Minnesota Bluegrass July 2014

July 2014

Old-time lineup features Dwight Lamb with Fiddler Nelson on August Festival main stage p. 5

In this issue: Charlie Hoffman p. 9 | New brew for Coffee Grounds cafe p. 16 |

Phil Nusbaum p. 21 | Calendar p. 23 | Coming Up p. 24

MBOTMA Hot Line(to subscribe and for other information)612-285-9133 or 800-635-3037 [email protected]. Box 16408, Minneapolis, MN 55416www.minnesotabluegrass.org Twitter: @mnbluegrass Facebook: minnesotabluegrass

MBOTMA Board of DirectorsPresident: Gary Cobus, 763-428-2394, [email protected] President: Jana Metge, 952-996-6490, [email protected]: Peter Albrecht Secretary: Mary DuShaneBoard Members: Term expires 2014: Alan Jesperson, Philip Nusbaum, David SmithTerm expires 2013: Marilyn Bergum, Gary Germond, Greg Landkamer, Sandi PidelYouth Representative: Catie Jo PidelFor meeting minutes and other Board business, go to: minne-sotabluegrass.org/as_Board

MBOTMA StaffExecutive Director: Jed Malischke, 715-635-2479Administrative Assistant: Bea Flaming, 612-285-9133

Minnesota BluegrassEditor: JoAnne Makela, [email protected]: Peter Albrecht, Mary Dushane, Ann Iijima, Alex Lodner, Jed Malischke, Phil NusbaumComing Up: Loretta Simonet, Rick SwansonWordmark: Katryn ConlinPhotography: Kevin Atkins, Martin Chvatal, John Fellman, Cindy Gentling, Kristal Leebrick, Jerry WettelandCover photo: Mette Bebe Juel

Submit content or request advertising guidelines at: [email protected].

Minnesota Bluegrass is published monthly by The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association™, a Minnesota nonprofit corporation, P.O. Box 16408, Minneapolis, MN 55416. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form with-out written permission from the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for the loss or return of unsolicited photos, record-ings, or manuscripts. ©2013 Minnesota Bluegrass. All rights reserved. ISBN 0891-0537.

Thank you, MBOTMA members

Sustaining:Rod & Barb AndersonMary ArntsonLee BjorndalAnn Crawford Brooks & Barry BrooksBill & Ann BushnellDan & Marilyn CookBrian CornellBob & Vicki DalagerHal DavisMary DuShaneGarry & Linda ElfstrandJim FranczykArt GeffenWarren GumesonTimothy & Ginger HaalandJames HeligDick & Sue Hopperstad

Ann Iijima & Myles BakkeAlan & Geriann KaganJim LallyLloyd & Beverly LaPlantJim MillerBen MonkJames NatwickDominic Orrico / Rhapsody DesignBob OstlundLeo & Ann RosensteinMarty & Carol SchirberWendy SchoenTom & Margaret SchuveillerHowell SmithRoger SweetDavid & Bonnie WarnerMark & Danelle Wolf

Patrons: Tony & Barbie Andreason Lenny & Colleen Baltus Art & Teresa Blackburn Ron & Kathy Blade Kenneth Bloch Doug Chasar Paul ChristiansonLaura CooperBob & Marilyn Dodd William Fancher Jerry Frank Daniel & Maggie Freese Darrell & Marilyn FuhrJon & Sharon GaronGary & Jae Germond Michael & Paula Hildebrandt

Howie & Maggie Jorgenson Linda Kjerland Maxine LarsonRichard LuckerothRolf & Lisa Lund Rodger McBride & Mabel HouleDavid Rogers Tom & Cathy Schaefer Thomas & Barbara Schommer Penelope Scialla Carri Scott & Bryan TrappeJane & Dobson West Jim Whitney John Wilcox

Membership as of December 1, 2013: 962

July 2014Vol. 40No. 7Newsstand: $2.50Subscription: $30

Funding provided in part by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature, a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and private donors.

3July 2014

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Individual ($30)Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, events discounts for one person, and a free classified ad.

Family ($40)Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, up to four discounted tickets per event, and a free classified ad.

Add $12 for First Class or foreign postage to individual or family membership

Band ($65)

Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, advance booking information for MBOTMA events, a free classified ad, and listings in the MBOTMA member band direc-tory in print and on our website.

Sustaining Level ($75)Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, first-class postage, events dis-counts, two free concert tickets, and a free classified ad.

Patron Level ($120)Includes Minnesota Bluegrass, first-class postage, events dis-counts, four free concert tickets, and a free classified ad.

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:MBOTMAP.O. Box 16408Minneapolis, MN 55416

Call 800-635-3037 or 612-285-9133 for more informa-tion or if you would like to join by phone.

Consider membershipThe 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 12 monthly issues of 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.

From the editorWow! what a great time at the Homegrown Kickoff last month! I could only attend Friday night (before the rain came down), but had a wonderful and informative tour of the El Rancho Mañana campgrounds from MBOTMA board member and all-around champion Gary Germond. Gary and his family have been camping with the MBOTMA festival gangs since before they found the Ranch, and credits our Grass Seeds program with launching the career of his son Jed, who plays with the Cactus Blossoms. Gary remarked, “One of the remarkable things about camping with these folks is there is no age barrier. The old folks welcome the kids to jam with them. This made a big difference for Jed.”

Even with the mosquitos biting, I thoroughly enjoyed the Friday night lineup with Karen Mueller and friends Catie Jo Pidel, Craig Evans, Pete Mathison, and Geoff Shannon; fol-lowed by Craig’s fine banjo again with the Eelpout Stringers. The DL Cajun Band was in fine form as was Blue Yodel No. 9. After which, the sky became a bit unsettled and I headed for a beer and the open mic at Ranch House Live.

All of these stellar bands and many more of our MBOTMA friends look like they will be plenty busy this summer. For the first time since I began editing this maga-zine, the Coming Up calendar has at least one gig listed for every day in July! So, there is absolutely no excuse for being without some of the finest music around—certainly the finest in the Midwest.

Speaking of Coming Up, we had a successful response to the ad posted in the May issue for help with the task of gath-ering and editing band and event information. Rick Swanson has joined the Minnesota Bluegrass editorial team to help Loretta Simonet scour music venue websites and solicit member band info, so we are sure to bring you the most comprehensive list of bluegrass, old-time, and acoustic music events to be had.

This August, it is my intention to actually camp for the big festival. I haven’t camped since I was a teenager, and there’s a reason for it. I admit to being a city girl, and partial to indoor plumbing and soft mattresses. But, I really did want to stay and listen to all the wonderful jamming going on at the Kickoff. So, I’m going to brave it. But, if you see me wandering aimlessly into a mosquito-invested swamp, please do not hesitate to shout out!

Hope to see you there.— Jo

5July 2014


Cover

Old-time takes center stage at the August FestivalBy Jed Malischke

The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival has always been an important, and sometimes the only, venue for seeing and hearing real old-time stringband music in the Upper Midwest. This year will be no exception, as the 2014 festival has a stellar line-up of old-time music headed our way. Old-time stringband music will be front stage from August 6 through 10 at El Rancho Mañana, where the festival is held, and you’ll be able to immerse yourself in it by listening, playing, singing, dancing, and simply enjoying. Here’s a preview of what’s in store.

Brad Leftwich & The Hogwire Stringband

The Hogwire Stringband touts itself as “Traditional Americana: superb fiddling, high energy, rich harmo-nies, and a direct link with tradition drives Hogwire’s brand of American roots music” (www.bradleftwich.net/Hogwire/).

It makes no difference how thor-oughly modern you want to be with your labels, such as “Americana” or “roots music,” and your fancy websites and Facebook pages. Those are for the masses. Underneath, the music is still honest-to-goodness, sure-fire, the-real-thing, pure joy old-time string-band. And the Hogwire Stringband presents an exciting and sophisticated brand of old-time music, blending rich vocal harmonies with superb fiddle-driven melodies, backed by a dynamic rhythm section. Brad Leftwich anchors this band on fiddle and vocals, with long-time musical partner Linda

Higginbotham on banjo and banjo uke. Sam Bartlett adds powerful rhythmic support on guitar, banjo, and man-dolin, and Abby Ladin com-pletes the sound on stand-up bass and vocals. The band is based in Bloomington, Indiana, deep in the heart-land of the U.S.A.

Brad Leftwich has long been the gold standard for traditional old-time fiddling, and he is a highly regarded banjo player and singer as well. He grew up in Oklahoma in a family with at least three generations of old-time musicians, and learned directly from such legendary masters as Tommy Jarrell, Melvin Wine, Violet Hensley, and the Hammonds family. In his nearly 40 years as a performer, he has released 12 feature recordings to stellar reviews, appeared on dozens of anthologies, and created teaching materials that define the genre. He has entertained at the White House, backed up Doc Watson on stage, and counts the late Buck Owens and John Hartford among his admirers. Brad also plays with Alice Gerrard and Tom Sauber in the band Tom, Brad & Alice.

Linda Higginbotham is from a family of musicians and colorful char-acters with deep roots in the pioneer heritage of Indiana, Kentucky, and Arkansas. She learned to play guitar from her father, a Tin Pan Alley songwriter, and was introduced to old-time music as a teenager in New York by Miles Krassen. She moved to Bloomington, Indiana, in the

early 1970s where she helped start an active community based on old-time music and dance. She began playing clawhammer banjo and banjo uku-lele after meeting Brad, and together they spent many hours visiting and learning from older musicians in the Appalachians and Ozarks. The pair collaborated throughout the 1980s as Leftwich & Higginbotham, and in the 1990s with the Humdingers. They now play together as a duo and in the Hogwire Stringband. She is widely known for her part in popularizing the banjo uke in old-time music. “If you are alive, Linda will make you want to get up and dance” (Don Stevens, All Music Guide).

Abby Ladin grew up immersed in the East Coast traditional folk music revival of the 1970s. As a dancer Abby was clogging by the age of 6, performing with her sister Evie by age 10, and touring nationally at 18 with the renowned dance and music company Rhythm In Shoes. As a

Hogwire Stringband. Photo: Kevin Atkins

6 July 2014


musician, she has played bass with some of this country’s finest fiddlers, lending her percussive strength and blending harmony vocals with sweet simplicity. She has won several top honors in the traditional band compe-tition at the Appalachian String Band Music Festival. Abby is also a member of The New Mules, founded by (the late) Garry Harrison, with whom she recorded the now legendary Red Prairie Dawn album in 2000.

