Volume 10 Issue 2 April 2016 The Next Generation The Gibson Brothers 31st Annual PEI Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival ANNUAL FESTIVAL ISSUEBMAC Members will receive early-bird pricing at the gate. V o l u m e 10 I s s u e 2 Publisher - The Bluegrass Music Association of Canada Editor - Mike Kirley Design/Production - Gord DeVries The Bluegrass Canada magazine is published quarterly in January, April, July and October. Copies are distribut- ed to members of the organization. Individual membership fees are $25 for one year, $48 for two years or $71 for three years. Organizational memberships are $50 for one year, $98 for two years or $146 for three years. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced without the written per- mission from the Publisher. PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT NO.42167060.RETURN UNDELIV- ERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO BMAC, c/o Gord DeVries, 22790 Amiens Road, KOMOKA ON N0L 1R0, 519-719-2501, membership@bluegrasscanada.org. Please send articles, calendar infor- mation, photos and letters to : Bluegrass Canada Mike Kirley 831 Rose Street, Cambridge ON N3H-2G2 Email: mikekirley@gmail.com Telephone: 519-653-4975 Deadline for submissions is the 1st of the month pereceding the month of publication. Advertising- Contact Barb Duncan at 705-499-7656 Email barbieduncan@gmail.com for rates and information. CD Reviews: Pat Moore 612 Cortenay Ave Ottawa ON K2A 3B5 patmoore@patmoore.net Bluegrass Music Association of Canada BMAC is a non-profit organization devoted to the preservation and promo- tion of bluegrass and old-time music in Canada, and supported by the volun- teer efforts of its members. BMAC Mission Statement The BMAC mission statement as enacted in the by-laws: a) Dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Bluegrass and Old-time music throughout Canada. Goals: b) To support individuals, groups and organizations involved in bluegrass and old-time music. c) To provide leadership and promote education among fans, clubs, bands and artists. BMAC Board of Directors President - Position currently unoccupied Vice-President - David Porter porterd@blackburnlodge.com Secretary /Treasurer - Roland Aucoin raucoin@cogeco.ca - 905-635-1818 Membership/Website - Gord DeVries gord.devries@rogers.com - 519-719-2501 Magazine Editor - Mike Kirley mikekirley@gmail.com - 519-653-4975 Advertising - Barb Duncan barbieduncan@gmail.com - 705-499-7656 General - Murray Hale murrayhale@hotmail.com - 705-474-2217 General - Wilson Moore jwmoore@ns.sympatico.ca General - Denis Chadbourn lea@thot.net - 705-776-7754 Ongoing Volunteers Gary Hubbard - (ON - Regular Column contributer) Joe Rohrer - (ON - Regular column contributer) Bryon Thompson - (BC - Regular column contributer) Ralph Gray (ON - Column contributer) Sue Malcolm (BC - Event Calendar) - sue@suemalcolm.com Jerry Murphy (NS - Event calendar Admin) - jerry@jerrysnews.com Nancy Tellier - (ON - Event Calendar Admin) - nancy.tellier069@sympatico.ca Nellie Holmes (ON - Event Calendar Admin) - thepieplates@gmail.com Pat Moore (ON - CD Reviews) - patmoore@patmoore.net Printing- A N B Print Inc. - 519-621-0321 4026 Meadowbrook Dr. #135 London ON N6L 1C8 Distribution- Strictly Addressing - 519-433-424 4-1025 Hargrieve Rd. London ON N6E 1P7 4 - Bluegrass Canada April 2016 WHAT’S BEHIND THE CURTAIN? Regular Features Editor’s Message 5Mike Kirley In The News 6Staff Bob’s Rant on Kleenex Music 8Bob Cherry Tales from the Fryin’ Pan 9 Joe Rohrer CD Reviews 12-13 Staff Go West, Young Picker! We may be different but we are still bluegrass! 