Send change o f addres s to :

Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association Inc.P.O. Box 7761 Madison, WI 53707-7761Attn: Fireball Mail

The Fireball Mail is a publication of the Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association, Inc. Visit our web site at www.swbmai.org

Above the Town – Jerry Loughney; 262-510-1128, jerry@abovethetown.comAlzen Family Bluegrass Band – Brad Alzen; 715-749-3977, bwalzen@pressenter.comArt Stevenson & High Water – Art Stevenson; 715-884-6996, artstevenson@tds.netBig Cedar – Marty Burch 262-338-6954 or Keith Keehn; 262-338-0538, mdrbears@aol.comCream City Bluegrass and Gospel Music – Harvey Riekoff; 262-497-3024, tjbanjo@wi.rr.com, http://creamcitybluegrass.netDown from the Hills – Pat Downing; 608-527-2472, downhome@tds.neteleike – Michael Bell; 608-238-2223, mike@michaelmbell.net, www.michaelmbell.net/eleike-presskit.htmThe Front Porch Boys – Tom Nowlin; 262-719-2991, dr_geo_@yahoo.com, www.frontporchboys.comThe Henhouse Prowlers – Ryan Hinshaw; 847-924-5298, contact@henhouseprowlers.comThe High 48s – Eric Christopher; 651-271-4392, eric@thehigh48s.comJefferson County Bluegrass Band – Dale Ward; 608-712-8054, http://jeffersoncountybluegrass.comKristy Larson Honky Tonk Trio – Kristy Larson 608-255-4427; larsonk@chorus.net, www.kristylarson.comLiberty Bluegrass Band – James Brocksmith; 414-803-7477, www.libertybluegrass.com

Marty Marrone & Tangled Roots – Marty Marrone; 651-295- 1376, marty@tangledrootsbluegrass.comMonroe Crossing – Art Blackburn; 763-213-1349, art@monroecrossing.comNew Bad Habits – Chirps Smith; chirpsdot@aol.comNob Hill Boys – John Fabke; 608-635 8961; johnfabke@hotmail. com, www.nobhillboys.comNorthern Comfort – Tony Hozeny; 608-215-7676, thozeny46@sbcglobal.netOak Street Ramblers – Jeff Schoen; 608-669-3991, kunklej@gmail.comOld Cool – Dan Hildebrand; 608-836-3045, danraster@gmail.com, www.oldcoolmusic.com'Round the Bend – Fred Newmann; 608-238-6863, fnewmann@wisc.edu Spare Time Bluegrass Band – Bobby Batyko; 608-575-9945, bbatyko1@tds.netSweetGrass – Trent Cuthbert; 608-658-6353, sweetgrasspickin@gmail.com, www.myspace.com/sweet- grasspickinTruman's Ridge – Bruce Wallace; 815-603-1441, trumansridge@yahoo.comTurtle Creek Ramblers – Dave & Michelle Wilson; 608-361- 0770, www.turtlecreekramblers.com Wooden Bridges Bluegrass Band – Rich Schwartz; 262-719-3549, http://home.wi.rr.com/woodenbridges/

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Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association, Inc. Newsletter July/August '10

Fireball Mail Fireball MailWin a fine fiddle, custom-built guitar, private music lessons, a beautiful hand-made quilt or a digital video recorder! Help SWBMAI support bluegrass music by assisting with this fundraiser.

As our fi rst major fundraiser of 2010, the Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Association, Inc. (SWBMAI) is conducting a Wisconsin Class A raffl e drawing for valuable prizes gener-ously donated by area businesses and private individuals. We kindly re-quest your assistance in selling raffl e tickets to friends & family.

• Blue Tickets – Fiddle ($525 value, with bow & case) donated by Lane Venden (www.laneslutherie.com) plus two violin lessons with Wisconsin State Fiddle Champion, Shauncey Ali.

• Yellow Tickets - Paul Woolson Guitar (www.WoolsonSoundCraft. com) - $3,000 value, solid Koa

body, spruce top with case - plus four lessons by Bob Westfall.

• Green Tickets – Your choice of: One of two hand-sewn quilts donated by Sharon Manion and Mary Jo Brechtl, digital video recorder ($150 value) donated by Bruce Brechtl, hand-braided leather mandolin strap ($100 value) donated by Debra Amesqua, or two lessons with Sims Delaney-Potthoff.

