female vocalist recruited for John Prine tribute

I got another performer lined up this afternoon; a female singer/guitar picker, to add some variety to the dominantly male volunteer performer line up. I'll be checking in with her over the next week to see what songs she might be singing.
Don Howerton also gave me his likely set list today. Lucky Don and Cynthia are seeing Jakob Dylan and Willie Nelson tonight in Charleston at the Clay Center. Expect a report later in the week.
I'm heading to a couple of days out of town to meetings.

Happy 30th Birthday to Andy Tuck

Today is Andy's birthday; he'll barely be able to celebrate, in that he has a very hectic life this semester up there in Morgantown, between work, school and music. He's stretched it a bit beyond 10,000 Days now. Happy Birthday!

Greens at Earthstock 08 yesterday

The Greens entertained the Mother Earth Foods customer appreciation day audience on a beautiful early fall day down by the Ohio River in Vienna WV yesterday afternoon, into the evening. Mike Morningstar and Rick Roberts played earlier in the afternoon, in what is a tradition for the event. The Greens were playing for the first time at this event.
Here is a set list for their three set performance (they gave the crowd a good long performance)

Little Warrior
Tide Turns Again
Flyin' Solo
Flippin' Thru the Pages
Part 2
Beekeeper
Down
Homeless Melodies
Man with Dirty Hands (a new song)
Big Ol Betsy
She's a Busy Girl
Octopus/ Squid (what ever that one is called......)
What a Ride
Sitting on the Dock of the Bay
Paint it Black
White Room

(break)

When things go wrong/ it hurts me too
Midnight Special
* a new song I didn't get the name of/ brand new - too much distraction around me to catch a phrase
Y
Its not enough
"Dos Mundos" (Latin tinged instrumental)
Anon
Tuck's Riff
10,000 Days

(break)

All over everywhere
Kenya Dig
Greens
Break on Through (Doors cover)

Larry Neely played keyboards for this last set, with lots of good instrumental solos traded back and forth. This got the crowd up and dancing, as the sun set, and the good food served throughout the day began to be cleaned up. Folks left with a lot of satisfaction from a great event, and good hospitality by Dave Hawkins and the Mother Earth Foods crew.

Andy heading to Parkersburg today

Andy reports he will be in Parkersburg early to help set up sound for Mike Morningstar's performance at the Mother Earth Foods celebration today. So he should be in town about 1 pm. I guess I'll drift back and forth to the event; settling on the later part of the day to hear Andy's time slot. With an eye on the weather!

Kathleen Coffee's return to Parkersburg

I hope people have heard, and are spreading the word, that Kathleen Coffee is making her return to the Mid OHio Valley, Saturday, October 18th, here at our store front on St. Mary's Ave. in Parkersburg. Aim for 7 pm. I need to communicate with Kathleen about her exact arrival plans; last time she graciously visited the Shelter, and played and talked to some of the residents there, who thoroughly enjoyed her music and spunk. I think some folks who met Kathleen at the Colony Theater songwriter festival will also be glad to see her again in the area, and hopefully bring some folks out. If there is enough interest we could have a little meal/ meet and greet connected to this event. Kathleen has a my space site, where you can hear some of her songs, and get a flavor for her passion for music and performing. I have a few copies of her CD available for distribution, and we'll undoubtedly be able to pick up some more. It has come out since she was here, as well as new songs being generated all the time! I make this part of the Americana Music series, though it is really just a great chance to showcase a unique and rising great talent from southern WV.

singin' harmony, c'mon baby.........................

For the John Prine birthday tribute, since previously, I have enjoyed singing a few harmonies with Andy, and he isn't going to be there, I am putting out the notice, I'd be willing to sing some harmonies on: Fish and Whistle, Storm Windows, That's the Way the World Goes Round, Souvenirs, Please Don't Bury Me. These would be too many for me to learn, to incorporate into my humble little set list previously announced; plus I wouldn't do them justice guitar-playing-wise.
I've added Six O'Clock News to my set list
(Humidity built the snowman; Picture show; crooked piece of time; quit hollerin at me; blue umbrella, speed of the sound of loneliness, six o'clock news, are the ones I'm working on.)

I know, I know, we could go on and on, and on and on......................

John Prine Birthday Tribute - less than two weeks away

The two week count down begins for the 6th Annual John Prine birthday tribute here in the Mid Ohio Valley (Parkersburg WV). These events are a benefit fundraiser for Children's Home Society of WV, and our work here locally with area children and families. We provide a wide array of services and assistance to many, many families across a spectrum of pre-natal, infant, school age, adolescent, and youth transitioning into adulthood. Most of our funding for the work we do comes from government contracts, also government and private foundation grants. We do such a wide variety of things, and work very hard to "fill in the cracks" for local families, that a lot of what we do is not "covered" by these sources. Thus we seek support from the community. Our agency is over 110 years old, and is statewide (having 12 sites around the state). We are proud of our local site, its one of the most vibrant, community-responsive sites of the agency. We have had a legacy of being innovative in our response to community identified needs, and energetic in bringing programs up to operation, and adapting things as we go along, and adapt to changing governmental funding priorities. We have a particular focus in our low income neighborhood where we are located, and try to be a positive presence and support for the residents of this neighborhood. These live music fund raisers, that are all gathered under the concept of Americana Music Series, support this work we do. Over the past 6 years, many have been "busts" with little money raised, many have been "passable" as fund raisers, but collectively they have made a significant difference, in our ability to continue to provide the help and support the families we work with need. We have also, with these live music shows, tried to build a little "community" itself, among music fans in the area, and each time, we are heartened by the enthusiasm and enjoyment folks get out of getting together around music. Your ideas and support are important, and valued, please stay in communication!
Anyway, the show is: Friday, October 10th, starting around 8 pm, $5 donation at the door. This event is going to be at the 5th St. Pub (can you guess its on 5th St.???) I think the address is in the 300 block. You can park at the United Bank lot after hours I think with no problem. There are other creative parking options in downtown Parkersburg at night; depending on what way you are headed afterwards!!! Scott, at the 5th St. Pub, is trying to build up his music venue, and so graciously agreed to give this a try. Those of you who have been around the Series, know I have been through a little chaos with venues in recent months, which I won't go into. We'll see how this one goes; what the reaction is, and go from there.
The musicians, the backbone of the series, are getting pretty well lined up. They are a stellar crew, though it kinda ebbs and flows. The Sound guys (JT and Cory) will be making the switch to the new venue with us, so we hope it sets up all right with them. They are troupers, who often get taken for granted, unless there are problems!!!
Musicians play a set of songs, 45 minutes or so. I intersperse the transitions with door prizes and attempts at contests, and announcements about upcoming events, and such.
This John Prine tribute is the longest running event; my personal favorite of course. I got this started before the others, just out of personal interest in giving such an event a try. Undoubtedly I stole the idea, but can't remember the details. Obviously, since, I've found out that there are similar events around the country; thanks to the fantastic website: www.jpshrine.org
The Johnny Cash tribute we hold in February, may have surpassed the JOhn Prine tribute in terms of community response and turnout, and that is understandable, in terms of Johnny Cash's more famous story, but the tried and true Prine fans, still quietly enjoy this one. Last year we gave away tickets to see John PRine in Charleston in December at this event; nothing quite so spectacular this year, but Becky McCrady will fondly recall her "first time winning something this good."
Contact me with any questions; please talk it up; and we'll be given a few more updates as the event approaches.

Greens at the Mother Earth Foods "earthstock08" Sunday afternoon

The Greens are taking part in the MOther Earth Foods picnic/ "Earthstock 08" on Sunday afternoon - playing from 5-8 pm according to the flyer. This is at the Buzzy Dils Park on the Ohio River, near the Logan's Steak House entrance off Grand Central Ave. Bring a covered dish! and your beverage of choice! Mike Morningstar is playing earlier in the afternoon; it says 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. See ya there!

Avett Brothers preview for a Nashville show

Ever since seeing the Avett Brothers I have been trying to put my finger on their uniqueness: here's another little review of an upcoming show in Nashville where someone more eloquent than I tries to describe the phenomena:

For all their Appalachian traditionalism and no-fuss debt to old-guard country, the Avett Brothers have been expanding the boundaries of contemporary folk for the better part of the decade now, mostly under the radar. With a catalog of hit-and-miss attempts at dipping hillbilly rock, street-busker pickings and even a slight ranchera flavoring into their countrypolitan bluegrass, the trio's flops outweigh their wins. That balance saw a dramatic shift for the better following the release of last year's creative peak Emotionalism, which caught the ear of producer Rick Rubin. Now signed to his American Recordings label, it's likely the Avett Brothers are prepped for an exponentially greater share of the national spotlight. Rumor has it the band is currently at work on a batch of fresh songs, so this show should catch them at their backwoods best and with a wealth of new material.

thanks to Matt Starcher for distributing some flyers

Good ol' Matt Starcher volunteered to distribute some John PRine flyers; he's vowing to make it the biggest turnout for any of the Americana Music tribute series events over the last 6 years. Come on out and prove Matt right. Just because he's spelling impaired, don't hold that agin him. If we could just put together some rehearsals, he'd break out the mandolin on Oct. 10th and do an instrumental break on Angel from Montgomery or Paradise. But since I am an anarchistic organized and spread myself wwwaaaayyyyyy too thin, I doubt if any organized rehearsals will occur.
AAwwww, it will be awright, when that first guitar chord of Spanish Pipedream gets things started " she was a level headed dancer on the road to alcohol........"

