State of the Grass

“Doc” Simpson

August 2009

Greetings Bluegrass Aficio-nados. The faithful die-hard desert dwellers are holding down the fort here in the Old Pueblo and look-ing forward to cooler days and the return of our sea-sonal picking partners. In the meantime, we have the majestic monsoons to bring us sorely needed relief. Here’s the latest happen-ings. Rich Errico, Steve Nelson, Ben Richardson, Geoff Fox and Bonnie Lohman did a gig at the Botanical Gar-dens on July 2 for Patriotic Thursdays. On July 5th, a bunch of players performed

at Christ Community’s Patri-otic Celebration. We salute you one-and-all! Our Monday night Begin-

ners Workshops continue to have excellent attendance throughout the summer months. The gifted Dave Lanham was our instructor for May and June. Neither blazing heat nor panhandling drifters will de-ter the multi-talented Doc Reifschneider from continu-ing to lead exciting perform-ances on 4th Avenue on Sat-urdays. This involves a lot of hard work doing setup and performing under the hot sun. Plus, each perform-ance brings a $100 donation to the DBA! You’re the best Doc! Rich Errico, mandolinist extraordinaire, has been faithfully hosting jams on the Northwest side while Charlie Sides is out-of-town. Viva Rich!

“The Professor” - Marshall Vest – continues to lead the way on monthly instrument clinics at the 17th Street Market. In June, Crystal Ridge’s Tom Carpenter did a flat-picking guitar clinic that was attended by 13 students. Then in July, Corrine Cor-tese did an exciting fiddle clinic for 14 students. A particularly nice benefit has been that a number of the clinic attendees have subse-quently been coming to the Monday night beginner’s workshop. Evan Dain will be doing a bass clinic Au-gust 15th. Bill Breen will do “Learning to Play Banjo by Ear” on September 19th. “Pickn’ at the Peak Extrava-jamsa” has been happening every third Thursday of the month. We’ve moved the performance to the Gazebo to enjoy the cool evening breezes. We want to shout out a great

Volume 14 Issue 9 August/September 2009

GRASS CLIPPINGS

Desert B luegrass Associa t ion

State of the Grass by President "Doc" Simpson

Newsletter Editor--Bonnie Lohman: For information concerning Letters to the Editor, Reviews, contributing newsletter articles, submitting Concert & Band Listing information

Webmaster--Bill Trapp: For information concerning the DBA website www.DesertBluegrass.org contact the webmaster at trapp@wbhsi.net

Membership Secretary--Fran Riggs: To join the DBA, renew a membership or submit an address change, contact Fran via phone at (520) 490-4560, email Frantriggs@aol.com or snaill mail 17247 E. Peach Tree Road, Mayer, Arizona 86333-4146

Publicity--Mike Headrick: Contact Mike at (520) 760-0745 or MBHeadrick@aol.com

Booking Bands--Bonnie Lohman: To book a DBA band for an event, phone 520-296-1231 or email basslady78@comcast.net

Advertising--Bonnie Lohman: To purchase advertising in our newsletter, contact by phone or email

How to Contact the DBA

-OFFICERS-

1/4 PAGE--$25 PER ISSUE, $100 ANNUAL 1/2 PAGE--$40 PER ISSUE, $160 ANNUAL FULL PAGE--$60 PER ISSUE $240 ANNUAL CLASSIFIED ADS $5 FOR 5 LINES OR LESS DBA members free space permitting

The opinions expressed in the DBA newsletter are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the views of the Desert Bluegrass Association, is staff or members. Reviews, concert listings, band announcements and advertising are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement by the Desert Bluegrass Association. In the event of an error, our liability is limited to printing a correction. Copyright 2009,. All Rights Reserved.

