Two SWBMAI member bands will be featured in the lineup for the 9th annual United Way Benefit Concert.

SpareTime Bluegrass and The Oak Street Ramblers, along with The Cork ‘n Bottle String Band and children’s music peformer Dave Landau will present a benefit concert for United Way of Dane County on Sunday, February 14 at 1:00 p.m. at The Barrymore Theatre, 2090 Atwood Avenue, Madison WI. All of the performers are contributing their time and talent, and all proceeds will go to support United Way to advance the community’s Agenda for Change goals.

The annual concert has seen strong support from serious bluegrass fans. Admission for this family-friendly concert will be $10 for adults, and $5.00 for children 5-12 years of age ($20 maximum per family). Tickets may be ordered at www.barrymorelive.com.

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.