Course Description: Students will gain the skills and confidence to take their Bluegrass Music to the next level.

Prerequisites: " A Bluegrass instrument, i.e. banjo, fiddle, acoustic guitar, bass, mandolin,dobro " Picks, capo, tuner and strap for your instrument " Basic knowledge of the instrument i.e. G, C, and D chords " Ability to string, tune, and maintain your instrument is a plus

Instructor: Bill Thibodeau, sundownmgt@hotmail.com

Dates: March 6th to May 8th Schedule: Every Saturday from 11-Noon AT Rocky Knoll Golf Club

Materials: Bluegrass CDs and Booklets with chords, words, charts, and tab for 20 bluegrass songs. (Available through instructor for $10)

Course objectives: " Students will learn the role of each Instrument in a Bluegrass Band. " Students will explore lead and vocal harmonies in basic Bluegrass songs. " Students will learn about rhythm, timing and speed. " Students will practice jamming etiquette and understand solos within a jam setting. " Students will explore the importance of band dynamics " Students will perform in a recital at week ten.

Instructional Methods: " Demonstration " Lecture " Audio CD/DVD " Hands on " Interactive discussion

Week one: 1. Introductions A. Sign in and say Hello B. Welcome Jam 2. Initial short Lecture on Bluegrass Music A. What is bluegrass music? B. Instruments and their roles 3. Go through all the charts A. Learn how to read the charts and tab B. Choose 1st song to learn

Week two: 1. Start arranging song 1 A. Decide on speed, and rhythm B. Who plays solos and when 2. Complete song 1 A. Complete the arrangement and practice B. Choose song 2

Week three: 1. Work on song 2 A. Review song 1 B. Decide on speed and rhythm C. Who plays solos and when 2. Jam A. Go over basic jamming guidelines B. Have some fun practicing your new skills

Greg & Sandy Cormier Blistered Fingers 207-873-6539 www.blisteredfingers.com www.myspace.com/blisteredf www.youtube.com/blistf

Sorry and Thanks!!

Dont forget the March 6th show at the Sportsmans Club in Litchfield, ME!

Greg & Sandy Cormier Blistered Fingers 207-873-6539 www.blisteredfingers.com www.myspace.com/blisteredf www.youtube.com/blistf

Almost forgot to get our membership renewed.

Just a little note - Back when we first started getting involved with bluegrass, the Detroit Festival was the first one we had brought Craig and a bunch of the other kids to.

Say "hi" to Bubba for us.

Love, Neal & Theresa Pottle

His son, Dwight McCall, plays mandolin for JD Crowe and the New South.

Jim was diagnosed with cancer just this past Sunday.

Great Bronzewound show lined up for this Thursday, if I say so myself.

1 - Interview with Eric Gibson, plus lots of his music. 2 - Lots of tracks from the bands that will be appearing at the Joe Val Festival. http://www.bbu.org/jvhome.htm 3 - Tracks from some of the members of the Clinch Mountain Boys who were at the Strand Theatre on January 24th. 4 - Plus as always numerous tracks from new albums that have recently come into WERU.

I hope you will be able to join me on Thursday evening from 8PM to 10PM.

If you send me an email during the show, you'll be entered into a drawing for CD, that I'll do at the end of the show. Be sure to include your snail mail address.

See you on the radio...on Thursday.

Darwin

Darwin Davidson "Bronzewound" Bluegrass, Thursday, 8-10 PM WERU-FM 89.9 Blue Hill, Maine Now webcasting at www.weru.org e-mail:

Played guitar, mandolin and 5st. banjo in one of the first assembled Bluegrass Bands in the state and on WPOR radio in Portland during the 1940s.

He was in Al Hawkes Cumberland Ridge Runners band on WIDE in Biddeford. Continued to perform until his hand was injured in the 1960s.

In 2008 was recognized as one of the 1st generation Bluegrass Pioneers by IBMM in Kentucky.

He was inducted into the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame last year.

She still has some trying times ahead of her. If you know Lynn, please call her and offer her your support.

Her telephone number is 238-9988 cel 649-2544. E-Mail claralynn129@yahoo.com Their address is 10 Chapman Lane Fairfield, Me. 04937.

Thanks Glenn Bowman

The guitar is a real nice boomer which Dale and I have played on and off stage on several occasions. It has been professionally set up by Patkus guitars and is ready to play.

Only asking $1200.00. You can reach him at rebelray@fairpoint.net .

Kip Hemingway Hemingway Brothers Bluegrass Band Harrison, Maine

I also want to wish Blistered Fingers all the best at their new festival location in Litchfield.

Sincerely, Bob Fletcher

Sandy, please convey our most sincere condolences to Craigs family and friends. What a heartbreaking, tragic loss. My heart goes out to his parents.

Gabrielle Gray International Bluegrass Music Museum

Thank you Andy! A collage of the performance can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watchv=YXGpe8Ej_t0&feature=PlayList&p=480F0EEFBB67B1CD&index=0

See a beautiful picture of him on The Blistered Fingers stage taken by Donna Sanborn on the home page of BMAM.

A terrible loss to the Bluegrass & Pottle family.

Craig was one of the youngsters that went to all the festivals & jams along with his cousins. We'll miss seeing him at the festivals and watching him grow.

Please keep them all in your prayers especially during this time of the year.

More Info to come.

Sandy Cormier Blistered Fingers www.blisteredfingers.com www.myspace.com/blisteredf www.youtube.com/blistf

We are setting the stage and opening the barn from 6:00 till 1:00. Bring your instrument and a dish to share and well ring in the New Year with an openstage Bluegrass jam.

This is a no fee event in our heated decorated barn and if we all share in bringing the food as we would for a pot luck, we can all have a great time in these rough times and plan for a great bluegrass season to come. Hope to see youi. Russ and Sue

The Mountaineers were started in 1975 and next year marks the 35th year of the groups existence. We have won this award now in all three of Maine's country music clubs.I graciously accept the award for the current members of the band as well as all those who have been a Mountaineer over the years

Wilf Clark

On a somber note one of our valued fans of the Jamboree Larry Cookson of Dexter passed away on his way home from the show..Although the road conditions were extremely bad it was decided he had a massive heart attack that caused this sad event. I hope that we put a smile on his face at the scramble before he started his final journey.Say a prayer for his family.

Be sure to start the new year with Ken and Jane Brooks and guests a "the mother church of old time country and bluegrass" The Ole Tyme Jamboree at the St Albans town hall on Jan . 9th. Once again thank you all Wilf Clark

Thanks,

Kevin Fallen CEC Chef/Owner Personal Touch Catering kevinptc@roadrunner.com 207-642-2148

We play at 5:00 p.m., the Christmas parade starts at 6, and then we'll play more after the parade.

Hope to see you there!

Thanks, Karen

If you you find yourself "Downeast" or "got a mind to ramble" and want to get to hear some hot traditional Bluegrass music, The Katahdin Valley Boys are playing tonight at The Last Friday Coffeehouse, 472 Main Street, Winter Harbor, Maine.

Doors open at 6:30 and the show starts at 7:30. Great desserts are available (in case that pumpkin pie just didn't turn out so good yesterday)! Suggested donation is $12.

FMI, please call (area code 207) 963-7670 or 963-2569 or on the web at: http://www.schoodicartsforall.org/events/lastfridaycoffeehouse

Happy Black Friday shopping and hope to see you tonight!

Best from The Katahdin Valley Boys

The long awaiting line-up is now ready for the Blistered Fingers 2010 Bluegrass festivals. Check it out on our website: www.blisteredfingers.com

Tickets are available now also for those of you who like to get them early or as gifts for the Holidays.

We have some very exciting news for those of you who have been asking. We will be opening the gate on Monday at 8:00 AM at each festival instead of Tuesday. The early bird camping prices will be the same just $10 per day per camper, not per person for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and your weekend tickets will be from Thursday until Monday morning at 10:00 AM. Electricity will still be available for $20 for your Entire stay. Not per day! What a deal! The Electrical is Not sold in advance, its first come basis, and they are Not Reserved. Directions for the new location are available from all points to the festival on the website.

We are so excited about our new location. The brand new stage is being completed now and you can see pictures of it and the layout of the new grounds also on the website. Make sure to check it often to see the new updates. The grounds are Bigger and much Better then what we had. The folks that we rent the grounds from are so friendly and are as excited as we are. Weve searched several different venues for that home feeling and weve got it. Also we have more FREE Hot showers and indoor bathhouses. The Fairgrounds will be offering Bingo, their Museum will be opened for a couple of days during the festival and they will be serving Home cooked meals. The whole thing is just AWESOME and Exciting. Dont forget to mark your calendars for June 17-20 and August 26-29, 2010.

