BMACC Notes—April 2009 Page 1 BMACC Notes The Bluegrass Music Association of Central Canada Newsletter—Volume 3 Issue 2—April 2009 www.bmacc.ca FESTIVALS ISSUE Some photos from past festivals in Canada and the US over the past couple of years. BMACC Notes—April 2009 Page 2 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President – Denis Chadbourn Home: 705-776-7754 Work: 705-474-2271 Vice-president – Donald Tarte 888-876-3369 Secretary – Wes Lowe 519-539-8967 Treasurer – Roland Aucoin 905-635-1818 Directors at Large Gord deVries 519-668-0418 Cindy deBoer-Winterbottom 905-331-9915 Karen May 705-788-4362 Steve Pritchard 416-696-1241 Bernie Melosh Larry Johnston 519-576-9768 Brother Brian Powley 613-374-3888 WHAT”S INSIDE From the President—Page 3 Open Letter—Page 4 In-Home Concerts—Page 4 Out Among the Stars—Pages 5/11 Elliot Lake News—Page 11 Birth Announcement—Page 11 Organizational Memberships – Pages 13/14 Bluegrass on the Radio—Pages 14/15 Stolen Guitar—Page 15 Musicians Support ArtsCan Circle—Page 16 Festivals 2009—Pages 17/20 From the Editor—Page 20 Board Meeting Dates—2009 May 9th September 19th The meeting dates below are provided to allow members to make their concerns and issues known to a Board Member in advance of the meetings. ADVERTISING RATES Publicize your event, band or organization in “NOTES” or on our website. BMACC NOTES Single Issue Annual 1/8 Page (Business Card) $26.67 $ 96.01 1/4 Page 33.33 119.99 1/2 Page 53.33 191.99 Full Page 80.00 288.00 Envelope stuffing is 10¢ per insert WEBSITE Quarterly Annual 100 px X 250 pixels $20.00 $ 72.00 200 px X 250 pixels 26.67 96.00 400 px X 250 pixels 46.67 168.00 Annual General Meeting November 21st OBITUARY TELLIER, Guy Alphonse It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Guy Alphonse Tellier on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at his home in Cambridge, at the age of 59. Survived by brother Norm Tellier and wife Nancy, and sisters Diane Hird and husband Tom, and Ginette Fortier and husband Lionel, all of Cambridge. Also missed by nephew Joshua Fortier. Predeceased by his parents Rene and Madeleine Tellier of Cambridge. Guy was a long-time employee of Rockwell Automation where he worked as a welder. He was an accomplished bluegrass bass player, and also enjoyed outdoor pursuits such as cycling and fishing. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario would be appreciated. All of us who knew Guy and have done some pickin’ with him over the years will miss his cheerful presence. BMACC Notes—April 2009 Page 3 F act: Only 10 percent of an iceberg, is visible above the water; the other 90 percent remains unseen, below the water line! The benefits of your BMACC membership are a lot like an iceberg. Most of what you see is only the tip of things. If you think this quarterly publication is all you get for your annual membership fee, then it’s time to take a look below the surface. Our mission, to preserve and promote bluegrass music, takes on many faces. Recently, we’ve had success re- integrating bluegrass music, with its close cousin, country music. As a result, this fall, a bluegrass show and bluegrass award have been added to the Northern Ontario Country Music Association’s annual award show, in Sault Ste. Marie. It is an opportunity that opens up a whole slew of showcases for bands in the north, and puts bluegrass back on the radar of country fans. Any businessperson will tell you, that finding new markets is not an easy task. Last year, BMACC sponsored a bluegrass showcase at the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals Conference, again, new territory. But what does that mean to those among us, who are not in a band?” Please believe me when I tell you, what is good for bands, is good for fans! Getting more bluegrass played, at more mainstream events, gives all of us the opportunity to enjoy more of the music we love. Plus it helps to elevate bluegrass music to the status it rightfully deserves. Okay, so we’re beginning to see the big picture; but there’s more to this iceberg than meets the eye. Much, much more! Your membership helps us to maintain a web presence, where you can go to find heaps of information, that directly relates to you. Whether you are a fan, a band, a club, a festival host, promoter, songwriter, or anyone who believes in the historical significance of bluegrass music, then you’ve come to the right place. BMACC is bluegrass central! Whether you are looking for concert A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT or festival listings, or are interested in joining a club, or a monthly jam, BMACC has it! Do you need to find a radio station near you that plays bluegrass, or contact a band, or review an artist’s profile? BMACC’s got it! Whether you are looking for a retailer for that next instrument, or information on CD releases, reviews, or just need to