1. No category

Of Interest . . .
. The SWBMAI is looking for a graphics designer to volunteer to help create the Fireball Mail newsletter and
helping the webmaster with graphics for Association website - swbmai.org. Our current artist, Paul Kienitz, is willing to help with the ‘passing of the torch’ in any way possible to make a smooth transition. For information contact Mary
Helmke at 608-838-4852 or [email protected]. Paul has made this newsletter a thing of beauty and has set the standard to follow.
. The Cuda’s Winter Bluegrass Fest
Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association, Inc. Newsletter
March/April 07
Cuda Café’ is hosting a Bluegrass Festival, March 10, 2007 at 5pm. Come on out and celebrate the Cuda’s late winter
bluegrass fest... sure to heat things up a bit! Featuring: The Jefferson County Bluegrass Band (Host Band), Brothers Ray
And Paul, Prairie Smoke, Hand Picked Bluegrass
. Krause Family CD Due to be released in March!
Our Member Band, The Krause Family is releasing their first studio recording, “On This Bright, Sunny Day”. It is due out in
March and includes 11 cuts; 9 original songs and 2 traditional selections. Be sure to watch for this CD!
You can reach Rick Krause for more information at [email protected] or 608-827-6189.
Enjoy Bl u e g r a s s W e e k l y !
Every Tuesday: Lonesome Rogues, 8-10:30pm Wonder’s Pub, 1980 Atwood Ave., Madison
Every Thursday: Cork ‘n Bottle StringBand, 6-8pm, UW Madison Memorial Union
Every 2nd Tuesday: If We Only Knew, 7pm-9pm, Freeport Elks Club, 608 Stephenson St. , Freeport, IL
Every 2nd Thursday: New Pioneers, 7pm-9pm, Cafe Carpe, 18 S. Water St., Fort Atkinson, WI
Every 3rd Sunday: Sparetime Bluegrass Band, 4-7pm, Hody Bar, 1914 Aurora St., Middleton, WI
Every Sunday: The Weary Traveler, 2-4pm, 3201 Williamson St., Madison, WI. Performance/jam hosted by Arvid
The Fireball Mail is a publication of the Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association, Inc. Visit our website at www.swbmai.org
Send change of address to:
Fireball Mail
Quilt by Sharon Manion
3418 Elvehjem Road, McFarland, WI 53558
See details inside pg 4-5
In This Issue: Quilt Raffle!, Andy Statman, Liberty Bluegrass Band, Membership Renewal Notice...calendars,
reviews, anouncements and more!
V i s i t
Pass on the Fireball Mail to a friend!
o u r
w e b s i t e
a t
w w w . s w b m a i . o r g
Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association, Inc.
Fireball Mail
V o l u m e
2 4
I s s u e
2
Fireball Mail is published bi-monthly:
January, March, May, July, September, and
November. Please send articles, calendar
information, photos and letter to the editor to:
Fireball Mail
3418 Elvehjem Road
McFarland, WI, 53558
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 608-838-4852
Deadline for submissions is the 10th of the
month preceding the month of publication.
The SWBMAI is a non-profit educational organization devoted to the preservation and
promotion of bluegrass music, and supported by the volunteer efforts of its members.
Jamboree Donors and Volunteers needed!
SWBMAI Mission Statement:
April 21, 2007, we are having our annual fundraising
Jamboree. The items we raffle off at the Jamboree, to
help raise funds for the membership, are donated by kind
vendors and businesses in the area. We have applied
to have any donations qualify as a tax write-off for the donor. This is in the process and we are confident that it will
be approved. If you know of any businesses who would
be interested in donating items: guitar picks, capoes, cds,
dvds, music books, gift certificates, passes to upcoming
events in 2007, please contact our board members: Ellis
Bauman, Doug Hodge or Brian Ray. This can be done by
e-mailing this site via the ‘Contact’ section.
We also need volunteers to take some time from the jamming, music and visiting that day to take maybe an hour
apiece to tend the Association table. This would be the
raffle items, memberships, etc. You will receive a free Blue
Highways t-shirt in appreciation for the time. The
Board members would appreciate your help more than
you know.
Help us make this the best Jamboree ever - our goal is to
bring you MORE events through the year, MORE learning
opportunities and MORE Bluegrass in your lives!
The SWBMAI mission as stated in the by-laws:
1) To promote bluegrass music and musicians
2) To bring together persons of all ages who enjoy singing, playing
and listening to bluegrass music
3) To hold regular bluegrass jam sessions
4) To publicize information about bluegrass concerts and festivals
5) To promote family weekend camping with bluegrass music
6) To help younger persons obtain instruments and instruction
in bluegrass music
7) To introduce bluegrass music to new listeners
Advertising –
Contact editor at 608-838-4852
Board of Directors
or Email: [email protected]
for rates and information.
President - Doug Hodge, email: [email protected]
Vice-President - Ellis Bauman, 608-257-2431 [email protected]
Secretary - Sharon Manion, email: [email protected]
Treasurer – Jon Peik, email: [email protected]
Membership - Catherine Rhyner, 608-835-8117 [email protected]
Newsletter - Mary Helmke, 608-838-4852 [email protected]
Webmaster - Brian Ray, email: [email protected]
MembersMarilyn Carien, [email protected], 608-238-0712
SWBMAI is a member of IBMA (International
Bluegrass Music Association) and GMCVB (Greater
Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau).