We cant wait to see you there!!!! A Great big Thank You from the bottom of our hearts for all the love and support you have given us throughout the years. We couldnt have done it without you.

Happy Holidays dear friends. We hope to see you this coming June and August at the Blistered Fingers 2010 Bluegrass Festivals at the Litchfield Fairgrounds!

Your Bluegrass Friends, Greg & Sandy Cormier Blistered Fingers 207-873-6539 www.blisteredfingers.com www.myspace.com/blisteredf www.youtube.com/blistf

Working Bluegrass Band in Bangor area seeks bass player. Serious band seeking a serious musician. Must be willing to travel. (207)974-7303.

Thanks so much!

-Ben

Ben Aldridge Saxophone/Music Theory/Jazz Improv Main St. Music Studios www.mainstreetmusicstudios.com benaldridge@mainstreetmusicstudios.com (207)974-7336

The long awaiting line-up is now ready for the Blistered Fingers 2010 Bluegrass festivals. Check it out on our website: www.blisteredfingers.com

Tickets are available now also for those of you who like to get them early or as gifts for the Holidays.

We have some very exciting news for those of you who have been asking. We will be opening the gate on Monday at 8:00 AM at each festival instead of Tuesday. The early bird camping prices will be the same just $10 per day per camper, not per person for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and your weekend tickets will be from Thursday until Monday morning at 10:00 AM. Electricity will still be available for $20 for your Entire stay. Not per day! What a deal! The Electrical is Not sold in advance, its first come basis, and they are Not Reserved. Directions for the new location are available from all points to the festival on the website.

We are so excited about our new location. The brand new stage is being completed now and you can see pictures of it and the layout of the new grounds also on the website. Make sure to check it often to see the new updates. The grounds are Bigger and much Better then what we had. The folks that we rent the grounds from are so friendly and are as excited as we are. Weve searched several different venues for that home feeling and weve got it. Also we have more FREE Hot showers and indoor bathhouses. The Fairgrounds will be offering Bingo, their Museum will be opened for a couple of days during the festival and they will be serving Home cooked meals. The whole thing is just AWESOME and Exciting. Dont forget to mark your calendars for June 17-20 and August 26-29, 2010.

We cant wait to see you there!!!! A Great big Thank You from the bottom of our hearts for all the love and support you have given us throughout the years. We couldnt have done it without you.

Happy Holidays dear friends. We hope to see you this coming June and August at the Blistered Fingers 2010 Bluegrass Festivals at the Litchfield Fairgrounds!

Your Bluegrass Friends, Greg & Sandy Cormier Blistered Fingers 207-873-6539 www.blisteredfingers.com www.myspace.com/blisteredf www.youtube.com/blistf

Love, Greg & Sandy Cormier Blistered Fingers www.blisteredfingers.com www.myspace.com/blisteredf www.youtube.com/blistf

-----Original Message----- From: Donna Wyman [mailto:rdwyman@peoplepc.com] Sent: Friday, November 06, 2009 6:41 AM To: rowdyacresvt@yahoo.com; blist-f@adelphia.net Subject: Thoughts & Prayers needed

Hi Folks: Please help me inform Our Bluegrass family of the need for thoughts and prayers for Dudley Berry. Dudley was hospitalized for his back pain in Rutland. His very alert Doctor noted a droop in his left eye and left side of face. An MRI reviled he had 3 lesions on his brain. He was immediatly moved to Vt. Medical Ctr. in Burlington. With further testing it was found that the lesions were very small and deep. After consultatin with DRs. in New York and Boston it was agreed that a biopsy was not possible at this time. After several weeks stay at hospitals Dudley came home around October 28th. He continued to be very weak and unable to eat much due to the paralysis to the left side of his face. The decision was made yesterday November 5th to take him to Hanover. The unknown is a very scary situation. Dudley is very discouraged and Linda tired. Your thoughts, Prayers and cards of encouragement would mean a lot. Address -- 91 Charberry Road; Brandon Vermont 05733. Thank you for your helping me get this information out. With your help I will keep you all updated when I know more. Donna Wyman; Basin Bluegrass.

Go to the Blistered Fingers web site, www.blisteredfingers.com , and go to the New Location link on the left of the Home Page! You will see lots of pictures, that we will keep adding and some maps of the new grounds also. Lots of work is being done on the new stage and lots of new electrical is being added and upgraded. A Hugh Thank You to All that are helping build the new stage and also to our Bluegrass friends Roxy & Eleanor Perry for the donation of some lumber. We truly appreciate it. Also Thanks to all Litchfield Farmers Club, Inc. & everyone else weve been involved with for making us feel so Welcome!!

Greg & Sandy Cormier Blistered Fingers 207-873-6539 www.blisteredfingers.com www.myspace.com/blisteredf www.youtube.com/blistf

The Virginia Commission for the Arts provides support for school/artist collaborations that foster increased quality arts experiences for children in Virginia schools. The Artist Roster includes architecture/design, crafts, dance, film/video, folk arts, music, poetry/fiction, theatre, and visual art. Artists must demonstrate extensive experience in their field(s) and a strong commitment to working in the schools.

Thank all of you for your love and support... m&d

We pick! Therefore, We grin! ~ Martha & Don www.meandmartha.com

A riveting ambassador for classically styled, full-throttle bluegrass, Audie Blaylock first broke into the music as a member of bluegrass giant Jimmy Martins band The Sunny Mountain Boys. Audie Blaylock and Redline proudly carries forth Martins vision of soulful yet propulsive music, lead by Blaylocks furious guitar playing and sincere, heartfelt vocals. Already a fan favorite, Blaylock has become a beloved figure in bluegrass thanks to high-profile stints as a guitarist and lead and harmony vocalist with such acclaimed bands as Rhonda Vincent and the Rage and Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper. Produced by noted bluegrass/Americana visionary Carl Jackson, the bands self-titled debut album also features Patrick McAvinue (fiddle), Evan Ward (banjo), and Matt Wallace (bass), and was recently described by Bluegrass Unlimited as combining "the powerful chops of youth and a confident maturity of purpose." www.audieblaylock.com

Have a look at the BBU's Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Boston-Bluegrass-Union/151162987074 Take a look and become a BBU Friend.

We've posted some video and audio links worth having a look at. If you don't want to go that far, give the following a try

Audie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p114qPQei2w

The Legends http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vk47_UBT64

And just for fun, here's a clip of Frank Wakefield playing New Camptown Races with Peter Rowan, Tony Rice, Ronnie Simpkins and Mike Bub. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bK4UUM6bek

Hope to see y'all next Saturday night,

Gerry

The doctor will do a catscan in June to see where the cancer has progressed to in his body. Until then, we will just pray.

If anyone wants to come by and visit you are more than welcome as Bubba loves company, especially those that come and play music.

It doesn't look at this time there will be any more festivals unless things change drastically.

Thank you everyone from both Bubba and myself for all your prayers and kind words.

We love you all!!!

Jean (Mrs. Bubba)

It will be a time for folks to meet Nicco, Ethans new Peanut Detection Dog, that so many people have helped us to obtain. There are still several expenses that they were not aware of, and need to be purchased, to get this dog off to the right start. So, we are having a Spaghetti supper, cake walk and silent auction topped off with Live Bluegrass music playing while people eat. During the cake walk, we will do this with live bluegrass music. How much fun will that be? We will also be drawing for the 2 cords of hard firewood and that is delivered, a Kentucky Mandolin and an afghan.

Soooooo, shine up those instruments and bring your appetite, you can sing for your supper. So come join the fun. We want this to be a night to remember. We are hoping for one big jam. :-)

It will be at the Boofy Quimby Hall on Rt. 219 in North Turner. The street address is 96 Howes Corner Rd. No. Turner, Me. The Doors open at 4:00pm Until the fun is over.

For more info call Carolyn Viger @ 225-2923 or Diane Rines @ 946-5479. Hope to see you there....

Everyone, please some out and support your organization!

Meanwhile... if you're in Maine during the month of October and want to catch our pump(kin)ed-up shows, join us at any/all of the following:

Wednesday, October 14th ~ 5:30 PM ~ Rape Response Services Annual Fall Auction, Awards Night & Benefit Concert Spectacular Event Center ~ 395 Griffin Road, Bangor ~ Doors open at 5 PM Cost: $20/person; $175/table for 10 (save $2.50/person - whoot!) Join AMM&RT in support of the Penquis RRS program, as we make the (No-Longer-Silent) Auction a â¬"grass-kickinâ¬" good time! Advance tkts available: for reservations call Catherine Hamel at 973-3633, or contact Rape Response Services at www.rrsonline.org. Ticket includes delicious appetizers, entertainment, and access to fantastic Silent and Live Auction items ~ CA$H bar. 20% of profits from AMM&RT CD sales will be donated to the Benefit, and our trio of ladies will be "playing Vanna" at the Live Auction. Donâ¬"t miss this great event!!

