuesday, November 14.Ballots must be handed in by 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 18th.

IMPORTANT Reminder: This page serves only as a Board Election ballot. Please do not include checks, membership renewals, or any other correspondence for MBOTMA. Ballots will not be opened until the Harvest Jam. Ballots received after the Harvest Jam will not be opened.

Returning Board members - terms end in 2018: Laura Cooper- President, Nic Hentges - Vice President,Board Members at Large - Dale Gruber, Brett Day, Phillip Nusbaum

Secretary: (Vote for 1)☐ Shane Zack

Write In:_____________________

Treasurer: (Vote for 1) ☐ Robbie Podrug

Write In:_____________________

AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBERS: (Vote for 4)☐ Bill Lindroos☐ Rudi Marty☐ Alan Jesperson

Other (Write-in):

____________________________

____________________________

____________________________

____________________________

This is your only ballot

Additional ballots will NOT be avail-able at the Harvest Jam

Mailed ballots must be received byNovember 14, 2017ORBring them to the Harvest Jam by 3 p.m., Saturday, November 18, 2017

Harvest Jam, November 17-19, 2017Marriott Minneapolis West9960 Wayzata Boulevard Just west of Highway 169 and north of I-394. Coming from I-394, exit at Hopkins Crossroad and go east on the north frontage road. For more information, visit minnesotabluegrass.org.

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17November 2017

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

For Secretary: Shane Zack

Shane Zack has been playing mandolin in the Minnesota bluegrass community for 15 years.

Outside the bluegrass world he has 13 years of experience working in not-for-profit organizations, 5 years of this experience working in organizational administration, 3 years experience working in board development in a variety of settings. This experience includes constituent surveying, auditing non-profit health with a focus on board to programming relationships. He has participated in the design of 2 strategic planning processes.

In addition to playing mandolin, he is also a wedding officiant, amateur dendrologist, pysanky decorator, and aspiring bluegrass historian.

For Treasurer: Robbi Podrug

I am a CPA with broad knowledge of non-profit as well as for-profit organizations. I have set up three non-profits, sat on the board of two, and shepherded two non-profits through potentially fatal transactions. I took over as Treasurer at the beginning of 2017, understanding the challenges facing MBOTMA. The Board has done a lot of work this past year, and it has been a privilege to be a part of it. There is still work to be done to ensure MBOTMA can fulfill its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and I would like to continue that work. Oh, and I have played fiddle in various bluegrass bands across the country for the last 40 years.

For Board Member at Large: Rudy Marti

As a candidate for the MBOTMA Board of Directors, I think I can offer a unique perspective. I am not a musician and I am not in a bluegrass band. I sit in the audience enjoying and listening to all the different types of bluegrass music. I currently sit on two festival committees for MBOTMA, the Kickoff Festival and MBOTMA Festival. My wife and I have owned and operated our profitable busi-ness for over 30 years. What I can bring to the table is a working knowledge of ac-counting, marketing, public relations and people management. Volunteers are the key to MBOTMA’s success.

I share in the commitment and pas-sion that so many of our members have for the MBOTMA organization.

Ask not what MBOTMA can do for you, but what you can do for MBOTMA.

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For Board Member at Large:Bill Lindroos

I have volunteered at MBOTMA events for many years and currently serve on the Kickoff and August festival and the State Fair contest committees. For the last year I have also served on the Board of Directors. It has been a challenging but very rewarding year, and I believe that we have made substantial progress in positioning MBOTMA for continued success. However, much remains to be done, and I would very much like to continue this work.

For Board Member at Large: Alan Jesperson

I am Alan Jesperson, and I am interested in running again for a position on the MBOTMA Board of Directors. I feel the Board we have at this time is the best we’ve ever had. The diverse skills and and vast experience makes this a great gathering.

I have been in the bluegrass world for 50 years and have seen everything, it seems. I believe my history makes me a good candidate to help guide the board.

Having played in a band for decades and booking bands for decades and promoting the Laughing Waters Bluegrass Festival for 19 years makes my viewpoint of value. I can view the workings of the board from a unique position.

“A banjo will get you through times of no money, but money won’t get you through times of no banjo” -

John Hartford

Annual MBOTMA Membership Meeting: at the Harvest Jam

6:45pm on Saturday, Novemeber 18, 2017

For Board Member at Large: Joe Hallman

I want you to consider voting for me for the board of MBOTMA. I have been a member of this great organization for 15 years, have worked as a volunteer on several occasions, played music, sang, had fun, and have gotten to know many fantastic musicians through the years. I am a retired theology professor with 40 years of teaching experience, two books in print, and several articles. Now in re-tirement I am dedicated to music of all kinds, especially roots music – bluegrass and old time. I spent a full year after re-tirement studying the origins of one of our greatest national treasures, American music. I hope to contribute to the renewal of MBOTMA, making it an even greater venue in the 21st century.

19November 2017

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Dick Kimmel & Pamela Longtine

Friday, November 10, 2017 Daytime Jam Sessions with Dick Kimmel

4:30 PM Social Hour 8:00 PM History of Bluegrass and Stringband Music

with Dick Kimmel

Saturday, November 11, 2017 Daytime Jam Sessions with Dick Kimmel

and Pamela Longtine 7:30 PM Bluegrass Concert with Dick Kimmel and

Pamela Longtine

Featuring

Three Night Packages starting at $199

(800) 328-3325 www.gunflint.com

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The house lights went down in the historic Kings Theater in Portsmouth, England. Sporadic audience titter greeted the emcee Joe Black, as he stepped onto the stage, impeccably dressed, in drag. What followed was 7 hours of ukulele performances interspersed with the hu-morously bawdy banter of our host, a din-ner break (thank goodness) and for me a mind-boggling variety of styles and art-ists. I wasn’t in Minnesota anymore. This was the 2015 Grand Southern Ukulele Festival and grand it was - three full days of performances, jams and workshops.