Editors Note . . .
If your company, business or private concern would
like to donate items to be raffled off at the Jamboree,
please contact the Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass
Music Association, Inc.
Our website is: www.swbmai.org
Or contact any of the Board Members listed on the
inside front page of the Fireball Mail Newsletter.
All proceeds from the raffle go to the Association to
fund events, concerts, jams, classes and information.
Carmen Burnett
Thank you,
Mary Helmke
Every Tuesday
Pastures of Plenty,
9-noon with John Fabke
Every Wednesday
Back to the Country,
9-noon with Bill Malone
Every Friday
Mud Acres Bluegrass Special,
9-noon with Chris Powers
2
Fireball Mail/March-April 07
Nancy Nikora
Fireball Mail NewsletterEditor: Mary Helmke
Graphic Designer: Paul Kienitz
often called The Father of Wisconsin Bluegrass.
Bill is survived by his daughter Jenni and three
grandchildren - Tegan, Ashley and Amberlee. He left
a wonderful legacy of bluegrass music in the form of
a 8 CD’s dedicated to saving the old classics and his
named ‘The Bill Jorgenson Memorial Bleuegrass
Jim Robarts
Margaret Kmiotek
away. He was a leader in the bluegrass community,
Bill’s Heritage Farm Bluegrass Festival will be re-
Patty Graham
Joe Davis
On February 5, 2007, William ‘Bill’ Jorgenson passed
schools and over 20,000 children.
Bill Malone
SWBMAI is a proud sponsor of
WORT 89.9FM
William ‘Bill’ Jorgenson
1930 - 2007
free ‘Bluegrass In The Schools’ program visited 90
Ongoing VolunteersCarolyn Hegeler
- In Memory -
Election Notice!
Elections are coming in April to nominate
SWBMAI board members. We need more
board members to help in brain-storming,
support and ideas to further the efforts of the
Association for our members and for bluegrass
music in the area. Notice will be listed on our
website, www.swbmai.org.
Festival’ and will be held this year, June 8-10, with a
special tribute to Bill.
Bill was part of the SWBMAI Jamboree a few years
ago and his generous musical sharing will be treasured by all.
Contribution from Rob Billings and Carolyn Hegeler
Fireball Mail/March-April 07
3
WOW! . . .
THE ULTIMATE Bluegrass Quilt!
Sharon Manion, our Association secretary and artist from Belleville, WI, has created another outstanding quilt to be
on display at the 2007 Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association fund raising Jamboree April 21 at the High
Noon Saloon. As you may recall, Sharon has generously donated a quilt for the past 3 Jamborees to raise funds for the
SWBMAI. Her caring, dedication and skill are very much appreciated. Each quilt has been a stunning and unique creation
and this year is no exception.
This year’s quilt is made from original Bluegrass concert t-shirts of beloved groups from years gone by. It measures 91 X
96 inches (queen size), the shirt pieces have been stabilized with a fusible interfacing and 100% cotton was used for the
backing and binding. Sharon put a lot of love, skill, design-savvy and hours into this collector’s item. This will be an heirloom to be appreciated for many years to come.
This wonderful creation will be auctioned in some fashion in the near future and the proceeds are to be donated to the
SWBMAI. All of the t-shirts were graciously donated by Dave “Hagar” Nelson of Heartland, Wisconsin.
Alphabetic Listing of Bands:
Hot Rize
& The Clinch Mountain Boys
Alison Krause and Union Station
The James King Band
The Rarely Herd
Bill Monroe
Jeff Presley South Central
Bluegrass
Red Wine Italian Flavor
Blue Ridge
The Bluegrass Cardinals
Brew Country Rounders
Charlie Sizemore Band
Chris Jones & The Night Drivers
The Cluster Pluckers
Continental Divide
Coon Creek Girls Bluegrass
The Country Gentlemen
The Cox Family
David Davis & The Warrior
River Boys
The Del McCoury Band
The Dillards
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
Dry Branch Fire Squad
Ed Ferris, Mike Gorrell
& Northwest Territory
The Grascals
4
Fireball Mail/March-April 07
Jim & Jesse and the Virginia Boys
John Hartford
John McEllen
Johnson Mountain Boys
The Karl Shiflett and Big
Country Show
Larry Cordle, Glen Duncan
and Lonesome Standard
The Lewis Family
Loose Ties
Ricky Skaags
Robin & Linda Williams
Rockcreek Bluegrass
Sally Mountain Show
The Seldom Scene
Special Consensus Bluegrass
Time
IIIrd Tyme Out
The Virginia Squires
The Tony Rice Unit
Mac Wiseman
The Unit – Tony Rice, Jimmy
Gaudreau, Mark Schatz,
Rickie Simpkins, Wyatt Rice
Northern Lights
Wayne Lewis
The Osborne Bros.
Wild & Blue
Pine Mountain Railroad
Wisconsin River Bluegrass Boys
The Lynn Morris Band
Piper Road Spring Band
Radio Bluegrass
Ralph Stanley
In Review . . .
From the Board . . .
John Fabke and The Lonesome Aces!
Board Changes and Thanks!…
Review from Joe Davis
We are sorry that Mike Schmidt, our webmaster for several years has had to retire. His personal schedule had gotten very
full. We appreciate the work he and others put into setting up the SWBMAI website in the first place and his time spent
updating the site for us.
