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This title of this post indicates my frustration that, since we changed internet service providers, I can't even connect to my own blog. GGGGRRRREEEEEAAAAATTTTTTTTT.
I listened to some old Willie Nelson today, and then some Malcolm Holcombe on the way back from Flatwoods.

First Vinyl Record Sale of the Year

Saturday April 18th I'm having the first vinyl record sale of the year, in front of the Sound Exchange, from 10 am to 2 pm. I'll be having a pretty decent mix of music accumulated over the last few months. More details forthcoming, but get it on your calendar, and spread the word.

Hank Williams tribute show countdown

Less than 3 weeks till the next tribute benefit in the Americana series. Hank Williams will be the honored musician for the show Friday April 17th in downtown Parkersburg. Stay tuned for lots of updates over the next 3 weeks; but mark your calendar's now for a great evening of entertainment and to support the work of Children's Home Society of WV here in Parkersburg.

Some traveling music

We listened to Gram Parsons, Andrew Bird, Tom Waits and the Avett Brothers driving back from North Carolina. These were CD's that Andy happened to have, so that was a nice listen.

Andy last Friday at 6 Pence Pub

Andy performed a solo show at 6 Pence Pub Friday night, before we headed for Asheville NC on Saturday morning. He worked through a varied set list including many originals from different eras, and some well-placed covers from an eclectic range- of Led Zep, Pink Floyd, Beatles and such. The bar staff had plenty of originals to request, so that keeps it lively and satisfying. The Greens have a show there coming up April 11th.

Emerson Sports Grill

Bill reports that the Emerson Sports Grill had a good crowd for John Walsh's show last Friday. This was good to hear, and reinforced that someone could rally some of their own crowd and make for a nice evening of music. Check out the sign, or stop in, as Bill has a new set of musicians lined up in April.

Andy got to do a little Greens promoting work in Asheville NC

After the John Prine concert, we strolled around some of the live music venue part of town, and settled into a place with a band. Andy was able to strike up a conversation with the manager, and exchange contact information and drop off a Green's CD. So we'll see if that bears any fruit. With the Greens playing in a few places in NC over the next few months, we'll hope they could make some headway into that music scene.

John Prine concert in Asheville NC last Saturday night

Four of us made the fantastic pilgrimage to see an annual (or more frequent!) trip to see a John Prine Concert in a new city and venue this past Saturday night. Asheville North Carolina's Thomas Wolfe Auditorium was the place. As we found the Civic Center in scenic and historic downtown Asheville, a couple hours before the show, the Civic Center was bustling in preparation for a concert (in another part of the complex) for Buckcherry ( I think that was right); and this was a very different demographic of concert-goers. The hustle and bustle of the complex changed after those music fans started entering their venue. And a more familiar demographic started milling around the Wolfe Auditorium side! We had a nice Thai food dinner after browsing the many fine eating establishments in Asheville. We had fantastic seats in the second row center for the show, and Sarah Watkins (as the opener) got started right on time with a spirited and energetic set- Sarah, accompanied by her brother Sean were part of Nickel Creek, and she is venturing on to a solo effort- she is a very entertaining performer, and is opening for lots of great acts in her effort to get out to people. We'll follow her release of her new CD and seek out other performances and how she is doing around the country.
John Prine put on his typically great show, and got a great crowd response. Jason and Dave did their usual exquisite accompanying, and the song selection was deep and varied; favoring some of the quieter, reflective songs, but plenty of rollicking ones mixed in. Bottomless Lake was one we haven't heard too much in these recent years shows; and Speed of the Sound of Loneliness. Killing the Blues and Clay Pigeons were also different ones than we've heard lately. He had some regular stories, but told them with some good sly variations, and dug a little deep with some stories of song origins from the early years. He did People putting people down, as part of the two song encore; finishing with Paradise. Lake Marie was the regular set closer as usual, and Jason had some particularly solid instrumental time in that song toward the crescendo. It was great to be sitting up so close, and really seeing the expressions and performing and to see John (and Jason and Dave's) reaction to the audience. Yet another great experience at seeing John and loving his music so dearly.

Unheard of: Tuck to miss a nearby Todd Snider show?

