Bluegrass Beat

By Berk Bryant

June, June, June you have arrived. I believe you brought summer with you and we thank you for that. There's a lot in store for us in June, different things/occasions for many but something for all. For me for one, June is the birthday month and to all of you share June in that way – "Happy Birthday" to you too. Of course, the summer temp usually warms up a bit and really opens up a lot of opportunities to spend more time outdoors. Don't pass it up because it might be "warm" day – to put it mildly – or the bugs are out. Deal with it and get out of the "coop" for a change. Make the most of it.

Okay, now a look at the past, say, a couple or so weeks ago. Forest Fest came off well. We were blessed with good weather. The bands made their impressions on the folks. Two of the groups were not familiar to most of us. Local and area bands lived up to what we knew they would. Michael Cleveland & Flame Keeper were going strong. I must say Michael lived up to his reputation and then some. Whiskey Bent Valley Boys, what can I say. They even got Longlegs (David Kannapel – hope I spelled that near right) up and stepping high. Those guys start in high gear, full steam ahead with the grand old-time sound and energy, then pick it up and don't let go. When they get a chance, i.e. a schedule break, they want to come back to "Sunday Bluegrass" and, fellows, the door is open.

I have been asked about the Sunday Bluegrass cruises on the Belle. I have been wondering about that myself. I called and asked about that, since I hadn't heard anything or seen anything like a schedule. The answer was something to the effect that were changing and I believe it was put as changing up. They will have Bluegrass cruises the first Sunday of the month, beginning this month, June. Didn't really get an explanation as to why, who or where this decision was made. Sounds to me somewhat like another Louisville cut at/of Bluegrass music here in bluegrass country.

I will mention ROMP here, which is coming up on June 27-29. The 27^th features Merle Haggard, Del McCoury and several others. Friday the 28^th: Leftover Salmon, Carolina Chocolate Drops, The Steel Drivers, Della Mae and others.

Saturday the 29^th: Doyle Lawson, Professors of Bluegrass, Spinney Brothers, Kentucky Bluegrass All Stars and others. Additional information is available at rompfest.com or 888-MY-BANJO.

Jams as usual: Wednesdays – Bluegrass Anonymous jam at BBC St. Matthews, 3929 Shelbyville Rd., Louisville. Relic & Friends at The Monkey Wrench, 1025 Barrett Ave. 7:30 pm. Thursdays – Hickory Vaught & Friends at Blu Cafe, Marriott Hotel, 280 W. Jefferson St. 8-12 pm. Open Jam At Hillview City Hall 6 pm. - Friday – Vine Grove is now every other Friday of the month. Weather permitting, they will go to the Optimist Park just down the street from the City Hall. Check by City Hall and if there is a sign that informs or directs you to the Park, That's where we'll be. If there is no sign on the door then it's cCty Hall. You can probably tell by where the cars are.

My sincere thanks to all of you, the faithful and all listeners to "Sunday Bluegrass." This month makes 24 years. This is from a one-hour program start soon to become two hours and then the long lasting three hours, bringing us up to 24 great years. I guess we're growing old together. It has happened because you are there for the shortest, fastest and the bestest three hours in radio. Thank you all here, across the country and around the world. Sunday night from 8 – 11 pm.. And now about the doughnut ...