advertise your next event, BMACC is bluegrass central! Even if you just want to keep abreast of current events, announcements, editorials, or updates on BMACCs progress,,, every thing you need starts with a BMACC membership. What’s more! Your membership entitles you to vote at the annual general meetings, or to even become a member of the board, and shape the future of bluegrass in central Canada. We want to know what’s on your mind. You may send comments to us via our website, or use the contact information in this publication. Should you like a soapbox on which to address the bluegrass community at large, please feel free to draft an editorial-style open letter for submission. The Bluegrass Music Association of Central Canada will give you a voice. Warm regards, Denis Chadbourn BMACC is Bluegrass Central Here are a couple of items sent to us by reader George Barnett: There is an excellent article on being a musician at http://tinyurl.com/dkbxnu There is a movement in the US to nominate Pete Seeger for the Nobel Peace Prize. You can get all the details at http://www.nobelprize4pete.org/ CONGRATULATIONS go out to HARD RYDE on their coming appearance at BEAN BLOSSOM in June. Way to go guys!! It’s an experience that surpasses all others in the Bluegrass field. A bunch of Canadian fans will be there to cheer you on. BMACC Notes—April 2009 Page 4 OPEN LETTER Re: BAD TASTE & INSENSITIVITY ON OUR STAGES From: Derek Pert, Ontario banjo player To: Ontario bluegrass community: performers, organizers, and supporters Hello, friend. Do you manage or perform in a band? Are you a festival organizer or a radio program producer? Do you have influence over one person involved in bluegrass, over many people, over the public’s perception of our music? There is an insidious problem in our community that must be recognized, addressed, and stopped in order for our music to grow and have the respect it deserves. Jokes, comedy acts, and forms of expression that demean or make fun of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation must no longer be tolerated on Canadian bluegrass stages: festivals, awards ceremonies, performances, and radio. What is said behind closed doors or backstage cannot be regulated, but what is said from our stages represents everyone in our community and impacts our audiences. This kind of behaviour is beneath us all, especially as Canadians. It spreads misunderstanding and ignorance. It lacks compassion and sophistication. It assumes there’s no one sitting in the audience whose feelings might be hurt. You won’t find it anywhere else in respectable society. Why does it happen here? I’ve given, and been given many empty excuses: generational factors, regional factors, etc. It’s time for these excuses to stop. This problem marginalizes our music and stunts its growth by alienating Hi Folks My name is Peter Chitty and I'm a proud member of BMACC. My wife and I hold concerts in our home. I thought you folks should know that The Emory Lester Set will be here on May 3rd at 2:00 PM for a concert. Mike Cleveland and Flamekeeper will be here on July 12th for an afternoon con- cert (no time confirmed yet). Don Rigsby and Midnight Call are here on Aug. 3rd at 2:00 PM, Bryan Bowers will be here on Aug. 18th to celebrate his birthday and a concert. We had him here last year and it was amazing! The Good Bros. will be back later this year. J. P. Cormier was here last year and may be back in November. We had Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out here last November. Maybe some of your members would like to attend a concert here. We have a full sound system, can seat 65 folks, and the acoustics are incredible for some reason. I built this house and don't know why. We pass the gate to the mu- sicians. This is all about the music, not profit. We serve coffee and some good- ies at intermission and folks can bring some beer or wine if they wish. We will NOT serve it though. We take minimum donations for seats. We don't sell tick- ets. Gotta watch the tax folks. best regards, Peter Chitty 2226 Richard St. Innisfil, ON L95 2C5 705-436-3927 newcomers and youth. It validates the opinion widely held in public and in the music industry that bluegrass is a “redneck” genre. Many of us want a new generation of players and appreciators to be raised in our community. Well, I’ve got news for us—this is driving them away. I’ve seen youth and new bluegrass fans leave performances in disgust! Together, we can establish policies to protect our stages, podiums, and public events from offending people and being tainted with the wrong reputation. If you’re in a band, discuss guidelines with your band mates. If you’re an event organizer, make a simple, clear, and official policy that participants must adhere to, stating that derogatory comments and humour are not welcome. Bring this up at your next organization meeting. If