Beloved local singing team Bill and Bobbie Malone will perform their repertoire of classic country duets tomorrow evening, March 20, at the Prairie Coffee House in Deforest, Wis.Doors open 6:30 p.m., music starts at 7:00 p.m.
Bobbie plays mandolin, and Bill plays guitar as they blend their old-time duet harmonies and sing traditional or more recent traditionally-flavored songs. The duo combine an encyclopedic knowledge of traditional country music with an authentic old-time vocal style. Bill Malone is the author of Country Music USA, the first definitive history of country music, and hosts a weekly radio show on WORT community radio.
Prairie Coffeehouse offers live, acoustic music in the smoke-free, alcohol-free fellowship hall at Spring Prairie Lutheran Church, located at the intersection of County Highways C and DM in Keyeser, Wisconsin (near DeForest). There is no cover charge. The venue relies on freewill donations for performers and refreshments.
SWBMAI member band Down From The Hills will head up an evening of bluegrass, cajun and traditional country music this Saturday at the Gone Fish Inn in Mt. Vernon, WI from 7 to 11 p.m.
Down From The Hills plays bluegrass music inspired by the likes of Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs and John Hartford. Their music features both instrumental solos and vocal harmonies. Recently, they’ve added Cajun music to their shows, with band leader Pat Downing on the Cajun button accordion.
The band will be joined by two guest acts: the husband-and-wife team of Bill and Colleen Foley, who sing and play old-time and traditional country music, and the Knickelbine Brothers, who specialize in duets in the style of the Louvin and Bailes brothers.
Celebrate the 65th Birthday of musician, actor, humorist and culinary artist Paul Bentzen at this annual jambalaya and jamming extravaganza on Saturday, February 13. Paul’s jambalaya is available through the Spring Green General Store’s restaurant beginning at noon. But like all good things it must end; so when it’s gone, it’s gone.
Jamming starts at 2:00 p.m.; free admission and birthday cake (while it lasts). Food and beverage available for purchase. Spring Green General Store; 137 South Albany,Spring Green, WI; (608) 588-7070; www.SpringGreenGeneralStore.com
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.”
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.”
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.
A tip of the hat to Bobby Batyko, who sent along this YouTube clip of the late John Harford performing Gentle on My Mind on an old Nashville Network broadcast. But wait, who’s that in the audience nine seconds into the clip, the one with the big smile on her face? Why, it’s none other than SWBMAI’s own Carmen Burnett!
After you’ve enjoyed looking for Carmen in the crowd, don’t forget to watch the rest of the clip — it’s classic Hartford, including a bit of clogging-while-playing-banjo, something I thought went out with Uncle Dave Macon.
Recently I visited two coffee house open mic sessions that are listed in our SWBMAI calendar of events to see what they were like. One has just started, and one has been going for two years. Each had an audience of 20 or so local people enjoying the music.
The first event (just started) was at the Books & Brew Coffee House in Milton, Wis., and was hosted by Tom & Nancy Garrett of Janesville , and included myself, Jim Hodges and his 14-year-old grandson, and two other dulcimer players. Tom played his mandolin, gourd banjo, and open-back banjo. Nancy and two others played dulcimers, Jim and grandson played guitars, and I played banjo. A variety of acoustic music was played without amplification in this attractive old mill building with exposed wood beams and soft chairs and couches to sit on. This was a fun event with open conversations between the musicians and audience. Local musicians are encouraged to contact Carla at 608-868-3371 for details of this 6:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday night event. The management would like some Saturday events in the future.
The second event was held at the Cross Roads Coffee House in Cross Plains, Wis., and is held on the first and third Friday of each month from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Starting it’s third year and run by Joe Snare, a variety of local musicians support this open mic and play popular, folk, blues, and other kinds of music. Bluegrass musicians are invited, but none came this night. Guitars and keyboard were amplified, and microphones were available for vocals and violin. While many of the events are open mic with sign up sheets, some evenings are invitation only. It is suggested that musicians wishing to play should call ahead to get on the schedule. Performer capabilities ranged from beginner to advanced. I did not know anyone, but would like to convince a couple of players to come to our Monday night Dry Bean jam.
We have an opportunity to present our wonderful music to new people at these coffee house events. There is no charge and the public does come. I hope our musicians will come to play at some of these future events.
The Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective will be hosting this year’s Sugar Maple Kick-off Concert Saturday, April 18th at the High Noon Saloon (8pm). The show, sponsored by Rutabaga Paddlesports, will feature three great bands and offer one night only early-bird Sugar Maple Festival weekend tickets for only $20!!! We will also be officially announcing this year’s fantastic Sugar Maple Festival
lineup.
This was a huge week for bluegrass in our area with James King in Madison on Wednesday and the Del McCoury band at the Stoughton opera house on Friday and Saturday. I was lucky to get a last minute ticket to the sold out Del McCoury Saturday show. A friend summed up the show in one sentence: “If there is a better bluegrass band I can’t think of who it is.”
Editor’s Note: If you’ve got a high-speed connection you can go to YouTube and watch this great clip in high-definition!
Madison will get a rare opportunity to see great gospel and bluegrass music when the James King Band hit’s the stage at the warm and intimate Frequency just off the capitol square (map). The show, part of the Sugar Maple Concert Series, is Wednesday, March 18th, from 6-8pm. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Buy tickets to this show online.
James King is considered among the leading voices in traditional bluegrass, summoning timeless echoes of Appalachia with a voice that is equal parts urgent, yearning, and tender. King’s interpretations of bluegrass gospel classics both vintage and modern are so uniquely suited to the powerful longing and commitment that underpins every note he sings.
The Four Lakes Traditional Music Collective, who bring you the Sugar Maple Festival and Concert Series, is a non-profit organization supporting the art of traditional music and dance throughout the greater Madison community. They provide educational and performance opportunities that bring together people of all ages to celebrate diverse musical tradition.
From the band’s bio: “We make regular musical forays outside the protective walls of Bill Monroe, The Stanley Brothers and Flatt & Scruggs, but always with caution, and never without a long rifle.”
The band’s debut was capped by Tom, owner and proprieter at the Roxbury Tavern, cooking up a delicious squirrel stew for the boys (and Lorie). There are some pictures from the show including stew shots! There is also video of the event available on the band’s website and on YouTube… case in point:
Beloved local singing team Bill and Bobbie Malone will perform their repertoire of classic country duets tomorrow evening, March 20, at the Prairie Coffee House in Deforest, Wis.Doors open 6:30 p.m., music starts at 7:00 p.m.
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.”
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 
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.”
A tip of the hat to Bobby Batyko, who sent along this YouTube clip of the late John Harford performing Gentle on My Mind on an old Nashville Network broadcast. But wait, who’s that in the audience nine seconds into the clip, the one with the big smile on her face? Why, it’s none other than SWBMAI’s own Carmen Burnett!
Recently I visited two coffee house open mic sessions that are listed in our SWBMAI calendar of events to see what they were like. One has just started, and one has been going for two years. Each had an audience of 20 or so local people enjoying the music.
Madison will get a rare opportunity to see great gospel and bluegrass music when the