What could be a more thoughtful gift this holiday season than a CD from one of the Midwest’s best bluegrass groups? When you buy an album from a SWBMAI member band, you not only give your friends and family outstanding entertainment with a unique “local sound,” you also help support the live bluegrass scene in Wisconsin.

Here are some terrific CDs selected by the bands themselves for this Holiday Buying Guide. Any one would make a splendid gift:

Henhouse Prowlers

Chicago bluegrass powerhouse The Henhouse Prowlers have a brand-new album out called A Dark Rumor. Find out why music blog Wildy’s World said “This is one of those albums that makes you want to run out and find what else The Henhouse Prowlers have done, and when the next new album might be expected. Check out The Henhouse Prowlers, a must-hear band.”

You can purchase the disc through CD Baby at http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/TheHenhouseProwlers . Or you can download the album on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/album/a-dark-rumor/id343345267?v0=9989&ign-mpt=uo=1 .

Liberty Bluegrass Band

2009 WAMI Bluegrass Artist of the Year Liberty Bluegrass is offering two CDs this holiday season. The first is  their debut album Life, Liberty Bluegrass and the Pursuit of Happiness, featuring their 2008 WAMI CD-Roulette winning cover of “Rank Stranger to Me.” Their latest CD is Goin’ Burlap, featuring four original songs and a cover of Lynard Skynard’s “Simple Man.”

Both CDs can be purchased for $10 each plus $2 S&H. During the holiday their online purchased CDs come with free gift wrapping! LBB’s on-line store is located at http://www.libertybluegrassband.com/LBB_Store.html

Alzen Family Bluegrass Band

Fans of gospel bluegrass will want to own some discs from the Alzen Family band.  The group have three CDs available: On the Sea of Life, Let My Life Be a Light, and Traveling Through God’s World. CDs cost $15, plus $2 shipping. Available to listen and order on band website www.alzenfamily.com via PayPal. Those wishing to buy the old fashioned way may also order by phone at 715-749-3977, or send check or cash by mail to Alzen Family, 1016-110th Avenue, Roberts, WI 54023. Please specify which CD and quantity.

Round the Bend

Round the Bend’s self-titled debut album is a perennial favorite. Country music historian Bill Malone says “The diversity of styles is one of the most appealing aspects of the music heard here. . .You’re going to like what you hear.”

You can listen to clips and purchase the CD at http://roundbend.com/cdinfopage.htm.

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Copies are still available of Jeff Hickey’s MAMA-winning album, Loose Ends. Hickey, a gifted guitarist and singer/songwriter, died earlier this year from injuries sustained in a car accident, and the limited supply of CDs are being sold to benefit Jeff’s family. You can find out how to order a copy here: http://www.thirdhandcapo.com/jeff/index.html.

We’ve got four pairs of tickets to the fabulous Bluegrass Caravan this coming Friday and Saturday, and we’re going to give them away to SWBMAI members. But to claim your pair, you need to email me right now!

The Bluegrass Caravan is a fast-paced show featuring The Henhouse Prowlers, Liberty Bluegrass Band and The High 48s. We have one pair of tickets for the Friday, Oct. 9 show in Milwaukee, and three pairs of deluxe box seats for the Saturday, October 10 show in Baraboo. To claim a pair, you need to email me right away at swbmai@gmail.com and let me know you want one! The first one to respond gets their pick of performances, and the next three to respond get their pick of what’s left! See the article below for more information on the Bluegrass Caravan!

When three of the Midwest’s hottest bluegrass bands team up, it’s something you’ve got to hear. And you can, because The Bluegrass Caravan is coming to a town near you!

The Bluegrass Caravan is a fast-paced show featuring the best pickers from three states — all SWBMAI Member Bands, of course:

• The Henhouse Prowlers: With a PBS series soundtrack already to its credit and a sophomore recording in the works, The Henhouse Prowlers have been barnstorming on to the red hot bluegrass scene since 2004. The Henhouse Prowlers perform bluegrass in suit-and-tie and work in a tightly choreographed, one-mic stage setting. Combining passion, confidence and flair with instrumental and vocal prowess, The Prowlers deliver bluegrass with an edge.