you’re an association worker, develop a policy and impress your affiliates with the importance of following it and developing their own. The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has done it—now it’s our turn. Bluegrass is a wonderful world that exists off the beaten path, just out of sight, behind a mountain. We encourage folks to venture behind that mountain, but we have to make sure their experience won’t be soured by poor taste. It’s time to elevate Ontario bluegrass culture into the 21st century and give it the respectability it deserves. Editor’s Note: I have not personally seen nor heard the sort of activity described above at any festivals that I have attended. Please send a letter to the editor and weigh in with your opinion. Let’s get a dialogue going. Thanks Wes IN-HOME CONCERTS Innisfil, ON BMACC Notes—April 2009 Page 5 EWOB 2009 FESTIVAL: Check out this year's terrific program at The concert program and workshop schedule for the European World of Bluegrass Festival 2009 - the 12th annual EWOB Festival - are on line now! They have a wonderful lineup of artists from the USA, Canada, and all over Europe that you won't want to miss. The EWOB Festival takes place as always in Voorthuizen, the Netherlands - this year on Thursday- Friday-Saturday, May 21-22-23. If you haven't visited the new EWOB Festival website, drop in ASAP! You can hear audio clips from all 48 tracks of the 10 YEARS OF EWOB double CD, read all about this unique event, and fall in love with European bluegrass. Please sign our Guestbook! From The International Bluegrass Music Museum: We will present the 4th annual Monroe- Style Mandolin Camp this coming September 11-13, 2009 in Owensboro, Kentucky. Our goal in hosting this camp is to preserve the unique, historic performance art of Bill Monroe, "The Father of Bluegrass," by teaching his style of mandolin playing and songwriting to a new generation of players. Our Faculty: Mike Compton, Camp & Curriculum Director Dr. Richard Brown, Associate Director Skip Gorman, Tim O'Brien, Jody Stecher, Butch Waller Special Guests Tom Ewing, Monroe historian, concert performer Will Kimble, luthier The 2009 curriculum has been revised by Camp Director Mike Compton, one of the world's pre-eminent mandolin teachers. The new classes will reflect his experience after three years at the Monroe-Style Mandolin Camp and ongoing conversations with campers and faculty. He will lead our 2009 faculty in presenting new classes and workshops related to the development and execution of Monroe's mandolin style, songwriting, musical influences, and more. At the Monroe-Style Mandolin Camp, you will spend three days with six of the finest mandolin players and 50 of the coolest mandolin campers on Planet Earth. With registration capped at 50, the camp's intimate environment allows for ample opportunities to receive personal, hands-on instruction from each of these legends of Monroe-Style mandolin. For complete information: Blueridge Guitars is set to introduce a limited edition, signature model guitar for Larry Sparks, honouring a true trend-setter among bluegrass flatpickers. It will be designated as the Blueridge BR-3060, and styled after Larry's legendary early 1950's D-28, including the distinctive double pickguard. Kristin Scott Benson's second solo album "Second Season" was released in January. The album has been receiving rave reviews. Kristin won 2008 IBMA "Banjo Player of the Year" and is currently a member of the Grascals. Mountain Heart News: "From 2002 to 2007, Clay Jones was the lead guitarist for Mountain Heart, and as many of you know, a never ending source of energy and personality for the band. With the recent departure of our good friend, the world-class guitarist, Clay Hess, we feel very fortunate to be able to welcome back our old friend, Mr. Jones, who himself is a world-class guitarist!" Mandolinist Butch Baldassari passed away January 10, 2009 Nothin' Fancy's first all gospel project was released Tuesday, January 27th. An all gospel CD has long been requested by loyal fans of Nothin' Fancy. Produced by Rhonda Vincent and Darrin Vincent, the album features guest appearances by the two producers as well as Cody Kilby. The title track, "Lord Bless This House," as well as "God's Heavenly Shore" are originals written for the album by Mike Andes. An a cappella version of the popular tune "Lean On Me" is also included for good measure. Grasstowne Finishing New Album Grasstowne is putting the final touches on the follow-up to the critically acclaimed "The Road Headin' Home" album. The disc will be titled "The Other Side Of Towne" and will be released this summer. Finally! Clarence White Guitar Book For everyone waiting for the Clarence White guitar book, it is now available. For details: visit: Words of Wisdom from Jimmy Martin, via Lynwood Lunsford "Discussion of rhythm guitars