Yes, if you can believe it; I am going to miss Todd Snider's show at Stuart's in Nelsonville tomorrow night. I had been planning on leaving for North Carolina Friday afternoon, but since Andy is playing here in town tomorrow night, we will leave Saturday morning. By the time this was finalized, the tickets were near sold out for Todd's show, and I still wasn't sure of a late night to Nelsonville, and an early morning heading to North Carolina. So I have several music-loving-friends attending, and will jealously await a report. Stuart's has scored again with getting Todd back, and some of the great upcoming shows and the May festival.

Andy solo show tomorrow night at 6 Pence Pub

Andy will be playing at the 6 Pence Pub tomorrow night here in Parkersburg; a solo show. We'll be eager to catch up a bit and then travel down to Asheville together for the John Prine concert. There is a lot going on with the Greens now, so it will be interesting to hear. I hope there is a good turnout tomorrow night to hear Andy.

John Prine show in Asheville NC road trip

Saturday is the John Prine show in Asheville North Carolina that we will be trekking to. John's shows are a great uplifting event, and we have been to a bunch over the last several years in a pretty wide variety of venues and cities. Asheville is a city we are intrigued with because of its live music scene and venues that we've heard some about; so I'll eagerly lap up what I can while we are there this weekend. It will be fun to see how the show goes- whether it is similar to the past ones, or has any new twists- it is always such a great feeling to see so many avid fans and the response from the audience and from John to his audiences. We'll hope to say hello to Jason Wilber, too; after our hosting of him last year here in the Mid OHio Valley. Stay tuned for a report!

Pete Seeger's 90th birthday celebration news

Clearwater, a non-profit organization created to defend and restore the Hudson River, is hosting a benefit concert May 3rd at Madison Square Garden in celebration of Pete's 90th birthday. Those scheduled to appear include Pete, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, Eddie Vedder, John Mellencamp, Billy Bragg and Smithsonian Folkways artists Larry Long, Bernice Johnson Reagon, Toshi Reagon,Tony Trischka, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, and Tom Paxton. Visit www.seeger90.com for a complete list of performers and ticket information

Greens have some great traveling plans

Check out the Greens my space site for some dizzying idea of some traveling they will be up to- some North Carolina dates, Virginia, and the DC area, lots of zigzagging across WV show- something coming up soon at the INterstate Fairgrounds in Mineral Wells?
Check 'em out!
Good to see some of the Marietta Brewing Co dates emerging too.

More Greens Pix from the Marietta Blues Festival

Bill Poole gives me a good web lead

Bill has been talking about Daryl Hall's web show: Live from Daryl's house - so I finally went and saw it; so I am passing on that others should take a look too: www.livefromdarylshouse.com - this month's show is matt Nathanson, who we saw on Mountain Stage last year. There are some archives of past shows, and plenty to check out all over the site. Thanks, Bill!!!!

Joseph Henry Friday night's show

I went out to support Joseph Henry and the Emerson Sports Grill Friday night. Joseph has a great keyboard touch, and puts on a non stop show of mostly original songs, in a variety of styles of music. He plays some great boogie woogie and honky tonk style piano, some out right rock n roll "a la Jerry Lee Lewis" and then switches to some ballad and pop type songs with ease. He has a "social commentary" outlook with lyrics of wit and sharp observation. He'll throw in a cover, from a wide range of eras that intrigue you as to his influences and interests. Go out and see Joseph if you get the chance. He's a fine solo act, but I think he plays with a number of combinations too (backing Todd Burge, and some combo's of his own). You can find him on my space easy enough, too, so check him out!

Joseph Henry at Emerson Sports Grill tonight

Keeping with the Friday night songwriter/ unplugged theme, tonight, Joseph Henry will be at the Emerson Sports Grill at 10 pm for a show. I tried to attach the picture Bill Poole was circulating around, but couldn't get it to transfer to this post. Come out and see Joseph!

