minnesota bluegrass aug2014

August 2014

MBOTMA Hot Line(to subscribe and for other information)612-285-9133 or 800-635-3037 [email protected]. Box 16408, Mpls, MN 55416www.minnesotabluegrass.org Twitter: @mnbluegrass Facebook: minnesotabluegrass

MBOTMA Board of DirectorsPresident: Gary Cobus, 763-428-2394, [email protected] President: Jana Metge, 952-996-6490, [email protected]: Peter Albrecht Secretary: Mary DuShaneBoard Members: Term expires 2014: Alan Jesperson, Philip Nusbaum, David SmithTerm expires 2015: Marilyn Bergum, Gary Germond, Greg Landkamer, Sandi PidelYouth Representatives: Sarah Cagley, Catie Jo PidelFor meeting minutes and other Board business, go to: minne-sotabluegrass.org/as_Board

MBOTMA StaffExecutive Director: Jed Malischke, 715-635-2479Administrative Assistant: Bea Flaming, 612-285-9133

Minnesota BluegrassEditor: JoAnne Makela, [email protected]: Mark Anderson, Ann Iijima, Mary Pat Kleven, Mark Kreitzer, Jed Malischke, Phil NusbaumComing Up: Loretta Simonet, Rick SwansonWordmark: Katryn ConlinPhotography: Kevin Atkins, Martin Chvatal, John Fellman, Tina WilsonCover art: Mark Odegard

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Minnesota Bluegrass is published monthly by The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association™, a Minnesota nonprofit corporation, P.O. Box 16408, Mpls, MN 55416. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without writ-ten permission from the publisher. The publisher is not respon-sible for the loss or return of unsolicited photos, recordings, or manuscripts. ©2013 Minnesota Bluegrass. All rights reserved. ISBN 0891-0537.

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Sustaining:Rod & Barb AndersonMary ArntsonLee BjorndalAnn Crawford Brooks & Barry BrooksBill & Ann BushnellDan & Marilyn CookBrian CornellBob & Vicki DalagerHal DavisMary DuShaneGarry & Linda ElfstrandJim FranczykArt GeffenWarren GumesonTimothy & Ginger HaalandJames HeligDick & Sue Hopperstad

Ann Iijima & Myles BakkeAlan & Geriann KaganJim LallyLloyd & Beverly LaPlantJim MillerBen MonkJames NatwickDominic Orrico / Rhapsody DesignBob OstlundLeo & Ann RosensteinMarty & Carol SchirberWendy SchoenTom & Margaret SchuveillerHowell SmithRoger SweetDavid & Bonnie WarnerMark & Danelle Wolf

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Membership as of December 1, 2013: 962

August 2014Vol. 40No. 8Newsstand: $2.50Subscription: $30

Funding provided in part by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature, a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and private donors.

3August 2014

MinnesotaBluegrass.org

Minnesota Flatpicking GuitarChampionshipSaturday, August 30, 2014, 2 to 5 pmWest End Market Stage, Minnesota State Fair

GRAND PRIZEChampionship Round 1st Place:Hand-Built Guitar by David Vincent Guitars (retail value of $2,500)Trophies and cash prizes for 2nd $350; 3rd $250; 4th $150; 5th $100

Preliminary Rounda. Ages 21 & Under: 1st $40; 2nd $20; 3rd trophyb. Ages 22 to 55: 1st $40; 2nd $20; 3rd trophyc. Ages 56 & Up: 1st $40; 2nd $20; 3rd trophy

Minnesota Duet ChampionshipFriday, August 29, 2014, 2 to 5 pmWest End Market Stage, Minnesota State Fair

GRAND PRIZECash Prize of $200 plus a Pair of Baby Taylor Guitars in Gig Bags from The Podium (retail value $800) plus trophies and cash prizes for 2nd $200; 3rd $100; 4th $75; 5th $50

Registration $25 - Space is limited - First come first serve! Up to 15 Duets, 17 guitarists

Guidelines, registration forms and more information at www.MinnesotaBluegrass.org or call 800-635-3037.

ONLY $20TO REGISTERUNTIL AUG 15!

5August 2014


Cover

Under an August Moon: The 35th Annual Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music FestivalBy Ann Iijima

Like most of you, I’ve been to a number of music festivals of different sorts. Some have been bigger, and some have been smaller than the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival, and some (but not all) have focused on bluegrass and old-time music. But few can compare with what MBOTMA has created: a wonderful festival/party/celebration/family reunion. In their articles in this issue of Minnesota Bluegrass, Mark Anderson describes MBOTMA members’ “co-ownership” of the festival, and Mark Kreitzer says “It Takes a Village.” This month, you can experience what we all, together, have created.

The festival committee has pulled together another stellar line-up of bluegrass, old-time, and related-genre bands, both national and regional, including IBMA’s most-awarded male vocalist, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, and a band that I now refer to as Gary Hultman and The Boxcars! You can read more about the bands elsewhere in this issue, and find the schedules for all six venues on the MBOTMA website at minnesotablue-grass.org.

There will be a great set of work-shops, including the ever-popular hands-on workshops (H.O.W.s). The instrumental H.O.W.s will feature:

• Guitar: Advanced bluegrass with Keith Garrett of the Boxcars, begin-ner bluegrass with Derek Johnson of Monroe Crossing, advanced old-time with Sam Bartlett of the Hogwire Stringband and Tom Weisbecker of Fiddler Nelson, and beginner

old-time with Paul Tyler and Jim Nelson of the Volo Bogtrotters.• Banjo: Advanced bluegrass with Steve Dilling of IIIrd Tyme Out and Daniel Patrick of The Roys, beginner bluegrass with David Robinson of Monroe Crossing and Shane Birtzer of Sawtooth Bluegrass, advanced old-time with Steve Rosen of the Volo Bogtrotters, and beginner old-time with John Everist of Fiddler Nelson.• Fiddle: Advanced old-time with Brad Leftwich of the Hogwire Stringband and Bill Peterson of Fiddler Nelson, begin-ner old-time with Chirps Smith of the Volo Bogtrotters and Tom Carlson, advanced bluegrass with Justen Haynes of IIIrd Tyme Out, and beginner bluegrass with Evan McGregor of Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers.• Mandolin: Advanced bluegrass with Adam Steffey of The Boxcars and Mike Terry of Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, beginner bluegrass with Scott Stebbins of the Platte Valley Boys and Jesse Moravec of Sawtooth Bluegrass.• Bass: Advanced old-time with Tony Scarimbolo of the Volo Bogtrotters, beginner old-time with Adam Kiesling of Fiddler Nelson, advanced bluegrass with Erik Alvar of The Roys, and beginner bluegrass

with Ethan Moravec of Sawtooth Bluegrass.• Musical Saw with Adam Wirtzfeld of the Roe Family Singers.

Because each of the H.O.W.s is limited to seven participants, there will be a sign-up table at 9:45 a.m. both Friday and Saturday, and participation will be on a first-come-first-served basis. (If you aren’t able to score one of the seats, you’re

welcome to sit outside the circle and “audit” the workshop.) Participants must be present to sign up, and may sign up for only one workshop at a time.

Wait, there’s more—more workshops in other festival venues, that is! The Underground (fka “Young Talent Stage”) will host a Square Dance

Calling workshop with Paul Tyler of the Volo Bogtrotters, a Cajun Dance workshop with Ana and the Bel-Tones, and a Songwriter’s Round Robin with Paul Schulte. And Bill Cagley will be back to host beginning and inter-mediate jamming workshops at the Gathering Place.

Speaking of the Gathering Place, stop by anytime to meet friends, old and new, join an informal jam, or gather on Saturday morning with quil-ters and crafters to share patterns and projects.

The Showcase Tent will be buzzing as well. The instrumental showcases

Hogwire Stringband

6 August 2014


will feature national and local experts and a wide range of instruments. Topics include: Accordion Styles, Old-Time Banjo Masters, Midwest Old-Time Fiddlers, Bluegrass Fiddle Masters, Bluegrass Mandolin Masters, and Bluegrass Guitar Masters. Other showcases include: Stuntology, Honkytonk Guitar, Midwest Fiddle Tunes, Clogging showcase and work-shop, and The Ukulele Craze: Is It for Real? (See page 14 for a complete schedule.)

