Two Connecticut kids featured in IBMA’s Kids on Bluegrass Program during the World of Bluegrass week!
Cody Voegeli and Redmond Day, both 13-year-old mandolin players auditioned back in April for the Kids on Bluegrass Program, led by Deanie Richardson of Sister Sadie and Kimber Ludiker of Della Mae, were accepted into the program which is a week-long commitment during the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Annual Conference at the end of September.
This year’s Kids on Bluegrass featured 70 kids from around the United States who were selected and placed into 12 different bands that were to perform on main stages throughout the street festival.
Cody and Redmond spent their days and nights in rehearsals or informally jamming with other kids and adults throughout the week, in addition to their Friday and Saturday performances. There were also luncheons, numerous bands to see, and the Awards Ceremony.
The original Kids on Bluegrass (KOB) program was founded by the late Frank Solivan, Sr. of the California Bluegrass Association about 25 years ago. It requires the members to practice and put in place their own material and arrangements for the shows, just like the pros. They learn to develop a strong stage presence, work together, and make life-long friends and memories!
Many alumni have gone on to become professional musicians, including Sierra Hull, Saraj Jaroz, Molly Tuttle, Casey Campbell, and Cory Walker just to name a few!
Redmond’s band named themselves, “Cross Country” and included Braxton Rogers (banjo,OK), Alice Gould (fiddle, TN), Hayden and Josephine Walker (guitar, fiddle, GA).
Cody’s band included Dante Flores (banjo, MI), Jack Weisner (guitar, NC), Wasswa Myers(fiddle, NC), Lucy Smith (fiddle, TN).
Calling all CTBA Volunteers – Host a traveling bluegrass Band at your house!
We came up with an idea at the International Bluegrass Music Association’s “World of Bluegrass”. The biggest expense for bands on the road happens to be lodging. We are working on a resource that would highlight all the venues that book bluegrass bands on the road – we would also like for that resource to include a list of folks who would be willing to host a band on the road. If you would feel comfortable doing so, just add you town, preferred contact info, and the number of members you have room for here: Lodging for Touring Bands
Be sure to catch some of the Connecticut Fall outdoor events around the state featuring live Bluegrass music with beautiful Autumn and Harvest themes.
(Confirm online with venue for possible raindates!)
Fishkill Farms Fall Harvest Festival Oct 14-15
Bluegrass bands On the Trail and Big Draw will be playing on each respective day. Music from 12-4
Saturday, Oct 14 will also feature a Wernick Method Bluegrass Jam Class
Jam Class @ Fishkill Farms Fall Harvest Festival 9:30-11:30
Hopewell Junction, NY at the Fishkill Farms Fall Harvest Festival
9 Fishkill Farm Rd, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
7th Annual Harvest Festival at Heirloom Market at Comstock Ferre, Wethersfield, CT
Saturday, October 7th @ 10am
The Fall Fest will feature live Bluegrass music by the Hosmer Mountain Boys until 1pm, great food, dozens of local vendors, a beer tent featuring local CT Beers, fun kids activities including… Tie Dye, Pumpkin Painting, Henna, Face painting, Balloon Art, and so much more!!
Eight Mile RiverFest at Devil’s Hopyard State Park in East Haddam, CT
Saturday, October 14th 1pm to 4pm
Live Bluegrass Music – Hosmer Mountain Boys
Great Fun – Nature drawing and Live Animals – Opposums, reptiles, & bugs – Great Food – Chowder, chili, apples, cider, & other sweet treats – Great Information – Displays sponsored by local & state organizations Location: Devil’s Hopyard State Park Picnic Pavilion and Field 366 Hopyard Road, East Haddam, CT Rain cancels. Check eightmileriver.org for updates.
This is a free family-oriented event sponsored every two years by the Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Coordinating Committee in celebration of the Eightmile River.
BluesGrass: a Live Acoustic Performance
Thursday, October 26 @ 6:30pm
The acoustic duo BluesGrass features two experienced musicians who have been steeped for many years in American roots music, including blues, old-time, folk music, and bluegrass (especially its “bluesy” side). Both are accomplished singers, and their voices blend in close harmony along with strong and evocative instrumental accompaniment. They draw upon both contemporary and traditional sources, and as their musical collaboration has deepened over the years they have broadened their repertoire to include “Americana,” contemporary blues, popular tunes (both new and old), and the very first rock and roll hit. As a result, listeners enjoy a well-rounded acoustic music experience.
Mark White (guitar, harmonica, vocals) – Mark plays both fingerstyle and flat-picked guitar, as well as harmonica, and sings lead and tenor harmonies. Over the years Mark has played in several bands in Connecticut, collaborating with some excellent musicians in the process. He has a deep appreciation for the many facets of American roots music and continues to search for songs that resonate with him and his listeners. Mark lives in Groton Long Point, Connecticut.
Jon Swift (upright bass, vocals) – Jon was a founding member of the popular Connecticut-based acoustic bluegrass band Traver Hollow, playing and singing with that group for 13 years in the ‘80s and early ‘90s. His steady upright bass work, as well as his lead and harmony vocals, have been enjoyed by the many audiences who listened to Traver Hollow’s recorded albums and their live shows in Europe and Canada, as well as much of the U.S. Jon sings lead and baritone harmonies and lives in Durham, Connecticut.