interview

TMJ: We're finally back to having an interview here at the Tuck's Music Journal headquarters. We're interviewing tonight a mysterious music fan, who appears to be tired and bleary eyed; we're not sure why this particular interview; at this particular time, but sometimes you have to take advantage of the opportunity. Well, mystery music fan, what are you thinking about the state of music these days?
MMF: Well, it seems to be chugging along. I still SO VERY MUCH APPRECIATE WOUB out of Athens; the public broadcasting station. The evening show every night is a god send, and the Sunday morning show, and the other little touches- Fur Peace Ranch, Mountain Stage, Sunday evening- unbelievably good gift to the community coming from Athens. I wish I could take more advantage (just sheer time-wise) of the neat things No Depression is doing with their website. I think I could absorb lots more NEW music and enjoy it, if I took the time. Plenty of my "tried and true" favorites are still going strong, and listening to older stuff still can make me perfectly contented much of the time. The "economy" (my personal economy) is not suffered enough from the overall dire conditions to mean that I won't pack in as much live music in a 3 hour radius as I possible can as we move into spring and summer. How's that?
TMJ: That's a very concise answer, MMF. Who are you seeing anytime soon?
MMF: John Prine in Asheville North Carolina, a week from Saturday. I have wanted to see John in some new locales, and so this has been an eagerly awaited such opportunity. Asheville is likely to be a great visit, and we will be eagerly absorbing as much of a sense of the live local music scene as we can- besides the great uplift of the annual (or more) opportunity to see JOhn and Jason and Dave. Sara Watkins, of Nickel Creek is opening. Also, Chris Smither in April down at the CLay Center in Charleston. Fred Eaglesmith at Stuart's the following week. We'll pack some more in I'm sure.
TMJ: Is there any progress on your great Americana music novel?
MMF: No, unfortunately. I have a sort of hectic, workaholic work-life. My mind is always working on it subconsciously, but I cannot commit pen to paper, or shall we say, fingertip to keyboard. It probably will come forth in a burst of energy at an unexpected time. Sort of a Jack Kerouac stream; when its ready. I cannot possibly be disciplined enough to do the necessary research to make it what I want or envision- I have to admire a true researching writer. But I guess fiction can stand a little "laziness" on the research, if I have to imagine some of the stuff I SHOULD be researching. I only got so far researching the folk singers on the college town scene in midwest circa early 1970's. And I can't get past a certain block about the evolution of the song Rooty Toot Toot for the Moon. I am very proud to say, that after dangling a little teaser bait out there, I got a response about the band I used to LOVE in Grand Rapids, Paddlefoot, and their intriguing evolution into a current band in Michigan. Stuff like that keeps me going for sure.
TMJ: What's your current impression of your dear ol' local live music scene?
MMF: Well, after seeing Holly Near last weekend in Marietta, I was greatly uplifted and inspired. After the fantastic turnout for the first tribute show of the year (The Johnny Cash tribute) I was excited. Bill opening up the Emerson Sports Grill for some Friday unplugged shows is encouraging. Other than that, I don't know; a little tentative in my enthusiasm. I don't give up easily though- always ready for a little optimism. The audacity of hope? (HUH????)
TMJ: What will be in your CD player tomorrow on the ride down to Charleston?
MMF: Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart. I've got Adrienne Young in there right now; I always like to finish up the whole CD the way the artist planned the songs out on the CD. Sorry, its an old-fashioned trait I can't shake.
TMJ: Any last parting comments?
MMF: I am DYING to hear the explanation of how the Greens changed their name to:
Andy Tuck and the Greens.

A picture of Todd Snider working hard in Omaha Nebraska

http://community.nodepression.com/photo/photo/show?id=2342817%3APhoto%3A9305

here is a link to a picture of Todd working hard for his living.

No Depression is such a great source of the music news that is most important to me. They are really working hard to be relevant in this ever evolving music/ journalism era we are in.

trying to recall the music at some of the large rally's in Washington DC

Wendy mentioned to Holly Near last night that she (to the best of her recollection) first saw Holly at the 1973 counter inaugural demonstration to Nixon's second term. This was a large rally called: "march against death and for peace"- probably at least 75,000 people? (we are always amused at the different estimates at peace rallies between the official law enforcement count and the rally organizers......) Holly couldn't recall the event- Wendy said Joan Baez was also performing. This harkened Holly to recount playing at one of the inaugural events THIS year, at Obama's inaugural!!! I was at that 1973 event, too- having traveled from Springfield OHio with some college folks from Wittenberg- but its too long ago for me to recall who performed!!! Its probably a little hard to do some web research to find performers lists from those sorts of events. Holly was already, also, in 1973, getting involved in Chile's human rights issues, with the Pinochet regime torturing many musicians such as Victor Jara. She stated last night she was 60 this year, and had been performing for over 40 years! Lots of amazing causes and campaigns, which she has successfully blended into an overall message and spirit, that transcends the individual causes and campaigns, into a powerful message of unity and positive equality and respect for all.