Sam Bartlett is a nimble, irre-pressible performer on guitar, banjo, and mandolin. His original composi-tions have been profiled on NPR’s All Things Considered and The Thistle & Shamrock, as well as Salon.com. His evocative musicianship has been featured in the Ken Burns documen-taries, Prohibition and The Dustbowl. Sam is known as one of this country’s most engaging dance musicians, and has been crisscrossing the States play-ing for dances for 30 years. He is also the author of a best-selling book on pranks and parlor tricks, The Best of Stuntology (Workman Publishing).

Hogwire will be a featured group on Friday and Saturday of the festival, playing the main stage on Friday night as well as Saturday afternoon, and for an old-time dance in the Showcase Tent on Saturday night. In addition, members of the group will be found in various specialty showcase events both days such as the Old-Time Banjo Masters Showcase, the Midwest Old-Time Fiddle Showcase, and the Ukelele Craze Showcase.The Volo Bogtrotters

According to Wikipedia, “The Volo Bogtrotters were an old-time string band, based in the Chicago area that played songs and tunes from the string bands of the 1920s and fiddle music from the Midwest, as well as from other new and traditional sources. The

band was together from about 1984 to around 2002 and made four recordings on the Marimac Label. They played at many music festivals and traditional dance venues, known for their driv-ing twin fiddle sound and old songs gleaned from 78 rpm recordings. Six members of the band have recently united again (2012) to play at some dances and festivals.”

Can this be true? Has the group actually reunited to come to the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival? The answer is yes. According to their own Facebook page (yes, they have a Facebook page!), “The Volo Bogtrotters are back. A Midwestern favorite since their first gig at the actual Volo Bog in 1985, the band took a rest after the festi-val season of 2002. 2012 saw them re-emerge as now a six-piece old-time music powerhouse.” And Jim Nelson recently assured me that, “Just for the record, there are six of us in the band. Chirps Smith on fiddle and mando-lin; Fred Campeau on fiddle, banjo, and Hawaiian guitar; Paul Tyler on fiddle and mandolin; Steve Rosen on banjo, fiddle [that’s a lot of fiddles!], and mandolin; Tony Scarimbolo on string bass and harmonica; and me on guitar.”

Doug Lohman recently wrote in this magazine that “The Volo Bogtrotters are one of the premier old-time bands from the Midwest. They have maintained their fire, passion, joy, and respect for the music since the 1980s when I first met them.” They hail from Chicago, Skokie, Evanston, LaGrange, WI, and St. Louis, MO. Their influences range from Gid Tanner & the Skillet Lickers, to the Cofer Brothers, Pappy Taylor, and Lotus Dickey. Jim Nelson says, “There is a strong Midwest bent for our instrumental tunes. Chirps brought in a lot of tunes that he collected while playing with Indian Creek Delta Boys in the 70s, with Garry and Steve Harrison. But we also grabbed tunes from Mississippi, Galax, Oklahoma. When someone heard something that caught the ear, we worked it up.”

The festival starts early for The Volo Bogtrotters. The group will host a two day old-time band instructional camp on Wednesday and Thursday August 6 and 7. If you’re an interme-diate-level player interested in old-time music, this will be the place to be. A limited number of students will learn some basics of old-time music as well as a few new tunes. They’ll receive instruction on their individual instrument, as well as some experience

The Volo Bogtrotters will lead a workshop and take the main stage at the August Festival. Photo: courtesy of the Volo Bogtrotters

7July 2014


playing with others. And all in a relaxed, positive, and inclusive envi-ronment that should be great fun too (see ad page 8).

For the rest of us, we can see the Volo Bogtrotters on the festival main stage on Thursday and Saturday eve-nings, and dance to their music in the Showcase Tent on Friday night. You’ll also find various members of the group in specialty showcase events through-out the weekend, such as the Old-Time Banjo Masters Showcase and the Midwest Old-Time Fiddle Showcase.Dwight Lamb & Fiddler Nelson

Dwight “Red” Lamb is a musi-cian from Onawa, Iowa. Dwight has been fiddling and playing accordion for nearly 60 years and comes from a heritage that includes several genera-tions of fiddlers, including his father and grandfather. And who is Fiddler Nelson? It’s a group of South Dakotans composed of Bill Peterson on fiddle; John Everist on banjo, concertina, guitar, and piano; Tom Weisbecker on guitar, harmonica, and Dobro; Al Slaathaug on standup bass; and Tom Carlson from The Road, on fiddle.

Dwight was born in Moorhead, Iowa in 1934 to Clarence and Mary Lamb. Descendants of Danish immi-grants, the Lamb family cherished the traditions of self-made music and entertainment. Dwight’s grandfa-ther, Chris Jerup, played traditional Danish melodies on the single-row button accordion and the fiddle. His father played the fiddle and his mother chorded on the pump organ. His great-grandfather, Kraen Jerup, was a famous fiddler in Denmark and his tunes are still played there to this day. In 1946 Chris Jerup moved in with the Lambs and it was then that Dwight started to learn Danish tunes on his grandfather’s accordion. He captured

about 100 tunes from his grandfather, most of them untitled.

Dwight is also known for his Missouri Valley style of fiddling, which he picked up from radio, records, and Decatur fiddler Bob Walters. The Missouri style is defined by both rep-ertoire and the accent a fiddler puts on the bow. Lamb has played in, won, and judged many fiddle contests through-out the Midwest. He was a featured performer in the Smithsonian’s 1996 Festival of American Folklife and the Sesquicentennial Festival of Iowa Folklife. He is a past recipient of the Iowa Arts Council Folklife Award and has several times been the recipient of Traditional Arts Apprenticeship grants to teach fiddling in Iowa and elsewhere. He is also featured in the Department of Cultural Affairs Cultural Express program on Iowa Danish traditions and has a variety of recordings available.

You’ll find Dwight Lamb on the festival main stage on Saturday eve-ning and Sunday afternoon. Fiddler

Nelson will be playing dance music at the Showcase Tent on Saturday night. And members of the group will be found in various specialty showcase events both days, such as the Old-Time Banjo Masters Showcase, the Midwest Old-Time Fiddle Showcase, and the Accordion Styles Showcase.Not enough?

If you crave more old-time music, you’ll enjoy our favorite Minnesota groups as well. Bob Bovee will be teaming up with Pop Wagner for music, dances, and emceeing. Mike In The Wilderness will be found on the main stage as well as playing for a dance and hosting a showcase about their Minnesota Fiddle Tunes Project CD. And The Roe Family Singers will bring all their unusual instruments to the main stage and elsewhere. So the 2014 Minnesota Old-Time & Bluegrass Music Festival will have plenty of old-time string band music for you to enjoy. So, if you’re not a fan of old-time music now, you soon will be.

Fiddler Nelson will back up Dwight Lamb on the main stage Saturday and Sunday at the August Festival. Photo: courtesy of Fiddler Nelson

8 July 2014


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

Premium Guitars, Amplifiers, and Repair

-Kakos-Kennedy-Kopp-Kronbauer-Morris-Santa Cruz-Walden-Walden-Walker

New location!4151 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis

(612) 767-2800 [email protected]

BLUEGRASS JAM CAMP WITH MONROE CROSSINGThe members of Monroe Crossing will host a three-day bluegrass instructional camp. For beginners and intermediate level players, camp will include individual instrument instruction plus group playing and harmony singing dynamics. It starts on Tuesday, August 5 after 6 p.m. and continues in morning and afternoon sessions on August 6 & 7. The camp will wind up with a group recital in the Showcase Tent on Thursday evening. $95 registration fee before July 15; $120 after.

OLD-TIME STRINGBAND CAMP WITH THE VOLO BOGTROTTERSThe members of The Volo Bogtrotters will host a two day old-time band instructional camp on August 6 & 7. They will teach intermediate and advanced level old-time musicianship. Learn some basics of old-time music as well as a few new tunes, and gain experience playing with others. Instruction on student’s own instrument. $80 registration fee before July 15; $95 after.

SOUND WORKSHOP WITH ARMADILLODoug Lohman of Armadillo Sound will cover audio production and sound reinforcement for this intensive two-day workshop. The nature and characteristics of audio gear (analog and digital) and how to master it, along with the characteristics of a successful sound person will be the topics. Camp begins at 9 a.m., August 6. $80 registration fee before July 15; $95 after.

For more information or to register: 1-800-635-3037 [email protected]

PRE-FESTIVAL INSTRUCTIONAL CAMPSPrior to the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival

El Rancho Mañana Campground ~ August 7–10, 2014

Minnesota Bluegrass Deadline for September 2014

Articles, Ads, Coming Up, and News Clips Due August 1, 2014Send to: [email protected]

9July 2014


Charlie Hoffman is a Minneapolis luthier who has been building guitars for more than 40 years. His guitars are among the most sought after in the acoustic music community in Minnesota and far beyond. Among the notable players who have bought Hoffman guitars are Leo Kottke, Norman Blake, Dakota Dave Hull, and Tim Sparks. Charlie can be found at his shop on East Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis, nearly every day. He often answers the phone and likes to talk to customers from his workbench. He is a loved and admired member of the community. His shop is a destina-tion for famous and everyday people, where folks come to chat, engage in serious or winsome discussion, and enjoy being in the company of other musicians. Charlie has dedicated his life to producing fine instruments that will be around and cherished long after we are all gone.

So what made you want to build guitars in the first place?

I was a graduate student at the University of Minnesota, studying for my Ph.D. prelims, which are awful, and I decided that if I didn’t do some-thing with my hands, I would end up in the psych ward, and since I had been doing wood work all my life, plus I used to go to the West Bank parties and sit and play guitar behind every-body else, I thought, well, I’ll make a guitar. And I did. Several people told me they thought it was a good guitar. Not too long after that, Rod Bellville came to me and said, “Hey, we oughta open up a guitar repair shop.” I said, “No, I have to get a Ph.D. and teach college.” Well, a couple of years of

being a teaching assis-tant showed me that I didn’t actually want to teach. So, eventu-ally Rod and I opened up our shop on April 1, 1971. We were Bellville & Hoffman until 1977.How long have you been in the location on Franklin Avenue?

I bought this build-ing in 1975. My work-bench has been in that corner for as long as I can remember.It’s to your credit that you have such long-term employees.

Ron Tracy has been here since 1980, Kevin Schwab since 1981 or 82, and Michele Beardsley since the mid-90s. They are excellent repair people, and repair is about three quarters of our business. They also like to make instruments.And your son Gabriel?