• Liberty Bluegrass Band: This popular Milwaukee band was recently named WAMI Bluegrass Band of the Year, and their razor-sharp debut CD won them a headliner slot at the Wisconsin State Fair. Liberty Bluegrass Band performs traditional bluegrass with powerful, soaring vocals and driving instrumentals.

• High 48s: Steaming out of Minneapolis, the High 48s have grabbed the attention of festival audiences in the Upper Midwest and beyond, toured steadily, released two critically acclaimed CDs and won first place in the 2008 RockyGrass Band Competition. They perform original compositions and old favorites in a style that combines close three-part harmonies and the harder-edged sound of alternative country and roots rock.

In the Bluegrass Caravan, these three stellar acts perform non-stop, circulating on and off stage without a pause. The result is more bluegrass than you’ve ever seen packed into a single show. You’re sure to be entertained!

Bluegrass Caravan Schedule:

For more information on purchasing tickets, visit the Bluegrass Caravan web site at http://www.libertybluegrassband.com/BluegrassCaravan.html

And don’t miss these upcoming media appearances!

Tuesday 10/6 8:30AM WITI FOX 6 Milwaukee Morning Wakeup w/ Liberty Bluegrass Band
Friday 10/9 11AM WMSE 91.7FM, Milwaukee w/ Henhouse Prowlers.

The Bluegrass Caravan is sponsored by SWBMAI and Apple Holler Restaurant and Show Place.

Julie Cherney

As I write this article, Grasstowne’s Steve Gulley is belting out a version of The Grand Tour that is all but making me burst into tears. His voice has a range that will make you soar to the heavens then plunge you into despair… all in one verse! His masterful manipulation of tones accompanied by a musically phenomenal band was one of the many treats of the beautiful East Troy Bluegrass Festival.

Held in the town square, the organizers couldn’t have asked for more perfect weather (last year’s festival experienced non-stop torrential rain.) People flocked with their instruments, dogs, fold-up chairs and full attention. Bands came from near and far with the some of the local ones giving stellar performances. Bobby Batyko of Sparetime Bluegrass mesmerized the audience with his rich deep voice. And Dale Ward wowed people with his ability to hold a note for at least 2 minutes!

Julie Cherney poses with Grasstowne

Others included the dapper Liberty Bluegrass Band, a rare out-of-Café Carpe appearance by the New Pioneers featuring Jerry Wicentowski’s high lonesome leads, Cream City and Kentucky’s Charlie Sizemore Band. Part genteel Southern lawyer and part dry-witted band leader, Charlie and his band capped off Saturday night with a set of traditional and catchy original numbers.

As Grasstowne closed out their truly enjoyable and moving set on Sunday, the exquisite dobro player Phil Leadbetter commented that this festival is a rare gem. Gone are the days when entertainment took place in the town squares. Fortunately for us, the hard work of organizers Melissa Sherman, Robin Hudec and the community of East Troy has kept this tradition alive and FREE! A perfect way to say good-bye to summer and festival season, but to also get excited for next year’s event.

SWBMAI’s own Liberty Bluegrass Band has been named Bluegrass Artist of the Year by the Wisconsin Area Music Industry. The announcement was made at the 29th annual WAMI awards show in Milwaukee on April 27.

Liberty Bluegrass beat out a number of other talented bluegrass bands, including the .357 String Band, Mud River Lee & The Bluegrass Orchestra, and Stealin’ Strings.

“We’re all sitting there at the WAMI Awards expecting .357 String Band to get this award and low and behold Liberty Bluegrass Band was announced,” said the band’s leader, James Brocksmith. “We were all very shocked.”

Click here to hear a clip from Liberty Blugrass Band’s latest CD, Life Liberty Bluegrass and the Pursuit of Happiness