Saturday, October 17th ~ 7:00 PM ~ Hospice Volunteers of the Waterville Area Annual "Bluegrass Benefit" Concert Williamson Arts and Technology Center/Lawrence High School, Fairfield ~ Doors open at 6 PM Advance tickets $10.00 ~ $12.00 at the door ~ Children under 12 FREE! This fantastic annual event features THREE of Maine's top bluegrass bands... The Muellers, Blistered Fingers, and Anna Mae Mitchell and Rising Tide! Proceeds help provide FREE end-of-life and grief support services to people of all ages in Central Maine. To purchase tickets online visit: http://www.hvwa.org/special-events.shtml. Fore more info call (207) 873-3615!

Friday, October 30th & Saturday, October 31st ~ 8:00 PM ~ AMM&RT presents "BooGrass!" at NGT Next Generation Theatre ~ 39 Center Street, Brewer ~ Doors open at 7:30 PM Guarantee seating w/ADVANCE TKTS: $10/adults; $8/Seniors, Students, Military w/ID; Free/Kids 12-under! AMM&RT presents "BooGrass!" -- TWO nights of Halloween fun, including costume contests and prizes, special food & (adult) beverages from NGT Cafe, and bonechilling bluegrass music! Weâ¬"re collecting COATS FOR KIDS, so empty your closets of outgrown outerwear and help your friends & neighbors by bringing them to the show! TKTS available at NGT (989-7100) and from AMM&RT (356-5166) ~ CA$H or CHECK only!

These will be our FINAL SHOWS for 2009, so don't miss out on "bluegrass so good... it's SCARY!" ('.')

HAPPY AUTUMN... from the most hard-workin', foliage-and-'grass-kickin' bluegrass band in Maine!! AMM&RT Anna Mae, Kadee, Nan, BT, Richard and Steven

Visit us for all the latest at: www.ammrisingtide.com

Even though Bluegrass Gospel music is my passion I am open to any form of music. Wanting to join or form a small band and get back into circulation. Please feel free to contact me at wsmith@powerpay.biz.

Wayne Smith | Technical Support Representative 280 Fore Street | STE 301 | Portland, ME 04101 t: 207-228-6000, Option 4 | tf: 888-888-4009, Option 4 | f: 877-292-3504 wsmith@powerpay.biz | www.powerpay.biz

Lori Lyn & New Outlook (Ohio) Silver Dagger (North Carolina) Anna Mae Mitchell & Rising Tide (Maine) * Host Band Lauren Moses (Tennessee) The Toy Hearts (United Kingdom)

These up-and-coming, unsigned artists represent a wide array of vocal & instrumental styles and dynamics, which you won't want to miss!

For more info, contact the BMAM Showcase Representative and AMM&RT Booking Agent, Kadee Reynolds, at (207) 356-5166 or via this e-mail address.

Our best in bluegrass,

Kadee Reynolds BMAM Showcase/AMM&RT Booking risingtidemusic@yahoo.com (207) 356-5166 www.ammrisingtide.com

P.S. Check out Anna Mae Mitchell & Rising Tide this Saturday, September 26th, 5:15 PM, as special guests of The Kruger Brothers at the Carolina in the Fall Festival in Wilkesboro, NC!

Keep checking the web site many updates and more info!

There will still be two each summer on the same weekends. > June 17th - 20th & August 26th - 29th, 2010!

Right now the Litchfield Fairgrounds & Blistered Fingers have joined forces in building a new stage in a new area on the grounds! Both organizations are looking for donations of cement pads, lumber, 4-windows, 2-doors, metal roofing, labor and yes even funds to get this building up ASAP before winter!

Hundreds of new photos were added 9/19/09 to the August 2008, June 2009 & August 2009 Festival Photos Pages!! Many of you are in these pictures! Please check them out!!

Thanks to all that attended and made both our 2009 Blistered Fingers Bluegrass Festivals our largest we ever had!! >

Lori Lyn & New Outlook (Ohio) Silver Dagger (North Carolina) Anna Mae Mitchell & Rising Tide (Maine) * Host Band Lauren Moses (Tennessee) The Toy Hearts (United Kingdom)

These up-and-coming, unsigned artists represent a wide array of vocal & instrumental styles and dynamics, which you won't want to miss!

For more info, contact the BMAM Showcase Representative and AMM&RT Booking Agent, Kadee Reynolds, at (207) 356-5166 or via this e-mail address.

Our best in bluegrass,

Kadee Reynolds BMAM Showcase/AMM&RT Booking risingtidemusic@yahoo.com (207) 356-5166 www.ammrisingtide.com

P.S. Check out Anna Mae Mitchell & Rising Tide this Saturday, September 26th, 5:15 PM, as special guests of The Kruger Brothers at the Carolina in the Fall Festival in Wilkesboro, NC!

A couple of years ago I "sort of discovered" No Speed Limit in Galax, Virginia. They already had strong ties to the National Council For The Traditional Arts and had been booked to play the National Folk Festival in Bangor, Maine and other places that the NCTA has started festivals.

They came to IBMA that year, I showcased them in various locations and they got booked for a number of festivals including the Joe Val Bluegrass Festival and played at the Rounder Records offices while in Massachusetts. They were very active for a while and then took a break from performing as a band.

Now Amber Collins and Stevie Barr have re-energized the group. Amber Collins is an adorable and strong lead singer. Stevie Barr is a very accomplished, high energy banjo player. Josh Pickett, Merlefest International Guitar Champion, is handling the guitar as wonderfully as always...and is also a strong songwriter. They are now joined by Duane Compton on mandolin and Dustin Pyrtle (nephew of Lou Reid) on bass. The band promises a lot of hard-driving bluegrass and some great duets with Amber and Dustin.

They very recently decided to come to IBMA WOB this year, and because I have always felt so strongly about what Stevie Barr wanted to accomplish with No Speed Limit, I've arranged for a "private showcase" for them. This is a "by invitation only" set that they will do on Wednesday, September 30th at 7:30 PM. It will be in the Nashville Convention Center, Level 1, Room 104.

By scheduling it at 7:30 PM there is no conflict with any official IBMA events. Both the Exhibit Hall closes and the Seminars end at 6:30 PM. This will give you time to have dinner, then come and see No Speed Limit for 30-45 minutes, and still make it to the official IBMA Artist Showcases which start at 8:30 PM. Let me know if you need "special" passes to get in to the showcase area.

So...you have been officially invited!! I hope you will take the opportunity to hear this exciting new lineup of No Speed Limit. I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, September 30th at 7:30 PM.

PS No Speed Limit will also do a set at the Bluegrass Inn, 418 Broadway, on Wednesday, September 30th, at 2:20 PM.

Darwin Davidson "Bronzewound" Bluegrass, Thursday, 8-10 PM WERU-FM, 89.9 Blue Hill, Maine Now webcasting at www.weru.org e-mail:

For great Bluegrass musician photographs see www.darwindavidson.com www.bluegrassphotos.com

The SCHEDULE for this weekend's Paul Bunyan Bluegrass Music Festival has changed SLIGHTLY... so, if you're trying to catch AMM&RT on the Main Stage, aim for 6:00 PM on Saturday and 11:20 AM on Sunday! Single night and day tickets are available, but the BEST DEAL is the weekend pass -- just $40 at the gate.

We're proud to be the Official PBBgMF Host Band for 2009, so you can catch us throughout the weekend, hosting Saturday workshops, after-hours jam sessions, and joining the fantastic folks from Weliwoni Ranch & My Son's Place (Festival beneficiaries) for some lessons re: the history of Bluegrass.

NEXT... ONE MORE DATE for SEPTEMBER:

"OPA!!" GREEK MEETS 'GRASS next Saturday, Sept. 19th, 7-11 PM at the "BIG, FAT, GREEK DANCE!" St. George's Greek Orthodox Church will hold its annual benefit at the beautiful Wellman's Commons Event Center (300 Union St - part of the old Bangor Theological Seminary), including not only two sets of foot-stompin' bluegrass by yours truly, but a set of Greek line-dancing in between -- crazy fun! Add to that delicious Greek fare, beer, wine, and Ouzo, and you can expect a high-energy party! Advance tkts available for $25; $30 at the door. Check our website for more details!

That's all for now ~ hope you're packin' for Paul Bunyan!!

