The Bluegrass Painter

"In The Park"

 

Jim Curley's Mountain Music Shoppe

If you're looking for a real musical mecca, check out Jim Curley's Mountain Music Shoppe in Shawnee, Kansas.  The Shoppe describes itself as a "music shop dedicated to old-time, bluegrass and vintage musical instruments and accessories".   This is more than a music shop, however.  The Shoppe's most current email newsletter lists a variety of events and shows taking place over the next few weeks including seminars, private lessons with accomplished musicians and live shows.  For a great overview, read more about Curley, a nationally recognized dulcimer player, and his store in Andrew Miller's article, Mountain Range. 

Bowfire

Have you seen Bowfire yet?  An interesting mix of stringed instruments, now playing on many PBS Stations as well as live shows around the country. 

Leadership Bluegrass

The IBMA recently announced their 2008 Leadership Bluegrass participants and our friend Rebekah Weiler, the Banjo Gal,  will be attending as the student monitor.  Congratulations Rebekah. 

The Paint Is Still Wet (Almost)

This painting was just finished this morning. I call it "Rawhide" after one of my favorite mando-pickin'tunes from the great Bill Monroe.

Good Friends and Good Music

Well it's Saturday afternoon and they are jamming like crazy at the Meadville, PA Days Inn and I'm missing it.  On the brighter side we did have a fun time here last night with our good friends, John and Wendy Mackin and our grandson, Thomas ...just pickin', singin', grinnin' and eatin'. John and Wendy are not only good company but major talent as well. If you ever get a chance to catch either The John and Wendy Mackin band or M&M Express, do it.  You'll be glad you did.  Thomas added some banjo rhythm and his patented bluegrass dancing to the evening.

Meet Rebekah Weiler

Some of you are already familiar with our next friend, Rebekah Weiler, as she is one of the new faces to watch among old-time banjo players.  You might also recognize her as the banjo player in Kickin' Mule.  Yes, indeed, the painting was inspired by Rebekah, otherwise known as Banjogal, and her performance with Matt Kinman at the Old Tyme Opry Show at the IBMA Fan Fest in 2007.    Rebekah is a pretty interesting gal, as you'll probably agree if you read on...

Rebekah first picked up a banjo when she was 15 and won a Macon Doubler Fellowship (presented by the Uncle Dave Macon Days Old Time Music Festival) to study traditional music.  Currently a senior at Middle Tennessee State University, Rebekah has gathered a string of honors that reflects hard work and dedication to the banjo.

In 2007,  she became the first woman in the 36-year-history of the Old Time Fiddler's Jamboree in Smithville, TN to win the Old Time Banjo championship. She won the Kentucky Old Time Banjo prize that same year and had won the Tennesse title in 2004.

In 2006, she won the Old Time Banjo title at the 40th annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention. Additionally, she was a finalist at Fiddlers' Grove Festival in North Carolina, Clifftop Festival in West Virginia and the Galax Festival in Virginia.

She has recorded two CDs, Keeping The Tradition Alive and Ain't Dead Yet, with Delmer Holland and the Blue Creek Ramblers.  She has also spent time traveling and playing various venues with them. 

You can read more about Rebekah at  www.myspace.com/rebekahweilerbanjo. 

Ice Jam 2008! Yee Haw!

Well, once again, Butler, Pennsylvania's Ice Jam, was a stellar event for bluegrass fans and pickers alike. Our stay was short but nice...caught up with some old friends and met some new ones. Here are some pictures.

   

Watch for more posts on things we learned about at Ice Jam...like a brand new Allegheny Drifters CD.

Butler Ice Jam

I found this article in the Trib about the Ice Jam coming up this weekend in Butler.  I'll be there on Saturday hoping to pick a few...I'll try and take some pictures too.  A lot of the local folks from my neck of the woods are quoted here about this annual jam. 

Banjo Hangout Contest

Enter an on line drawing to win two of my signed prints over at Eric Schlange's Banjo Hangout.  This is a first for the Bluegrass Painter, and I'm real exited to be a part of this popular site.