Downtown Portsmouth was thick with uke players and singers. There wasn’t a pub or Fish and Chips shop that didn’t have a rowdy sing-along in prog-ress. I was there to see two stellar uke/banjo-uke players, Belgium-based Remco Houtman-Janssen aka Ukulelezaza and the U.K.’s own, Andy Eastwood. A high-light for me was Ukulelezaza dazzling the crowd at Kings that evening with his instrumental virtuosity on Hoagy Car-michael’s New Orleans. The next day I attended workshops from both him and

Andy. Ukulelezaza’s teaching focused on his right hand wizardry while Andy taught the strums of the late, great George Formby, a banjo ukulele original and, during the middle of the last century, one of the most popular performing artists in the U.K. Which brings me to the Banjo Hall of Fame...and two upcoming events right here in the Twin Cities area.

In 2016, George Formby was inducted into the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. Andy Eastwood, heir apparent to George, was flown in to celebrate this achievement and demon-strate George’s trade mark rhythms. In Andy’s words, “Although many were aware of Formby, few had seen his style played live before and when I took to the stage and played his famous “Leaning on a Lamp-Post” the reception was terrific.”

Closer to home, our uke community will be treated to national performers Lil’ Rev, Fred Sokolow, and Minnesota’s own, Mike Cramer in a variety of workshops, jams and concerts at Marriott Minne-apolis West over three days, November 17 to 19. More details at http://www.

Ukuleles, Banjo Ukuleles and the American Banjo Museum Hall Of FameBy Corey Mohan

Kings Theater, Portsmith England

bluegrassfun.com/2017-great-minneso-ta-uke-gathering.html. Then on January 3rd Ukulelezaza comes to town! Between the 3rd and the 10th, he’ll be featured in a house concert, club dates and other events around the Twin Cities. On the 6th, he’ll teach uke/banjo uke workshops

Andy EastwoodUkelelezaza

21November 2017

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

American Banjo Museum, Oklahoma City, OK

at the West Bank School of Music and lat-er that night take the Cedar Cultural Cen-ter stage opening for Dan Newton’s Cafe Accordion Orchestra. For more informa-tion, a full schedule events and how to re-

serve a spot, check out zazamn.weebly.com, zazamn2018 on FaceBook or call 651.368.6316.

What a treat. In the space of a lit-tle more than 6 weeks, two great events,

George Formby

two opportunities to enjoy and learn right in our backyard. No need to trav-el to Portsmouth England this year though I guarantee the Kings Theater alone is worth it.

Scrapegoat Skin & Bones seeking experienced,

quality upright bassist.

Regularly performing. Unique High Class Hoedown music style.Originals and covers. Classic Outlaw Country, Modern Americana & Blue-

grass and much more.See www.scrapegoatproductions.com

See Scrapegoat Skin & Bones on FaceBookEmail interest to scrapegoat@comcast.net

ARMADILLO SOUND & DESIGN

Serving the acoustic music community for over 35 years.

Complete production services, sound and lights.

Complete studio and live multi-track

recording with Protools©.

You know Doug’s attention to detail in the live concert…

Let him help you craft your next recording project.

612-306-3490 douglohman@aol.com

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CD Review

Bob BoveeRails, Trails and Tall Talesby Doug Lohman

Nebraskan native Bob Bovee is one of Minnesota’s old-time treasures, and it shows with his latest CD, Rails, Trails & Tall Tales. Bob’s selection of 18 tunes and songs showcases his depth of knowledge in the traditions of old-time music.

Bob has been pursuing old-time and cowboy music all his adult life. He has played all over the country for shows, concerts, and dances. I consider him one of the best guitar players when playing for a dance. His rhythm guitar playing is perfectly percussive and steady. This CD is a very good example of that guitar playing.

This is a simple recording. It’s Bob’s voice accompanied by, mostly, his guitar, but also harmonica, banjo, autoharp. In this day and age, we can be bombarded by complex music from all over the world. When these simple songs were written, people did not have access to music from any father away than they could walk or ride a horse. These are stories about simple life, simple things, simple people, unencumbered by modern technology and pace of today’s life. Many of his sources are his family, great grandmother, grandmother, uncle, cousin. You can imagine them putting the spark into him at an early age.

These simple songs are stories, someone’s take on their life or an event. The hard life on the frontier in the song “Starvin’ to Death on a Government Claim.” The loneliness of prison in the song “Colorado Prisoner.” The intrigues and twists of love in “The House Carpenter.” Missing home in “Back to My Wyoming Home.” Living in times of uncertain/confusing/new technology in “The Mowin’ Machine.” Story songs from times past. It’s not hard to get into the heads of these folks and relate.

The liner notes give us a glimpse into

the music trivia stored in Bob’s brain. He credits the earliest writers of these songs and even gives us the record labels and numbers, I would suppose, in order to prod us into doing research on our own. Many of the old songs had many different versions, and he points this out and, lists them. I find this interesting as it gives us a peek at the folk process. Most of these tunes, except for Black Hammer Strut, which he made up (his words), were written way before there was any way of recording them. Just handed down; learned from listening and copying. Throughout the CD you hear traces of other songs.