Tickets are $5 each or fi ve for $20 (in any combination of ticket colors). Contact a SWBMAI Board member to receive a bundle of tickets for selling or to make a purchase. When selling, simply have the purchaser fi ll out the contact information on the ticket stub and return it with payment to SWBMAI (P.O. Box 7761, Madison, WI 53707) by December 4, 2010, the day of the SWBMAI Holiday Party. The drawing will be held at 8:00 PM on December 6, at the Dry Bean Saloon

(5264 Verona Road) in Madison dur-ing the Monday Night Jam & Open Mic.

Thanks for your support & good luck in the SWBMAI Raffl e !

No purchase necessary to be eligible for the draw-ing. You need not be present to win. Raffl e win-nings are taxable income and subject to reporting as required by law. The purchase of raffl e tickets is not tax-deductible. SWBMAI is a 501(c)(3) non-profi t organization.

It's Raffle Time!

2 Fireball Mail / July - August '10

Fireball Mail is published bimonthly: January, March, May, July, September, and

November.

Please send advertising inquiries, articles, calendar information,

photos and letters to : Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass

Music Association, Inc. P.O. Box 7761

Madison, WI 53707-7761 Attn: Fireball Mail

E-mail: Fireball MailEditor@gmail.comDeadline for submissions is the 10th of the month preceding the month of publication.

SWBMAI is a member of IBMA (International

Bluegrass Music Association) and the International Bluegrass Music Museum

V o l u m e 2 7 I s s u e 3

Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association, Inc.The Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association, Inc. is a non-profit educational organization devoted to the preservation and promotion of blue-grass music, and supported by volunteer efforts. The SWBMAI mission as stated in the by-laws:1) To promote bluegrass music and musicians2) To bring together persons of all ages who enjoy singing, playing and listening to bluegrass music3) To hold regular bluegrass jam sessions4) To publicize information about bluegrass concerts and festivals5) To help younger persons obtain instruments and instruction in bluegrass music6) To introduce bluegrass music to new listeners

Proud Supporter of WORT 89.9 FM

Every Tuesday Pastures of Plenty,

9:00 am - noon with John Fabke Every Wednesday

Back to the Country, 9:00 am - noon with Bill Malone

Every Friday Mud Acres Bluegrass Special,

9:00 am - noon with Chris Powers

SWBMAI Board of DirectorsPresident/Marketing – openVice-President – Jim Hodges, 608-884-4278, thumbpik@charter.netSecretary – Mary Helmke, helmkemary6@gmail.comTreasurer – Jon Peik, jrpeik@yahoo.comPublic Relations – Bruce Stein, 608-513-3275, bestein@uwalumni.com

Attendant Board Members:Julie Cherney, 608-244-2184, cherney@uwalumni.comJim Knobloch, knobhill@chorus.netLarry Schultz, 608-798-4884, lwschultz@tds.netLane Venden, 608-442-0315, lanevenden@yahoo.com

Webmaster (non-voting board member) – Scott Knickelbine, swbmai@gmail.comMembership Chair – Larry SchultzOther Member Volunteers: Dave Nance, Betty Hodges, Beverly Hills, Bill Malone

Board MeetingsThe board meets monthly. If you would like to attend, contact a board mem-ber to determine the date, time and location as they are subject to change.

Board Meeting MinutesThe Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association, Inc. board meeting minutes are available on line at www.swbmai.org/swbmai-board-minutes/. If you would like minutes mailed to you please send a stamped self-addressed envelope to SWBMAI, P.O. Box 7761, Madison, WI 53707.

Fireball MailPlease let us know whether you want e-mail delivery or mail delivery of your newsletter. E-mail newsletters are in color and arrive sooner than the B&W mailed version. Please tell us when renewing your membership or e-mail Larry Schultz at lwschultz@tds.net.

Fireball MailFireball Mail

For those of you who relish songs of outlaws, scoundrels, thugs and thieves, here is the quintessential southern mountain ballad. It combines the bravado of a western movie with themes of jealousy, whiskey drinking, and trains. The lyrics presented here are just as they were sung by Eva Davis on April 24, 1924 as she sat with her banjo in front of Columbia Records’ acoustical horn.