Gabe does mostly business stuff, inventory, ordering, some of the book-keeping, and manages our computer. He also has built some electric guitars.I see you have some electric guitars hanging here in the shop.

Yes. The first three there were made by Gabe. The next ones were made by Ron. They look like Telecasters but with a slightly shorter scale, so they have a slightly different tone and are a little easier to play. And now Michele has started making lap steels, and you can see three of her lap steels here. She calls them “Hepcat.” They’re very nice.

Do you have certain models of guitars that you build, or do you build entirely custom?

I have certain body shapes, such as dreadnaughts, single O’s, double O’s. I build quite a traditional guitar in some ways, with x-bracing in the tops, and traditional woods, such as mahogany, maple, and Indian rosewood. That single O there has sides and back of koa, from Hawaii, my current favorite wood. But any model can be custom-ized to the customer’s wildest imag-ination, with added inlays, etc. They can be made from a variety of woods as well. I communicate continually with the customer who orders a special model, from the initial information sheet covering basics such as wood, shape, binding, purfling, etc., through the building process until the guitar is complete. The customer is invited to pick the specific wood to be used from my stock of many different woods. He or she can also check-in online and see photos of the guitar as it takes form.

Meet the masters

Charlie Hoffman, building a legacyBy Mary DuShane and Peter Albrecht

Charlie Hoffman in his workshop. Photo: Cindy Gentling

10 July 2014


not properly humidify your guitar during the winter and it develops a crack in the body, that is not under warranty. Humidity cracks are not covered under any warranty I am familiar with: Martin, Gibson, Taylor, whatever.

Talk about your neck construction.

You can see that they are laminated. They are mahogany necks with a maple or rosewood, generally maple, stripe down the middle. I started doing that at first because it makes them more stable, they won’t twist, and they also look good. I’ve done them that way ever since. Also, I use an adjustable truss rod, which everybody does these days. The truss rod I use is patterned after the one Gibson has used for many years, and it’s working very well for me. No need to change something if it’s working well.How about some unusual guitars you’ve made? You’ve made harp guitars?

I have. I’ve made several of what we call Dyer Brothers harp guitars. Although the original harp guitars were made by the Larson Brothers in Chicago, they were sold by the Dyer music store in downtown St. Paul. There are probably more of them in the Twin Cities, perhaps sitting in attics, than in the rest of the country. A guy once sent me an email saying, “Here’s a picture; can you make me one of these?” And since I’d seen a lot of them and thought they were really cool, I said, “Yes.” At that time, we had

The guitars of yours displayed here in the shop, are they representative?

They are. There are two 12-string guitars up here. My 12-strings are basi-cally the same body shape as a Gibson J-185, what I call a small jumbo. They have been selling quite well. Then there’s a single O “parlor guitar,” which currently may be my favorite guitar shape. My experience is that a small guitar, done well, will have a remark-able amount of sound. You won’t take a parlor guitar to a bluegrass jam ses-sion, but you can do a lot with it, and sitting at home you can do anything with it. I still make dreadnaughts. Over the years I’ve made more dreadnaughts than anything. Where do you get your spruce for the tops?

The most common spruce is Sitka spruce, which comes from the West Coast. I’ve been using a lot of Adirondack or red spruce, from the East Coast. Engelmann spruce is from the Rocky Mountain area, and there is European spruce too. I have different suppliers for all of those.I see your guitars don’t have pick guards.

I don’t put them on when I make them. If somebody wants one, I’ll put it on, free for nuthin’. Same thing with dots on the fingerboard. You’ll notice these have no dots. If people want them, I’ll put them in, no extra charge. But maybe later they’ll want something fancier, and maybe the dots would interfere. So, they have choices. Pickups too. If someone wants a pickup in one of my guitars, I charge for the pickup itself but not the installation. And all my guitars have a lifetime warranty to the original owner, covering workmanship and materials, which means, for example--and this is particularly pertinent to us here in Minnesota--that if you do

one here for repair, with the back off. I could see the inside, so I knew exactly what I was doing.Any famous people playing your guitars?

Well, in a sense, I think “Famous People” is a false way of looking at the process. Each person is an individ-ual and has a certain sound they are looking for. The phrase I like to use is: “Guitars have personality, and you’ve got to get married.” That speaks to me strongly, because I’ll make a guitar and one guy will come in and not like it and then try the next one, and some-body else will come in and fall deeply in love and haul out their checkbook and away they go. And there’s no right or wrong about that, no predicting that, it just happens. Which leads me to be amazed that people will buy gui-tars over the internet. They’ve never heard the guitar. Even if they’re look-ing at a D-28, they’re not all the same. You can get two D-28s that came off the assembly line at Martin the same

Charlie with one of his signature guitars. Photo: Cindy Gentling

11July 2014


day, and yes, they will sound similar, but they won’t sound exactly the same, and those minor differences are, for a lot of players, important. With good guitars, there are differences. When people buy from me, whether over the internet or a guitar they have spe-cial ordered me to build, I take the money, send the guitar, and they have a week to decide. If they return it to me undamaged, they get their money back. I’ve had to return guitars only four or five times, so I’d say my batting average is pretty good.Let’s go back to your history. So you gave up on the Ph.D. and began doing guitar repair and building, and you were supporting your family this way?

Yes. However, in 1983, I had chil-dren who were planning on going to college. And also, I’d been sitting here for 12-odd years, cranking out dreadnaught guitars as fast as I could, and I was getting kinda bored. So I went to law school. I took a class, took the LSAT exam, scored very well, and started law school about a week after my fortieth birthday. My graduate

work had been in Constitutional his-tory, so law school made sense. I went to the University, graduated very well in my class, got a job immediately in a very good law firm, worked there as an associate, and then became a partner. I was a partner there until my sixtieth birthday and then became “of counsel” until I turned 65, when I retired fully.And went right back to the work bench.

The shop was open the whole time, and I came in frequently at the end of the day and on weekends. During those years, my annual production dropped, but there were still some gui-tars being made. How long does it take you to build a guitar; what are your production expectations for yourself?

I don’t really know how many hours go into a guitar, because I don’t keep track. I build guitars in batches, 8 or 10 or 12 at a time. Right now I’m starting a batch of 12 guitars, and I work on them ’til they are done and then start a new batch. These days a batch of, say, 10 guitars will take me about six months from start to finish. And there

may be vacation or other time off, so right now perhaps 20 guitars a year is what I am likely to do. Currently I am on guitar #625.

Charles A. Hoffman Handmade Guitars2219 East Franklin AvenueMinneapolis MN 55404612-338-1079www.hoffmanguitars.com

—Mary DuShane is the MBOTMA board secretary and a well-known local fiddler currently playing in the Moonlight Duo and the DL Cajun Band. Peter Albrecht is the board’s treasurer and sings and plays folk, blue-grass, and jug band music on guitar, mandolin, and banjo.

QUALITYREPAIRS & ACCESSORIESFor All Fretted Instruments

CHARLES A. HOFFMAN, INC.2219 East Franklin Ave.Minneapolis, MN 55404

612–338–1079

AUTHORIZEDWARRANTY SERVICE

for

C.F. MartinSigmaGibson

Epiphone

ARMADILLO SOUND & DESIGN

Serving MBOTMA for over 25 years.

Complete production services, sound and lights.

Custom speaker cabinets, road cases, amp racks.

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 [email protected]

12 July 2014


New Inside Bluegrass brings more bluegrass to your radioTwo retired guys who love bluegrass music are hosting a new bluegrass radio show on KRWC 1360 AM in Buffalo, Minnesota, with plans to syndicate to other markets around the state as listenership grows. Denny O’Brien and Tom Schuveiller have teamed up with station owner Joe Carlson to produce Inside Bluegrass, a show that aims to promote primarily Minnesota talent, but will also feature regional and national bands.

KRWC will continue to promote and air Phil Nusbaum’s Bluegrass Review on Sundays at 4 p.m. The new Inside Bluegrass airs on Saturdays at 10 a.m.

Denny O’Brien played in the Siloa Creek Bluegrass Band for 13 years. He and Schuveiller, both civil service retirees, are long-time friends with a mutual love for playing, listening to, and promoting the music. Tom has volunteered at KRWC radio and for Minnesota Pioneer Park in Annandale, Minnesota where he pro-duced bluegrass shows at park events.

Schuveiller co-chaired the Bluegrass and Fiddlers Festival at Pioneer Park in 2013 and arranged with Carlson to carry part of the festival live on the station. The duo has recorded interviews with bluegrass favorites Monroe Crossing, as well as other bands that performed on Danny Stewart’s Bluegrass Cruise this past winter. They will combine their on-the-road experiences, including a live broad-cast from MBOTMA’s August festival, with in-studio air time and podcasts to pro-vide variety for local audiences.

O’Brien and Schuveiller are seeking advertising support for the new show and encourage fans of the genre to give them a listen. If you are outside the KRWC listening area, ask your local station to carry Inside Bluegrass and The Bluegrass Review.

For more information on advertising on Inside Bluegrass or carrying the show outside the Wright County area, contact Joe Carlson at [email protected].

Attention All BandsIf you want to sell your music,

you need a good band. If you want to sell your band,

you need good smiles!

Lloyd “Doc” Wallin, D.D.S. Cosmetic DentistryBurnsville, MN 55337 952-892-5050

(Free Consultation for MBOTMA Members)

FOR SALE: 1998 Motorcycle Camping Trailer w/cover. 325 pounds ; easy pull by bike or any small car; move by hand. Harley Davidson package (logo, lettering, chrome fenders, etc). K-size bed w/3" mattress & memory foam cover, standup 4x6 dressing area, inside stor-age, attached igloo cooler, 1-7/8" hitch, spare tire, stored indoors. Easy set-up. Exc. condition. $1650. 763-213-1349.

