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
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