The CD is an enjoyable listen, and a good sample of Bob’s vast repertoire of old time, country and cowboy tunes and songs. The liner notes are informative and interesting to read, and you get a little insight into why he chose the tunes. It is impeccably recorded, thanks to Dakota Dave Hull. Bob’s voice and instruments are natural. I felt like he was right in my living room singing and playing, just for me.

Simply enjoyable is my one sentence recap of Rails, Trails and Tall Tales.

Christmas is coming soon. Bob’s contact info can be found at boveeheil.com or any simple google search.

“Simply enjoyable is my one sentence recap of Rails, Trails and Tall Tales.”

23November 2017

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Bluegrass Saturday MorningBy Phil Nusbaum

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

World of BluegrassIt certainly is a wonderful time. World of Bluegrass,

supported by the International Bluegrass Music Association, comes to Raleigh, NC the last week of every September. The business conference takes place the beginning of the week. On Thursday, the business conference fades into a massive fan-based event.

I usually go to the business conference, as performers are available for interviews. Also, there are several opportunities for radio people to get together to talk about mutual concerns. In 2017, radio people also met with label representatives.

There are big luncheons where we listen to bands. These are fun, too, because you usually sit at a table with people you’ve not met previously. And there are always rich desserts, and dishes that include grits that remind you that your location is south of US 40.

But the big draw is seeing bands perform. Understand that World of Bluegrass serves as a booking conference. This means that bands are all practiced up and putting their best feet forward. During the day, rooms in the Raleigh Convention Center are taken up with meetings, but as the weekend approaches, more and more stages are set up in the Convention Center. Performances start in the afternoon and carry on through the evening. Most stages feature a different bluegrass band every hour.

Meanwhile, a short distance from the Convention Center, a dozen music clubs present bluegrass bands. The bluegrass starts early and ends late; and, generally, the clubs present different groups every hour.

You can get a ticket that gets you into all of the events throughout World of Bluegrass, or you can pay by the day. You show your pass and go into any venue you want.

If you like to listen to bluegrass, I can think of no better way to do it. You wind up staying up pretty late for days on end, but once you accept that airplanes are for sleeping, you’re OK.

For interviews, I recorded memorable hotel room sessions with Rebekah Long, members of the Railsplitters, and Jesse Iaquinto of the Fireside Collective, plus sessions done in Convention Center rooms with Becky Buller and Louisa Branscomb, among others. They will be broadcast on the Bluegrass Review in the coming months.

As the business conference was turning into the part of World of Bluegrass dedicated to the fans, I flew home in order to participate in KBEM’s fall fund-raising activities. But I know that the later event is massive. Everybody moves outside where there are multiple stages for bluegrass concerts attended by seas of people, and they tell me that everybody has a good time.

Bluegrass Review SupportersHoffman Guitars www.hoffmanguitars.com (hand crafted

Hoffman guitars, authorized Martin repairs)Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association www.

minnesotabluegrass.org (membership organization supporting bluegrass experiences)

John Waddle Violins: www.waddleviolins.com (Dealer of international & domestic, new & old violins, bows, cases)

Weekly Playlists, Listen Online1. PRXTo locate Gems of Bluegrass and the Bluegrass Review

online, type in the search box at www.prx.org and you should get many hits. Bluegrass Saturday Morning is streamed and, also, archived at the new url for KBEM 88.5 www.jazz88.fm.

2. www.bluegrassreview.comBluegrass Review playlists are located at www.

bluegrassreview.com. Just use the “programs” link you’ll find at the top of the page. Then look for the show for whichever week is current. The current week’s show should come to the top, and scroll down to view earlier playlists. Scroll down all the way to access a player enabling you to stream the show.

3. www.jazz88.fm To stream KBEM programming, at www.jazz88.fm, click on

“listen live.” Bluegrass Saturday Morning playlists are located at www.jazz88.fm. At the top of the home page on the right-hand

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BANJO ROMANTIKA (film documentary) — introduces the musicians who play this unique bluegrass hybrid. Czechs first heard bluegrass during World War II, when it was broadcast to American soldiers. The music represented freedom to dissatisfied Czechs living in a communist state. Czechs’ love for the music was solidified when Pete Seeger visited and performed in 1964. Inspired by classic American bluegrass sounds, an assortment of musicians from across the formerly communist Czech Republic have melded the past, the political and the present into a lively musical tradition entirely its own. www.banjoromantika.com

November 17-19, 2017 | Minneapolis Marriott West Hotel | St. Louis Park, MN

Harvest Jam Tickets Available Sunday – October 1, 2017!Find all the details online at www.minnesotabluegrass.org or call 800-635-3037.

Saturday Night Ballroom Concert with Malina Brothers

& Sunday Gospel set!

Harvest Jam Acoustic Music Experience

Uke Festival | Hayloft Jam Rooms | Band Workshops | Sunday Gospel Show | Theme Jams | Kip’s Live | Music Vendors

The 2017 Harvest Jam Acoustic Music Experience will be Friday through Sunday, November 17–19 at the Marriott Minneapolis West Hotel. The 12th annual Harvest Jam will feature stage shows with headliner Malina Brothers from Czech Republic on Saturday evening, a 30 minute set by them on Friday,

and a gospel set Sunday morning.