The other night Mother Fool’s Coffee House played host
to an exciting new musical configuration made of some
seasoned local bluegrass musicians: John Fabke and the
Lonesome Aces. The foursome, playing mostly original
tunes by Fabke, included Paul Keinitz on fiddle, Jon Peik
on banjo and Dan O’Brien on bass. The tunes, while clearly
in the so-called ‘tradition’, were crisp and well thought-out
with stories to tell; typically for the genre they spoke about
longing and loss. The singing leaned heavily on Fabke, who
got stronger as the evening progressed, and included some
very solid three-part harmonies when Peik and O’Brien
joined in. As you’d expect from the above-named musicians
the musicianship was 1st quality with Keinitz and Peik sharing the lead playing roles expertly and flawlessly.
Despite the fact that nearly all the tunes were originals, with
many being performed for the first time by this quartet, the
arrangements were right and the sound surprisingly polished. It is a rare treat to listen to musicians who know what
they are doing and play so much “in the pocket”. As usual
Jon Peik provided excellent back-up banjo (often over
looked by listeners) with a rock solid beat and twists
and licks thrown in for good measure ‘ Paul Keinitz gave
his usual top-level performance ‘ and Dan O’Brien kept the
beat and tempo solid.
Even though it was a Saturday, when other folks might have
been playing, I was, as usual a little disheartened by the
lack of musicians in the audience. I haven’t done a concert
review for a while so I will take this opportunity to do a little
pleading and scolding. The way to learn and get better at
this sort of
music is to play it for sure, but it is also important to listen
and see and hear when experts do their thing. The Madison acoustic music scene has always seemed to me to be
lacking in this sort of respectful due diligence. And while
I’m at it, the other evening Andy Statman was in town with
Jerry Wicentowski ‘ I know it was Super Bowl evening, but
I couldn’t believe the pickers I did not see. We will only get
quality music coming to town if there is an audience ‘ local
bands one step above the living room are o.k., but I hope
that more people start coming out to listen to “teachers”.
Book review from Roger Stowers.
The Bluegrass Gospel Songbook
by Wayne Erbsen, 172 Pages - $19.95
Native Ground Books & Music, a gold mine for musical material, has come up with another fine product. The Bluegrass
Gospel Songbook contains guitar chords, vintage photos, song histories and humor along with the works and music for
over 100 (at least 106) traditional old time gospel songs. With both a song index and a table of contents information is easy
to find.
After the introduction, the following sections are included: “The Roots of Bluegrass Gospel Music”, “Singing the Gospels”,
“Painless Gospel Music Theory”, “How to Choose the Right Key”, “Guitar Chords”, “How to Operate a Capo”, “Using the
Guitar in Gospel Music”, and a section on “Bluegrass Harmony Singing”. All that is followed by the words, music and history for the many gospel songs Erbsen has researched. According to the author, copyrights were studied and all songs are
in the public domain.
The music is in standard notation, written simply, the words to the songs are complete with most songs preceded with
a history lesson. Above the musical notation are the guitar chords to be used during accompaniment. The words to the
songs are printed large enough to be seen at a reasonable distance. The information contained within the history context
of the book is nearly worth the price of the book itself. After viewing the book critically only a couple of errors surfaced, but
neither affected the history or the overall study and learning of the wonderful songs presented.
“The Bluegrass Gospel Songbook” is a contemporary American treasure intended for beginner to advanced musicians.
Erbsen has blended a learning tool with courses in history and bluegrass gospel. A complete list of the songs included
within the book can be found at www.nativeground.com. Should anyone want assistance with some of the melodies there
is a CD available with 13 of the songs on individual tracks.
“Bluegrass Gospel Songbook” and /or the company catalog are available by emailing banjo [at] nativeground [dot] com or
from Native Ground, 109 Bell Road, Asheville, NC 28805-1521. Tel: 800-752-2656
6
Fireball Mail/March-April 07
Brian Ray, our newest board member, has not only taken up the task from Mike Schmidt but redesigned our website.
Please visit www.swbmai.com to be impressed by the course Brian has taken with our site. Also, if you want to check for
more immediate updates to the calendars, this is the place. We look forward to progressing with this informational resource.
Sandy Kowack had been with our board long enough to be a key person during the Heritage Concert with Jesse McReynolds in October. Sandy spent many hours helping in the planning, scheduling and execution of tasks during the Concert.
You may remember her taking tickets prior to the luncheon, then jamming after the visit with Bill Malone and Jesse and then
not only taking and selling tickets at the door of the concert, but also helping to find seats for guests. Sandy’s knowledge
and input for the board will be missed, but her personal schedule had increased. We appreciate the time, effort and fresh
outlook Sandy brought to the Board.
* * *
S o m e t h i n g
N e w
* * *
The Bluegrass Bulletin Board
This is the bulletin board for the SWBMAI members to use to exchange Bluegrass information. This is for you to use to let
people know that there are instruments on sale, bluegrass music instructors available for teaching, any services related to
Bluegrass Music. Send me the information you have including your name, telephone number and e-mail address if you want.
People will contact you directly with the information you send me: Mary Helmke, 608-838-7822, or [email protected] or
3418 Elvehjem Road, McFarland, WI. The editor has the right to alter or refuse posting. This will be a posting area only.