Not to mention that Matt embarassed me in front of an earnest high school student doing a report on a local children and family service agency.

Jesco White at 123 Pleasant Street

Close to Halloween (Oct. 30?) Jesco White, the Dancin' OUtlaw, is going to be at 123 Pleasant St. In Morgantown. Sometime soon they are having this "Reagan Years" (80's music) tribute show; they stay one kooky step ahead of any wacky ideas I have..........

sufferin' fer lack of Greens noos

Well, Andy posted a nice little thank you for everyone involved in the Greens festival last Saturday (he's got the family manners and good graces); a nice gesture and acknowledgment that things must have gone well. Danny's got a sideways new picture up on his my space, so someone with a camera must have captured a little bit of his soul (note John Prine song reference (Picture Show). Jess has not given me any sign of life after the show; to even let me know she secured the tix. Everybody must have just rushed back to their busy lives, leaving at least one sighing Greens fan left out in the cruel, hard world of lack of news, about how the festival went. 123 Pleasant St. is this Saturday for the Greens, sharing the bill with some other friends. Down to white water rafting country next Saturday (st. Francis of Assisi's birthday wingding- look it up) October 4th. Time to re-take your vows of nonviolence.
If anybody can give me any even wisp of info about when the new Greens CD is going to be available that would warm my soul.

Mongolian throat singers

Stuart's Opera House already has a date set for some Mongolian throat singing. Something called (a person's name? a group?) An Da Union in January.
Bettye Lavette is going to be the special entertainment at their annual major event on November 8th. Get your name in their program for the next year by making a generous donation for the good of the cause. Wendy teases me 'cause I just put my name on the donation last year.

report on Americana awards show last weekend

Americana awards celebrate genre-blurring music
Artists from country to gospel, folk to pop
By PETER COOPER • Staff Writer • September 18, 2008
There were rock stars up on the Ryman stage tonight at the Americana Music Association's Honors and Awards show.
And there was a folk music queen, and a gospel-singing soul shouter and some of contemporary music's most acclaimed performers.
And these folks — Robert Plant, Joan Baez, John Hiatt, Nanci Griffith, Levon Helm, Jason and the Scorchers, Jim Lauderdale, Buddy Miller, Steve Earle and so many others — were bound by the amorphous "Americana" designation, by a love of American roots music and by the shared feeling that genre divisions are among the sillier of musical (or anti-musical) notions.
So the Scorchers played throttling, drawling rock 'n' roll and lead singer Jason Ringenberg praised "The founding fathers of Americana, Jerry Lee Lewis and The Ramones."
And The SteelDrivers played bluegrass. Mike Farris sang the washed-in-the-blood "Mary Don't You Weep." Joan Baez, who stole hearts and changed minds as a protest movement folkie in the 1960s, delivered "Day After Tomorrow" and spoke of the musicianship of the late Jerry Reed.Baez, whose time around Bob Dylan, Richie Havens, Pete Seeger and so many others taught her much about stout musical communities, looked at the talent milling about backstage and said quietly: "This is pretty astounding."There were also awards, and the much-lauded duo of Plant and Alison Krauss was a double-winner, taking home prizes for album of the year (Raising Sand) and duo/group of the year. Helm, who spent years as a driving force in The Band, won artist of the year on the strength of his Dirt Farmer album. Miller, who has been out touring with Plant and Krauss, triumphed as top instrumentalist. Farris, surely among Nashville's most impressive and energized vocalists, was named the new/emerging artist of the year.Farris' award for his gospel-drenched music provided an interesting juxtaposition, given that the song of the year prize was awarded to Hayes Carll and Brian Keane for their less-than-reverent "She Left Me For Jesus." Those were the yearly prizes, but many of the night's emotional moments centered on the lifetime achievement awards. The Scorchers won the night's first such trophy, for live performance, as presenter Anthony DeCurtis of Rolling Stone said the band represents "The best of what American music can be" and predicted the Scorchers would "burn this (expletive) place down." The band's original members — Ringenberg, Warner Hodges, Perry Baggs and Jeff Johnson — did not set fire to the hallowed Ryman, but they did provide ample evidence as to just why they deserved such a designation."This was always a community, but it has coalesced," Ringenberg said backstage, as friends including Earle, Hiatt and Todd Snider greeted him.Hiatt won a lifetime achievement award for songwriting. His colorful trophy included the names of some of the songs on which he's built a legacy: "Thing Called Love," "Drive South" and "Tennessee Plates" among them."This 'getting awards' deal is kind of a new thing for me," he said. "Joe Ely presented the award to me, and he's a songwriting hero of mine."Former Bob Dylan band member Larry Campbell, who often performs now with Helm, received a lifetime achievement award for his instrumental work.Tony Brown was there to present a trailblazer award to Nanci Griffith, who had no idea she was getting an award. Griffith knew she was presenting an achievement award for production/engineering to Brown, who had no clue he was getting an award. The surprise lasted right up until they were onstage."She changed my life," Brown said. "She was the beginning of a whole tribe of country artists that were different."Later, Griffith told Brown, "I thought you were talking about Patty Loveless."Griffith told the Ryman crowd, "This was a big surprise that made me cry," and she asked, "Am I still supposed to give Tony an award?"Assured that she was still giving the award — that the whole night wasn't one big ruse — Griffith spoke eloquently of Brown's work in bringing right field artists into the country mainstream in the 1980s and beyond.Another surprise came later, when Plant came onstage not to sing with Krauss (they had been up together to collect awards earlier) but to sing with Miller, a Nashville singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer and engineer. The Led Zeppelin leader and the scruffy Music City troubadour mixed together like peas in some big, weird and fine pod. "It's been such an experience working with this guy," Plant said. "He's spectacular."It was another memory made on what has become an annual showcase of great American music. And if calling a British rock star "Americana" struck anyone funny, it didn't strike anyone as anything less than righteous when the music was being made.
Peter Cooper writes about music for The Tennessean. He can be reached at 615-259-8220, or by e-mail at pcooper@tennessean.com. -

Neil Young Tribute show upcoming

I have been putting most of my music promoting energy into the John Prine tribute, but wanted to remind people that the Neil Young Tribute will follow close on the heels of the John Prine tribute, on November 7th at the same location, the 5th St. Pub. Spread the word on this one, too, and let me know if you are interested in participating.

The Reclaim Music Festival this Saturday

In Rutland Ohio (Meigs Co) there is going to be a rockin' music festival this Saturday, Sept. 27th with music all day and well into the night. Check out the special website for this event, and learn more about how it came to be, and all the great acts lined up.

for all those Karaoke lovers out there.......

Marie's House to Home (a program that helps the homeless here in Parkersburg) is having a Karaoke contest as a fund raiser this Saturday night at JP Henry's. 7 pm. There are age groups and prizes, and a chance to support a good organization.

Folk Alliance, Memphis, Feb. 2009

I saw where Corinne West was going to be at the Folk Alliance showcase in Memphis next February. This led me to check out the full event. Feb. 17-21. Todd Burge has attended this I seem to remember. Lots of good stuff, so visit their site and myspace site for a little taste of it.

John Prine birthday tribute

October 10th Friday 8 pm is the 6th annual John PRine Birthday tribute, here in the Mid Ohio Valley (WV) this is a benefit for Children's Home Society of WV-Parkersburg. A $5 donation, but more generous donations are gratefully accepted. We have received $100 donations, $300 donations, etc. So don't hold back. Local musicians play sets of John Prine songs. Occasionally they stick in one of their own, if they can satisfy the audience that there is a connection to John Prine out there. Though it rarely works this way, since the music goes long into the evening, if I can pick the right vantage point, we'll gather some musicians for a group sing of "Paradise" where several people get a verse to sing, and maybe a few instrumental breaks. I've seen some pretty touching accompanying of the song at John Prine concerts, like his brother one time, and sometimes the opening act coming back out. Jason Wilber gets a chance to sing some verses from time to time. A couple of years ago, we had some nice fiddle work on the local version by Will Kirkland. Will and his dad Matt have contributed several years. We could do Angel from Montgomery in this group encore, too, if not too many people have played it by that time of the night. When Fred, Greg and Betty played "Long Monday" two years ago, with that special little instrumental accompaniment, that was a pretty good highlight, now that I think about it.
Well, I hope any readers out there will talk this up, and bring us out a good crowd that night.

This article is about Iris Dement; follow the one about Greg Brown!