At night, the Showcase Tent becomes a dance hall, with two old-time barn dances, two old-time square dances, a Cajun dance, and a Scandinavian dance, all with live bands and some with callers and instruction. Also, stop by the Showcase Tent for morning yoga or afternoon Bluegrass Karaoke with Long Road Home. On Sunday, there will be a non-denominational service and plenty of gospel singing.

Families will want to check out all the doings in the Family Area,

which will offer over 20 hours of spe-cial activities for the young’uns: the Maypole Dance (weather permitting), crafts, games, talent show, “Pick Up and Play One Tune with Sloughgrass,” and special concerts.

There are still a few spaces avail-able in the Pre-Festival Instructional Camps: Bluegrass Jam Camp with Monroe Crossing, Old-Time Band Camp with the Volo Bogtrotters, and a Sound Workshop with Armadillo Sound. Check the MBOTMA website for registration information.

For the seventh consecutive year, you’ll have a chance to play or hear your friends play at Ranch House Live, a laid back, informal open mic series. Go to the MBOTMA website to sign up and to see who’s playing.

You’ll also want to stop by the shirt stand for great shirts at great prices. The 35th anniversary design is a real beaut, and compelled me to ask whether I could get a volume discount. As requested by MBOTMA members, all of the standard logo shirts are now

“Made in America,” so help support American laborers (and MBOTMA, too).

Many thanks to the community of staff members and 40 volunteers for all their work planning this great party. And thanks in advance to the 500 volunteers who will be making every-thing run smoothly during the festival (hint, hint: minnesotabluegrass.org/as_FestVolunteer). It does take a village, a community, a family of music-lovers, and, after 35 years, we know how to make it happen. Come to listen, play, sing, and dance, but don’t miss the fun!

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7August 2014


“Playing music is the easy part,” says Russell Moore with a laugh as he looks back on more than 30 years of doing what he grew up wanting to do. By the time he put together his band IIIrd Tyme Out, his musical vehicle since 1991, he says, “I was realistic enough to know that bands come and go. Being able to stay together is the hurdle that everyone faces. So I didn’t have a preconceived notion that someday I’d be celebrating 20 years with IIIrd Tyme Out—but I did feel like I would be playing music for the rest of my life.”

Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out have endured. In the process, they’ve managed to climb to the top twice, winning a slew of IBMA vocal awards, including two Male Vocalist of the Year honors, in the mid and late 1990s, then persevering through rough times to see Moore recapturing the Male Vocalist trophy for the past three years. Along the way, they’ve made a whole new generation of fans and, with the release of Timeless Hits From The Past ... Bluegrassed by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, the quintet is poised to deliver its distinctive brand of music more widely than ever.

For Moore, it’s been a long journey from his childhood Texas home near Houston. He heard a lot of country music growing up: “I was five miles from Gilley’s right during the Urban Cowboy craze,” he notes. But it was bluegrass that really turned his head as he moved into his teen years. “Bluegrass was accessible,” he recalls. “The bands, the musicians, they were so approachable—and even though we weren’t in the bluegrass main-stream geographically, I was able to see

artists like Bill Monroe, Larry Sparks, and the Lewis Family, and you could just be around them. That was intriguing to me.”

Within a few years, Russell was playing mandolin in a regional band, and by the time he was in his early 20s, he had teamed up with a couple of like-minded youngsters to create Southern Connection, making the move to North Carolina to pursue bluegrass success as a guitar-playing sideman. Joining Bluegrass Hall of Famer Doyle Lawson and his band Quicksilver, Moore quickly found himself in the bluegrass forefront, remaining there with Lawson through six years and as many bluegrass and bluegrass gospel albums. Though his tenure with Quicksilver barely overlapped the establishment of the IBMA awards, Moore shared in the first of many to come when the group took home the Song Of The Year crystal in 1990 for “The Little Mountain Church House.”

Still, a desire to make his own mark impelled Russell, along with bandmates Mike Hartgrove and Ray Deaton, to create their own group in 1991. Naming themselves IIIrd Tyme Out—a reference to the number of professional bands they’d already been in—the group hit the ground running,

releasing three well-received albums on the Rebel Records label in just four years. “We weren’t immune from the same things that any other band start-ing up has to endure,” Moore recalls. “You have to prove yourself—you have to let people know that you’re sincere, and that you’re going to work hard. But once we were able to get enough show dates that we didn’t have to have day jobs, we felt pretty good that as long as we continued to work hard, put the music out that we knew we were capable of, be personable and humble and appreciative, we felt that we could continue on if we chose to.”

In 1994, they earned the first of an unsurpassed seven consecutive IBMA awards for Vocal Group of the Year, along with Russell’s first Male Vocalist of the Year title. For the remainder of the decade and into the new cen-tury, IIIrd Tyme Out was among the most important acts in the field, earning acclaim for the compelling artistry they brought both to a string

Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out headline August Festival

Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out play at 8:30pm on the Main Stage at the August Festival, Saturday, August 9. Photo: courtesy IIIrdTymeOut.com

8 August 2014


of well-received albums and to stages across the United States. However, partnership tensions and personnel instability came to a head, and with them, the very real possibility of an end to the group.

It was at that point that Russell Moore stepped up to lead the group. “I was stubborn,” he says with a smile. “I knew there was a lot that could be done with this group, and I was stub-born enough to say, I have put too much into this to let it just get away. So when everything came down to it, I knew that it was time. I could have started something brand new, but I would have had to give up everything that we had worked for. So I decided to stick it out. I kept hoping that every-one would start pulling in the same direction.”

With Moore in charge, and his name now in front, recognizing both his new leadership role and the group’s single biggest musical focus, IIIrd Tyme Out began to rebuild. Signing with Rural Rhythm Records in 2007, the quintet solidified a new lineup (the same one it has today), and the 2009 release of Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, with its hit single “Hard Rock Mountain Prison,” paved the way for Moore to take another Male Vocalist honor in 2010. Prime Tyme and its irresistibly catchy “Pretty Little Girl From Galax” followed in 2011, as did another Male Vocalist trophy, and Moore was called to the stage yet again at 2012’s IBMA awards to accept still further recognition of his preeminence as a singer.

Yet IIIrd Tyme Out is hardly a one-man show, even with a frontman as spectacular as Moore. Wayne Benson, who joined the band nearly 20 years ago—just in time for the aptly titled Grandpa’s Mandolin—and stayed for nearly a decade before taking

a job with the John Cowan Band, returned in 2007; his tasteful, influ-ential approach to the mandolin is a focal point of the group’s instrumen-tal prowess even as he continues to contribute in the vocal department. Behind him comes fiddler Justen Haynes; a member for nearly a decade, he’s a second-generation bluegrasser who’s earned the admiration of peers and fans alike for his supple melodic lines and tasteful vocal support.

Joining the veterans are two new members who, Moore says, have fit quickly and easily into IIIrd Tyme Out’s signature sound. Blake Johnson, a long-time member of The Hagar’s Mountain Boys and, for the past year, guitarist for Grasstowne, returns to his preferred role as bass player, while Keith McKinnon, who served mem-orable stints with his brother Kevin in singer Carrie Hassler’s band and in their own Still-House, takes over the banjo slot. Both men also contribute to the group’s award-winning harmonies.

“As a band,” Russell notes, “it’s sometimes important to reinvent your-selves, your music and your show, to keep things exciting and fans engaged. Quite often a band member change can be the spark that lights that creative fire. I know the feel and excitement of being a new member of an established band, dating back to my days when I joined Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and it’s great to see and feel that same excitement from Keith and Blake.”

The band’s latest release, Timeless Hits From The Past...Bluegrassed, is one of the first fruits of the quin-tet’s latest business relationship, as Moonstruck Management’s Peter Keiser alerted them to Cracker Barrel Old Country Store’s plans for another bluegrass album. “Had it not been for Moonstruck, that wouldn’t have hap-pened,” Moore notes. “. . . [W]e had

room not just for the country stuff that’s helped to shape who we are, but some of the key songs of IIIrd Tyme Out that have shaped us, too. And then, when [Alison Krauss & Union Station’s] Barry Bales offered to help us, it was like a light bulb went on. I thought, maybe it’s time that we did bring someone in from outside the band to put an ear and thumbprint on it, make it the best it could possibly be. It’s something different for us, and it really worked out well.”