Several bands will also perform on Friday and Saturday evenings, including Little Rev, Noah John and Ringing Iron & more! Race for the Place Band Contest is held on Saturday from 10:00am–5:00pm, 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, a workshop program,including a documentary film called “Banjo Romantika” about the history of bluegrass in the Czech Republic (sponsored by the Czech & Slovak Cultural Center of MN), music vendors, Sunday morning gospel

show, and lots of jam sessions!

To book lodging contact the Marriott at 952-544- 4400 and ask for the Minnesota Bluegrass festival rate!

Advance price and member discount tickets for the Harvest jam are on sale as of October 1. A general admission weekend ticket (without the banquet dinner) is $35 for adults, $30 for members, and $15 for teens. Children 12 and under are free. A VIP weekend ticket that includes the banquet dinner is $55 for adults, $50 for members, $25 for teens, and $10 for kids. Banquet dinner tickets are not sold separately but only as part of the VIP package. Single day tickets are not available in advance. Gate prices will be $15 on Friday and $25 on Saturday, with teens

half price and kids free.

Special Event: Minnesota Songwriters Association will host workshops in the Hayloft area!

Great Minnesota Uke Gathering @ Harvet Jam

Workshops | Jamming | Friday Eve Concert

2017 Headliner Lil Rev — a Milwaukee-based, songwriter, i n s t r u m e n t a l i s t , storyteller, historian, educator and interpreter

of American roots music and culture.His fascination with all things ukulele and harmonica keep him busy teaching and

performing all across North America. Find out more at www.bluegrassfun.com.

Sponsored in part by

25November 2017

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Get a PDF of Minnesota Bluegrass before everyone else... If you are already a member and want to receive Minnesota Bluegrass in electronic form instead of by postal mail, it will be emailed to you directly before it is available to the general public. If you only want the digital copy or you have problems opening the file, please contact the Minnesota Bluegrass editor at editor@minne-sotabluegrass.org.

MBOTMA Calendar of EventsConcerts and events presented or supported by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association

November 17-19, 2017 - Friday through Sunday Harvest Jam Acoustic Music Experience:St Louis Park, MN: Marriott Minneapolis West Hotel (9960 Way-zata Blvd). This 12th annual event will feature stage shows Fri-day night, all day Saturday, and Sunday morning featuring the Malina Brothers, Lil Rev, Noah John & Ringing Iron, and more. 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), Great Minnesota Uke Gathering, Kip’s Live Open Mic in Kip’s Irish Pub throughout the weekend, work-shops, 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 Asso-ciation (MBOTMA).

January 28, 2018 - Sunday MBOTMA’s 2018 Fundraiser 2to10 Party: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Place TBA. A celebration of all things MBOTMA featuring 8 bands and more. Plus silent auction, raffles, and lots of jam sessions. Suggested admission donation of $15 with all proceeds to benefit the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA). Food and beverages avail-able. For more information call 800-635-3037 or visit www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org.

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.

ATTENTION BLUE-GRASS JAMMERS!

In the next couple of months, MBOTMA will be updating and converting its jam schedule to a link connected to our website. That way it will be available 24 -7 at your fingertips. If you head up a jam, attend a jam, or know of a jam, please contact Tony Stachnik at tdjejs@msn.

com. Thank you and keep on jamming!

March 2-4, 2018 - Friday-SundayThe Winter Bluegrass Weekend: A Festival of Bluegrass & Old-Time Music & Dance, Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West Hotel in Plymouth, MN (3131 Campus Dr, I-494 & Hwy 55). Some fifty groups will be performing bluegrass, old-time string-band, and related forms of acoustic music on several stages, including the Saturday Night Headline Concert and the Dance Hall. Plus workshops, dances, instrument exhibitors, and jam sessions around the clock. Early Bird Jam starts Thursday, March 1, at 6:30pm. For more information call 1-800-635-3037 or visit www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org. To book lodging contact the Crowne Plaza at 763-559-6600 or the nearby Residence Inn at 763-577-1600. Ask for the special Minnesota Bluegrass Festival rate.

Contribute to Minnesota Bluegrass Magazine.

Write a Review of a favorite concert or CD.Write an article about your favorite jam.

Tell us about how you came to like Bluegrass and Old-Time String Band Music.

editor@minnesotabluegrass.orgMBOTMA’s Website:

www.minnesotabluegrass.com

Info and news about our events.Buy tickets on line

DonateHistory

Complete calendar of FestivalsMagazine, read past issues

Links to Member Bands

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Coming Up

318: The 318 Café, 318 Water Street, Excelsior, 952-401-7902, www.three-eighteen.com331C: 331 Club, 331 13th Ave NE, Mpls, 612-331-1746, www.331.mnAGr: Amazing Grace Bakery & Cafe, 394 S Lake Ave, Duluth, 218-723-0075, www.amazinggraceduluth.comAPHC: “A Prairie Home Companion,” Minnesota Public RadioAST: Aster Cafe, 125 SE Main St, Mpls, 612-379-3138, www.astercafe.comBSC: Black Sheep Coffee Cafe, 705 Southview Blvd., South St. Paul, 651-554-0155, www.blacksheepcoffee.comBTC: Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua, Bayfield, WI, 888-244-8368, www.bigtop.orgBoDD: BoDiddley’s Pub and Deli, 129 25th Ave S, St. Cloud, 320-252-9475CED: Cedar Cultural Center, 415 Cedar Ave S, Mpls, 612-338-2674, www.thecedar.orgCJ: Celtic Junction, 836 Prior Ave, St Paul, 651-330-4685, www.thecelticjunction.comCrH: Creek House Concerts, www.creekhouseconcerts.com, 651-633-5353. MUST call and reserve for these events.DAK: Dakota Jazz Club, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Mpls, 612-332-1010, www.dakotacooks.comDuG: Dunn Brothers on Grand, 1569 Grand Ave, St. PaulEAG: Eagles Club, 2507 E 25th St, Mpls, 612-729-4469, www.Mplseagles34.org

