Sept - Memphis Area Bluegrass Association

The Monthly Newsletter of the Memphis Area Bluegrass Association
Bring the whole family!
This Month:
C Featured Artist
P2 Workshops
P3 Haiku Winners
P4 Hot Licks Benefit
September 2007
The Lucy Opry
Presenting this month’s featured artist:
P5 Tennessee Gentlemen
P6 Parking Lot Jam
Grassifieds
P7 Claire Lynch Band
Review
Website:
www.memphis-bluegrass.org
Yahoo Group:
http://www.groups.yahoo.
com/group/maba
BLUE HIGHWAY
Coming to the Lucy Opry on September 22, is the world renowned Bluegrass band Blue
Highway. Blue Highway has released six acclaimed albums, received a Grammy nomination, topped the Bluegrass Unlimited radio charts, won a Dove Award and an astonishing
11 International Bluegrass Music Association awards, individually and collectively. Refusing to coast on past glories, Blue Highway continues to push their music to new levels of
accomplishment. Boldly balanced between tradition and innovation, it remains one of the
handful of bluegrass bands able to spread the popularity of bluegrass in the 21st Century.
Courtesy Blue Highway Homepage
NEWSGRASS STAFF
Duke Walker
Editor/Layout/Graphics
Claire Lynch Band Teaches Wok Shops At The Galloway
United Methodist Church Saturday Jam
Dukeonbass@yahoo.com
355-6208
Betty Westmoreland
Critical Review
Keith Carter
Webmaster
722-2860
Mike Albert
Yahoo Group Moderator
MABA BOARD
382-2171
Gary Williams
1943-2003
Charter President
Wayne Walker
President
Bob Barnett
Vice President
Ed Richter
Treasurer
Louis Medcalf
Secretary
Sam Ketchum
Board Member At Large
Peter Smith
Founder
John Fitzer
Past President
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Gordon Jones
Activities
Jennifer Eggers
Education
Duke Walker
Communications
Beth Mays
GRASS
876-3876
Maureen & John Fitzer
Membership
876-5927
James Johnson
Regulatory
853-9464
Loyce Smith, Jo Hudson,
Erma Wheely
Welcoming and Caring
386-2069
P.2
I wanted to send a quick report on the workshops
for those that had to miss them! This was the first
one time we've had to charge for the workshops,
so it's exciting to see all the interest and participation.
We had: 7 fiddle students with Jason Thomas ,
14 guitar students with Jim Hurst (over capacity
by 4, but Jim didn't seem to mind), 8 vocal students with Claire Lynch, 8 'In The Groove' students with Missy Raines, 8 bass students with
Missy Raines.
Thanks to everyone who helped out and to everyone that showed up and made this a success. I
heard some great feedback on the workshops
from some that attended and Claire Lynch also
asked me to thank MABA for sponsoring this
program. A couple of us joined the band for dinner and I know they sure had a good time doing
them.
A special thanks to TroyAnn at Galloway for
helping us find rooms and get situated. It wouldn't have been possible without you. I realized
later that we forgot to take our signs down...sorry
about that! Also a special thanks to the Jackson
Pectoral Society for publicizing this too! If you
attended any of the workshops and have feedback, please let me know. Your opinion is necessary to make this type of thing better in the future. If you've got more ideas on workshops you'd
like to see, please let me know.
Thanks,
Jennifer Eggers
Claire Lynch Band Teaches Vocals, Guitar, Fiddle and Bass Workshops
At Galloway United Methodist Church
This (Missy Raines ‘In the Groove’ and ‘Bass’ )workshop were
great! ! I was amazed that MABA could pull something off
like this, but, then I realize what is possible when people
like you all decide to do great things. My hat is off to everyone involved.
Matthew Jackson
Matt, Missy IS awesome! I can imagine that it was a great
workshop. Complements to Jennifer for all her hard work in
arranging it! And the show Sat night – did you see it? So
much talent on one stage. MABA – don’t forget, there is
more great entertainment on the way! John and I are grateful that we don’t have to go all the way to Nashville or fur‘Whatever you do, don’t scream in order to be heard above the
ther to see shows like this!
banjos. In the end they will win, and you will be hoarse’
Maureen Fitzer
Bellpepper’s Bluegrass Haiku Contest
Winners Announced!