Add it all up, factor in an appear-ance on Billboard’s list of the 15 best-selling bluegrass albums for 2013, and the future is looking very bright for Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out. Indeed, if one measure of success is the degree to which younger and newer musicians look to a group for inspiration, then IIIrd Tyme Out is about as successful as a bluegrass group can be, for a whole generation of young pickers and singers can be heard across the country trying their hand at IIIrd Tyme Out classics. “It’s one of the greatest compliments you could ever have,” Moore acknowledges. “It’s humbling to know that they think that much of what we’re doing, and sometimes it makes you think wow, we really are making a difference. People are taking notice.

“. . . [W]hen you know that some-body else out there is getting some-thing from you because of your music, well, that’s the thing about music that got me into it—just the love of the music, and the way it made me feel. It always has been therapeutic, and it still is—and you can’t ask for more than that.”—This article is excerpted from the IIIrd Tyme Out official bio on their website at iiirdtymeout.com

9August 2014


If you don’t know about the Boxcars by now, you have likely been practicing your accordion licks and not listening to bluegrass. The announcement of the formation of this new group made the rounds in 2009, and they were awarded the Emerging Artist of the year award by IBMA in 2011. That same year, they also were named the Instrumental Group of the Year, which they have repeated in 2012 and 2013. Not that that should come as a surprise. Individual band members have played with Alison Krause and Union Station, Dusty Miller, the Lynn Morris Band, Curly Seckler, J.D. Crowe and the New South, the Dan Tyminski Band, and the Isaacs. With pedigrees like that, it would have been amazing if they had not been so successful.

The Boxcars are made up of Adam Steffey on mandolin (my personal bluegrass mandolin hero and 10-time IBMA mandolin award winner), Ron Stewart on banjo and fiddle (IBMA award winner on both instruments), Keith Garrett on guitar, and Harold Nixon on bass. Founding member John Bowman has announced his depar-ture to pursue his ministerial work, and, of special excitement to us here in MBOTMAland, has been replaced by former Sloughgrass member Gary Hultman. As many of you may already know, Gary grew up in Birchdale, Minnesota, so this will be a very auspi-cious homecoming, indeed.

If you’re a fan of hardcore, straight ahead bluegrass, then this is your band. They play a mix of traditional songs, including numbers by Hank Williams and A.P. Carter, mixed in

with some great originals. And, while they’re widely known as an instrumental band, make no mistake about it, these guys can sing, too. Their three record-ings—the self-ti-tled The Boxcars, All In, and It’s Just A Road—have all earned high marks and been on the top of the charts. (There’s a rumor from a good source—which I’m just starting—that they are talking about returning to the studio in the fall.)

So, here’s the village story about Gary ending up with the Boxcars—he started playing Dobro when he was about 10, because, as I was told, “he liked weird noises, so we gave him a Dobro.” Originally getting lessons from a teacher in Bemidji, he and some of his family and friends began playing together and got involved with MBOTMA. Gary took part in the Grass Seeds Academy, where he got to work with some of the best regional musicians and play with more kids his age. Eventually, he learned about NashCamp, where he met and studied with Mike Witcher, and ResoSummit, where he got to meet and work with Rob Ickes, Jerry Douglas, Mike Aldridge, and Sally van Meter. It was Sally who took the next men-toring step and encouraged Gary to

pursue his studies and get more profes-sional input. He was accepted to East Tennessee State University (ETSU) and is currently majoring in bluegrass, old-time, and country music, and expects to graduate in 2016.

Dave Hultman, Gary’s father, told me that he always encouraged his son to keep lots of tools in his toolbox, and so Gary made an effort to improve his singing and to learn more about man-dolin. Dave also imparted an amazing bit of insight to Gary, saying as a band member, you need to put all of the focus on the song and the emotion of the song. That brings us to the next big village building moment, as that’s how he got to know Adam Steffey. As you may know, Adam teaches man-dolin at ETSU, and so they spent lots of time together, both in and out of classes. Adam realized that Gary has unique skills and talents: “Although he is young in age, Gary has talent

It takes a village to raise a Dobro player: The Boxcars welcome Gary HultmanBy Mark Kreitzer

The Boxcars. Photo: Tina Wilson, theboxcars.com

10 August 2014


heroes.” He was a bit jetlagged when we spoke, having just returned from a tour in Japan, then jumped in the van with Adam and Keith, but very graciously told me about getting the invitation to join the band. He told me that while he was taking lessons from Adam on mandolin, Adam realized that Gary had a great set of ears—he listens to what’s going on and knows what to add. I asked if he knew why they asked him specifically, and he said he thought the band didn’t want to replace departing member John Bowman with another fiddler, and they thought the Dobro would be a fresh new sound. The fact that Gary sings also helped, since all members share the vocal duties, both lead and harmony.

When I asked Gary what the hard-est part was of fitting in with the band, he told me, “getting all the parts right,

beyond his years. He has the great abil-ity to play what each song needs; never overplaying or showboating, always sensitive to the song and the dynamics that it requires. This is a rare quality in a young player, but it seems to come quite naturally to Gary.”

And what’s Gary’s take on the experience? He told me, “It’s a dream come true. I’m playing with my

especially the vocals.” And the easiest? “They’re all true gentlemen. They’re all great guys, and very welcoming.” And having met and visited with Gary on the phone, I have to say the Boxcars found another true gentleman and a great guy, not to mention a splendid musician.

See The Boxcars on the festival main stage on Friday, August 8, at 8:35 p.m. and Sloughgrass also on Friday at 5 p.m. in the family area.—Mark Kreitzer is a multi-instru-mentalist and the founder of the Mark Kreitzer Band. He also plays with the Clearwater Hot Club, Patty and the Buttons, and the Mill City Hot Club. As a member of the Middle Spunk Creek Boys, he was inducted into the Minnesota Rock and Country Hall of Fame. A prolific songwriter, Mark received MBOTMA’s first Favorite Bluegrass Songwriter award.

The newest Boxcar, Minnesota native Gary Hultman. Photo: Bluegrass Today

Minnesota Bluegrass Deadline for October 2014

Articles, Ads, Coming Up, and News Clips

Due September 1, 2014Send to:

[email protected]

St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral is hosting its first annual Bluegrass Festival on Sunday, August 3, 12–5pm on the plaza by the Cathedral.

The lineup features The Usual Suspects with John Bergquist at noon; Adam Kiesling’s Old Time Revue at 1:30 p.m.; The Grass Seeds Academy Players at 3 p.m.; and a jam from 4 to 5 p.m.

Enjoy food from three food trucks. Bring your banjo or other instrument for jamming and a lawn chair for sit-ting. The Loring Park Arts Festival runs concurrently right across the street. Free and open to all. Parking is $10.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral is located at 519 Oak Grove Street, Mpls. For more information call 612-870-7800 or visit www.ourcathedral.org.

The Minnesota State Fair Fiddle Contest had to close registrations early last year, so don’t be turned away this time! Get your registration in now. This year’s event will be held on the new West End stage, August 23 & 24, and should be bigger and better than ever.

In addition to age group, open, twin, and trick fiddling divisions, we have added fun categories such as “Fee Fi Faux” for musicians to play a fiddle tune on any acoustic instrument other than a fiddle. The Heritage Division requires musicians to tell a story about their fiddle tune, then play it on a fiddle or any other acoustic instru-ment. The Gamblers Division show-cases a fiddlers repertoire rather than ability. Registration is $10; competi-tors receive free State Fair Tickets for

themselves and their backups. Backup is provided for fiddlers if needed.

Registration deadline is August 13. For more details on the program, rules, and prizes go to fiddlemn.com/2014_State_Fair_Contest_.html.