Doc Watson • Saturday, May 19, 2007 • 8:00 PM
“Hills of Home” featuring Richard Watson and David Holt
At Overture Hall, 501 State Street, Madison, Wisconsin
Children under the age of six will not be admitted to this
performance. Tickets are $30, $27, $24
Information from www.overturecenter.com
Higher Education: Country Music in American Life
Join country music scholar and performer Bill C. Malone
for this fascinating four-part lecture series. Lecture topics:
“Women and country music,” “Class consciousness in
country music,” “The origins of bluegrass,” and “Religion and country music.” Don’t miss this opportunity to
learn about the origins, history, and influence of country
music from the perspective of America’s most respected
scholar in the field.
Instructor: Bill C. Malone
Tuesdays, Mar 6, 20, Apr 10, 24, 7-8:30 pm, Wil-Mar
Neighborhood Center, 953 Jenifer St,
Enroll by Feb 27, 0.6 CEU, $86, Program #3765
http://www.dcs.wisc.edu/register/cereg.htm
New CD ReleasesJohn Starling and Carolina Star
On February 20, 2007 John Starling and Carolina Star
released “Slidin’ Home”- a warm, intimate and engaging piece of work from the three of the most celebrated
musicians in the acoustic music fold.
Carolina Star is the newest incarnation of a musical partnership that stretches back more than 30 years- when
John Starling (guitar, vocals), Mike Auldridge (Dobro, lap
steel, vocals) and Tom Gray (bass, vocals) first began
playing together as the Seldom Scene and their seminal
work from that period influenced a whole generation of
musicians, including Emmylou Harris and Ricky Skaggs.
Pine Mountain Railroad
Available March 13, ‘Alone With Forever’
Info: www.PineMountainRailroad.com
Fireball Mail/March-April 07
7
Getting Down to Business . . .
Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association, Inc.
Board Meeting Minutes (condensed)
January 3, 2007
Present: Doug Hodge, Ellis Bauman, Catherine Rhyner, Mary Helmke, Marilyn
Carien, Brian Ray and Sharon Manion
Regrets:Jon Peik and Sandy Nowack
Absent: Jim Maginnis and Mike Schmidt
The meeting was called to order at 5:35p.m. by Doug.
The minutes from the November 15, 2006 meeting were approved. The treasurer’s report had been distributed via email prior to the meeting by Jon for the
board’s review. Total assets as of December 2, 2006 were $5896.63.
A good deal of this meeting was spent on the planning for the 2007 Jamboree.
Doug reported that he has reserved the High Noon Salon for the event, which
will take place Saturday, April 21, 2007. This annual fund raiser will start at 1:00
p.m. and we will need to be out by 8:00 p.m. There will be a $150.00 charge
for the sound technician. The board discussed band options such as using local
member bands or having a national group. A motion was made by Sharon to use
member bands and promote jamming. This was seconded by Brian and passed
by the board. Doug will contact member bands to see if we would have 5 or 6
bands interested in performing at this event. Jamming options were discussed
and Marilyn agreed to contact the restaurant next door to see if SWBMAI could
utilize the restaurant’s outdoor space if weather permits, indoor space if not.
“Advertise
with us...”
in the
Fireball
Mail!
. Discount for members
and non-profits
Contact newsletter editor
for complete information:
608.838.4852
or email to
[email protected]
8
Fireball Mail/March-April 07
Raffle items were discussed and Mary will email Catherine for the list of previous
donors. A letter will be sent to previous business donors announcing our upcoming event and requesting raffles items. Sharon presented the quilt that she had
recently completed that will be used as a fund raiser for this Jamboree. The quilt
is made from a collection of T-shirts from well known bluegrass bands. The shirts
were donated by Hagar Nelson and the quilt was designed, pieced and quilted
by Sharon. It was decided that the quilt will be auctioned off around the time of
the Jamboree. Sharon will write up a description of the quilt to be used for the
auction.
SWBMAI band membership was discussed briefly and Doug will contact member
bands for feedback on membership pros and cons.
Web site update was next on the agenda. Doug will contact Mike Schmidt to
discuss the need to make many changes with the web site and getting Brian
involved with the rebuilding of our web site.
Paul Kienitz’s resignation for his volunteer work in putting the Fireball Mail into
production was discussed. Paul is willing to help transition the work he does in
putting our newsletter into print to whoever is willing to take this on. Mary is willing to do some of the work in the interim. Brian will contact Spencer Walts to get
some ideas for a replacement. Marilyn will contact MATC to see if there may be
a student interested in doing the layout/markup of this mailing and both will get
back to the board.
Getting Down to Business . . . continued from pg.8
Ellis gave an update on our tax status change for which he is in the process of completing the tax application. Once the
application has been submitted, the process will take 2 – 6 months. We will also need to incorporate into the bylaws a
conflict of interest statement. Ellis anticipates having the application submitted by the end of January.
