by Christine | Oct 23, 2020 | Welcome Column
For years, I remembered that my grandmother played banjo; my grandfather played fiddle. I was lucky to have been brought up in a musical family—large family gatherings were often accompanied by banjo, fiddle, harmonica, guitar, piano, accordion, jugs, and spoons. We...
by Christine | Nov 12, 2012 | Welcome Column
I was about 8 years (1973) when I first heard this heartfelt music. I would go to my grandfather’s house on some Sunday mornings. He was a preacher and an exceptionally great man. He would play the old time bluegrass gospel on his turntable as I sat on his lap...
by Christine | Apr 4, 2008 | Welcome Column
Some of us live our entire lives looking for that one elusive something that will finally make us whole. We spend our existence trudging up hill after lonely hill to see if the grass is greener on the other side. No matter what personal accomplishments, what...
by Christine | Nov 13, 2019 | Welcome Column
In January of this year, I launched a monthly bluegrass jam, on the first Sunday of each month at Bonehead’s BBQ in Lafayette, CA. Contra Costa County had not had a regular bluegrass jam in a while, which stuck in my craw a little, being the Area VP for that region. I...
by Christine | Jun 7, 2014 | Welcome Column
Well, yesterday was the last day, folks. I took the last of my finals and now I am officially done with high school. It is peculiar to say, and I am still not completely sure I’m telling the truth, but I think so. This moment, of course, is both the most relieving and...
by Christine | Dec 5, 2017 | Welcome Column
“Ooo-eee, ooo-eee baby, Won’t you let me take you on a sea cruise.”– By Huey “Piano” Smith, 1950s hit recording by Frankie FordThe smooth, contoured body of my 1963 Fender Jazzmaster was tucked in close to my side. I was holding a barre chord with my left hand...
by Christine | Jan 10, 2008 | Welcome Column
My life as a drug-addled rock ‘n’ roller Today’s column from George Martin Thursday, Jan 11, 2008 “Ooo-eee, ooo-eee baby, Won’t you let me take you on a sea cruise.” — By Huey “Piano” Smith, 1950s hit recording by Frankie Ford The smooth, contoured body of my...
by Christine | Aug 1, 2020 | Welcome Column
(WARNING! Mandolin Geek Content).“Timber!” The two giant trees were falling from grace at precisely the same time in different parts of the world. Neither one could know that they would eventually meet and become as one. A sudden chill in the noontime air accompanied...
by Christine | Sep 16, 2019 | Welcome Column
I’m not really a guitar picker but the first fretted instrument I ever picked up as a kid was a guitar and I have loved them ever since. For some reason when it came time for me to pick a bluegrass instrument and enjoy the full experience with my like-minded friends,...
by Christine | Nov 5, 2017 | Welcome Column
(from 11/24/2016) Daily Grist…”Can we not all come together on one day, especially the one day set aside in America for giving thanks for all the blessings that we enjoy. Can we not all come together, foregoing the titles that we call ourselves politically...