Bellpepper's Bluegrass Haiku Contest for 2007 is Here are more haiku that the judges enjoyed.
now over. Thanks to everyone who participated- as a poet or as a judge!
Music soars on wings
Here are the winners:
banjos and fiddles sweet song
singer sings last tune
FIRST
Voices harmonize
guitar, fiddle, banjo, bass
carried on the wind
~~ Nancy Zuniga
SECOND
Blue howls at the moon
banjo tunes fill the night air
the hills feel alive
~~John Blankenship
THIRD
As Lester solos
his flat pick darts between strings
a fox on the run
~~John Reed
the tao of bluegrass
hot licks, drive, and harmony
morning, noon, and night
festival season
fire up the old mandolin
sleep in September
practicing banjo
my wife slams bedroom door shut
shh! Idol is on
picks, grease, steel and strings
puts the motor together
Big Mon mechanic
************
Thanks everyone!
Betty Westmoreland
P.3
HOT LICKS BENEFIT
We cannot tell you how grateful we are and what a wonderful
What a great time we all had, lots of GOOD music and lots of
organization MABA is.
Gary and Charlotte Rushing
GOOD food. The benefit for our friend Gary Rushing was a
sucess thanks to all the great people we had helping and the
bands that played. Beth you were wonderful and thanks to Will
for the sound system. The Church worked out great (the Air
Conditioning was great too on such a hot day).
Thanks, Wayne Walker
To all our friends: We wanted to send out a note of thanks to
each of you to express our appreciation for your gracious generosity and show of support and donations. Thanks to all the bands,
everyone who baked for the cake sale and Ginny for the pillowcase dresses that she sold. Special thanks to Beth Mays and Jason
Tripp who organized the benefit, also Tom Barlow of MOC auto
products and the technicians of Gossett Motor Cars who contributed to the MOC donation matching fund. As well as the Kia
and Mazda service group for supplying and cooking the food.
The commitment and support was over whelming. The benefit
funds are greatly needed to help cover some of the medical expenses. We wish to thank you again for your support and prayers.
P.4
Hello to all again! The benefit held this past Saturday for Gary
Rushing was a huge success. Gary & Charlotte Rushing came by
this morning and wanted to thank everyone involved. They were
so moved by the fact that so many people cared enough to share
their money and talents and pull together to make this such a
success. From the plates of food we sold, bake sale, clothing &
CD sales, and private donations, we were able to raise $4,562.15
for them. HOW AWESOME IS THAT? What a great turn-out.
We even had folks stop in that were passing by and saw the big
grills and sign outside that said BLUEGRASS BENEFIT. How
compassionate these folks were and they sure did have a good
time. We would like to thank the bands that donated their time Gone South, Grassfire, Sam Davis, The Potlikker String Band,
Jenny Craig & Bluegrass Ramblers,Goin' Home, & Open Window. You truly blessed us with your music and made the evening
so much fun. What would we have done without you? We would
like to especially thank Tom Barlow and the entire Gossett-Kia/
Mazda Service Group for supplying and cooking over 200 hamburgers/hot dogs and serving us food all night long. A big
thanks to all the women that brought baked goods, and now we
are talking FANTASTIC desserts and breads. It was awesome
and you know how excited I get about pie. It's a pleasure to be a
part of an association that cares so much for other people.
Above all, we thank God from whom all blessings flow........ ... If you
were unable to attend and wish to make a donation, please make
a check out to Gary Rushing and just mail it to his home address
at 860 Hwy. 193, Collierville, TN. 38017. Again, thanks everybody and keep on loving one another. God Bless,
Will and Beth Mays
Tennessee Gentlemen
Answer The Call MABA!!
I have been notified by our Recruitment center that we are
having a replacement drive this Sat 8-18-07 @ our Bartlett
Lifeblood location at 8am, for another one of our dear
MABA members. Anyone interested in donating for this
person, or if you have more information than we, please call
me @ your convenience. my # is (901-493-6636 anytime. Give Blood, Give Life. Your donation will be appreJason Hayes, ECP,EMT-IV
ciated. Thanks!