13July 2014


Minnesota Flatpicking GuitarChampionshipSaturday, August 30, 2014, 2 to 5 pmWest End Market Stage, Minnesota State Fair

GRAND PRIZEChampionship Round 1st Place:Hand-Built Guitar by David Vincent Guitars (retail value of $2,500)Trophies and cash prizes for 2nd $350; 3rd $250; 4th $150; 5th $100

Preliminary Rounda. Ages 21 & Under: 1st $40; 2nd $20; 3rd trophyb. Ages 22 to 55: 1st $40; 2nd $20; 3rd trophyc. Ages 56 & Up: 1st $40; 2nd $20; 3rd trophy

Minnesota Duet ChampionshipFriday, August 29, 2014, 2 to 5 pmWest End Market Stage, Minnesota State Fair

GRAND PRIZECash Prize of $200 plus a Pair of BREEDLOVE GUITARS from The Podium plus trophies and cash prizes for 2nd $200; 3rd $100; 4th $75; 5th $50

Registration $25 - Space is limited - First come first serve! Up to 15 Duets, 17 guitarists

Guidelines, registration forms and more information at www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org or call 800-635-3037.

ONLY $20TO REGISTERUNTIL AUG 15!

14 July 2014


Take the MBOTMA SurveyMBOTMA is surveying its members (and non-member followers) to gather information on what our audience likes and doesn’t like about the orga-nization. Let us know what we should add, subtract, or change in the near future. The survey is your chance to communicate with us.

Log on to fluidsurveys.com/s/MBOTMASurvey. Your answers will be used to measure how well MBOTMA is doing its job on your behalf. All survey responses are anon-ymous and will be reported in the aggregate, processed by a neutral third party, to protect your anonymity. Your answers and comments are confiden-tial but very important to determine how MBOTMA can better serve its constituents.

The survey is not limited to current MBOTMA members, so feel free to pass the survey web address to other musicians who share our interest in the bluegrass and old-time music world.

If you have questions about the site or the survey, please contact Marilyn Bergum at 763-234-1040, [email protected].

LaPlant Instrumentsmaker of fine

mandolins & guitars

Buy - TradeSell - Repair

(stringed instruments)

31751 LaPlant RoadGrand Rapids, MN 55744

218-326-4456

15July 2014


16 July 2014


When Tim Cheesebrow took the helm as the new co-owner of Coffee Grounds along with his parents and business partners, Bonnie and Dennis Cheesebrow, folks got a little nervous.

The beloved neighborhood coffee shop and bluegrass music venue at 1579 Hamline Ave. N., Falcon Heights, had been a favorite hangout for music lovers and locals looking for a com-fortable spot to meet up with friends. Former owner Dave Lawrence and his crew had made everyone who walked down the stairs into the cavernous café feel welcome.

It was Falcon Heights’ version of Cheers, where everyone did, in fact, know your name. It was home away from home for many regulars, and the change in ownership was a bit unnerving.

No one understood that better than Tim Cheesebrow.

“Rest assured it will not become a Starbucks,” he wrote on Coffee Grounds’ Facebook page in January. “We are a local family business that will continue to run the shop with an independent spirit.”

It is with that same independent spirit that the Cheesebrow family also runs MusicWorks Minnesota (MWM), a nonprofit organization that works with at-risk youth through in-school and community programs. While looking for a location for the orga-nization, Cheesebrow found Coffee Grounds when he was recording his album Home in the Heartland at Essential Sessions Studios around the corner.

“The Coffee Grounds space was the perfect fit to give MWM a stage for its community pro-gramming and to financially sup-port the work of the nonprofit,” he said.

A few months later, the Coffee Grounds changed hands. With the passing of the torch came some immediate changes.

The name change to Underground Music Café rattled regulars at first but made sense—most of the space is underground.

But the new emphasis on music is what really matters to Cheesebrow. He sees the café as a venue for local bands that are being ignored by radio stations playing trendy music geared toward selling rather than creativity and originality.

“Musicians who are not conforming to the trends have had to go ‘under-ground,’ ” he said. “Here we give them a voice; we give them a stage.”

The coffee shop will also serve as community outreach for the nonprofit.

“Underground Music Café gives MWM a space to build awareness for the need of music education. If music lovers are coming here to get their dose of local music, they will learn about MWM and realize it’s worth support-ing,” Cheesebrow said.

“Most nonprofits don’t have the advantage of having a bricks-and-mortar place where they can get the word out to a built-in audience of like-minded people.”

The Underground Music Café now serves coffee from top local roaster True Stone as well as fresh pastries from April Fool Virtual Bakery and Gourmet Donuts of the Twin Cities. The menu has expanded to include made-to-order pizzas, wraps, sand-wiches and smoothies. Cheesebrow is working with the City of Falcon Heights on securing a license to add local craft beers to the menu, but he has already started serving wine with an impressive selection and a range of price points.

Slowly, the place is feeling more like the neighborhood café Cheesebrow envisioned. He is searching for a chef to create dinner specials that would be showcased exclusively on weekends.

Change is hard, and Cheesebrow knows there may be a shaky transition period. But he is banking on people’s

New owner, name, and menu at former Coffee GroundsBy Alex Lodner, Park Bugle

Tim Cheesebrow. Photo: Kristal Leebrick

17July 2014


desire for a neighborhood hangout where they can take the family for a nice meal on a Friday evening or linger over a glass of cold-press coffee on the patio.

The new owners are planning a renovation in June that will include the addition of a curved bar, new floors, fresh paint, barn-wood accents and improved lighting.

Cheesebrow launched a Kickstarter campaign on June 1 to raise funds for the stage area and sound system.

“We hope to have a grand re-open-ing celebration mid-July,” Cheesebrow said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun to see this place blossom.”

Look for MBOTMA member bands playing at the Underground Music Cafe (UMC) in Coming Up (p. 24). —Reprinted with permission from the Park Bugle newspaper: May 27, 2014. www.parkbugle.org

A to G Music, Osseo, MN, 763-420-5500All Strings Attached, Minneapolis, MN, 763-542-9542Blackbirds Music, Minneapolis, MN, 612-326-5745Cadenza Music, St. Paul, MN, 651-644-3611Castle Accordion, Minneapolis, MN, 612-823-5848Christian Eggert Violins Duluth, Duluth, MN, 218-726-1970Christian Eggert Violins Fargo, Fargo, ND, 701-280-7017Classical Guitars Etc., Apple Valley, MN, 952-322-1310Dave’s Guitar Shop, La Crosse, WI, 608-785-7704Eclipse Music, West St. Paul, MN, 651-451-8878Evans Music, White Bear Lake, MN, 651-429-0236Fein Stringed Instruments, St. Paul, MN, 651-228-0783The Guitar Shop, Rosemount, MN, 651-344-8177Haas Musical Instrument Repair, Arden Hills, MN, 651-631-8820Ham’s Music, Saint Cloud, MN, 320-257-7011Hobgoblin Music, Red Wing, MN, 651-388-8400Hoffman Guitars, Minneapolis, MN, 612-338-1079

Homestead Pickin’ Parlor, Richfield, MN, 612-861-3308Kenny’s Music, Grand Forks, ND, 701-772-8670Kezar Music Company, Thief River Falls, MN, 218-681-2148Main Street Music, Elk River, MN, 763-441-1753Marguerite’s Music, Moorhead, MN, 218-233-7546Mr. Mark Music, Anoka, MN, 763-421-5455Musicmaker’s Kits Inc., Stillwater, MN, 651-439-9120My Favorite Guitars, Naples, FL, 239-530-7425Nelson Music, Erhard, MN, 409-939-3062Piano Circle, Bloomington, MN, 952-881-6165The Podium, Minneapolis, MN, 612-767-2800Rhapsody Music, Mankato, MN, 507-387-2562Rocktown Music, Waite Park, MN, 320-257-7676Scheitel’s Music, Mankato, MN, 507-387-3881Simply Violins, New Hope, MN, 763-535-7055Tone Music, Owatonna, MN, 507-451-5196Waseca Music Co., Waseca, MN, 507-835-2980

Friends of Minnesota Bluegrass Music Stores

El Rancho Mañana is the place to be come August. See pages 4 and 23 for a list of what to expect at the MBOTMA festival. Photo: Martin Chvatal

18 July 2014


BLUEGRASS BANDSAlternate Route, Steve Golz, 651-247-5360, [email protected] Family, Brad Alzen, 715-749-3977, [email protected] Stevenson & Highwater, Art Stevenson, 715-884-6996, [email protected]’s Hollow, Ian Kimmel, 507-766-3529, [email protected] Family Singers, Peter Benson,, [email protected] Juke & The Last Resort, Mark Jukich, 218-390-7342, [email protected] Boys, Daniel Fish, 763-434-2734, [email protected] Hazard, Hannah Johnson, 651-500-0747, [email protected] Wolf, Shirley Mauch, 612-724-1482, [email protected] Fever, Jeanie Wyttenbach, 507-635-5625, [email protected] Creek Bluegrass, Tom Monsen, 952-466-2089, [email protected] Creek, Travis Nemechek, 507-775-0067, [email protected] Lester, Lincoln Potter, 651-483-0469, [email protected] Kimmel & Co, Dick Kimmel, 507-359-1163, [email protected] Fish Heads, Kim Curtis-Monson, 218-729-5326, [email protected] Family, Anna Froemming, 320-453-2393, [email protected] Family Band, Loren Halvorson, 507-345-7431, loren@ birchcovesoftware.comHand Picked Bluegrass, Joe Cronick, 715-966-6463, [email protected] Lonesome, Art Blackburn, 763-213-1349, [email protected] High 48s, Eric Christopher, 651-271-4392, [email protected] Bridge, Jim Tordoff, 612-759-5987, [email protected], Jed Malischke, [email protected]

Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Holly Underwood, 937-768-0911, [email protected] Kalisch Family, Sandy Kalisch, 507-744-3348, [email protected]’s Countrymen, Lorn Schultz, 715-495-5275, [email protected] King’s Highway, Eddy Van Pamhorst, 807-630-9914, gemvan@ tbaytel.netThe Long Shots, Sophie Galep, 715-233-0181, [email protected] Time Gone, Ben Manning, 651-388-7383, [email protected] Kreitzer Band, Mark Kreitzer, 612-724-7334, [email protected] Marrone & Tangled Roots, Marty Marrone, 651-295-1376, [email protected] Middle Spunk Creek Boys, Al Jesperson, 612-727-2489, [email protected] Blue, Kelton Parrish, 651-697-0209, [email protected] Crossing, Art Blackburn, 763-213-1349, [email protected] Man’s String Band, Nic Hentges, 612-387-0196, [email protected] Lights Bluegrass, Mary Campbell, 320-679-3094, [email protected] Family Band, Molli Ophoven, 218-327-2058, [email protected] Nusbaum & Steven Earl Howard, Phil Nusbaum, 651-690-1508, [email protected] Platte Valley Boys, Ron Colby, 651-458-0804, [email protected] Creek, Sarah Birkeland, 218-624-1781, [email protected], Bonnie Hallett, 320-485-3310, [email protected] of the Prairie, Sarah Cagley, [email protected] River Band, Chuck Lahr, 563-927-2457, [email protected] Bog Stompers, David Darnell, 218-260-6546, [email protected] Bluegrass Band, MJ Moravec, 507-990-6456, [email protected]