Tyler Storey performing this Thursday at WVU-P

I try to keep up on young-up-and-coming performers out in the community, and Ken tells me Tyler is performing at the WVU-P coffee house setting this Thursday from 6-8 pm in the student lounge area. Go out and support Tyler getting out and playing some. I hear there is a you-tube of his performance at the PHS talent show out there, too. Amanda organizes these shows out at the college; and hopefully she can keep them going on a tight budget!!!

Holly Near and Emma's Revolution concert last night

This was a great performance, and a very uplifting experience. The Unitarian Church in Marietta was a great host to this event. Since we had supported the effort with sponsorship level tickets, we were treated royally by the church hosts. We sat in on the sound check, had a little buffet meal, where the performers came and mingled, and we got front row seats. Their harmonies are exquisite, their song lyrics are inspiring and deep in causes and awareness of humanity. As Holly said, she has mostly performed with a piano accompanist, and so playing with guitars finally makes her a folk singer. Their range of causes and human rights issues they support and promote is unbelievable in its depth and commitment, and their messages and emotions they evoke with their songs makes for a very spiritual and memorial concert. Check out their websites: hollynear.com and emmasrevolution.com for info beyond what I can convey here.

Haven't heard any Greens news lately

The Greens played somewhere out a bit in Wv last night; I can't remember where (sorry!!) and Andy's got a solo show tonight in Morgantown. Haven't heard any other news lately; someone commented the Greens were spotlighted on sonic bids website. Still some "buzz" about the bus; hoping to hear more about its road adventures soon. Andy and Brandy will be joining us for the trek to Asheville North Carolina, in two weeks, to see John Prine there.

Songwriter Night at the Galley in Marietta OH

Tonight there is a songwriter night at the Galley in Marietta, featuring John Lilly. Unfortunately, I cannot go, because we are going to see Holly Near across town, also in Marietta tonight! This is a great opportunity; but I hope the Galley gets a good turnout, too. Joseph Henry is also on the bill for taping of the radio show of Todd's. Later there is more "open mike" songwriter's time downstairs at the galley. I'll be giving a report on the Holly Near concert tomorrow hopefully!!!

Emerson Sports Grill Friday night music

I went for the second week to support the live music start up that Bill has going at the Emerson Sports Grill, (formerly the Front Row). Todd Burge was the performer last night. He put on a 3 hour show of songs from his various albums, and engaged the audience in his usual good rapport and wit. Bill's got several more weeks of line ups set up, and then we'll see how it evolves. Its a great setting; the decor, the sound, the set up- so its just a matter of getting the word out, and building up the support.

DADDY!!!! new studio album release upcoming

DADDY
Will Kimbrough and Tommy Womack both boast amazing underground resumes. Kimbrough (2005 Americana Music Association Instrumentalist of the Year) and Womack (Two-time winner of the Nashville Scene Best Song Award) first came together in 1992 in the bis-quits, who made one impressive guitar-fest record for John Prine’s Oh-Boy! label. They discovered a musical and personal kinship that they fought for years – in and amongst other commitments – to get back to. With the breakup of the bis-quits in 1994, Kimbrough went on to be lead guitarist in Todd Snider & the Nervous Wrecks. (He has since produced several of Snider’s records, along with a whole slew of other artists.) Womack wrote Cheese Chronicles: The True Story of a Rock n’ Roll Band You’ve Never Heard Of (the story of his first band, Government Cheese). Kimbrough went on from Todd Snider’s band to play with Rodney Crowell (most recently) as well as with Kim Richey, Josh Rouse and others, and to become one of the most in-demand session guitarists in Nashville, launching a successful solo career as well and getting songs cut by Jimmy Buffett, Jack Ingram and Little Feat. Womack wrote songs with Jason & the Scorchers and Dan Baird, and has been covered by Todd Snider, Scott Kempner and David Olney, among others. As guitarists, Kimbrough and Womack most noticeably click. The former’s wide-ranging abilities, sweet and reckless by turns, dovetail with the latter’s passionate slash-and-burn style to produce a chemistry that pushes each other. Drawing on Juke-Joint Blues, Country and good old Heavy Rock, DADDY (as they chose to call their new band) made its debut many years later, in 2005, with the “At The Women’s Club” album, recorded live in Frankfort, Kentucky. A strictly indie release, it created quite a bit of online stir, after which they went back to their individual solo projects. As impressive as the co-leaders’ credentials are those of the rest of the band: Paul Griffith (one of Nashville’s most sought-after session drummers), Dave Jacques on bass (John Prine, Emmylou Harris) and John Deaderick (Dixie Chicks, Michael McDonald, Patty Griffin) keys. DADDY plans to take their act on the road to promote their NEW studio album "DADDY For A Second Time", fittingly in time for Father’s Day! National release June 16, 2009.

