"Picking in the Heartland" - Bluegrass, Gospel, and Old Time Music Jam

Local Bluegrass Duo reveals their Music Journey

2012-02-26T14:27:00.002-06:00

Hello everyone. I think you will find this interview especially interesting because it is about a local duo. Of course they are Nick and Loretta Rivard. They are very special people and friends to many of us around this area. I thank them for sharing their journey.

BB: Introduction – Can you tell me a little bitabout yourself?

Nick: I grew up in Wisconsin and really had no early exposureto bluegrass music. In fact I didn’t play any music at all as a youth (except,of course the radio). I came to KC in 1968 to attend college and have been hereever since so Kansas Cityreally is my home. I have always loved gardening and it was this passion thattook me from a career in children’s therapeutic services into thegreenhouse/bedding plant/vegetable produce business that we are now in.

Loretta: I was born in W.VA but moved to VA when I wassmall. I made KC my home in themid-1970’s. I went to work at FarmlandIndustries where I met Nick. We marriedin ’75 and have 2 sons; Zack, 32; and Cary, 30.

BB: When didyou get started in your musical journey?

Loretta: My dad was from the mountains between Virginia and Kentucky,a huge bluegrass fan from its beginnings. He played guitar and mandolin. Iand my 5 sisters grew up singing and

or playing with dad as the ‘leader.’ Mom grew up in Harlan County, Kentucky. Her family did not play acoustic music. All of our family activities centered onmusic and song. This is true to thisday, even after my parents have long since passed away.

Nick: AfterLoretta and I got married in 1975 she was instrumental in getting me interestedand encouraged me to buy my first banjo. I bought the Earl Scruggs Five StringBanjo instructional book and used it as my primary instructor. In addition wespent a lot of time at the Foolkiller Folk Theater where I did a lot of theaterand participated in a lot of jams with those folks back in the late 70’s and80’s. We went to many jams in those days but most of them were more gearedtoward folk styles. Loretta came from a solid bluegrass background so bluegrasswas always there in the shadows as we jammed with people around the area. Wedid find our way to the old bluegrass jams in the northeast (Lykins Center,etc) a few times but were always a little overwhelmed at the skill levels ofthose people at the time. We did play in our first band (called THE BRUSH CREEKEXPRESS) in the 80’s. It was an acoustical band with a definite bluegrasstilt.

BB: Whathappened after that?

Loretta: While our boys were young we focused ourfamily life on them—soccer, music lessons, school activities. Nick and I practiced our music at home, butwent to jams infrequently. As the boysgot into high school, our jam attendance picked up speed. We re-connected with both our folk musicfriends and our bluegrass friends.

Nick: It was later (1997ish) that we started toplay with Kenny & Roberta Huckabey, began to play more steady bluegrassmusic and frequented the bluegrass jams around town. We played on stage atVesper Hall and in NKC fairly often back then. We’ve been playing withKenny and Roberta ever since the late 90’s and I have gained a lot of bluegrassskills through that experience. Kenny is such an unselfish musician and goesout of his way to give people he plays with the best chance to develop asmusicians and singers. I never sang at all until we started playing with Kennyand through his and Loretta’s help I started to sing harmony and even learned afew lead songs.

BB: Where didyou go from there?

Loretta: We’veattended some indoor bluegrass festivals in winter (that’s our slow time forthe greenhouse), but these days we don’t even do that. There is just not enough ‘down’ time from thebusiness to get out of town a lot. HABOTand KCABC have been great when we can make it, and we have loved what time wecan spend at the regular jams around town.

Nick: Currentlyour music is mostly of the “living room” venue. We get together as often as wecan with our music friends and family and play but don’t do much actualperforming. Our job at our greenhouse keeps us pretty tied up most of the yearso we don’t get to many festivals, etc. and it’s difficult to be able to committo a steady performance routine. Still we love the music and enjoy playing itevery chance we can. It is still our primary social outlet.

BB: Whathappened after the next?

Nick and Loretta: We have hosted some jams and potlucks in thepast, but we are still locked in to having a full-time business that runs 7days a week from January till November. We look forward to retirement at some point in the future!!

BB: How didyou get into Bluegrass/Old Time/Other Music?

Nick and Loretta:I think we can both thank my dad for that great bluegrass connection. And the gift he gave us both has been passeddown to our sons—both play acoustic instruments and sing. And when we can get together with the boys,we always tune up the instruments and get the jam going. It is wonderful!!

BB: What isyour favorite Bluegrass Band or Artist? Whoinfluenced you the most?

Loretta: BillMonroe the King, of course. I love theOriginal Country Gentlemen, as well as the Seldom Scene. Both groups had their own special blend offolkish-bluegrass that I love. AndEmmylou Harris is probably the female vocalist that I have followed thelongest.

Nick: DefinitelyEarl Scruggs and JD Crowe would have to be up there for me. As far as Band I’dhave to say Nashville Bluegrass Band is right up there and we listened a lot toBlue Highwaywhen I was learning how to sing.

BB: How manysongs have you written?

Loretta: I havewritten 2 songs, but I don’t bring them out too much.

Nick: I havenot written any songs

BB: Whatadvice would you give to young people wanting to get started in Bluegrass?

Nick: Just findpeople you enjoy being around and play with them every chance you get.Definitely play with other people and in jams because it helps you with rhythm,group dynamics as well as harmony singing.