Venue abbreviations

10/27 – Friday• Bob Bovee, MacArthur House,

Marlboro, VT, 7:30pm• The Fish Heads, Sir Benedict’s Tavern,

805 E Superior St, Duluth, 218-728-1192, 6pm

• Charlie Parr (Acoustic), CED, 8pm• Dick Kimmel & Pamela Longtine,

Becker County Historical Museum

FITZ: Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E Exchange St, St Paul, 651-290-1200, www.fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.orgGINK: Ginkgo Coffeehouse, 721 N Snelling Ave, St Paul, 651-645-2647, www.ginkgocoffee.comGKb: Grand Kabaret, 210 N Minnesota St, New Ulm, 507-359-9222, www.thegrandnewulm.comHOB: The Loft at Hobgoblin Music, 920 State Hwy 19, Red Wing, 877-866-3936, www.stoneyend.comMER: Merlins Rest, 3601 E Lake St, Mpls, 612-216-2419OAK: Oak Center General Store, 67011 Hwy 63, Lake City, 507-753-2080, www.oakcentergeneralstore.comRIV: Riverview Café & Wine Bar, 3747 42nd Ave S, Mpls, 612-729-4200, theriverview.comROCK: Rockwoods, 9100 Quaday Ave NE, Elk River, 763-222-4353, www.nograsslimit.com/RockwoodsCalendar.htmlSHL: Sheldon Theatre, 443 W 3rd St, Red Wing, 800-899-5759, www.sheldontheatre.orgTAP: Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Ave S, Mpls, 612-722-2914, www.tapestryfolkdance.orgUMC: Underground Music Café, 1579 Hamline Ave N, Falcon Hts, 651-644-9959, undergroundmusiccafe.comVC: Vieux Carre, 408 St Peter St, St Paul, 651-291-2715, vieux-carre.comWmH: The Warming House, 4001 Bryant Ave S, lower level, Mpls, 877-987-6487, thewarminghouse.netZUM: Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Ave, Zumbrota, 507-732-7616, www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

To post gigs and events to this calendar, request the link to our online submission form to editor@minnesotabluegrass.org

(History of trad stringband/bluegrass music), Detroit Lakes

• Kari Arnett, Mother Banjo, WmH, 8pm

• Ordinary Folk, BoDD, 7:30pm• The High 48s, Wiese Auditorium/

KBEK Radio, 208 Broadway Ave S, Braham, MN, 844-200-5235, 8pm

• Tiller Black, Charlie’s Irish Pub, 101

Water St, Stillwater, 7:30pm10/28 – Saturday• One Ukulele, Fulton Farmers Market,

4901 Chowen Ave S, Mpls, 10am• Boiled in Lead, OAK, 8pm• Alternate Route, BSC, 10am• APHC - Hosted by Chris Thile,

Broadcast live from Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Pasadena, CA,

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONSNovember 4

SaturdayThe Hillbenders

present Tommy: a Bluegrass Opry

Dakota Jazz Club1010 Nicollet Mall, Mpls, MN

612-332-1010 - 7pmwww.dakotacooks.com

November 11Saturday

Hugelen Cajun Music Scholarship

Fund Raiser with Jesse Lege and the New

Riverside RamblersEagles Club #34

2507 E. 25th St, Mpls, MN5:30-10pm pm

November 12Sunday

20th Anniversary String Theory Show

Dakota Jazz Club1010 Nicollet Mall

Mpls, MN612-332-1010 - 4pm

www.dakotacooks.com

November 17-19Friday-SundayMBOTMA’s

Harvest Jam Acoustic Music Experience

Marriott Minneapolis West Hotel

9960 Wayzata BlvdSt Louis Park, MN

See AD page 24

27November 2017

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

• Dick Kimmel & Pamela Longtine, Public Library (Children’s Show - Fiddle Fun; Passing Down the Tradition), Moorhead, 11am

• High 48s, St Croix Art Barn, 1040 Oak Ridge Dr, Osceola, WI, 715-294-2787, 7pm

• Squirrels in the Attic and Sweet Rhubarb, Folk House Concerts, Golden Valley, Call for info and address: 651-274-6604, 7:30pm

• Tiller Black, Charlie’s Irish Pub, 101 Water St, Stillwater, 7:30pm

10/29 – Sunday• Roe Family Singers, Fulton Farmers

Market, 4901 Chowen Ave S, Mpls, 8am

• Monroe Crossing, Huikkos Event Center, 1207 N Hwy 25, Buffalo, 1pm

• Bob Bovee, Bound for Glory, Anabel Taylor Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 8pm

• Bill Staines, CrH• Curtis & Loretta, Zephyr Theatre, 601

N Main St, Stillwater, 651-373-7026, 2pm

10/30 Monday• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm• Jeff Daniels, DAK, 7pm

• 10/31 – Tuesday• Stringdingers, 331C, 8:30pm• The Jugg Sluggers, RIV, 7:30pm• 11/1 – Wednesday• The Langer’s Ball, Dubliner Pub, 2162