AMM&RT

Please pass the word ..Greg and Sandy Cormier announced this weekend that they have decided to move the location of their festivals to the Litchfield Fairgrounds in Litchfield Maine. In order to continue to provide class acts and give their loyal fans a more stable camping experience they will be moving their in 2010 for both the June and August Festivals..Look for further updates and check out their web site at Blistered Fingers.com or email them at blist-f@blisteredfingers.com. The announcement was well received by the thousands in attendance this weekend ..Please pass this information on to everyone you know...Help support them and the bands in keeping TRADITIONAL BLUEGRASS alive!

Thank You Wilf Clark of the Misty Mountaineers

As you might or might not know, I have been off the road for most of the year so far getting some needed Body work done and I still have some more to do but I thank GOD things are going well. Anyway, since I knew in advance I needed a rest and was going to do this last year, I canceled a number of events that we were going to play before the promoters had any time or advertising expense into the venue. I also knew it was not fair to ask the band to sit around being idle and waiting for me to get ready to get back out there so we went separate way's after playing the SPBGMA event in Nashville last February.

They were some great pickers and certainly great friends, but after the miles we traveled the last 8 years we all needed a rest.

Now after some rest and surgery, I am blessed to be back with some new band members and they are so exciting to pick and sing with. Two of them are original members of Cedar Hill, Ferrell Stowe & Jimmy Bunch. What a hoot it is to be back playing with those guys. Another is from the former Rounder Records Recording Artist "Open Road". They were a great traditional group largely due to the voice of Bradford Lee Folk who is also now with Cedar Hill. I am excited to show off another great Singer and Picker, Britt McGarrity who we dug out from deep in the heart of the Arkansas Ozark Mountains, you'll love him. And finally we have a young man I have known for years on fiddle, Mark Vaccaro. Mark has put in his time on several of the Ozark Country Music shows and on the road with Grand Ole Opry great Ray Price.

As much as I miss my former Cedar Hill bandmates, playing in this group is so very exiting to me. I suppose something new and fresh is always exciting. We have played two shows and the crowd was extremely kind to us. So now we are very much looking forward to playing again and debuting our new members in Nashville's Historic Bluegrass Spot, "THE STATION INN" on Thursday evening July 9. I would truly be honored for you to come out and help us have fun and even more than that, I am so much looking forward to seeing and visiting with many of you I haven't seen in awhile.

I probably don't have to mention that July 9 is one of the most historic dates in Bluegrass music. It is the date Bill Monroe's famous F-5 mandolin was signed and dated by Lloyd Loar. I'll be playing mine, bring yours out and let's talk shop.

Thank's for listening Friends and I sure hope to see you at the Inn July 9.

LORD BLESS my Friend, yer pal Frank Ray www.cedarhillbluegrass.com

Bill Harrell 938 St. George Barber Road Davidsonville, MD 21035

Please pass this along to the Bluegrass community...

First - the 'Rising Tide' gang sends out huge, bluegrass-lovin' THANKS to everyone who joined us for our "Bluegrass & Bubbly" cd release concert and party on May 30th at the Bangor Opera House. We were overwhelmed by the sponsorship and support of family, friends, and local businesses, and encourage you to help us say "thank you" by visiting:

Winterport Winery & Penobscot Bay Brewery (Rt 1A, Winterport) Snowman Printing & Presort Express (Printer's Drive, Hermon) The Maine Edge - www.themaineedge.com Northwoods Sporting Journal - www.sportingjournal.com Author Bob Leeman - "Fly Fishing Maine... Rivers, Brooks, and Streams" Next Generation Theatre (Brewer) T.G. Higgins Business Services (Winterport) Aldridge-Winterport Music Publishing (Winterport & Bangor) Maine Street Music Studios (Bangor) Linda Stevenson Photography (Gardiner) Gateway Music Festival (Trenton) - www.thegatewaymusicfestival.com - August 16th Paul Bunyan Bluegrass Music Festival (Bangor) - Sept 11th-13th

"B&B" was a whirlwind event for us and nearly 200 friends ~ full of energy and excitement ~ we hope you all enjoyed the show and the after-party, 'cause we sure did! If you didn't make it, you can still request an autographed copy of our CD by mailing an order form (from our website), or by grabbing a copy at Main Street Music Studios, Knapp's Music Center, Grasshopper Shop (Bangor), or Between Friends (Brewer) and bringing it to our next show for signatures.

Meanwhile, we just returned from a wonderful and heart-warming tribute to bluegrass legend Sam Tidwell (BT's dad) in CT ~ such an honor to play a part in. This week we kick off the Blistered Fingers Bluegrass Festival in Sidney, ME... Thursday night - June 18th, 5 PM... a spot we were selected for at last year's BFBF Open Stage event. For those who can make it, tickets for the Thursday night shows are just $10 ~ check the BFBF website for more info and directions: www.blisteredfingers.com.

That'll be the only chance to see AMM&RT "live" until the Grand Lake Stream Folk Art Festival (7/25-26), since Anna Mae & Ben are taking a "wedding & honeymoon hiatus" for most of July ~ congrats, you crazy kids!

Starting with GLSFAF, we'll be kickin' 'grass like crazy through the end of 2009! Keep up-to-date with the latest schedule at our fantastic, new website (same ol' address), lovingly created by our very own NanoBass: www.ammrisingtide.com.

One final note... we know times are tough, but if you love what we do and want to help us do it for the bluegrass bigwigs in Nashville this fall, we're seeking support for our 2010 trip to the IBMA Convention. As with all things AMM&RT, you can find more info under the "Contact Us" portion of our website. Even if your pockets are empty, we sure do appreciate your best wishes, heartfelt prayers, and ~ our favorite sign of support ~ seeing you face-to-face at our shows!

'Til next time... our very best in bluegrass,

AMM&RT

Al was surprised and honored to learn that he is featured on the cover

of the June issue of News4U entertainment magazine in Owensboro, Kentucky.

The inside featured story is from a long interview over the telepone

by writer Dylan Gibbs about Als scheduled appearance and performance

at the ROMP bluegrass festival in Owensboro and

Yellow Creek Park, June 24, 25, 26 and 27 and how much I enjoyed it last year.

The cover has a photo of Al with his Red hat and a shadow photo of Als hero

Bill Monroe in the background. The whole story will be on Als website later, on the

STORIES page. www.alhawkes.com

If you would like to mail him a card, you can send it to: Bob Fletcher - P. O. Box 285 - Hartland, ME 04943

Robert 'Bob' Carter, 65, of Waterboro, died from complications of surgery at Maine Medical Center on Sunday, May 17, 2009.

Bob was born in Walpole, Mass., and adopted by his loving parents, Waldo and Evelyn (Wenz) Carter and was raised on the family homestead on Mirror Lake in Newfield. Bob graduated from Sanford High School and worked in the construction field with his own truck. Being self employed gave him the time and opportunity to follow his heart and play music with several bands in the area.

Blue Grass music became his signature venue and he could sit in with friends who had 'pickin parties.' It was at one of those parties that he met the love of his life, Marion Russell. Together they traveled in their motor home and attended several Blue Grass Festivals; Blistered Fingers in Sidney, where Bob was the MC for the program. He played often with the White Mt. Bluegrass group when they played at The Roost in Buxton for many years. Through-out his illnesses, Bob never complained and remained good natured.

He is survived by his faithful companion of 16 years, Marion Russell of Waterboro; and many friends who became his family as he and Marion traveled throughout New England.

A musical celebration will be held at The Roost, 62 Chickapee Rd., in Buxton, on Sunday, June 7, 2009, at 1 p.m. Please bring your stories, memories, musical instruments and a food dish to share for a pot luck supper.

