B UEGRASS CANADA I The official magazine of the Bluegrass Music Association of Canad a www.bluegrasscanada.ca SELDOM SCENE 2012 1976 VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3 AUGUST 2012 WHAT"S INSIDE Editor's Message-Pg 2 President's Message-Pg 3 Tips for Bands-Pg 4 The Western Perspective-Pg 6 Feature Article-SELDOM SCENE-Pgs. 7-9 Q & A's With Steep Canyon Rangers-Pgs. 10-13 Maritime Notes Pg. 16 Providence Bay 2012 Pg-18 Advertising Rates Pg 19 Organizational Memberships -Pgs. 20 & 21 Just A Bluegrass Wife-Pgs. 23-26 Congratulations to Spinney Brothers-Pg 26 SPECIAL NOTICE-Pg. 27 Tim's CD Reviews-(Unavailable for this publication) Music Biz Article (Unavailable for this publication) Advertising Pages-various pages Editor's Message - Leann Chadbourn We have some great articles in this issue with our trusty writers, Gord DeVries, Denis Chadbourn, Diana van Holten, Wilson Moore & Darcy Whiteside. Since it's vacation time I took it seriously, and didn't get out reminders to everyone for our deadline dates so we will be missing our Music Biz Arti- cle and our CD Reviews. Don't worry, I told them they would have to work harder for the next Publication. We also have a great review of Bluegrass In the Country by Brother John. Please note, I have included a sample for what is required from all Bands wishing to include their Band Profile in the next issue. Deadline Date for that submission is September 15th. I want to make it clear that I will not be surfing the net to acquire this information this year. Page 2 President Denis Chadbourn 705-776-7754 Vice-president Dave Porter Directors at Large Gord deVries 519-668-0418 Donald Tarte 877 -876-3369 Bill Blance 905-451-9077 Secretary Leann Chadbourn 705-776-7754 Treasurer Roland Aucoin 905-635-1818 Murray Hale 705-4 7 4-2217 Tasha Heart-Social Media Wilson Moore Jerry Murphy, Region 1 Representative Rick Ford- Region 4 Representative Any bands wishing to have this information included must provide itto me before September 15th, 2012. The email address to send it to is at the bottom of this page and on the Notice. Again, BMAC welcomes any interesting articles or infor- mation relevant to Bluegrass and are hopeful to start receiv- ing articles from Coast to Coast. With so many Bluegrass Associations and Clubs across Canada there truly is no shortage of news. Anyone willing to submit an article, please contact me at lschadbourn@gmail.com. If you have a special cause that is near and dear to your heart, send us in a photo; let us know about it. And remem- ber, you can have your event posted for free at WWW. BLU EG RASSCANADA. CA PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Whoaaaa .... someone please put the brakes on! This summer is rolling past like the fingers of a banjo picker, playing Earl's Breakdown in double time. Despite having a few items checked off my summer list of things to do, there is so much more left undone. Somebody once told me that the older you get, the faster time flys ... many retirees I talk to, say they are busier now than when they worked, and wonder aloud, how they ever had time to work. Despite my ainxt about unfinished business, I have managed to enjoy more than just a few lazy, hazy, days, at bluegrass festivals. Seated in my lawnchair, with the sounds of three part harmony washing over me ... For me, that's when the passage of time, seems to slow a bit. The rhythm of life pulses with noticeably less stress. The dog pants intermittently, the buzz of the Pine Beatles rises and falls in cresendo and diminuendo ... and there I am, transported back in time. Take away the amps and the RVs, and this could be the way it was, even long before my time. Canada has a rich history of bluegrass, which (as I have pointed out before) was mainstream country not so long ago. I embrace this heritage, and it's cultural diversity. Aspects of gospel, folk, celtic, fiddle, and more, are all now incorporated into the bluegrass genre. Musical skills and traditions passed down through generations, still course through the fingers ofthe players, as they per- form set after set of new and traditional songs. Some of the players are first generation musicians, who have taken to bluegrass as if it were some vital component of their genetic code. Isn't it? Aren't we all looking to reconnect with a part of our history, that isn't fraught with synthetic rhythms, pounding drum machines, ear-splitting bass, and looped-over pitch-corrected vocal feats of