As I went out to take a little walkI walked upon that Wild Bill JonesHe was walkin’ and a-talkin’ by my true love I bid him to leave her alone.

He says my age it is just twenty-one, Too old for to be controlledI drew my revolver from my sideI destroyed that poor boy’s soul.

Well he kicked and he staggered boys he fell to the groundAnd he give one dying groanI throwed my arms around my true lover’s neckSaying baby you’ll be left alone.

I’ve got one dollar in my pocket bookAnd a dollar in my hand Well it’s come on boys and let’s take a drinkWhile I have this money for to spend.

Well it’s pass around your long neck bottleAnd we’ll all get on a spreeFor today was the last of old Wild Bill JonesAnd tomorrow’ll be the last of me.

My honey she wrote me a letterSaying darling can’t you make bailI wrote her well another one Saying, “Darling I done got bail.”

My honey she wrote me another oneSaid, “Darling what might your bail be?”My woman she sent me a ten dollar billSaid, “Darling come back home to me.”

I was on that old train when she blowed for midnightI was on her when she whistled for dayShe went around the curve and she strained every nerveThis old engine goin’ to carry me away.

Well the engineer he said to his fireman“Just a little more extra coal”We’ll heat her red hot and we’ll keep her in the trotAnd we’ll run her in some lonesome hole.

“Wild Bill Jones” is from Rural Roots of Bluegrass by Wayne Erbsen.

Check out Wayne’s new website at http://www.nativeground.com/ or call for a free catalog of instruction books for bluegrass and clawhammer banjo, fiddle, mandolin and guitar plus old-time, bluegrass and gospel songbooks. Call for free catalog (828) 299-7031.

WHAT'S BEHIND THE SONG: Wild Bill Jones by Wayne Erbsen © 2010

4 Fireball Mail / July - August '10

9:00 - 10:30 Foundational Techniques for the Beginning Mountain Dulcimer Player Brand New Players - DAD - Using a number of traditional tunes, we'll cover holding, stringing, tuning, strumming, fretting, and chording the dulcimer.

10:45 - 12:15 Learn Like Grandpa Did Experienced Beginner - DAD - While tab will be handed out at the end of the session, the focus will be on learning in a do-as-I-do style that's very similar to what a lot of folks did in the old days. You don't need to have a great ear to take this class. We will cover three tunes. If you've had trouble in jams, this class will help. Expect lots of practical tips and shortcuts.

12:15 - 1:30 Lunch on Your Own (or hang with us)

1:30 - 3:00 A Fast Way to Learn Chord Melody that Really Works Intermediate - DAD - Play melody and chords at the same time. Not good with chords? Try this method. Improves your reading. Very little to memorize. Three familiar songs. Plenty of examples.

3:15 - 4:45 Bluegrass Tunes in A Intermediate and Up - DAD, Capo Required (will have a few) - The 6 and the 6½ frets make this capo position extremely versatile for Bluegrass. We'll cover Black Mountain Rag and Maiden's Prayer. Included will be a bunch of tips on fingering and right-hand work.

6:30 - 7:30 Evening Concert with Jam to Follow

Saturday, July 10, 2010 Stephen Seifert Mountain

Dulcimer Workshops

Stephen has been playing the mountain dulcimer since 1991. He has toured with David Schnaufer, performed with orchestras around the country, and been a featured performer in Japan. Since 1996, he has taught and performed at festivals and dulcimer clubs in Los Angeles, Detroit, New York, Pensacola, Houston, and many places in-between. “I want to play all styles of music on the mountain dulcimer. I also want to help my fellow dulcimer players pursue their musical desires, whatever they might be, with the least amount of time-wasting detours.”

All Saints Anglican Catholic Church 169 South Academy Street Janesville, WI 53548-3742

Contact Nancy Garrett at 608-752-6514 or kyuk_04@yahoo.com

An RSVP by July 2, 2010 is very helpful but not required.

Check out http://stephenseifert.com for more on Stephen and his music.

Pricing: $20 per person per workshop $35 for two workshops $50 for three workshops $65 for all four workshops $10 for concert. Family rate of $20 for three and over.(Concert included for workshop attendees.)

