Absorb Bluegrass

Gillies in Blacksburg

2011-11-30T10:17:00.003-05:00

The Java Brothers played quite a fiery set at Gillies last Saturday night. We had Patrick Turner sitting in on fiddle and the mighty Timmy Mills on the banjo.
Thanks to all the local folks who came out and extra special thanks to those who contributed to the tip jar and bought cds. We thank you heartily!

We'll be back at Gillies before too long -we're scheduled for February 4th, 2012!
Come on out!

JB*s at Sinkland Farms.

2011-10-23T17:28:00.003-04:00

We tore it up. Davis was sittin in for Ralph and proved for certain that she's too good to be playin' with chumps like us!

That said, the band was feelin' groovy and everything seemed easy.

This includes Wayne taking multiple requests. Fox on the Run? Check.
Grandma's Feather Bed? Who requests that? No matter, Wayne had it covered.

Joe, Doug, and Chris were there normal selves and sounded pretty good, I think.
Bill Adams didn't show fatigue after his earlier Cowboy set.

It's always fun to rock the Farm, I guess.

Hot Rize at the Jefferson Center

2011-10-09T16:55:00.001-04:00

The Java Brothers had a band outing to the Jefferson Center on Friday night to see a rare treat, a visit from Hot Rize and Red Knuckles & the Trailblazers. The guys, Tim O'Brien, Nick Forster, Dr Banjo Pete Wernick, and guitar ace Bryan Sutton, put on an awesome show to an appreciative crowd. Forster joked that the hits "just keep comin'" but he was right. There wasn't a clunker in the setlist.

Red and the Blazers were great, too!

COLD Night - HOT Jam

2010-12-13T23:14:00.002-05:00

It was a good one at the River City Grill tonight! We had the regulars, Jason, Doug, Brittany, Tim M., Corey, Chris, Daniel, Richard, Tim P., and Wayne. About midway through, Mike Conner and John Miller showed up. There was another gentlemen with them that I didn't get a name from, as well. Mike (FiddleFest) and John (lots of big name bad credits) brought some hard driving picking and singing to the group!

I thought it may be an off night with the weather, but I gotta say it turned out pretty darned good as the night went on. We all told John and Mike to make sure they come back.

Missed our old pals, Ralph and Joe. Don't know where Joe was, but Ralph was trying to hold off a little illness. Get well soon!

New faces at the Jam Last Night

2010-11-16T15:46:00.003-05:00

A good jam. I haven't been in weeks due to work busy-ness, so I enjoyed my ownself.
Down at the end of the circle was a group of guys who said they were from Blacksburg. Hope they come back. We always need new blood, and the on fella played a groovy instrument that he said was Swedish in origin. I thought he called it a Nick Harp, and then he clarified that it was called a nyckelharpa.

It was groovy and he could play.

Hope they all come back.

Java Brothers Rocked WVRU

2010-10-08T11:51:00.001-04:00

I was a bit disappointed with how the vocals were mixed for our in-studio songs, but hey, whatcha gonna do?
The stuff from the CD sounded good, because the CD sounded good!

It was fun to hang with Tim Jackson in the Listening Room.

Check out the archive here.

Grille Power

2010-08-25T10:32:00.002-04:00

The jam thrives. Had a fine time on Monday down on 3rd street. It was good to see Asenath and my pal Harlow. That kid's bigger every damn day.

We had our team all back from Galax - Jason, Corey, Ginny, Ralph, Frankie, Richard.

Maybe y'all can tell me the memorable tunes, but I thought we was cookin' pretty good.

Great time in the River City

2010-08-10T10:17:00.003-04:00

A lot of folks are in Galax and a lot of folks are taking their last vacation of the summer -- which meant the River City Grill was a little less crowded Monday night, but the jam was outstanding. The group was tight and got into some material we'd left behind -- Stuck in the Middle of Nowhere, Fire on the Mountain, Lonesome Pine (in B!)... lots of stuff! Friends, remind me what we played!!!

Been a long time since we rock and rolled...

2010-08-07T23:44:00.002-04:00

The JB's are trained so well now it's ingrained in their brains. Freeze them, put them on ice until 2067 (Summer of Love II), defrost them, and they'll play you a "Little Georgia Rose" that'll do you some good. Though the JB's are rarely all together in the same place, round em up and they know what to do without event thinkin' about it.

The JB's did some good tonight over at the River Course Member Guess Jamboree. They tore it up.

Good sound, a groovy New River-side environment, dinner, drinks, and a beautiful sunset made for a fine place to play some music.

Hope they bring us back.

Another Good 'un

2010-08-03T07:21:00.002-04:00

The jam was hitting on almost all cylinders again last night. We were missing Ralph, which caused a sputter or two in the engine, but it ran pretty good anyway! We had another really good crowd in attendance, and a fine group of pickers. Those in attendance were: Doug, Avery, Richard, George, Curtis, Christian, Maynard, Nancy, Jason, Joe, Tim P., Dale, Rob, Dan, and myself. (Hope I didn't miss anybody!) We got a card signed and sent out to fellow jammer, Wilson in between tunes, played a couple of requests from the listeners, and in general had a right good time! Looking forward to Ralph returning next week!

Bluegrass Break Down Under

2010-06-25T10:00:00.001-04:00

Here's a link to our Aussie pals' blog. Many familiar faces and places.
http://australianbluegrass.com/index.php/exploring-the-south-travelogue-usa-3/

Check out the posts from Galax and Tennessee, too.

Hot. Steamy. Sultry.

2010-06-22T08:32:00.002-04:00

No, we're not talking about some trashy novel Wayne Frye's been reading at the beach, we're talking about last night's jam at River City Grill. The place, the people and the pickin' were hot, hot, hot as the RC still deals with its AC issues. They're on it, and hope to have things fixed this week.

Anyway, Chuck and Co. set us up away from the solar-panel windows and closer to the bar (!) as a way to keep us from melting. Had a little smaller group than usual -- maybe due to the heat, but partly due to vacations -- but by 7, the place was pretty darn full. The RC has treated us well during our brief time there ... they set up the chairs, move everything back and are genuinely happy we play at their venue.

The group consisted of Doug, Joe, Jason, Chris, Nancy, Mary, Frank, Kendall, Christian, Tim P, Mike D and the guy who plays harmonica who I don't know. Eventually, Bill, Kendall, Tim P, Alan Surface and Jason(?) got a jam going in the nice cool breezes outside. Lately we've had some good jams inside and out, which makes for a good scene.

Tim M and maybe a few others were getting into the act as I left. Somebody can list the tunes played. All in all, a good jam was had.

Heckuva Jam

2010-06-14T23:07:00.002-04:00

The jam hit it's stride down at the River City Grill tonight. Maybe it has before, but it was cookin' tonight. We had some excellent new players. John from Australia sitting in on bass was a real asset. Playing left handed like Paul McCartney crossed with Ralph Stanley, he sang good bass, and he knew just about every tune we threw at him.

