Band Scramble

Band Scramble

The band scramble is a long time tradition of bluegrass festivals and get-togethers. Some people like them and some don’t so thankfully participation is always optional. The format of a bluegrass band scramble is pretty standard. Participants are invited to put their...
Teardrops

Teardrops

THE DAILY GRIST…”There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.” (Washington Irving)...
Graveyards

Graveyards

A few of years ago I was driving home from one of our bluegrass campouts and I happened to pass a small graveyard. It was Sunday and an exceptionally beautiful day. Flowers were blooming at the grave sites and families were visiting their dear departed ones. I thought...
New Music

New Music

Listening to new music can be a very challenging experience. Suppose you hear a brand new song by a group that you really love. You might be a little bit sceptical. Just give me what I’m used to. That’s what I came here to hear you in the first place. My favorite song...
Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day

Father’s day welcome columnists often write about the column that nobody reads (because we’re all at the Grass Valley Festival). Mother’s Day might be the column that almost nobody reads because you’re all off to the great annual festival in...