TWO LEGENDSFor singer/songwriter fans, two legends will take the stage on Sunday.They happen to be married to each other but they seldom performtogether, though anything is possible at Dunegrass. Greg Brown hasbeen a longtime favorite of the region. He performed here a couple ofsummers ago at Intlerlochen and for years he use to do afishing-concert tour of the region.Brown will take the stage at 6 p.m. just after local favorite Steppin'In It. Iris Dement and Greg Brown have said at the time of theirmarriage in November of 2003 that they were going to keep theirpersonal and performance lives separate from one another While hiswife probably won't join him, it is a safe bet that Brown will joinSteppin' In It or vice versa. Two years ago after their Interlochenperformance both headed to Union Street Station and gave a rousing jamsession and Brown is a big fan of the Lansing based band, Steppin' in It.Mid-afternoon Sunday Iris Dement will take the stage. She is one ofthe most celebrated folk singers of the day. At 45, she is celebratingher 20th year in her musical career, one that is rooted in gospel (sheis the youngest of 14 kids from a religious family and started singingspirituals at age 3) and inspired by the likes of Loretta Lynn, JohnnyCash, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell. But at the end of the day Dementlikes for her songs to speak for themselves."Everything I want people to know about me is in my music," saidDement. "I am very intimate and hands on with my music. So manyapproach this as a career and they look to do things to advance thatcareer. This music is me and I refuse to create some sort ofseparation between me and my music so that I might have a career."EARLY DAYSAfter graduating from high school Dement took on a series of jobswaitressing and secretarial before moving to Nashville in 1988. Shehoned her vocal skills at open-mic nights and eventually landed alabel deal with Rounder Records. She released her debut "InfamousAngel" CD which garnered instant universal acclaim. The album waspopular in both country and folk circles despite the lack of supportfrom mainstream radio. Sales success through word-of-mouth earned hera deal with Warner Bros., which reissued "Infamous Angel" in 1993.Dement released her second album "My Life," in 1994 and a third in1996 "The Way I Should." The latter was a sharp departure from herintrospective earlier works and focused on subjects of sexual abuse,religion, government policy, and Vietnam. With the exception of hercollaborations with John Prine (earning her a Grammy) in the late`90s. Dement would not release another album until 2004 when shereturned to her introspective roots with the CD "Lifeline."The CD has been met by mixed reviews from critics but has been wellreceived by her fans who continue to flood to her limited performances(she performs only a few times a year these days)."I don't write, sing or perform for the critics," said Dement. "Isometimes read what they have to say, but I put it behind me quicklyand move on. I can't be what other people want me to be, I am who I am."

Article about Greg Brown; with some background and current perspective

Greg Brown, Traverse City Opera House, September 21stRenowned folk singer/songwriter Greg Brown will return to NorthernMichigan to kick off the Grassroots Productions fall/winter concertseries (you might be familiar with Grassroots as the fine people whobring you the Dunegrass Festival.)Brown has been a long time favorite in Northern Michigan. For years hewould travel through the region doing a concert/fishing tour. Now 57years old, Brown only performs 50 to 60 concerts a year, not becausehe isn't in demand (he turns down gigs regularly) - quite thecontrary. It's because he has his priorities, those being family (hesplits time between his farm that his grandparents once owned insoutheastern Iowa and the Kansas City, Missouri home of his wife, folksinger Iris Dement) and maintaining balance in his life."As I travel the country I see a lonely place full of people with thisfalse notion that if they can buy enough, it will make them happy,"said Brown. "But that approach seldom works. You have to have balance.I find that as I get older I want things to be simple. It is hard inthis business at times to find that balance, and really it can be hardin any life to find that balance, so it has to be a choice."His words seem to resonate through the lyrics of many of his songs,which also often offer social commentary. His songwriting skills havebeen admired by many including Willie Nelson and Carlos Santana; bothhave had hits with Brown-penned tunes. Despite this, Brown has eludedthe trappings of a major label deal."I don't think these label people hear my songs and think, `well, thisis a way to make a bunch of money,' but I have done well regardless,"said Brown. "I have been supported by community radio and musicfestivals. It is amazing how many little community radio stations arestill out there."Brown's big break came from making regular appearances on GarrisonKeillor's "Prairie Home Companion" program on NPR. Brown was a weeklymusical guest during the mid `80s. He also has won several awards, andhas been nominated for a couple of Grammys, but refuses to attendaward ceremonies. "It's impossible for me to think of music as acontest," said Brown. "I am sure they are fun, but these awardceremonies have no meaning to me."What does have meaning to Brown are family, trout rivers, and seeingGeorge Bush leave office."I have been pretty appalled by some of things within the BushAdministration from day one that he went into office. I just don'tthink our country is headed in the right direction," said Brown. "Theway I responded in terms of my music was to write some songs in whichI spoke to the war the best that I could. I have played, and continueto play, those songs at my shows. I feel that everyone needs to speakout. Either through music or just standing together with others on thestreet corner and saying that I think the country is going in thewrong direction, or to stand on the corner and say our country isgoing down the right road."An avid outdoorsman and fisherman, Brown recently did a fundraiser tohelp protect the famed Yellowdog River in the Upper Peninsula. Theconcert was recorded and Brown allowed it to be released by Big Rapidsbased Eathwork Music as a CD to raise funds for the Yellowdog RiverWatershed, who are trying to prevent a British mining company frombuilding a processing plant along the river."It is almost embarrassing that I or anyone else has to do these sortof things (benefit fundraisers. ) You would think some things would beobvious like protecting our environment, taking care of our children,the elderly, or the poor," said Brown. "Apparently we find it easierto go off to war to kill then to address these issues."Brown won't be touting a cause when he returns to Northern Michigan,his first in the region since his appearance 2006 Dunegrass Festivalperformance in Empire. Brown said he misses Northern Michigan and thepeople here, and he's looking forward to returning."Early in my career the people in Northern Michigan were very good tome, they supported my music then and still do," said Brown.Brown's current release of original material is his 2006 album TheEvening Call. He continues to write, and plans to release a new CDsometime in 2008. His Traverse City concert will feature a collectionof favorites from the past and a few surprises. For additionalinformation on Brown, check out www.gregbrown. org, and for concerttickets call (231) 941-8082.

Regina Spektor on Mountain Stage (Radio) last night

Its been awhile since I heard someone new (to me) on the radio broadcast of Mountain Stage that captured my attention the way Regina Spektor did last night. Usually I will know of someone and enjoy their segment, or I will just sort of register a new performer. The live shows often are the ones where you get "hooked" on new acts. But I really got intrigued with Regina Spektor's songs last night. I know Beth has sung her praises previously, and I assume I had read some reviews etc. But this was one of those moments of appreciation for what MOuntain Stage is all about; exposing lots of music lovers to new stuff, and giving musicians many new opportunities to gain wider fans.

unveiling of the set list (tentative) for the John Prine tribute benefit Oct. 10th here in Parkersburg

Don't hold me to it entirely, but these are the songs I am looking at for my set at the Prine birthday tribute.

Picture Show
Humidity Built the Snowman
Blue Umbrella
Speed of the Sound of Loneliness
Quit Hollerin at me
Crooked Piece of time

Americana Music awards - lots of my favs won awards!

Alison Krauss and Robert Plant's album "Raising Sand" was a big winner at the Americana Honors & Awards.
"Raising Sand" won album of the year, and Krauss and Plant were named duo of the year Thursday at the Ryman Auditorium.
Levon Helm, best known for his work with The Band, took home artist of the year honors, while Hayes Carll's "She Left Me for Jesus" won song of the year. Buddy Miller was chosen instrumentalist of the year, and Mike Farris was selected as new emerging artist.
Several others were recognized. Joan Baez won the spirit of Americana award for free speech in music, and John Hiatt won the lifetime achievement
/

Krauss, Plant big winners at Americana awards
100 award for songwriting.
But much of the excitement surrounded "Raising Sand." The album raised eyebrows for pairing Krauss' bluegrass with Plant's hard rock, but it's been a success both critically and commercially.
The two toured to support the album, including a performance at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival last June.

visiting the 5th St. Pub; checking out the upcoming Tribute venue

I took a fellow music buddy to check out the venue for the upcoming John Prine birthday tribute benefit last night. He added his nod to it being okay for the expected audience. I sent Ken down today to drop off some flyers; it will be interesting to see how the "regulars" there take to a different kind of musical show than they are probably used to. We'll hope we can bring along a decent amount of Americana Music Tribute series fans from the events of the past few years; the loyal regulars. I probably won't be taking in any music tonight; and then I'll be looking for what's going on tomorrow night.
Todd Burge is in Nashville at the Americana Music Association festival today, and I assume, through the weekend. Tomorrow is the Green festival up in Farmington PA; looks like they should have good weather for that. I hope to be giving a report by the end of the weekend.