23 Bryon Thompson Music ‘Biz’ 28 Gary Hubbard The Nighthawk 30 Mike Kirley BMAC Organizations Listing 32Staff Radio on the Air Listing 35 Staff New Members this Quarter 35 Staff • ANNUAL SUMMER ISSUE • MORE INTERVIEWS - NEWS ITEMS - REGULAR COLUMNS ARTICLE SUBMISSION - THE DEADLINE IS THE 1ST OF JUNE 2015 NEXT ISSUE (JULY): 14 2016 Festival Guide 18 Profile The Next Generation 20 Profile The Gibson Brothers and the Search for Excellence 10 Article 31st Annual PEI Bluegrass and Old Time Bluegrass Canada April 2016 - 5 by Mike Kirley Hello Bluegrass lovers! Spring is on the way and this is the Festival issue. Get out your Google maps and start makin’ plans. Gas is cheap, and peanut butter is only $3.50 a jar. Check out the new festivals, and support the old ones. Time to stand around the campfire and wax po- etic. Nostalgia is a beautiful thing. As the line goes in Catfish John, “Thinkin’ back I still remember…” At this point on my life, my past is much longer than my future. Life is about building good memo- ries. It’s time to get up out of your lazy boy and get out there. Get those batteries back in the old RV. Build up some nostalgia for future dreams. But nostalgia is not what it used to be. It was once thought to be a mental illness….hypochondria of the heart, a form of melancholia. The melancholic sees the world as a tragic theatre ruled by capricious fate and demonic play. A. P. Carter and The Carter Family had a hit with Lonesome old Home- sick Blues. My boys loved singing that one in their first years away from home at University. I don’t To Serve You Better As a BMAC member, you can expect prompt, courteous and comprehensive service. And that’s exactly what you’ll get each and every time you need help with your membership. That’s our promise to you. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visit our online membership services - www.bluegrasscanada.org/ Members Services to fill out a membership registration form, renew your membership, or make changes to your current member- ship profile. Changes in address, email, phone number, etc. are im- portant for us to be able to contin- ue delivering services to you. Membership Expiry You will find the membership expiration date included on your Bluegrass Canada magazine mail- ing label. Please use the enclosed expiry notice letter to mail in your renewal cheque, or simply log in to your account online and pay by credit card or Paypal. You can mail a renewal cheque at any time to: Membership Co-ordinator Gord DeVries 22790 Amiens Road Komoka ON N0L 1R0 Help Us grow our membership Each magazine includes a mem- bership application form. If you like the magazine, pass the form on to a friend. Our only revenue source is through the annual membership fees and advertising. More members = more services. Bluegrass Canada is produced and managed 100% with unpaid volunteer labour, so your money will directly affect our ability to improve. know about you, but my favourite songs are about times gone by. That Old Kitchen Floor is actually bringing in SoCan revenues for me! I prefer to see this form of home- sickness or longing for the past as a tasty form of slowed down pleasant day dreaming. My Iphone lets me take countless pictures and I am busily hoarding them for my old age, when I could possibly be con- fined somewhere. As long as I have my 64 gig flash drive on a chain around my neck I will be fine! Life is going so fast now I need a “time slowdowner”, and my phone camera does that quite well. In the “Hangover” movies, parts 1, 2, 3 the antagonists sit down and try and piece together their imme- diate past using their cellphones. I am already doing that to remem- ber what happened at some of the great jams I have been part of recently. (Not that I was hung over afterwards!) So when you go to your favourite festivals take along your recording devices. It could be a long winter!! I am still using my trusty Zoom H4, and have been for the past ten years or so. I play the MP3 files as I drive my car to jams. I have a high definition video camera that fits in the palm of my hand as well. Now if I can just conquer the software that goes with it. Talk about total Bluegrass immersion. LOL! Mike-- EDITOR’S MESSAGE Bluegrass News from the Mid Island Bluegrass Society. The Lighthouse Bluegrass Festival will change sites this year. We are moving to Meadowood Community Park 1810 Galvin in Meadowood, Qualicum Beach, B.C,. only a short drive from the old site. We are updating info on the blue- grass website. Performers are listed on the website. www.lighthousebluegrass.com Mike O’Reilly’s “Longneck Blues” Hits Top Airplay Ottawa-based Bluegrass perform- er/songwriter MIKE O’REILLY has just scored a #1 hit with his