6 Fireball Mail / July - August '10

The Lonesome River Band will headline the 4th Annual The Lonesome River Band will headline the 4th Annual Gandy Dancer Festival on Saturday, August 21 in Mazo-Gandy Dancer Festival on Saturday, August 21 in Mazo-manie. Sammy Shelor, a four-time IBMA Banjo Player manie. Sammy Shelor, a four-time IBMA Banjo Player of the Year, leads the band along with Andy Ball (mando-of the Year, leads the band along with Andy Ball (mando-lin), Brandon Rickman (guitar), Mike Anglin (bass), and lin), Brandon Rickman (guitar), Mike Anglin (bass), and Mike Hartgrove (fiddle). They will appear at an informal Mike Hartgrove (fiddle). They will appear at an informal “meet the headliner” session at 3:00 p.m. and there will “meet the headliner” session at 3:00 p.m. and there will be a Bluegrass jam led by Above the Town at 3:30. The be a Bluegrass jam led by Above the Town at 3:30. The complete main stage music schedule is listed below.complete main stage music schedule is listed below.

Family-friendly activities highlight the Gandy Dancer Family-friendly activities highlight the Gandy Dancer Festival, which is presented by the Mid-Continent Rail-Festival, which is presented by the Mid-Continent Rail-way Museum and the Village of Mazomanie. New this way Museum and the Village of Mazomanie. New this year is a “History Detectives” activity organized by Bob-year is a “History Detectives” activity organized by Bob-bie Malone of the Wisconsin Historical Society. Children bie Malone of the Wisconsin Historical Society. Children will have the opportunity to learn about riding and work-will have the opportunity to learn about riding and work-ing on trains by interacting with a panel of old-timers ing on trains by interacting with a panel of old-timers who actually did it. There will be children music by who actually did it. There will be children music by Dave Landau at noon and 2:30, a real-life gandy dancer Dave Landau at noon and 2:30, a real-life gandy dancer demonstration by Dave Lee and incidental juggling by demonstration by Dave Lee and incidental juggling by Jacob Mills. Horse-drawn wagon rides, the mini-train for Jacob Mills. Horse-drawn wagon rides, the mini-train for kids and historical displays at the public library (former kids and historical displays at the public library (former Milwaukee Road depot), the Mazomanie Historical Mu-Milwaukee Road depot), the Mazomanie Historical Mu-seum and the Mazomanie Regional Heritage Center will seum and the Mazomanie Regional Heritage Center will round out the day. Food and beverages will be readily round out the day. Food and beverages will be readily available from local civic groups and businesses.available from local civic groups and businesses.

This event is supported by the Dane County Cultural This event is supported by the Dane County Cultural

Affairs Commission Affairs Commission with additional funds with additional funds from the American Girl’s from the American Girl’s Fund for Children, The Fund for Children, The Evjue Foundation, Inc., Evjue Foundation, Inc., charitable arm of The charitable arm of The Capital Times, and the Capital Times, and the Overture Foundation.Overture Foundation.

Gandy Dancer FestivalGandy Dancer FestivalWestland Promenade Westland Promenade (Brodhead Street at (Brodhead Street at the railroad tracks), Mazomanie, Wisconsin. Saturday, the railroad tracks), Mazomanie, Wisconsin. Saturday, August 21, 2010 – 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., rain or shine. August 21, 2010 – 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is free – contributions to Mid-Continent Rail-Admission is free – contributions to Mid-Continent Rail-way Museum are warmly appreciated.way Museum are warmly appreciated.

11:00 a.m. - Queens of Harmony, African-American 11:00 a.m. - Queens of Harmony, African-American GospelGospel12:30 p.m. - Above the Town, Bluegrass12:30 p.m. - Above the Town, Bluegrass2:00 p.m. - The DitchLilies, American roots music2:00 p.m. - The DitchLilies, American roots music3:30 p.m. - Cork’n Bottle String Band, Bluegrass3:30 p.m. - Cork’n Bottle String Band, Bluegrass5:00 p.m. - Harmonious Wail, Gypsy swing and jazz5:00 p.m. - Harmonious Wail, Gypsy swing and jazz6:30 p.m. - Lonesome River Band, Bluegrass6:30 p.m. - Lonesome River Band, Bluegrass

Further information is available at www.midcontinent.Further information is available at www.midcontinent.org. Please direct questions to: Johanna Fabke at 608-org. Please direct questions to: Johanna Fabke at 608-838-3112 or jbfabke@aol.com.838-3112 or jbfabke@aol.com.