The following agenda items were tabled:
÷ Heritage Concert update
÷ Set a date for a day long working meeting to establish a budget and planning for 2007 (how do we get ourselves better
organized)
÷ Discuss a procedure/system for publicizing to our members and community for future events
÷ Supporting bluegrass jams
÷ Future Sunday afternoon concerts/jams
÷ Membership email list
Next meeting: Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. at the Coliseum Bar
Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association, Inc. Board Meeting Minutes (condensed)
February 17, 2007
Present: Doug Hodge, Ellis Bauman, Catherine Rhyner, Mary Helmke, Marilyn Carien, Brian Ray, Jon Peik,
and Sharon Manion
Regrets:Sandy Nowack. Absent:Jim Maginnis
The meeting was called to order at 12:20 p.m. by Doug.
The minutes from the January 3, 2007 meeting were approved.
Jon reviewed the treasurer’s report which reported total assets of $5440.94 as of February 2, 2007. This amount does
not include the Heritage concert assets which Jon reported as approximately $4000.00. The board decided to merge
the Heritage concert account with our main account. Jon distributed a financial breakdown of the 2007 Heritage Concert
which was a summary for the Dane Count Cultural Affairs Committee report which was submitted on 2/13/2007 by Carolyn
Hegeler. The concert was a break even event.
A good part of this meeting was spent on planning for the 2007 Jamboree. The event will take place at the High Noon
Saloon, April 21, 2007 from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. Doug has hired the bands. Mary will draft a letter which will be sent out to
all previous raffle contributors. Many ideas and thoughts were shared on how to auction/raffle the bluegrass t-shirt quilt.
Some ideas included raffle tickets and selling on Ebay. Jon provided us information on raffle tickets/permit. It was decided
that this quilt will held for a period of time and the auction/raffle will occur by the end of the year, possibly October. By doing this, it will allow us time to promote the quilt. This discussion will continue to our next meeting.
Brian provided information on the SWBMAI web site improvements.
Ellis gave a brief update on our tax status.
Next the Fireball mail was discussed, no replacement was found for Paul Kienitz’ position. Mary will take over creating the
newsletter. It was noted that the Microsoft product that Mary will be purchasing to produce the newsletter will change the
layout of the newsletter.
The monthly board meeting date was discussed and it was decided to move our standing meeting back to the first
Wednesday of each month at the Bar Next Door starting at 6:00 p.m. The board felt we should also have extra meetings
over the next month or two to plan for the 2007 Jamboree, therefore an extra meeting was set for Saturday, February 24,
2006 at 10:00 a.m. at Sharon’s home.
Getting Down to Business . . . continued on pg.9
Fireball Mail/March-April 07
9
Band Membership . . .
In Review. . .
For an annual fee of $100, band members receive:
Twice yearly, a list from the Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau, of future conventions in the Madison area
.
. Exposure on the SWBMAI website (band profile, audio sampling)
. Band listing and contact information in each issue of Fireball Mail
. Rotating band profile in Fireball Mail
. One subscription to Fireball Mail
Current SWBMAI Band Members
Above the Town – Jerry Loughney; 262-510-1128,
[email protected]
Monroe Crossing – Art Blackburn; 763-213-1349,
[email protected]
Cream City Bluegrass – Andrew Struthers; 262-754-
Round the Bend – Fred Newmann; 608-238-6863,
[email protected]
1397, [email protected]
Jefferson County Bluegrass Band – Doug Hodge;
608-752-6321 or 608-201-2032, [email protected]
Liberty Bluegrass Band – James Brocksmith; 414-8037477, www.libertybluegrass.com
Sawdust Symphony – Jeff Kramer; [email protected]
Sparetime Bluegrass Band – Bob Batyko; 608-575-9945,
[email protected]
Straight Up Bluegrass - Melissa Rospenda;
920-991-2766.
The Krause Family Band - Rick Krause,; 608-827-6189
Featured Band:
Liberty Bluegrass Band
The LBB is dedicated to traditional Bluegrass
music. We are inspired by the late Bill Monroe,
Lester Flatt, Jimmy Martin and Carter Stanley.
We all still love Earl Scruggs, JD Crowe, Ralph
Stanley and all the old timers still out there
putting out great music. No electric instruments, just wood, metal, strings and a lot of
heart going into every song.
LBB’s current band make-up consists of:
James Brocksmith - banjo, Gary Flach
- guitar and lead vocals, Ryan Hanley
– mandolin and lead vocals, Jeff Couillard upright bass and harmony vocals, Rick Lewis
–dobro, rhythm guitar and lead vocals
Gary, James and Ryan are original members
of the Liberty Bluegrass Band. James handles
the bookings and management Gary writes
great songs and many of them are featured
by LBB. Ryan also plays mandolin with another group in the area. Jeff previously played with Grass and Eclectic Bluegrass
Band. Rick is the newest addition as of November of 2006. He also plays pedal steel with an alternative country band in
the Milwaukee area.
Liberty Bluegrass is also host to the 5Star Coffee House Jam, which is held every 4th Sunday at the 5Star Coffee House
in Franklin, WI. These jams are being held March, April and May of 2007. To contact The Liberty Bluegrass Band, call
James at 414-803-7477
10
Fireball Mail/March-April 07
The Warmth of Andy Statman!
By Nancy Nikora
Winter reared its ugly cold head to challenge a determined dozen who came for
the Andy Statman workshop held at Jim
and Nancy Nikora’s home on February
4th. Don Julin made the 9 hour trip from
Traverse City, Michigan to spend a few
hours with one of his musical heroes.