University Ave W, St Paul, 9pm11/2 – Thursday• Monroe Crossing, Story Theater

Grand Opera House, 512 Broad St, Story City, IA, 7pm

• Teague Alexy, 331C, 9:30pm• Granger’s Moonshine, UMC, 5pm• Gloryland Gospel Band, Woodale

Church, 6630 Shady Oak Rd, Eden Prairie, 7pm

• The Swamp Poppas, EAG, 8pm11/3 – Friday• Richard Shindell, Gink, 7:30pm• Kirk & Low, RIV, 8pm• Erik Brandt & The Urban Hillbilly

Quartet, UMC, 7pm• Bob Bovee, House Concert,

Harwinton, CT, 828-318-5373, 7:30pm

• Claudia Schmidt, BoDD, 7:30pm• Bernie King and the Guilty Pleasures,

Wiese Auditorium/KBEK Radio, 208 Broadway Ave S, Braham, 844-200-5235, 8pm

11/4 – Saturday• Monroe Crossing, Five Flags Center,

405 Main St, Dubuque, IA, 7:30pm• No Mans String Band, 318, 8pm• The Hillbenders play Tommy, a

Bluegrass Opry, DAK, 7pm• No Man’s String Band, 318, 8pm• New Riverside Ramblers, Como

Dockside, 1360 N. Lexington Ave, St. Paul, 12pm

• Art Stevenson & High Water, Expo Center, 10101 Market Street, Rothschild, WI, 715-623-2503, 8:30pm

• APHC - Hosted by Chris Thile, Broadcast live from San Diego Civic Theatre

• Alternate Route, BSC, 10am11/5 – Sunday• Monroe Crossing, Brodbeck Concert

Hall, 755 Main St, Platteville, WI, 7:30pm

• Bob Bovee, Folksong Society of Greater Boston, FFI: 617-327-1068 or 857-321-2825., 2pm

• Swing Brunch with Patty and the Buttons, AST, 11am

• Ruth Moody, CED, 7:30pm11/6 – Monday• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm

Classified AdsScrapegoat Skin & Bones seeking experienced, quality upright bassist. Email interest to scrapegoat@comcast.netMandolin and banjo player, new to the Brainerd, MN area, seeks people to play with. Mitchell Scott, 218-513-8642Acoustic bass for sale: Brand-Lewis, plywood, decent shape, good tone, new adjustable bridge. $1000. Doug, 612-306-3490

• Monday Night Square Dance, EAG, 7:30pm

11/7 Tuesday• The Jugg Sluggers, RIV, 7:30pm• Bob Bovee, Glitter Box Theater, 460

Melwood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 8pm• Nano Stern (Global Roots), CED,

7:30pm11/8 – Wednesday• Ashley & Nolan, 318, 8pm• Lenz and Frenz, 331C, 9:30pm

11/9 – Thursday• Tom Rush, DAK, 7pm• Ruth Moody, Stoughton Opera House,

Stoughton, WI, TBA• SouthSide Aces, EAG, 8pm• Open Mic, New York Mills Cultural

Center, 24 Main Ave, New York Mills, 7pm

11/10 – Friday• Monroe Crossing, Roseville Lutheran

Church, 1215 Roselawn Ave W, Roseville, 8pm

• Two Girls And A Boyd, 318, 8pm• Dick Kimmel & Pamela Longtine,

Gunflint Lodge, Grand Marais, 11/11 – Saturday• New Riverside Ramblers, EAG,

Hugelin Cajun Music Scholarship Fund Raiser with Jesse Lege, 5:30-10pm pm

• Chris Silver Band, Juniors Bar and Restaurant, 414 So Main St, River Falls WI, 8pm

• Monroe Crossing, Mantorville Opera House, Hwy 57 & 5th St, Mantorville, 7pm

• Bill Hartong, 318, 8pm• The Lost Forty w/ Norah Rendell, CJ,

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Journey Church, 5459 Cty Rd 18, Nisswa, grassrootsconcerts.org, 7:30pm

• High 48s, Landmark Center, 75 5th St W, St Paul, 651-292-3225, 8pm

11/18 – Saturday• Monroe Crossing, Alliance Church of

The Valley, 1259 State Rd 35, St Croix Falls WI, 7:30pm

• Bad Liquor Management, GKb, 7:30pm

• Chuck Suchy, OAK, 8pm• Broken Heartland String Band, Amery

Ale Works, 588 115th St, Amery, WI• (715) 268-5226, 7pm• Alternate Route, BSC, 10am

• Carrie Newcomer, Gink, Hamline Church, 1514 Englewood Ave, St Paul, 7pm

• Lehto & Wright, GKb, 7:30pm• Missy Raines, Leo and Leona’s, W1436

WI-33, Bangor, WI, 7:30pm• High 48’s, OAK, 8pm• Ruth Moody, Shepherds Hill Farm,

10790 Cody Lake Trail, Montgomery, TBA

• Alternate Route, BSC, 10am• Dick Kimmel & Pamela Longtine,

Gunflint Lodge, Grand Marais, • Georgia Rae Family Band, Just

Listening Room, Rockford, IL• The Northerly Gales, Merlin’s Rest,

3601 E Lake St, Mpls, 8:30pm• Johnnyswim, State Theatre, 805

Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 800-982-2787, 8pm

• Issam Rafea (solo Oud), Sundin Hall, Hamline University, St. Paul, www.mnguitar.org, 8pm