Grass Clippings

11August 2014


BLUEGRASS JAM CAMP WITH MONROE CROSSINGThe members of Monroe Crossing will host a three-day bluegrass instructional camp. For beginners and intermediate level players, camp will include individual instrument instruction plus group playing and harmony singing dynamics. It starts on Tuesday, August 5 after 6 p.m. and continues in morning and afternoon sessions on August 6 & 7. The camp will wind up with a group recital in the Showcase Tent on Thursday evening. $95 registration fee before July 15; $120 after.

OLD-TIME STRINGBAND CAMP WITH THE VOLO BOGTROTTERSThe members of The Volo Bogtrotters will host a two day old-time band instructional camp on August 6 & 7. They will teach intermediate and advanced level old-time musicianship. Learn some basics of old-time music as well as a few new tunes, and gain experience playing with others. Instruction on student’s own instrument. $80 registration fee before July 15; $95 after.

SOUND WORKSHOP WITH ARMADILLODoug Lohman of Armadillo Sound will cover audio production and sound reinforcement for this intensive two-day workshop. The nature and characteristics of audio gear (analog and digital) and how to master it, along with the characteristics of a successful sound person will be the topics. Camp begins at 9 a.m., August 6. $80 registration fee before July 15; $95 after.

For more information or to register: 1-800-635-3037 [email protected]

PRE-FESTIVAL INSTRUCTIONAL CAMPSPrior to the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival

El Rancho Mañana Campground ~ August 7–10, 2014

12 August 2014


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13August 2014


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14 August 2014


THURSDAY• 7pm—Bluegrass Jamcamp Student Recitals

FRIDAY• 10am—Inner Smiles Yoga with Lucy Weberling.• 12pm—Accordion Styles Showcase. Bill Monroe once had an accordion player in his band, and today it is showing up in all kinds of music. We happen to have several fine players on hand this year, including Anabel Njoes and Shawn Glidden (Ana & The Bel-Tones), Patrick Harrison (The Catswingers), and Dwight Lamb (Fiddler Nelson). John Everist (Fiddler Nelson) will make sure we know the difference between the accordion and the concertina.• 1pm—Old-Time Banjo Masters Showcase. There’s no happier sound than that of the old-time banjo, and we have some of the best with us here. Quillian Roe (Roe Family Singers) will host Brad Leftwich (Hogwire Stringband), Steve Rosen (Volo Bogtrotters), Sam Bartlett (Hogwire Stringband), and Fred Campeau (Volo Bogtrotters).• 2pm—Old-Time Fiddle Masters Showcase. AJ Srubas will host this showcase of old-time fiddle tunes with a Midwestern origin, with Brad Leftwich (Hogwire Stringband), Dwight Lamb (Fiddler Nelson), Fred Campeau (Volo Bogtrotters), and Chirps Smith (Volo Bogtrotters).• 3pm—Bluegrass Fiddle Masters Showcase. Brian Wicklund will host Lisa Fuglie (Monroe Crossing), Ron Stewart (The Boxcars), Luke Birtzer (Sawtooth) and Clint White (The Roys).• 4pm—Honky Tonk Guitar. Jack Klatt (The Catswingers) will introduce us to his style of finger-picked honkytonk guitar.• 5pm—Stuntology. In addition to being a master old-time musician, Sam Bartlett (Hogwire Stingband) is also the author of a best-selling book on pranks and parlor tricks, The Best of Stuntology. Let’s find out what this is all about.• 5:45pm—Ukulele Craze. Is it a craze? Ask our guests Linda Higginbotham (Hogwire Stingband), Matt Edwards (Mike In The Wilderness), and Clint White (The Roys).• 7pm—Old-Time Barn Dance with music by Mike In The Wilderness and caller Pop Wagner• 8:30pm—Scandinavian Dance with The Nordic Bees. Scandinavian tunes with only a hint of traditional nordic angst. The Nordic Bees believe in practicing random acts of polska, and play lots of waltzes, schottisches, and marches.

• 9:30pm—Old-Time Square Dance with music and dance calling from The Volo Bogtrotters

SATURDAY• 10am—Inner Smiles Yoga with Lucy Weberling.• 1pm—Clogging Showcase & Workshop. Shawn Glidden, Abby Ladin (Hogwire Stringband), and Matt Edwards (Mike In The Wilderness) will show you how it’s done.• 2pm—Bluegrass Karaoke. Here is your chance to get up on stage and sing with the best of them. Long Road Home will be your back-up band in this search for the stars event. Hosted by Sophie Galep.• 4pm—Midwest Fiddle Masters Showcase. Bob Bovee (Bovee & Wagner) will host Chirps Smith and Fred Campeau (Volo Bogtrotters), and Bill Peterson, Tom Carlson, and Dwight Lamb of Fiddler Nelson.• 5pm—Bluegrass Mandolin Masters Showcase. Chris Silver will host Matt Thompson (Monroe Crossing), Wayne Benson (IIIrd Tyme Out), and Ian Kimmel (Barton’s Hollow).• 6pm—Bluegrass Guitar Masters Showcase. Chris Silver will host Derek Johnson (Monroe Crossing), Duane Sparks (Radio Ramblers), and Clint Birtzer (Sawtooth).• 7:30pm—Old-Time Barn Dance with music by Fiddler Nelson and dances called by Terrence Smith.• 9pm—Old-Time Square Dance with music by Hogwire Stringband and caller TBA.• 10:45pm—Cajun Dance. We love that Cajun music! Ana & The Bel-Tones will get us dancing.

SUNDAY• 8:45am—Bluegrass Worship Service with host Richard Dugan.• 11am—Open Stage. The stage will be open and the PA will be hot for any musicians or groups that are looking for their 15 minutes of fame. We have space for six acts. Sign up and reserve a time after 1pm on Saturday at the Showcase Tent.• 1pm—Bluegrass Banjo Showcase. Ron Colby (Platte Valley Boys) will host Dr. Banjo himself, Peter Wernick (Long Road Home) and Joe Mullins (The Radio Ramblers).• 2pm—What About The Bass? Adam Kiesling (Fiddler Nelson) will host Randy Barnes (The Radio Ramblers), Eric Paulson (Mother Banjo), and Ross Willits (The Platte Valley Boys).

SHOWCASE TENT EVENTS & PARTICIPANTSShowcases are special shows or demonstrations revolving around a theme or an instrument. They provide a forum for musi-cians to talk about their instruments, influences, techniques, and style, and demonstrate their craft in an informal manner.

MinnesotaBluegrass.orgAugust 2014: MBOTMA Festival Insert

August 2014: MBOTMA Festival InsertMinnesotaBluegrass.org

MinnesotaBluegrass.orgAugust 2014: MBOTMA Festival Insert

August 2014: MBOTMA Festival InsertMinnesotaBluegrass.org

19August 2014


So, I was asked at the last minute for 800 words about Festival. Editor JoAnne Makela and festival volunteer Ann Iijima wanted me to write about “what’s good, what’s special, how it compares to other similar fests. And even what could be improved.” But what can be said of Festival and its hold on us that hasn’t been said a thou-sand times before, a thousand times better?

My first thought was to comment on Festival as a social and political experiment of cooperative anarchy. Festival as a place where tents and trailers squeeze into every nook and cranny to leave common space for communal hospitality. A place where people of diverse political leanings put small differences aside to debate the larger issues: Bluegrass or Old-Time, Cajun or Swing, Gospel or Murder Ballads, Banjo or Bass jokes. It’s a place where individual interpretations of the same goals add interest to the proceed-ings and challenge the participants. It stands as a testament to everyone’s best judgment and ideas.

But that got to sounding way too academic, and someone was bound to take it the wrong way.

So then I thought about the spiri-tual side of Festival. Festival as Holy Ground where people of diverse faiths gather together in a community forged in the love of Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Acoustic Music of all stripes mixed with the fellowship of friends new and old—all living by the Golden Rule. Festival is one of the last places I know where one can assume the best inten-tions of the folks around them, and

one is rarely disappointed. It’s where our family goes for the kind of renewal we all need nowadays.

But that quickly sounded preachy and pretentious. I’ll save that for Facebook.

Then it dawned on me. What makes this festival “Festival” is the very same thing that put my fingers to keyboard without even questioning JoAnne and Ann’s request; Festival is the last place on earth where almost everyone joins in the responsibility of providing the best possible experience for everyone around them. From the front gate to the campfires, through the workshops and the stages, be it the porta-johns or the trolley rides, we all share a sense of ownership about Festival. We are all volunteers working to have a good time.