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President: "Doc" Simpson (520) 298-9746 shrinkdoctor@earthlink.com

Vice President: Charlie Sides (520)579-5918 sides7@juno.com

Secretary: Mike Headrick (520) 760-0745 MBHeadrick@aol.com

Treasurer: Barbara Van Hoesen (785) 979-6177 bvanhoesen1@hotmail.com

-TRUSTEES- Shannon Dexter (520) 751-1856 sdexter@inbalranch.com Al Eychner (520) 908-9270 flatpicker1948@yahoo.com Geoff Fox (520) 731-3601 geoffqfox@hotmail.com Bonnie Lohman (520) 296-1231 basslady78@comcast.net Ben Richardson (520) 886-8715 teddie1938@aol.com Klyle Stall (520) 421-2596 klylen@aol.com Bill Trapp (520) 825-5890 trapp@wbhsi.net

MEMBERSHIP DISPLAY ADS PRICES

big “Thank you” to festival patrons Mike & Betty Headrick, Bonnie & Jim Lohman, Ben Richardson, and Charlie and Marlys Sides. As patrons they have given at least $100 each to support the DBA and our annual festival. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – the DBA’s greatest resource is its members. On a somber note, we mourn the passing of Skip Dexter to cancer. His life

was an extraordinary act of giving and his passing was laced with grace and beauty. The night he died, Shannon had invited several of us to come over and play gospel bluegrass for him to enjoy. After a couple of hours, sur-rounded by family and friends and as we sang “Swing Low Sweet Char-iot”, Skip did just that – he quietly stepped onto that chariot. A number of DBA musicians played at his ser-vice, and many of us joined

together to sing “Now I’m Coming Home.” Our hearts and prayers are with Shan-non. Fare thee well Skip. In closing, we bid our northern friends a “HOT-hello!” and wish you would hurry up and get back to us. If you are here in the Tuc-son area, come on out to join us for weekly DBA events. Happy Pickn’. “Doc” Simpson

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE CONTINUED

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Instruction Bill Breen Scruggs style banjo by ear. 520-544-2418 www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/music.asp Casey Harmonic instruction 520-887-2148 Corrine Cortese Fiddle lessons 520-235-3199 Rudy Cortese Banjo lessons 520-954-2103 Peter McLaughlin Flatpick & bluegrass guitar: Beginner & advanced 520-529-2992 Mike Purdy Guitar & mandolin 520-318-0659 Lindianne Sarno Fiddle 520-325-8752 J.P. Thom-Gronachan Banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, theory 520-682-6201 Mike Wallner Banjo, Scruggs, melodic & clawhammer 520-327-8259 Tim Wiedenkeller Banjo, traditional, melodic, progressive, jazz, blues, world and classical 520-795-4058 www.tucsonbanjo.com

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WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST DBA MEMBERS Miki Paul Tucson John & Becky Sellers Flagstaff Todd Clodfelter Tucson Reid & Eliana Griffin Tucson Thomas Miller Vail Teresa Metz Tucson Steve Langford & "Joey" Nakagawa Oro Valley David & Mary Dunham Troutdale, OR

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Associations

Arizona Bluegrass Association 7257 N. 50th Dr. Glendale, AZ 85301 Rick Rhodes--Chair 623-435-8406 Email: luvkomidy@hotmail.com www.azbluegrass.org International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) 207 E. Second Street

Owensboro, KY 42303 502-926-7891 So. Arizona Old Time Fiddlers Association 3020 W. Avenida Cresta Tucson, AZ 85745 Info: Wilbur 520-743-7086 Tucson Friends of Traditional Music Info: 520-408-6181 www.tftm.org Tucson Harmonica Club Info: 520-887-2148 Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association PO Box 26531 Tucson, AZ 85726 www.tkma.org Tucson Old Time Music Circle Banjo_brad@thegrid.net Brad 520-818-0260 www.totmc.org

Bands Bear Canyon Ramblers Marilyn 520-760-0479 bluegrassjamboree@gmail.com www.bearcanyonramblers.com Cadillac Mountain Corrine 520-235-3199 Crystal Ridge Brian Davies 520-297-4225 www.musictucson.com Dusty River Boys Mary Ann McCracken 520-977-8113 Flint Hill Special Glen Wilbourn 928-634-8411 Gold Rush Jan or Mike 480-982-4938 Headline Bluegrass Band Bill Cox 480-208-5217 www.myspace.com/headlinebluegrass Los Hombres Kenny Erickson 520-235-7473 Peter Mc Laughlin 520-529-2992 Salt Creek Roland 520-803-0078 Mike 520-378-4977 Special Blend Ray or Marilyn Sealing 928-300-6810 Gypsylady@isp.com The Bost Family Tradition Jeff Bost 520-432-5053 JeffBost@earthlink.net The Busted Cowboy Band Jim Koweek 520-455-5387 Titan Valley Warheads Ed Davenport 520-622-3699 Way Out West Emmy Creigh 520-323-0704