Ginny is relatively new and sittin' in with some fresh tunes. Mike Dowdy is a familiar face, but he sat in to pick some, which was a treat. We got a rare visit from Slash who anchored the jam out on the sidewalk. Dale was back with us, Kendall was back with us, Christian was back with us. Mary, Larry, Wayne, Ralph, George Smith, Jason Wheeler, Chris Burgoyne, Larry and Bill with their dueling dobros, Mary, Nancy, and some other. Laura Beth and John of Laura Beth and the clover Hollow Boys sat in, too and we hope they'll be back. With the jam splitting in two, we busted out a ton of new tunes. Great vibe tonight.

I'm thinking of about 4 of our die hard regulars who weren't there and the jam was still bustin' at the seams. That's a healthy jam, I tell you what.

LandJamNation

2010-06-14T09:23:00.002-04:00

We missed Joe and Doug, but were most happy to have Java Half-Brothers Jason and Mike fill in during the New River Land Trust Land Jam. We had a good crowd inside the barn, played well considering we had one practice, and we sold 1 CD and gave away 3. (The one we sold, the buyer asked: "Is Jason on this?")

And we got free drink tickets for Shooting Creek beer. I had fun, anyway.

How'd it go?

2010-06-07T21:55:00.001-04:00

Went down hard with some kind of summer cold.
Jamming not an option.
Netflix online.
Nose dripping.
Wish you all could see it.

Memorial Day Jam at River City Grille

2010-05-31T22:58:00.002-04:00

Maybe that was Ralph's last jam...

He wasn't there tonight, but who am I to complain? The jam circle was a little smaller, and it really tightened things up. Doug Capo went AWOL on bass, and Tim Pak filled in ably. We got some cookin' jams going. Ralph was missed, but Wayne played a lot of mando with Nancy, Dan, and even Bill Adams playing some flattop.
Got to see Wilson, in for his once in a blue moon sit ins. Get well soon, Wilson!
Sloan was in taking on a lot of fiddle chores with the always progressing Richard, and Rob showed up late to lend his primo fiddle chops.

Little Cabin on the Hill. Hit Parade o Love. Red Haired Boy. Swingin' Doors. Cherokee Shuffle. What else? Can't remember, but it was some good pickin.

Ralph's last jam ...

2010-05-25T08:57:00.002-04:00

... as a New River Valley homeowner (made you look!) was a good one. I think we're settling in pretty well at the RCG. The owners seem sincerely enthusiastic and happy that we're there. The musicians are adapting to the new environs, many of the patrons from The Coffee Mill have hung with us and new fans are turning out to hear the music.

It was good to see old friends Asenath Cales and Don Hall last night. We had a great turnout of musicianers who were still sawing away when I bailed -- Wayne, Doug, Chris, Joe, Tim P. and Jason, among them. Tim Mills was there, eating what appeared to be chicken salad. Also happy to see Richard, Mary, Nancy, Jenny, Rob Z., Christian, Kendall (sans guitar; granddaughter in tow), and a guitarist who met us at Wades, whose name I do not know. Miss anybody? Glad Lewis, the Fryes, Ken and Dave, the Simpkinses and other friends were on hand. I saw Anna on TV this morning! She was spotted at Mabry Mill with a buncha other roustabouts from Grove.

See you next week!

Total Wayne Frye Request Live!

2010-05-18T09:45:00.002-04:00

Wayne was only there 2 hours, so he paid off several members of the audience to request HIS songs last night! Incorrigible! Including Country Roads ... a blatant attempt to get his songs sung!

I think the jam's going well at the RCG. Good group last nite, good singers, good pickers, a few new numbers AND Wayne Henderson's nephew played a custom-built WCH guitar.

Jam Report

2010-05-10T23:03:00.002-04:00

The jam tonight was really good! Had plenty of pickers, and a decent crowd of listeners. The Grill wasn't as full as it has been, of course the students are gone, so that took away some of the crowd. Can't name all of those in attendance, but a special shout out goes to Tim Pack. He came over and as he was pulling up we were motioning for him to get his bass, since Doug was AWOL. Tim went back home, got his bass, and made an excellent representation for himself! We sure do appreciated having that low end rythmn going!

Good trouble in River City

2010-05-04T11:01:00.001-04:00

I think the jam is going well in the new environs. Y'all tell me.

Can't Explain

2010-04-30T16:09:00.001-04:00

Radford Fiddle and Banjo Jam Moves to River City Grill

2010-04-26T22:49:00.002-04:00

Good food, good folks, and a great big window to watch the people stroll by. I got a good feeling about the River City Grill and the jam's roosting there. It's a great venue, and I loved seeing all my friends there. If you don't know by now, 95% of friends here I've made by playing music, so it's great to feel it going to a new place. Turning a corner, if you will.

Y'all oughta come down and check it out.

Spring/Summer '10

2010-04-06T09:07:00.001-04:00

Anybody got any favorite festivals or concerts coming up? We're just about in fiddlers convention season.

Great jam last night, as usual.

Super market jam

2010-03-30T08:58:00.003-04:00

Literally. A SUPER market jam. Don't know what the natives will think when we uproot them again.

Btw, stopped by the River City Grill. They're hoping for an April 10 grand opening. Bigger place than maybe I first thought. I hope they know what they're getting into when they invited us.

Two Scoops of Carolina Chocolate Drops in Floyd

2010-03-24T09:56:00.001-04:00

The first show March 31 done sold out. Tickets are on sale for a 9:30 p.m. show at the Floyd Country Store.

Alex Chilton, R.I.P.

2010-03-19T16:06:00.002-04:00

I don't know how many of you ever heard of this guy. He was frickin' awesome. Saw him at a famous gig at Lucky's Upstairs in Radford in '87. His band Big Star influenced all the bands I loved in the '80s -- especially the Replacements and R.E.M.

Blue Highway

2010-03-18T13:22:00.003-04:00

Blue Highway put on a great show in Roanoke last Friday night.
Came across this piece on them. Click here.

Not enough bluegrass on this blog...

2010-03-18T13:14:00.002-04:00

So here's some from Alison Krauss.

Featuring Tim Stafford on guitar (we saw him last week with Blue Highway), Jerry Douglas with his long gone pony tail, and (wikipedia confirms this) master fiddler Stuart Duncan on the mandolin. (Like the picture of Sean Connery signed by Roger Moore!)

JB's record masterpiece

2010-03-15T12:04:00.002-04:00

Not since Please Please Me has a record so awesome been recorded so quick.

Watch your local record retailer for the soon to be release awesomeness that is the Java Brothers debut album.

Taking suggestions on album titles.

Nora Jane Struthers and PJ

2010-03-07T22:01:00.000-05:00

Good song, well played.

A New Hope

2010-03-01T21:47:00.002-05:00

Or, a new home. The Jam relocated to the Wades Supermarket in Radford after a 7 year stretch at the Coffee Mill. I gotta say, I was impressed by the first night.