Six Pence Pub's Wednesday open mike

Ah, the Open Mike's. I haven't attended an open mike in a while. Upon the urging of Matt Starcher, I ventured out to 6 Pence Pub on 7th St. in Parkersburg last evening. I recaptured the fun of the unknown and unexpected of the open mike. Woody Hupp hosts this one, and a guy introduced as "bones" also contributed great versatility to the line up, playing drums, keyboards, electric guitar, singing. They portray the essence of open mike's- trying to draw people in, giving lots of encouragement, just seeing what comes up! Matt just did one song while I was there, but it was a great one. The two gals did an energetic and spirited set, with their own ready made fan club. Susan belted out some standards with great voice. This Wednesday night open mike seems to be pretty established there, which is always a significant thing; something that a certain group of folks can count on, and yet loose and flexible enough to go in some different directions.

review of Neil Young album from "Ink" also

Artist- Neil YoungCD- Chrome Dreams IILabel- Reprise-2008
After thirty studio albums, you might think that Young might be running out of ways to surprise and inspire...not so and this disk is ample proof. Chrome Dreams II (Chrome Dreams I was the 1977 concept that was shelved and never released), is full of Young's passion, wit and intelligence...playful, soulful and, at times, mournful. Hardcore aficionados will hear an echo of his deep folk foundation...there's rock here and a taste of the many paths he's gone down from "Decade", "Comes A Time", "Freedom" and more.
Young brought in Niko Bolas to assist with the producing duties and that brightened up the whole project...not quite a “wall of sound”, but full and crisp. Crazy Horse alum' Ralph Molina is here along with Ben Keith and Rick Rosas...all veterans of Young's earlier studio and live recordings. The comfort zone comes through. At times you can feel like you're hearing outtakes from "Four-Way Street". The track list is full of gems that over the last thirty years could only be heard at live shows...cuts like No Hidden Path, Bluebird and the one cut destined to become the Neil Young anthem for a new generation...Ordinary People. It's been the genius of Young to maintain the relevancy of his work over four decades of writing and performing and this disk is one more monument to an artist that shows no sign of going stale.
If you are already a Young fan, you'll want this to round out some gaps...if not, Chrome Dreams II will convert you.