Gandy Dancer Festival

EVERY MONDAYBluegrass, Folk & Traditional Country Jam and Open Mic, Dry Bean Saloon, 6:30 - 10:30 pm, 5264 Verona Rd., Madison, WI Host: Dave Bacholl (Info: 608-906-6036)

EVERY TUESDAYInstructor-Led Jam Classes at The Hotel Ruby Marie, Germania Parlor, 524 East Wilson St. , Madison, WI. SWBMAI sponsored instruction: 1st Tuesday Jon Peik 7:30 pm; 2nd Tuesday with Chris Powers 7:00 pm; 3rd Tuesday with David Nance 8:00 pm; 4th Tuesday with Catherine Rhyner and Mary Helmke 7:00 pm; 5th Tuesday with Guest Instructor 7:00 pm. $5.00 instructor donation. (Info: SWBMAIjamclass@gmail.com)

1st & 3rd THURSDAYApple Holler Bluegrass Jam & BBQ, 6:00 - 9:00 pm; Apple Holler Restaurant, 5006 S. Sylvania Ave., Sturtevant, WI (Info: www.appleholler.com or call 1-800-238-3629)

1st FRIDAYKenosha Folk Hootenany, 7:00 - 10:00 pm, Anderson Arts Center informal gathering in an old Lake Michigan mansion, 121 66th. St., Kenosha WI

2nd FRIDAYRon's Old-Time Jam, Black Earth Bank, 1:00 - 4:00 pm, (lower level meeting room) Black Earth, WI. Host: Ron Poast (Info: 608-767-2553) www.ragtime88.com/swotfa

3rd FRIDAYAcoustic Open Mic, Crossroads Coffeehouse, 7:00 - 9:30 pm, 2020 Main St, Cross Plains, WI. Info: joesnare@tds.net or call 608-798-2080) Host: Joe Snare

1st & 3rd FRIDAYHarmony Bar & Grill, 10:00 - 11:59 pm, 2201 Atwood Av-enue, Madison, WI. No cover. Hosted by Mark & Brian. Call (608) 249-4333. Not held during the summer.

1st SATURDAYWaukesha Church of Christ, 1:00 - 4:00 pm, 2816 Madison St., Waukesha, WI. Host: Pastor Greg (Info: 262-470-3644)

1st SATURDAYRiley Tavern, 2:00 - 5:00 pm, 8205 Klevenville-Riley Road, Verona, WI. Bluegrass, country, & old-time acous-tic music jam. Come out for some good food & pleasant porch pickin' during the summer & fall

2nd SATURDAYFreeport Opry Jamboree Acoustic Jam and Stage Show, 12:30 - 6:30 pm, Freeport Moose Lodge, 601 E. South Street, Freeport, IL. Host: Jeff Wagner 815-978-2705 Sept - May

R.H. Landmark Saloon, 3:00 - 6:30 pm, 138 S. Main St. Jefferson, WI. Host: John Short (Info: 920-563-7441)

Spring Green General Store, 3:00 - 6:00 pm, 137 S. Albany St., Spring Green, WI. Host: Paul Bentzen, Doug Lloyd and Michael Connors (Info: 608-588-7070)

EVERY OTHER SUNDAYOld Time Acoustic Jam, 3:00 - 5:00 pm, Alchemy Cafe, 1980 Atwood Ave., Madison (Info: Scott Knickelbine scottk@lcs-impact.com) 3-28, 4-11 & 4-25

1st SUNDAYLife Spring Coffee Shop, 1:00 - 4:00 pm, 7578 Hwy 51, Minocqua WI. Host: Rich Gadow (Info: 715-588-9498) www.headforthedome.com

Hazelhurst (Yawkey) Town Hall, 1:00 - 5:00 pm, Hwy 51, Hazelhurst, WI. Host: Keith Justice (Info: 715-356-3793)

BBMA Bluegrass Jam, 2:00 - 5:00 pm, Borders Books, 8705 N. Port Washington, Fox Point, WI. (Info: 414-540-1427 http://badgerlandbluegrass.org)

Bluegrass/Old-Time Jam, 6:00 – 10:00 pm, Shari's Chip-pewa Club, 106 W. Main Street, Durand, WI. Round robin style, all acoustic, all ability levels. Host: Emily Huppert & Kevin Louden, with The DitchLilies' Kari Larson & Lisa Schultz. Info: (715) 672-8785.