A great turnout
Plenty of room
Tons of parking
Early start / Early end - old geezers like me like to get to bed at a decent hour!
Nice sound to the room

Could be the start of something nice! I love how comfortable it felt. And why shouldn't it? All our friends were there, pickin tunes.

Thanks to Wades for putting out the welcome mat.

Side Door Sessions - Feb 20th - Video clips

2010-03-01T07:49:00.006-05:00

Here's a sampling of a few video clips from the Side Door Session #15 on Feb 20, 2010... (note the special guest appearance of dancing sensation Lucy Berrier toward the end of Pretty Little Bird by the Whitetop Mountaineers!).....

Indian Run - Jerusalem Ridge

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DJKMB7yZwQ

Indian Run - Big Sciota

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpswPxPzoBU

Whitetop Mountaineers - Southern Flavor:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlG6Zm9cmZM

Whitetop Mountaineers - Free Little Bird:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhG3sJH9UNE

Laura Beth and Clover Hollow Boys - Song #1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x76S2dOZGaA

Laura Beth and Clover Hollow Boys - Song #2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z4Gtf7zdGs

Jam at Wades in Radford - 6:30-9:00

2010-02-28T18:45:00.002-05:00

Come out and support the jam and a local business. It's win-win, baby!

Here's a piece that was an obituary of sorts for the Coffee Mill jam that appeared in RU's online publication the Whim.
An excerpt:

Laughter and conversation mixed with bluegrass music flowing from fiddles, banjos, mandolins, guitars, and an upright bass filled the air last Monday, Feb. 22 at a packed Coffee Mill. Every seat was filled as a range from toddlers to seniors clapped their hands and stomped their feet to the music. The energy inside the Coffee Mill made it easy to see it was a special night on Main Street, and it may be the last special night on Main Street for a long time to come. After eight years of serving the City of Radford, the Coffee Mill is closing its doors for good.
“I, personally, am very sorry to see the Coffee Mill close,” fiddle player and a founder of the jam Ralph Berrier said. “Not because of the jam, but because the Mill has been such a wonderful gathering spot for downtown Radford.”

The Coffee Mill has been a popular hangout for both natives of Radford and Radford University students.

“I like the community,” junior Mark Samudre said. “I like getting away from campus and doing my work and stuff.”

Graduate student, Jon Murrill, likes the atmosphere of not just the Coffee Mill, but of the jam sessions as well.

“I try to come as often as I can for [a] couple of months now,” Murrill said. “I saw it from the road and it felt like a fun atmosphere.”

Radford University students don’t just come out to watch the jam; some participate. Banjo player Jason Wheeler comes out to the jams every Monday night and participates with the rest of the group.

“When I first started playing the banjo I was in tenth grade in high school,” Wheeler said. ”I started going to the Coffee Mill jam shortly after I started playing. I did not know many songs, and was a newbie when it came to playing, especially in public. The group of musicians welcomed me and allowed me to sit down and learn from them. I learned a great deal from that jam, and I credit it with the quickness of my development on the banjo.”

With the closing of the Coffee Mill, the Radford Fiddle and Banjo Jam loses the place it called home for the past seven years.

“It seems ironic that two weeks ago we were celebrating our 10 year anniversary, and now, two weeks later, we’re having our last jam,” Berrier said to an attentive audience.

It may be the last jam at the Coffee Mill, but that doesn’t mean it’s the last jam.

“The jam will survive,” Berrier said. “It’s lasted 10 years and has been held at other venues.”

The jam will move to the cafe area in Wades Supermarket every Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. until it finds a permanent location. This isn’t the first time the jam was forced to change locations. When the jam first formed in 2000, the group wandered between several locations such as Mocha Joe’s and BT’s, until they settled down at Joe’s Diner for three years. The Coffee Mill has hosted the jam since they opened their doors eight years ago. The move is necessary, but the group made sure to pay homage to their home of over half a decade.

“We’ve been guests in their house for seven years, so we thank them,” Berrier said.

Cover and story photo by Thomas Bowman

New Home for Radford Fiddle and Banjo Jam

2010-02-24T12:49:00.001-05:00

Temporarily at least...
Ralph writes:

Hi all,

The jam will be moving to the cafe at Wades Supermarket, 405 Main Street in Radford, starting next Monday, March 1. The owners will allow us to play there for a few weeks while we decide upon a permanent location.

Because Wades closes at 9 p.m., the jam will run from 6:30-9 p.m. I am sure we could start at 6 p.m. if folks want to arrive early.

I think Wades plans to staff the cafe area with a cashier, so we can pay for coffee or food close to the action. Enjoy a few chicken fingers with your bluegrass!

Wades is a locally owned grocery store that has been part of the New River Valley for 60 years. I am most grateful to the co-owners, Sarah Harris and Greg Wade, for being so accomodating. If you shop at Wades before Monday, be sure to thank them for their hospitality.

Wades is located on the opposite side of town from The Coffee Mill -- travel away from the university westward on Main Street, about 3/4 of a mile past Radford High School. You will have no problem finding it.

See you at the jam!

RBjr.

Don't let the Jam die. Support it wherever it is.

The Undiscovered Country

2010-02-23T21:19:00.003-05:00

The Jam ended its 7 year run at the Coffee Mill in Radford last night. The place was as packed as it's ever been, and then some. The pickers got in their last licks and a lot of familiar faces were there to be part of the Last Jam, but it wasn't really a bummer at all for me. The incredible turnout of listeners and players told me that we're just being shushed off and we'll roost somewhere else.

All signs are pointing to us ending up at Wade's for the time being. I've heard a lot about groups who want to take us in, and it's great to feel welcomed like that. I've been going to the Coffee Mill Jam for as long as I've been in Radford, and it's where I've met 99% of my friends in this town. The jam is a giant reason I like living here, and I'm going to work to preserve it. I'm not alone, though, so like I said, I'm not at all bummed. This is a chance to perfect the jam!

Ruth Babylon made a cool video of the last jam. It was good one, a mostly typical one. But it's not the last jam, it's just the last jam for the Coffee Mill.

Y'all stay tuned for updates on our next stop!

Side Door Tomorrow Night! Sat Feb 20th

2010-02-19T13:25:00.002-05:00

Don't miss it y'all!

The Side Door Sessions ride again this Saturday night at the intersection of 3rd and Grove in Radford.

Music will feature our old friend Jackson Cunningham, performing with Martha Spencer - the Whitetop Mountaineers.

Also performing will be Ken Richardson, Indian Run, featuring fiddler Paul Herling, and our own Nancy Corey, and Laura Beth and the Clover Hollow Boys.

Doors open at 7:00 and the music starts at 7:30.

Jam Exodus

2010-02-17T08:11:00.002-05:00

Apparently the Jam is being cast into the Wilderness. Ralph passes on the sad news:

Hi all,
As many of you learned last night, The Coffee Mill is closing next week. It appears that next Monday's jam will be the last there. I'll keep you posted on what the plan is -- an "executive committee" met post-jam at Sharkey's to discuss the situation, but after two rounds of beers we forgot what we were meeting about.