song “Longneck Blues”, recorded by U.S. bluegrass group Junior Sisk & Ram- blers Choice. The recording topped the BLUEGRASS TODAY Top 20 Airplay Chart for the week of February 5, 2016. It marked the first time since October, 2002 that a song written by a Canadian song-writer reached #1 on the Bluegrass Charts in the USA, with Fred Eaglesmith previously achiev- ing the position with his “Thirty Years Of Farming” song recorded by James King, topping the BLUE- GRASS UNLIMITED Charts. Canadian Bluegrass fans can also watch for a special feature on MIKE O’REILLY, to be published in an upcoming issue of the BLUEGRASS UNLIMITED magazine. “While reaching #1 doesn’t happen often for any song writer, this is not the first time one of Mike’s songs has been recorded by a major US bluegrass band. A few years ago his 6 - Bluegrass Canada April 2016 Pat Moore awarded the Valley Grass David Tinkoff Award for “outstanding contribution as a Promoter or Organizer for the Bluegrass Community” “I’m very honored and appreciate very much the recognition” was Pat’s response to the news “There are so many people deserving of recognition for their part in keeping the bluegrass community going. Time passes so quickly. It was in the late1980’s when Dave Tinkoff joined Maple Hill and toured with us for 2 summers to the various festivals and supper shows in places like Danford Lake, and the Windsong Resort in Lanark. He was a wonderful musician, and I can still hear him singing Little Birdie, and playing that mandolin in true Monroe style. Over the years in the various things I’ve been involved in, I have de- veloped some skills in event planning. Taking these skills, the love of the music, and the legacy of Monday night bluegrass in the area (whether it was participating in “Mike O’Reilly and Friends” at the Oakridge, and later sharing the The Cedars Mon- day nights with Bytown Bluegrass) I’m pleased now to be organizing the Monday Nights at Pressed, with the help of my daughter Kate. I enjoy bringing bluegrass to the airwaves on CKCU, and including bluegrass in the events I have held (such as the Ottawa Opry). I’ve also had the pleasure of lending my time and talents to some start-up festivals – including Valley Grass’ song “Court of Love” was recorded by Rhonda Vincent and the Rage. Three of Mike’s songs have also been recorded by Del McCoury, one by Ronnie McCoury, two by Mill Run and one by the Country Gentlemen.” Valley Grass welcomes Garry Greenland to the board . A long time member of The Ottawa Valley Bluegrass Music Association and a past board mem- ber. Garry grew up in a gospel and bluegrass household where music was a natural everyday activity and today simply continues on with that process. Garry is a true band player using his banjo to help the singer get the story across and the listener better enjoy the musical moment. Garry is no newcomer in the genre and is also one of the top rated Cana- dian Banjo instructors. Garry has appeared on the Tommy Hunter, Ian Tyson television shows and the Kentucky Educational Television network. He has performed with many Canadian bands such as Cody, Country Rebels, and Maple Hill and has shared the stage with Don Stover, Charlie Moore, and Frank Wakefield. Rounding out his musical resume Garry has taught at the Toronto Folklore Centre and the Ottawa Folklore Centre. It takes many hard hours to operate a club and make it run as smooth as possible, all the directors volunteer their time. On behalf of the direc- tors of Valley Grass we would like to welcome Garry to the board. IN THE NEWSSouth Grenville Bluegrass Festival. Thank you to the committee, and to members of Valley Grass, for this award, and for their ongoing support of live music. Let’s contin- ue to spread the word, getting folks out to the shows and festivals, and keep bluegrass music fresh, and alive and well in the region!” Sincerely, Pat Moore The Queen’s Bush Bluegrass Club Annual Camp-Out July 14, 15, 16, 17, 2016 Mark your calendar now! Again this year we will be holding our event on the third weekend in July, but we have a new home. We’re moving to the Meaford Fair Grounds. Our new partners: the Meaford and St. Vincent