Loretta: Get help from a musician friend when buyingyour first instrument—good action and tune-ability is everything. Learn Jam Etiquette (i.e. stay in tune, taketurns properly, respect other jammers while they have their turn, etc.). Play, Play, Play!!!!!

BB: Anythingelse you want to say to wrap up this interview?

Nick: Only Iowe whatever musical and singing skills I have to Loretta. To put it mildly Icouldn’t sing a lick when we first started out and it took a tremendous amountof patience and perseverance on her part to help me get to the limited skilllevel I have now.

Loretta: It is the best thing in the world to haveyour Life Partner also be your Pickin’ Partner!!! We push each other when it’s needed. And I owe everything to Nick!!!

BB: Many thanks to both of you. Your talents and friendship really add a lot to our Bluegrass Jams.

New Local Musician Interview Coming Soon!

2012-02-21T20:59:00.001-06:00

Hello fellow jammers, I added a couple of pictures that I thought you might enjoy. The second one is of a creature that was wondering through my back yard. His name is Buck he doesn't come around very often, so I thought I better get a picture. A little later I found out that he was really looking for his female friend. Oddly enough he found her and they hung around for about 30 minutes as he was courting her. She wasn't too interested. Anyway, when you see a couple that were meant for each other it reminded me of my next interview that I will be posting. See below for more info......

Very soon you will be reading my first interview of a local "duo" team. I am sure many of you know and have seen them around at a few of the jams. They are wonderful people and good musicians and add a lot to any jam circle. Can you guess who they are? Be checking the website frequently as I plan to post the interview real soon.

Secondly, I attended HABOT last Friday up North and WOW was it a great time. There were a lot of good pickers and good bands playing. It was a lot of fun. I would estimate about 300 people attended including the listeners.

Hope you to see you at the "Picking in the Heartland" jam this Friday, Feb 24th. This jam starts at 6:30pm and is scheduled for the 4th Friday of the month all year long, even through this summers, so come on out.

Bill

Red Wing: Is it a Bird? or a an Indian Maiden?

2012-02-05T12:35:00.001-06:00

Hello everyone,

The expression “red wing” can mean many different things tomany different people. To some, it maymake them think of a beautiful red bird, named the Cardinal as you see in thepicture to the left (click on the image to see an enlarged view). At the same time,to others, it could conjure up images of a “fallen angel” or imp. Then again it could bring up a memory of thename of some old WWI airplane.

However, to us in the bluegrass genre of music, theexpression “Red Wing” always makes one think of the song entitled “RedWing”. According to Wikipedia, the songwas actually written back in 1908 with music by Kerry Mills and lyrics byThurland Chattaway.

I always enjoy playing and listening to the bluegrass styleof this song. Most of the time it is playedas an instrumental but the song actually has a story when sang with the lyrics.The song portrays a picture of a young Indian maiden, named Red Wing, who isweeping due the loss of her sweetheart in battle. Probably, most people remember the choruswith words that go like this:

Now the moon shines tonight onpretty Red Wing

The breeze is signing, the nightbirds crying

For far far away her brave isdying.

While Red Wing’s weeping her heartaway.

Another interesting tidbit is that I have heard the songjokingly referred to as: “Dead Wing”depending on who is playing or singing it. Either way it is a great song and a popular selection at most BluegrassJams. If you don’t know it, take sometime to learn it as you now know more about its origination. Here is a very old rendition of the song:
Red Wing Song on YouTube

So next time you see a Cardinal, you can think of this greatold time song.

Have a great day and keep on picking!

Bill

Local Musician Interview - from Kentucky?

2012-01-22T12:59:00.000-06:00

Dave and Mom

Hello Everyone. I know you are going to enjoy this interview because it is from someone who has some real Kentucky roots, Mr Dave Hicks. I first met Dave in church in Kansas City, Missouri. Dave is a fine friend and musician, so just enjoy his musical journey.

BB: Introduction – Can you tell me a little bitabout yourself?

Dave Hicks: Yes.I grew up in Eastern Kentucky near the town of Ashland. If you want to find it on a map, justlook at the point where KY, OH and WV all meet together. I joined the Air Force when I was 18 and spentthe next 25 years traveling around the world until I retired in 1999 andsettled in Independence MO.

BB: When didyou get started in your musical journey?

Dave Hicks: [Ialways loved music. No one in my family played an instrument but the radio wasalways playing. Mom and Dad like Country Music and that is what I grew uplistening to. Back then the country stations played a combination of countryand bluegrass so I was exposed to both styles of music.

BB: Whathappened after that?

Dave Hicks: Iseparated from the Air Force after my first enlistment and moved back to KY.While I was there I was attending vocational school and one of the guys inschool played the Dobro and the teacher played guitar. They would sometimesplay at lunch and I tried to get the guy to teach me the Dobro. He told me hecouldn’t teach me so I bought a guitar and basically taught myself to play bylistening to and playing along with records. I would close myself in thebedroom and play along until
I could keep up. The first song I really learnedwas Rebel Soldier. My wife still hates that song because I played it so much.During this time I reconnected with Bluegrassand that has been what I have mostly listened to since then.

BB: Where didyou go from there?

Dave Hicks: I reentered the Air Force but didn’t reallyplay much Bluegrass. I was heavily involved inchurch and mostly played Contemporary Praise & Worship music in church andsmall groups. Traveling around in the Air Force I played with a lot ofdifferent music but always preferred Bluegrass. I continued playing in church and a littlebit of county/bluegrass when I could.

BB: How didyou get into Bluegrass/Old Time/Other Music?

