An MP3 Blog Worth Reading (at least every now and again)
From Edinburgh no less comes Said the Gramophone, a daily record review blog that offers free mp3 downloads of the songs its reviewers write about. There's a great list of links to other music blogs down the home page on the right column. Best of all, it's a labor of love. No major labels or media conglomerates pay for or otherwise underwrite the making of Said the Gramophone. Check it out.

The Folk Alliance will hold its national conference Feb 21-25, 2007 at the Marriott Hotel and Cook Convention Center in downtown Memphis. Check the web site for details.

Len Polumbi's Links for Online Music Lessons

Workshop Live
http://www.workshoplive.com/

Berklee College of Music
http://www.berkleemusic.com/

True Fire
http://www.truefiretv.com/

Farmer's Market Band Call For Players
Music for Life Foundation will hold it's annual fund raiser on Saturday, February 24, 2007 at First United Church. We'd love to schedule the return engagement of the Farmer's Market Band. You guys were such a hit last year and Len knows you'll add your special touch to the show again this/next year.

Tentatively, the time will be 7:00 p.m. We can schedule your performance time around the groups' availability.

You may recall from last year, Music for Life raises money to provide private music instruction to needy students who otherwise would not be able to learn an instrument. It's a great cause that really fits within the "mission" of the Farmer's Market Band -- music for everyone!

[ Mighty Fine Holiday Gift Ideas ]



BLOODSHOT RECORDS presents THE OLD TOWN SCHOOL of FOLK MUSIC SONGBOOK VOL. 1
"The Songbook contains 23 archetypal songs performed by a wide range of artists. Some are nationally known like Jon Langford (Mekons, Pine Valley Cosmonauts, Waco Bros), Dan Zanes, John Stirrat (Wilco), Janet Bean (Freakwater, Eleventh Dream Day), Alice Peacock, Robbie Fulks, and Danny Barnes (Bad Livers), and some are instructors from the School---performers themselves with decades of teaching experience. Included is a hefty booklet written by folklorist Paul Tyler that gives a detailed history of each song."

Visit the Bloodshot Records website to download two tracks free. (Scroll down until you see the links at the lower left corner of the product page.)

JERRY DOUGLAS plus Mike & Amy Finders
Old Town School of Folk Music, 12/2, two shows

Get this, Jerry Douglas plays The Old Town School followed by a two night stand at Town Hall in New York City. Ummm. Let's see. We get Jerry Douglas at our very own Old Town School's intimate, acoustically magnificent small concert theater and they get him in a huge hall. Makes the choice pretty simple really.

A History of Bluegrass
Here is one of several (at least four) videos posted on YouTube.com that touch upon the major contributors to the Bluegrass tradition.

Back Porch News
Jim Polaski sends us a link to this folk and old-time music blog that originates in Ithaca, New York. There's lots of great content, reviews and links, like this for example:

Blueground Undergrass @ Martyrs
Sunday, December 10th - 8pm

I really dig these guys. They're projenitors of the current resurgence in "Newgrass" and related string bands (such as Old Crow Medicine Show). However, BU plays a bluegrass-rock hybrid that captures the best of both worlds. Here's what Martyrs' site has to say about the band:

Formed originally in 1998 by Jeff Mosier, Blueground Undergrass has developed a solid reputation and nationwide following by playing its multi-faceted music mix coast-to-coast. The band has always been known for exciting performances and eclectic arrangements. Its sonic wall of twang type sound pleases the whole spectrum of fans from hippies to cloggers to rockers, taking Blueground Undergrass to the brink of almost moshpit energy, yet guiding each show with song-driven clarity along the way.

By successfully parlaying an extensive knowledge of bluegrass music with major elements of jazz and Southern rock, Blueground Undergrass has forged a unique, new listening experience, one rooted in the essentials of great American genres. Their Landslide Records debut, Faces, represents a strong culmination of the bands lengthy musical experience as well as its legendary live shows.

Speaking recently of Blueground's sound Mosier said, "I never want our music to lose the tradition of the porch no matter how much remodeling was done to the house over time. The band will continue in that spirit and tradition by re-creating old Blueground Undergrass originals, rocking out bluegrass standards, and by introducing new songs and sounds to their live shows. "

For sure, Blueground Undergrass will be doing what they have always done best, which is to provide every audience with an energetic and unforgettable live show of great music. And with the superb studio offering that is Faces, the band is poised to take on a whole new set of devoted listeners.