Farmington Valley Acoustic Festival Returns on October 21
The 8th Annual Farmington Valley Acoustic Festival is coming on Saturday, October 21. Set amongst the beautiful 380 acres of forest and fall foliage at Winding Trails in Farmington, there will be music on two stages on Dunning Lake, with a beer garden at the beach featuring free beer from local breweries. The festival headliner is Enter the Haggis. For the better part of two decades, Toronto’s Enter The Haggis has combined bagpipes and fiddles with a rock rhythm section to create a distinctively eclectic sound, praised by The Boston Globe, The Washington Post and Canada’s Globe and Mail. Their songs offer singalong melodies and deep, meaningful lyrics which tell the stories of everyday hard working people, often faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. Signature songs like “One Last Drink”, “Gasoline”, “Down With The Ship” and “Lancaster Gate” have had hundreds of thousands of plays on social media, appeared in Hollywood movies, and have been performed and recorded by artists around the world.
The Festival also features Damn Tall Buildings. If you like your bluegrass served with a little punch, attitude, grit and gravy, with that busking spirit that was so present and palpable in the early incarnations of Old Crow Medicine Show and made your realize that string band music could be so much more than fuddy-duddy reenactments by crusty ol’ relics, then the Damn Tall Buildings will slide in nice as a welcome edition to your listening rotation.
Bluegrass at heart, but pulling from a wide range of influences including swing, ragtime, jazz, and even a hint of contemporary perspective in the songwriting, they offer virtually unmatched energy and enthusiasm, underpinned by intelligent songs that don’t skimp on the infectiousness.
Also appearing on the main stage will be The Ruta Beggars. Appealing to traditional and progressive acoustic music fans alike, The Ruta Beggars combine bluegrass and early swing to create a timeless act filled with intricate vocal harmonies, fiery instrumentals, and plenty of fun.
In addition, award-winning songwriters from local and nationally-touring acts will be performing. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance for $25 adults, and $10 children at eventbrite or by calling Winding Trails at (860) 677-8458.
This one-day music festival runs from 11:00 a.m. to sunset and is rain or shine. Performances take place in the boathouse and the Dunning Lake stage. Bring a tent in the event of rain.
Free samples from local breweries will be available, while supplies last. Food and additional refreshments are available for sale or attendees may BYOB and picnic. Take advantage of the scenic grounds at Winding Trails, with 12 miles of walking trails and disc golf.
Festival proceeds benefit Winding Trails, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing year- round recreational and educational activities for the enjoyment and growth of families and individuals of all ages. The festival is also presented by Lodestar Energy. ClarkHirth CPAs is sponsoring the Festival Beer Garden. Thomaston Savings Bank sponsors the Main stage. The festival was also made possible with support from the Wood-n-Tap, ION Bank, the Sounding Board, and The Law Offices of Michael Freeman.
• Where: Winding Trails, 50 Winding Trails Drive, Farmington, CT 06032l
• Price: Advance $30 (children 10 – 15 yrs: $10, under 10 Free)
• Info: https://www.windingtrails.org/acoustic-festival
• Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/8th-annual-acoustic-festival-tickets-620769848327
GuitarTown CT Productions Presents: Joe Walsh and Grant Gordy Oct 21
Saturday, October 21, 2023 7:30 PM
Café Amici
1640 Whitney Ave. Hamden, CT
Come for a delicious dinner before the show!
Tickets $35 here:
https://guitartownct.ticketleap.com
Westchester Bluegrass Club Presents: Mark Cosgrove and Good Medicine Oct 21
WBGC is looking forward to a night of tremendous picking from Mark Cosgrove. Known world wide for his role as a supporting musician for David Bromberg, his band Good Medicine features Nate Grover on fiddle, Larry Cohen on bass, and Peter Lorch on guitar. Tickets here
Fiddle Hell – A musical retreat for acoustic instruments Nov 2-5
Here are some helpful things to know for attendees at Fiddle Hell.
IN-PERSON: Fiddle Hell will be an entirely in-person festival in November. Meet up and jam with your old friends and make new ones! Sessions will not be recorded for replays online.
SESSIONS: We’ll have about 380 sessions, with 20 concerts, 35 instructor-led jams, and 325 workshops! And there will be lots of informal jam spots as always. While all acoustic instruments are welcome, the main tracks are for fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo, cello, and singing, at 4 different levels. Have fun with your fellow musicians as you absorb techniques, styles, tunes, and history, from an amazing set of instructors.
INSTRUCTORS: We’ll have a great staff of about 80 instructors and performers (see below). The detailed schedule will be published in mid-September, including session descriptions, instruments, levels, and instructors.
Jam Camp North Oct 13-15
Jam Camp North is a weekend of jamming in a friendly, welcoming, no-stress atmosphere. All acoustic instruments are welcome. Our main types of music are old-time and bluegrass, but depending on interest we may also have jams for jazz, folk, or blues. We’ll have jams at all levels, some guided by experienced faculty musicians, and some guided by campers themselves. Unlike our spring camps, we’ll have few or no classes.
Jamming experience is not required, but Jam Camp is not for true beginners – our spring camps are the place to go if you’re just starting out on your instrument. To have fun at Jam Camp you should be able to play basic chords on your instrument and know the chords to a few songs. Bonus points if you can sing a song!
Jam Camp North runs for three days, October 13-15, 2023.
Camp starts at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13 and ends at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15. The camp is held at Prindle Pond Conference Center in Charlton, Mass. For directions and other travel info visit this page.
JAM-uary Bluegrass Jamming Retreat at the Ashokan Center
January 12-14 Calling all pickers! Learn to jam with hands-on instruction in rhythm, lead, harmony singing, and bluegrass repertoire with lead instructor Austin Scelzo and friends
Connecticut Bluegrass Association 