Dave Hicks: MyMom is probably one of the biggest Bluegrassfans in the world. So she and I have always kept up with the latest releasesand talked about our favorites groups. I always loved it and played when Icould. Then after settling in IndependenceI met a guy name Bill Barker at church. He told me he played the banjo andwould like to get together. He and I played together some and then he took meto the jam at the Blue Rridge Mall and then to HABOT. That is when I reallystarted playing Bluegrass almost exclusively(Thanks Bill). I have stuck with HABOT and have now been a board member for thelast 2 years. Since then Bill and I started the weekly CountyMeadow jam which has now become the 4^thFriday Picking in the Heartland Jam. I startedplaying Upright Bass about 4 years ago and it has become my main instrument.

BB: What isyour favorite Bluegrass Band or Artist? andwho influenced you the most?

Dave Hicks: Beinga Kentuckyboy I have to say Bill Monroe of course. Since I grew up second generation Ihave always listened to Ricky Skaggs and Tony Rice. I also listen to anythingby the original Seldom Scene and Country Gentlemen.

BB: How manysongs have you written?

Dave Hicks: That’s easy; None. I have written someadditional verses to a few of the two verse songs that I play but never havebeen able to write a whole song. It is a goal of mine to do some songwritingsomeday.

BB: Whatadvice would you give to young people wanting to get started in Bluegrass?

Dave Hicks: Pickan instrument, find a good teacher and take lessons. I never did and many timeshave regretted it. Stay close to the music. Listen to a lot of differentartist. Go to jams watch and listen. Play in groups to learn your timing andhow to interface with others. Learn andutilize good jamming etiquette.

BB: Anythingelse you want to say to wrap up this interview?

Dave Hicks: Sure.Be serious about your music. That is practice and work on your craft but keepit fun. This music is great for enjoyment and relaxation but if it becomes ajob you will resent it. I’m not a musician in the strictest sense of the wordbut I play an instrument. I’m not a singer but I enjoy singing. Most of all Ilove getting together with those who share my love for this music

BB: Thanks again to Dave for sharing his musical journey!

SPBGMA Music Nomination Awards - Midwest Convention

2012-01-09T21:48:00.002-06:00

Mr Ed Sellers

Hello everyone. It is that time of the year again for the Midwest Bluegrass Music Awards. You will be glad to know that the KC Area has several individual nominations including: Mike Collins - Songwriter of the year and Male Vocalist of the year (Traditional); Dave Batson and Karla Campbell - Bass Fiddle Performer of the year; Jimmy Campbell - Dobro Performer of the year; Bob White - Guitar Performer of the year; Ed Sellers - Fiddle Performer of the year; Jim McGreevy - Male Vocalist of the year (contemporary); Karla Campbell - Entertainer of the year.

Next time you see one of these folks, make sure you say congratulations to them. If you want to see the complete list including band nominations, please click this link: Midwest Music Award Nominations

Hope to see you at the KC Bluegrass Club this Friday.

Bill

Bluegrass Musician Interview - First Female

2011-12-31T11:22:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone. Happy New Year! As we start the new year, it brings me good pleasure to share with you an interview with our very first female bluegrass musician. I have had many good times picking with Linda Garrison and know her as a friend and admire her as a wonderful person. She definitely loves her banjo playing and singing. Make sure you say hello next time you see her at one of our local jams.

BB: Introduction – Can you tell me a little bitabout yourself?

Linda: I was born and raised most of my life in Missouri and have beenmarried to Dennis for 50 years next July. We have one son, John and 2granddaughters, Jessica and Rachel.

I have had 3 careers in my life, so far. Number one, Iwas a hairdresser for 18 years. Two, I had my own company and designed andmarketed quilting books and soft sculptured items in the US andinternationally for 15 years. Three I was a realtor for 15 years. But, I stilldon’t know what I want to be when I grow up.

BB: When didyou get started in your musical journey?

Linda: I havealways loved music and played some kind of instrument most of my life. My dad’sfamily lived on a farm and supplemented their income with their band, playingfor dances. That was before bluegrass.

BB: Whathappened after that?

Linda: I was alwayswhining and wanting music lessons, but there was no money,

so my formal musiceducation came with a clarinet in junior high school, which I played throughhigh school.

BB: Where didyou go from there?

Linda: The nextinstrument I tried was a Sears’s guitar I bought for 5 dollars and taughtmyself finger picking style playing. After all it was when folk music was in.

BB: How didyou get into Bluegrass/Old Time/Other Music?

Linda: In the 1970’s some friends of mine that I square danced with played Bluegrass and gottogether once in a while and no one played the banjo, so that’s how I decidedto play banjo. Plus, it was my favorite instrument.

I found Jeff Elsloofor a teacher and took lessons for about 6 months, but that was when I wasstarting my quilting business and found I had not time for my banjo, so I putit down.

Fast forwarding to2001, I was retiring and thought I would try the banjo again and looked aroundfor someplace to take lessons. I looked on the internet and figured MountainMusic might be a good place to start. I walked in to talk to them about lessonsand there was Jeff. So he was stuck with me again. He can run but he can’thide.

BB: What isyour favorite Bluegrass Band or Artist? andwho influenced you the most?

Linda: Early on I found NashvilleBluegrass Band and loved their songs and styleand Alan O’Bryant on banjo. I got to meet Alan at a banjo camp this last summerin Michigan.I wanted to tell him “I was his biggest fan”, but I thought that was to KathyBates.