I remember well my first Bluegrass festival in 1995. I was snaking through the trees with a couple of friends, each of us armed with an acoustic weapon and the desire to pick but very little training. As we walked out of the woods into the campfire light, even as the strangers that we were (and probably looking a little stranger than you’d think), we were greeted warmly and encouraged to join in the music and partake of the hospitality. Coming from the punk rock scene, this kind of welcome was unexpected to say the least.

It was the welcoming attitude and the quick friendships that developed that year that changed the way I thought about Festival and bluegrass itself. I was no longer “attending an event,” I was now “participating in a

happening.” I was no longer sitting in the audience waiting to be entertained, but entertaining myself by working to make the event as good as it could be for everyone involved. Over the years, the participants have provided the improvements to Festival. The additional stages, the workshops, the dances—contributions big and small by volunteers who frequently stay anonymous—have made Festival one of the best in the country.

It’s been almost 20 years since my first Festival and I look forward to each and every one.

Right about now I’ll bet we’re all doing the same thing. We’re getting our camping supplies together, learn-ing a new tune, inventing new excuses for the boss, and trying to figure out how to get to Festival a little earlier. The MBOTMA August Festival is here, and the only people who are disap-pointed are those who can’t be there this year.

I know that disappointment. Lately, our schedule means we’ve been miss-ing more Minnesota festivals than we attend, but this year is a glorious exception. I can safely speak for the rest of Monroe Crossing in saying we are excited and honored to be back home this year at El Rancho Mañana with friends who are family.

—Mark Anderson is acknowledged as one of the Midwest’s elite bluegrass bass players as a member of Monroe Crossing. Fortunately for us, he likes to write as well.

What’s good, what’s special, what we love about FestivalBy Mark Anderson

20 August 2014


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21August 2014


For the past few winters, I’ve compiled a “Fiddlers Guide to the MBOTMA Winter Weekend” to help beginning and intermediate fiddlers figure out which workshops, shows, and dances they would like to attend. I usually send the guide with some of my personal insights and recom-mendations by email to anyone on my fiddlers list. MBOTMA executive director Jed Malischke asked me to do one for the summer festival—so here goes!

I was thrilled when I learned that Dwight Lamb was coming to the MBOTMA Music Festival, and delighted to find out that Chirps Smith and the rest of the Volo Bogtrotters would also be featured. But, when John Wallace told me that Brad Leftwich and Hogwire were also playing the Main Stage, I was over the moon. Whether a beginner or a seasoned veteran, this year is a not-to-be-missed festival for old-time fiddlers.

Dwight Lamb is from Onawa, Iowa, and learned many of his fiddle tunes directly from Bob Walters, making him one of the most knowledgeable fiddlers on the Missouri Valley style of music around today. He is also a left-handed fiddler, which is awesome to watch. I’ve been to several of his work-shops and performances, and he never disappoints.

With four fiddlers in the group, the Volo Bogtrotters is a real treat for any fiddler, but I am particularly smitten with Chirps Smith’s playing and his Midwestern sensibilities. I thoroughly enjoyed the sessions they did in 2013 at the MBOTMA Winter Weekend, and I am really looking forward to seeing them in August.

Fiddlers who appreciate the Appalachian style of fiddling will want to see Hogwire. Brad Leftwich is the fiddler in this band, and he learned his music directly from Tommy Jarrell and Melvin Wine. Now THAT is an impressive resume!

If you are fortunate enough to be able to take some time off to head to the festival early, the members of The Volo Bogtrotters will host a two-day old-time instructional camp on Wednesday and Thursday, August 6 and 7. Fred Campeau and Chirps Smith (fiddle), Steve Rosen (banjo and mandolin), Tony Scarimbolo (bass), and Jim Nelson (guitar) will be teaching intermediate and advanced level old-time musicianship. There is an extra fee for workshops; check the MBOTMA website for details (see page 11 in this issue).

Here are my recommendations:Thursday Main Stage• 9:40pm–Volo Bogtrotters (Chirps

Smith)FridayWorkshops are held on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on an hourly basis. There will be at least one beginner and one advanced level work-shop for both bluegrass and old-time fiddle. Space is limited, so sign up for a spot at the workshop tent by 9:45 a.m.The Gathering Place I know that a number of beginning and intermediate fiddlers have really enjoyed Bill Cagley’s slow jams. Bill does a great job of leading the group and calling out chords. Friday, 11 a.m. is a beginner’s jam, then at 3 p.m. Bill will host an intermediate level jam.

John Wallace will be leading a slow jam for beginning and intermediate fiddlers, sponsored by the Minnesota State Fiddlers Association, at 1 p.m.Main Stage• 12:30pm–Mike in the Wilderness• 6pm–Ana & The Bel-tones (Anabel

Njoes)• 7:45pm–Hogwire Stringband (Brad

Leftwich)Showcase Tent• 7pm–Old-Time Dance with music

by Mike In The Wilderness • 8:30pm–Scandinavian Dance with

music by The Nordic Bees (Pamela Longtine and Renee Vaughn)

• 9:30pm–Old-Time Dance with music by The Volo Bogtrotters (Chirps Smith)

SaturdayMain Stage• 1:25pm–Bob Bovee & Pop Wagner • 3:10pm–Hogwire Stringband (Brad

Leftwich)• 6pm–Dwight Lamb & Fiddler

Nelson• 7:45pm–Volo Bogtrotters (Chirps

Smith)Showcase Tent• 7:30pm–Old-Time Dance with

music by Fiddler Nelson• 9pm–Old-Time Dance with music

by Hogwire (Brad Leftwich)• 10:45pm–Cajun Dance with Ana &

The Bel-tones (Anabel Njoes)Sunday AfternoonMain Stage• 12:30pm–Dwight Lamb & Fiddler

NelsonSee you at the festival!

—Mary Pat Kleven is the president of the Minnesota State Fiddlers Association

A fiddler’s guide to the festivalBy Mary Pat Kleven

22 August 2014


The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA) will hold its annual election for its Board of Directors during the month of November. We will be elect-ing a president, vice-president, and three directors-at-large positions for two-year terms.

Are you interested in serving your community as a direc-tor? Do you know someone who would be a good candidate? Nominations for candidates will be accepted by Election Nomination Chair Martha Galep at 715-233-0181 or [email protected] until October 1, 2014.

Questions about the election or the duties of direc-tors should be should be directed to MBOTMA Executive Director Jed Malischke at 715-635-2479 or [email protected].

Election ballots will be printed in the November issue of Minnesota Bluegrass. To vote, members must either mail a completed ballot to election judge Ken Bloch by November

Nominations open for MBOTMA board20, or hand cast their vote using their printed ballot at the Harvest Jam on November 22 before 3 p.m. Results will be tallied at the Harvest Jam and announced during the Saturday Banquet dinner.

23August 2014


The Bluegrass Review in Minnesota Check www.bluegrassreview.com for a complete station list.

Station Day Time

KLQP-FM, 92.1 Madison Monday 8 PM

KMSU-FM, 89.7 Mankato; 91.3 Austin Sunday 10 AM

KBEM-FM, 88.5 Mpls Saturday 11 AM

KSRQ-FM, 90.1 Thief River Falls Sunday 11 AM

KQAL-FM, 89.5 Winona Saturday 9 AM

KDDG-FM, 105.5 Albany Saturday 9 PM

WTIP-FM, 90.7 Grand Marais Thursday 10 PM

KUMD-FM, 103.3 Duluth Saturday 4 PM

KRWC-AM, 1360 Buffalo Sunday 5 PM

KOJB-FM, 90.1 Cass Lake Sunday 6 PM

Bluegrass Saturday MorningBy Phil Nusbaum

The Big EnchiladaThe Big Enchilada is of course the August festival. For many of us, the MBOTMA August festival represents the high point of summer. The whole world would like to think that summer in the north woods features warm air, soft breezes, and shade. And all of those items seem to come together in the main stage area at our festival.