The Seldom Herd, Gary Cobus, 612-859-9013, [email protected] Street, Sherri Leyda, 763-972-2341, [email protected] Stringsmiths, Chris Landstrom, 715-671-3772, [email protected] and Cindy, Tim Roggenkamp, 218-568-5559, [email protected] Junction, Karen Radford, 612-623-0261, [email protected] Woodpicks, Joel Kezar, 218-681-2148, [email protected]

OLD-TIME STRINGBANDSThe Blackburns, Art Blackburn, 763-213-1349, [email protected] & Lynn Dixon, Lynn Dixon, 612-377-6819, [email protected] Bovee, 507-498-5452, [email protected] For The Oyster, Kevin McMullin, 715-635-7641, [email protected] Eelpout Stringers, Karl Burke, 651-784-7323, [email protected] Hagen, Eldon Hagen, 952-975-9020, [email protected] Mile Portage, Tom Maloney, 218- 464-3808, [email protected] Gritpickers, Rob Daves, 612-822-0085, [email protected] In The Wilderness, Michael Sawyer, 651-698-7520, [email protected] Benny, David Furniss, 651-699-0557, [email protected] Roe Family Singers, Quillan Roe, 612-599-0266, [email protected] River Ramblers, Eric Hatling, 715-772-4421, [email protected] String Band, Doug Wells, 218-736-4469, [email protected] Tune Jerks, Bob Douglas, 651-778-1395, [email protected] Goose Chase Cloggers, Jim Brooks, 612-419-4576, [email protected]

MBOTMA Member Bands

19July 2014


RELATED GENRE BANDSAlabaster Falls, Julie Kaiser, 218-308-3131, [email protected], Alas, Andrew Temeprante, 651-271-4449, [email protected] Banjo, Richard Swanson, 651-338-1349, [email protected] & The Beltones, Anabel Wirt, 651-795-9561, [email protected] Sorrows, Robert Coleman, 612-801-4660, [email protected] Back Porch Band, LaDonna Seely, 651-324-5990, [email protected] Barley Jacks with Brian Wicklund, Brian Wicklund, 651-433-4564, [email protected] Flaming, Benji Flaming, 612-326-6521, [email protected] King & The Guilty Pleasures, Bernie King, 763-242-6943, [email protected] & Kate Isles, Bill Isles, 218-340-4404, [email protected] Gospel Trio, Timothy Johnson, 763-464-3481, [email protected] Yodel #9, John Whitehead, 651-641-0752, [email protected] Squash, Eric Thurstin, 651-734-0651, [email protected] Dad, Ross Vaughan, 320-685-3839, [email protected]’s Jammers, Barb Carlson, 763-784-7881, [email protected] & Loretta, Loretta Simonet, 612-781-9537, [email protected] Cajun Band, Doug Lohman, 612-306-3490, [email protected] D Harvey & the Ultrasonic Duo, Donald Harvey, 608-781-3456, [email protected] North, Louise Wiermaa, 218-590-7654, [email protected] Eddies, Phil Platt, 651-500-2279, [email protected] Miles From Town, Ross Johnson, [email protected] Flemming Fold, Sandra Flemming, 952-758-7522, [email protected]

Four Legg Fish, Mick Garrett, 320-279-1868, [email protected] Tree, Bill Cagley, 651-636-9542, [email protected] Hacklewrappers, Mark Rubbert, 612-387-8189, [email protected] Klatt & The Cat Swingers, Jack Klatt, 612-270-9079, [email protected] & Rose Band, John Vincent, 218-766-1925, [email protected] Mueller & Friends, Karen Mueller, 612-270-4740, karen@ karenmueller.comMary Henderson & Geoff Shannon, Mary Henderson, 612-721-3550, [email protected] Cowdery & Friends, Mikko Cowdery, 320-859-3536, mick@ midwestinfo.netThe Moss Piglets, Ian Gamble, 651-644-0810, [email protected] Banjo, Ellen Stanley, 612-281-1364, [email protected] Riverside Ramblers, Eric Mohring, 612-724-4687, info@ newriversideramblers.comNo Grass Limit, Sandi Millar, 763-439-3515, [email protected] Bees, Renee Vaughan, 651-295-4200, [email protected] and Then, Daniel Fish, 763-786-2524, [email protected]’Neil Family Band, Jeanne O’Neil, 218-773-3850, [email protected] Ostroushko, 612-529-2884, [email protected] Rustlers, Julie Young, 612-374-4364, [email protected] of Kerry, Paul Cotton, 320-251-0601, [email protected] Corner, Jeanne Marti, 763-559-7552, [email protected] Minnick & Jackson Buxton, Sherry Minnick, 651-644-8682, [email protected], Soren Olesen, 218-634-2800, [email protected] Sinkers, Chris Boone, 651-274-3054, [email protected]

String Beans, Chick Pea & Garbonzo, Roger Cuthbertson, 612-474-2476, [email protected] At Birth, Rick Anderson, 651-230-2431, [email protected] & L Schwartz & Family, Linda Schwartz, 701-659-3154, [email protected] River, Evan Jungbauer, 952-215-5244, [email protected]’d Out, John Trelstad, 701-212-0015, [email protected] Hamilton, 612-508-0768, [email protected] Weasels, George Rothenberger, 612- 724-6911, [email protected]

MBOTMA Bands, cont’d

Young musicians wait their turn to play at the Grass Seeds Academy this past winter. Photo: Jerry Wetteland

For sale: Pristine 2007 Collings D2HG Dreadnaught guitar with German spruce top and rosewood back and sides; w/HS case. REDUCED. MUST SELL. $2995. Call 763-213-1349.

20 July 2014


FAX: (612) 861-0085 • Toll Free Order Line: (800) 497-3655 • www.homesteadpickinparlor.comFind us on Facebook: Homestead-Pickin-Parlor

The Homestead Pickin’ Parlor ®“For us, serving the needs of the acoustic music community has never been an afterthought—It has always been our only thought.”

We’ve Got You Covered! Lesson times are available with:Mark Briere – Mandolin | Bill Cagley – Guitar | Mike Cramer – Acoustic & Electric Guitar, Mandolin, Electric Bass

Mary DuShane – Fiddle | Adam Granger – Flatpicking, Fingerstyle & Swing Guitar | Paul Hatch – Guitar Stu Janis – Hammered Dulcimer | Bruce Johnson – Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar & Harmonica

Karen Mueller – Autoharp®, Dulcimer, Mandolin, Guitar, Tenor Banjo, Ukulele | Jim Ohlschmidt – Fingerstyle Guitar Catie Jo Pidel – Fiddle | Jim Plattes – Mandolin, Fiddle, Harmonica & Guitar | Russ Rayfield – Bluegrass & Jazz Banjo

Geoff Shannon – Bluegrass Guitar | Jerry Spanhanks – Bluegrass Banjo, Guitar, Dobro | Shirley Spanhanks – Guitar & Piano Accordion Pop Wagner – Fingerstyle Guitar, Fiddle | John Wallace – Old-Time Fiddle & Banjo

We never tire of talking about our instructors. They are some of the finest musicians working anywhere today. And to have them right here is an exceptional opportunity for anyone wanting to hone their musical skills for the summer picking season. You can check out their bios on our newly re-designed web site and see interviews on our Facebook page. With their assistance, your next level of musical competency is just around the corner. Call today to schedule a lesson.

The Upper Midwest’s Only

Bluegrass & Old-Timey Store

Founded 1979

6625 Penn Avenue South

Richfield, MN 55423

(612) 861–3308

A full time professional luthier since 1978, combining experience in repairing fine instruments, building guitars

and mandolins, and teaching lutherie since 1984.

Now also taking in a limited number of repairs, specializing in neck resets, refrets, and set ups.

[email protected]

651-380-0566

Clint Birtzer, 3-time Minnesota Flatpicking Guitar Championship Winner, proudly displays the hand-built Vincent guitar he won at the 2013 contest.

See him play the guitar on YouTube.com by searching on “Red Haired Boy - Clint Birtzer.”

21July 2014


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

Bluegrass Saturday MorningBy Phil Nusbaum

Summer BroadcastsIt’s been my good fortune for a good number of years to have Lyle Lofgren and Adam Granger as broadcast partners on July and August Bluegrass Review shows. This summer, through funding by the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, the West Band School of Music, and the Homestead Pickin’ Parlor, the three of us are doing it again.

All of us bluegrass and old-time fans know that each song is a window into traditional music history, culture, and aesthetics. The goal of Lyle, Adam, and me is to come up with interesting lines of inquiry regarding old-time music and bluegrass and play recordings that illustrate what we’re talking about.

We try to make our comments succinct. The mission of the Bluegrass Review show is to be a music show with great context, and not a talk show. But talk, of course, has an important function in music radio. Talk is a major player in creating narratives about music.

The special summer shows are great for my mental frame of mind: I’m a great believer that “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” In over a decade of broadcasting, the Bluegrass Review never has rerun a show. When Adam and Lyle are around, I’m able to sort of take a breather, as the two of them come up with some of the ideas. In actual fact, the three of us shape each other’s ideas, and the outcome is a rich approach to bluegrass and old-time radio. We’ll have a great time creating some unique radio shows this summer, and hope that listeners have fun too. By the way, the Bluegrass Review is on Facebook, and everyone is invited to contribute to the bluegrass and old-time music dialog there.

Bluegrass RevolutionsA short time ago I completed a series of Gems of Bluegrass heard on the Bluegrass Review that focused on the three revolutions occurring during the 70- (or so) year-old history of bluegrass music. One revolution was Bill Monroe’s innovations in the 1940s. In the 1960s and 1970s, talented musicians were combining bluegrass with other idioms and broadening the range of bluegrass songtypes. Today, players are combining bluegrass vocals and arrangements with pop elements.

If you would like to listen to any of these Gems of Bluegrass, go to www.prx.org and search for “Gems of Bluegrass 1421, 1422 and 1423”. Then, if you’re so moved,

let everybody know your thoughts on the Bluegrass Review Facebook page.