engineering? Bluegrass is real. There are no gimmicks! It is something that can be perfomed live and un-plugged, and sound consistently organic. What you hear on an al- bum, is essentially what you hear on stage. No kareokee here! If kids these days spent half as much time playing a real guitar, rather than playing Guitar Hero video games, they would be virtuo- so performers. That is why I verily believe that festivals need to include participatory events for children. For example, the last festival I attended was Rivervalley; the festival mascot dresses in costume, gives kids musical instruments and instruction, and as the bands play on-stage, the kids form a line and weave in and out of the crowd, on and off stage, and dance and sing ... Although it may not be a conscious act, the seeds of bluegrass are being planted. And with the demographic shift with the blue-haired- crowd fading out, new, young, and enthusiastic kids are learning about history and life, and music and values. This is what life is all about. When I'm dead and gone from this world, what will be left, but the seeds I planted for the next gene- rations. Sometimes my wife tries to tell me, that bluegrass is not a matter of life and death ... and I agree ... it's more important than that. With warm regards from bluegrass central, Page 3 Tipsfor Bands: How to get the most out of your BMAC membership. by Gord DeVries The Bluegrass Canada Band Profile Fmture: This is a special feature, offered at no additional cost, to help you present and market your band to prospective presenters. You will be featured in a dedicated page, which will provide all the information needed by people looking for a band to play their event. The page will be accessible from your listing on the "Resources-Bands' page which has Canada divided into five regions. Who You Are: Tell your story with a compelling bio. Include individual band member bio s (with photos). List the bands' achievements, nominations, awards received, etc. Remember, prospective promoters will be looking here first . What You Look Like: Include a photo as in the example at left and individual band member photos. Add photos of the band in action - on stage, at jams, etc. Let your imagination loose ... make it as interesting as you can. Page 4 Make your recordings available nationally in the Bluegrass Canada Shoppe: This new feature will be available by the 1st of September. Where You're Playing: List the prestigious ho okings you've accomplished in the past . Use the B:MAC Event Calendar to post all your upcoming gigs .... Go to www.bluegrasscanada.ca click on "Events" then "List }Tow· event **FREE*"' 11 • Fill in the form and submit. IT'S JUST THAT EASY! In summary - benefits of BMAC membership • Band 1i sting and a Page on BMAC website with link to Band web site • Band li sting in magazine • Free event postings at v,1,w·wblu egrasscanada. ca • Band Listing on Facebook (with events) • BMAC creating new audience markets, and opportunities for bluegrass to be seen, heard and played • edu cational seminars/tools (ie. Gary Hub bard) • Advertising at a 2 5% di scount from our regular rates. serving as Membership Co-onli and Webmaster. All information related to Bluegrass Canada Baml. Profiles should be addressed to: memb ership@bluegrasscanada.ca or by phmte: 519-668-0418 Event postings are made by BMAC's Regional Representatives, which are contacted by em ail through the website interface. Our Regional Representatives are: Region 1 (Atlantic)- Jerry Murphy Region 2 (Central) - Rolly Aucoin Region 3 (Prairies) - TB.A Region 4 (Y,T est Coast) - Rick Ford Region 5 (The North) - T .B.A For more information about the Blllegrass Canada Shoppe program, contact: memb ership@bluegrasscanada.ca -or by phme: 519-668-0418 Gord DeVries Now Booking! The Bluegrass '.\.1artins consist of: El ·dn (Dad) -Bass&: \ ·ocals Jcan.l - riddle & \·ocals Larita - Dobr<~ & \'ocals Dale - Guitar & \ ·ocals Jamee - B.m30 & Yocals I.cc - . 