in bluegrass has prompted me to share some of the knowledge I learned from Jimmy Martin, about bluegrass and how each instrument interacts with the others, to create great music." Step 1) Once a song has been kicked off, establishing the timing, the bass is the lead instrument. A great bass player can drive the song along, allowing the other (Continued on page 7) OUT AMONG THE STARS Random Bits of news from the world of Bluegrass By Tom McCreight See OATS BMACC Notes—April 2009 Page 6 BMACC Notes—April 2009 Page 7 instruments to worry less about the timing and concentrate more on the subtleties of the music. Step 2) Once the bass has taken lead of the song, the guitar must establish a solid, smooth rhythm. Rhythm must flow and should not have stops and starts. Many of the "great" rhythm guitar players being mentioned in the *Rhythm guitar* thread, do not play a smooth continuous rhythm and they ARE NOT good rhythm guitarist! Playing a continuous smooth rhythm is extremely important in laying a solid foundation for the rest of the band. This will be discussed further in steps 3 and 4. Step 3) Once the bass has taken lead of the song and the guitar is playing a smooth continuous rhythm, in time with the bass, the mandolin must chop in rhythm with the guitar. Take note, there are TWO parts to a mandolin chop, not JUST the down part that is so common in today's bluegrass! Determining whether the mandolin and guitar are playing in rhythm together is very easy. All you have to do is watch their right hands. If they look like a mirror image of each other, they are in rhythm together. If not.....well, they're wrong! Here is a very important, but little understood point.......although playing in time and in rhythm are related, they are not the same and being out of rhythm is just as wrong, as being out of time! Step 4) Once the bass has taken the lead, the guitar is playing a continuous rhythm and the mandolin is chopping in rhythm with the guitar, the banjo then has to find a roll that matches the rhythm of the others. Here is where the establishment of a continuous smooth rhythm is so important. If the rhythm section is constantly changing what it's doing, there is no way the banjo picker can find a roll to match it! Step 5) In a 5-piece band, where there is also a fiddle or dobro, each of these (Continued from page 5) instruments has a supporting role to play. If you have the fiddle, it can emulate the chop of the mandolin on fast songs (if the mandolin is taking a break) and the banjo can keep it's roll going, thus becoming a rhythm instrument. If the song is slow, the banjo assumes the role of the mandolin chop (when the mandolin is taking a break or doing backup) and the fiddle should just pull longbow in the chords, behind the mandolin. The dobro is a bit more tricky because it more easily clashes with the banjo, but the same basic configuration applies to it, as does the fiddle. "Let me say that I did not make up these steps! They all came from the mind of Jimmy Martin but, when applied correctly, the music created is the best you've ever heard! You will begin to hear people comment that your music is "tight" and "solid". This is how the first generation guys played music but almost nobody, especially all those highly acclaimed young bands, plays today." Lynwood Lunsford Here's a couple of interesting articles on Ralph Stanley and Ricky Skaggs. Ken Orrick of Lost Highway fame, passed away January 24 from a massive heart attack. PICKIN' IN THE PASTURE - World-Class Bluegrass - August 20, 21, 22, and 23, 2009, Lodi, NY The March 2009 issue of "Silver Strings" is available now free at In this issue:* "Ask the Banjo Teacher" - Wil Huckabay* Banjo the Easy Way - "Hard Travellin' (Part 2) - George Chapman * Foggy Mountain Breakdown - Beginner Breaks Part 2 - Bob Altschuler* Pete Wernick's Upcoming Camps* Right Recipe for Clawhammer Workshops - Lew Stern* Classic Banjo - Geoff Brown and More! The Gibson Brothers have signed with Compass Records and will be releasing their new CD sometime in the spring. Grammy Winners Congratulations to Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder and his label for "Honouring the Fathers of Bluegrass" Grammy Win for Best Bluegrass Album Category #43 Congratulations also to Ken Irwin and his Rounder team for their impressive Grammy winnings: With nominations in 12 Grammy categories, Rounder won in 7 categories, including the prime category #1 (Record of the Year, with "Please Read The Letter") and category #2 (Album of The Year,with "Raising Sand", both with Robert Plant & Alison Krauss). The other Rounder wins are in the categories: #8 Best Pop Collaboration with Vocal - Rich Woman - Robert Plant & Alison Krauss #10 Best Pop Instrumental Album - Jingle All The Way - Bela Fleck & Flecktones #39 Best Country Collaboration with Vocals - Killing The Blues - Robert Plant & Alison Krauss #69 Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album - Raising Sand #76 Best Polka Album - Let The Whole World Sing (Continued on page 9) OATS See OATS BMACC Notes—April 2009 Page 8 BMACC Notes—April 2009 Page 9 Congratulations also to all Rounder Artists. Check out the bluegrass listing on Smithsonian Folkways Records, There is some excellent music here! Darren Beachley: New Band & New Label! After only a few short months as a band, Darren Beachley & Legends of the Potomac have signed a contract with Patuxent Records. With Mike Auldridge, Tom Gray, Norman Wright, and Mark Delaney as the Legends - hardly a surprise that good things are happening, and quickly, for the band. "You take all the experience that is in this band, and really the possibilities are endless," Beachley says, and "we cannot wait to get in the studio and start recording." Darren Beachley & Legends of the Potomac not only understand the rich bluegrass history of the area, they also helped to shape it. The band boasts highly influential former members of both the Country Gentlemen and the Seldom Scene. For more information and to view dates, visit: Mariposa Festival line-up includes the Dixie Flyers. The organizers of the Mariposa Folk Festival are pleased to announce the next instalment of a few of the artists who will be performing in Tudhope Park on July 3th, 4th and 5th. Guy Davis, Jenn Grant, Royal Wood, the Ronnie Douglas Blues Band, the Dixie Flyers, Steph Dunn, Sheesham & Lotus, The John Henrys, and The Fugitives are just some of the festival's performers for 2009. (Continued from page 7) Change Of Hosts For Radio Show Peter Deachman will officially take over from Howard Bonner as host of the CFRC Sunday afternoon bluegrass show on Sunday, May 3rd. Peter brings with him a deep seated respect and appreciation of Bluegrass music from his years as a musician, singer and his many friendships with artists developed over the years. Ron Spears comments on his departure from David Parmley and Continental Divide: “I didn't leave David Parmley, I was let go. David called me and said he had decided to semi-retire from the music business. He has 20 shows booked for 2009 and isn't sure how many of them he'll perform at. To cut costs he is selling his bus and decided to let Billy Hurt and me go because of the distances we traveled. He has put together a band of musicians that are closer to his home. You'll have to check with him to find out who they are. As for me I'm just chilling out............... I continue to write songs and have a tune on the upcoming release by Daley and Vincent as well as one I co-wrote and published on the new Special C project.” (Word has it that Nothin' Fancy are buying the bus). Mandolinist Donny Eldreth has left Dan Paisley and The Southern Grass. Illegal Picks A northern California woman has been indicted on federal charges accusing her of illegally importing guitar picks made from endangered turtle shells. An indictment unsealed Friday, March 27 says 54-year-old Qing Song of Santa Rosa imported picks or raw shells of the Hawksbill sea turtle from China and sold them in California. It's illegal to trade endangered wildlife without a permit for scientific research or other approved, non -commercial use. Some musicians prefer shell picks over plastic picks because they believe the shells produce a superior tone. Song is charged with two misdemeanours and a felony count of trading in endangered species. She also is accused of selling 74 picks and possessing another 899. Looking for Lyrics? 5th Annual Silverbirch Charity Concert On Saturday, March 28, Silverbirch hosted their annual charity concert at the beautiful Uxbridge Music Hall. Once again the concert was a great success.... an enthusiastic audience .... great support from the local merchants who donated valuable prizes and gift certificates .... invaluable support from the Royal Canadian Legion, the Rotary Club, and the Lions Club.... refreshments provided by the 1st Uxbridge Pathfinders .... sound by Brockstreet Music. Wendell Ferguson headlined the show and absolutely "wowed" the audience with his fantastic guitar playing, original songs, and off-the-wall sense of humour. In addition to Wendell, the talented Dnes Sisters performed, and of course Silverbirch played a set of solid traditional bluegrass. A substantial donation will be given to The ArtsCan Circle. The BLUEGRASS EXPRESS radio show has been moved to Prime Time now and can be heard every Sunday evening at 6:00 PM at 93.7 on the FM dial or live stream Thanks to our many listeners, the BLUEGRASS EXPRESS has moved to #1 position in listening choice in that hour in this region. I would also like our friends to know that with the co-operation of CKYC Radio, the show (minus commercial content) is reproduced and archived on the QUEENS (Continued on page 11) OATS See OATS Next >