Others came from Milwaukee, Fond du
Lac, and all around Madison to fill the
house with enthusiasm and eagerness to
learn from this authentic master of mandolin innovation. Playing a new Kimble F5, which is on loan from luthier Will Kimble, Andy Statman proved to be a patient
and delightfully down to earth instructor.
Though many students expressed real
intimidation, Andy was approachable,
humble and encouraging. He urged everyone to work at what they wanted to
change, challenge themselves to improve, but keep doing what worked for
them. His philosophy proved
very Zen-like, allowing each
individual to embrace and
celebrate the essential joy that
brought them to playing in the
first place. The warmth of his
spirit lingered long after the
inspired participants departed
into the frigid twilight.
That evening a concert was
held at the Wilmar Center.
Along with Andy, the Lucky
Break Band featuring Jerry
Wicentowski performed before
an appreciative but nearly
frozen audience. The music
provided an inspired blend of
bluegrass and jazz, tradition
and innovation, blazing instrumentals and soaring vocals.
Jerry’s superb singing often blended with wonderful harmonies provided
by Tom Boyd on banjo and Mark Edelstein on bass. During the second
set Paul Kienitz joined the band on stage to provide some of his signature
fiddle breaks, garnering enthusiastic applause from the crowd. The only
disappointment was the distressingly cold temperature in the Wilmar Center, which couldn’t quite offset the warmth of this wonderful show. There
wasn’t much lingering with the artists as the crowd scattered quickly to the
warmth of their cars and homes.
Photos by Nancy Nikora
The SWBMAI band membership category was introduced in 2001 in an effort to promote local bands.
Fireball Mail/March-April 07
11
2007 Festivals/Camps/Workshops . . .
Mark Your Calendars . . .
The Williams & Clark Expedition
MABMA’s 14 Annual Spring Bluegrass
Fundraiser
7:30pm at the Two Rivers H.S. Auditorium. From
Nashville,TN, they are making their first appearance on the
B.K.Production’s stage. This will be an evening of fantastic
Bluegrass Music & side-splitting comedy. For more information: www.bluegrassbrad.org or 920-794-7258
Every Bluegrass association needs money to further its
cause(s), which is to bring in more Bluegrass, of course! The
Milwaukee Area Bluegrass Music Association is no exception. Actually, this festival began before MABMA became
organized and we were just a few Bluegrass bands in the
Milwaukee area. (Now we have over 30!)
14 years ago, Lee Lorentz mentioned that we ought to have
a festival. That was all I needed to hear! I found a venue,
Redeemer Lutheran Church at 19th & Wisconsin Ave. in
Milwaukee. It had a large auditorium with a stage that was
available. The church hosts the 19th St. Coffeehouse and
has been doing that for over 30 years, so it welcomed a
well-behaved group of Bluegrass musicians. We’ve moved
on to Unitarian Church North in Mequon, which has a lot of
space for jamming all day, a kitchen for Schwai’s to serve up
its famous brats and other fine food, and a great, comfortable atmosphere with wonderful acoustics.
Our bands play for a small stipend so that the money goes
toward bringing in other great bands that come through the
area and for our Badgerland Bluegrass Classic. The BBC
will be held the weekend of 7/20-7/22 this year and will
feature the Chicago Bluegrass Band and many other fine
bands from Wisconsin and from IL and MN. We hope many
of you who are reading this will come, too!
The Milwaukee Area Bluegrass Music Association’s 14th
Annual Spring Festival will be March 31, from 1pm-10pm, at
the Unitarian Church North, 13800 N. Port Washington Rd,
Mequon, WI. For Information call: 414-961-0660
Two Rivers, WI - March 15
Rhonda Vincent And The Rage!
Galesburg, IL - March 29, 2007
The popular bluegrass sensation Rhonda Vincent and the
Rage will be performing at The Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg, IL on March 29th at 7:30pm. This is a part of the 2007
Red Carpet Series, and tickets for this fantastic show will go
on sale February 15th.
Rhonda Vincent is one of the most highly praised figures
in bluegrass today. Rhonda has a unique combination of
vocal, instrumental, and songwriting skills. She has recently
been the winner of seven consecutive Female Vocalist of
the Year awards from the International Bluegrass Music
Association, and she has also won the Entertainer of the
Year award. Tickets range from $28 to $12. With a Red
Carpet Membership purchase, tickets can be purchased
at a reduced rate and seats can be reserved before tickets
go on sale to the general public. Tickets may be purchased
by calling the Orpheum Theatre at (309) 342-2299, or by
visiting the ticket office at 60 South Kellogg in Galesburg, or
online at www.theorpheum.org.
Illinois
May 26 - 27 - Memorial Weekend Bluegrass Festival at Rockome Gardens, Arcola, IL (Info: www.bluegrassmidwest.