Music ListingsWe’ve changed the way the music listings are done. For a long time, we’d take time out and read them on the air. As the majority of people now seem comfortable using the internet, we received more and more messages that we’d best be using it to list events. The listings are found at www.jazz88fm.com. To be precise, the URL is: http://jazz88.mpls.k12.mn.us/uploads/bgsmcalendartemplate_shows.pdf

Bluegrass Review supporters• Berklee College of Music Summer Roots Music Program:

www.berkleee.edu/summer• Brian Wicklund’s American Fiddle Camps,

www.americanfiddle.com.• Cooperstands instrument stands: www.cooperstand.com• Hoffman Guitars, www.hoffmanguitars.com, sells hand-

crafted Hoffman guitars and authorized Martin repairs.• John Waddle Violins, www.waddleviolins.com, is a dealer

of international and domestic, new and old violins, bows, and cases.

• Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association www.minnesotabluegrass.org (membership organization supporting bluegrass experiences).

22 July 2014


23July 2014


Presented by MBOTMAThe Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival, August 7–10, 2014, El Rancho Mañana Campground & Riding Stable, 27302B Ranch Rd 56368, Richmond, MN. Four-day outdoor music and camping festival with stage shows, dances, workshops, showcases, children’s shows, demonstrations, crafts, and good food in five stage areas. Three-time IBMA Event of the Year nominee. 2014 perform-ers include The Boxcars, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, The Roys, Dwight Lamb, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, The Volo Bogtrotters, Monroe Crossing, and many more. Mainstage showtimes are 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday; 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $20 to $30 daily at the gate or $77 for all four days in advance (including camp-ing). Teens are only $10 and kids are free. For information or tickets call 800-635-3037 or visit www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org. (See ad page 3.)

9th Annual Harvest Jam Acoustic Music Experience, November 21–23, Marriott Minneapolis West Hotel, 9960 Wayzata Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN. This ninth annual event will feature stage shows Friday night, all day Saturday, and Sunday morning, featuring The Darrell Webb Band, Sawtooth Bluegrass, Ivory Bridge, Hey Lonesome, Bob Bovee & Pop Wagner, and The Fish Heads. Plus the Race For A Place Band Contest on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Saturday Banquet Dinner (get the best seats for the evening concert), Kip’s Live Open Mic in Kip’s Irish Pub throughout the weekend, workshops, musical exhibitors, a Sunday morn-ing gospel show, and lots of jam sessions. For more informa-tion call 800-635-3037 or visit www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org. To book lodging contact the Marriott at 952-544-4400 and ask for the special Minnesota Bluegrass rate.

Supported by MBOTMAWBSM’s Monthly Bluegrass Jam, Sundays, 2–4 p.m., West Bank School of Music, 1813 S 6th St., Minneapolis, MN. Bluegrass musician Bill Cagley heads an open bluegrass jam the third Sunday of every month. Admission $5. Call 612-333-6651 or visit wbsm.org. Produced by West Bank School of Music and supported in part by MBOTMA.

Rec-Fest Bluegrass, Friday through Sunday, July 25–27, Recreation Park, 2nd St NW, Milaca, MN. The 5th annual festival, with Sloughgrass, Pride Of Prairie, Blue Wolf, Hey Lonesome, Schaeffer’s Lost 40, Barton’s Hollow, Northland Lights, Porch Pine Creek, Froemming Family, Bartig Brothers, The Biscuit Boys, The Long Shots, Mathison Family, and American Folk Music. Admission: $25 weekend + $20 per camping unit. For more information call 320-237-2657 or visit www.milacarecfest.com. Produced by Milaca Parks & Rec and supported in part by MBOTMA.

Caponi Art Park Bluegrass Festival, Sunday, September 14, noon to 6 p.m., Theater In The Woods, Caponi Art Park, 1220 Diffley Rd., Eagan. Featuring The Okee Dokee Brothers, Monroe Crossing, Roe Family Singers, and The Blackburn Trio, this community celebration and fund-raiser for Caponi Art Park starts with an open jam session and welcomes folks of all ages and families to this unique outdoor venue. $20 per person, kids 12 and under free. For more information call 952-454-9412 or www.caponiartpark.org. Produced by Caponi Art Park & Learning Center and supported in part by MBOTMA.

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

24 July 2014


Coming Up

331C: 331 Club, 331 13th Ave NE, Mpls, 612-331-1746, www.331.mn3Cr: Three Crows Cafe, 225 N River St, Delano, 763-972-3399, www.thethreecrows.comACA: Acadia Cafe, 329 Cedar Ave, Mpls, 612-874-8702, www.acadiacafe.comAGr: 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, Minneapolis, 612-379-3138, www.astercafe.comBTC: Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua, Bayfield, WI, 888-244-8368, www.bigtop.orgCED: 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, New Brighton, 651-633-5353, www.creekhouseconcerts.comDAK: Dakota Jazz Club, 1010 Mall, Mpls, 612-332-1010, www.dakotacooks.comDUL: 607 W Lake St, Mpls, 612-827-1726, www.dulonos.comDuG: Dunn Brothers on Grand, 1569 Grand Ave, St. PaulEAG: Eagles Club, 2507 E 25th St, Mpls, 612-729-4469, www.minneapoliseagles34.orgFITZ: Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E Exchange St, St Paul, 651-290-1200, www.fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org

Venue abbreviations

July 1—Tuesday• Bob Bovee, Rio Grande Scenic

Railroad, Alamosa, CO, 9am, The City of New Orleans club car. 7/1-3

• Cafe Accordion Orchestra, Minnesota History Center, 345 W

GINK: 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.comHON: Honey, 205 E Hennepin Ave, Mpls, 612-746-0306, www.honeympls.comHOPK: Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, 952-979-1111, www.hopkinsartscenter.comKIP: Kieran’s Irish Pub, 85 6th St N, Mpls, 612-339-4499, www.kierans.comKRAM: Kramarczuk’s Deli, 215 E Hennepin Ave, Mpls, 612-379-3018, www.kramarczuks.comOAK: Oak Center General Store, 67011 Hwy 63, Lake City, 507-753-2080, www.oakcentergeneralstore.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.comZUM: Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Ave, Zumbrota, 507-732-7616, www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONSJuly 28Maple Grove Parks & Rec and Guitars for Vets present MN Acoustic Legends, with MC Bill Hallquist, Town Green, 7991 Main St N, Maple Grove, free, 7pm

July 4–640th Anniversary of MPR’s “A Prairie Home Companion,” Macalester College, St. Paul. Featuring MBOTMA musi-cians. Visit www.prairiehome.org for more information on events.

July 18 Nordic Bees, Mall of America, Rotunda, Bloomington, Daughters of Norway, International Convention, Fashion & Bunad Show, Renee Vaughan, www.nordicbees.com, 6pm

To post gigs and events to this calendar, request the link to our online submission form to [email protected]

Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, 7pm, TAP dance instruction at 6:30pm

• Jeff Ray, Foot Stompin’ Slide Guitar, DuG, 7:30pm

• Open Mic, New York Mills Cultural Center, 24 Main Ave N, New York Mills, 218-385-3339, 7pm

• Ring of Kerry, Princeton Music in the Park, Mille Lacs County Depot Museum, 101 10th Ave N, Princeton, 6:30pm

• The Farmhouse Band, 331C, 10pm

25July 2014


July 2—Wednesday• Daniel and Adrian Volvets, DuG,

7:30pm• John Evans and Dan Perry, Manitou

Station, 2171 4th St, White Bear Lake, 7pm

• Machinery Hill, 331C, KFAI House Party Presents, 7pm

• Sawtooth Bluegrass Band, Concert in the Park, Red Wing, 7pm

July 3—Thursday• Bela Fleck with Brooklyn Rider

Quartet, Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, 7:30pm

• Mark Stary, Manitou Station, 2171 4th St, White Bear Lake, 8pm

• Mister Rowles, EAG, 7:30pm• Saint Anyways, ROCK, 7pmJuly 4—Friday• 40th Anniversary of APHC, Old

Crow Medicine Show, Iris DeMent, Robin & Linda Williams, The Wailin’Jennys, Butch Thompson, Dakota Dave Hull, Pop Wagner, Dean Magraw, Peter Ostroushko, Adam Granger, Mary DuShane, Bob Douglas, Pat Donohue, more, Macalester College, St. Paul. Free general admission seats for rehearsal and concert, 11am

• Pert Near Sandstone, 80/35 Festival, Des Moines, IA

• Sawtooth Bluegrass Band, Meet Me Under the Bridge Concert, Wabasha, 7pm

• The Kingery Family, Old Westbrook Lutheran Church, 25280 368th Ave, Westbrook, MN, 4th of July Ice cream social 50th anniversary, 8pm

July 5—Saturday• Bernie King and the Guilty

Pleasures, The Tavern of Northfield, 212 Division St S, Northfield, 8pm

• Bob & Lynn Dixon, Prior Lake Farmers Market, Main St, Prior Lake, 9am

• Chasing Lovely, AST, 9pm

Coming Up, cont’d

• Greenwood Tree, St. Paul Farmers Market, 290 E 5th St, St. Paul, 9am

• Jivin’ Ivan and the Kings of Swing, Signature Bar and Grill, 201 Central Ave, Faribault, 7:30pm

• Lonesome Dan Kase, Dunn Brothers, 1569 Grand Ave, St. Paul, 7:30pm

• Pert Near Sandstone, Nippersink Festival, Spring Grove, IL

• Randy Anderson, AGr, 8pm• Scenic Roots featuring Joe Cruz,

Manitou Station, 2171 4th St, White Bear Lake, 9pm

• Singleton Street, 3Cr, 7:30pm• Various Artists, APHC, 40th

Anniversary CelebrationJuly 6—Sunday• Leroy Thomas & the Zydeco

Roadrunners, EAG• Open Mic, CG, 6pm• Various Artists, APHC, 40th

Anniversary CelebrationJuly 7—Monday• Andra Suchy, DuG, 7:30pm• Gillian Welch, Minnesota Zoo,

Apple Valley, 7:30pm• Pocahontas County, 331C, 6:30pm• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 9pmJuly 8—Tuesday• Barley Jacks, Campanile Center,

131 Milwaukee St., Minocqua, WI, advanced tickets at www.campani-lecenter.org, 7:30pm

• Bonnie Raitt, Spider John Koerner opens, BTC, 7:30pm

• Somali Camel with Abdulkadir Said and Najiib Elmi, Minnesota History Center, 345 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, 7pm, TAP Somali dance instruction at 6:30pm