I also am a greatfan of Russell Moore and III Tyme Out and do a number of their songs.

BB: How manysongs have you written?

Linda: I havenot written any songs, but I do love a well-crafted song. Becky Bueller haswritten several songs I try to do, and I love her play on words.

BB: Whatadvice would you give to young people wanting to get started in Bluegrass?

Linda: Other thanpractice, practice, practice, the main thing is to get out there and jam withother people. You learn nothing being a closet player. When you first startjust sit in the background and learn to play backup quietly. Your knowledgewill increase greatly sitting in with good players.

Learn how to sing,this will increase your playing ability greatly and increase your repertoire.

Always be acourteous jammer and follow good jamming etiquette.

BB: Anythingelse you want to say to wrap up this interview?

Linda: I want to thank all the people who haveallowed me to jam with them and put up with all my inadequacies’. This is whatmakes playing fun, coming together with other people and making a unified soundthat is pleasing to the ear.

Bill: Linda, thank you so much for sharing your musical journey.

November Jam yields a good size crowd +Upcoming News...

2011-12-06T17:34:00.007-06:00

Hello Everyone,
Our November Jam was a lot fun and many thanks to all who attended and those who brought the snacks. We had four full rooms of jammers and listeners. I consider that mighty good considering it was the day after Thanksgiving. Congratulations to Janet Loveall for winning the dual Blugrass CD pack. She is getting pretty good darn at winning. You may also click on this link to view all the pictures taken by Frank Vail. Here you go: November Jam Photos

Also, I wanted to announce that there will be more Musician Interviews coming soon. You should find this next official interview interesting as it will be our very first female bluegrass musician interviewee. Can you guess who that will be?

Also don't forget to attend the Kansas City Area Bluegrass Club this Friday, December 9th. and the Missouri Town Christmas on Saturday, December 10th. Plenty of fun things to do, so I hope to see you there.

Lastly here is good video of the song: Cold Sheets of Rain performed by Clay Jones in the key of B. Hope you enjoy it.

Bill

Bluegrass Interview - Local Musician

2011-11-27T14:33:00.001-06:00

Hello everyone: It never ceases to amaze me the talent that is around the Kansas City area. This interview is another example of talent from Steve Gouge, known to many of us as "Curly". I just know you will enjoy reading his musical journey. Steve is a wonderful musician and a great person as well with a very interesting background and I thank him for sharing it with us.

BB: When did you get started in your musical journey?

Curly: My father was the music minister in our church and my mother played piano, so music always filled our home. I started playing the trombone in 5th grade. I did very well with the trombone, sitting first chair in school and even winning a few medals at State competition. However, by the time I was 14 or 15 I realized that the trombone wasn't much of a "chick magnet" so I began playing guitar.

BB: What happened after that?

Curly: In my early 20's I was introduced to bluegrass music by some over-zealous friends that invited us to go to the Walnut Valley festival in Winfield, Kansas. One of those over-zealous friends
was Karla Peterie and her husband Mike Roark. Karla is the daughter of Slim Peterie, the long time bluegrass player in the Kansas City area. I told my wife that we should go to this "Winfield" thing one time to shut them up about it. The love affair with bluegrass began at the festival, so much so that we have now attended the Walnut Valley Festival 26 of the past 28 years.

BB: Where did you go from there?

Curly: My interest in bluegrass music continued to grow and I began taking flatpicking lessons from Rick George, son of Bob George, at George's Music Service on North Oak. I practiced very earnestly for hours every day trying to get better at playing bluegrass. But for some reason, flatpicking never really "clicked" for me. So I decided that I would try playing some bass because we always had too many guitar pickers in the jam sessions and no one played bass. So I bought an inexpensive upright bass from a friend.

BB: What happened after the next?

Curly: Even though I was playing a lot of bass with various groups around town, I still played guitar. My mother and stepdad were members of a Good Sams camping club in Dallas and we would occasionally take our camper to Oklahoma or Texas to join them on one of their monthly campouts. When we would go to camp with them, all the guys in their club that played music would bring their instruments so that we could jam. One of those men was a very dear man named Pop Penrod. Pop was originally from Beach Creek, Kentucky, right smack in the heart of Muhlenberg County. He asked me if I had ever tried to play "Thumbpicking" style, like Chet Atkins or Merle Travis. I immediately told him that I didn't think I could EVER play like Chet. He said that he saw something in my style of playing the guitar that made him believe that I might be able to play like that. So I told him I would try it. Well, from the first time I strapped on a thumb pick, I was astounded because I was indeed able to play that style. I think what amazed me most was that it felt so natural to me and that I didn't have to work at it nearly as much as I had flatpicking.

BB: How did you get into Bluegrass/Old Time/Other Music?

Curly: As I continued to progress in playing the thumb picking or finger picking style, I began to explore the idea of taking some of the popular bluegrass tunes and creating my own arrangement of them in the finger picking style. Attending numerous bluegrass jam sessions around town helped immensely with that regard. It gave me an opportunity to sit down with some great musicians and learn these songs, melodies and chord progressions. Then I would go home and work out my arrangement of those songs.

BB: What is your favorite Bluegrass Band or Artist? and who influenced you the most?

Curly: Obviously Chet Atkins, Merle Travis, Mose Rager influenced me heavily but I have also been influenced by Rhonda Vincent, New Grass Revival, Tony Rice, Dan Crary and Doc Watson. Doc Watson is one of the few guitarists I've ever seen or heard that has the ability to flatpick or fingerpick and make it sound fabulous. I really like Doc's music.