Andy's solo show from Friday night- Emerson Sports Grille

This montage may be a little confusing- there are two pictures merged together. Andy solo on the right; with the Jimi Hendrix behind him. Andy and I singing (probably "the night they drove ol dixie down") on the left hand side. There was a woman (pretty well served) sitting like, two feet away from me, making requests, and singing along, so it was a little distracting to keep my professional focus. But we did alright I think. We were not wearing matching outfits, even if it looks a little like that in this light and color. When she requested a Conway Twitty song, I knew I had overstayed my welcome in the duet seat, and andy gamely did a George Jones song, before getting back to some original tunes. He appreciated Kezia requesting the new song debut The Pearl" (from the Blues Festival) and her special "kindred spirit" request of 10,000 Days. Andy did "natural voice" on my request later in the evening, following up on an early set progression of hard workin' people songs. Started out with Little Warrior.

Starting to gear up for the Hank Williams tribute

I will only mention it again briefly at this point, because there will be more to follow, but I want to get it on people's radar, that we have a little over a month before the next event in the Americana Music Tribute series; the "Whole Lotta Hank" Hank Williams tribute. I have (already) a great musical line up laid out, so its just a matter of refining their set lists, and the order, etc. I have got my first great door prize (or contest prize)- a repeat of last year's Hank Williams bobble head. I don't have an action figure (like the one that was such a big hit at the Johnny Cash tribute) but this is just as fun and able-to-be-built-up-to-something-big. I also have ordered a "johnny cash sings hank williams" vinyl record that should be a popular item among prizes.
Stay tuned for details about the cajun cookoff that we are having the same evening; starting at 6 pm with the music at 8 pm. April 17th at the Dils Center, downtown Parkersburg.

Holly Near- this Saturday in Marietta

This Saturday, March 14th at 7:30 pm, Holly Near will be performing in Marietta at the Unitarian church, with "Emma's Revolution." Holly Near is a great performer with a wonderful career of, not only great music, but fighting for a number of causes, in the realm's of human rights, peace, freedom, etc. etc. etc. I first discovered her, in probably 1972-73 while at Wittenberg University in Springfield Ohio, when she came through with some traveling political activists and artists protesting the Vietnam War, and advocating for peace and nonviolence responses and lifestyles. Her songs of that era, "No More Genocide in my Name" - "hang in there, a little bit longer" and such were so inspiring and so heartfelt and perfect for the times and messsage needed. She has toiled on since, working with an independent record company long before others were doing that, and participating in causes and creating great music ever since. Several years ago, she performed at Marietta College - singing without accompaniment and weaving in some great stories. This (yet again) is an excellent opportunity right here close to home to have a fantastic musical evening, that will be cherished and remembered for a life time.

Emerson Sports Grille- live music kick off

Bill Poole's "old" Front Row, which has been divided into a game room and smaller bar and grille, had their first live music Friday night unplugged last night. The bar area, which can probably seat 40-50, is very classy and comfortable. Bill has a lot of his sports pictures up, and reserved an area of the place for some familiar music pictures: Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Marty Stuart, etc. There are some couches, and a number of tables for four, and plenty of seats at the bar. He's got a simple but effective sound system ready to go. Andy had the debut show, and played a solid acoustic night; lots of regular Greens songs trimmed down for acoustic delivery, and some of the more "traditional" solo/ acoustic songs in his repretoire. He was in good voice, and nimble guitar fingers. There were some regulars from past open mikes/ formative years shows, and it was a good kick off to the Friday night unplugged solo effort to get some live music going on Emerson Ave. Bill even worked on his slide guitar technique late in the evening when the crowd wound down.
Andy had two shows Thursday night in Morgantown, and has two shows today back in Morgantown- a 4 pm show and a night show at Gibbie's.