• The Farmhouse Band, 331C, 10pmJuly 9—Wednesday• Bloody Ol’ Mule, 331C, KFAI House

Party Presents, 7pm• Cafe Accordion Orchestra,

Landmark Center, 75 W 5th St, St. Paul, 12pm

• Cooker John, DuG, 7:30pm• Folk Showcase with Larry

Carpenter, CG, 7pm• John Evans and Dan Perry, Manitou


• Mark Stillman & Francine, EAG, 8pm

July 10—Thursday• Benson Family Singers, Eidem

Homestead Historical Farms, 101 & Noble, Brooklyn Park, 612-210-5537, 7pm

• Brady Perl, ROCK, 7pm• Chris Silver (solo), Vino in the

Valley, Maiden Rock, WI, 6pm• Curtis & Loretta, Strawbale Winery,

Renner, SD, 5pm• Jambo Joe Bones and Amy M,

Manitou Station, 2171 4th St, White Bear Lake, 8pm

• Russ Schmidt, 3Cr, 7:30pm• Southside Aces, EAG, 8pmJuly 11—Friday• Becky Thompson, EAG, 8pm• Bedlam, The Hounds of Finn, and

Tom Dahill and Ginny Johnson, Charlie’s Irish Pub, 101 Water St, Stillwater, 7:30pm

• Curtis & Loretta, Old Courthouse Museum, Sioux Falls, SD, 12pm

• Mill City Hot Club, DUL, 8pm• Sonic Love Child, Minnehaha Falls,

Minneapolis, 7pm• The Holy Hootenanners, CD

Release Party, AGr, 7pmJuly 12—Saturday• Barley Jacks, Franconia Sculpture

Park, Shafer, 4pm• Bedlam, The Hounds of Finn, and

Tom Dahill and Ginny Johnson, Charlie’s Irish Pub, 101 Water St, Stillwater, 7:30pm

• Curtis & Loretta, Brookings Summer Arts Festival, Brookings, SD

• Dick Kimmel, Clover Valley Hoedown, Clearwood Forest Presbyterian Camp, Deerwood

26 July 2014


July 12—Saturday• Hersch, Yoerks and Griffin, 3Cr,

7:30pm• High 48s, Brookings Summer Arts

Festival, Brookings, SD• Relativity, special guest Mike

Hildebrandt, Cannon River Winery, 421 Mill St., Cannon Falls, 507-263-7400, 1pm

• Ring of Kerry with the St. Paul Irish Dancers, Rhythm of the River Fest, multiple bands, Ashley Park, Jackson MN, 6:30pm

• The Okee Dokee Brothers, BTC, 1pmJuly 13—Sunday• Chris Silver Band, Dancing

Dragonfly Winery, St Croix Falls, WI, 715-483-9463, 1pm

• Curtis & Loretta, Brookings Summer Arts Festival, Brookings, SD

• High 48s, Brookings Summer Arts Festival, Brookings, SD

• Minnesota Guitar Society Open Stage, CG, 2pm

• Oak Ridge Boys, BTC, 7:30pm• Open Mic, CG, 6pm• Ring of Kerry, Munsinger Gardens,

St. Cloud, Munsinger Clemens Botanical Society will sell $1 root beer floats, 3pm

• The Kingery Family, Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1505 Eklund Ave, Duluth, 6:30pm

July 14—Monday• Doug Otto and Friends, 331C,

6:30pm• Joe Fingers, DuG, 7:30pm• New Riverside Ramblers, Music

in the Park, Library Square Park, Hutchinson, 6:30pm

• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 9pmJuly 15—Tuesday• Jivin’ Ivan and the Kings of Swing,

Rice County Fair, Fairgrounds, Faribault, 7pm

• The Farmhouse Band, 331C, 10pm

Coming Up, cont’d

• The Fish Heads, Emily’s at the Lighthouse, 218 Scenic Dr, Knife River, 6:30 pm

July 16—Wednesday• Bill Cagley, DuG, 7:30pm• Country Music Showcase with Bill

Travers and Laura Moe, UMC, 7pm• John Evans and Dan Perry, Manitou


• Michael Monroe, Landmark Center, 75 W 5th St, St. Paul, 12pm

July 17—Thursday• “Lost” Jim and the Boxcar Scholars,

Dunn Brothers, 1569 Grand Ave, St. Paul, 7:30pm

• Ecaudor Manta, Coon Rapids Dam Concert Series, 9750 Egret Blvd, Coon Rapids, 763-755-2880, 7pm

• High 48s, Eidem Homestead Concert, Brooklyn Park, 6pm

• Jeff Ray, ROCK, 7pm• Kurt Jorgensen, Manitou Station,

2171 4th St, White Bear Lake, 8pm• Larry Long & Fiddlin’ Pete

Watercot, 3Cr, 7:30pm• New Riverside Ramblers, EAG,

7:30pm• No Man’s String Band with The

Biscuit Boys, HB, 8:30pm• Roots Music Showcase with Bill

Cagley, CG, 7pmJuly 18—Friday• Accordion-O-Rama! with Dan

Newton, Jerry Minar, Dee Langley, ZUM, 8pm

• Bernie King and the Guilty Pleasures, Manitou Station, 2171 4th St, White Bear Lake, 9pm

• Cooker John, 3Cr, 7:30pm• Nordic Bees, Mall of America,

Rotunda, Bloomington, Daughters of Norway, International Convention, Fashion & Bunad Show, Renee Vaughan, www.nordic-bees.com, 6pm

July 19—Saturday• Barley Jacks, Grey Fox Bluegrass

Festival, Oak Hill, NY• Benson Family Singers, Rice County

Fair, Midway Stage, Faribault, 11 am, 1pm, 3pm

• Bob & Lynn Dixon, Fulton Farmers Market, 4901 Chowen Ave S, Minneapolis, 10am

• Greenwood Tree, Prior Lake Farmers Market, Main St, Prior Lake, 9am

• Long Time Gone, Rice County Fair, Fairgrounds, Faribault, 12 noon

• The Kingery Family, Living Savior Lutheran Church, 8327 Interlachen Road, Lake Shore, 218-963-9733, 6:30pm

• Tim Sparks & Phil Heywood, 3Cr, 7:30pm

July 20—Sunday• Open Mic, CG, 6pm• Sawtooth Bluegrass Band, Waseca

County Fair, Waseca, 1:30pm and 3:30pm

• The Flemming Fold, Bavarian Blast, New Ulm Fairgrounds

July 21—Monday• Joe Fingers, DuG, 7:30pm• Patchouli, Nicollet Island Pavilion,

Minneapolis, 7pm• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 9pmJuly 22—Tuesday• Barefoot Becky, Old-time music

and dance, Medina Entertainment Center, 500 Minnesota 55, Medina, 1pm

• Bluegrass Showcase with Sarah Cagley, CG, 7pm

• Dan Rumsey, DuG, 7:30pm• The Farmhouse Band, 331C, 10pmJuly 23—Wednesday• “Daddy Squeeze” Dan Newton,

Dunn Brothers, 1569 Grand Ave, St. Paul, 7:30pm

• Cafe Melange, Landmark Center, 75 W 5th St, Saint Paul, 12pm

27July 2014


• John Evans and Dan Perry, Manitou Station, 2171 4th St, White Bear Lake, 7pm

• Sweet Rhubarb, Raspberry Island, 3 S Wabasha, St. Paul, 12:30pm

July 24—Thursday• Barley Jacks, Hudson Bandshell,

Lakefront Park, Hudson, WI, 7pm• Dedric Clark and the Social

Animals, ROCK, 7pm• DL Cajun Band, Coon Rapids Dam

Concert Series, 9750 Egret Blvd, Coon Rapids, 763-755-2880, 7pm

• Eelpout Stringers, Scott County Fair, Savage, 6pm

• Jivin’ Ivan and the Kings of Swing, Concert in Central Park, 500 2nd Ave. NW, Faribault, Thursday Night Concert Series. Bring a chair, 7pm

• Kyle Fosburgh and Christopher Bruhn, DuG, 7:30pm

• Ozzie Harris, Manitou Station, 2171 4th St, White Bear Lake, 8pm

• Roots Music Showcase with Bill Cagley, CG, 7pm

• Still Standing, 3Cr, 7:30pm• The Rockin’ Pinecones, EAG,

7:30pmJuly 25—Friday• Assisted Picking with Jon Garon

& friends, special guests Clay and Brennan Hess, 3CR, 7pm

• Chris Silver Band, River Falls Golf Club, River Falls, WI, 7pm

• Dick Kimmel & Co, Yellow Medicine County Fair, Canby, 5pm and 7pm

• Recfest Bluegrass Festival with Barton’s Hollow, Biscuit Boys, Blue Wolf, Froemming Family, Hey Lonesome, Porcupine Creek, and many more, Historic Park Bandshell, Milaca, 320-983-3141, www.milacarecfest.com, July 25, 26, 27. See ad p. 22.