1andolin & \ : ocals Anne makes special appearances \.Vi h her fiddle and dancmg shoes! APPEARING AT CONESTOGA TRA ILS BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL AUGUST 17-19, 2012 2007 SPBGM A I B C in N as h ville, T N 8 Time Spbgma··1nstrumental Group of the year" 2009 Spbgma Vocal Group of the Year•· 2009 IBMA Showcase Band From Jefferson City, Missouri th is band has gained notoriety nationwide as one of the best young bands to =me along in a great while! Staying busy performing coast to coast from week co week, their talent and popularity grows =ntinually. The Martins are a high energy, fun loving family group that v-n.11 entertain you v.rith their traditional and =ntemporary efforts . Bringing to you a number of fan favorites and some original songs v.rith spine tingling harmony along v.rith some blistering instrumentals cha will keep you glued to your seat! !! "This is the real deal with the real feel. No frills bluegrass Just great straight ahead bluegrass ." www.bluegrassmartins.com email- bluegrassmartins'@hotmail .com 573-569-1018 573-462-0675 www.genstorebluegrass.com Norm: 519-621-1160 • Bill: 905-451-9077 70 Millridge Court London ON N5Z 4P4 800-587-4647 info@thepickshoppe.com http://www.thepickshoppe.com Central Canada Bluegrass Awards: fl Gospel Bluegrass Band of the Year, 5 years fl Mandolin Player of the Year Norm Tellier, 2 years fl 2004 promising group of the year Also Nominated for: Vocal Group of the Year, Entertainer of the year, Male Vocalist, Female Vocal ist, Gu itarist and Overall Group of the year. See and hear what all the fuss is about! Page 5 Page 6 SHADVGROVE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL In 1993, a small bluegrass festival was started on the Broadway Farm. what used to be a hog farm. owned by the Gel den family just east of Nanton. Alberta. It's not a festival that has ever brought big-name acts from the U.S., like Bill Monroe or Tony Rice. Nor is the attendance in the thousands. with tickets sold out in minutes. But that has never been the goal. It's one of the many small bluegrass festivals across Canada, started by individuals with a connection to community and a love of bluegrass. In 1966. Bill and Mary Gel den from Holland eventually fulfilled their dream of buying a farm in Canada. In 1970 they built a hog farm. and in 1979. they had their first pig roast. slowly shifting them away from the farm business to events. In 1991, the Gelden's decided that it was time to reinvent the farm. That year Mary started the Broadway Farm Bed and Breakfast. and the family built the "Blue Sky Pavilion." The pavilion seats a couple hundred people and has a motorized. retractable roof and an a re a in the centre that converts into a fire pit. This pavilion was perfect to augment the bed and breakfast as a place for da nee s. wedding receptions and other events. In 1993, Bill and Mary decided to host a bluegrass festival, called the Shady Grove Bluegrass Festival. Over the years. Alberta b lu egras s fans be ca me acquainted with the hospitality and kindness of the entire Gelden family. Mary and the daughters cooked ho m em ad e burgers. The sons and son-in-laws did the heavy lifting and Bill oversaw the festival, but mostly chatted with everyone and anyone. And everyone who attended felt part of the Gelden family for three days every year. Of course you can't mention the Shady Grove Bluegrass F estiva I with out mentioning Laurie Mills. Laurie helped book The Western Perspective Written by DARCY WHITESIDE acts doing an excellent job of finding great bluegrass bands in western Canada and sometimes the U.S. on a meager budget. For a few years the festival was put on hold after Mary passed away . It was understandable, and the Alberta bluegrass community was deeply affected. But the Gelden family realized how much they missed the community. With the help of the Foothills Bluegrass Music Society, the Shady Grove Bluegrass Festival continues on the third week of every August. And the Gelden family continues to serve up burgers and fries. and Bi II continues to sit and chat with and welcome everyone to be pa rt of the Ge Iden family for three days. Thank you Bill and Mary Denis Maccarthy & The Seldom Scene By Gord DeVri es Last November, while at the Central Canadian Bluegrass Awards show in Huntsville, ON., I ran into Denis Maccarthy, along-time friend and fellow bluegrass player/lover and was astounded to learn that he was single -handedly involved ~th bringing the Seldom Scene and Lou Reid & Carolina into Burlington, ON. for a concert this coming October 26, 2012 . This is routine business for a seasoned promoter, but rather unusual, risky (and scary) for an individual. I coaxed Denis into sitting down with me for a interview when we both attended the Tottenham Bluegrass Festival in June. G. What we re your early experiences that got you into bluegrass? D. That goes a long way back, to when my Mom was alive and we used to listen to the bluegrass on the Grand Ole