The INK interview with Rasta Rafiki

ink Interview - Rasta Rafiki
Rasta Rafiki
We caught up with seminal WV reggae band, Rasta Rafiki, during their second reunion tour in as many years. On the eve of their second show at 123 Pleasant Street in Morgantown, we sat down with Tom Batchelor, Dave Lloyd, John Schmitt, Derrick MacDonald, and Steve Markle for a candid conversation about Rafiki's past, present, and future. The only band member we never got to chat with before soundcheck started was Andy Lindsay. Sorry Andy! Hopefully we'll get our chance next year!
INK: So last year you guys did 3 dates. How many this year?
TOM: Four.
INK: And where all are you playing?
TOM: Last week we were at the Purple Fiddle Festival which is in Canaan Valley. And then this week, here at 123 [123 Pleasant St. in Morgantown], tomorrow night at The Empty Glass and then Saturday at Songer Whitewater in Fayetteville.
INK: Any thoughts on uh, expanding further and doing more?
TOM: Yeah, next year Zurich, Copenhagen, France [laughing], you know...DAVE: It ain't impossible.TOM:That's right.
INK: Are you working on any new stuff? Any new material?
TOM: Oh we're always working on new material- mostly for our comedy routine. Ah, you know, not really. We kinda did a few different things for this round as far as learning some new material, but it's pretty much from our three cds.JOHN:We did some experimental stuff in our rehearsals that I thought went pretty well. I think if we get together next year there could be some new material. As of now though its pretty much the old standardsDAVE:I'm livin' next year already so we're right on top of it.
INK: Well that's great you might be putting some new stuff in next year, but I guess its kinda hard with you guys being all spread out and everything.
TOM: YeahDAVE: Well Morgantown and Charleston's not that far, when you consider it- a couple hours--
INK: Which one of you is living in Florida now?
JOHN: Derrick.
INK: And you John are in Uniontown, Dave in Charleston, and Steve living in Parkersburg?
JOHN: Yeah.
INK: When was the last time you guys played together before last year?
TOM: Ten years ago?DAVE:11TOM: Yeah, actually, '96.DAVE:YepTOM:So, 11, 12 years.
INK: You know, I remember something- Didn't you guys sell a song to Disney or something- somewhere back down the road?
[Groans all around]TOM: Our illustrious Disney career... No, uh, it was National Lampoon's Last Resort-
INK: Oh that's right- mid-90's right? Who was in that?
TOM: Right, I think Corey Feldman was the big star.
INK: Yeah somebody said that to me the other day and I was thinking it was like "The Lion King" or something like that.
TOM: I wish! [laughing] Maybe we coulda got that Disney money-DAVE:Even that fake Disney money [laughing]TOM:They still haven't payed us for using the Rafiki name- [laughing] Yeah we've got a beef with Disney.
INK: That's right! They DID use that in "The Lion King!"
TOM: Yeah-
INK: So this whole thing's gonna be over pretty quick- just like another week or so-
DAVE: I mean- for this year- maybe- maybe, 'cause I mean I got some recording stuff lined up in New York and I'm tryin' to get these guys to record another cd actually, but I didn't want to say nothin' 'cause we're not collectively comin' up with stuff right now. But there's something in the works I got with an independent label in New York. Tryin' to work somethin' out there.
INK: Good, good! So the shows are being well-attended?
TOM: Yeah, yeah! The reaction's been pretty positive. People seem to be enjoying it so- that helps us enjoy it.DAVE:I even like it and its so hard for me to have fun that I just gotta go to class- go to therapy to learn how to have fun [laughing] But actually, like he said, there's a lotta people coming out and if they have fun, I'm havin' fun.
INK: So [Tom] are you the most active musically right now with the Tom Batchelor Band getting steady gigs?
TOM: Yeah, Derrick too- he's got a couple bands in Florida that he plays in. Yeah, I don't know though, Dave's probably the most active as far as "engagements."DAVE:I got a kid from Morgantown, well he's in school now, he's 17. He just got here. He's subbin' for me tomorrow, and Saturday, down in Charleston, he's bad, a keyboard player... but yeah, I play in like 3 bands in Charleston... sometimes 4.
INK: Lots of different input, that's nice.
TOM: Let me see if I can get Derrick over here for ya... [leaves]DAVE:Yeah man, I'm kickin' it with at least 2 or 3 bands, mostly R&B and jazz, but that's why its fun for me to come here and get back to a little reggae- its pretty cool.
INK: I always liked the way you guys sorta bent the genre a bit too-
DAVE: Yeah, we bent it alright [laughs]JOHN:[laughing] Bent it, broke it, and glued it back together.DAVE:Yeah, I think that's the whole appeal for some people- it's the fusion that pulled a lot of these different ideas comin' into one place. It represents, you know, kind of a unity thing that we're looking for...
INK: Yeah, cooperation and, you know, conflict sometimes-
DAVE: Right, you don't get along all the time but you can still work together.
INK: Sometimes conflict breeds good stuff-
DAVE: If you keep your head on your shoulders... don't take anything personal, you know, that's one of those lessons I've learned. You know stuff that happens- you make it mean too much and go crazy like one of my roommates did not too long ago... It's just life. You're gonna be here and then you're gonna be gone, right? Do what you can while you're here. Don't fight yourself.
INK: You guys didn't really fight all that much, back in the day, did you?
DAVE: No-JOHN: I think, overall, we got along pretty amazingly well, considering we spent a lot of our lives living in this little bus together.DAVE:No, I mean these were some of the best mannered young men that I've worked with, you know, and then, like you said, bein' on the road and whatnot, perusing with a bunch of women, you know, it was mostly music, they were actually there for the music-JOHN:Yeah, being on the road is a real test of how well you can get along, and, you know, we had our moments when things didn't go so well, but, you know, we hung in there together for a number of years... and it was worth every minute of it.
INK: So what was it- what was the thing that brought you to the final decision, to hang it up, at least for a while-?
DAVE: I think it was- what I gathered- it was just time. It was like it had run its course at some point. And uh, I'm not sure but-
INK: You felt like you weren't fresh anymore?
DAVE: I think that may have been it. It was like we were kinda gettin'- maybe not everybody, but some people were gettin' uncomfortable with just- it was goin' kinda the same way- I'm not real sure but- music was changing at the time, so it was like, our niche had kind of distorted, sort of-
INK: Do you think it's kind of swung around your way again?
DAVE: Uh, now that we're older, it's just that we're able to look at it from a different perspective- not allow the outside forces to affect what we- and people still like it, why not give it to 'em? That's basically the bottom line. If somebody wants something- if you've got a market for something, sell it.
INK: And I'm sure you guys aren't travelling in the little van this tour.
DAVE: No [laughing] it'd be nice though. I loved that little van. I wish I had one. I'd put ya'll in it- make ya'll come with me.JOHN:Yeah, these days we each have our own different things... like some of us have different careers outside of music- some of us have lots of different musical enterprises going on. We were doing it so intensely back then, there wasn't any time for anything else, you know, it was all Rasta Rafiki, all the time. And when we got off the road, you know, after a two or three week road stint, the last thing I wanted to do was to play more guitar, or come up with new material, you know- I wanted to forget about it for a while, you know- go do my own thing, relax, rest up, you know, before I had to get back on the road again. This way [present tour] there's no expectation. You know, if we don't make so much money and pay our bills every month, you know, through the music, you know, there's not that pressure there.
INK: Well expectation can be a little rough, especially when you don't live up to what you think you should be doing- that can be a real negative.
JOHN: And you know why- why we called it, you know we split up back then, I'm sure you could get six different answers from six different guys. But I know for myself coming back to it- you know to do it for the pleasure and excitement of getting together with some real nice guys and playing some good music, you know, with no other obligation to it but that- I enjoy it ten times more.
INK: And you're [John] a pharmacist now, so have you built yourself a home studio or anything?
JOHN: Well I have bought some guitars and it's nice, when you want something, to be able to go out and get it. So you know, I went to school for five and a half years- um-
INK: And school, that was part of the reason for you wasn't it?
JOHN: Right, and you know, everyone knows there are lots of people out there who have regular jobs and, you know, don't have any health insurance- and all the issues you hear people talking about for the election, you know I was experiencing all those things myself and I realized that getting old, playing guitar in a reggae band can have its liabilities. You know, you get sick, how you going to afford your health care and stuff. So all these things were in the back of my mind when I decided to leave the band.
INK: Yeah, you're looking at someone with no health insurance right now.
JOHN: Yeah, and there's a lot of people in the same boat.
INK: Are you very politically active?
JOHN: Well, I uh, I'm out there on the left, you know. I'm not generally outspoken in my opinions. I don't generally enjoy other people's opinions being shoved in my face, so I figure- for the most part, keep mine to myself, but, at the same time, there's a lot of bad stuff going on. When you see so many bad things, you kinda feel compelled to say something about it-
INK: Music can be a good influence that way.
DAVE: Yeah, in Rasta Rafiki we always tried to carry you know- take, you know, we had certain ideals that we want to live by and they can be expressed on an interpersonal level and also on a public and a civic and a political level too. You know, we have beliefs and values and things that are important to us- and there are right ways to do things and wrong ways to do things. It's like everything else, you know, you hope for the best and if things don't work out the way you want 'em too, you make the best of it.
[Derrick sits down]
INK: Hey Derrick, how's it goin? You enjoying the tour so far?
DERRICK: Yeah man, every time, you know?
INK: All the way from Florida, that's a long way to go.
DERRICK: You know the vibes, the Rasta Rafiki vibes are unmatched, you know what I'm sayin'? It's like a homecoming every time.
INK: We were talking earlier about the possibilities of some new stuff coming out eventually-
DERRICK: Well maybe, you know, I'll wait and see. I'm game for whatever, you know?
INK: So, if you guys like, hit a new gear, would you drop everything and come back to it?
DERRICK: That's a tough one, that's a tough one, 'cause you know, so many factors that would go into something like that-
INK: It's complicated- I'm sure you have a life built in Florida-
DERRICK: I do, I do, but I'm committed to making music so, I mean, if it was something that was concrete and everybody was committed to doin' something, I would be game. 'Cause you know, I'm always doin' music- six nights a week that's what I do.
INK: So are you working with more than one act?
DERRICK: I work with a few musicians down in Tampa. I mainly work with an acoustic guitar player from Brazil and we got this two-piece thing that we do. I play drums and sing and he plays guitar. Sometimes we add another musician in and it's going really well man. We got a really unique sound, the two of us.
INK: So it's making you a living then-
DERRICK: Oh definitely. And we'd be ready to take the thing on the road too, you know. It's just gettin' people committed. I mean we both have kids, but I'm always open to something, you know. If we do this [Rasta Rafiki tour] every year, maybe, at some point, people will get that wild hair to say "Hey, let's do this for a couple weeks... a month." So we're takin' baby steps, you know?
INK: We were just talkin' about your old van a little while ago-
DERRICK: I like being on the road still, you know? Sometimes I got my best sleep in that van. I'd say the main thing now, for me anyway, is not so much about the future or what can we get out of it, but just vibin' with old friends, you know? That means so much to me, you know?
INK: We were just speculating before on the positives of not having expectations and some of the amazing stuff that can come out of such a relaxed vibe-
DERRICK: See, that's what I regret about life, you know, you said "Takin' it back on the road" or "gettin' it together" then that changes expectations, and I don't necessarily want to go there. It's like "ok, we're gonna go on the road, then this has to happen and this has to happen and this," you know? When we come together for this it ain't about making a living or making money. It's just about putting it together again.
INK: Makin' a good vibe and makin' some good music-
DERRICK: Yeah man, yeah
INK: We were also talking about some of the ways you guys bent the genre-
DERRICK: I don't think we necessarily did it consciously, it's just that we had so many bloods. We were who we were you know and a lot can be said about not putting expectation or limitation on style. This is what I have to add to the painting and this is what Andy has to add, and just let it be, you know? That's what Rasta Rafiki is to me. It's not reggae or anything. It's just six guys lettin' it be, you know? That's what it is. You wanna define it then go ahead, but that's just what it is. Thank goodness people like it, you know?
INK: So you have a couple kids now?
DERRICK: I have three kids, 13, 7, and 5.
INK: Any of them following your footsteps into music?.
DERRICK: Oh they're all into music, my oldest writes songs, plays the drums. My middle son, he plays piano and he's pretty awesome. My daughter's the same.
[Steve enters as Derrick heads for food]
INK: So, Steve you've got kids too now, right?
STEVE: I have two kids, a 13 year old and a 19 year old. The 19 year old will be here tonight actually. He just started college
INK: So, you're living in republican territory these days-
STEVE: Yeah, its a little goofy over there, yeah I live in Parkersburg.
INK: Been doin' anything musically over there?
STEVE: You know, not really, I play with Tom and I play by myself- I wouldn't say play with myself- I play occasionally with some guys there too but nothing serious. Been wanting to start my own like, shoegazer band, sounds like My Bloody Valentine or something, but I haven't actually pulled it off yet. I wanna play in a really loud band-
INK: [laughing] Well, most drummers do-
STEVE: I wanna play guitar in it, you know- don't even want to play drums- just guitar.
INK: So what are your thoughts on the reunion here?
STEVE: Well, I don't know- I enjoy it. I always like playing with these guys [inaudible]. I'd like to see us write some new material if we're going to continue to do this. We haven't done that yet, however I'm sure everyone has some ideas that we just haven't put together yet.
INK: Yeah, I think Dave was saying something like that earlier-
STEVE: Yeah its out there floating around. It just takes so much time to mature, you know? It's like being married.
INK: We were talking about the freedom of doing this without expectation.
STEVE: Yeah, this is strictly self-indulgent and we play better as a result. We played well last weekend I think. We got the kinks blown out and I think we'll play well tonight too. I'm sure we'll have our moments, but, by and large it's, you know, it's safer than chainsaws.
INK: [laughing] What are your ideas on expanding the tour-
STEVE: We've been thinking about trying to put together a little mini-tour to hit some festivals, 'cause that was always our favorite thing to do. We'd always play here too [123 Pleasant St.].
The INK Interview-

john prine birthday tribute benefit update

So, the John PRine birthday tribute # 6 for the Mid Ohio Valley will be Oct. 10 at the 5th St. Pub in Parkersburg starting at 8 pm. $5 donation gets you in the door and with unbelievably great odds to win a fabulous prize from Steve's generous war chest of great John Prine prizes. Talk it up, and send questions my way-
I know for a fact that Jonny Nutter is feverishly working on his songs; I heard it from a disgruntled football fan, who was disrupted in his daylong TV watching hearing/ watching Jonny rehearse his fingers to the bone. I am not quite ready to disclose Jonny's set list yet without his expressed written permission, but I know its some Prine classics. Matt Starcher is honing his selections also, he is e-mailing almost on a daily basis with excited queries and statements. I know Todd Heslep has the biggest arsenal of Prine songs coming back from previous years, (someone can take this as a friendly challenge..... ahem......) He always has a way of filling in the gaps in the requests that others might not do. I haven't talked to Don Baker in a while, but I think he's all set to do a set. I have a few others to get back to, to follow up.
And me, after getting over my dejectedness over Andy having a conflict for that night, am vowing to crack the old knuckles, get new strings on the geetar, and dust off some songs. I won't yet disclose the set list, but from 5 previous years of listening to every song of every Prine birthday tribute, I am almost guaranteeing some unique songs from the Prine lengthy and impressive song list. Just be patient waiting for updates. They will come.
Thanks to everyone in advance for getting the word out about this benefit, and for keeping the spirit and momentum alive for the Americana Music Series.

someone has entered my drawing for Greens Acres tix

Yeah! I have a sign of life for someone wanting to go to the Greens Acres festival and could use a little help. I will give it another day or two, and then highlight the details. This is exciting to me!!!