• Double Down Daredevils, HOB, 7pm11/12 – Sunday• 20th Anniversary String Theory Show,

DAK,, 4pm• Monroe Crossing, Mantorville Opera

House, Hwy 57 & 5th St, Mantorville, WI, 2pm

• The Lost Forty w/ Norah Rendell, CJ, TBA

• Swing Brunch with Patty and the Buttons, AST, 11am

• Gaelynn Lea’s Holiday Show with Rachael Kilgour and Batterboy, CED, 7:30pm

11/13 – Monday• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm• New Riverside Ramblers, EAG,

7:30pm11/14 – Tuesday• Dick Kimmel, Public Library,

Madelia, 6:30pm11/15 – Wednesday• Charlei Parr, 331C, 7pm• Sharon Shannon, CED, 7:30pm• The Langer’s Ball, Dubliner Pub, 2162

W University Ave, St Paul, 9pm11/16 – Thursday• Willy Porter & Carmen Nickerson,

DAK, 7pm• The Pines, Reif Performing Arts

Center, 720 NW Conifer, Grand Rapids, 7:30pm

• The Fish Heads, Emily’s Eatery, 218 Scenic Drive, Knife River, 218-576-2003, 6pm

• DL Cajun Band, EAG, 8pm

11/17 – FridayMBOTMA Harvest Jam• Michael Monroe, 318, 8pm• Jeff Dayton Duo, Excelsior Brewing

Co, 412 3rd St, Excelsior, 6pm• High 48’s, Landmark Center, 75 5th St

W, St Paul, 8pm• Riders in The Sky, Riverside Concerts,

Mayo Park 30 Civic Center Dr, Rochester, 7:30pm

• The Pines, Park Theater, Hayward, WI, TBA

• New Riverside Ramblers, Vieux Carré, 408 St. Peter St., St. Paul, MN 55102, 9pm

• Actual Wolf, Grassroots Concerts,

29November 2017

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

• John Gorka, CED, 8pm• Lehto & Wright, Roots Cellar

Concerts, University Baptist Church, 1219 University Ave SE, Mpls, 612-331-1768, 7pm

11/19 – Sunday• Swing Brunch with Patty and the

Buttons, AST, 11am• Laura Cortese & The Dance Cards,

AST, 8pm• Chad Elliott, BoDD, 7:30pm• Jim Lauderdale, CED, 7:30pm

11/20 – Monday• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm• Monday Night Square Dance, EAG,

7:30pm11/21 – Tuesday• The Jugg Sluggers, RIV, 7:30pm• 11/22 – Wednesday• Pigtown Fling, Leo and Leona’s,

W1436 WI-33, Bangor, WI, 7:30pm• Bruce Cockburn, CED, 8pm

11/24 – Friday• The Fish Heads, Sir Benedict’s Tavern,

805 E. Superior St., Duluth, 218-728-1192, 6pm

• Tony Rook Band, Annual Thanksgiving Weekend Bluegrass

Festival, Marshalltown, IA11/25 – Saturday• Mary Jane Alm, 318, 8pm• JohnSmith, ZUM, 7:30pm• Erik Koskinen, OAK, 8pm• Alternate Route, BSC, 10am

11/26 – Sunday• The She Shells, UMC, 11am• The Fish Heads, The Breeze Inn, 5168

Jean Duluth Road, Duluth, 218-525-2883, 1pm

• Swing Brunch with Patty and the Buttons, AST, 11am

LaPlant Instrumentsmaker of fine

mandolins & guitars

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(stringed instruments)

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218-326-4456

11/27 – Monday• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 8pm• Lenz and Frenz, 331C, 9:30pm• Leo Kottke, Guthrie Theatre, Mpls,

7:30pm• John Gorka, Lips Atrium Charlton

Bldg, 201 W Center St Rochester, 12pm

• Zydeco Dance with JJ’s Zydeco Paydirt, EAG, 7:30pm

11/28 – Tuesday• The Langer’s Ball, Haye’s Public

House, 112 1st St S, Buffalo, 7pm11/29 - Wednesday• Dustbowl Revival, DAK, 7pm

11/30 – Thursday• Greenwood Tree, UMC, 7pm• Big Trees, Viking Bar, Mpls, 8pm• Ari Hest, AST, 8pm• The Rockin’ Pinecones, EAG, 7:30pm

12/1 – Friday• Claudia Schmidt w/ Dean Magraw,

Gink, 7:30pm• Curtis & Loretta, Two Way Street

Coffee House, Chicago, IL• Jake Manders, Wiese Auditorium/

KBEK Radio, 208 Broadway Ave S, Braham, MN, 844-200-5235, 8pm

“Learning how to express who you are on your chosen instrument is a life-long challenge and ultimately the most satisfying thing you could do for yourself and for those around you.I truly believe this with all my heart.

I can think of nothing better than to share my musical knowledge and experience with others who are struggling with their own journeys of self -expression through music.

Nothing tickles me more than to see that light bulb go on above my student’s head.”