• The Flemming Fold, Scott County Fair, 7151 W 190th St, Jordan, performing both July 25 & 26

July 26—Saturday• Assisted Picking with with Jon

Garon & friends, special guests Clay and Brennan Hess. Also Mark Kreitzer, Alabaster Falls, and others, Cannon River Roots Festival, Northfield, 1–10:30pm

• Billy McLaughlin & Friends, ZUM, 8pm

• Chris Silver Band, DUL, 8pm• Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin with the

Guilty Ones, DAK, 8pm• Pert Near Sandstone, RockyGrass,

Lyons, CO• Porcupine Creek, Milaca RecFest,

Milaca, 1pm• Sally Barris Songwriting Workshop,

Schmitt Music Recital Hall, 2906 W 66th St, Edina, mnsongwriters.org, 1pm

• The 3 Dillmans, 3Cr, 7:30pmJuly 27—Sunday• The Back Porch Band, Brookside

Bar & Grill, 140 Judd Street, Marine on St. Croix, 651-433-1112, 3pm

July 28—Monday• Cajun Dance with Millie & the Mill

City Cajun Heavyweights, EAG, 7:30pm

• Doug Otto and Friends, 331C, 6:30pm

• Four Legg Fish, DuG, 7:30pm• Legends Concert, Lonnie Knight,

Dale Menton, Tim Sparks, Tom Lieberman, Dakota Dave Hull, Town Green, 7991 Main St N, Maple Grove, free, 7pm

• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 9pm• Sherwin Linton, Lake Harriet

Bandshell, Minneapolis, 7:30pmJuly 29—Tuesday• Dick Hensold Band, Minnesota

History Center, 345 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, 651-259-3000, 7pm,

TAP Scottish dance instruction at 6:30pm

• Singleton Street, Bryant Square Park, Minneapolis, 6:30pm

• The Flemming Fold, Crow Wing County Fair, 2000 SE 13th St, Brainerd, 1pm

July 30—Wednesday• High 48s, Town Green, Maple

Grove, 7pm• John Evans and Dan Perry, Manitou


• The Kingery Family, The Dassel Mushroom House, 1st St N, Dassel, 7pm

July 31—Thursday• Broken Spoke, Manitou Station,

2171 4th St, White Bear Lake, 8pm• Dead Pigeons, ROCK, 7pm• Long Time Gone, Central Park, 500

2nd Ave NW, Faribault, Bring a chair, 7pm

• Ring of Kerry, Sartell, 7pm, 320-251-0601, RingOfKerry.us

• The Kingery Family, Gregory Park Bandshell, 424 N 5th St, Brainerd, 218-829-9345, 7pm

August 1—Friday• The Flemming Fold, Lake Itasca

Family Music Festival, Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers grounds, Hwy 200, performing August 1 & 2

August 2—Saturday• Loring Park Arts Festival with The

Flemming Fold, Greenwood Tree, Twin Cities Ukulele Club, Paul Imholte, Eclectic Blend, Loring Park, Oak Grove & Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, 612-203-9911

• Lyle Lovett & His Large Band, BTC, 7:30pm

August 3—Sunday• The Flemming Fold, Loring Park

Art Festival, Minneapolis, 1pm

28 July 2014


Weds., July 2, 2014 7 pm Harmony in the Parks, Lions Park Bandshell Lindstrom, MN 651-257-0620

Friday, July 4, 2014 1 & 5 pmNorth Morristown 4th of July Celebration4th of July Grounds, 10500 215th Street SW

Morristown, MN 507-685-4372

Monday, July 7, 2014 12:10 pmRosemary and Meredith Willson Harmony for Mayo ProgramPeace Plaza, 1st Ave SW & 1st St SW

Rochester, MN

Tuesday, July 8, 2014 7 pm Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Avenue Minneapolis, MN 612-871-7400

Thursday, July 10, 2014 7 pm Arcadia Historical Society, 401 South Washington Street Arcadia, WI 608-769-8088

Friday, July 11, 2014 8 pm Traditional Bluegrass Gospel Music FestivalVernon County Fairgrounds, 210 Fairground Road

Viroqua, WI 608-606-4105Saturday, July 12, 2014 3 & 8:30 pm

Monday, July 14, 2014 6 pm Heritage Hill State Historical Park, 2640 South Webster Avenue Green Bay, WI 920-448-5150

Thursday, July 17, 2014 7 pm Normandale Lake Bandshell, 84th Street & Chalet Road Bloomington, MN 952-563-8878

Sunday, July 20, 2014 9 & 10:15 am Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 Lyndale Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 612-312-3411

Friday, July 25, 2014 7 pm Menahga Summer Concert Series, Spirit Lake Beach Pavilion Menahga, MN 218-564-5462

Saturday, July 26, 2014 8:30 pmProspect House Museum Benefit ConcertLakes Area Community Center, 112 Main Street

Battle Lake, MN 218-862-5222

Weds., July 30, 2014 4, 6 & 8 pm Lyon County Fair, Lyon County Fairgrounds Marshall, MN 507-476-2351

Thursday, July 31, 2014 7 pm Story Theater Grand Opera House, 512 Broad Street Story City, IA 515-733-4551

AUGUST 5-7, 2014

BLUEGRASS JAM CAMP at the MINNESOTA BLUEGRASS & OLD-TIME MUSIC FESTIVALWow! Here’s your chance to learn from the best! Camp includes individual instrument instruction plus group playing and harmony singing dynamics. The camp winds up with a group recital in the Showcase Tent. For beginners and intermediate level players. Class size is limited - REGISTER EARLY! 800-635-3037 or email [email protected] to sign up.

Monroe CrossingConcerts & Events Coming up This Summer

Go to www.MonroeCrossing.com for detailed information on all our concerts! Booking: Art Blackburn, AKBMusic.com 763-213-1349, [email protected]

29July 2014


DancesMON • MINNEAPOLIS, 7:30pm Monday Night Square Dance at The Eagles Club, 2507 E. 25th St.612–729–4469SAT • (1st) SAINT PAUL, 8pm New England Contra, Celtic Junction. Jim Brooks 651–222–5475 [email protected] • MINNEAPOLIS, 7:30pm Tapestry Folkdance Center, New England–style contra dance.SAT • (2nd) DULUTH, 7:30pm Contras, Squares, and round dances, Tamarack Dance Ass’n, YWCA, 202 West 2nd St.

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

KAUR–89.1 FM Sioux Falls, SD “Folk Wave” Sat. 10–noonHost: Gaynor Johnson

KAXE–FM 91.7 Grand Rapids, MN “Backporch Harmony” Sun. 5–8pm

KBEM–FM 88.5 Minneapolis, jazz88fm.com• “Bluegrass Saturday Morning”

Sat. 7am–noon. Host: Phil Nusbaum• “Mountain Stage,” Sat. 4–6pm• “String Theory” Sat. 2–4pm

Sun. 9–11pm Host: Kevin Barnes• “Tent Show Radio” Sat. 4–5pm • “Celtic Nation” Sat. noon–2pmKBSB–FM 89.7 Bemidji, MN www.fm90.org

“Backporch Bluegrass” Thu. 6–9pm Hosts: Arlan Roline and Jerry Brademan

KDUZ–AM 1260 Hutchinson, MN“Our Bluegrass Gospel Get–Together” Sun. 5–6am Host: Tim Benoit

KFAI–FM 90.3 Minneapolis, MN • “Stone Soup” Wed. 9–11am Host: Pam K.• “Good ’n Country” Sat. 3–5pm

Host: Ken Hippler• “Dakota Dave Hull Show” Thu. 9–11am

Host Dave Hull• “Womenfolk” Sun. 11 am–1pm

Host: Ellen Stanley• “Dig Up The Roots” Tue. 9–11am

Host: Greg Carr• “Freewheelin’” Mon. 9–11am

Host: Jackson BuckKLTF–AM 960, Little Falls, MN

“Knee Deep in Bluegrass” Sun. 10pm–12am Host: Cindy Bockem

KMSU–FM 89.7 Mankato, MN and KMSK–FM 91.3 Austin, MN• “Tent Radio Show” Sun. 7–8pm• “Minnesota Morning” Mon.–Fri.

9–12am Host: Amy Triebenbach KRWC–AM 1360 Buffalo, MN• “Inside Bluegrass” Sat. 10am Hosts:

Denny O’Brien and Tom Schuveiller• “Bluegrass Review” Sun. 4pm

Host: Phil NusbaumKUMD–FM 103.3 Duluth, MN

“Folk Migrations” Sat. 7–midnightKVSC–FM Saint Cloud, MN

“Frets” Sat. 6am–noonHost: Wayne Bergerson

KYMN–AM 1080 Northfield, MN kymnradio.net

“The Long Way Home” Sun. 7–9pmHost: Will Healy

WBKV–AM West Bend, WI“The Bluegrass Show” Sun. 4–6pmHosts: Dale Palacek and Jim Burch

WELY–FM 94.5, AM 1450 Ely, MN• “Big Lake Country Bluegrass Show”

Sat. 12–1pm Host: Matt Fetterer• “The Bluegrass Review” Sat. s 1–2pm

“Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour” Sat. 2–3pm

• “Twisted Roots” Mon.–Fri. 10am–2pmHost: Matt Fetterer

WOJB–FM 88.9 Hayward, WI“Folkways” Wed. 7:30–midnightHosts: Carl Solander and Ernie Martinson

WORT–FM Madison, WI | WORT–FM.org“Back to the Country” Wed. 9amHost: Bill Malone WRCO–FM 100.9 Richland Center, WI “Roots & Branches” Sun. 4–6pmHost: Gloria Hays

WTIP–FM 90.7 Grand Marais, MN“Classic Country” “Rainbow Trout” Sun. 3–9pm Host: Carl Solander

WXPR–FM 91.7 Rhinelander, WI “Bluegrass Saturday” Sat. 12–4pm

Minnesota Public RadioKSJN 99.5 FM | KNOW FM 91.1, St. Paul

“A Prairie Home Companion” Sat. 5–7pm, rebroadcast Sun. noon

North Dakota Public Radio:90.5 FM/Bismarck–91.9 FM/Beach91.9 FM/Bowman–89.5 FM/Crary91.9 FM/Crosby–91.5 FM/Devils Lake89.9 FM/Dickinson–91.9 FM/Fargo89/3 FM/Grand Forks–91.9 FM/Harvey91.9 FM/Hettinger–91.5 FM/Jamestown91.7 FM/Lakota–88.9 FM/Minot91.9 FM/Tioga–89/5 FM/Tioga89.5 FM/Williston–91.9 FM/Plentywood, MT88.3 FM/Thief River Falls, MN

“Old Time Music” Sun. 12:01amHost: Steve Nelson

Wisconsin Public Radio:WHSA–89.9 FM | WHWC–88.3 FM | WHRM–90.9 FM | WLBL–93 AM | WHLA–90.3 FM | WHA–97 AM | WHHI–91.3 FM | WERN–88.7 FM | WHAD–90.7 FM• “Simply Folk” Sun. 5–8pm

Host: Judy Rose• “Tent Show Radio” Sat. 7–8pm

Kick Up Your Heels

Turn Your Radio On

30 July 2014


31July 2014


(651) 699-1913Google Us!

noun, often attributive 1: A pattern of parallel lineswhere any two adjacent rows slope in opposite directions.2:a; An inlayed trim feature (purfling) on Martin guitars

that signifies hand scalloped braces for greater projection.2:b; Cuts through banjos without breaking a sweat.

Martin GuitarsSeemingly Recession-Proof since 1833

New • Used • Vintage


Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDTwin Cities, MN

Permit 343

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

TIME VALUE DATA

Charles Hoffman has been building guitars for more than four decades. Find out how he’s kept the momentum, starting on page 9. Photo: John Fellman

Minnesota Bluegrass July 2014

Documents

Transcript of Minnesota Bluegrass July 2014