Hope things are still progressing along with the details and plans for the festival this Saturday up in Farmington PA- starting at 4 pm- visit the Greens my space site, or the regular site, or the special Greens Acres Festival my space for the details; but most of all talk it up and get excited and get the Greens and the other bands some enthusiasm for this great concept and hopefully great event; encourage more stuff like this by giving them a good response!!!!

6 Pence PUb Wednesday open mikes with Woody

For those who have said open mikes/ live music is in hibernation in Parkersburg; Matt Starcher encourages me to plug this open mike out on 7th St. in Parkersburg on Wednesday's. Come out and see who shows up.
Andy Nicholas tells me of a good open mike in Glenville on Sunday nights. (at Good Times)

bonanza of records donated yesterday

I had one of the most pleasant surprises yesterday in my several year enterprise of seeking donated vinyl records, and having re-sales as a benefit fund raiser for my non profit organization. A dear woman in Belpre donated the remainder of her vinyl collection. She had previously donated a very large collection of records: jazz, mostly, lots of eclectic stuff. She had worked at a radio station in New Mexico, and had many demo's, slightly played great stuff. A number of my most enthusiastic buyers over the last several years, have commented on what a collection those were; with many rarities and intriguing labels, etc. Well, this later donation, which was her more prized personal collection, was stunning. It has so much that is up my personal alley of interest areas, and that's not even speaking to the great jazz stuff. She has such a wide ranging passion for all kinds of music. I will be mentioning this collection over the next month, leading up to another sale. I will use some of this collection to begin the process of learning how to convert these vinyl records to CD's also, as I know there will be some friends that would love some of this stuff. I was a kid in the candy store for sure. It makes all the lugging of records I have done for the past several years worthwhile to have some experiences like this.

Greens - added Morgantown shows for the fall

The Greens have added some Morgantown shows to their fall schedule; as noted on the myspace site. (The www.thegreensmusic.com site needs updated too!!!) I am sorely disappointed that Andy will now have to miss the John Prine tribute on Oct. 10th due to the Greens playing at the Mountainlair in Morgantown. Sigh............

Malcolm Holcombe last night at Stuart's

Stuart's had a "house concert" up on the stage last night, seating about 50 folks or so, for a good show by Malcolm Holcombe, from North Carolina. He is a unique and intriguing performer; both in his singing/guitar playing; and his stage presence, and in his songs. After watching him perform his two sets, and becoming rapt with his performance, I went home and read Peter Cooper's article about him in the Jan./Feb 2008 issue of No Depression. Of course you can count on Peter to have a good article about a musician, and capture many aspects right on. 53 years old; having spent some time moving around with music, and spending some Nashville time, he is back in his native North Carolina; the Asheville area. Some quotes from the Cooper article:
""not that Holcombe's music was easy over eggs; He was bracing, always. Malcolm Holcombe is lullaby-less. Somebody once told me he played brilliant songs that she didn't want to hear."
"He reinvents our language, this Holcombe fellow. Or he subverts it, at least." "he's not one for a line. He's elliptical, obtuse, indistinct and vague, and yet somehow he hits the nail wherever it is that you're supposed to hit the nail." "His guitar playing is completely atypical. Holcombe bangs and pounds on his acoustic, which he tunes down a whole step and then capos at the first fret, thus raising it a half step from the whole step down. In his lyrics he creates patterns of images that aren't bound by any notion of achieving specificity of anything other than emotion. Wasted words and untruths are nonexistent."
He had some dark times; living in rough motel rooms in Nashville when his music buddies took him "home" and wondered if they would see him again; reminds me of Andy's song about Henry Chinaski. He had a contract with a big label in the late 90's- and then after recording an album, they didn't put it out. He worked in diners in Nashville, and would get up for the occasional song/ or set, and amaze folks. So this is an intriguing musician.
We came away with some phrases from some songs, that stick with you, and an eagerness to follow this career.

I liked attending one of the back stage shows at Stuart's; just to see how they put that on.

WV Music Hall of Fame 2008 inductees

2008 West Virginia Music Hall of Fame Inductees

The following artists will be formally inducted Thursday evening, November 6, 2008 at the WV state Cultural Center. For more information about each inductee, visit our website after our August 5th press conference.

Living:
“First Lady of Bluegrass” from Valley Head Wilma Lee
and fiddle champion from Harman Stoney Cooper
Opera soprano and instructor from Clarksburg Phyllis Curtin
Musician, TV & film composer from Charleston Robert Drasnin
Bluegrass ambassadors to Boston and Japan from Clear Creek The Lilly Brothers
King of country harmonica and so much more from Oak Hill Charlie McCoy


Deceased:
“Charleston’s First Lady of Jazz” from Charleston Ann Baker
Songwriter, composer and publisher from Bluefield Maceo Pinkard
Songwriter and country star from Charleston Red Sovine
Undisputed Polka King from Davis Frankie Yankovic

We invite all our Friends to be with us Tuesday, August 5 at 10:30 a.m. in the Great Hall of the WV Cultural Center, Charleston, for our public announcement of this year’s inductees.

Let’s get ready to POLKA!

open mikes at 6 Pence pub on Wednesdays

Good buddy Matt Starcher did a set at the Open Mike that Woody does at 6 Pence Pub on 7th St. in Parkersburg on Wednesday night. Matt had mentioned it ahead of time, but the evening passed me by without getting out to hear him. Sorry; I'll pay closer attention next time!!! I wonder what songs he regaled the audience with that particular night?

Andy going to see Mars Volta in Columbus

Andy reports going to see Mars Volta this weekend in Columbus.

nice little review of Fred Eaglesmith

Various songwriters populate their creationswith small-time crooks, small-town loners, andworking-class heroes. But Fred Eaglesmith'ssongs stand out for their edge of desperationand their raucous yet bemused humor--and for theincredible roaring energy of his live shows.Circulating on tour from his Ontario farm, Fredharks back to an earlier era of roots music withhis raw, driving country soul. "I think thebottom of the barrel is where the answers are,"Fred says. He comes to town with "Tinderbox," asuperb new album he calls "alternative gospel(gospel for non-believers)--it's full ofbacksliders and people living on the margins."

Levon Helm kicks off the Americana Music Festival

Levon Helm at the Ryman
Chris Parker
The legendary drummer and vocalist from The Band, Helm is fluent in the entire spectrum of Americana including blues, gospel, country and folk, making him an apt choice to kick-off the Americana Music Association's annual festival. His strong lean tenor will forever be associated with "The Weight," but his career has continued beyond The Band's Last Waltz. He recorded a couple solo albums and reunited The Band (minus guitarist Robbie Robertson) in the '80s, then again in the '90s (without keyboardist/vocalist Rick Danko, who committed suicide during the '86 tour). A battle with throat cancer several years ago almost took Helm's voice, but he continued to host his famous late-night hootenannies--dubbed The Midnight Ramble--at his Woodstock, N.Y., farm. Last year, Helm returned with his first solo album in 25 years, the bluegrass-flavored Dirt Farmer. Showcasing a recovered voice, it won the Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Album.

Carpenter Ants at Nelsonville : Stuart's Opera House outdoor show next week

Stuart's is having one more free outdoor show before the winter months come! Come on out to our parking lot and dance to some great music from West Virginia's The Carpenter Ants. We will also have a beer garden! In case of rain we will move the concert inside the Opera House. THIS IS A FREE SHOW, no tickets needed!
Even the best bands come and go but the Carpenter Ants have been around - with virtually the same line up - for more than 16 years. The Ants have defied the odds and outlasted most of their peers for a number of reasons. First and foremost, regardless of the occasion, the band never fails to have a good time. And, after more than 2,000 performances, the members still like and respect each other - and you can feel it in their music.
Having evolved into WV's premier rythm & blues group, the band has unearthed a wealth of classic and forgotten American music. The Ants wail through classic R&B, country-swamp and gospel-soul with equal conviction. A few years back, the band caught the ear of famed singer/songwriter/producer/rock'n'roller Don Dixon. The upshot was the band's second record, the all-gospel Picnic with the Lord. Last year Dixon anxiously signed on to produce the groups third effort, Ants in Your Pants, and steered the band to Scott Beal's Gaff Music. The disk will be released in spring 2004.
The core of the group consists of guitarist Michael Lipton, drummer Jupiter Little, bassist Ted Harrison and vocalist/saxophonist Charlie Tee. A revolving cast of auxillary Ants include singer/songwriter Larry Groce, host of the internationally syndicated radio show "Mountain Stage," ex-NRBQ guitarist Steve Ferguson and Robert Shafer, one of the Country's premier Telecaster slingers and two-time national flatpicking champion.
The group's trademark sound -- rich, soulful harmonies, stinging solos, and a rock-solid rythm section -- captures that rare, loose-but-tight feel, and has won the band international as well as regional fans. The Ants have traveled to Moscow. The trips found the group performing at a variety of venues including the 3,500-seat Russia Concert Hall, the city's most prestigious room, a letter-styled TV show with a national audience of 100 million(!!), funky clubs and gaudy venues.
"Guest" Ants - sitting in for sets that ping-pong from rock 'n' roll and blues to country - have included Radney Foster, Bill Lloyd, Don Dixon, Rodney Crowell, Robyn Hitchcock, Taj Mahal, the late Luther Allison, English rock legend Kevin Coyne, Bill Kirchen, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely, Howard Levy, ex-Replacement Slim Dunlap, Marshall Crenshaw, John Mooney, and Chip "Wild Thing" Taylor.
For more information, visit www.carpenterants.wvmusichalloffame