Opry. After our bath , we'd all sit on Mom's bed and listen to the radio. That's how Brian (Denis' brother who died in 2010) got hooked on it. He was the biggest fan of all - bluegrass made his life, I think. He was playing before me. I didn't really get playing ... Gerry (another brother) played dobro and Brian played guitar before I joined Border City on bass. That all started at a Theiconic Seldom Scene-1976 B:m Eldridge-Tom Gray-John I>ujjj-MiJw, kldridge-John Sterling restaurant in Niagara Falls called the Falls Manor. At the time it was owned by two partners and one of them was a real bluegrass fan, name of Jim Such, who has since passed away. He loved the nrusic and we were living in the Falls at the time, it wasn't too far from us and Gerry, Brian and some friends from over the river - that's how we got to know Ken Bennett (fiddle) - they used to come over one or two nights a week and just jam in the parking lot. And from that, Border City came to be. They had an electric bass player (Bob McMillan) for a good number of years and when he left the group, Brian asked me ifl would fill in. He found me an old bass fiddle in some pawn shop and that's how my career (as a bass player) started. The banjo player was Bob Schneider. That was about 1976. Border City had already been going for three or four years when I joined. That went through to about 1987. Bob quit the band then and we decided to call it quits. It was eleven years of fun times. I didn't play for seven years or so, then there was a group called Niagara Blue, out of the St. Catharines!Niagara area. Eric Bezo (guitar) was the leader of that group. I ended up buying his house when he moved out West and he called and asked if I wanted to join Niagara Blue, so I did that for about seven or eight years. It was Denis LePage (banjo), Wally Nash (fiddle) then Rolly LaPierre (fiddle) for a while, Bill Vickers (mandolin) and later Gary D 'Entremont (mandolin) joined the group, Gene Sawyer on dobro. Pretty nice band. And that's it. Haven't played since, other than some ho st parties .... all in all, I played in bluegrass bands about eighteen, nineteen years, I guess ... G. You've had some involvement with bringing groups into Canada ... D. Not as nruch as Brian did in the early years. This upcoming show with the Seldom Scene and Lou Reid is maybe my fourth venture. I did a charity show for Richard Gully, who had a fire and ended up with nothing. We had a benefit for him - bought him a new Martin guitar - and I had another show to raise money Page 7 Page 8 Denis Maccarthy & The Seldom Scene for the Cancer Society. I don't call it my job or career, not like Tony DeBoer or people like him. I get a little involved and feel I want to do something ... but Brian, in the early years, he brought J.D. Crowe up to Niagara Falls, when he still had Doyle Lawson with him, in about 1970. He brought the Country Gentlemen up, (I have a nice picture of them outside that restaurant with Jim Such) and he brought Don Reno and Bill Harrell up, at one time. He used to like doing that. Maybe I'm taking over for him, I don't know. Sort of the "carry on the tradition". Used to call Brian "Big Blue", he just loved that music. Lou Reid & Caroline: L-R: Lou Reid, Christy Reid, Shannon Slaughter, Trevor Watson So that's about my involvement in bluegrass, other than going out and listening to it. I've tried to write a few songs, I'd like to get into writing, but that's a hard road, unless you know someone to give you a little push or you live across the border, but I find it very difficult. I have one song out, I have about 80 CDs out to just about everybody I can think o~ just waiting for the phone to ring. (Smiles) I played it for the Spinney Brothers when they were in Waterdown and they asked if they could have the song, but I was holding out because it was originally supposed to go to Dale Ann Bradley, who I've given up on because I haven't heard a thing from her in two years. But that's who first poked me in the arm, down at Doyle Lawson's festival down in North Carolina, and said "I want that song". - and even got up on stage and centered me out and announced it, and I haven't heard a thing from her. But I'm going to see her in two months and kind of looking forward to that "confrontation". I'd like to find out what's going on G. So, a guy tike you, bringing a band like the Seldom Scene to do a concert- I have an inkling about how expensive bands like that are and how difficult a job ft is - whatever p assessed you to do this? .... D. Partly you. If you remember our conversation out at Sally Creek Music Festival in 2010, you were asking what bands you should get for the next year and asked me for a list. Your exact words were, "You know Dennis, it's my dream to have the Seldom Scene next year" and you even asked me to talk to them at Gettysburg, talk to Ben (Ben Eldridge) or Dudley (Dudley Connell) or whoever, but that never happened be cause you weren't involved with Sally Creek in 2011. But that stuck in my memory, that you wanted to get them up here and when I started arranging the concert to just be Lou Reid, (it was my second attempt to do a Lou Reid concert, I'd always wanted to get him up, he's my favorite singer) and I kept thinking about the Scene, so one day I was talking to Lou and said "Lou, I'm going to ask you a silly question - how much would it cost to bring the Scene up as well"? "Both bands"? he asked. I said "Yes". He said he'd talk to Keith Case (the Seldom Scene management agency) and put in a word for me, because we've been friends with all those guys for so long - like I've known the Scene since they started, there's only one original member left - but by going stateside to so many festivals, I've gotten to know Dudley and all the rest of them pretty well. Lou said "Well, we've been friends for so long, 111 see ifl can get you a cut on the price." Then he called me back and gave me a price, I said "Let's go ahead and do it." And that was that. So here we are. Well, it's a dream come true for me. a sort of a little bit of selfishness involved, because it's something that I have wanted to do. I would like to have a lot of people get to see the Scene who Denis Maccarthy & The Seldom Scene probably haven't. I did bring them up in 1984, to the The Seldmn Scene today: L-R: Ben Eldridge, Lou Reid, Ronnie Simpkins, Dudley Connell, Fred Travers Burlington Legion. People just seemed to be starved to go and see them My own opinion is it's because of Carlyle, because a lot of people wouldn't go to Carlyle, for the obvious reasons, there were a lot of weird things happening there, so when I brought them up to Burlington in 1984, it was like "Wow". I had calls from Montreal and Quebec City wanting tickets, Tommy Hunter came down to that one, he brought Donna and Leroy from his TV show. He was good friends with the Scene because they would come up every year and tape his show. Now it's been 28 years, to the best of my knowledge, since they've been in our area, so I'm hoping that drive to see them is still out there. The bluegrass scene has gone through a major overhaul, fan wise, in 28 years. Probably lost a lot of our old fans and got a lot of new ones. So I'm hoping those new ones feel the same, like "Wow, I can finally see the Seldom Scene." Because I feel if they don't see them at my show in October, they're never going to. They've been playing 42 years now and they11 probably not go too nruch longer. I know that when (John) Duffy died, they sat down and seriously thought about packing it in then. Then they got Lou back for a second stint and decided to keep on going - thankfully - 42 years is a long time. I know Ben's not going to play nruch longer. Whether the other four will, I don't know. G. It's always amazed me how the Scene has somehow man aged to maintain their identity, with aU the changes in personnel, and still have an instantly identifiable sound. D. Yes, a very distinctive sound. There are certain things that identify them. Like, you can tell it's Ben Eldridge on banjo as soon as they start playing, just as Sammy Shelors' playing style is distinctive. (With the Lone some River Band). Even their vocal sound has remained true, although the band is completely different now. Somehow, they've managed to retain the original philosophy and drive that made them a great band in the beginning. G. Well, I see our time is approaching the end and my recorder is nearly jwl, so I want to thankyoufor agreeing to do this interview and I wish you great success with the concert in October. Gord DeVries is an active director with BMAC and an occasional interviewer/writer fur this magazine. t1 u~m• -~ ... CANADA The Seldom Scene and Lou Reid&. Carolina October 26, 2012 8:00PM Royal Canadian Legion Legion Road Burlington Ontaiio Advance tickets $22 .00 At the do or - $25.00 for tickets contact: Denis l\fa cCarthy: 905-984-4095 or Rolly Aucoinn: 905-635-1818 or Gord DeVries: 519-668-0418 Page 9 Next >