We have some options we'll explore for where to go next. We may just play somewhere briefly as a stop-gap until we find a new home. We might even take a couple of weeks off before settling in somewhere else. Another option is to simply retire the jam after 10 good years, but nobody seemed enthused with that idea. So, we'll keep looking as we thank The Coffee Mill for letting us be their guests for the past 7 years.

Any suggestions? Just e' me.

Anyway, to clarify, there WILL be a jam next week at The Coffee Mill. Hopefully by then we'll know what we're doing next.

RBjr.

Bummer. Where will we go next? Retiring from jammin' is unthinkable. Don't let our sweet love die!

Side Door February 20th -Whitetop Mountaineers

2010-02-10T14:58:00.003-05:00

Mark your calendars!
Side Door XV is coming and we've got a great lineup featuring the Whitetop Mountaineers.

Also appearing will be Indian Run, Ken Richardson, and Laura Beth and the Clover Hollow Boys.

Do yourself a favor and don't miss it!

Who's up for Galax?

2010-02-10T14:49:00.001-05:00

On a snowy day like today, think about the long hot nights and long scorched days pickin' at Galax.
I've got to start planning now if I want to make it.

Happy 10th Anniversary Fiddle and Banjo Jam!

2010-02-08T22:51:00.003-05:00

Amazing! Tempus fugit, indeed. The jam just turned 10 and it was a typically excellent one. Somebody told Doug he could miss it, and that Joe could bail out on a blistering version of Roanoke, but it was still great. A fine cake was there. Our fine friends were there, miss Lucy was there and Ms. Ruth. Our long lost pal Wilson. The prodigal Susie Gaskins! I'm gettin' teary eyed just thinkin' about it.

Wayne told me the theme was to play the first song you could remember playing at the jam. I do not have a distinct memory of a first song so I tried a likely one - Bill Monroe's "On and On" in G. Later I decided that "Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms" might have been more likely an Ralph agreed, though he doesn't know either. Wayne said he played "Little Georgia Rose" which is probably the first one I remember him playing.

I'm gettin' to feel like an old-timer. I came to the jam when I moved to Radford in June of ought-three and I've been comin' out Mondays ever since. I've said that it adds about $10,000 to what I think my house is worth, but it's probably more than that. Not every town has a solid regular jam like this where people can come out as beginners and become really good, just by sittin' in and playing. I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you come to the jam week in and week out, you'll GET good. And you'll have a good time doin' it. Once you get a jam like this in your back yard, you'd have to be crazy to move away.

Back in 2003, I remember Tom Layton was there a lot. We used to see a lot more of Vernon Elkins. Susie was usually the bass player. I don't think I had a conversation with Wayne for the first year. I know the first couple times I made the jam I got lost on breaks, I lost the beat, I forgot words, but the jam was always super supportive. No matter how I butchered a break, they told me to take another one. Thanks!

So let me go back to my other point (if I may ramble...where was I????) Not only does every town NOT have a jam, very few towns do. And fewer still have a regular every-week jam, and fewer still have a friendly jam that encourages anybody and everybody to join in and be a part of it. It's very special, and we know that we owe the biggest debt to Ralph Berrier for being the anchor, and showing up week after week to keep the jam going as it was getting started, and over ten long (short!) years as musicians came and went and were replaced and came back.

Here's to Ralph and here's to the musicians, and here's to ten more years!

Jam report 2/1

2010-02-02T09:50:00.002-05:00

A fine group of musicianers and listeners warmed themselves by the fire of the jam Monday night. More than 15 music-makers plowed through songs like a VDOT truck through a snow-covered street. Well, better than that actually, considering my street. There were about 40 people in the place most of the night.

We dusted off old favorites "Big Scioti," "Cattle in the Cane" (which Chris led on fiddle! Last 2 weeks: bass, fiddle, no mandolin), "St. Anne's Reel" and many sing-alongable tunes, too.

Coming soon: 10 Years of the Radford Fiddle and Banjo Jam.

Wow!

2010-01-24T18:03:00.002-05:00

I've said this before, and I'm sure I'll say it again, but I have a tendency to go into these shows with terrible anxiety because I don't know what's going to happen. Bands might not show up, they might play badly, if I'm playing, I'm sure to forget the words...etc.

This week was no exception. And like the thirteen previous shows, things worked out just fine. In fact, they worked out way better than fine. I remembered the words to my songs, Ralph helped me out and we didn't have any trainwrecks --success! Once our set was out of the way, the Java Brothers did their best (our best?) to tear it up, and I think we represented ourselves well. Thanks to all in attendance for the encouragement.

After the JBs, Bob came right out and turned the show on it's head with some great solo banjo ballads. There's something really great about the clawhammer banjo that I find irresistable, and my boy Bob's got it.
The crowd was particularly feisty last night and they got a show. The last band up was the Brian Peters trio, who I had never heard at all. They fit the bill at the Side Door because they were local, willing to play, recommended, and best of all, a jazz band. We'd never had one, and I was excited. I was nervous, too, though because, as I said, I'd never heard them. I needn't have worried, and with Vibes, electric bass, and drums, they took the joint over with great tunes like
Take the A Train, Chameleon, Four, Blue Bossa, Blue Monk, and and All Blues for a demanded encore. They were really great, and I loved how the crowd responded to them.

The whole show was exactly what I had in mind when we started this thing. Music of all kinds played for an attentive audience in a groovy atmosphere.

Thanks again to all the musicians and volunteers who helped and the audience who come and make the Sessions their own!

See you for the next one on February 20th!

Last Jam before Side Door 14

2010-01-19T08:57:00.002-05:00

As usual I arrived a bit late and found the jam rockin' and packed. There was no place to sit for nearly an hour. But that's cool cause I got to catch up with Joe, Tim, Sam and other musicians who couldn't get a seat in the circle. Also hobnobbed with our awesome regular fan base. They're aficionados.

Saw some new faces at the jam which is always good. We got some new original banjo tunes (both good!) out of Joe and Jason. We had a bunch of fiddles between Sloan and Ralph and Richard. Ralph left and Chris didn't hurt anybody with his fiddle.

Ralph had to leave early but we soldiered on.

Don't forget now, the Side Door rides again on Saturday night.

The Brian Peters Trio
Bob Browder
The Java Brothers

and more!

Side Door Session Next Saturday - January 23rd

2010-01-15T18:34:00.002-05:00

Here in 20-oh-10!

Another good 'urn

2010-01-12T08:04:00.002-05:00

Downtown was hoppin', especially in the vicinity of 1144 E. Main Street. At one point I counted 15 pickers and 25 listeners -- 40 people inside The Coffee Mill! More filtered in and out throughout the evening.

Joe indulged in a couple of originals on a night when banjers reined. Wayne and George sang many fine numbers, guitarists and mandolinists picked sweetly, and the wheels came off an old-time fiddle medley. In other words, just another hard-driving bluegrass jam session in Radford (except that we actually had a guy playing a washtub bass near the end of the evening. He was pretty good!)