Great Show tomorrow night at Stuart's Opera House in Nelsonville

SPECIAL BACKSTAGE SHOW!Stuart's welcomes North Carolina folk/Americana cult legend Malcolm Holcombe for a special backstage show! Don't miss this one! Tickets on sale now!
Born and raised in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina, Malcolm Holcombe is being recognized by the contemporary U.S and European folk/americana community as a performer of national stature, and an uncommonly unique guitarist/vocalist about whom Rolling Stone magazine says: "Haunted country, acoustic blues and rugged folk all meet [here]...A 5 song EP by singer-songwriter Malcolm Holcombe, Wager, was released on October 9, 2007. This is a companion piece to a 12 song Malcolm Holcombe CD, Gamblin' House, which will be released January 15, 2008.Holcombe, who recently signed with new indy label Echo Mountain Records, went into Echo Mountain Studios to record his first CD release for the label with a wealth of new material. With Grammy award winning producer Ray Kennedy at the helm, and highly notable musicians Kenny Malone (drums, percussion), David Roe Rorick (bass) and Ed Snodderly (dobro, fiddle, banjo) rounding out the ensemble, Wager and Gamblin' House resound with a fresh take on Holcombe's highly distinctive music and lyricism.

Try as you might to use other adjectives, when you write about Malcolm Holcombe and his work, you always come back to rugged and rustic. His visage appears to be carved of granite, and his voice is a sculpture crafted of tree bark and discarded railroad iron. His words and images cling to you for hours, even days, like wood smoke.
All of those things certainly apply to his new Gamblin’ House, produced by Ray Kennedy (Steve Earle, Ray Davies), a gentleman that Malcolm has wanted to work with for a long while. "We were second-story men. We put our ears to the safe and cracked it," offers Malcolm rather cryptically. (A conversation with Malcolm Holcombe is a fascinating festival of crypticisms, old sayings, and anecdotes punctuated with pronouncements.) "We learned the songs downstairs, then went upstairs and played them." Joining Malcolm and Ray in that pursuit was a rhythm section of Kenny Malone and David Roe, along with longtime cohort Ed Snodderly on several stringed instruments including what Malcolm calls "old-time fiddle." As always, there are echoes of John Prine and Guy Clark and the lesser-known kindred spirit Bill Morrissey, but the total package is all Malcolm Holcombe. His is a sound that combines harmonica-blessed folk, acoustic blues, stringband country, and smalltown-bred soul.
However, to get the full effect of that primordial soul, you need to see Malcolm onstage; his legendary performances are intense and all out. "If you're gonna do something, do it," is his explanation. "If you're gonna dig a ditch, dig a ditch. If you're gonna shine a shoe, shine a shoe." In other words, if you're gonna stand in front of a crowd of strangers with just your guitar and your songs, make it worth their time. He does it by presenting those songs with a gospel fervor (call it half howl, half hosanna) and with a penetrating stare, aimed (thank goodness) at nothing and no one, that becomes almost as deeply ingrained as his songs. It's sinewy and unfussy, the man, the music, and the delivery.
For more information, visit www.malcolmholcombe.com

Greens' Greens Acres Festival - offer!!

I am going to be unable to attend the Greens Greens Acres Festival next Saturday in Farmington PA- Sept 20 starting at 4 pm, due to a work event here in Parkersburg. In order to help support the first try at something like this, and due to my on-going enthusiasm and loyalty to all the great Greens fans out there, I'd like to offer some free admission gifts to up to 5 Greens fans who would like to go, but don't feel they can afford the admission - you could just drop me an e-mail describing your circumstance and need, and I'll follow up with you. I am trying to get this word out across the network of Greens fans, so if you could help me pass the word. I'll try to get it on their my space site(s) - the regular Greens site, and the special one for the festival. Also, through my (humble) my space site (limited as it is.....) but word of mouth will probably work best. I haven't thought this through completely, but just want to add a boost to the festival and any worthy Greens fans out there.

Todd Burge going to the Americana Music Festival

I was excited to see that Todd Burge will be participating in the Americana Music Assocation Festival next week in Nashville. He is part of a session honoring Blind Alfred Reed (of the WV MUsic Hall of Fame); and which the CD was distributed last year. Todd will be singing an accapella version of "There'll be No Distinction there" with Kathy Mattea and Tim O'Brien, and the song he did on the CD "The Telephone Girl" and Black and Blue Blues. Others performing include: Connie Smith, Kathy Mattea, Tim O'Brien, Charlie McCoy, John Lilly, The Carpenter Ants. Blind Alfred Reed was a precursor to topical song writers like Woody Guthrie in the depression era. His "how can a poor man stand such times and live" is an pertinent today as it was back in the depression era. His quirky songs are well known to afficionados of roots music and topical songs. Song subjects include the battle of the sexes, hypocrisy, modern inventions like the telephone, train wrecks, and mine cave ins. There's a video at www.properamerican.com
I'll be trying to give a further update on Todd's trip to the Festival over the next two weeks. This is a festival I'd like to make it to some year; I've been following it for some time.

Good Stuff at the Americana Music Festival next week

The Americana Music Festival and Conference is One Week Away! Don’t miss this premier event. Buy your registration now! If you’re serious about the music biz, the key to your success is to attend the daytime events at this year’s conference.
Here’s another sampling of some of this years panels:
Times have changed and so have recording budgets , sit in with moderator Mark Moffatt on Thursday September 18th for RECORD PRODUCTION: “THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING BUDGET”, with Niko Bolas, Blackbird Studios Eric Fritsch, Eastwood Studios, Ray Kennedy, Room & Board, Gary Paczosa, Sugar Hill Records and Dusty Wakeman as this panel of A list producers offer insight into how they are dealing with art vs. commerce issues and how their approach to recording has changed over time.

On Friday, September 19th, Moderator Dan Beck of Big Honcho Media leads THE NEW RECORD LABEL: TO INFINITY AND BEYOND. This panel features Michael Corcoran, Nettwerk Management, Jennifer Herold, Funzalo Records, Wyatt Easterling, High Horse Records, Celeste Krenz, artist and Eric Brace, Red Beet Records. As new technology and consumer habits affect the economics of operating a record company, labels are re-evaluating and restructuring their business models, including their relationship with artists. From small artist-owned labels to the majors, this panel will explore different business models that old and new labels are testing to promote and sell music and how the deals with the artists are changing to support these new models.


THE FUTURE OF MUSIC MEDIA. Music fans are as passionate as ever. However, it’s getting harder to find print magazines that cover Americana. on Saturday September 20th, oin Moderator Cary Baker from conqueroo and Peter Blackstock (NoDepression.com) Suzanne Cadgen (Elmore Magazine) Peter Cooper (The Tennessean) Greg Geil (AmericanaRoots.com) and Sarah Zupko (PopMatters) who examine this topic Many fans have turned to the online media for music coverage. Yet a few hearty print zines remain, and there are still newspapers. Or are there? This panel will look at the changing face of music media.

Conference registrations cost $400 (Members) and $500 (non Members). These rates will go up after September 16th to $450 and $550 respectively. Don’t wait till the last minute.For the latest additions to showcase lineups, ticket purchasing and more information about the Americana Music Festival and Conference, please visit http://www.americanamusic.org/.

nifty little blurb about Black Bear Burritos and the Greens show there next week

Thu, Sep. 18 2008 6:30 PM Doors open at 10:30 AM
Black Bear Burritos132 Pleasant St.Morgantown, WV304 296 8696
The Greens love this place and Andy performs a solo show there nearly every Thursday night @ 6:30.... Many other great acts play at this absolutely magnificent spot throughout the week, so be sure and check it out! The Black Bear: an innovative small business providing a wide range of ethnic cuisines prepared using the freshest ingredients served in a unique Appalachian atmosphere that embraces the cultures, arts and music of West Virginia as well as Morgantown. • We offer free wireless internet • Our rice is vegan. • Our chips are fried fresh daily. • We use 100% organic Spring Creek tofu from Spencer, WV. • 100% vegetarian beans. • Seperate grill for vegetarian dishes. • We support West Virginia farmers when possible. • We recycle. • We offer our own Black Bear Stout on tap http://www.blackbearburritos.comclick for more info

To Clarksburg and back yesterday

I listened to two Greens CD's on the way to Clarksburg and back yesterday. Fruition and Broken Science Vol II. This was a fresh listen after a pretty long lapse. With so many live shows to have listened to over the years, this is a wise thing to do from time to time. These are great songs; great points in time for recording them; different than current live versions, diverse, fun, impressive. Aaron's saxophone and flute on the Fruition tracks makes you appreciate that era and that sound, but also impresses the adapting that has gone on since then. The diversity of song styles on Broken Science also is striking. More reflection some other time.