The festival creates memories. For me, I sometimes use the event to record interviews with bluegrass people. But I usually manage to organize my time to see some of the onstage music. That stage has presented many great acts, but the year that Blue Highway and Danny Paisley played back-to-back, well, that was a personal highlight. A different year recently, Del McCoury played a two-hour show for us.

This year, we’ll be treated to Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out. The group has created a shelf of high quality CDs over the years. Adam Steffey’s group, the Boxcars is also on the bill. Adam is on the faculty at East Tennessee State University where there is a bluegrass music program. At the school, Adam noticed the Dobro work of Gary Hultman of Birchdale, Minnesota. As a result, Gary is touring with the Boxcars this summer (read the story on page 9). I think folks will also really like the Roys, a brother-sister group from Connecticut. We’ve talked to them several times on the Bluegrass Review. The duet features great duet harmony and a wide palette of song types. Plus we’ll have the opportunity to see one of the most entertaining acts in bluegrass, Monroe Crossing. Although group members live locally, it is hard to call Monroe Crossing a local band, since it tours all over North America. You can tell, too, that it is the smartest band going, since it routes itself to places such as California in January and February.

I’m particularly pleased that Dwight Lamb is coming to our festival. Dwight is a 70-something Iowan, and is a repos-itory of old fiddle and accordion tunes.

Bluegrass ReviewWe’re about midway through the summer series of segments featuring Lyle Lofgren and Adam Granger. The three of us get together, think of some great directions for radio programming that elucidates old-time music and blue-grass, and then we carry out our plan. In August, we’ll present segments on heavy burdens. You might think “heavy burdens” is the most important thematic impulse

in bluegrass. We’ll also consider the changing definition of bluegrass and some other weighty topics.

Music ListingsWe’ve changed the way the music listings are done. For a long time, we’d take time out and read them on the air. As the majority of people now seem comfortable using the Internet, we received more and more messages that we’d best be using it to list events. The listings are found at www.jazz88fm.com. To be precise, the URL is: http://jazz88.mpls.k12.mn.us/uploads/bgsmcalendartemplate_shows.pdf

Bluegrass Review supporters• Cooperstands instrument stands: www.cooperstand.com• Hoffman Guitars, www.hoffmanguitars.com, sells hand-

crafted Hoffman guitars and authorized Martin repairs.• Homestead Pickin’ Parlor: http://homesteadpickinparlor.

com/• John Waddle Violins, www.waddleviolins.com, is a dealer

of international and domestic, new and old violins, bows, and cases.

• Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association www.minnesotabluegrass.org (membership organization supporting bluegrass experiences).

Bluegrass Review playlists are located at www.bluegrassre-view.com. Just use the “playlists” link you’ll find at the top of the page. Then click on “archives.” Bluegrass Saturday Morning playlists are located at www.jazz88fm.com.

24 August 2014


Coming Up

331C: 331 Club, 331 13th Ave NE, Mpls, 612-331-1746, www.331.mn3Cr: Three Crows Cafe, 225 N River St, Delano, 763-972-3399, www.thethreecrows.comACA: Acadia Cafe, 329 Cedar Ave, Mpls, 612-874-8702, www.acadiacafe.comAGr: Amazing Grace Bakery & Cafe, 394 S Lake Ave, Duluth, 218-723-0075, www.amazinggraceduluth.comAPHC: “A Prairie Home Companion,” Minnesota Public RadioAST: Aster Cafe, 125 SE Main St, Mpls, 612-379-3138, www.astercafe.comBTC: Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua, Bayfield, WI, 888-244-8368, www.bigtop.orgCED: Cedar Cultural Center, 415 Cedar Ave S, Mpls, 612-338-2674, www.thecedar.orgCJ: Celtic Junction, 836 Prior Ave, St Paul, 651-330-4685, www.thecelticjunction.comCrH: Creek House Concerts, New Brighton, 651-633-5353, www.creekhouseconcerts.comDAK: Dakota Jazz Club, 1010 Mall, Mpls, 612-332-1010, www.dakotacooks.comDUL: 607 W Lake St, Mpls, 612-827-1726, www.dulonos.comDuG: Dunn Brothers on Grand, 1569 Grand Ave, St. PaulEAG: Eagles Club, 2507 E 25th St, Mpls, 612-729-4469, www.Mplseagles34.orgFITZ: Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E Exchange St, St Paul, 651-290-1200, www.fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org

Venue abbreviations

August 1—Friday• Chris Silver Band, Vino in the

Valley, Maiden Rock, WI, 6pm• Lake Itasa Family Music Festival,

Flemming Fold, Durocher Family, Ophoven Family, Itasca State Park, 218-333-1421, FamilyBluegrass.com

GINK: Ginkgo Coffeehouse, 721 N Snelling Ave, St Paul, 651-645-2647, www.ginkgocoffee.comGKb: Grand Kabaret, 210 N Minnesota St, New Ulm, 507-359-9222, www.thegrandnewulm.comHOB: The Loft at Hobgoblin Music, 920 State Hwy 19, Red Wing, 877-866-3936, www.stoneyend.comHON: Honey, 205 E Hennepin Ave, Mpls, 612-746-0306, www.honeympls.comHOPK: Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, 952-979-1111, www.hopkinsartscenter.comKIP: Kieran’s Irish Pub, 85 6th St N, Mpls, 612-339-4499, www.kierans.comKRAM: Kramarczuk’s Deli, 215 E Hennepin Ave, Mpls, 612-379-3018, www.kramarczuks.comOAK: Oak Center General Store, 67011 Hwy 63, Lake City, 507-753-2080, www.oakcentergeneralstore.comROCK: Rockwoods, 9100 Quaday Ave NE, Elk River, 763-222-4353, www.nograsslimit.com/RockwoodsCalendar.htmlSHL: Sheldon Theatre, 443 W 3rd St, Red Wing, 800-899-5759, www.sheldontheatre.orgTAP: Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Ave S, Mpls, 612-722-2914, www.tapestryfolkdance.orgUMC: Underground Music Café, 1579 Hamline Ave N, Falcon Hts, 651-644-9959, undergroundmusiccafe.comZUM: Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Ave, Zumbrota, 507-732-7616, www.crossingsatcarnegie.com

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONSAugust 30Sawtooth Bluegrass Band & Monroe Crossing, Emanuel Lutheran Church Fundraiser, Milaca, 1pm–6pm

August 1Lake Itasa Family Music Festival, Flemming Fold, Durocher Family, Ophoven Family, Itasca State Park, Lake Itasca, 218-333-1421, FamilyBluegrass.com

August 9 Outdoor Blue Collar BBQ and Arts Festival, The Over and Back Band, Paradise Center for the Arts, Central Ave, Faribault, 507-332-7372, 10am–11pm

To post gigs and events to this calendar, request the link to our online submission form to [email protected]

• Monroe Crossing, Brashler Barn, Lockport, IL

• Prudence Johnson and Dean Magraw, ZUM, 8pm

• The Blue Groove, Zeke’s Unchained Animal, 3508 E Lake St, Mpls, 612-259-8140, 8pm

August 2—Saturday• Bob & Lynn Dixon, Midtown

Farmers Market, 2225 E Lake St, Mpls, 9am

• High 48s, Pipestone County Fair• Jake Shimabukuro, ukulele, CED,

8pm

25August 2014


• Loring Park Arts Festival, Flemming Fold, Greenwood Tree, Twin Cities Ukulele Club, Paul Imholte, Eclectic Blend, Oak Grove & Hennepin Ave S, Mpls

• Lyle Lovett & His Large Band, BTC, 7:30pm

• Monroe Crossing, Badgerland Bluegrass Classic, Jefferson County Fair Park, Jefferson, WI, 10pm

August 3—Sunday• Barley Jacks, Washington County

Fair, 3pm• Erin Rogue, Lake Harriet Bandshell,

Mpls, 5:30pm• Lyle Lovett & His Large Band,

Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, 7:30pm• Monroe Crossing, Fishstock

Concert Series, 3127 Co Rd F, Fish Creek, WI, 7pm

• St. Mark’s Bluegrass Festival, St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, 519 Oak Grove St, Mpls, 612-870-7800, The Usual Suspects with John Bergquist, Adam Kiesling’s Old Time Revue, The Grass Seeds Academy Players, 12pm