DEADLINE NOTICE
Just to make sure we all get this right, that is left to right
Sam Coffee , Kent Coffey, Donny Catron, and Doyle Catron
caught live on stage a the Wooten Brother’s Bluegrass Festival, 2007.
Please have all art and text
and ads submitted for print
the 20th of the month prior to
when you want it to appear.
Submit payment at the same
time if applicable. Thanks!!
editor
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Please contact the Editor, Duke Walker to
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P.5
Jammin’ At Yarboro’s Again
It is always a lot of fun to get together
with the best people you know, and
entertain each other. Many thanks go
to YARB0ROS MUSIC STORE! ! !
GRASSIFIEDS
Fiddle – Selling for friend – OLD FIDDLE in good condition, made in Czech Republic, sounds good, looks good, case
included, oldie but goodie, 2 bows, one needs rehair.
From Pennsylvania area. Walter – 901-484-2722 or 901
837-4146
Mavis Goodson.
I am selling my 1956 King bass. Arangements can be made
to play this most fridays nights at the town square or saturMountain Dulcimer for New Players: Tuesdays, September day at Galloway.
4, 11, 18, and 25, from 7 to 8 PM CDT. Located at Union Uni- It has gut g and d and superflex on the a and e. I have also
versity campus in Germantown, TN (2745 Hacks Cross
had an NRoad). Fee is $70 plus a $10 supply fee payable to the inPin carbon fiber end pin. This great bass is in good shape but
structor on the first day of class. No music experience
hardly pristine (mabe all those years of being used...) this is a
needed. Class will focus on getting started, tuning, introreal bargain at
ductory strumming techniques, and reading tab. Loaner
$ 1800.00
Matthew Jackson
dulcimers available. The Memphis Dulcimer Gathering &
Folk Festival will be September 28 & 29 at Lindenwood
Christian Church, 2400 Union. Two days of workshops on
mountain and hammered dulcimer, banjo, mandolin, guitar. Free jam session Friday, 7 p.m; Concert Saturday, 7 p.m.
$10. All events $75 by Sept. 8; after, $90. For info, Lee
Cagle, 877-7763 or www.LeeCagleDulcimers.com.
P.6
Review: Claire Lynch Band at the Lucy Opry, August 11, 2007
Someone wiser than this writer once said, "You can't improve on
perfection," but in the case of the Claire Lynch Band, that old adage can be put to rest. This wonderful band has always been able
to make band changes, mix familiar material with new tunes, and
keep right on stepping with delightful performances. They just
keep on getting better. The concert on August 11, 2007, at the
Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center (BPACC) was no
exception One listener described the Claire Lynch Band as
'versatile,' as they demonstrate their ability to handle bluegrass,
swing, and Cajun tunes with equal dexterity. The word that came
to mind for this reviewer was 'comfortable'. Their sound is as comfortable as your favorite pair of jeans -a good fit! The listener
comes away from the show with tunes swirling in his/her head tunes which hang around in there for days. Tunes which make one
sing right along - like "Sweetheart Darlin' of Mine," or "White
Train," or the one with the perpetual question: "Who Knows What
Tomorrow May Bring?" Comfortable songs.
again. Watch for the new album in October of 2007.
IBMA favorites, Jim Hurst and Missy Raines, add their flavor to
the comfortable sound of the Claire Lynch Band, with Hurst on
guitar, banjo, and vocals and Missy on upright bass and vocals.
They fit in well-and each performer also has solo projects and
amazing adventures of his/her own. Claire, Jim, and Missy just
seemed poised and ready to receive their newest sparkler on fiddle and mandolin.
Jason Thomas is the newest member of the Claire Lynch Band.
Originally from Canada, Jason grew up learning the fiddle from
his dad, and it seemed that the time and the opportunity were perfect for him to come into the Claire Lynch Band. Jason began performing with the band in early 2007. They have all learned how
each other operate, and the results are just delightful.
First Set: 1. Goin' Up, 2. Paul and Peter Walked (by Chris Stuart), 3.