To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.autumngreenfuneralhome.com. The Autumn Green Funeral Home, 47 Oak St. in Alfred is respectfully handling arrangements. Donations may be made in Bob's memory to: Marion Russell 148 West Rd. Waterboro, Maine 04087

Candi Sawyer

ANNA MAE MITCHELL & RISING TIDE PRESENTS BLUEGRASS & BUBBLY LIVE CONCERT AND CELEBRATION OF DEBUT ALBUM RELEASE: SATURDAY, MAY 30TH, 7 PM, BANGOR OPERA HOUSE

Anna Mae Mitchell & Rising Tide invites the public to Bluegrass & Bubbly, celebrating the national release of their debut, original bluegrass album, Driving Through A Ghost Town, on Saturday, May 30th, 7 p.m. at the Bangor Opera House, home of Penobscot Theatre. Join AMM&RT for a two-set concert, surprise giveaways, and a dessert and bubbly reception with the band. Tickets and advance cd orders are available exclusively at the Penobscot Theatre Box Office (942-3333) and website www.penobscottheatre.org. Anna Mae Mitchell & Rising Tide has leapt whole-heartedly into the acoustic music scene, from New England to Nashville, including a trip to the 2008 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Convention, with a return trip planned for fall 2009. Based out of Winterport, Maine, and drawing upon vast & varied musical experiences and influences, AMM&RT produces a sound that is refreshingly unique -- described as bluegrass ~ with a shot of estrogen! The Maine Edge Anna Maes effervescent lead vocals are backed by strong and polished two- and three- part female harmonies and solid, creative, bluegrass-style instrumentation. With a repertoire rooted in bluegrass, folk, and gospel music, Anna Mae Mitchell & Rising Tide brings audiences fresh arrangements of traditional tunes, and engaging originals by up-and-coming songwriters from the mid-west to Maine, including most of the six band members. Their debut single, Lichen Covered Stone, written by Steven Peterson and Nancy Merrill, premiered nationally on May 15th through Prime Cuts of Bluegrass to over 300 radio stations. Band members include Anna Mae Mitchell (lead vocals & guitar), Kadee Reynolds (harmony vocals & percussion), Nancy Merrill (bass fiddle & harmony vocals), Richard Silver (mandolin & guitar), Steven Peterson (banjo), and Bill B.T. Thibodeau (guitar, mandolin & fiddle). To look at the wide-eyed brunette with the innocent face, you could never imagine the commanding voice and guitar work this woman offers... this young woman is in control... you can only marvel at the intensity she has created. Bangor Daily News For more information regarding Anna Mae Mitchell & Rising Tide or Bluegrass & Bubbly, visit www.ammrisingtide.com or call Kadee Reynolds (207-356-5166).

From reviewing your website, we think a recent episode of Tapestry of Times, a new weekly radio program and podcast form WYPR public radio in Baltimore that explores the Smithsonian Folkways collection, would be of interest to your users. The episode, entitled Ola Belle Reed: An Enduring Legacy (http://www.tapestryofthetimes.org/shows/archive/episode_27.php) is online now and takes an in-depth look into the life and legacy of Ola Belle Reed, the influential singer/songwriter/instrumentalist, with testimonials, interviews, and original on-site recordings. Its a must-listen for any fans of Ola Belle Reed, bluegrass, and old-time music, or compelling storytelling in general. The show is available for free stream or download, via the podcast.

Listen to the podcast: (http://www.tapestryofthetimes.org/shows/archive/episode_27.php)

Watch the video: (http://shanecarpenter.com/ola/ola.html)

See Ola Belle Reeds Albums at Smithsonian Folkways (still in print!): (http://www.folkways.si.edu/searchresults.aspx?sPhrase=ola%20belle%20reed&sType='phrase')

Hi Glen!

I cant believe how long its been since Ive seen or connected with you/Holly. I hope that all is well. Things are going ok here & lots of things are the same & work, music, etc. I did run into Dennis a few weeks ago and it was great to catch up with him a bit. I really do miss everyone.

On a different note, Im wondering if you can help me out by forwarding the following request/information to anyone you think may be able to help out: The community orchestra I play with is playing a piece (Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin) that includes a banjo part! Were looking for someone who plays banjo and can read music who would be willing/able to join us for our performances in May. There will be a rehearsal on Wednesday, May 13th in Lewiston at 7:00, and then concerts on Saturday evening (5/16 in Lewiston ) and Sunday afternoon (5/17 in Topsham). If someone is able/interested to help out it would be great to hear from him/her. They can contact me by email or phone, or connect directly with the Orchestra Manager who is John Teller (johnt36@verizon.net).

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Good Bluegrass Friend Bob Place.

Bob died of lung cancer. He was a great guy and always walking around at all times of the day or night without a shirt on at the festivals. A lot of folks called him no shirt Bob. He was 70 yrs old and is survived by his lovely wife Peggy Place and their children.

Anyone wanting to send a card to Peggy the info is listed below. He will sadly be missed by many. Rest in peace our dear friend.

Margaret Place 1831 Fourth Ave. Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215

With sadden hearts, Greg & Sandy Cormier Blistered Fingers 207-873-6539 www.blisteredfingers.com www.myspace.com/blisteredf www.youtube.com/blistf

Als wife, Barbara, said that he is behaving himself - believe it or not. But, hes getting impatient to get back to his recording studio and office. Barbara has the doors locked to that area and has hide the key.

Any Martin guitars for sale? Let me know

Suzie Gibson

William N. Ferm Law Office

16 State Street

Ellsworth, ME. 04605

Telephone: 207-664-1982

Telecopier: 207-664-1992

Because Al Hawkes was operating Event Records during that same period of time; Mr. Gibson was curious about the Event label and contacted Al which led to his interest in doing the story on Mr. Hawkes.

An interesting side note:

Because of the story in Bluegrass Unlimited; today, Al received a phone call from Jimmy Elrod in White House, Tennessee. At 16 years old, Jimmy played banjo on Charlie Baileys recording of Darlin Nellie Across The Sea. It was Event Records first recording released in 1956. Jimmy went on to play with Bill Monroe and Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper on the Grand Ole Opry for many years. It has been 53 years since they last talked.

By Ed Mounce

The International Bluegrass Music Association is pleased to announce the graduating class of Leadership Bluegrass 2009, listed below. Leadership Bluegrass, now in its tenth year with more than 225 alumni, is an intensive three-day program of advanced level, interactive learning experiences that invites participants to examine the challenges and opportunities facing our music along with related leadership issues.

Leadership Bluegrass 2009 was hosted March 10-12 at BMI in Nashville, Tenn., and was facilitated again by Fred Bartenstein, a noted bluegrass historian and professional meeting facilitator.

Each year approximately 25 individuals are selected to participate in Leadership Bluegrass, a program designed to build commitment, motivate talents and instill enthusiasm for addressing the future of the bluegrass music industry. Class members represent a cross section of current and future leaders from various facets of the industry, as well as diverse regions of the country and world.

Congratulations to the following graduates:

John Abrams; The Abrams Brothers; Gananoque, Ontario, Canada Danny Clark; MTSU student/ The Bluegrass Bus Museum; Goodlettsville, Tenn. Larry Cordle; Lonesome Standard Time; Hendersonville, Tenn. David Crow; Milom, Joyce, Horsnell & Crow PLC; Nashville, Tenn. Lee Michael Demsey; WAMU-FM, Bluegrasscountry.org, Bluegrass Unlimited; Washington, D.C. Brandi Hart; The Dixie Bee-Liners; Abingdon, Va. Hannah Johnson; The Toy Hearts, Birmingham Univ. student; West Midlands, U.K. Becky Johnson; WMMT-FM/ The Appalshop, Inc.; Whitesburg, Ky. Gary Jolicoeur; WNRV Bluegrass Radio; Narrows, Va. Karl Kersey; Fiddle and Pick; Pegram, Tenn. Barry Mazor; Journalist/Author (No Depression, The Wall Street Journal); Nashville, Tenn. Penni McDaniel; Hope River Entertainment, Rural Rhythm Records; Lawrenceville, Ga. Janet McGarry; Diamond Productions PEI, Janet McGarry & Wildwood; Stratford, PE, Canada C. Roger Moss; Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival; East Hartford, Conn. Tom Mueller; The Muellers; Waterville, Me. David Preston; BMI; Nashville, Tenn. Ronnie Reno; BlueHighways TV, Ronnie Reno & the Reno Tradition; Hendersonville, Tenn. Leah Ross; Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion; Bristol, Va./Tenn. Sammy Shelor; Lonesome River Band; Meadows of Dan, Va. Tommy Sivert; Gold Tone Musical Instruments; Titusville, Fla. Tom Thorpe; Dyer Switch Bluegrass Band; Albany, N.Y. Alan Tompkins; Bluegrass Heritage Foundation, Acoustic Music Camp; Dallas, Texas Jim Van Cleve; Mountain Heart; Producer/Songwriter/Session Musician; Hendersonville, Tenn. Joe Weed; Musician, Music & Video Producer; Los Gatos, Calif. Pete Wernick; Dr. Banjo, Pete Wernick & Flexigrass; Pete & Joan Wernick, Hot Rize; Niwot, Colo. Dwight Worden; San Diego Bluegrass Society, IBMA Board of Directors; Del Mar, Calif.

