Howdy, Folks, Howdy...
August 30, 3020
It’s shaping up to be another full week of music and travel. Best wishes to Ron Shuffler who is heading for Belfast to play some big Ireland gigs with Dale Ann Bradley. Rondo will have Brandon Godman as his wing man and tour guide. Slainte boys!
I’m heading to the Queen City on Tuesday to pick with Michael Reno Harrell (www.michaelreno.com) and the Red Rockin’ Chair boys. We play the Comet Grill (www.cometgrillcharlotte.com) from 8:30 until 11:30 pm.
The Comet is the closest thing to an Irish Pub that I have found. Folks go to the Comet for conversation, music, and the water of life. The grand proprietor, Tommy Noblett, will make sure that you have a good time. He provides excellent food, drink, and craic. Carolina Ray has signed on for the trip this week and we look forward to seeing you there.
Sister Futs Café in Lenoir will be jamming this Wednesday. Will Willis, Chris Baker, and I will open the jam at 7 pm. We’ll pick until the dust is knocked off all of the strings. We thank the local pickers and our friends from neighboring towns who continue to keep this music night alive and well. Sister Futs is a wonderful listening room and the staff, (Monte, Keith, and Beth), will see that you don’t go hungry or thirsty. We still encourage you to pass along the word about the good music to your friends and remember that there is no cover charge on jam night.
The Happy Valley Historic Old Time Fiddler’s Convention http://www.happyvalleyfiddlers.com/ takes place this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. [see below for more]
You will find the Jones Farm to be a lovely setting for traditional music and dance. Kay and I will be playing a set with Billy Gee on Sunday at 12:55 pm. Please make plans to attend.
August 24, 2010
Don't forget big doin's the next couple of weeks. The Sister Futs Wednesday Jam will be in full swing this Wednesday, August 25.
Ryan and Reggie are pickin' at Sister Futs this Friday beginning at 8:30. Local pickers open show at 7:30. $3 cover
Next Friday, Saturday, and Sunday September 3,4, and 5 is the Historic Happy Valley Fiddlers Convention. A good time will be had by all, by gosh.
David Peterson and Charlie Cushman in concert at Ticknock Studio on Sunday, September 12. [see next news item] I'll have tickets at Futs and the Happy Valley Convention.
August 22, 2010
Thanks to everyone who responded to the mention of our house concert on September 12. I am providing more information concerning the concert in this mailing. Please forward this letter to anyone who may be interested in attending. It is important to RSVP as seating is limited.
House Concert:
David Peterson &
Charlie CushmanNext week is going to be a big week for music at Sister Futs Café. We have the daddy of all jams taking place on Wednesday evening as usual. The local musicians are making this "little pickin'" a huge success. Please talk it up to your friends who may not be aware.
Friday, August 27 is going to be incredible when Ryan and Reggie, The Harris Brothers, perform at Sister Futs Cafe. These boys are some of my favorite musicians in the world and they never disappoint. They will perform a full evening of music beginning at 8:30 PM. Will Willis and Friends, (Mike Willis, Bob Kogut, and myself), will be the opening act at 7:30 PM. Cover charge is $3.
August 20, 2010
The Historic Happy Valley Fiddlers Convention is coming up this September 3, 4, and 5. Please check out the flyer and make plans to attend.
FLYER:
2010 Happy Valley
Fiddlers ConventionWEBSITE:
I spent three days at the festival last year and I had the time of my life. I set up camp on Friday with able assistance from Cecil Palmer. Cecil and I had a chance to sit in the shade a visit a little before the crowds came. He talked about growing up on Hwy 268, learning to play guitar, and attending Union Grove in the early 1960's.
Friday night was such fun playing music with Bob Kogut for the community dance. Bob' friends from Florida and Georgia were up and we had quadruple, (that's almost four!), fiddles.
Saturday was like a homecoming when musicians from far a wide started arriving. I was pleased to visit with Steve Lewis, Rebecca Jones, Clarence Greene R.I.P., Doug Trivette, Sweetbriar Jam, Brent and Chris Laws to name a few. I spent a lot of time in the instrument exhibit tent as well checking out fine instruments by Bob Kogut, Bob Watson, O'dell Strings, and Alan Darveaux.
After the dust began to clear on Saturday night Tony Deal and Alex Bernhardt introduced me to Homer Moon Mullins. I had heard Moon's name but never his music. I found him to be a very capable finger style guitarist. He plays Merle Travis and Chet Atkins music with a powerful rhythmic feel. I was lucky enough to pick a few tunes with him on Alex and Anne's camping "porch".
My late night Saturday picking session was with Brent and Chris Laws, Todd McCloud, Jeremy Harris, and Charlie Carpenter. I always enjoy their music.
Sunday proved to be just as rich as the days before. I picked a set with Roger Hicks and Tim Higgins in the morning and another set in the afternoon with Simple Faith, Kaybob, Billy Gee, Bob Kogut, and Jerry McLean in the afternoon. It was great fun to hear Christine Horton, Pop and Clyde Ferguson, Laura Boosinger and Moon Mullins, Spirit Fiddle, and the Kruger Brothers.
Alex and Anne helped me break camp late Sunday afternoon and I left Happy Valley with a few hundred songs in my heart.
Thank you for supporting live music.
Keep ‘em in tune boys and girls,
Paddy