Lots of traveling music to DC and back

At this sitting I won't remember all the CD's I listened to going to Washington DC and back this weekend- but some of them were: 3 of the Weedhawks; Lucinda Williams, Tommy Womack, Jason Wilber, Mary Gauthier, The Blind Alfred Reed tribute CD. This was some great listening for the road. Fred Eaglesmith, too.

saying good bye to the Front Row

I stopped in to the Front Row last night, to see what was up with the construction. I can pretty clearly say there will be no more music there- the bar side is very small now, the game room is big. So, there will definitely not be enough room for music anymore. Somehow I had kept open some bit of hope, but now I will definitely move on.

glad to have my weedhawks CD's back (glad to lend them out)

I'll be happy to have the weedhawks CD's back this weekend, if (and likely to be) I travel to Washington DC- there will be a lot of Weedhawks on the CD player. I gotta break back into Tommy Womack, too. There's probably plenty else in the "bin" that I should be hankering for.
Lucinda Williams has a new CD coming out soon; eager for that. I suppose Todd Snider's new CD is available somehow by now, too.

13 13 playing this Saturday down at the 5th St. Pub

Good friends, 1313 are playing this Saturday night down at the 5th St. Pub (that would be Saturday, September 6th) show starts at 10 pm; there is another band (which I believe is playing first, LIfe is Lost. Then the rockabilly sounds of the hard working trio comes on. I hope they get a good turnout; they generate some great audience connection, and their hard driving sound pumps you up something good. Jonny was circulating some flyers around town; and I bumped into Dave Mc, at his "day job" the other day, and always good to see him. Jonny's working up his JOhn Prine set list for the Oct. 10th show, proving he's one of the most versatile musicians on the local music scene!!!! I've now, in my short span of knowing him see him do just about everything musically!!!! (well, maybe I shouldn't go too far........)
They've got a new (for me at least) logo for the band that is pretty classy on their flyers for the show. Give them some encouragement and enjoy a good evening of music.

starvin' for Greens news

Wha? a little sign o' life from the Greens heading this way would be nice...... haven't heard from any of the fellahs in what seems like weeks. I know yer buzy n' all, what with jobs, school, rehearsin' and such. But still...... a little word of news 'r' sumpin, would be nice. Like, is the new CD gonna make its debut out and about on a trip down U. S. Route fitty one o' des months?
I knowd the festival gotta be taken up a whollata time for details n such. A fellah would have to start makin' up some rumors or gossip, just to get a spark of reaction from somebody. Oh well, I sed ma pees.

A darn good line up at Farm Aid in New England this year

The Lineup
Farm Aid 2008 Presented by Whole Foods Market and Horizon Organic will feature headliners Willie Nelson, Mellencamp, Neil Young, and Dave Matthews, plus other top artists to be announced. The annual benefit concert will celebrate music and good food, featuring hands-on activities in the HOMEGROWN Village that will showcase the direct connection between who is growing our food and what we eat every day.
Doors open at 1pm and the music starts soon after. We expect the show to end at 11 p.m. We will update this page with additional performers as the concert approaches; keep checking back for updates.
Willie Nelson
John Mellencamp
Neil Young
Dave Matthews
Kenny Chesney
The Pretenders
moe.
Arlo Guthrie
Jerry Lee Lewis
Steve Earle
Nation Beat
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Jakob Dylan and The Gold Mountain Rebels
Danielle Evin
Jamey Johnson
Jesse Lenat
Will Dailey
One Flew South

on this day in music history

In 1995, the rock and roll hall of fame opened its doors in Cleveland Ohio. A concert honoring the event featured: chuck berry, little richard, aretha franklin, bruce springsteen and martha and the vandellas.
In 1959, a LA disk jockey Art Laboe created the first rock n roll compilation album "oldies but goodies" because his girl friend complained about the stack of 45's that failed to drop properly onto his record player.

In 1967, the number one hit was Bobbie Gentry's "ode to billie joe"- what the heck were they throwing off the tallahachee bridge?

story about John Prine in Alaska

Legendary Prine leaves fans primed for rootsy folk
By Erica Goff
Originally published Friday, August 15, 2008 at 12:00 a.m.Updated Friday, August 15, 2008 at 12:00 a.m.
FAIRBANKS — To local music lover Trudy Heffernan, John Prine is more than just a folk music entertainer.
“He is, to me, one of the all-time heroes of music,” Heffernan said, proud to bring Prine to Fairbanks for a second time in his career.
Heffernan is co-owner of Mace and Trudy’s Acoustic Adventures, which helps bring folk, bluegrass, blues, Celtic and other genres of acoustic artists to Fairbanks. Prine performed in the area in 2002 and she’s been trying to bring him back ever since.
“It didn’t just come together, it took a lot of work,” she said. “It was an uphill battle to get an offer big enough and have the right things come together at the right time.”
Heffernan’s diligence paid off and, it turns out, Aug. 22 will be the right time, and Hering Auditorium will be the right place. Hearing Prine during his first visit brought back memories, she said, but meeting him put things in a new perspective, and likely made her and even more devoted fan.
“I happened to catch him as he was leaving the stage and told him that the first music I ever bought was John Prine on eight-track,” she said.
His down-to-earth response was what caught her.
“He said, ‘You know, I have a ‘68 Cadillac that has an eight-track in it.’ He was just so nice and such a real person,” Heffernan said.
That characteristic can be noted in Prine’s songwriting, Heffernan said, because it discusses things “real, regular people” can relate to.
“It has been said that John Prine sings about ordinary people in an extraordinary way,” she explained. “He’s not singing about a famous person, he’s singing about an anonymous old person or an anonymous soldier who just returned home, hooked on morphine.”
An Illinois native, Prine’s rise to fame began with the 1971 release of his self-titled debut album. It included a few of what have become signature songs, such as “Illegal Smile,” “Sam Stone” and “Paradise.” His career since has been monumental, belting out numerous albums, reaching the Billboard U.S. Top 100 chart, winning Grammys and garnering a devoted fan base.
Staunch fans will know favorite tunes and such career facts as Prine’s successful battle with throat cancer in 1998, and his performance in the Library of Congress in 2005 — he was the first singer/songwriter to do so. Heffernan said those who believe themselves to be unfamiliar with Prine’s career may not be as lost as they think.
“A lot of people know John Prine songs without knowing it is him,” she said, noting such hits as “The Great Compromise” and “In Spite of Ourselves.”
Describing Prine’s style is not easily done, Heffernan said, because of its divergent nature: It is “more complicated than it seems, but also simpler than it seems.” He is often serious, making tongue-in-cheek comments about his opinions on such things as war and other political issues, and he also can be quite “goofy” at times, Heffernan said, using topics that “make you think, ‘Where did that come from?’”
Tickets for Prine’s Fairbanks concert are available by calling Accoustic Adventures, 488-0556, online at www.acousticadventures.com, and at Grassroots Guitar. Heffernan said the floor seats are sold out but balcony seats are still available.
What: Folk musician John Prine
When: 88 p.m. Aug. 22
Where: Hering Auditorium
Tickets: $45, available at Grassroots Guitar, www.acousticadventures.com or by calling 488-0556
Contact staff writer Erica Goff at 459-7523.

Vegetable Song (Barnyard Dance)

Steve Goodman's record "Somebody Else's Trouble" - I guess I discovered this based on the link with John Prine. Even Jimmy Buffett makes an appearance on the cover as "marvin gardens" - but something makes me think, I had heard the song "vegetable song/ barnyard dance- from a folk singer passing through Springfield Ohio in the early 70's. I used to baffle and amaze youth and staff alike with an acappella version of the song in the early 80's. I came to appreciate that Steve Goodman dug up such songs from his connection with the string band folks Carl Martin (Armstrong, Bogan, etc.) he hooked up with in Chicago and on the festival circuit. The other songs on this album, like the one about health foods, were intriguing enough at the time. 6 hours ahead of the sun, Penny Evans, etc. too. "Some folks drink when they're happy, some folks drink when they're dry; some folks drink so they won't have to think........." Years later, with his comprehensive book, Clay Eals ties a lot of this stuff together very impressively. I must have driven my college roommate crazy with the music I discovered. And now years later, I don't remember what I would have done with my record collection while I was vagabonding around the country. I'm glad my parents somehow packratted that stuff. And when we finally had electricity again, after several years of simple living, I must have re-gathered those records to the house on Parkersburg Road in Spencer. Always a few years behind the technological advances, the casette tapes I have represent a weird interlude of music. I guess Todd Snider was in the transition to CD's since I have early Todd in cassette's and later Todd in CD's. I have to figure out how to hook up this converter of vinyl albums to CD's; its just sitting there right now.