Great jam to start the year!

2010-01-05T10:05:00.000-05:00

The cold temperatures kept some of the crowd down, but we had about 15 musicianers playing to a decent-sized audience at the Mill last night.

Boyz, gurlz, name some tunes we played. Wayne, after you left, Jason led us in "Auld Lang Syne" and Chris and I sang a Stanley Brothers song I don't remember. Richard was giving Chris a fiddle lesson when I bolted.

Hope Joe is feeling better.

Great jam to end the year!

2009-12-29T20:21:00.000-05:00

Chris, Joe, tell Wayne about it. I'm headin' out on the road.

Thought it would be small and chill. It was paked!

If Trouble Don't Kill Me

2009-12-27T19:24:00.002-05:00

As our blog audience is almost entirely literate, I've got some big news.
Not only can all the members of the band read, one of them can write real good, too.

Ralph's book, If Trouble Don't Kill Me is generating pre-release buzz. I'm angling for a role in the movie.

Cybergrass writes:

Ralph Berrier, Jr.'s book If Trouble Don’t Kill Me: A Story of Family, Brotherhood, and Bluegrass, the true story of Ralph's music-playing grandfather and his twin brother, is slated to be published by Crown in July, 2010. The book is a memoir about Ralph's grandfather, Clayton Hall, and his twin brother, Saford. Briefly put, the brothers grew up in the hardscrabble foothills of Patrick County, Va., where they learned to play music and sing from their mother.

In other news, I'm changing the name of the Java Brothers to "Judy Hall’s Bastards."

Blue Highway

2009-12-17T22:56:00.001-05:00

This is what we were gonna see.

Damn you, snooooowwwwwww!!!!

Blue Highway Canceled

2009-12-17T22:55:00.001-05:00

Snow done the show in...

> We apologize for any inconvenience. Our hope is to have a rescheduled date as soon as possible and we will alert you at that time. Information will be emailed to you as well as posted on our website as soon as it is available. Your current tickets will be honored at the door. If you are unable to make it to the rescheduled date, we will refund your purchase. If you have questions, please call the box office directly at 540.345.2550 x 1.

Hope they come around again soon.

Blue Highway

2009-12-15T15:11:00.004-05:00

I'm organizing a party to see some fiery bluegrass.

Blue Highway is playing Friday Night in Roanoke. Who's with us?

These guys are the real deal and they've made it 15 years. That's somethin.

The JB's are approaching our 3rd anniversary, by the way. We're 20% as long-lived!

Ho Ho Ho-down 2009

2009-12-15T09:57:00.002-05:00

The Coffee Mill Fiddle and Banjo jam had our Christmas party last night and it was, as usual, a good ol time.

We had caroling - Kendall led the group and fired up the Christmas spirit up and down main street. We even got called back for an encore at Mi Puerto. We hit Barry's, the Nail Shop, the Chrysalis shop, and got 'em fully riled up in Sharkey's.

Then we picked some tunes and had a fine feast. I ate way too many cookies and too many of those baked potato skins. Dang, they were tooo good.

George Smith led the tour de force "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer." Lucy did some fine jinglin' on Jingle Bells.

I'm glad to know you all and we did some fine pickin! Merry Christmas!

Encore for Jack

2009-12-09T11:14:00.001-05:00

Buckdancer's Choice. This one's a great example of his ragtime style.

Jack Rose 1971-2009

2009-12-08T09:16:00.005-05:00

The world lost a great guitarist and a fun guy to be around. I did not know Jack all that well, but had made music with him on several occasions when I was with the Black Twig Pickers. He had become an influential fingerpicker in recent years and seemed to have really found his musical voice.

Jack was best pals with my friends and fellow BTPs Mike Gangloff and Isak Howell, who are grieving over his death.

Jack was only 38.

Only the good, as they say.

Smokin' Jam tonight

2009-12-07T22:56:00.002-05:00

The jam is in a very healthy state right now, IMO. George Smith got out tonight with his fine banjo; George always seems to elevate the pickin. Hanging out with no desire other than to see and hear music were Bill and Wayne. Christian and Dan expanding the mandolin section. Timmy Mills, playing the whole night! Ralph, Richard, and Geoff fiddlin' up a stawm! Corey and Wayne en fuego.

Chris, Joe, Nancy, Kendall, Super Doug-E Fresh.

The jam was cookin'.

I enjoyed the John Hardy particularly.

Blue Highway in Roanoke 12/18

2009-12-03T15:55:00.001-05:00

FYI Y'all!
Blue Highway in Roanoke!

Too busy!

2009-12-03T12:05:00.002-05:00

I guess we were all to busy to write it up, but the jam on the night of Monday 11/30/09 was a fine one. We had an excellent crowd, and excellent bunch of pickers, and a bunch of familiar and not-so-frequently-played tunes.

Remember that the Christmas party is coming up on Dec 14th - little less than 2 weeks away.

"We'll have food, drinks and fun as part of our annual holiday party."

Monday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.
The Coffee Mill
Bring your instruments and an appetite.

No turkeys at this jam

2009-11-24T10:03:00.002-05:00

We worked off the pounds during a pre-Thanksgiving throwdown at the Mill.

At 7 p.m., I wouldn't have bet a nickel that we'd have a big crowd. We had no more than 10 folks in the place, which was fine, because the small group included a good mix of players.

At 8 p.m., the place was PACKED. The jam rolled full-throttle till about 9:30, then a few of us left to get an early jump on the holiday. At 10, a few stragglers were still working through a few tunes.

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!

Jam Christmas Party Dec. 14

2009-11-17T14:03:00.002-05:00

We'll have food, drinks and fun as part of our annual holiday party.

Monday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.
The Coffee Mill
Bring your instruments and an appetite.
Menu details to come.

Big time at big jam

2009-11-17T08:21:00.002-05:00

Y'all were there. Was fun, warn't it?
Good to have most of the regulars back in the house at the same time, even if it was for a one-week-only appearance.

Bluegrass growing in our backyard

2009-11-11T10:29:00.003-05:00

The Gibson Brothers
November 13, Friday, 7:30 p.m. @ Kirk Avenue Music Hall, Roanoke

Cadillac Sky
November 13, Friday, 8 p.m. @ The Lyric, Blacksburg

Franklin County Fiddle Fest
Featuring Junior Sisk and Rambler's Choice
November 14, Saturday, 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. @ Franklin County High School, Rocky Mount

NRCC Fiddle, Banjo and Dance Club
Featuring John Viers, Zephyr Lightning Bolts
November 14, Saturday, 6 p.m. @ New River Community College, Dublin

Coaltown
November 14, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. @ Fairview Ruritan Club

More at radfordfiddle.com.

Tell me 'bout the jam!

2009-11-09T22:35:00.001-05:00

Sorry I missed. We're all in recovery mode now.

Bluegrass in the Area

2009-11-03T20:58:00.003-05:00

Sounds like a good show Sunday in Marion...

Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out will take part in a special performance on Saturday, November 7th at the Lincoln Theatre in Marion, VA. The performance will be taped before a live audience and broadcast next year on PBS stations across the country. The concert starts at 7:00pm and will also include performances by Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper and Williams & Clark Expedition. Song of the Mountains is hosted by Tim White. For more information including directions and tickets, call 276-783-6092 or visit www.SongOfTheMountains.org

I'm not sure when Russell Moore stepped out front of IIITO, but oh well. He's one from the Doyle Lawson farm school of bluegrass, so he's already ok with me.

Extry fun jam

2009-11-03T10:50:00.002-05:00

We missed some familiar faces last nite, but welcomed a slew of newcomers and old pals to the jam.

A dobro player named Sandy (forgot his last name) from Tuscon stopped by on his 2,000-mile trek to hear real bluegrass music. He's on his way to Nashville, but knew he had to get to the Va/NC mountains first. He heard about our jam while in Floyd on Sunday. Heard about it from the young banjo picker who has come a few times (name escapes me). Sandy said he loved the jam and had a wonderful time.

A guitarist named Dan from Conn. sang and picked many good ones. Wayne, this is the dude you've been e-mailing. He had a good time, too.

Otherwise, we had a full house of pickers and grinners. George, Joe, Kendall, Dale (!), Nancy, Mary, Doug, Frankie, Timmy, Sloane, Jeff the fiddler, Richard, Cory, Christian, young mando picker whose name I think is Ian, aforementioned young banjer plucker, and the 2 new fellers. And me. Hope I didn't forget anybody.

Joe sang "Long Gone." Dale sang a bunch. Dan the new guy sang "Highway of Sorrow" among others. Sandy the dobro man sang a gospel number and played beautifully. I forgot the words and tunes to songs I've been singing for years.

Cookin' with the Java Brothers

2009-11-02T22:27:00.004-05:00

Come down to Sinkland Farms in Riner for "Up in Smoke" Chili Cook-Off and Wine & Brew Festival
Saturday, November 7, 2009
12 noon - 8pm

JBs Play 3-4:15

Larry Keel and Natural Bridge

2009-11-02T22:23:00.001-05:00

From the New River Old Time email list:

Here's some after squaredance fun to get into this Saturday in Blacksburg, VA:

LARRY KEEL AND NATURAL BRIDGE

"A lot of new things popping up so check out our tour dates for Holiday Shows and other events. Really looking forward to this weekend at the REX THEATER a new venue for us in Pittsburg…Friday is with Tony Rice in Richmond VA…then back to Blacksburg for a Saturday Night Show Down at Attitudes."

SATURDAY

November 07, 2009 at Attitudes

Blacksburg, VA

900 Prices Fork Rd. Tickets $10. Showtime 10pm. 540-552-7001

Side Door Sessions Survey

2009-10-30T17:22:00.002-04:00

Hey y'all, I'm trying to gather some feedback on the Side Door Sessions.
What do you like?
What do you not like?
Who do you want to see?

Please click this link and try this very brief survey.

Side Door Survey

Thanks a bunch!

How was the Jam?

2009-10-27T11:06:00.000-04:00

It's raining in Jersey.

Go Phillies!

Frankie's Jam Report

2009-10-23T11:24:00.002-04:00

From Frank Fitzgerald:

Just an update to this past Monday night jam. No Ralph, Wayne, Chris, or Joe, so it was almost Java "Brotherless" with the exception of Doug C. on the bass. Others included Jason and George on the banjos, Richard and another guy on the fiddles (the other fiddle player works at RU and has been jamming with us; Jeff is his name; rbjr.), Curtis on the dobro, Mary on the mandolin, and rounding out the accompaniment were the following guitarists: Kendall, Nancy, Cory (who sat in Ralph's chair, played a few leads, and broke a string), and yours truly. Another mandolin player showed up [Christian, I assume; rbjr.].

We also had an electric bass player (I think his name was "Neil") join us with a mini amp powered by batteries. He has toured with Jane Powell and Clarence Carter along with others (didn't catch all of their names). He was originally from Radford (went to RHS) and he recalls Wayne and Joey. He has lived in Atlanta for 25 years.

Smaller crowd than usual, including the spectators. Good time had by all as George and Kendall provided most of the lead vocal with Curtis and yours truly providing the backup on the chorus. I thought the highlight was when Curtis did a version of "Not Afraid" which was spectacular.

Both Kendall and I left a little after 8:00 p.m. Not sure what happened then.

Definitely missed you all but everyone seemed to enjoy the music!

The Spectrum

2009-10-21T22:41:00.003-04:00

Before I spent all my time playing bluegrass, I blew all my money going to concerts. A good bunch of em at the Spectrum in Philadelphia.
First show? George Thorogood in 1985.
Followed immediately by Rush.
Then over the years, YES, Springsteen, Jethro Tull(!), Moody Blues, INXS, U2, David Bowie, LIVE, Roger Waters, 3 Dead shows, Billy Joel, Eric Clapton, REM, had tickets to see the CARS but got grounded and couldn't go. I listened to FM rock and roll exclusively.
In 1987, I went down and when faced with a wad of cash, I scalped my Springsteen tickets. I later regretted this, but live and learn. I'm sure I'm missing some in there. Saw a handful of Flyers games, a couple of Sixers games, a lacrosse game of some kind. When the Flyers moved to a new arena, the Spectrum hosted the Philadelphia Phantoms hockey - tons of fights!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-10-21T22:15:00.002-04:00

Christine hooked me up for this birthday.
Monday we set Isabella up with Grandma and we headed down to South Philly for a big ol' time. We hit Pat's for a cheesesteak and then down to see Bruce play one of the last shows at the Philadelphia Spectrum. We got to meet up with my old pal Andy and his bride who just happened to have tix to the very same show. He was my next door neighbor growing up and our birthdays both in October. I guess was the obvious gift for both of us.

Springsteen has been treating fans to performances of albums from the discography. We got Born to Run, which was a good one to get.
I've been a fan since I can remember, and I think Born to Run was the first album I bought with my own money, so I'm always willing to give Bruce the benefit of the doubt.

I thought of the JBs during this one - Bruce taking requests. I liked this one, not because it sounded great, but because he took a chance on it. IMHO you never want to have the whole show planned out - gotta call some audibles!

I thought Bruce might have been pulling a Del McCoury - pretending to ask for requests, and then when a million people yell up some song, he plays what he wants, but whatever...
As for the King, (whoever he was) he made the most of it, as I would have - he drove the band into Blue Suede Shoes and made Bruce take a break. Sweet.
Lighters are gone from the arena shows, replaced by glowing cell phones. In this case Phillies fans tracking the Phils-Dodgers game that ended after the show. (Phils win!)
Thanks Christine!

JBs at Sinkland Farms

2009-10-12T16:05:00.004-04:00

JBs got rained out on Saturday, but tore it up on Sunday. We missed Doug C, but Bob Thomas sat in and laid down a righteous groove.