com or 217-268-4106 or 217-243-3159)
June 8-9 - 6th Annual Three Sisters Park Bluegrass Festival, Chillicothe, IL (Info: www.bluegrassmidwest.com, camping: 309-274-8837, Band: 217-243-3159)
August 18-19 - 13th Annual Bluegrass Festival at Rockome Gardens, Arcola, IL (Info: www.bluegrassmidwest.com or
217-268-4106 or 217-243-3159)
November 9-11 - 21st Annual Greater Downstate Indoor Bluegrass Music Festival and Guitar Show, Crowne Plaze
Hotel, Springfield, IL. (Info: www.bluegrassmidwest.com, Hotel res: 217-529-7777, Festival: 217-243-3159)
Michigan
June 1-3 - Midwest Banjo Camp, East Lansing, MI (Info: www.midwestbanjocamp.com, [email protected])
Minnesota
June 1-3 - Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff, El Rancho Mañana Campground, 27302 Ranch Rd, Richmond MN 56368
(Info: contact: Jed Malischke, PO Box 16408, Minneapolis MN 55416, 800-635-3037, www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org)
August 9-12 - Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival, El Rancho Mañana Campground, 27302 Ranch Rd,
Richmond MN 56368 (Info:contact: Jed Malischke, PO Box 16408, Minneapolis MN 55416, 800-635-3037, www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org)
SWBMAI Member Bands Calendar March/ April 2007
March
2-4 - Monroe Crossing, MBOTMA Winter Bluegrass Weekend Showcase, Plymouth, MN
10 - Jefferson County Bluegrass Band, 4-11pm, Mid Winter Bluegrass show at the Cuda Cafe’, Deerfield, WI
(Info: www.cudacafe.com)
Fireball Mail Music Calendar. . .
Wisconsin Schedules March/April 2007
March
10 - Cuda Café’ Mid-Winter Bluegrass Show - 5pm, Featuring: The Jefferson County Bluegrass Band (Host Band),
Brothers Ray And Paul, Prairie Smoke, Hand Picked Bluegrass, Deerfield, WI (Info: www.cudacafe.com)
16 - Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective - Blue Devil In The Woodpile out of Chicago - 7pm,
High Noon Saloon, Madison, WI (www.fourlakesmusic.org)
April
21 - Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association Jamboree - 12pm - 7pm, High Noon Saloon, Madison, WI (Info:
swbmai.org)
27 - Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective - ‘Steppin’ In It’ from Lansing Michigan, ‘The Finders’ - 7pm,
High Noon Saloon, Madison, WI (www.fourlakesmusic.org)
12
Fireball Mail/March-April 07
16 - Monroe Crossing, 7:30pm, The Grand Event with The Taggert Bros., Northfield, MN
17 - Sparetime Bluegrass, 7-9, St. Patrick’s Day, Roxbury Tavern, Roxbury, WI
18 - Sparetime Bluegrass, 4-7, Hody Bar, Middleton, WI
22 - Monroe Crossing, Above The Town, 7:30 pm, The Fondy Acoustic Celebration, Fon du Lac, WI
24 - Monroe Crossing, 7:30pm, Portage Center For The Arts, Portage, WI
25 - Monroe Crossing, time tba, Opera House of Independence, Independence, WI
31 - Liberty Bluegrass Band, MABMA Spring Festival, Mequon, WI
April
14 - Sparetime Bluegrass, 7-10pm, Tyrenena Brewery, Lake Mills, WI
15 - Sparetime Bluegrass, 4-7pm, Hody Bar, Middleton, WI
20 - Jefferson County Bluegrass Band, 7-10pm, Crossroads House Benefit, Watertown, WI
21 - SWBMAI BLUEGRASS JAMBOREE! - Above The Town, The Brothers Ray & Paul, Cream City, Jefferson County
Bluegrass Band, Liberty Bluegrass Band, ‘Round The Bend, SpareTime Bluegrass -12-7pm, The High Noon Saloon,
Madison, WI (Info: www.SWBMAI.org)
Fireball Mail/March-April 07
13
Every Monday
Dry Bean Saloon, 6:30-10:30pm, 5264 Verona Rd.,
Madison, WI (608-752-6321 or [email protected]) Host:
Doug Hodge
Newgrass Jam, 6-10pm, Bar Next Door, 222 E. Olin Ave.
Madison, WI – just off John Nolen Drive next to Jingles. (Info:
[email protected]) Host: Spencer Walts
Every Tuesday
Learner Jam at Coliseum Bar, 7-10 pm, 232 E. Olin Ave.
Madison, WI (formerly at Supreme Pizza) - Just off John Nolen
Drive. SWBMAI sponsored instruction on first Tuesday, 7:309pm by Jon Peik, $5.00 donation for Supreme requested.
Other weeks are facilitated without charge. (Info: Catherine
608-835-8117 or [email protected])
Every Wednesday
Northland Ballroom, 8-11pm, HWY 49 at CTY C, between
Rosholt & Iola, WI (715-884-6996 or 715-677-3491) Hosts:
Art & Stephanie Stevenson with Dale Reichert
Emily’s Restaurant, 8-11pm, Cedar Creek, WI. (262-6770138 or www.emilysrestaurant.com)
Every Saturday
Culvers, 1-4:30 pm Acoustic Music Jam Session, Culvers,
Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN. Free (Barb 763784-7881 or www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org)
Escape Java Joint & Gallery, 8pm – midnight, 916
Williamson St., Madison, WI (608-255-0997), Host: Stephen
Lee Rich
1st Saturday
Riley Tavern, 2pm, 8205 Klevenville-Riley Rd., Mt. Horeb, WI
(608-845-9150) Take CTH PD to CTH J between Mt. Horeb &
Verona. Host: Archie Lowman
1st Sunday
Orfordville American Legion, 12-6pm. Orfordville, WI (608897-4286) On Hwy 213 S, just south of Hwy 11. (Last jam for
the summer will be June 3, restarting in October) Host: Fritz
Jaggi
Life Spring Coffee Shop, 1-4pm, 7578 Hwy 51, Minocqua,
WI. (715-588-9498 or www.headforthedome.com) Host: Rich
Gadow
Visit www.swbmai.org
and join today!