Sweetheart Darlin' of Mine, 4. Unlucky Seven (Jim on banjo, Jason
Prior to the evening concert, the Claire Lynch Band gave several on fiddle), 5. Missionary Ridge (by Pierce Pettis, about the Civil
workshops at Galloway Methodist Church in the Cooper-Young War), 6. who Knows What Tomorrow May Bring (by Henry HipDistrict of Midtown Memphis. Many aspiring performers attended kens), 7. Children of Abraham (by Claire Lynch, about living on "a
the workshops, hoping to pick up important clues, tips, and advice wing and a prayer"), 8. Thibodeaux (by Chris Stuart), 9. Down in
about how this whole bluegrass music thing works. The attendees the Valley (by Jess Leary, Morgane Hayes, and Liz Rose), 10. I Bepicked out excellent performers to learn from, as Claire Lynch, Jim lieve in Forever (by Claire Lynch, for her mother), 11. Love Me DarHurst, and Missy Raines are now and have been quite frequently, lin' Just Tonight (performed with Lucy favorite, Gary Johnson), 12.
nominees for top performers at the International Bluegrass Music Freight Train Boogie
Association (IBMA) World of Bluegrass event which happens in
September of 2007, in Nashville, Tennessee. Claire is a nominee
Second Set: 1. Train Long Gone (by Dennis Linde, topped the bluefor Female Vocalist; Jim is a nominee for Guitar Player; and Missy grass charts), 2. White Train (by Peter Holsapple), 3. Savannah (by
is a nominee for Bass Player.
Tim Stafford, about a city and a woman, and at times it is difficult
to know which), 4. Leavin’ on That Evening Train (by a "hippie
After a brief rest and dinner, the band took the stage at the Lucy type," Claire first heard the song done by the Greasy Beans from
Opry for two hours which were filled with the rich instrumental
North Carolina), 5. Mando Bounce (Jason Thomas on mandolin,
and vocal work that area fans have come to expect from the Claire Jim Hurst dedicated the song to Lucy Opry legend, Joe Taylor,
Lynch Band. The band met every single expectation with flying
and his grandsons, Justin and Jeffrey), 6. Your Presence Is My Facolors. Oh! This band is good -really good..
vorite Gift (by Hershey Reeves, known by Claire's fans as her
"critter song"), 7. Walk Softly on This Heart of Mine (Jim Hurst
Claire Lynch is a premier vocalist and songwriter. Her distinctive teams with Gary Johnson), 8. Kennesaw Line (by Don Dunaway, a
vocal style is immediately recognizable, and her skills as a song- song about events in the Civil War, and which will appear on
writer are such that she often writes with other respected writers, "Crowd Favorites"), 9. Up This Hill and Down (by Richard Staedsuch as Irene Kelley and Pamela Brown Hayes. Songwriters upon tler, bluesy version of the old Osborne Brothers favorite), 10. Wawhom Claire often calls for her material are former Memphian
bash Cannonball (by Roy Acuff, and will be on "Crowd Favorites"),
Paul Craft, Nashville attorney/songwriter Henry Hipkens, Chris and the Encore: This Must Be Love, a swing tune which left the lisStuart, Hershey Reeves, Pierce Pettis, and Tim Stafford, of Blue
tener satisfied, comfortable, and with another song to sing during
Highway.
the week following the concert.
Playing the Lucy Opry has become a tradition for Claire Lynch,
one which reaches back over time to the days of Harvester Lane in
Frayser and appearances by the very popular Front Porch String
Band, which was formed by Claire and husband Larry Lynch and
others. Claire managed to stop performing and enter a sort of
semi-retirement to devote time to family for a few years. She is
back, refreshed and renewed, with her first Claire Lynch Band
album, "New Day," a huge success. Next up will be "Crowd Favorites," which is as its name would indicate -Claire's popular tunes
among her adoring fans who said they'd like to hear those tunes
The Lucy Opry audience turns out in big numbers for the Claire
Lynch Band, and it is plain to see why they do: Top-ranked artists
who have a genuine respect for their fans, a songbook of familiar
favorite tunes from bluegrass and country music to Cajun and
swing tunes, and a genuine love for what they do. The Claire
Lynch Band always delivers! Watch for the release of "Crowd Favorites" and catch the band at IBMA's World of Bluegrass in
Nashville, TN in September.
Betty Westmoreland
P.7