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Here's another string band/old time/bluegrass ensemble (featuring Bill Nershi of The String Cheese Incident) who're givin' away MP3s. Plus they've got shows on archive.org ... mighty fine!
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Monday, April 10, 2006
[ Mighty Fine Upcoming Show ]
Darol Anger's Republic of Strings
with Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek
Fri, May 5th ($17, 21+) at Martyrs'
http://www.martyrslive.com/
http://www.darolanger.com
Darol Anger's Republic of Strings
with Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek
Fri, May 5th ($17, 21+) at Martyrs'
http://www.martyrslive.com/
http://www.darolanger.com
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Friday, March 24, 2006
Invitation to Join the NIBA
Ms. Reja Mateski Jager, President of the Northern Illinois Bluegrass Association approached the group at the Buzz a few weeks ago wanting to know if we'd all consider joining the organization. Jim told Reja to send him the information and I'd relay it to the group. Membership is $15 a year. The newsletter lists jams, concerts and festivals along with information on Bluegrass happenings, individuals and bands in the area. Jim has a pdf of the form to join the association (that Miguel's having a hard time posting here at the moment).
The NIBA is located at P.O. Box 535, Winfield, illinois 60190.
E-Mail: niba@nibaweb.org
Website : http://www.nibaweb.org/
Ms. Reja Mateski Jager, President of the Northern Illinois Bluegrass Association approached the group at the Buzz a few weeks ago wanting to know if we'd all consider joining the organization. Jim told Reja to send him the information and I'd relay it to the group. Membership is $15 a year. The newsletter lists jams, concerts and festivals along with information on Bluegrass happenings, individuals and bands in the area. Jim has a pdf of the form to join the association (that Miguel's having a hard time posting here at the moment).
The NIBA is located at P.O. Box 535, Winfield, illinois 60190.
E-Mail: niba@nibaweb.org
Website : http://www.nibaweb.org/
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Packway Handle Band... Bluegrass From Athens, GA
I'm really likin' this string band from the Peach State. And they're givin' away free MP3s, which is always nice!
I'm really likin' this string band from the Peach State. And they're givin' away free MP3s, which is always nice!
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Midwest Bluegrass Festivals
Coming up this weekend ... Fri, Mar 24th through Sun, Mar 26th ... the Northern Illinois Bluegrass Festival in Naperville. The wonderful family band Cherryholmes is featured. Click the headline link for details. Or click to view the flyer as a PDF.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Half Day Bluegrass Band
Here's a Chicago bluegrass band that I may very well be the last person affiliated with the OP Farmer's Market musicians to hear about. But ... they've posted a list of links to even more Chicago area bluegrass bands, venues and festivals. So ... since they've done the leg work ... I'll just post this link! (Now I get more time for pickin')
Here's a Chicago bluegrass band that I may very well be the last person affiliated with the OP Farmer's Market musicians to hear about. But ... they've posted a list of links to even more Chicago area bluegrass bands, venues and festivals. So ... since they've done the leg work ... I'll just post this link! (Now I get more time for pickin')
SOMEBODY ELSES TROUBLES SUNDAY, MARCH 12
THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 12TH, WE WILL FEATURE MICHAEL SMITH IN THE S.E.T.S. MUSIC SERIES AT OUR NEW LOCATION: LILLY'S ON LINCOLN AVENUE. COME TO THINK OF IT, AT THE LAST SHOW (WHICH WAS THE FIRST AT LILLY'S) I WAS INSPIRED (BY 16 YEAR LAGAVULIN) TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE SHOWCASE TO:
COME EARLY
STAY LATE
FUN VENUE
GOOD CHINESE NEXT DOOR
FINE SPIRITS
PRICELESS CAMMERADERIE
LILLY'S
2515 N. LINCOLN AVENUE
773 525 2422
7:30 PM
THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 12TH, WE WILL FEATURE MICHAEL SMITH IN THE S.E.T.S. MUSIC SERIES AT OUR NEW LOCATION: LILLY'S ON LINCOLN AVENUE. COME TO THINK OF IT, AT THE LAST SHOW (WHICH WAS THE FIRST AT LILLY'S) I WAS INSPIRED (BY 16 YEAR LAGAVULIN) TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE SHOWCASE TO:
COME EARLY
STAY LATE
FUN VENUE
GOOD CHINESE NEXT DOOR
FINE SPIRITS
PRICELESS CAMMERADERIE
LILLY'S
2515 N. LINCOLN AVENUE
773 525 2422
7:30 PM
Sunday, March 05, 2006
[ DON'T MISS THIS SHOW ]
The legendary RAY PRICE with Robbie Fulks
Sun, March 19th at 4pm & 7:30pm
at the Old Town School
773-728-6000 or TicketWeb.com
The legendary RAY PRICE with Robbie Fulks
Sun, March 19th at 4pm & 7:30pm
at the Old Town School
773-728-6000 or TicketWeb.com
Open Session at The Oak Park Arms ...
Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. 'til ...
Bob Lopardo wishes to remind y'all that the Oak Park Arms is an open session. The residents really enjoy the music, and the management encourages people to come in and mingle a bit. You'll notice the OPA has even posted the session on its outside marquee sign if you drive by.
Some musician folks go to the Buzz first then meander over to the Arms for a while (as the OPA session starts later and doesn't end as early). We would love it for any pickers and grinners who want to stop in and set a spell. Bonus! Free mini muffins and tepid coffee abound!
The Oak Park Arms is on the corner of Oak Park Ave and Washington, which is just one block north of Madison.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
The tempos are fast. The twang is deep. (The Dobro player deserves a trophy!) And the lyrics are PROFANE!!! (You've been warned.) But the spawn of Hank, Jr. and grandspawn of the immortal Hank, Sr., takes the next big leap in his loud, fast rule of the frontiers of alternative country (with his middle finger firmly and stoutly erected in the general direction of the Nashville establishment). With his backup band "Ass Jack" in tow, Hank III runs rip-snortin' through 13 tunes that've been honed and sharpened by constant touring. This album is tight. Buy it on iTunes and get two bonus tracks not on the compact disc. But don't play it at work!
Monday, February 27, 2006
Upcoming Shows at the Old Town School
Junior Brown with The Hoyle Brothers
Texas guitar slinger JB plays the world's only Telecaster-Lapsteel combo instrument. And he plays it like a true master. Brown's deep baritone vocals and a strong penchant for upholding the legacy of Ernest Tubb make for one heck of a show. Warm up act the Hoyle Brothers are Chicago faves in the honky tonk tradition.
Sat, May 13 at 7:00 PM & 10:00 PM
Jim Lauderdale and Gail Davies
Vicki told me a funny story about how she met this guy with a Nudie suit and funky side burns at MerleFest. She wasn't sure who the heck he was until she saw him on stage later and realized he must be somebody! I told her about how Jim Lauderdale sang back ups and wrote songs for everybody from Emmy Lou Harris to Lucinda Williams. And he's recorded a pair of incredible traditional bluegrass CDs with Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys. This show promises to be more in the singer-songwriter vein of Lauderdale's ouerve.
Sun, May 21 at 7:00 PM
Abigail Washburn with The Crooked Jades
Here's another of my personal favorites. Abigail Washburn plays banjo in the all-girl bluegrass/old time band Uncle Earl. She's toured China with Bela Fleck. Actually, she's fluent in Mandarin and even sings a couple of songs in Chinese. Her songs are simple yet elegant. And the rough hewn delivery of her instrumental chops lends an air of authenticity to the story songs she shares with eloquence and honesty with her audience.
Sun, Jun 4 at 7:00 PM
Tickets for all shows go on sale to Old Town School members on 3/6/2006, and to the general public on 3/10/2006
Junior Brown with The Hoyle Brothers
Texas guitar slinger JB plays the world's only Telecaster-Lapsteel combo instrument. And he plays it like a true master. Brown's deep baritone vocals and a strong penchant for upholding the legacy of Ernest Tubb make for one heck of a show. Warm up act the Hoyle Brothers are Chicago faves in the honky tonk tradition.
Sat, May 13 at 7:00 PM & 10:00 PM
Jim Lauderdale and Gail Davies
Vicki told me a funny story about how she met this guy with a Nudie suit and funky side burns at MerleFest. She wasn't sure who the heck he was until she saw him on stage later and realized he must be somebody! I told her about how Jim Lauderdale sang back ups and wrote songs for everybody from Emmy Lou Harris to Lucinda Williams. And he's recorded a pair of incredible traditional bluegrass CDs with Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys. This show promises to be more in the singer-songwriter vein of Lauderdale's ouerve.