BB: How many songs have you written?

Curly: I've only written a hand full of songs. Songwriting is something that never really came very easy for me. And I've found that there are so many great songs that have already been written that I want to learn, so it feels futile for me to pursue writing. So many songs, so little time!

BB: What advice would you give to young people wanting to get started in Bluegrass?

Curly: Like to shoe commercials say, "Just DO IT". Get an instrument and get started. Sadly though, most folks buy an inexpensive instrument to get started since they don't know if they will like it or not. But those inexpensive instruments are the hardest to play and often times discourage people from continuing to learn simply because they hurt the fingers so much. So my advice would be to buy the best instrument you can possibly afford to learn on. And practice EVERY day. Even if you can only find 15 or 20 minutes a day. Just make sure to spend some time practicing every single day. The internet offers tons of free material to learn from or you can find yourself an instructor to help you along the way.

BB: Anything else you want to say to wrap up this interview?

Curly: My wife Carol and I were part of the staff of the Santa Fe Trails Bluegrass Festival that was held locally for several years. We had the pleasure of meeting and hearing some of the best bluegrass musicians around, including Ricky Skaggs, Vassar Clements, Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Rhonda Vincent, Brian Sutton and so many others. Our experience there just strengthened our love of bluegrass music. In fact, one afternoon at the festival, I had the opportunity to spend some time with Bob Redford, the founder of the Walnut Valley festival in Winfield, Kansas. I told Bob "Thank you for changing my life". He gave me one of those deer-in-the-headlights looks and I could tell he was puzzled by my comment. I explained to him that our friends had introduced us to his festival, and that after attending his festival we returned home to Kansas City and began to get involved in the local bluegrass jam sessions. Through those jam sessions we have met so many absolutely wonderful folks, many of whom we now share holidays with, just like we do our own flesh and blood relatives. The friends we have through the music circles ARE an important part of our family now. And we wouldn't have it any other way.

Post Turkey - Pickin!

2011-11-19T13:26:00.002-06:00

Hello everyone.
We are having our 4th Friday Bluegrass/Gospel/Old Time Jam the day AFTER Thanksgiving! Yes that's right, so put the turkey in the fridge and come on out to an evening of fun pickin' and grinnin'. Who knows, maybe some of your smiles and hot pickin' may actually shed some calories? We would love to see you while you share your time and talents at our monthly jam. If you are first time attender you will see many different musicians singing and playing banjo, bass, guitar, fiddle, and mandolin. If you are trying to learn come on out as all skill levels are welcome. Hope to see you there! Bill

The Hootin' Annies to perform at "The Brick"

2011-11-05T09:29:00.004-05:00

Hello everyone. If you like to be entertained by an awesome group of very talented women musicians, then the "Hootin' Annies" are for you. They have been around the KC area for many years and have performed at many of the local Bluegrass festivals. In addition they regularly attend many of the local Bluegrass Club Jams and have also performed at Branson, MO. They are a great group of ladies and I am sure you will enjoy them. They will be performing at The Brick restaurant which is located at: 1727 McGee near the Sprint Center

Kansas City, Missouri

Monday: November 7th from 6:00 - 9:00pm

Here is their website to learn more about this fantastic group:
http://www.thehootinannieskc.com/

Hope you can make it!
Bill

Fall is full of small town Festivals - Have some Fun!

2011-10-09T20:57:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone. Fall is here and we are having the best stretch of weather since I can remember. Warm days and cool evenings is just perfect for getting outside and sleeping good at night. I hope you are getting a chance to enjoy this time of year. Fall is always full of so many activities, like small town festivals. I recently went to Arrow Rock, Mo for the first time to their fall festival. Arrow Rock is a sleepy little town of "79" people and is nestled in some small rolling hills with several bed and breakfast in old historic homes. The town is about 10 miles west of Boonville, and North of I-70 about 11 miles. Any visit there is like stepping back to the 1850's and it gives you that peaceful feeling of a more simpler life. It is a great place to take pictures of many historical buildings. The fall festival is always the second weekend in October. It is a typical festival where you can hear the old time music (see photo of Missouri Town Band) while watching the cloggers click there feet to the beat of the music. There are many interesting crafts including pottery, painting, spinning, quilting and lots of good food especially the baked goods (my favorite). If you are interested in learning more, click here for some additional information: Arrowrock, MO

Local Musician Interview

2011-09-20T19:19:00.003-05:00

It is always a pleasure to interview any local musician and Dale Sullivan is one person that is kinda of quiet but has a very interesting musical journey. Dale is always a gentleman and person that you need to know. He is a good friend and loves to play music anytime, anyday. He knows more fiddle tunes than anyone I know and is still learning new songs after many decades. I hope you enjoy reading the interview.

BB: Can you tell me a little about your background? Where you from? Hobbies? etc

Dale: I was born at Fristoe, Missouri (Benton County) attended grade School at Locust Ridge, a one room school house, and attended High School at Cross Timbers Missouri. I moved from Benton County Missouri to Kansas City in 1944. I am an Army Veteran, having served in the occupation of Japan in 1946 until 1948, and in the Korean war in 1950 and 1951. I started to College in1948, but it was interrupted by the Korean war, however I finished college in 1955, having earned BA and LLB-JD degrees.

BB: When did you get started in musical journey?