Thanks to the following sponsors of Leadership Bluegrass 2009: Presentation Sponsors: BMI, Fred Bartenstein & Associates Silver Sponsors: Katy Daley, WAMUs BluegrassCountry.org; Brian Smith, Value Music Concepts Inc.; Trisha & John Tubbs, SoftResources LLC; Patrons: Becky Buller, Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike; Deb Durant, Brandywine Friends of Old Time Music; Arnie Fleischer, The Emelin Theatre; Bill Foster, Bluegrass Unlimited; Richard Hawkins, Bluegrass Ireland; Dan Keen, ASCAP; Pete & Kitsy Kuykendall, Bluegrass Unlimited; George McKnight, Uptown Bluegrass Radio & IBMMs Banks of the Ohio; Lorraine Short, PrymeTyme Solutions; A/WWW Enterprises (Archie & Priscilla Warnock) Additional support: Nick Barr, WAMC; Louisa Branscomb, Ph.D.; Jessie Law, Belmont Univ. student/The Andrea Roberts Agency; Roger Ryan, Country Music Association of Ireland; Joe Steiner, WFLC Blue Ridge Breakdown; Jeanette & Johnny Williams, The Jeanette Williams Band

The Leadership Bluegrass Planning Committee this year included Archie Warnock (chair), Brian Smith (vice-chair), Trisha Tubbs, Holly Tashian, Larry Shell, Stephanie Taylor, Ron Cox, Fred Bartenstein and Nancy Cardwell (staff liaison). Smith, Tashian, Don Tucker and Kitsy Kuykendall served on the Selection Committee.

For information on the next Leadership Bluegrass class scheduled for 2010 in Nashville, contact Nancy Cardwell at (615) 256-3222, 888-GET-IBMA or nancyc@ibma.org.

He wants the board members to know how much it was appreciated. He said it made him feel like he has to get better now! The doctor told him it would be 4-6 weeks before he can get up and move around.

If you would like to mail Gene a card, his address is: Gene Rumery - 792 Cannan Road - Pittsfield, ME 04967

Jean

Our 4 1/2 year old son, Ethan, has a severe peanut allergy. He is so sensitive to peanuts that when he is touched by someone who has eaten something with peanuts in it, he has a reaction. some are mild, but at his worst, the doctors thought that he wasn't going to make it. This makes it hard for our son to be able to go out into public without worry. We do face checks on him every five to ten minutes to ensure he doesn't have a rash forming around his mouth when we go to the grocery store.

A couple weeks ago on Good Morning America there were these dogs on that were trained to smell peanuts to keep their owners safe. They are called Peanut Detecting Dogs. The dogs are trained to smell peanuts, even the smallest amounts, so they can warn their owner if it is not safe for them. It takes about 6 months to train each dog. The dogs are trained at a ranch in Texas. One of my co-workers told me about these dogs, and I knew right away we needed one to ensure our sons safety.

The bad news of this was that each dog sells for $10,000. That is not something that we have in our back pocket. We have thousands of dollars due in doctor bills that need to be taken care of from Ethan going to the doctors for all sorts of reasons, including two surgery's last year, so saving up $10,000 is pretty much an impossibility at this point and time. Not only is the dog $10,000 but my husband Ezra and I are going to have to fly down to Texas to get the dog and spend two weeks training with the dog before we can bring him home. All said and done, I think we will have to spend about $15,000 to bring the dog home.

After we have the dog (Ethan wants to name his lightning McQueen haha) Ethan will be able to go out into public with a friend that can tell him he is safe. How much of a relief that is for me and my husband, you will never know. to be able to go grocery shopping and have a means of checking the grocery cart before Ethan touches it, or to have the dog sniff his food at a pot luck at a bluegrass festival would be amazing!! Even if the dog could check our his Sunday school room at church so we could go back to church and have Ethan play with the kids again would make us so happy. That has been very hard on the whole family. The dog would definitely get rid of a lot of worry we have when we go out into public.

We are taking donations to help pay for this very welcomed addition to our family. All the money received will go towards buying the dog, getting set up at home and getting the dog home.

If you would like to make a donation, you can go to www.myspace.com/jessierines and click the paypal link. All the money is going through paypal, so you know its secure.

If you could pass this along to anyone you think would be of help, that would be much appreciated.

Thank you for your time and God Bless

Ezra, Jessie, Ethan and Ella Rines

Special Guests Tom Ewing, Monroe historian, concert performer Will Kimble, luthier The 2009 curriculum has been revised by Camp Director Mike Compton, one of the world's pre-eminent mandolin teachers. The new classes will reflect his experience after three years at the Monroe-Style Mandolin Camp and ongoing conversations with campers and faculty. He will lead our 2009 faculty in presenting new classes and workshops related to the development and execution of Monroe's mandolin style, songwriting, musical influences, and more. At the Monroe-Style Mandolin Camp, you will spend three days with 6 of the finest mandolin players and 50 of the coolest mandolin campers on Planet Earth. With registration capped at 50, the camp's intimate environment allows for ample opportunities to receive personal, hands-on instruction from each of these legends of Monroe-Style mandolin. New to this year's camp on Friday is an All-Night Pickin' Party and Bluegrass Invitational which will bring local and regional musicians together with campers for a non-stop jam session and barbeque feast. New to this year's camp on Saturday between 4:30 and 5:00 will be six 30-minute private master classes, one with each member of the faculty. All campers' names will be put in Red Smiley's hat. Six names will be drawn at the opening session Friday at noon. (If your name is drawn and you don't want or need this master class, we can either re-draw or you can gift it to a friend.) Returning in 2009 is a class on Mandolin Set Up and Maintenance by Will Kimble of Kimble Mandolins. Will is available Friday and Saturday for basic set ups and fret work. He will charge for materials and a reasonable fee for each work order. Please request a WORK ORDER FORM from Brenda Smith at the museum: 270-926-7891. Your mandolin will get an "appointment" based on the estimated time required to perform the requested service.

The 2009 All-Star Faculty Concert will be amazing. Each member of the faculty is an internationally known performer with his own band (see bios). Tom Ewing, Monroe's last guitarist with the Blue Grass Boys, adds vintage authenticity and historic relevance as well as great vocals and rhythm guitar. Campers are invited to an exclusive wine reception at the museum prior to the concert. Jam with new friends. Eat great barbeque. Experience rare performances, onstage and off. Enjoy a total immersion in bluegrass music's homeland, history and future at the world's only bluegrass music museum dedicated to preserving the international history and performance art of bluegrass music...all the while surrounded by rare bluegrass artifacts and memorabilia. Compare, sell or swap mandolins with other players. Trade live non-commercial bootleg recordings with other collectors. Be part of the museum and let it become an integral part of your life and music.

The camp package will include: Intensive group lessons in Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels. Choose one level or migrate throughout the weekend. An all-night Pickin' Party and Bluegrass Invitational with a feast from Moonlite. Learn why they call this part of Kentucky "The Bluegrass and Barbeque Region". Lunch on Saturday and Sunday at the museum. Lodging Friday and Saturday the Hampton Inn. Continental breakfast included. A reserved seat at the All-Star Faculty Concert featuring all instructors plus Tom Ewing. It's open to the public but campers get the closest seats. A group photo and a bootleg tape/CD trading session. Free admission to the museum on Thursday and Monday, before & after camp. An International Bluegrass Music Museum instrument case decal. The special edition t-shirt and poster (they rock this year).

Faculty Concert Join us Saturday evening September 12th (the eve of what would have been Bill's 98th birthday) for our All-Star Faculty Concert at Woodward's Cafe, across the foyer from the museum's entrance. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Showtime is 7:30. The concert is open to the public and features all six instructors plus Tom Ewing, editor of The Bill Monroe Reader and former Blue Grass Boy. Tickets are $20 (included with campers' tuition), available in advance or at the door. After campers are seated, only 50 seats remain, so reserve your ticket(s) early by calling the museum: 270-926-7891.

MAKE YOUR RESERVATION TODAY! (Tuition is non-refundable)

Available for additional charges will be:

Signed copies of Tom Ewing's book The Monroe Reader. Signed copies of all instructor CDs and materials. Basic mandolin set ups and fret work by Will Kimble A commemorative Monroe-Style Mandolin Camp Poster ($10.00.)* A commemorative Monroe-Style Mandolin Camp t-shirt ($20.00.)* * Free if registered before May 1st, 2009

Bill Monroe's influence on modern bluegrass and mandolin music is inestimable. One needs only to look at the skills of our faculty and other leading contemporary mandolin players to realize that they became what they are today due in part to their in-depth study of Monroe's music and performance style, and by trading Monroe-isms with others through the years. The Monroe-Style Mandolin Camp is the ultimate gathering spot for Monroe enthusiasts. Satisfy your desire to "Know Monroe" by spending the anniversary of his birth and passing at the museum and the camp dedicated to preserving his legacy. Mando Camp 09 Website

Please vote for the Norlands.

