Bluegrass Beat

By Berk Bryant

Can this be December already? More and more I realize that months and years are getting shorter. So many things happened in these last short months to keep us busy, and now the busy, busy holidays times are revving up. There's a little bit of kid in all of us that gets stirred up both good and bad this time of year. Let's celebrate in good spirit, family, good friends -- and regain the true meaning of Christmas.

By the time you get to read this, Christmas shopping and rush will likely be in full swing. To help that and the spirit of Christmas along, the seasonal music will be back. I really look forward to going through the "case" of Christmas music to share with the listeners. There are the bluegrass-flavored songs and many of the great, real country artists with top songs. There's a pretty good range of such songs, from wonderful traditional spiritual and gospel to some on the lighter side. Either way, and inclusive as I always am, I started the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and this year it will end on Sunday. Once every so many years Christmas falls on Sunday. I hope we can enjoy this together.

Speaking of enjoying together, the jams and jam nights in the area are a very good way to keep your spirits up. The various jams in and around Louisville provide a good way to enjoy good bluegrass from local musicians and even some who come a ways to join in. In the spirit of the season, let's take a moment of time out from all the rush, relax a bit with friends, while at the same time acquiring new ones. Try it, you'll like it.

The month past provided a particularly good couple of Fridays at Shepherdsville. One Friday was IIIrd Tyme Out and the next week The Grascals. I have friends in both groups and always look forward to seeing them. It' a good booster shot to see folks that are special to you -- this includes attendees as well -- and make yourself feel you are a special friend to them. You take or get pictures, CDs and autographs that become a tangible pleasant memory. One you can hold in your hand.

I guess I've stretched about as much as I can for this time, so we'll see what's coming up:

The jams mentioned above are Colesburg Baptist Church, Friday nights at 6:30; Hillview, Louisville City Hall, every Thursday night; Silver Heights Bingo, Louisville, every Tuesday night; Breckenridge Bluegrass Music Association, every Thursday at the McQuady Fire House 6–9 (CT); and Vine Grove, Ky., every Friday night in Vine Grove City Hall, 6:00. All are welcome everywhere. Bring your instrument, bring yourself, and listen.

Let's not forget Shepherdsville Music Barn, Rte. 44, Friday nights. Dec. 2, Larry Chunn & A Step Ahead / Dec. 9, The Chuck Wagon Gang / Dec. 16, The Boxcars/ Dec. 23, NO show –- Merry Christmas -- / Dec. 30, Sammy Adkins & The Sandy Hook Mountain Boys.

Don't forget Sunday Bluegrass, 91.9 FM WFPK, Louisville, Ky., for "the shortest, fastest and the bestest" three hours in radio. Bluegrass neighbors, friends and those we haven't met yet, remember this most special season and keep it safe. There's another day, another year coming. And now it may be time to go get a doughnut. Hope Santa left some good ones. And of course ...

… Merry Christmas everyone and God bless whoever, wherever you are.