3rd SUNDAYLake Country Jam,1:00 - 4:00 pm. Good Harvest Market, 1850 Meadow Lane, Pewaukee, WI. www.goodharvestmarket.com

4th SUNDAYViroqua Bluegrass & Gospel Music Association Jam, 1:30 - 4:30 pm, Park View Ct, Viroqua, WI. (Info: 608-637-3820) www.viroquabluegrass.com)

Acoustic Jam, The Attic, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, 730 Bodart Street, Green Bay (Info: www.theatticbooks.com or 920-855-2627)

Jams & Open Mic Events July / Augustl 2010

8 Fireball Mail / July - August '10

Festivals, Workshops, Concerts & Special EventsJuly - August 2010

July

9-11 The Viroqua Bluegrass & Gospel Music Association proudly presents the 8th Annual Traditional Bluegrass & Gospel Music Festival. At the Vernon County Fairgrounds, Highway 14/61/27, Viroqua, WI. This year's lineup features: The DisChords, Alzen Family, Good Friends, Rock River Revival, Fairhaven, Art Stevenson & High Water, and Highway Home. Workshops on Saturday morning and an open stage is also open to all musical people.

10 The 11th Annual Archie Fest Bluegrass Festival will be held at Mondeaux Dam Lodge, located in North Central The 11th Annual Archie Fest Bluegrass Festival will be held at Mondeaux Dam Lodge, located in North Central Wisconsin in the beautiful Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest just 20 miles north west of Medford. Free Wisconsin in the beautiful Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest just 20 miles north west of Medford. Free admission (no carry-ins allowed). Food and beverages will be available on site. Bring your lawnchairs. The bands admission (no carry-ins allowed). Food and beverages will be available on site. Bring your lawnchairs. The bands appearing this year include: Archie & the Wildcats, Big Daddy Choppers and the Feather Pickers, The Lang appearing this year include: Archie & the Wildcats, Big Daddy Choppers and the Feather Pickers, The Lang Bothers, Forest Ridge, Mountain Sky & Friends, Prairie Smoke, and Northern Comfort. Bothers, Forest Ridge, Mountain Sky & Friends, Prairie Smoke, and Northern Comfort.

16-20 The 3rd Annual Crazy Horse Campground Bluegrass Festival will be held in Ashland, IL (7 miles north of Jacksonville & 7 miles south of Virginia). This year's line up features: Mississippi Sawyers, The Harmans, Dale & Gale Lowe, Morgan Daniels Band, New Heir Bluegrass, Common Ground, Illinois Rail, and The King Family. Full weekend camping package available- $85 (includes: hook up, weekend admission & breakfast Saturday and Sunday) Hiking, fishing, canoeing, food concession & general store available. For information call: Andy Egolf at 217/886- 2089 or e-mail to crazyhorseil@yahoo. com. Econo Lodge Inn & Suites -Jacksonville, IL 217/245-9575- Be sure to ask for 'Bluegrass Rate.'

August

6-7 Seventh Annual Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival. The 2010 line-up will be stellar as usual. Appearing this year will be Tim O’Brien, Ginny Hawker & Tracy Schwarz (Appalachian Mountain Music), Liz Carroll (Celtic), Dennis Stroughmatt and Creole Spirit (Creole), Jackstraw (Bluegrass), Modern Sounds (Jazz/Blues), Old-Time Dance w/ Tracy Schwarz, Chirps Smith & Dot Kent (Old-time), Son Mudanza (Son Jarocho), and Dave Laundau (Children’s Entertainer) www.sugarmaplefest.org

14-15 The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival at El Rancho Manana. This year will feature Blue Highway, The Gibson Brothers, Rarely Herd, and many more. By virtue of their win at the Race for a Place contest, SWBMAI Member Band Sweetgrass will open for Saturday night's headliner Blue Highway! Four days and nights of music on multiple stages, great national and regional bands, workshops and showcases. There are five stage venues that are each packed with great music, dance and entertainment. There are special talent showcases and nightly dances in the Showcase Tent, real hands-on workshops in the Workshop Area, family friendly shows and activities in the Family Area, and plenty of good food and fun in the Marketplace. The many camping areas that circle the festival will be packed too, as hundreds of amateur pickers descend on El Rancho Mañana for their an nual dose of jam sessions. Come for the day or camp for the weekend.