PHFWEW- a busy week

I am just getting to the end of the week, and still really haven't been able to reflect on the great Johnny Cash Tribute last Saturday, that so many people (con)TRIBUTE(d) to; so I'll give it a try. Kim, at 6 Pence Pub was great to work with on this project: she was enthusiastic from the beginning, and has a really community spirit, to be willing to put on a lot of benefits there at the Pub. She made up tickets, and helped promote the show in the lead-up time, she aired radio spots, she had her staff ready for a busy (hopeful) night, and they were not disappointed- and they were tired by the end of the night, no doubt. We are already looking ahead to another event. The sound guys; Cory and JT worked hard again; against lots of challenges at keeping all the musicians sounding alright for their sound- a long hard working night yet again. The musicians were fantastic, a solid line up all throughout- Grace and the Outlaws definitely got things going in an excellent way- getting the crowd into it from the git-go. Jonny, and Katy, harmonizing on some songs, give the authentic spirit of Johnny Cash and all the Americana tributes, Steve Peck and Arthur had a solid sound, a diverse set list, and some good Johnny stories worked in. Aaron Whited and Mary Mary (as Good Tuesday) were great to play late in the evening, and put on a very sharp set - even interrupted by our contests. They were good sports about that for sure. They have a good sound, and will be back at 6 Pence later in the month for a full show- so check them out.
The crowd was fantastic- enthusiastic and appreciative and made the fund raising aspect of the night a big hit. Johnny Cash is a great unifier and legend; loved by many. A great night of music celebrating his life.
We are eagerly looking ahead to our next event, April 17th down at the Dils Center, the Hank Williams Tribute, stay tuned for updates about this fun event.

Tribute Show for Don Helms; the steel guitar in Hank Williams Driftin' Cowboys band

Ray Price, Bobby Bare, Jesse Lee Jones and more celebrate steel guitar legend Don Helms
By Werner Trieschmann
Published on March 04, 2009 at 1:19pm
How many tears have been spilled during the playing of "Your Cheatin' Heart?" Maybe the better question is: How many teaspoons are in the ocean? Hank Williams' quivery vocal—a moon calf that can barely walk—is matched by the piercing cry of a steel guitar. Listen to that guitar again. That high-pitched keening is Don Helms, the late master of the instrument, and his signature is all over the foundation of country music.

Pedal to the Metal Don Helms playing "Ol' Red"

Subject(s):A Tribute to Don Helms, Sunday, 8th at Texas Troubadour Theatre
"He worked for everybody," says Dale Vinicur, an author who helped Helms write his 2005 memoir, Settin' the Woods on Fire. Vinicur is one sponsor of Sunday's Don Helms Tribute Show at the Texas Troubadour Theatre. Helms compatriots Ray Price, Bobby Bare and Jesse Lee Jones will perform, with proceeds going to The Don Helms Memorial Fund.
"It's an evening of mostly music," says Vinicur. "It's not people giving long talks about Don. We want to pay him tribute. He deserves to have this tribute to his life and his music."
"[His playing] stuck out like a sore thumb," says Price. "Everybody that plays 'Your Cheatin' Heart,' when they cover it, they do that thing that Don did. I just want to do this benefit so everybody will know what a musician Don was."
When Helms died in 2008, every obituary noted his main claim to notoriety—being the last living member of Williams' Drifting Cowboys band. When Williams lit out of Alabama for Nashville in 1946, Helms, who had started playing with the raw-boned honky-tonker at the tender age of 18, stayed home. By 1949, when Williams finally hit the Opry, Helms was back in the Drifting Cowboys fold, where he would remain until Williams' death on New Year's Day in 1953.
The hundred or so recordings that Helms made with Williams (including "Cold, Cold Heart," "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and "Hey, Good Lookin' ") secured his legend, but that was only a small part of his overall career. He had a long relationship with Price, who stepped in to front the Drifting Cowboys after Williams' death. Helms, who also stuck by the side of Williams' clan, from Jr. to Jet, never lacked for gigs. At the beginning of his career, he sat in with Patsy Cline and with Johnny Cash on his first albums. Toward the end, he provided backing for Taylor Swift.
The sound that made Helms so essential was one he found early, a high-pitched wail vigorously plucked out on a 1950s Gibson guitar that pre-dated pedal steel models. Helms would later switch to a pedal steel but would keep the Gibson guitar safe under his bed. That Gibson was so revered that Alan Jackson rented it out from Helms for a special concert.
While Helms might have been invisible to the average country music fan, among the rabid followers of the sound of steel guitar, he was something close to a god.
"Steel guitar players have this amazing brotherhood—and sisterhood," says Vinicur. "It's like a fraternal organization. There are conventions where they come in from all over the world and perform together. Don's connection to Hank Williams made him a star in that group."
Despite the love from steel guitar aficionados and even the occasional sit-in with established Nashville vets such as Vince Gill, the last years of Helms' life found him struggling to make the music that once flowed out of him. His decades in the music business had left him with a treasure chest of friends and fans but no health insurance or much to fall back on when age started to take its toll.
"In more recent years, things slowed down for Don," Vinicur notes. "He could go to shows and sell CDs and some of his books. But he had diabetes and then a stroke. He struggled to get his fingers to work the way he wanted."
"The last gig he was going to, he was driving there with his wife Hazel. Don was always the driver on the road. But this last gig, he didn't know where he was."
At the very end of his life, Helms' thoughts were preoccupied with his wife of more than 60 years.
"He was very worried about Hazel," says Vinicur. "He asked everybody to watch after Hazel."
The tribute will give Helms' friends in the industry a chance to honor the legacy of an innovator. Whatever tears happen to fall during the show, they'll be matched by a sound that the honoree brought to vivid life.
Email music@nashvillescene.com.

