Jam Report for Chris, Joe and Ralph

That's right, folks. Doug and I were the only JB's present tonight. We had a good turnout. Let's see, Kendal, VERNON ELKINS, Frankie, Richard, Christian, Sloane, Merry, Nancy, Young Jason, the new dobro player, and the two fiddle prodigies. That would be the young guy and PJ. Wilson also showed up for a few, and the new guy on the dobro was there, along with another fella plunkin on the mandolin and the illustrious Timmy Mills.

Most of the regular onlookers were there, as well. We played some new ones, and alot of old ones. We missed our leader, and those other two hoodlums that normally are there. We at least kept it going for another week.

Had a guy ask if the JB's could play at the Farmhouse. I said sure, when? He said tomorrow night, and I laughed. He said why can't you get them together and I told him we had sickness, folks out of town, and some of us working. Doug couldn't believe he asked on such short notice. Anyway, the guy who does the sound at the Cancer Society events apparently recommended us. Maybe we should call him and try to schedule one in the future. Future meaning over 24 hours down the road!

Hope everyone makes it home, gets better, and/or just returns to the festivities next week.

See ya soon! Happy New Year........

How bout them Eagles?

Sorry Wayne, better luck next year.

I can't make the jam tomorrow--pick a few good uns fer me.

Merry Christmas, youzall!!!

The Coffee Mill Jam Xmas Bass Miracle

The jammers were sad. It was cold. Really cold. And there was NO STINKIN' COFFEE! ARRRGGGHHH! Unbelievable!

Ahem. Anyway, the children were gathered with their many strings -- guitars, mandolins, banjos, fiddles ... but there was no bass! Wayne wiped away a tear as he muttered, "I guess Santa forgot a bass player for Christmas again this year. It must be the economy." But before Jason could give him a hug, who walked in but Santa, toting a bass fiddle!

"Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas and Happy Jam-nation, you cute li'l pickers, you!" Santa said. The jammers were beside themselves with excitement. Santa tuned up and away we went with the first tune. At first, we looked around with puzzled glances and wondered why Santa was playing "Whiskey Before Breakfast" in the key of E-sharp. That's when we noticed theunmistakable smell of eggnog.

Santa had been slamming back whiskey before Christmas!!!

Next thing you know, Wayne is pouring eggnog for the whole crew, shouting "God bless us! Everybody!" After a rousing rendition of "Run Run Rudolph," Santa passed out on top of Kendall and Wayne took over the bass. At first, we were sore afraid ... but then the glory of the bass took hold and we were off and running again! We laughed and cried as George sang "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer." Tim Mills showed up in a Christmas tie. Will Christmas miracles never cease?!!!

We all said goodbye and as we drove out of sight, we heard Santa belch and slur his words as he hollered, "Merry Christmas you goons! Next year I'll *hic* bring my spoons!"

Merry Christmas, everybody!

Coffee Mill Christmas Blowout

They backed em beyond capacity last night at the Mill. Word musta got out about the free food. I heard the Carolers knocked em dead up and down Main street as well. We'll have to remind the Coffee Mill staff to kill the heat on Mondays cause there's always enough bodies in there to keep the place overheated. Miss Isabella really appreciated the Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

Thanks to Ralph for making the party happen. Thanks to everybody who makes that jam happen, and that definitely includes the audience!

It was good to see Asenath and Harlo back in town. Kendall took the jam up the twelve notches of Christmas with his rockin' Run, Run, Rudolph. That dude's outta control. Ken busted out his mando, Mary was back, Bill was cookin' on his dobro, Richard was fiddlin', we had a fiddle prodigy sit in, Lewis had a new bike parked out front, every one of our regulars was there in the place. I don't think we were missin' too many. Hope Stephen got a few tips behind the counter.

What can I say, we're a lucky bunch, and cause they're open next Monday, we can do it all one more time before Christmas.

Radford Caroling and Party

If you're in Radford, and you're cool, you'll want to head on down to the Coffee Mill 'round 6. We're gonna do some caroling and then have our annual Jam Christmas party.

I know readership of this publication is in the single digits, so I'm not worried about any of the "wrong element" getting wind of this.

Cool people only!

Did you miss me?

sorry I couldn't make the jam, dudes. I was out sick from work today and it would have been downright unseemly to be out jamming after that. Don't think I wasn't tempted though.
After a while I figgered my headache wasn't going away whether I was home or jammin', but upon further review, my head did still hurt, and I figgered 55 banjos might not be a help.

Gimme a report, and I'll see youz at the party next week!

Psychograss is cominggggg....toooo tooowwwwn!!!

I don't know if they see you when you're sleeping, but I wouldn't trust em in my liquor cabinet.

Support our pal Dylan Locke, and do yourselves a favor and check out this show.
It'll be a mighty weekend of music.
Friday January 9th, John Jorgenson (Django style master) and Psychograss at the Jefferson Center
Saturday January 10th another fantabulous Side Door Session. (Number 10 on the tenth!)

Psychograss is a supergroup among super groups; Bela's teacher Tony Trishka on banjo, David Grier on guitar, and Grisman alums Darol Anger, Mike Marshall, and Todd Phillips on fiddle, mando, and bass.

They will fire it up, what can I say? I'll be there, and you should be too.

Jam Report (For Ralph)

We had a good turnout for such a cold and sometimes snowy night. Don't know if I can name everyone, but I know we had Dale, Larry, Richard, Frank, Christian, Sandra, Nancy, Kendall, Jason, Doug, Chris, and myself. There were a couple of other guitar players that I have seen before, but don't know their names yet.

Things got off to a little slow start, but when Chris arrived, we seemed to pick up the pace. I think he was determined to get us going. Kendall sang a couple of new ones, at least they were new to me. Larry rolled out What Child is This? on the dobro to begin to give us that Christmas feel.

It was Jason's birthday. (Dec. 1, keep that date in mind because next year will bring about one of those BIG birthdays. We made need to celebrate it with a big blowout!!) I think his whole family, including the in-laws showed up! They brought some cake and he got the usual happy birthday singing from everyone present. Sandra told us as she was leaving that it was her birthday, too. We made her stay long enough so we could sing to her, and then she was off to celebrate properly.

Had a good crowd of regulars and a couple of newcomers. I was glad to see Lewis. He let me know that he had been there a couple of times and I hadn't been, but it was good to see him out and about again. Music was good, and everyone enjoyed themselves as usual. We can't wait for our fearless leader to return! Hurry back Ralph...........