Dale: Both, my father and grandfather played the fiddle. When I was about 6 years of age, my father permitted me to play his fiddle. At about 11 years of age,
I had my own fiddle and a fiddle instruction book. At that time I learned to read music.

BB: What happened after that?

Dale: Part of the time while in college, I played for dances on Saturday nights at the Gay Nineties Square Dance Club who used the Odd Fellows Lodge at

Independence Avenue

and Hardesty in Kansas City, Missouri for their dances. The dance program usually called for two square dances and one waltz, polka, or schottische, and the dance sequence was repeated as needed. The band members were each paid $7.00 to $10.00 for playing music. It was there that I first met fellow band member, Holly Baker.

BB: Where did you go from there?

Dale: In the early 1980's I formed the Missouri Town Band and played Contra Music for the Missouri Town Dancers and for Cloggers. For over 20 years I played music for the Lloyd Shaw Foundation, at week long dance program in Colorado, playing Jigs, Reels, Hornpipes, Waltzes, and English Country dance music for Square dances, Contra dances, English Dances, and other historic and ethnic dances.

BB: How did you get into Bluegrass or Old Time Music?

Dale: I don’t consider myself a Bluegrass Fiddler, but I like listen to it and attempt to play it.

BB: What is your favorite Bluegrass or Old Time Band or Artist? and who influenced you the most?

Dale: My favorite fiddler is Howard Forrester, and my favorite local fiddlers were John Journagan, Lyman Enlow and Johnny Bruce, all of whom are now deceased.

BB: What advice would you give to young people wanting to get started in Bluegrass or Old Time Music?

Dale: I believe young musicians should learn to read music. If one wishes to play dance music, most dance leaders wish to use specific music for their dances. Being able to read music is a wonderful tool to learn new tunes.

BB: What is your favorite Bluegrass or Old Time Festival or Magazine?

Dale: During the past 35 years I have frequently attended Bluegrass Festivals at Dixon, MO and Kahoka, MO.

BB: What is your favorite Bluegrass or Old Time instrument(s)?

Dale: Fiddle and Guitar.

BB: Anything else you want to say to wrap up this interview?

Dale: I play tennis and golf, and I like to fish and hunt; but by far my favorite pastime in playing music. I look forward to playing music most every day, and to get together with other musicians to play music.

Summer Jamming Continues - 8/26/11

2011-09-04T19:09:00.004-05:00

State Fair - Bill with Rhonda Vincent

Hello everyone,
We had another good crowd at our August. It was good to see everyone as usual. I had a real good time picking with friends (Bill-banjo; Dave bass; Richard - guitar; Charlie - mandolin; and Ruthie - fiddle). It looked like the other rooms were have fun as well.
Don't forget to check out the links on the RIGHT panel for some upcoming Bluegrass Events and if you scroll down you will find our "Popular Bluegrass Links" where you will find the links to our local bands like the Bluegrass Missourians and our Bluegrass Clubs.
DON'T FORGET to check out the photos from our August jam. Click on the link below:
August Picking in the Heartland
Congratulations to Janet Loveall for winning the "free CD" that we give away each month.

Hope to see you at our September jam on the 4th Friday.
Bill

Local Musician releases her first CD !!

2011-08-22T21:20:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone,
Hope you can come to our jam this Friday, August 26th at 6:30pm. If you do, you will be able to offer your congratulations to Carolyn Armes for releasing her very first CD. It is entitled: Carolyn Niccum - "Steppin' Out". It is a compilation of her all time top ten favorite songs. Including Blue Kentucky Girl, Singin' the Blues, Jambalya and many more....

Carolyn is planning to be at the jam and have some of her CDs available for $10 dollars. This is a wonderful first time accomplishment for her and I admire her for "steppin' out" to make this new release.

See you at the jam.
Bill

Record Crowd at the June 24th Jam

2011-06-30T17:42:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone,
Summer is buzzing and so is our monthly jam. We had a record crowd (over 50 people) at our June jam along with several new faces. I believe everyone had a good time because I saw lots of smiles, laughter and foot tapping and even singing by those that were listeners. Thanks to Woods Chapel Church, the facilities are fantastic and we appreciate the use of the facility. The halls were echoing with Bluegrass, Gospel and Old Time Music which is expected. Here is the link to the photos that you can enjoy:
http://www.fotfphotos.com/Music/Picking-in-the-Heartland/Picking-in-the-Heartland-6-24/17727358_7VHstG#1353143701_nTf5vc3

We had plenty of snacks along with our monthly FREE CD give away which was won by Mary Fisher. I hope she is enjoying the Seldom Scene CD entitled "Different Roads". The photo shown above is a different road in Blue Springs, MO at one of the Burr Oaks Nature Trails.

I was able to go to the Fillmore, MO Bluegrass Festival last Saturday and had a great time. It was really good to hear the band called "Driven" featuring Jimmy Campbell, and Liberty Highway along with the Duff Family Band. It was also good to see several local folks attend as well, including Harvey, Sandy, Tim, Denny, Karla, Christie, etc and the list goes on. There was plenty of good jamming as well.

Hope to see you at our next Jam on July 22nd.
Bill

Nice Crowd at the May 27th Jam

2011-06-03T20:31:00.002-05:00

Barking for a Bluegrass Jam

It sure was nice to see everyone at our May 27th Bluegrass Jam. We had four rooms of pickers and several new faces which is always good news. It is amazing the dedication and commitment of each regular attender. Each player adds some dimension of talent to the jam. I learn something new each time I attend. Nice to see some new faces from around the Odessa area. Hope you all come back again. Our next jam is June 24th. Hope to see you there! PS: The picture was taken in Versailles, MO at a driving school for dogs, NOT!! Here is a link to see the pictures:
Jamming Pictures

Bill

The Picking Continues.........