August 4—Monday• Finn Fest with Diane Jarvi, Finn

Hall, Kipp Peltoniemi, and many more, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Mpls, finnfestusa2014.org, August 4-8

• Minnesota Mandolin Orchestra, Como Lakeside Pavilion, 7pm

August 5—Tuesday• Contra Dance with Toss The

Possum, TAP, 7:30pm• Ole Olsson Oldtime Orkestra,

Minnesota History Center, 345 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, 651-259-3000, 7pm, TAP provides Swedish dance instruction at 6:30pm

• River Song Folk Festival with Jack Klatt & The Cat Swingers, Ellis, New Riverside Ramblers, Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank, Slaid Cleaves, Hutchinson, 320-587-2599, riversongfestival.org

• Rosanne Cash, O’Shaughnessy Auditorium, 8pm

August 6—Wednesday• Barley Jacks, Tally’s Dockside,

White Bear Lake, 6pm• Eelpout Stringers, Kandiyohi

County Fair, Willmar, 2pm• John Evans and Dan Perry, Manitou

Station, 2171 4th St, White Bear Lake, 7pm

• The Flemming Fold, Swiss Night, Zwingli United Church of Christ, 23148 Co. Hwy 24, Berne, 507-356-4340, 7pm

August 7—Thursday• Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time

Music Festival, El Rancho Mañana, Aug. 7–10

• Gaelic Storm, BTC, 7:30pm• High 48s, Buffalo Concerts in the

Park, Buffalo, 7pm• Mister Rowles, EAG, 7:30pm• Passerine, ACA• Pert Near Sandstone, Rockin’ the

Rourke, Moorhead, 7pm• Swamp Poppas, EAG, 7:30pmAugust 8—Friday• Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time

Music Festival, El Rancho Mañana• Gertie & the T.O. Boyz and Finn

Hall, CED, 8pm• Jeff Arundel & Ann Klein, AST, 9pm• The HiBs, Irish Fair, 7:30pm• Tracy Grammer, ZUM, 8pmAugust 9—Saturday• Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time

Music Festival, El Rancho Mañana• Altan, Irish Fair, 4:30pm• Andrea Stolpe Songwriting

Workshop, Schmitt Music Recital Hall, 2906 W 66th St, Edina, mnsongwriters.org, 1pm

• Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, DAK, 8pm

• Old Wadena Rendezvous, Wadena, Aug 9–10

• Pert Near Sandstone, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Prior Lake, 2pm

• The Eddies, Irish Fair, 12pm• The Hounds of Finn, Irish Fair, 3pm• The Over and Back Band, Paradise

Center for the Arts, Faribault, 507-332-7372, Outdoor Blue Collar BBQ and Arts Festival, 3pm

August 10—Sunday• Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time

Music Festival, El Rancho Mañana• Altan, Irish Fair, 3:30pm• The Flemming Fold, Medina

Entertainment Center, 500 Minnesota 55, 763-478-6661, Live Taping for RFD-TV show “Mollie B Polka Party”, 402-991-6290, 4pm

• The HiBs, Irish Fair, 1pm• Monroe Crossing, Mille Lacs

County Fair, County Fairgrounds Bandshell, Princeton, 2 & 3pm

• Willie Nelson & Family, BTC, 7:30pm

August 11—Monday• Cajun Dance with New Riverside

Ramblers, EAG, 7:30pmAugust 12—Tuesday• Contra Dance with Anni Spring &

Adam Granger, TAP, 7:30pm• Gertie & the T.O. Boyz and Finn

Hall, Minnesota History Center, 345 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, 651-259-3000, 7pm, TAP provides American Folk dance instruction at 6:30pm

• Sons of the Pioneers, Paramount Theatre, 913 W St. Germain St, St. Cloud, 320-259-5463, 1:30 & 7pm

• Wild Goose Chase Cloggers, Summer Tuesdays in Lowell Park, 201 Water St, Stillwater, 7pm

August 13—Wednesday• Chris Silver Band, Abbott

Northwestern Hospital, Mpls, outside, public is welcome, 12pm

• John Evans and Dan Perry, Manitou Station, 2171 4th St, White Bear Lake, 7pm

• The Flemming Fold, Cottonwood County Fair Grounds, Windom, 7pm

26 August 2014


• Monroe Crossing, Windmill Park, Orange City, IA, 7pm

August 14—Thursday• Cajunfest, Northern Lights Casino,

Walker, Aug. 14–16• Monroe Crossing, Murray County

Fair, County Fairgrounds, 3048 Broadway Ave, Slayton, 5:30 & 7:30pm

• Southside Aces, EAG, 8pm• Warren Nelson & Friends, BTC,

7:30pmAugust 15—Friday• Bernie King and the Guilty

Pleasures, Manitou Station, 2171 4th St, White Bear Lake, 9pm

• Cajunfest, Northern Lights Casino, Walker

• Greenwood Tree, Sail Away Cafe, 3121 St Croix Trl, Afton, 651-436-6555, 6:30pm

• Jivin’ Ivan and the Kings of Swing, Steele Co. Fair, Owatonna, 3pm

• The Good Intentions, Veteran’s Park, River Falls, WI, Debut of Chris Silver’s new bluegrass band, 7pm

August 16—Saturday• Barley Jacks, Witwen Campground,

Witwen, WI, 6:30pm• Bob & Lynn Dixon, Prior Lake

Farmers Market, Hwy 13 & Eagle Creek 185th St, Prior Lake, 9am-noon

• Cajunfest, Northern Lights Casino, Walker

• Dick Kimmel & Co, Blue Wolf, and more, Threshing Bee, Butterfield

• High 48s, Gandy Dancer Festival, Mazomanie, WI

• The Flemmiing Fold, Douglas County Fair, 300 Fairgrounds Road, Alexandria, 2pm

• Monroe Crossing, North Dakota Wine and Grape Harvest Festival, Red Trail Vineyard, Buffalo, ND

August 17—Sunday• Dick Kimmel & Co, Blue Wolf, and

more, Threshing Bee, Butterfield• High 48s, Fiddler’s Fest, Annandale• Long Time Gone, SEMBA

Bluegrass Festival, Cushon’s Peak Campground, 18696 State Hwy 16, Houston, MN, Gospel at 10am, Bluegrass at 1 pm

• The Flemming Fold, Steele County Fairgrounds, Owatonna, 1:30pm and 4:30pm

• Monroe Crossing, Swift County Fairgrounds, Appleton, MN

August 19—Tuesday• Contra Dance with Pat O’Loughlin

& Friends, TAP, 7:30pm• Okee Dokee Brothers, MN History

Center, 5:30pmAugust 20—Wednesday• John Evans and Dan Perry, Manitou


• Sierra Hull, DAK, 7pmAugust 21—Thursday• Lakes Bluegrass Festival with

Monroe Crossing, Platte Valley Boys, Audie Blaylock & Redline, Spinney Brothers, and many more, Cass County Fairgrounds, Pine River, 800-728-6926, LakesBluegrassFestival.com, Aug 21, 22, 23, 24

• Mark Stillman, Ramberg Senior Center, State Fair, 10:30am, 11:45am, 1pm

• Monroe Crossing, Long Prairie Thursday Night at the Park, Memorial Park, Long Prairie, 7pm

• No Man’s String Band and The Moss Piglets, HB, 8:30pm

• Pop Wagner & Bob Bovee, Ramberg Senior Center, State Fair, 3:15pm, 4:30pm, 5:45pm

• Sierra Hull with The Barefoot Movement, BTC, 7:30pm

August 22—Friday• Becky Schlegel, ZUM, 8pm• Chris Silver Band, River Falls Golf

Club, River Falls, WI, 7pm• High 48s, Bluegrass in the Pines

Bluegrass Festival, Rosholt, WI, 7pm

• Lingua Luna, Minnehaha Falls, Mpls, 7pm

• Mark Stillman, Ramberg Senior Center, State Fair, 3:15pm, 4:30pm, 5:45pm

• Monroe Crossing, Lakes Bluegrass Festival, Cass County Fairgrounds, 100 Main St, Pine River