Jams All DBA sponsored jams and performances are listed separately on the enclosed calendar and the DBA website at www.DesertBluegrass.org

Bluegrass In Casa Grande Traditional Accoustic Bluegrass Jam. 1st Saturday of each month 6:30 - 9:30 Info: Klyle Stall (520) 421-2596

Southern AZ Old Time Fiddlers Assn. Southwest Community Center Cardinal Ave, Tucson, AZ Tuesday 7 PM Info: Wilbur 520-743-7086

Tradition Acoustic Bluegrass Jam Sessions Tempe, AZ Wednesday 7-10 PM Please call for confirmation of dates Info: Howard or Susan 480-897-7425

Catalina Mountain Chapter of the AZ Old Time Fiddlers Association 3rd Monday at 7 PM Info: Laura 520-743-9491

Great Websites

Check 'Em Out! Bluegrass Arizona Blog: www.bluegrassarizona.blogspot.com Banjo: www.banjohangout.org Fiddle: wwwlfiddlehangout.com Dobro: www.reso-nation.org or www.resohangout.com Bass: www.bluegrassbassplace.com

Titan Valley Warheads Li'l Abner's Steakhouse 8501 N Silverbell Road, Tucson Sundays 6:30-9:30 PM Info: Ed 520-622-3699

The Bluegrass Radio Show with Milo Saturday 10 am - 12 noon KXCI 91.3 FM 520-622-5924 requests

EVENTS

Here's a brand new release - The Crowe Brothers with an impres-sive group of musicians joining them on "Brothers -n- Har-mony". Josh Crowe is playing rhythm and lead guitar and is singing lead and har-mony. Wayne Crowe plays the upright bass and sings lead. Steve Sutton is on banjo, Darren Nicholson plays mando-lin, Steve Thomas plays fiddle, lead guitar and mandolin, Randy Kohrs is playing dobro and lap steel, Don Wayne Reno does a guest appearance on "Better Luck Next Time" - a song he wrote, Ronnie McCoury plays mandolin on Country "Boy Rock & Roll" (also a Don Reno song), Shawn Apple plays some per-cussion and Buck White plays tasty piano on "Million for a Broken Heart" - a song that Josh wrote. I grew up on the Louvin Broth-ers, Blue Sky Boys, Jim and Jesse, and the Whitstein Broth-ers. Brother harmonies fascinate me.

The Crowe Brothers have not veered from the old fashioned sounds of the wonderful brother duets of the past. Their choice of songs brings us back to the reason we began lis-tening to bluegrass music. Their style isn't overrun with every in-strument playing at once or com-

petition for the loudest and fast-est break. "Cindy Mae", written by Cody Shuller, is an uptempo tune, re-questing a date with a girl in the old fashioned way. How refresh-ing. "Holding On When You've Let Go" - a song by Dixie Hall and Eric Gibson - really good mel-ody, nice instrumental breaks. Only bluegrassers can sing the saddest words to a quick tempo. " Are You Teasin' Me" - Charlie and Ira Louvin song - nice banjo and dobro - so good! "Million For a Broken Heart" -

Josh Crowe wrote this one. Nice tune for listening to the wonder-ful harmony in the chorus. "Better Luck Next Time" - a Don Reno Tune. "I Know I'm Saved" "Which One is to Blame" "Go Away With Me" "Why Not Confess" "God Must Be a Cowboy" -

Danny Wyland Seals - I love Dan Seals' mu-sic. "Take Me by the Hand" "Country Boy Rock n Roll" - Don Reno write this one too. So... there's the list of songs. but there's no reason

to review each one. What I want to say is, every song on this al-bum is fantastic, as far as your reviewer is concerned. Some music synchs to the beat of the human heart, and some sounds bring pleasure to the hu-man ear. Here's an entire album of the very best, performed by the wonderful Crowe Brothers and their delightful musicians, who chose their licks so carefully. WOW! Love to you all! Marilyn