Check the JBs out at Sinkland Farms next week, Saturday, 10/17, 3:00-5:00PM.

I shouldn't have to twist any arms here:

Bluegrass
Ice Cream
Pumpkins
Corn Maze (Maize Maze!)
Live Animals
Hay Ride

Must I go on?

The Jam Was Good, Chris

2009-10-06T09:20:00.002-04:00

We missed a few of our regs, but we welcomed many other folks, including PJ sitting in (or standing in) on bass. Tim T thumped the doghouse for a while, too.

Nearly 20 musicianers played indoors and out. Four fiddles, four banjers, myriad six-string-stranglers, 1 dobro (that I saw but never heard) and a couple o' mandolins comprised the ensemble. Jam groupies were kinda light, but an outstanding time was had.

How was the jam?

2009-10-06T07:01:00.002-04:00

I'm getting ready for Dailey and Vincent.

Music in October

2009-10-05T09:16:00.001-04:00

Here's a sample of stuff that's happening within an hour's drive. Check www.radfordfiddle.com for updates.

Autumn Leaves Festival
October 9-11, Friday-Sunday @ Mount Airy, N.C.

NRCC Fiddle, Banjo and Dance Club
With Mountain Thunder, Appalachian Mountain Girls
October 10, Saturday, 6 p.m. @ NRCC, Dublin

Dailey and Vincent
October 10, Saturday, 7 p.m. @ Little River Bluegrass & Gospel Barn

Red Head Express
October 10, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. @ Fairview Ruritan Club

Film: "From Wood to Singing Guitar"
Appalshop film about Wayne Henderson
October 11, Sunday, 2 p.m. @ Blue Ridge Music Center

Mac and Jenny Traynham
Oct. 11, Sunday, 5 p.m. @ Roanoke Mountain Campground

John Cowan Band and the Waybacks
October 14, Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. @ Kirk Avenue Music Hall, Roanoke

Charlie Parr with the Black Twig Pickers
October 15, Thursday, 8 p.m. @ Kirk Avenue Music Hall, Roanoke

Tribute to Round Peak musicians
October 18, Sunday, 2 p.m. @ Blue Ridge Music Center

Shawsville Square Dance
October 24, Saturday, 7 p.m. @ Meadowbrook Center, Shawsville

Dixie Bee-Liners
October 24, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. @ Fairview Ruritan Club

When the Ship Comes In

2009-10-01T08:37:00.002-04:00

I loved this version since I first heard it.

This is the previously mentioned Chris Hillman, playing mandolin and singing with the Hillmen.

I've done that drive, too.

Chris Hillman and Herb Peterson at Kirk Ave in Roanoke

2009-10-01T08:03:00.002-04:00

This orta be good show Saturday night that the Kirk Avenue Music Hall in Roanoke. These guys have a serious bluegrass history. Hillman was in the Hillmen before he was in the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers or even the Desert Rose Band.

Herb Peterson has done many things and is a fine banjo player. He played with the Dillards, but his final obit should not neglect to mention that he wrote Old Train.

Here's Chris HIllman with Gram Parsons...

Local media ambushes young Jason at jam

2009-09-29T08:45:00.002-04:00

We had a great jam at The Coffee Mill Monday night, despite the absence of the Hon. G. Wayne Frye. Had groups playing inside and out, including a posse of fleece-wearing young pickers relegated to the windy streets of Radford. They were a suspicious-looking bunch, even hassled by local constables at one point.

("Are those FIVE fiddles in there?" the officers might have asked. "Yes," would have been the reply.)

One of the fleece brigade was our very own Jason Wheeler, who was spotted before the jam GIVING AN INTERVIEW to an ink-stained, blonde, hottie reporter from The Tartan. Look for a People-esque celebrity profile in a student paper near you.

The jam put the capper on a great weekend/beginning of music in Radford, following yet another successful episode of the Side Door Sessions, which ended with a raging late-night jam (see Chris's post below).

Thanks!

2009-09-28T09:40:00.002-04:00

Guess we'll do it again.
The Side Door was another real fun time. Maybe cause it was all folks hardy enough to brave the rain who made up the audience.

Probably it was the musicians who threw themselves into putting on a fine, totally new show.

Thanks to Bill, Kendall, and Doug for throwing down the real deal country sounds of Hank Williams. Awesome steel playing, there Mr. Bill!

Thanks to Scott, Slash, and the expanded Hillbilly Hot Club for a really special mix of flatpicking and Gypsy jazz. I read somewhere that Django hated other guitar players. If that's true he really would've hated Scott, because Scott is awesome and he and the band threw down on Saturday night.

Thanks to Jim, Jeff, and Michael of Rocket Surgery. I really enjoy playing with those guys. I like to play with groups that don't really sound like anybody else, and they achieve that.

The jam went later than we ever have I think. Orla/Viola, Corey

We had some fresh faces and new converts to the Side Door. Spread the word and we'll keep Rockin' Radford. (We'll keep Radford rockin'? Both, I guess!)

I'll let you know about the next Side Door when I know when it is.

See y'all at the Jam,
Chris

Tonight's the Night

2009-09-26T16:53:00.003-04:00

Come on out to the Side Door!

Once the Hokies are done stompin' Miami in the mud and rain, you'll need somethin' to do.

Come SEE!

Rocket Surgery
Scott Fore
Bill Adams, Kendall Weddle, and the Lonesome Drifter Band

Side Door - 3rd and Grove in Radford is where it's at.

Doors open at 7, music starts at 7:30.
$5 donation appreciated.

Newport Fest Bands

2009-09-25T07:52:00.002-04:00

Newport Fest was a ton of fun and I'll encourage everyone to get out next year.

Till then, here's a sampling of the bands who played there this year.

Scotch Tasting!

2009-09-23T22:37:00.002-04:00

In my opinion, one of the best kinds of tasting.

The Highlander Fest is a great weekend to throw down, but if you're looking for something a little more high end (and hey, aren't we all?), get on down to the Farmer Auction House for a little bit of fine scotch with entertainment by the Fabulous Java Brothers.

It's gonna be a real boss good time.

Support Local Business and Local Music

2009-09-22T08:27:00.003-04:00

Whenever possible, I recommend doing both.

Here's a couple chances. Scott Fore is playing out at the River Company Brewery on Friday Sept 25th. I believe 6:30 - 9:00 is their normal dinner music timeframe.

Then he's playing at the Claret Cafe in Radford on the morning of September 26th.

And don't forget, Scott is a featured performer at the Side Door Sessions on Saturday night.

There ain't no music scene without you people!

Update:
Looks like the Side Door is your only chance to see Scott on Saturday. Claret Cafe closed. Dang.

We already know this one

2009-09-21T16:28:00.001-04:00

Just not this fast.

This version's even better.

One for us to learn up on...

2009-09-21T16:21:00.000-04:00

It's important to play Bluegrass music

2009-09-21T16:18:00.001-04:00

Our pal Doug Connor said he might be able to round these guys up for a show. I love Junior Sisk. I think he's from down Ralph's neck of the woods.