19-22 The 18th Annual Southeast Minnesota Bluegrass Association Summer Festival in Cushon’s Peak Campground, located in a beautiful valley on the popular Root River Bike Trail in Houston, Minnesota. Line up includes: Mark Phillips & 3rd Generation, Two Rivers Bluegrass Band, Bag O’ Dirt Band, Triple L Band, New North String Band, Cedar Valley, Men of the Week Band, Highway Home, Terry Smith, The Link Family, and the Roe Family Singers. 507.896.7325, www.camppeak.com or e-mail to camppeak@acegroup.com.

19-22 Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival located in Granite Hill Camping Resort, 3340 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg, PA. This year's lineup includes Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Tony Rice, Daily & Vincent, IIIrd Tyme Out, Grascals, Don Rigsby & Midnight Call, Seldom Scene, Mountain Heart, Dry Branch Fire Squad, US Navy Bluegrass Band, Gibson Brothers, Dixie Bee Liners, Kate Lee & No Strings Attached, Steep Canyon Rangers, and many more! Visit www.gettysburgbluegrass.com for more information.

10 Fireball Mail / July - August '10

20-21 Tickets are now available for the 13th Annual LarryFest. Order your tickets now as there will be no tickets sold at the gate again this year. Cost of tickets is $50 per person for the entire festival which includes: Free camping, free sweet corn, free parking, free shuttle bus, free firewood, food stand with reasonable prices & Carry-in beverages/ food allowed, and 20+ Main Stage performances & Song Writer Stage entertainment. After July 1st, 2010 ticket prices will increase to $60.00. http://www.kvama.org/larryfest.php

21 The 16th Annual Bluegrass in the Gardens-Rockome Gardens will be held in Arcola, Illinois. Featuring: Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, Tommy Brown & County Line Grass, The Bankester Family, Flat Mountain, Mississippi Sawyers, Pickin' Chicks, and Bill E.S. Acoustic. For ONE DAY -Come to Illinois Amish country and experience a beautiful theme park with a touch of the simple life from the past and relax in the present with authentic Bluegrass Music from area and regional bands. The 20 acre park has beautiful flower gardens, rock formations, saw mill, a lake for fishing, restaurant, rides and fresh bake goods and candy for an enjoyable weekend. Rough camping available. Visit online at www.rockome.com. 21 Fourth Annual Gandy Dancer Festival - held at the Westland Promenade in Mazomanie. Free & open to the public! Rain or shine! Featuring Queens of Harmony (African-American Gospel), Above the Town (bluegrass), The Ditchlillies (American roots music), Cork 'n Bottle String Band (bluegrass), Harmonious Wail (Gypsy Jazz Swing), and The Lonesome River Band (bluegrass). A second stage will present kids' programs by David Landau & Bobbie Malone, an open bluegrass jam hosted by Above the Town (bring your acoustic instruments), and lots more fun throughout the day! www.mcrwy.com/news/news22.html

26-28 First Annual Bluegrass in the Pines Festival. Hosted by Art Stevenson & High Water. Also appearing: The High 48s, Sloppy Joe, Seth Foerster Unit, New Pioneers, Hand Picked Bluegrass, & New Bad Habits. Thursday 8 pm show $5. Friday & Saturday, noon to midnight $15. Saturday workshops. Main stage under the tent. Food & drink vendors. Camping available. For info call 715-884-6996. www.highwatermusic.com

27-29 The sixth annual Porcupine Mountains Music Festival will take place at the Ski Hill & Chalet Area in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, located near Silver City in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The festival features folk, blues, bluegrass, & contemporary music from top-class nationally-touring artists as well as up and coming Michigan artists. Every day 1,000 people will enjoy over 20 artists appearing on outdoor stages. Visit www.porkiesfestival.org or www.superiorsights.com/attractions/porcupinemountains.html for more information.

