A Bit of This and That

Friday, December 1, 2017 </b>“The true patriotism, the only national patriotism, is loyalty to the Nation all the time…. loyalty to the government when they deserve it.” Mark Twain.I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving holiday. Sheila and I motored to...

A Brilliant Idea

At the time, it seemed like a brilliant idea. I was packing up for the Golden Old Time Jam and Campout in Boonville, and I was filling up my food tub. If I didn?t bring any goodies, if I didn?t even bring sugar or honey to make up something, then no matter how tempted...

A Brunch Column: Bluegrass Trolls

If you are on the internet much, say on Facebook or Twitter, you will sooner or later run across the term “Troll”. Now in one aspect of my work I have to think about trolls, specifically intellectual property or patent trolls, and whether or not I actually want to...

A Camping We Will Go!

Having seen his shadow on February second, Punxsutawney Phil returned to his underground digs. The intrepid “one day a year weather gopher” gets to sleep another five or so weeks until spring. Meanwhile, we humans get to brave the elements until the cold of winter...

A Christmas Poem

This will be my last “3rd Sunday” Welcome Column. I hope to fill an occasional gap when a column is needed, but otherwise I am stepping aside. It has been a real privilege, and frankly quite humbling to work along side the other Welcome Columnists, who are such...

A Clean Break

As many of you know, I am a vocalist and I accompany myself on the guitar. For about 50 years I got by with just playing rhythm, chords, and a few walking bass runs, hammer-ons and pull-offs. After getting hooked on Bluegrass a few years ago, I began to have regrets...

A Conspiracy of Situations

I like playing music. I bet a lot of you like doing it to. And, nine times out of ten, it’s a no brainer. You grab your instrument and attend a jam or a gig. Piece of cake, right? Not so fast! Evil forces are at work, conspiring to keep you from the musical enjoyment...

A cycle ends, a new one begins.

My two favorite times of any bluegrass festival or campout are 1) when I pull into the gate; and 2) when I pull out to go home. Great, great times in between of course, but nothing surpasses the anticipation that beats in my chest when I first see the campout grounds...