What will they do to the Old Home Place?

2009-09-21T16:16:00.001-04:00

Any entraypreenoors out there?

More Yodelin'

2009-09-17T09:56:00.001-04:00

Nora Jane Struthers

2009-09-17T09:26:00.003-04:00

Met this lady through PJ. Those of you who made it out to Casey's Going Away party would have met miss Nora Jane. She's been to the jam a couple three times with PJ. Saw her out at Newport Fest with James Leva. She gave me a cd and I was really impressed.

This girl can play and sing.

We got to get her out to the Side Door before she gets too famous.

Side Door Sessions - Sept 26th

2009-09-15T21:56:00.002-04:00

Mark your calendars!!!

The lineup for the Side Door Session on September 26th, 2009 will be officially released...Now!

Come and See!

The DRIFTIN' COWBOY BAND, featuring Bill Adams and Kendall Weddle gettin' their full Hank Williams on.
ROCKET SURGERY - making old favorites from your old vinyl sound totally new.
and returning to the Side Door stage, flatpicking champion SCOTT FORE for another session.

It's been a long time, y'all and I know we've missed each other.

Let's take our summer picnic inside to the Side Door and enjoy some music to kick off the Autumn!
Tell your friends. $5 suggested donation. 7:00 PM Saturday September 26th, 2009.

Good jam last night

2009-09-15T21:49:00.002-04:00

Noteworthy? Tim sitting in on bass! Who's a good boy?

Orla on the viola. Our dobro pal on the fiddle. (Sorry, I'm terrible with names.) He played "The Auctioneer" which I dug. We dusted off the Used to Be and the Sugar Coated Love. I like those.

Joe arrived late but contributed. We played a late Jerusalem Ridge. We'll get it down within 3 months, I think. Got to play Texas Gales with Corey. I enjoyed that.

I can't remember much else. Brain dull.

Some other witnesses can chime in.

Bluegrass Song Material

2009-09-09T12:17:00.002-04:00

There's a whole concept album here.

And is that Bill A in the comments?

Labor of love for jammers

2009-09-08T15:52:00.003-04:00

Not sure we even need a jam post for folks who weren't there -- because everybody was there for a Labor Day musicfest. People were playing by 6:40. Three separate jams were happening for most of the night. One inside the Mill, two on the sidewalks.

As the inside jam slimmed down, the boyz dusted off some less-tried tunes -- Roll Muddy River, The Crow, Dark As a Dungeon, etc. By 9:30, the street people had come in from the cold and we went out in a blaze of raging tunes. A good time.

Lost JBs Tapes

2009-09-05T23:33:00.002-04:00

Restored!

The recordings will delight and surprise. Surprises like, Sally Gooden actually turned out pretty great.

It'll blow your minds. Which is perfect for a holiday weekend!

In other news, got out to Newport Fest. On stage there were Mountain Legend Express featuring Jon Benfield, the Jugbusters, and James Leva. Other bands followed, by I had to split. It was tons of fun out on the mountain side. Local beer, local coffee and a local pig got bar-bee-q'd!

Yum!

Triple B Trio at the River Company

2009-09-03T21:36:00.002-04:00

Support local music, y'all!
This won't involve any arm-twisting. Bill Adams, Brian Mueller, and Bob Thomas - the Triple B Trio - are out at the River Company tomorrow night.

That's Friday evening from 6:30 to 9:00.

Go hear good music, eat good food, and drink good beer.

Like I said, no arm twisting needed.

Steam Powered All-Stars

2009-09-03T08:45:00.003-04:00

This song makes me cry. Yes, that's Mark O'Connor on the mandolin.

Little ol Band from Texas!

2009-09-02T14:54:00.002-04:00

I was super stoke to discover that my favorite Amerkin band, ZZ TOP, is playin' in Roanoke on September 11th.

ZZTop - TV Dinners
Uploaded by jpdc11. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

I'm so there.

September Songs

2009-09-02T10:42:00.002-04:00

Marty Stuart
September 4, Friday, 7 p.m. @ Blue Ridge Music Center

Newport Fest
Sept. 5-6, Saturday-Sunday @ Newport

Labor Day Mountain Music Concerts
Sept. 5-6, Saturday-Sunday @ Peaks of Otter

Albert Hash Memorial Festival
Sept. 5, Saturday @ Mount Rogers School, Whitetop

Roanoke Fiddle and Banjo Club
Sept. 5, Saturday, 6 p.m. @ Vinton Farmers Market

Song of the Mountains
Kruger Brothers, Fescue, Paul Williams
September 5, Saturday, 7 p.m. @ Lincoln Theatre, Marion

Josiah's GrahamFest
Sept. 5-6, Saturday-Sunday @ Major Graham Mansion, Grahams Forge

The Flying Cowboys
Sept. 6, Sunday, 5 p.m. @ Roanoke Mountain Campground

Rockbridge Mountain Music and Dance Festival
Sept. 11-12, Friday-Saturday @ Glen Maury Park, Buena Vista

ZZ TOP
Sept. 11, Friday, 8 p.m. @ Roanoke Civic Center

Bill Kirchen with the Harris Brothers
September 12, Saturday, 7 p.m. @ Blue Ridge Music Center

The Moor Hounds
Sept. 13, Sunday, 5 p.m. @ Roanoke Mountain Campground

Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion
September 18-20, Friday-Sunday, 7 p.m. @ Bristol, Va./Tenn.

Music in the Mountains Weekend
Sept. 19-20, Saturday-Sunday @ Peaks of Otter

Heaven's Mountain Band
Sept. 20, Sunday, 5 p.m. @ Roanoke Mountain Campground

The Chapmans
September 25, Friday, 8 p.m. @ Kirk Avenue Music Hall, Roanoke

Virginia Carolina
Sept. 27, Sunday, 5 p.m. @ Roanoke Mountain Campground

Java Brothers Raze Hillsville

2009-08-28T22:55:00.003-04:00

The Java Brothers had a really good time playing at the Carroll County Ag Fair and played as good as we ever have. I'm listening to the tape now and want to go find the sound man and hug him. We sounded good on stage and that was good enough. I remember thinking (as I often do) with some wonder that, in fact, we do not suck. We are quite good. But now I have tape to prove it.

JBs live in Hillsville was really good and lots of fun.

And on top of that we made it back in time to catch the end of the Radford-Pulaski Bridge Battle game and the Bobcats made a real game of it.

Final score 19-7 Pulaski.

Thanks Ralph, Doug, Joe, and Wayne in no particular order.

Java Brothers in Hillsville, Friday

2009-08-27T08:16:00.004-04:00

Hillsville is well known as the place to be, so I expect this is unnecessary, but in case you've recently had a head injury, I'll remind all that they should get down to Hillsville Friday evening for the Carroll County Agricultural Fair.

JBs are on from 6-8 playing their fuel-injected brand of bluegrass.

Be there!