Festivals, Workshops, Concerts & Special Events - continuedJune - August 2010

Fireball Mail / July - August '10 11

July3 Liberty Bluegrass Band, 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm, Riverfront Rendezvous 2010, Pfiffner Pioneer Park, Stevens Point, WI3 Oak Street Ramblers, 9:00 pm - 12:00 pm, Alchemy Cafe, 1980 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI10 Turtle Creek Ramblers, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, The Brick Cafe & Gallery, 615 S. State Street, Belvidere, IL11 Round the Bend, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm, Veterans Memorial Park, 1110 - 1st Center Ave., Brodhead, WI12 Round the Bend, 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm, McKee Farms Park, 2930 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI14 Liberty Bluegrass Band, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Rotary Park, Jefferson, WI 17 Turtle Creek Ramblers, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, NorthPointe Terrace, 5601 East Rockton Rd., Roscoe, IL19 Oak Street Ramblers, 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm, The Malt House, 2609 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI24 Cream City Bluegrass Band, 10:00 am – 11:00 am, South Shore Farmers' Market, South Shore Park, Bay View, WI

August4 Liberty Bluegrass Band, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Deacon Mills Park, 534 Mill Street, Green Lake, WI 7 Oak Street Ramblers, 9:00 pm – 11:59 pm, Alchemy Cafe, 1980 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI14 Turtle Creek Ramblers, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, The Brick Cafe & Gallery, 615 S. State Street, Belvidere, IL15 Liberty Bluegrass Band, 7 pm – 9 pm, Kehoe Park, 400 South Main Street, Bluffton, IN16 Oak Street Ramblers, 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm, The Malt House, 2609 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI21 Turtle Creek Ramblers, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, NorthPointe Terrace, 5601 East Rockton Rd., Roscoe, IL21 Truman's Ridge, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Riverfest, State Street, South Elgin, IL21 Cream City, 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, The Yardarm, 920 Erie Street, Racine WI

Member Band Schedules July / August 2010

Wooden Bridges Bluegrass BandWooden Bridges Bluegrass Band

The Wooden Bridges Bluegrass Band hails from Hart-The Wooden Bridges Bluegrass Band hails from Hart-land, Wisconsin and has been playing together since land, Wisconsin and has been playing together since March of 2005. Members include Rudy Custer on guitar, March of 2005. Members include Rudy Custer on guitar, Jeff Mann on banjo, Rich Schwartz on mandolin and Jeff Mann on banjo, Rich Schwartz on mandolin and Mark Thom on bass.Mark Thom on bass.

The band plays mainly Bluegrass, Country, Irish, West-The band plays mainly Bluegrass, Country, Irish, West-ern, and Gospel music, but has been known to also play ern, and Gospel music, but has been known to also play folk music, John Denver, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and folk music, John Denver, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and even the Beatles.even the Beatles.

Rich and Mark are the founding members of the band, Rich and Mark are the founding members of the band, followed by Rudy. Rich found the last member, Jeff at a followed by Rudy. Rich found the last member, Jeff at a jam and tricked him into joining the group.jam and tricked him into joining the group.

Wooden Bridges Bluegrass Band continues to gig regu-Wooden Bridges Bluegrass Band continues to gig regu-larly and are available for Bluegrass festivals, weddings, larly and are available for Bluegrass festivals, weddings, restaurants, and town functions. According to the band, restaurants, and town functions. According to the band, about 20 percent of their songs are new for each perfor-about 20 percent of their songs are new for each perfor-mance. So, even if you have heard them before, you will mance. So, even if you have heard them before, you will always find new material.always find new material.

The Wooden Bridges Bluegrass Band can be reached at The Wooden Bridges Bluegrass Band can be reached at 262-719-3549 or via e-mail at woodnbrdgsband@aol.262-719-3549 or via e-mail at woodnbrdgsband@aol.com. There are also on the internet at www.wooden-com. There are also on the internet at www.wooden-bridgesband.com.bridgesband.com.

12 Fireball Mail / July - August '10

Fireball Mail / July - August '10 13

SEE THE SENSATIONAL

CAROLINACAROLINACHOCOLATECHOCOLATE

DROPSDROPSAT THE 45TH ANNUAL

ORTON PARK FESTIVALORTON PARK FESTIVALSATURDAY, AUGUST 28 - 6:45PM

This band’s appearance is partially funded by a generous grant

from the Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association, Inc.