by Christine | Mar 29, 2019 | Welcome Column
Beginning in the early 1970’s I worked around and with a member of my local union, Jim McGee, quite a bit. Jim joined my pipefitters local in the early ’70’s and was a lot of fun to work with. He was also the best B.S.Artist I think I’ve ever...
by Christine | May 30, 2018 | Welcome Column
There have been some Welcome Messages on the CBA Website about humor in bluegrass. Mostly, it’s about the long tradition on bands folding some jokes or wit into their stage acts. When it’s done well, it really enhances the audience experience. When it comes off as...
by Christine | Nov 27, 2014 | Welcome Column
I am setting here tonight on the eve of my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, in my Calaveras County Mountain home. I have wrestled in my mind with the subject matter to use for today’s welcome message for the last month. It has been on my mind for the preceding...
by Christine | Jan 27, 2016 | Welcome Column
Laurie Lewis & The Right Hands-The Hazel and Alice Sessions-Spruce & Maple Music CD SMM1013Every once in awhile, you get wind of an album–a title, a concept, an unusual mating of artists, that seems so obvious one you’ve heard of it, that your...
by Christine | Oct 30, 2017 | Welcome Column
I had become adept at winning radio call-in contests. “The sixth caller to answer …” I knew exactly how long it took to dial any number, the length of the rings, and the time in between each ring. I was continually enjoying live shows in the Bay Area courtesy of the...
by Christine | Dec 22, 2017 | Welcome Column
I had become adept at winning radio call-in contests. “The sixth caller to answer …” I knew exactly how long it took to dial any number, the length of the rings, and the time in between each ring. I was continually enjoying live shows in the Bay Area courtesy of the...
by Christine | Dec 6, 2009 | Welcome Column
I had become adept at winning radio call-in contests. “The sixth caller to answer …” I knew exactly how long it took to dial any number, the length of the rings, and the time in between each ring. I was continually enjoying live shows in the Bay Area courtesy of the...
by Christine | Aug 26, 2016 | Welcome Column
I’m traveling at the moment, and what with being jet-lagged, forgetful and exhausted this column is going to be very short today. But at least it’s happening. To be honest, if it wasn’t for the time difference nothing would be here from me, but as I...
by Christine | Feb 15, 2018 | Welcome Column
I’ve written this article from the perspective of a newbie mandolin player, but the basics apply to any musical instrument. The initial steps in learning to play can be frustrating ad disheartening, but it can paradoxically be reassuring to know that countless...
by Christine | Oct 7, 2014 | Welcome Column
I saw the notice of John Rapp’s death in my inbox today. John Hettinger had shared the sad news that he’d seen in the Placerville paper. I didn’t know John Rapp well, but he had left his mark. I remember him slipping swing chords into the bluegrass and playing songs...