2011-05-06T08:53:00.000-05:00

Our last jam on April 29th was a lot of fun. We had a nice size crowd with five rooms of pickers. I saw several new faces and even saw a new "blond" bass, owned by Mr Dave Hicks. Way to to as it sounds great. Here is a link to the photos: Jam Photos of 4/29 I am sure you will see yourself and get reminded of how much fun we were having.

Our NEXT jam is scheduled for 5/27 at our regular time of 6:30pm. Hope to see you there.
Bill

Public Bluegrass Jam - Friday, April 29th

2011-04-26T19:24:00.003-05:00

I love "Cat in the Cradle"

Hello Everyone,
Just a note here to remind everyone that our monthly jam will be held on Friday, April 29th at 6:30pm at Woods Chapel Methodist Church. Use the Southeast entrance and proceed upstairs to the picking rooms. It has been a long time since our kick-off last March 25th.

Don't forget we will have a CD give away! Hope you are ready to have some serious picking/singing/laughing fun. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone. Please invite both of your friends (lol) to play, or just listen.

Coffee will be provided but any snacks you want to bring will be most welcome. Q: What is a bluegrass jam without something to snack? A: It is a bluegrass jam with hungry musicians. I know, keep my day job!

See you there!
Bill

What exactly is a demi-john?

2011-04-11T19:58:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone. If you have been around any Bluegrass jams you most likely have heard someone sing a very traditional song entitled: "Hot Corn, Cold Corn". The song uses the phrase "bring along the demijohn". So what exactly does it mean? In my opinion for the purposes of this song it is referring to a large bodied jug with a short neck which would be used to store some homemade corn liquor. Sometimes the demijohn bottle is encased in wicker.

However, according to Wikipedia it has a more precise definition which is: "In brewing, a carboy is also known as a demijohn. It is a glass or plastic vessel used in fermenting beverages such as wine, mead, and beer. Usually it is fitted with a rubber stopper and a fermentation lock to prevent bacteria and oxygen from entering during the fermentation process."

When I first heard the song, I thought they were singing, "bring along a "jimmy john", which even confused me more. But I finally got straightened out when I read the lyrics. Another challenge is to sing Hot Corn Cold Corn three times at an upbeat tempo.

"Hot Corn Cold Corn" is an interesting song to sing and play. So if you have not tried it check it out. Many believe it is a Flatt and Skruggs tune, but I am not sure. Here is link so you can hear it.
"Hot Corn Cold Corn"

See you at our next jam on April 29th!!
Bill

WOW !! What a kick-off. Everything but the fireworks !!

2011-03-29T19:58:00.000-05:00

Andrew - 10 yrs old

Hello everyone and thanks for attending our "official" kick off jam in the new location. We had over 40 attendees and five different rooms open for picking. It was so much fun for me and from what I could tell it looked like everyone was having a great time.
The facilities were fantastic and thanks to those who brought the "goodies" as they were delicious along with the coffee. We were able find a good location to hang the banner and it looked great!

Congratulations to Don Alison for winning the two free CDs. We will be providing a free drawing each month, so don't forget to get your free ticket. Don seems to have the magic touch of our drawings, but even without it, he is a winner anyway!

It was nice to see several members of the KC Bluegrass Club in attendance as well. Please come back!

We really had some hot, and do mean "hot" picking in one room in particular thanks to Lucas Albright, Monty Parker and Harvey Heidbreder. How do they play that fast? One secret I learned is subtract twenty years off your age, ha ha ha, in my case try 25 years.

IMPORTANT: Due to good Friday, Our next jam will be on the 5th Friday which is April 29th.

It was nice to see some new faces as well. I received several positive comments from the participants as I think people were very glad to be able to get out a pick, laugh, sing and have a good time. Just maybe next time the weather will be warmer. Is it really Spring??

Thanks to the Frank Vail, the photographer for taking the pictures: Here is the link to view all 85 of them:
http://www.fotfphotos.com/Music/Picking-in-the-Heartland/Picking-in-the-Heartland-3-25/16344333_rR4nt#1228649405_6M227

See you at the next Jam as we continue "Picking in the Heartland".
Bill

Hoo-rah! Our First Jam at the new Location -3/25/11

2011-03-22T19:27:00.003-05:00

JD Crowe at Starvey Creek 2010

Hello everyone,

I hope you are making plans to attend our monthly jam this Friday, March 25th at 6:30pm. It seems like forever since we all have been able to get together. I miss seeing each one of you and listening to your songs. As you know last month the jam was canceled due to bad weather, so it truly has been a long time. I believe it has been at least one or two "Blue Moons of Kentucky" since we have picked together. I am looking forward to checking out the new facilities and helping everyone find a room to settled in. We are expecting a good turn out and want everyone have a good time. So come on out and get ready to pick, sing, laugh, listen and enjoy our new jam.

Invite your friends,

Bill

Wrestling with Cabin Fever..... Is there a cure?

2011-03-05T12:27:00.001-06:00

CABIN FEVER: Every year about this time of the year, I get what is commonly called "cabin fever". It is defined by Wikipedia as: [an idiomatic term for a claustrophobic reaction that takes place when a person or group is isolated and/or shut in, in a small space, with nothing to do, for an extended period (as in a simple country vacation cottage during a long rain or snow)]. Simply stated it is having an "urge" to "go outside" and do something.