Dear Friends, You can help raise funds for the Washburn Norlands Living History Center by asking your friends and family to vote for Norlands before March 2. Please read on! Forward this to every Maine resident you can think of and include your personal plea. Children can vote. Vote for Norlands and the living history center could receive a gift from the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation of Maine. A total of $100,000 will be given to 68 local non-profit organizations through Bangor Savings Bank's Community Matters More campaign. The Foundation is looking for Maine residents to vote on how to best distribute these funds. CAST YOUR VOTE BEFORE MARCH 2 and Norlands could be a winner. Norlands is well-known to the public, school children and educators of Maine as a true living history center. Many a field trip has been enjoyed by generations at this well-known 19th century farm place, ancestral home of the Washburn Family whose children went away (as many of Maine's children do) to become captains of industry (Gold Medal and Pillsbury in the Midwest) public servants (governors and congressman) and friends and advisors to government and military leaders (General Grant and President Abraham Lincoln).

Recently Norlands has suffered serious financial setbacks, the most recent, the loss to fire of the Barn and the Farmer's Cottage attached to the Mansion House last April. These structures are being rebuilt so that Norlands can welcome more generations of children, their teachers and their parents to experience life on a real working farm in rural Maine, through the educational programs at the School House and concerts in the Meeting House, historical events (Ice Cutting, Maple Sugaring, Harvest Festivals and more). These days the way of life of such historic places can teach us much about concepts of environmental preservation and sustainability, and those lessons should not be lost. Norlands needs thousands of votes before March 2nd of 2009. Start now and tell everyone you know that they can help too. If you are not a Maine resident, please send the information to your family and friends in Maine. 1. Go to www.bangor.com/YouMatterMore/Voting.aspx2. Enter your name, email and zip code.3. Scroll down to "Western Maine" section.4. Go to the "other" box and type in Washburn Norlands Living History Center.5. Scroll to the bottom and click on "vote". Everyone in the family can vote!! If you know people who would like to vote, but don't have a computer, please tell them they can pick up a paper ballot at their local Bangor Savings Bank branch. March 2 is the deadline. THANK YOU! Kathleen Beauregard, Executive DirectorWashburn Norlands Living History CenterLivermore, Maine207-778-1195www.norlands.org

The candid photos from the 2009 Joe Val Bronzewound party are now up on my website. This link will take you directly there.

http://www.darwindavidson.com/joeval2009bronzewoundparty/

Enjoy...and forward this message on to anyone else you'd like.

Darwin

Darwin Davidson "Bronzewound" Bluegrass, Thursday, 8-10 PM WERU-FM, 89.9 Blue Hill, Maine Now webcasting at www.weru.org e-mail:

For great Bluegrass musician photographs see www.darwindavidson.com www.bluegrassphotos.com

GCB

We've got some exciting news. Bobby Hicks has agreed to teach a fiddle workshop for us this coming Wednesday, February 25th!

DO NOT miss this chance to study with a world renowned fiddler! He taught at the Joe Val festival and got rave reviews.

This will be a hands-on, small group

It will take place in Brookline, MA from 5 - 7 PM.

Cost is $50, $40 for students

Space is limited, please RSVP to this email address

All levels welcome!

This painting is owned and has been donated by Doug Spaulding, former postmaster of St Albans. It hung at the St Albans post office for years.This also includes the original sketches father did before he painted it on the canvas.

We will be selling tickets on this painting from now until Spring. We will draw the winning ticket at the 9'th annual Slim Clark Memorial Concert in Hartland on May 2'nd 2009. (you do not have to be present to win) but it would be great to see you at the show. The proceeds will go to the annual scholarship in his memory.

The tickets will be $1 each or 6 / $5.00. If anyone would like to buy tickets through the mail, min. purchase is 6 for $5.00 due to postage. Send payment to Wilf Clark P.O. Box 378 Bingham, Me. 04920. We will mail the ticket stubs to you. Please forward this to anyone you know who might be interested. W.C.

This hall has limited chairs so feel free to bring folding chairs. It is a nice old building however..

We will be back in St Albans ( Maine's Mother Church of music) just as soon as we can.

Make sure to come to the show at St Albans on Feb 21st for Ken and Jane along with Mac McHale and the old time radio gang.Show at 7 pm..this is our last one there for a while.

The Evergreen Show the following week will be ( as far as we know) the last one there till repairs are done...

Thank you all for your patience...W.C.

Thanks.

Dino A. Sawyer

650-9095

Email from Gabrielle Gray 0n the Bluegrass Museum in Kentucky 1/30/2009

My house and the one next door to me are the two households in our region of the city with power and water (and lots of guests, as you can imagine!), so we are OK. The Museum is ok but most everything around it is in the dark. So we are exempt, thus far, from immediate trauma, but people are still losing power. Every day another couple thousand households go dark throughout Western KY because the situation is getting worse instead of better as the ice begins to thaw and more trees and limbs fall on power lines. Theyre saying now it might be 3 weeks before power is restored. I will have a LOT of property damage but I can contend with that later, or not, as the case may be. &&..I wont have much money to put into planting more trees  Ive lost eleven in the storm. But what the heck, IM SO MUCH BETTER OFF THAN ALMOST EVERYONE ELSE ALL OVER THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the blessings,

Gabrielle Gray

Owensboro, Kentucky

In her own words:

"The storm demolished Owensboro. Lordy-day, this year we had a tornado that flattened 8 city blocks downtown, an inland hurricane (only the 2nd one in recorded history), a 5.4 earthquake, and now for the worst storm of all, this ice thing. We have 500,000 people without power, huge numbers of people without any means of transportation. Weve been without land phones or cell phones, no satellite service or internet, radios, electricity, heat, water, or physical mobility, and trees down by the multi-thousands. Never seen anything like it in my life. Its a war zone and we were totally unarmed."

They are still trying to access the damage to the Bluegrass Museum.

Al

This years Music Industry winners are:

Al Hawkes: Musician, entertainer, record label owner, and collector Al Hawkes has contributed to bluegrass and country music in nearly every possible capacity. In 1956 in Westbrook, Maine, he founded Event Records and released early recordings by such key artists as The Lilly Brothers and Don Stover, Charlie Bailey (of the Bailey Brothers), Dick Curless, and many more. Born in 1930, Hawkes formed his first band in high school, singing and playing an array of stringed instruments. To this day, he continues to be an active performer, and has received over 25 awards. In addition to releasing a number of important recordings on Event, Hawkes is one of the foremost record collectors in New England, whose archive includes over 40,000 45s, 78s, and LPs.

Sandy Sheehan: Since 1970, Sandys Music and its proprietor Sandy Sheehan have been essential lynchpins in the Boston areas traditional music scene. First captivated by folk, old-time, Celtic, blues, and bluegrass music in the 1960s, Sheehan established Sandys as a one-stop shop where one could peruse (and pick) a diverse range of stringed instruments, browse through new and old traditional music LPs and CDs, have instrument repairs done, take a music lesson, and get advice from the laconic, chain-smoking, banjo-picking owner. Sandys quickly became a hub for the traditional music community, with Sheehan hosting (and continuing to host) weekly Monday-night jams at the store and occasional old-time nights at Johnny D.s. Since 1986, Sheehan has also hosted the popular Traditional Folk program on WUMB.

This years Musician award winners are:

The Original Members of Joe Val and the New England Bluegrass Boys: Founded in 1970, Joe Val and the New England Bluegrass Boys featured Joe Val on mandolin and vocals, Herb Applin on guitar and vocals, Bob French on banjo and vocals, and bassist Bob Tidwell. With Vals stratospheric tenor leading the way, the New England Bluegrass Boys worked tirelessly to bring traditional, hard-driving, Monroe-derived bluegrass to New England audiences. Through their riveting performances and a series of albums on the Cambridge-based Rounder label (beginning with Rounders third release, 1971s One Morning In May), they helped to develop a fervent, dedicated audience for bluegrass and stringband music in New England  a community that still thrives today and gathers annual at the award-winning festival that bears Vals name.

The Boston Bluegrass Union is a 501(c)3 non-profit, all volunteer organization, dedicated to preserving and promoting this original American music genre. Celebrating our 33rd season, the BBU is the premier source for events, education, and information on bluegrass music in the Northeast.

The class will cover the basics of playing - right and left hand technique, playing melodies, lead breaks and backup. But this class will be more than just a drill on tablature and technique. It will also try to show how bluegrass banjo playing works. Bluegrass banjo is a complex style and you should come away from this class understanding how to make music with a banjo and three fingers, not just how to play a few tunes.