Welcome Back
We're back at the Buzz (above left) and the Oak Park Arms (above right). Remember, the Buzz gets mighty crowded and the Oak Park Arms session begins a bit later ... around 9:00 a.m. ... and jams ’til about lunchtime.

A very personal suggestion of my own is that you consider alternating somewhat between the two venues on a regular, semi-regular or ir-regular basis as fits your temperament.

The Buzz tilts toward the fiddle tune repertoire whilst the Arms tends towards songs from the old time, string band, bluegrass, roots and country catalogues.

Lisle Station Museum
I just received this note from the organizers of the Ruralfest in Lisle. Unfortunately, the Lisle Park District has informed them that they can no longer host the event. No word on another venue yet. Meantime, they're hosting an event in the old depot here at Lisle Station Museum. Discover the Banjo! will take place on Saturday, November 11th from 3pm-8:30pm. Programs by Bob Carlin, Cheick Hamala Diabate, Mark Dvorak, Dan Gellert, Kinney Rorrer and Keith Collins will be presented throughout the day. Reservations are required, as seating in the depot is limited. To reserve a seat, call 630-968-0499.

OCMS | 11/10/2006 | House of Blues | Chicago, IL
A week after The Avett Brothers (see below) is Ben's fave young upstart string band ... the Old Crow Medicine Show at House Of Blues on Dearborn. Tix are $20. New CD out now. It's even better than their debut. Visit the band's official Web site for details.

The Avett Brothers @ Back Porch Stage @ House of Blues Chicago :: Fri, November 03
To be perfectly clear, The Avett Brothers are (a) brothers but (b) not traditional bluegrass. They are (a) authentically Southern and (b) acoustic musicians but (c) of a decidedly uncorked temperament. If you like Old Crow Medicine Show, you're likely to enjoy this trio as well. Check out the band's official Web site for MP3s and additional info.

Late Breaking News
Don't miss the Bluegrass Festival at the Chicago Botanic Garden! Come to hear the area's best bluegrass bands, enjoy a mouthwatering barbeque, and take part in children's crafts and straw maze while surrounded by outstanding fall color at the garden. The annual Bluegrass Festival promises great music, but that's not all! Pumpkins and gourds will be available for purchase. Green Youth Farm, the Chicago Botanic Garden's high school growers in North Chicago, will be selling their freshly grown produce.

Bands including the Freeway Rangers and the Special Consensus will perform on the Esplanade, and the Fruit and Vegetable Island will be humming with activity on Saturday, September 30, and Sunday, October 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The First Midnight Special Folk Festival
Sunday, September 17, 2006 at the Harris Theater in Millenium Park

Featured artists include guest emcee Christine Lavin, along with Ronny Cox, the Four Bitchin&aps Babes, Greg Greenway, Kim & Reggie Harris, Bonnie Koloc, Magpie (Greg Artzner & Terry Leonino), Anais Mitchell and Garnet Rogers, as well as special guest appearances by Megon McDonough, the Sons Of the Never Wrong and others. Click here for details.

Celtic Fest Chicago - 9/16 & 9/17
One of my favorite fiddlists is a headliner at Celtic Fest next weekend ... Natalie MacMaster. (Her set's on Sunday, 5pm, at the Petrillo Bandshell.) She's only one of many excellent acts playing for FREE in Grant Park next weekend. Parking beneath the new Millenium Park area is very convenient. And the underground facilities include rest rooms that are spacious and clean. See details by clicking the image below.

BluegrassMusicUSA.com
This online store offers 22 full length Louvin Brothers CDs. It's the most complete collection I've seen ... anywhere! Plus they've got the King/Star-Day records re-issues. All great stuff. And the prices are excellent as well. Don't miss out.

Shipping charges are just $2.50 for any order within the United States and are shipped within 24 hours of payment verification.

“Girl From The North Country” – Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan was a guest on Johnny Cash's first variety TV show in July 1969, and this duet was taped at Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium.

More Bob Dylan on Google Video
To promote the newly released "Modern Times" CD, Bob Dylan's record label has released about a dozen videos spanning his entire 45-year career. Some are brilliant. Others merely curiousities. A few are downright embarrassing. But ... ain't that just like Bob Dylan?!? See them all here.

Must See Local Show
This coming Friday, July 28th at Fitzgerald's offers a talented lineup of local musicians, notably the headliner Robert McShane ... whose co-lead singer is none other than Elizabeth Lopardo ... who needs no introduction. The show starts at 9:30 p.m. and ... get this ... admission is only $5.