Concerts . Jams . Newsletters
Bands . And More!
Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass
Music Association
Promoting bluegrass music in southern
Wisconsin and beyond.
14
Fireball Mail/March-April 07
Membership Renewal . . .
Call ahead just to be sure. For a great jam, bring your pickin’ pals!
March is the time for SWBMAI Membership Renewal....
2nd Saturday
R.H. Landmark Saloon, 3pm, 138 S. Main St. Jefferson, WI.
(920-563-7441) Host: John Short
Membership brings you, through Fireball Mail, timely information on the local bluegrass scene, reviews of concerts, recordings, reports and photographs of jams and other bluegrass events, in-depth articles on bluegrass personalities and history,
reports of Association business, and a directory of SWBMAI board members that helps bring us all together for playing,
listening, and good fun.
Our website makes calendars available and contact with the Association as well.
Since the Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association, Inc. is a member of the Greater Madison Convention & Visitors
Bureau, member bands have the opportunity to find performance events.
Ads in Fireball Mail are discounted for members. Membership also gives you the opportunity to promote the music not only
by attending events and playing, but also by electing Association leaders, and serving as an officer or other volunteer.
Spring Green General Store, 3-6 pm, 137 S. Albany St.,
Spring Green, WI. (608-588-7070 or www.springgreengeneralstore.com)Host: Paul Bentzen
2nd Sunday
Hazelhurst (Yawkey) Town Hall, 1-5pm, Hwy 51,
Hazelhurst, WI. (715-356-3793) Host: Keith Justice.
Milwaukee Jam-Borders Books, 2-5pm, River Point
Shopping Center, Bayside, WI. (414-961-0660) Take I-43, exit
Brown Deer Rd.
2nd & 4th Thursday
Books ‘N Brew, 7-9pm, Milton, WI.(608-868-3371)
Maureen.
SWBMAI 2007 Membership Renewal Notice
Thank you for taking time now to renew your SWBMAI membership.
All memberships are on a April 1-March 31 calendar year, i.e., memberships expire on March 31.
2nd and 4th Friday
Harmony Bar-Open jam with The StringRays, 9:30 pm,
2201 Atwood Ave. Madison, WI (608-249-4333) Host: The
StringRays.
3rd Saturday
Grove Bar & Restaurant, 1-5pm, Poplar Grove, IL, fiddler@
direcway.com) Host: Poplar Grove Jam Band.
SWBMAI 2007 Membership Form
The Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association brings together people of all ages to enjoy bluegrass
music. Through the newsletter, website, jam sessions, concerts, Jamboree, and efforts in the community,
the SWBMAI promotes this unique cultural treasure. Join us today and keep up to date on bluegrass in Wisconsin and beyond!
Roxbury Tavern, 3pm, Kippley Rd & Cty Y, Sauk City, WI
(608-643-8434, www.roxburytavern.com)
3rd Sunday
Chestnut Avenue Center for the Arts, 1-4pm, 208 S.
Chestnut Ave., Marshfield, WI. (715-676-2305 or [email protected] or [email protected] )
Hosts: Roman Stauber and Max Winkels.
Please send the completed form, along with a check made out to SWBMAI Membership, to:
Catherine Rhyner, Membership, P.O. Box 7761, Madison, WI 53707-7761
3rd Tuesday
Hartland Music, 7-9 pm, 1125 James Dr., Harland WI. off
Hwy 83, just south of Hwy 16 ([email protected])
Annual membership dues:
4th Sunday
Park View Manor, 1:30-4:30pm, Rock St., Viroqua,WI (608637-3820) Host: David Peterson. No December jam.
4th Friday
5 Star Coffee-Bluegrass jam and show, 6:30-9:30pm,
7358 W. Rawson Ave., Franklin, WI (414-529-1500 or
www.5starcoffee.com) Host: Liberty Bluegrass Band. March,
April and May, 2007 only.
Last Sunday
Tom’s Garage, 1-5pm, Appleton, WI (920-882-2183 or
www.toms-garage.com) Host: The Acoustic Buffalo
No Jams from April 30 through September.
Last Monday
Fellowship Hall of United Methodist Church-Acoustic
Music Jam Session, 7-10 pm, 4405 Oakland Ave. S,
Minneapolis, MN, Free, (Roy 612-822-1926 or www.
MinnesotaBluegrass.org)
Individual/$20;
Family/$28;
Senior/$12;
Band/$100
(circle one)
*All memberships expire on March 31, 2007 (The above fees will renew your membership through March 2008.)
If you join during the period July thru March, dues are pro-rated.
Please contact Catherine Rhyner for details at 608.835.8117 or [email protected]
COPY OR CUT OUT AND MAIL BACK
Lots of Jams . . . Jan-Feb 2007
Name (please print):________________________________________________________________________________
Address:__________________________________________________________________________________________
City:__________________________________________________________State:_______________________________
Zip:_________________Phone:___________________________ Email:_______________________________________
Bluegrass instrument(s) played:_______________________Band affiliation: ________________________ Thank you!
Fireball Mail/March-April 07
15