No previous experience with the banjo or any other instrument is required. If you already know how to play something, that's great, but if not, we'll take you through everything you need to know.

The class will run through March 3, weather permitting. The fee for the six-week class will be $125, with a $5 discount for BBU members. Each session will start at 7:30pm and last 90 minutes. If you've been working on your own or with books to learn the banjo and want a little help, this is the class for you!

If you can't make Tuesday nights this winter but still want to start your banjo-playing career, come to the Sheraton Framingham at 11AM on Friday, February 13th for a whirlwind introduction.

The Bluegrass Banjo Beginner Fast Track will be an express tour of the banjo, taught by Rich Stillman. The Fast Track will consist of four 45-minute lessons, ending at 5PM, each followed by 10 minutes of supervised practice. The goal is to get you to play a simple tune and understand banjo chords by the end of the session. In the interest of giving everyone sufficient playing time, this class will be limited to six people.

All materials except banjos and picks will be provided. If you need a banjo, pre-register a week or more in advance and we'll try to find you one for the session. The fee for the Fast Track will be $65, payable on the day of the class.

If you're interested in either class, please contact Rich at stillman@waystation.net. These classes will take place only if there is sufficient interest - please contact Rich as early as possible so he knows whether enrollment will be large enough to run the classes. Happy Picking! Nancy

The 4' 11" Country Music Superstar came onto the music scene in 1949 when he was asked to perform on the Opry by Roy Acuff. Since then, he has established himself as a legend in the business with his novelty songs and sound. His biggest hit came with the number one hit "May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose." More recently, Little Jimmy has had comedic appearances in several Brad Paisley videos and was honored last November for 60 years as a part of the Grand Ole Opry. He celebrated his 88th birthday in December 2008.

Doctors state it was absolutely successful and should relieve her of the pain that she had to bear since last July. She remains in room 220 and hopes to be allowed to go home on Saturday to continue to improve in a more comfortable and quiet environment.

(Who really enjoys staying in a medical facility?)

The lead physician, Doctor Barr, informed Barbara that shell need at least two weeks of rest. Evidently, he doesnt know Barbara as we all do!

She wishes to thank everyone who called and left messages on her telephone answering machine and sent Emails.

Dana has played pedal steel for many years with such well known country performers as George Jones, Dottie West and Dick Curless, to name a few. Dana has always loved acoustic music and is excited to be working with us, mostly on dobro, but he is also quite proficient on banjo and harmony vocals. Dana will be adding his talents to our next recording, which will soon be in the works.

Other exciting news, besides the trio....Ken has joined the Katahdin Valley Boys on guitar and vocals.

Hope to see you all soon... Ken & Jane

PS. Visit our new website at www.kenandjanebrooks.com kenandjane@skow.net

She did many things along side her husband, such as being a seamstress and a member of the Harvest Time Singers. Hazel was a loving wife and a devoted mother who loved spending time with her family. She was of the Christian faith .

She is survived by her husband Colonel Bowman of the home; one son and daugh er-in-law Ronnie and Garnet Bowman of Goodlettsville, Tenn.; three daughters and sons-in-law Debbie and Michael Sands of Mount Airy; Becky and Terry Dixon of Clemmons; Kathy and David Brown of King; eight grand-daughters and several sisters and brothers.

Mrs. Bowman was preceded in death by her daughter Vikki and parents Ernest and Bertie Horton; stepmother Goldie Horton, Brothers Woodrow, Edgar, William and Alex; sisters Peggy and Betty .

Funeral services will be held Monday, Nov. 24, 2008, at 2 p.m. at Cox- Needham Chapel with the Rev. Louis Martin and Dr. Daniel Schwartz conducting the service with interment to follow at New Beginnings Baptist Church Cemetery in Pinnacle, NC.

The family will receive family and friends Sunday November 23, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m. Cox-Needh am Funeral Home of Pilot Mountain is assisting the Bowman family.

We want to send special prayers out to both of them as they go through this difficult time in their life.

To send a card, their address is: P. O. Box 30 - Cambridge, Maine 04923

Gracie will be operated on in Bangor...Please keep both of them in your prayers.

WABI Ch 5 "Morning Show" - Friday, Nov. 28, 6-8 AM... live interview & jammin' (complete w/Thanksgiving "turkey hangovers" :)

As well as being known as a musical entertainer he was an accomplished artist. This painting is owned and has been donated by Doug Spaulding, former postmaster of St Albans. It hung at the St Albans post office for years.

This also includes the original sketches father did before he painted it on the canvas. We will be selling tickets on this painting from now until Spring. We will draw the winning ticket at the 9'th annual Slim Clark Memorial Concert in Hartland on May 2'nd 2009. (you do not have to be present to win) but it would be great to see you at the show.

The proceeds will go to the annual scholarship in his memory. The tickets will be $1 each or 6 / $5.00. If anyone would like to buy tickets through the mail, min. purchase is 6 for $5.00 due to postage. Send payment to Wilf Clark P.O. Box 378 Bingham, Me. 04920. We will mail the ticket stubs to you. Please forward this to anyone you know who might be interested. W.C.

Things are clicking. There's much to tell. Up front has to be the new CD, "Stages," which features 17 songs and 17 musicians (actually 19 counting two guests). Steve Chiasson's talents and humanity again proved invaluable for our two marathon recording sessions last spring and for the follow-up mixing and mastering.

Then, Rambler alumni Clarissa and Rachel Maynard did some excellent graphic design/layout work. The result is an impressive product. So much music. Something for everyone.

We sold a pile of them at our biggest event so far this year, our performance on Maine Day at the Big Easterns Expo in West Springfield, Massachusetts, on Saturday, September 27, where hundreds (maybe thousands?) of people heard at least parts of our two sets. It rained, so we were inside the Maine building, which is not designed for live shows. It was cramped, yes, but our soundman-driver-chaperone Todd Maynard expertly managed the acoustical challenge, and the young musicans and I were extremely pleased to have so many people tuning in with amazement. (Children sat our feet and stared up, mesmerized; a grown man cried. It's all good.) There was a steady stream of onlookers filing by, and a large gathering staying put throughout both sessions.

Oh yes, we also enjoyed a big-production LeeAnn Rimes concert and an amazing draft horse show the night before. We ate well, too. You'll have to ask the young Ramblers about their other highlights; they were many and varied.

We had been invited there by Fred Lunt of the Maine Department of Agriculture, after he caught the very well done four-and-a-half-minute piece Bangor's Channel Two (WLBZ) did on us last May. It aired on their Saturday evening show called "207," which apparently is picked up across the entire state.

We tuned up for that road trip with three highly uccessful shows in Corinna, Garland, and Charleston.

In late August we were the final act for Corinna's weekly library concert series. The town's new bandstand is impressive.

Then in September, it was on to Garland Days and Charleston Days. We were pleased to be invited by the committees who work so hard to organize these kinds of community events.

We've some big shows ahead, beginning with the CD Release Celebration Concert on Thursday, October 16. We'll also travel to the Old Town Elementary School on Friday, October 24, to be the featured performing act at their annual "Arts Festival." We'll entertain, but also slip in our educational outreach component. (We want to travel to more schools to share the joy and spread the word about Bluegrass and American Roots music.) We'll also play at Dexter High's Open House on November 12, and sometime in early November introduce the music to S.A.D. 46 students in grades three, four, and five.

The date of our December Holiday concert featuring all three Abbott Hill Bands will be announced soon.

Another big event ahead will be next July 9, 2009 when we'll perform at a resort in Camden for the National Teachers-of-the-Year Conference. It's Maine's turn to host it. It'll certainly be a fun gig in itself for us, but who knows what else this might lead to. You'd think one of the fifty outstanding teachers (one from each state in the country) might invite us their way. Hawaii'd be nice!

Nashville is actually already a possibility! At the Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival over Labor Day Weekend, I talked with Nancy Cardwell, who is in charge of the music-in-the-schools component of IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association). The Ramblers and I could go down there for their annual October extravaganza and be featured in some capacity as an example of what can be done in schools (and how it can be done). The cost might be prohibitive, but it's nice to be asked.

Enough for now, except to say that the Wanderers and Meanderers start up this week (October 6 and 9 respectively), and the Ramblers will press ahead with passion as we continue our rapid progress on a dozen or so new songs.

Come on out to a show. And as always, thanks for your interest and support.

Respectfully yours, Chris Prickitt

Thanks for a great job with the music festival.

It was very generous of you to work so hard with your time and talents to make such a fun celebration. "You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give."

You are an inspiration to the people of Cambridge.

Again, thank you.

Sincerely,

Bernard L. Watson, Sr., Ronald Strouse & William Digby Selectmen for Cambridge

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