30 November 2017

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Thursday, November 2 7:00 p.m. Story Theater Grand Opera House , 512 Broad Street Story City, IA 515-733-4551

Saturday, November 4 7:30 p.m.The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Masswith The Dubuque Chorale; Bob DemareeFive Flags Center, 405 Main Street

Dubuque, IA 563-580-4371

Sunday, November 5 7:30 p.m.The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Masswith The Dubuque Chorale; Bob Demaree UW-Platteville Center for the Arts, 755 W Main St

Platteville, WI 563-580-4371

Friday, November 10 7:30 p.m.Mortals and Angels: A Bluegrass Te Deumwith VocalEssence; Philip BrunelleRoseville Lutheran Church, 1215 Roselawn Avenue West

Roseville, MN 612-371-5656

Saturday, November 11 7:00 p.m.15th Annual Monroe Crossing-Cabin Fever Bluegrass ShowMantorville Opera House, Highway 57 & Fifth Street

Mantorville, MN 507-635-5625

Sunday, November 12 2:00 p.m.6th Annual Monroe Crossing-Cabin Fever Gospel ShowMantorville Opera House, Highway 57 & Fifth Street

Mantorville, MN 507-635-5625

Saturday, November 18 7:30 p.m. Alliance Church of the Valley, 1259 State Road 35 St. Croix Falls, WI 715-483-3387

A Bluegrass Christmas with Monroe CrossingFriday, December 1 7:30 p.m Marion Ross Performing Arts Center, 147 North Broadway Albert Lea, MN 507-377-4371

Saturday, December 2 7:30 p.m. Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Avenue Lakeville, MN 952-985-4640

Wednesday, December 6 2:00 & 7:30 p.m. Le Musique Room, 4300 O’Day Avenue St. Michael, MN 612-314-9199

Saturday, December 9 7:30 p.m. Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 800 Waconia Parkway North Waconia, MN 952-442-2101

Thursday, December 14 7:00 p.m. Chisholm Baptist Church, 901 6th Street SW Chisholm, MN

Friday, December 15 7:00 p.m. Backus Auditorium, 900 Fifth Street International Falls, MN 218-285-7225

Saturday, December 16 7:00 p.m. Grace Covenant Church, 3030 North Broadway Fargo, ND 701-235-4622

Sunday, December 17 7:30 p.m. Pioneer Place on Fifth, 22 Fifth Avenue South St Cloud, MN 320-203-0331

Wednesday, December 20 7:30 p.m. Bloomington Center for the Arts, 1800 West Old Shakopee Road Bloomington, MN 952-563-8575

Go to www.MonroeCrossing.com for the latest information on all of our concerts.Booking: Derek Johnson, 612-720-3746 or derek@monroecrossing.com

Two thousand shows... And going strong!

31November 2017

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Tab:Snowflake BreakdownBy Bob Douglas

Snowflake Breakdown Wally Traugott

The Snowflake Breakdown (AKA as Snowflake Reel)First, an old fogey confession: I still possess quite a large collection of cassette tapes and I have also kept my working cassette

player so I can still listen to them. Several decades ago while on a car trip to some obscure location, I stopped at a truck stop. As I was wont to do at that time, I cruised through their cheap-on-sale cassettes and struck gold finding a Jimmy Campbell tape of fiddle tunes, Top of the Mornin’, for only a buck! I popped it into the car’s cassette player and listened to the tape the rest of the trip and on several other trips as well. And the tune that really stood out for me was listed as the Snowflake Reel. For those interested in bluegrass minutiae, Jimmy Campbell started playing fiddle early thanks to his Tennessee old-time fiddling grandfather. Campbell was greatly attracted by Kenny Baker’s playing, a style he mastered. He soon started getting noticed as one of “the” young-blood bluegrass fiddlers. In the first decade of his career, Campbell spent three years as one of Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys, toured with Jim and Jesse, and he also played with the Osborne Brothers. He became a Nashville cat playing with various combinations of top Nashville sidemen. Tragically in 2003, Jimmy Campbell’s career was cut short when he and Rosey Carter, daughter of June Carter Cash, died of carbon monoxide poisoning due to faulty heaters in the motor home bus that they were planning to tour in together.

Now back to the Snowflake Reel or the Snowflake Breakdown as it was originally named. The tune’s composer was not “traditional” or “Tommy Jackson” as sometimes attributed. It belongs to Canadian Fiddler, Wally Traugott (1934–2010). His playing of the tune from an old 45 may be heard on You Tube. It’s really a great tune! At one time Traugott was said to be the highest paid fiddler in Canada as the featured fiddler on The Tommy Hunter Show. He also played with Tommy at the Ryman Auditorium on The Grand Ole Opry. However, fiddler Traugott became better known as a mastering engineer at Capitol Studios. He mastered some of the biggest LP albums of the 20th Century: Boston, Pink Floyd (Dark Side of the Moon), George Harrison’s Capitol release of All Things Must Pass, The Plastic Ono Band, Band On the Run, The Beatles at Hollywood Bowl, Julio Iglesias, Streisand, Manilow, Willie Nelson, etc.

The Snowflake Breakdown is a D tune of intermediate ability with the B part holding the tune’s fun surprise. It changes from the key of D to the key of Bb in the third and fourth measure and then switches right back in the fifth measure to the key of D. The chromatic is a good one to practice and certainly a good skill to have so you can begin incorporating chromatic runs into your playing. And you also get to watch your guitar back-up player make all kinds of faces trying to figure out what happened in that two measure interlude. It’s worth learning the tune just for the reaction from your back-up when you holler “B flat”!. Try getting a good handle on this one. You’ll be glad you did. Bob Douglas, 651-778-1395

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDTwin Cities, MN

Permit 343

MINNESOTA BLUEGRASS & OLD-TIME MUSIC ASSOCIATIONP.O. BOX 16408Mpls, MN 55416

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2016 MN Bluegrass Festival - Photo by Kelly O’Donnell