Practical Jokes

Every now and then I hear an amusing anecdote about a ruse that somebody pulled off as a practical joke. Some of these tales are very elaborate and it can take years of preparation and or waiting to get to the punchline denouement. I’ve heard some good ones from...

Practically Practicing

Recently, Jeanie and I played a few shows with Ray Bierl accompanying us on fiddle. Ray is a fun guy to play with and is very versatile, which is great for us because we play a mix bluegrass, old-time, honky tonk, and Western swing. Though he has the chops of someone...

Practically Practicing

Recently, Jeanie and I played a few shows with Ray Bierl accompanying us on fiddle. Ray is a fun guy to play with and is very versatile, which is great for us because we play a mix bluegrass, old-time, honky tonk, and Western swing. Though he has the chops of someone...

Practice makes…..what?

Practice makes….what? This is the “high season” for Bluegrass bands. There are festivals somewhere nearly every weekend, and the great weather means many other venues will feature live music in the warm night air, enticing patrons to sip cool drinks...

Praise and Awe for Luthiers

Growing up, I remember that there were always a few dads in the neighborhood who were really good with their hands. Of course, it seems that ALL the dads in the ‘hood could build a fence if needed, and probably a doghouse, or maybe a bird house. But there were some...