The CURE: For me, doing something outside can mean almost anything. For example: taking a hike in the woods is one of my favorites. In late winter or early spring, I just love to take a walk in the woods and get away from all the hustle and bustle of normal work life. It is great fun to observe all of God's little creatures running about the forest floor and trees. If is also fun to observe the small ponds as the ice gives way to fresh flowing water that sparkles in the sunlight. Are you feeling better already? I would be remiss if I didn't mention the happiness I receive from playing my banjo outside under a big oak tree, even if it is a little chilly. As a matter of fact, "cabin fever" could be the name of a bluegrass song. What joy it is when my fever breaks as I get lost in many other outdoor activities with friends and family. I am talking about the smell of a small outdoor fire and some hot coffee or cocoa while being with my picking friends.

Hope you can get rid of your "cabin fever" by getting out of your house and attending our monthly bluegrass jam on March 25th at 6:30pm at Wood Chapel Church in Lee's Summit. However, I must warn you that you may get another "hot fever" for hearing and playing our Buegrass/Gospel/Old Time music. I am looking forward to seeing you there.
Bill

Hey, get out of that Winter Boo Hoo!

2011-02-27T14:15:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone. I don't know about you, but I can honestly say, "I am tired of all this cold, snowy weather" because it makes me discouraged as I am an "outdoors type person". However, the best way to get out of the winter duldrums is to call a few friends and invite them over and host a "mini-jam". You might be surprised how uplifting that can be. That is what I love about Bluegrass music. It really takes your mind off all the things going on around you and lets you just enjoy the moment, enjoy your friends, and forget about "winter". As you can see from the picture people have been have mini-jams for a long time. Give it a try!

Whoever coined the phrase term "music is good for the soul", must have an appreciation for life. It won't be long before our next jam and I hope you are making plans to attend as we want folks of all ages to enjoy the music so invite your friends. Our next jam is March 25th, the fourth Friday of the month!
Bill

The 2/25 Jam is cancelled due to winter snow/ice storm

2011-02-25T10:09:00.000-06:00

Unfortunately, the jam is being cancelled for Friday, February 25th due to the winter snow and ice storm. Hope to see you next month, weather permitting!!!

I am definitely ready for Spring.
Bill

Guidelines for Picking in the New Location - Starts February 25th

2011-02-17T18:42:00.003-06:00

Hello everyone,
I hope you are making plans to attend our new jam because it is going to be a lot of fun and a great opportunity to check out the new facilities.   It will be a great time of fellowship, picking, singing, laughing and just having good "clean" fun. All skills levels are welcome. We are getting a "fresh" start, just like the image of the flowers that I got for my wonderful valentine. But instead of picking flowers we will picking our instruments, some slow, some fast. It is going to be a good time for all.

Because we are in a new location, I would ask that everyone be respectful of a few guidelines as we are getting started until all the "newness" gets ironed out.   Also this is the first time this church has done anything like this and we want to be appreciative of their kindness.

The guidelines are pretty simple and helpful to ensure everyone has a good time.
0. Have fun and invite others.
1. No music stands are provided so, if you want one, please bring your own.
2. There are four jamming rooms reserved with these numbers: 310, 311, 322 and 323, plus a large room that is reserved for snacking or just visiting.   The four rooms are big enough for both pickers and listeners.
3. No jamming in the Library (which is on the same floor).
4. If either Lee's Summit or Blue Springs cancel classes due to bad weather the church jam will be cancelled as well.
5. There will be a CD give away each month.
6. Please continue to bring snacks as you like.
7. The guidelines will be reviewed periodically and adjustments made as the need arises provided it is approved by the church.
Thanks in advance for your consideration of these guidelines. I look forward to seeing you there!
Bill

Coming Soon - Bluegrass/Gospel/Old Time Music Jam on February 25th.

2011-02-06T13:39:00.002-06:00

Hello everyone. I am personally very excited about our new picking location. The facilities at Woods Chapel Methodist Church are excellent and the people are great to work with. We have four rooms reserved for the next 12 months, to accomodate our monthly jams held on the fourth Friday of each month. It is FREE!

I hope you will come out and join us for our first jam on 2/25 at 6:30pm. Please enter on the south side of the church using the east entryway, then proceed upstairs (elevators are available). We typically have about 20-30 local musicians playing a variety of instruments including: fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, bass fiddle. Occasionally we will have a dobro or stringed instruments. We love to sing, laugh, pick and just have a good time. All skills levels are welcome from novice to professional. Of course listeners are always welcome as well. We want to promote this genre of music to all ages as it offers good messages and clean fun. PS: The picture of me "picking with the chickens" is at the "Hummingbird Inn" near Branson, MO. Click to enlarge if desired.
See you at the jam,
Bill

Welcome Heartland Pickers!

2011-01-28T17:33:00.003-06:00

Hello everyone. Welcome our new blog. This blog replaces our previous blog called "Picking in the Meadows" because we have moved to a new location. Click the image for an enlarged view. Our first gathering at our new location will be February 25th at Woods Chapel United Methodist Church. Hope to see you then! Tell your friends.

I thought a would add a picture showing the aftermath of the 2/1 blizzard that came through town. Looks pretty but way too much snow. You can always click on the image to enlarge it.
Bill