CROWE BROTHERS Brothers -n- Harmony Rural Rhythm Records

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Marilyn Ryan Hulbert

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YOUR HELP IS NEEDED - As mentioned in the last DBA newsletter, one of the fundraisers for the 10th Annual Bluegrass Festival is a raffle of instrument cases filled with items of interest to bluegrass pickers or grinners. We plan to raffle fiddle, guitar, mandolin and banjo cases, each with interesting items for pickers of those instruments. In addition there is a tote bag of items of interest to grinners and a new violin with bow and case for an aspiring fiddler. The cases will be raffled at the festival and we hope to begin selling tickets at jams in October. Tickets will be $5 each, 3 for $10 and 7 for $20. Ticket buyers may put their tickets in the case they hope to win. Our hope is each case will have merchandise valued at $150 or more. We have most of the cases – BUT THEY NEED TO

BE FILLED. Our guitar case has most

merchandise. Let’s get those other cases filled. We need EVERYONE to help us. Will you consider making a contribution either by purchasing something for a case of by soliciting a business for a donation? If you are purchasing new strings or a tuner, please consider buying a second item for a case. Also ask businesses you frequent for a donation. Gift certificates to coffee shops or restaurants are great. Also look through items at your house. We found 2 copies of the same book – “Will you miss me when I’m gone” about the Carter family. Maybe you have a treasure that you no longer use. Please make a contribution. Donations so far: Mandolin case – Phoenix music shop Guitar case – Donation from garage sale Fiddle case – Anonymous donor Pottery - Linda Baker & Karen Reifschneider Fiddle check-up – Mike Headrick Silk scarf – Harlow Nursery Guitar fly swatters (2) – Brooke Miner Black Throws (2) – Brooke Miner Bluegrass Belt Buckle (2) – Brooke Miner Book - Dangerous Curves (Guitar designs) – Brooke Miner Guitar Wine – Brooke Miner Mug Rugs – Betty Headrick Handwoven Instrument Straps – Elaine Ross

$10 Starbucks card – Ben Richardson Mandolin Lesson – Mike Purdy Book - Will you Miss me when I'm Gone - Betty & Mike Headrick Picture frame with guitar design – Bonnie Lohman 2 tickets to Jim Kweskin & Geoff Mudd concert – Rhythm & Roots Concert Series Strings, picks, bumper stickers – Martin Guitar Company New violin – Marilyn & Steve Hulbert To contribute, please send me a note via – mbheadrick@aol.com - or leave a message on the home phone – 760-0745. I will send you a donation form to insure we may properly acknowledge all contributions and provide tax donation forms or you may download a form from the DBA website. www.desertbluegrass.org - Festival Support Opportunity – Give me more info….. – Raffle Item – More info – Raffle Item Registration Form. Our aim is to have all donations received by early September so we need help NOW. Bonnie Lohman, basslady78@comcast.net and Brooke Miner, mbminer@theriver.com are available to collect items. Please contact either of them to make arrangements. Betty Headrick Festival raffle coordinator

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OUR RAFFLE CASES NEED TO BE FILLED!!!

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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE CONTINUED

Hosted by the Desert Bluegrass Association

and

The 17th Street Market

What: Two-hour clinic focused on bluegrass Bass Playing.

Who should attend: Beginning through advanced acoustic and electric/acoustic bass guitar players who would like to learn more about bluegrass playing.

When: Saturday, August 15, from 2-4 PM.

Where: The 17th Street Market, 840 E. 17th Street, Tucson, is located in the Armory Park Artist Warehouse District. Directions can be found on www.treasureshidden.com.

Our instructor is Evan Dain. Evan has been playing for over forty years, and has been playing and teaching in the Tucson area since 1996. Notable Bluegrass Evan has played with in Tucson includes Frog Mountain, The Titan Valley Warheads, and Ross Nickerson.

What To Expect From This Workshop: This workshop will include all levels of instruction of the Bass, including proper technique do’s and don’ts, simple chord nomenclature, classic lines and riffs, and an introduction to the double-slap style. The workshop will be interactive, and it is recommended that participants take notes or bring recording devices to supplement any handouts. This workshop is not limited to the Acoustic Double Bass, and electric bass players may want to call ahead for amp and power arrangements.