• Pert Near Sandstone, Ifdakamp Festival, Fremont, WI, 10pm

• Pop Wagner & Bob Bovee, Ramberg Senior Center, State Fair, 10:30am, 11:45am, 1pm

• The Flemming Fold, Pioneer Power Show, Le Sueur, 9:30am

August 23—Saturday• Barley Jacks, Porcupine Mountains

Music Festival, Ontonagon, MI• Bob & Lynn Dixon, Fulton

Farmers Market, Fulton Farmers Market, 4901 Chowen Ave S, Mpls, 10am-1pm

• Greenwood Tree, Prior Lake Farmers Market, Prior Lake, 9am-noon

• Pert Near Sandstone, Austin ArtWorks Festival, Austin, MN, 6:30pm

• The Flemming Fold, Minnesota State Fair, Ramberg Center Stage, 10:30am, 11:45am, 1pm

• Monroe Crossing, Lakes Bluegrass Festival, Cass County Fairgrounds, 100 Main St, Pine River

• The Okee Dokee Brothers, Baldwin Park, State Fair, 10:30am, 11:30am, 3pm

• Tret Fure, CrH

27August 2014


August 24—Sunday• Barley Jacks, Porcupine Mountains

Music Festival, Ontonagon, MI, 12pm

• Dick Kimmel, Clover Valley Hoedown, Hawick

• The Flemming Fold, Minnesota State Fair, Ramberg Center stage, 3:15pm, 4:30pm, 5:45pm

• The Okee Dokee Brothers, Baldwin Park, State Fair, 10:30am, 11:30am, 3pm

August 25—Monday• Cajun Dance with The Frogtown

Hotshots, EAG, 7:30pm• Monroe Crossing, Minnesota State

Fair, West End Stage, 7:15pmAugust 26—Tuesday• Contra Dance with Pig’s Eye

Landing, TAP, 7:30pm• Monroe Crossing, Minnesota State

Fair, West End Stage, 7:15pm• Ukrainian Village Band, Minnesota

History Center, 345 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, 651-259-3000, 7pm, TAP provides Ukrainian dance instruc-tion at 6:30pm

August 27—Wednesday• John Evans and Dan Perry, Manitou


• Kevin Naquin & The Ossun Playboys, Leinie Lodge Bandshell, State Fair, 10:30am, 11:45am

• Lenz and Friends, members of Pert Near Sandstone, Roe Family Singers, 331C, 9:30pm

August 28—Thursday• Curtis & Loretta, TC Muzique on

MTN Community Cable Channel 17, Mpls, 8:30pm, streamed live on www.mtn.org

• Matt Hannaha, Minnehaha Falls, Mpls, 7pm

• Sourdough Slim with Robert Armstrong, Leinie Lodge Bandshell, State Fair, 11:45am

August 29—Friday• APHC, State Fair, Falcon Heights,

7:45pm• Buckwheat Zydeco, Bandshell

Tonight!, State Fair, 8:30pm• Minnesota Flatpicking Guitar &

Duet Championships, West End Market, State Fair, Call to register 800-635-3037, 2–6, 5pm

• No Man’s String Band, Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W Lake Harriet Pkwy, Mpls, 7:30pm

• Southside Aces, Ramberg Senior Center, State Fair, 3:15pm, 4:30pm, 5:45pm

• The Barn Birds, Hardy Performing Arts Center, 430 NW 8th Ave, Cambridge, 7:30pm

• The Irish Brigade, Ramberg Senior Center, State Fair, 10:30am, 11:45am, 1pm

August 30—Saturday• Barley Jacks, North Folk Winery,

Harris, 5pm• Buckwheat Zydeco, Bandshell

Tonight!, State Fair, 8:30pm• Dick Kimmel & Co, Riverblast, New

Ulm, 12pm• Jack Klatt, DUL, 8pm• Minnesota Flatpicking Guitar &

Duet Championships, West End Market, State Fair, Call to register 800-635-3037, 2–5pm

• Monroe Crossing, Hearts on Fire Fundraiser, Recreation Park Bandshell, 2nd St NW & 4th Ave NW, Milaca, 12–5pm

• Sawtooth Bluegrass Band & Monroe Crossing, Emanuel Lutheran Church Fundraiser, Milaca, 1pm-6pm

• Southside Aces, Ramberg Senior Center, State Fair, 10:30am, 11:45am, 1pm

• The Flemming Fold, Old Midwest Threshers Reunion, Mt. Pleasant, IA

• The Irish Brigade, Ramberg Senior Center, State Fair, 3:15, 4:30, 5:45pm

August 31—Sunday• Barley Jacks, Brookside Bar and

Grill, Marine on St Croix, 3pm• Hey Lonesome, Ramberg Senior

Center, State Fair, 3:15pm, 4:30pm, 5:45pm

• Jim Price, Ramberg Senior Center, State Fair, 10:30am, 11:45am, 1pm

• St. Mary’s Balalaika Orchestra, International Bazaar, State Fair, 10:45am, 12pm, 1:15pm

• The Cleverlys, Leinie Lodge Bandshell, State Fair, 10:30am, 11:45am

• The High 48s, West End Market, State Fair, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm

September 1—Monday• Hey Lonesome, Ramberg Senior

Center, State Fair, 10:30am, 11:45am, 1pm

• Jim Price, Ramberg Senior Center, State Fair, 3:15pm, 4:30pm, 5:45pm

• Laughing Waters Bluegrass Festival with Sawtooth Bluegrass Band and more, Minnehaha Falls

• Pocahontas County, 331C, 6:30pm• Roe Family Singers, 331C, 9pm• St. Mary’s Balalaika Orchestra,

International Bazaar, State Fair, 10:45am, 12pm, 1:15pm

• The Cleverlys, Leinie Lodge Bandshell, State Fair, 10:30am, 11:45am

• The High 48s, West End Market, State Fair, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm

28 August 2014


29August 2014


FAX: (612) 861-0085 • Toll Free Order Line: (800) 497-3655 • www.homesteadpickinparlor.comFind us on Facebook: Homestead-Pickin-Parlor

The Homestead Pickin’ Parlor ®“For us, serving the needs of the acoustic music community has never been an afterthought—It has always been our only thought.”

Let us make music part of your life!Here are just a few of the lines of new instruments we carry:

Banjos by Deering, Vega, Bart Reiter, Recording King, Flint Hill, Rover Mandolins by Weber, Kentucky, Michael Kelly,

The Loar Guitars by Blueridge, Flint Hill, The Loar, Bristol Dulcimers by Dusty Strings, McSpadden, Folkcraft, Apple Creek

Ukuleles by Mahalo, Kolau and Diamond HeadWe take great pleasure in working with musicians who may be discovering or re-discovering acoustic music. We have instruments in all price ranges from novice to pro. Stop by and check them out at your earliest convenience. We also have a good selection of used instruments on hand at all times. We look forward to working with you.

The Upper Midwest’s Only

Bluegrass & Old-Timey Store

Founded 1979

6625 Penn Avenue South

Richfield, MN 55423

(612) 861–3308

A full time professional luthier since 1978, combining experience in repairing fine instruments, building guitars

and mandolins, and teaching lutherie since 1984.

Now also taking in a limited number of repairs, specializing in neck resets, refrets, and set ups.

[email protected]

651-380-0566

Clint Birtzer, 3-time Minnesota Flatpicking Guitar Championship Winner, proudly displays the hand-built Vincent guitar he won at the 2013 contest.

See him play the guitar on YouTube.com by searching on “Red Haired Boy - Clint Birtzer.”

30 August 2014


31August 2014



Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDTwin Cities, MN

Permit 343

MINNESOTA BLUEGRASS & OLD-TIME MUSIC ASSOCIATIONP.O. BOX 16408Mpls, MN 55416

TIME VALUE DATA

Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out headline at the August Festival. See page 7. Photo: courtesy IIIrdTymeOut.com

In this issue: Pull-Out Festival schedule pp. 15–18IIIrd Tyme Out p. 7 |The Boxcars p. 9 | What we love about Festival p. 19 | A fiddler’s guide p. 21

Phil Nusbaum p. 23 | Coming Up p. 24

minnesota bluegrass aug2014

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