Agricul- tural Society have agreed to allow us the use of their premises in the “Home of Beautiful Joe”, Meaford, Ontario. We’ll be close to all the amenities we’ll ever need, and just a short walk to downtown and close to Georgian Bay. The proper- ty is all ours for the week! Based on how well we perform this sum- mer, we stand a good chance to again be offered this property year after year, until we outgrow it! Bluegrass Canada April 2016 - 7 IN THE NEWS Foothills Bluegrass Music Society will once again be hosting the Shady Grove Bluegrass Festi- val at the Broadway Farm east of Nanton, AB. This year’s festival runs August 19 – 21, 2015 and features such acts as Jeff Scroggins and Colorado, 5 On a String(Vancou- ver), Steve Fisher (Calgary), Canyon Mountain (Yukon), Prairie’s Edge (Calgary), Spitzee Post (High River), and others yet to confirm. This hidden gem of a festival is about to enter its third decade as a favoured weekend for bluegrass and old-time music enthusiasts in the Calgary region. Bands from all over North America have made appearances here including, John Reischman and the Jaybirds, Ram- blin’ Po Boys, Quebe Sisters, Bryan Bowers, Beartracks, Chris Jones, Detour, and many others. The weekend’s entertainment includes open stages, workshops, Sunday morning’s ever popular Gospel Hour with Mary-Ellen Goslin, and the usual informal jamming ever present throughout the venue. Retired farmer Bill Gelden has built a lovely, retractable roof, pavilion; complete with stage (with ample power) and canteen. Camping onsite is a very modest $25 for the entire weekend; while hotel accom- modation is only 10 minutes away in Nanton. From one of our members: “The first time I heard of the Shady Grove festival I jumped on the opportunity and went out to the Broadway farm near Nanton to find out what all the fuss was about. Am I ever glad that I did! Although I initially felt disappoint- ment that the stage show ended so early (10:00 PM) I quickly learned that the best part of the Shady Grove experience is the camarade- rie and jamming around the camp- fire. Many of the stage performers were there too and everyone had a blast jamming til the sun came up. This was so impressive that I purchased an FBMS membership right then and there at the festival. It pleases me to report that I am still enjoying the benefits of that decision 5 years later. Best twenty bucks I ever spent! If you are look- ing for good times, great bluegrass and fantastic people, then you need look no further than Shady Grove because it’s the best in the west.” (Cap’n ZigZag) For more information on the fes- tival, the club, band up-dates, and pricing visit foothillsbluegrass.com, or contact us at info@foothillsblue- grass.com or president@foothills- bluegrass.com.Ken Irwin, of Rounder Records, brings up a good point about re- cording other’s material. Emmylou Harris said she doesn’t write her own material. She is very selec- tive in what she does record. That model has worked well for her for decades. Alison Krauss also is quite selective in her material but most, if not all, is written by others. There are some outstand- ing songwriters in bluegrass who can definitely put the material out but not everything they write is a winner. There needs to be the right time, environment and social mood for the song. Many a great writer such as Kris Kristofferson have written songs that didn’t hit the mainstream for years after they were written. 8 - Bluegrass Canada April 2016 Music doesn’t appear to have any “value” (for lack of a better term) to today’s listeners. It costs nothing and its worth nothing. They treat their music a lot like Kleenex! Get it for free and toss it into the trash. In my day, and with people I socialize with (the vintage audio crowd), we value our music -- all of it. we still have the albums and 45s we bought in high school during the ‘60s! We still keep our audio gear top notch and “old power” amps with good speak- ers. When we listen to the music, we**LISTEN** to the music -- any interruption or noise is not a good thing in the listening room. We listen to unwind, complement our mood or just for the fun of it. BOB CHERRY’S’ ON KLEENEX MUSIC The last point is that the lyrics and the music, while tied together, are separate entities. I’ve heard some outstanding lyrics to some- body else’s music. The reverse is true also. I have heard lyrics of one song arranged into an entirely different musical melody. Some- times it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes the music is just outstanding but the lyrics fall flat or, in other instances, the lyrics are sharp, inviting, and thoughtful but the underlying carrier music doesn’t do them justice. Some of the best songs ever had two people putting them together. The lyrics by one and the music by another. I have no idea how many older albums I have that fit that model. ----Bob Cherry BMAC Members will receive early-bird pricing at the gate.Bluegrass Canada April 2016 - 9 distorted by the blast to name ! somehow I get the feelin that when she starts movin , it ain’t gonna be fit for man nor beast around here so I think I’d better~~~~~ ~~~~~~~RUN FORREST ~~~~~~~~~~~~RUN ~~~~~~!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I bought me a brand new shop vac the other day , expectin mabey ol’ wusername might be pleased with me now that I could clean up some of my messes.( turns out she ain’t that easy to please ! ) I decided to clean up around my rockin chair , then the shop where I whittle and tinker , and then I decided to clean out the soot and ashes from the cookstove. I was cleanin up things Bristol fash- ion ,till I was half way through cle- anin out the stove. seems I musta picked up some hearin aid batteries somewhere along the line , and when they got mixed with some hot coals from the stove (that I never thought about ) my nice new shop vac disappeared in a blaze of glory !!! the resulting ‘splosion even rattled windows clean over at the feed store !!!!! the cloud of dust still hasn’t com- pletely settled yet , and ol’ wus- ername still ain’t got up outa her rockin chair , all covered with soot , ashes , wood chips and shavins , cob webs and some things too TALES FROM THE FRYIN’ PAN By Joe ‘Honest t’ Goodness’ Rohrer Joe Rohrer is the bass player for Rhyme N Reason JOIN NOW! Becoming a member of BMAC couldn’t be easier (or less expen- sive.) If you are able to access the internet on your desktop, laptop or iPad device, you have all you need! Simply navigate to www.bluegrasscanada.org and click on the “Register” button at the top right of the website. You’ll be taken to a simple regis- tration form which will first ask you to select the Membership Type. Let’s assume for the sake of this discussion, you wish to be an “Individual Member”. Click in that box. The next choice is whether you wish to pay by Credit Card, or ‘Offline’, which means you’ll send in a cheque. Next, you’ll need to fill in a ‘security code’ simply by copying a few distorted looking characters into an input box. (That’s for BMAC’s security, to verify that we’re dealing with a person, not a machine.) We need your Name and Address info and also ask you to select your own username and password. Note that the info fields that are identified with a red asterisk are mandatory. The next sections of the form are optional and the purpose is fully explained on the form. Once you’re done this, just Click on “Submit” at the bottom. Be assured that BMAC does not share your information with third parties. Once you’re a member, you will have access on the website (using your username/ password) for private member’s information such as magazine back issues and minutes of Direc- tor’s meetings. That’s it. Call Gord DeVries if you need help. 519-719-2501 BANJO THOUGHT “The piano may do for love-sick girls who lace themsleves to skel- etons, and lunch on chalk, pickles and slate pencils. But give me the banjo... When you want genuine music -- music that will come right home to you like a bad quarter, suffuse your system like strychnine whisky, go right through you like Brandreth’s pills, ramify your whole constitution like the measles, and break out on your hide like the pin-feather pimples on a picked goose, -- when you want all this, just smash your piano, and invoke the glory-beaming banjo!” --Samuel ClemensNext >