Sun, May 21 at 7:00 PM
Abigail Washburn with The Crooked Jades
Here's another of my personal favorites. Abigail Washburn plays banjo in the all-girl bluegrass/old time band Uncle Earl. She's toured China with Bela Fleck. Actually, she's fluent in Mandarin and even sings a couple of songs in Chinese. Her songs are simple yet elegant. And the rough hewn delivery of her instrumental chops lends an air of authenticity to the story songs she shares with eloquence and honesty with her audience.
Sun, Jun 4 at 7:00 PM
Tickets for all shows go on sale to Old Town School members on 3/6/2006, and to the general public on 3/10/2006
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Pickin' Some Mighty Fine Pickers
Jim Polaski heard these folks on Don Reno's Bluegrass on DSS (Direct TV) RFD-TV (http://www.rfdtv.com/shows/bluegrass.asp) yesterday and they're mighty good!
The Clusterpluckers ... WHAT a name!!!
http://www.clusterpluckers.com/indexx.html
Reno's show comes from Blue Highways TV. They have a great DVD set from the show. And Ronnie Reno has his own site -- www.RonnieReno.com
Jim Polaski heard these folks on Don Reno's Bluegrass on DSS (Direct TV) RFD-TV (http://www.rfdtv.com/shows/bluegrass.asp) yesterday and they're mighty good!
The Clusterpluckers ... WHAT a name!!!
http://www.clusterpluckers.com/indexx.html
Reno's show comes from Blue Highways TV. They have a great DVD set from the show. And Ronnie Reno has his own site -- www.RonnieReno.com
Monday, February 13, 2006
[ Another Mighty Fine Young String Band ]
The Avett Brothers
They've played MerleFest, Bean Blossom and all the rest of 'em. Just a trio with bass fiddle, guitar and banjo. And there's hell raisin' in their blood. Not a cozy dish of home cookin' in the old time tradition; more like a bowl of fire with a whomp bomp a loomah a whomp bam boom! Visit the fellas' official web site for more info and their brand new CD (as of Feb '06).
The Avett Brothers
They've played MerleFest, Bean Blossom and all the rest of 'em. Just a trio with bass fiddle, guitar and banjo. And there's hell raisin' in their blood. Not a cozy dish of home cookin' in the old time tradition; more like a bowl of fire with a whomp bomp a loomah a whomp bam boom! Visit the fellas' official web site for more info and their brand new CD (as of Feb '06).
Reminder: Now pickin' an' singin' at The Oak Park Arms ...
Session starts at 9:30 a.m. Get details here.
As well as The Buzz Café Please note that I've heard the Buzz is pretty crowded these days. Consider both the OP Arms and Buzz sessions for your next Saturday morning pickin' an' a singin' pleasure. Each one is mighty fine!
Session starts at 9:30 a.m. Get details here.
As well as The Buzz Café Please note that I've heard the Buzz is pretty crowded these days. Consider both the OP Arms and Buzz sessions for your next Saturday morning pickin' an' a singin' pleasure. Each one is mighty fine!
Here Comes ... John Prine!
Genesee Theatre, Waukegan, IL
Sat, May 6, 2006 at 8:00 PM
Buy tickets online from Ticketmaster
Genesee Theatre, Waukegan, IL
Sat, May 6, 2006 at 8:00 PM
Buy tickets online from Ticketmaster
Saturday, February 11, 2006
[ Bluegrass Brunch at Horseshoe Chicago ]
The Dimestore String Band
We can forgive these fellers for playin' with an electric bass guitar. Especially 'cause they're real good pickers. (And the stage is real small.) The location is north of Irving Park on the north side of Chicago. See some photos here.
The Dimestore String Band
We can forgive these fellers for playin' with an electric bass guitar. Especially 'cause they're real good pickers. (And the stage is real small.) The location is north of Irving Park on the north side of Chicago. See some photos here.
[ Another Mighty Fine String Band ]
The Reeltime Travelers
- Listen to two tracks here
- Official band site here where you can buy their new "live" CD
The Reeltime Travelers
- Listen to two tracks here
- Official band site here where you can buy their new "live" CD
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Announcement
Sunday, February 12 at 7:30 PM.