More Information: Marshall @ 907-9698

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Classified Ads

TACOMA ACOUSTIC GUITAR with L. R. Baggs pickup. Western Cedar top, Mahogany back and sides, satin finish, Rosewood fingerboard, chrome tuners, compensated saddle. Effortless action, beautiful condition, great sound acoustic or amplified. Great gig guitar - lightweight with big sound. Hard shell Case. Original owner. $900. Marilyn Ryan Hulbert 520-760-0479 e-mail - bluegrass jamboree@gmail.com

I'm selling my 1983 Martin D-18, Limited Edition Series, signed by C.F. Martin ll and C.F. Martin lll. I consider the guitar in good condition, with some finish wear noted after over 25 years of playing. I hand-picked this guitar from three in the series back when it was a newly minted instrument. It is the guitar I used on my Wanderlust recording. As with all D-18s, it has Mahogany back and sides. It has a Spruce top and Ebony fingerboard and bridge. It is tonally rich and complex. If interested, please contact Peter McLaughlin at 520-292-5992, or e-mail mcpeter@aol.com. Price is $1850.00 or best offer. Chris Brashear 413-259-1890 www.chrisbrashear.net

Afriats: Understanding Forced Interpersonal Interactions. A new book by Richard Baker. Google "Afriats" to inspect the book. Available online at Barnes and Noble or Amazon.com.

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Hosted by the Desert Bluegrass Association &

The 17th Street Market

What: Two-hour clinic focused on playing Scruggs-style banjo by ear. Who should attend: Beginning through intermediate banjo players who would like to learn more about playing Scruggs-style banjo by ear, including improvising in a jam. When: Saturday, Sept. 19th, from 2-4 PM.

Where: The 17th Street Market, 840 E. 17th Street, Tucson, is located in the Armory Park Artist Warehouse District. Directions can be found on www.treasureshidden.com.

Our instructor: Bill Breen. Bill has been playing banjo for about twenty-five years and teaches Scruggs-style banjo with an emphasis on learning to play by ear. He has played banjo with the Tucson-based Shadow Mountain bluegrass band and has “guested” with Glen Wilbourn’s Flint Hill Special and Bill Bogan’s Trusting Heart bluegrass bands. Bill has produced two of his own banjo CD’s, “Pickin’ On The Porch” and “The Good, The Bad And The Ugly Banjo Of Bill Breen,” as well as two CD’s for the Shadow Mountain bluegrass band. He also co-produced (with Bonnie Lohman) the Desert Bluegrass Association’s CD, “A Bluegrass Journey.”

Bill is a long-time bluegrass master of ceremonies, regularly M.C.’ing the Tucson Bluegrass Festival, Benson Bluegrass Festival, White Mountains Bluegrass Festival, Wickenburg’s Four Corner States Bluegrass Festival and the Arizona State Fiddle Championships held in Payson each year.

What To Expect From This Workshop: Attendees can expect to understand how they can learn to play a tune by ear and improvise/create a banjo break, which can be helpful in a jam session setting. More Information: Marshall @ 907-9698

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DESERT BLUEGRASS ASSOCIATION 7878 E. Cloud Road Tucson, AZ 85750-2819

First name: Last name:

Street Address: City: State: Zip:

Home phone: Cell phone:

Email address:

Do you wish to be included in the Membership Directory? (check one) Yes� No�

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION/RENEWAL FORM

August/September 2009 Volume 14, Issue 9 A NON-PROFIT VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION

300 copies

ADDRESS Label

Membership dues for the Desert Bluegrass Association are $15 annually per family, due March 1st, and includes bulk mailing of the bi-monthly newsletter to each member. Members joining after November of any year will have their membership extended through the next year. Those joining before November must renew the following March 1st.

Complete this form then mail it, along with your personal check or money order payable to Desert Bluegrass Association, to:

Fran Riggs (DBA Membership Secretary) 17247 E Peach Tree Road

Mayer, AZ 86333-4146

Www.DesertBluegrass.org

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID TUCSON, ARIZONA PERMIT NO. 1830 Return Service Requested

MEMBER OF THE DESERT BLUEGRASS ASSOCIATION

Cut out this box The mailing label is now your DBA membership card