Startin' Back up on Emerson- live music!!!

Bill couldn't keep away from the live music scene! Yeah! And he couldn't stop making cool flyers/ posters for upcoming events. Hey Bill- do you want to work on a "whole lotta hank" flyer for me for our Hank Williams tribute on April 17th at the Dils Center? (Lil Hank would be proud- we'll MAKE him proud anyway......) (Call me to get the details!)

Greens at Blues (Festival)

Well, at least the Greens gave it their all!!! And had fun!

more recap news from the Johnny Cash tribute forthcoming; and looking ahead to the Hank Williams tribute

Sorry I have not been able to fully recap the great event last Saturday night; I've stayed a little busy since then, and want to give it some more time and effort- I hope others will continue to give me feedback and responses to the event, and further ideas to keep making them fun for the audiences, good for the musicians, and fund raisers for our work with area children and families.

One of the performing acts set lists for the Johnny Cash tribute last Saturday night

Setlist: Steve Peck and Friends, 28 Feb 2009

Big River
I Got Stripes
Folsom Prison Blues
The Wreck of the Old '97
Sixteen Tons
Belshazzar
"Cash" [original]
Jackson
The Old Account
I Was There When It Happened
"Ghost Chickens"
Hey Porter
"Obama" [original]

Johnny Cash Tribute - Steve Peck and Arthur Berg

These two put on a fantastic set of songs (which I will post later) - Steve's wife Carol added some great harmonies later in the set to some gospel numbers.

Jonny Nutter at Johnny Cash tribute

Jonny Nutter is a trouper who plays at all the tribute shows in the Americana Music Series- always works hard on the song selection and brings an enthusiastic audience!!!!

Crowd shots of the Johnny Cash Tribute show benefit

Some crowd shots- this was a packed house of fun-loving Johnny Cash fans- who were not disappointed with the show

pictures from the Johnny Cash Tribute

Grace Hall and Outlaw Deluxe- the first act- got the show off to a high energy start and got the crowd involved!!! Great Job!!!

Greens have a bus!

Watch for more information, but the Greens now have a bus to do some touring. They picked up a 14 passenger bus in Philadelphia over the weekend. New show posted for this Thursday at 123 Pleasant St. in Morgantown for the Greens. Andy's solo show Friday night here in Parkersburg, and I think Gibbie's on Saturday night- busy couple of days!

Johnny Cash Tribute - great success!!

Thanks to all the participants in the Johnny Cash Tribute Saturday at 6 Pence Pub in Parkersburg- it was a great success by all accounts! There was a very large crowd, the music was great, I think people had fun with the prizes and contests- I think the Pub was very happy with the good business they must have had! Thanks especially to the musicians who performed such great sets- very inspired! We're very excited and pumped up by the event, and eagerly looking ahead to the next ones!