Lilly's, 2515 N. Lincoln in Chicago - 773 525 2422
>In the theme of Somebody Else's Troubles Sundays held in the past
>years at Lucille's; featured will be Matt Stevens, fine songwriter
>in the classic Chicago style. Co-host is the great Kat Eggleston.
>Join us for the series' return to Lincoln Avenue.
Sunday, February 12 at 7:30 PM.
Lilly's, 2515 N. Lincoln in Chicago - 773 525 2422
>In the theme of Somebody Else's Troubles Sundays held in the past
>years at Lucille's; featured will be Matt Stevens, fine songwriter
>in the classic Chicago style. Co-host is the great Kat Eggleston.
>Join us for the series' return to Lincoln Avenue.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
[ Country meets Bluegrass ]
The Woodys
This husband-and-wife duo sing angelic harmonies. Truly a great blend of voices in the Gram Parsons/Emmylou Harris mold. They've got three CDs out. The new one, Telluride to Tennessee, features more of a bluegrass feel with top flight session players such as Chris Hillman, Herb Pederson, Jimmy Fadden, Al Perkins and Ronnie McCoury.
The Woodys
This husband-and-wife duo sing angelic harmonies. Truly a great blend of voices in the Gram Parsons/Emmylou Harris mold. They've got three CDs out. The new one, Telluride to Tennessee, features more of a bluegrass feel with top flight session players such as Chris Hillman, Herb Pederson, Jimmy Fadden, Al Perkins and Ronnie McCoury.
Cherryholmes - a "Mighty Fine" Family Band
[ http://www.cherryholmesfamilyband.com ]
I read a supportive review in the Sunday NY Times today and ended up buying the CD on impulse (it's on sale for $9.99 at the Virgin Megastore). And ... it's fantastic! You can hear Windows Media Player audio samples on the band's Web site - click the link above. This TN-based group is slated to play on March 25 at the 11th Annual Northern Illinois Bluegrass Festival, Naperville, IL, 217-243-3159 (www.bluegrassmidwest.com).
[ http://www.cherryholmesfamilyband.com ]
I read a supportive review in the Sunday NY Times today and ended up buying the CD on impulse (it's on sale for $9.99 at the Virgin Megastore). And ... it's fantastic! You can hear Windows Media Player audio samples on the band's Web site - click the link above. This TN-based group is slated to play on March 25 at the 11th Annual Northern Illinois Bluegrass Festival, Naperville, IL, 217-243-3159 (www.bluegrassmidwest.com).
Monday, January 30, 2006
Reminder: Now pickin' an' singin' at The Oak Park Arms ...
Session starts at 9:30 a.m. Get details here.
Session starts at 9:30 a.m. Get details here.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Two More Contemporary Bluegrass Bands You Oughtta' Hear
1. Steep Canyon Rangers - http://www.steepcanyon.com
2. The Biscuit Burners - http://www.thebiscuitburners.com
1. Steep Canyon Rangers - http://www.steepcanyon.com
2. The Biscuit Burners - http://www.thebiscuitburners.com
[ Another Furry Young String Band ]
High On The Hog String Band
These strappin' young fellers are from Colorado. And they're givin' away three MP3s right about here. Visit their official Web site here.
High On The Hog String Band
These strappin' young fellers are from Colorado. And they're givin' away three MP3s right about here. Visit their official Web site here.
[ Lane asked, do tell ... ]
Railroad Earth
From their first gigs in May 2001, Railroad Earth has been an undeniable force whose superb songwriting, singing and performances from the stage have made them one of the most talked about bands to arrive in years. ust three weeks after jamming together for the first time, the six band members went into a local recording studio and laid down 5 live tracks with no overdubs except backing vocals. Within a week they had a manager on board and, on the strength of their demo alone, they landed a slot on the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. That was their tenth gig! Railroad Earth's newest release and first-ever DOUBLE LIVE album, "ELKO," will be released on their new label, SCI Fidelity Records, on January 24, 2006.
Railroad Earth
From their first gigs in May 2001, Railroad Earth has been an undeniable force whose superb songwriting, singing and performances from the stage have made them one of the most talked about bands to arrive in years. ust three weeks after jamming together for the first time, the six band members went into a local recording studio and laid down 5 live tracks with no overdubs except backing vocals. Within a week they had a manager on board and, on the strength of their demo alone, they landed a slot on the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. That was their tenth gig! Railroad Earth's newest release and first-ever DOUBLE LIVE album, "ELKO," will be released on their new label, SCI Fidelity Records, on January 24, 2006.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
~ R.I.P. ~
Janette Carter of the Carter Family dies
Janette Carter of the Carter Family dies
The last surviving child of the original Carter Family, Janette was the daughter of Sara and A.P. Carter. Age 82 and ill for some time, Janette died this past Sunday in Kingsport, TN. You may read further details from the Associated Press here.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Reminder: Now pickin' an' singin' at The Oak Park Arms ...
Session starts at 9:30 a.m. Get details here.
Session starts at 9:30 a.m. Get details here.
Peter Rowan + Tony Rice on Google Video - Free!
This home-made performance video from Magnolia Fest Midwest is hilarious. It's about six or seven minutes in length. And the initial three minutes or so is a comedic storytelling bit that leads right into the tune. I won't give it away here (but it's got something to do with the "Free Mexican Air Force."). You've got to see it for yourself. Great pickin', too.
This home-made performance video from Magnolia Fest Midwest is hilarious. It's about six or seven minutes in length. And the initial three minutes or so is a comedic storytelling bit that leads right into the tune. I won't give it away here (but it's got something to do with the "Free Mexican Air Force."). You've got to see it for yourself. Great pickin', too.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Thursday, January 19, 2006
!!! News Flash !!!
Live at Fitzgerald's - Sat, Jan 28th
Special Consensus + The Grascals
We're all familiar with the Special C. But you may've only heard about The Grascals. They're Dolly Parton's touring band, for one. But they're a top-flight bluegrass band in their own right. Each member of the band has played with and/or behind bluegrass legends. Their debut CD has garnered excellent reviews, too.Live at Fitzgerald's - Sat, Jan 28th
Special Consensus + The Grascals
The Bluegrass Harmonica Mastery of Buddy Greene
You've got to hear it to believe it. But ... whew! Mighty fine! Based in Nashville, Buddy plays guitar, harp and sings, plus he's recorded with Jerry Douglas, Ron Block, Sam Bush and many others. His interpretations of Gospel songs are especially, well, inspirational. Greene's latest CD is "Hymns & Praise Songs." He offers a 2CD set of Gospel songs collected from previous releases for only $15. And his previous studio release is called "Rufus." Great cover art!
New CD from Old Town School Artist Mark Dvorak
"Mark Dvorak is a folk singer’s folk singer who follows unerringly in the footsteps of Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, Big Bill Broonzy and Art Thieme. His natural style of performing can make an old song sound new and a new song sound familiar."
Visit Mark's Web site right here.
"Mark Dvorak is a folk singer’s folk singer who follows unerringly in the footsteps of Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, Big Bill Broonzy and Art Thieme. His natural style of performing can make an old song sound new and a new song sound familiar."
Visit Mark's Web site right here.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Now Playing at The Oak Park Arms!
Exciting News ... The formerly Something's Brewing group (that's Jim and Mary, Bob, Bob, Rick, Jack and others) has found a new home at The Oak Park Arms retirement community. The musicians play in the former hotel ballroom, which is an acoustically compatible space. Plus ... the OPA provides coffee and pastries for the players! (Acoustics be darned ... gimme a danish!) Many thanks to Bob Lopardo for stewarding the place and process.
While the gig is solely for residents and their guests, the audience is warmly engaged and appreciative of the music. The Oak Park Arms is on the corner of Washington Boulevard and Oak Park Avenue, and the pickin' starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends, well, whenever the group gets tired. Musicians associated with the OP Farmer's Market band are welcome to join the circle.
Exciting News ... The formerly Something's Brewing group (that's Jim and Mary, Bob, Bob, Rick, Jack and others) has found a new home at The Oak Park Arms retirement community. The musicians play in the former hotel ballroom, which is an acoustically compatible space. Plus ... the OPA provides coffee and pastries for the players! (Acoustics be darned ... gimme a danish!) Many thanks to Bob Lopardo for stewarding the place and process.
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