Bluegrass Beat

By Berk Bryant

When it's springtime in Alaska, it's 40 below and when it's fall in Kentucky, the leaves begin to. Is this possible that it is October/Fall already? More and more it seems time is a blur from one date to the same date again only in another year. That's time travel for you.

I draw a line between acquaintance and friend. The difference is an acquaintance is a developing friendship. In this bit of news, I am glad to pass on for those of you who have not heard this yet it concerns an acquaintance. Tom T. Hall, "The Storyteller" extraordinaire. Tom T. has been named a BMI Icon. There will be a private ceremony at the 60th BMI Annual Awards on October 30. This puts Tom T. in with some mighty tall company, most of which he already knows, such as Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn and a host of others. Sincere congratulations, Tom T. Hall, you are one of THE best to put pen to paper. I am pleased for some moments I have had the opportunity to visit with you and "Miss Dixie," It has always been a memorable and fulfilling moment in my life.

Another of our top country entertainers of the GRAND Ole Opry passed on the 7th of September, Rollin Sullivan of Lonzo & Oscar. I could have missed it but here is another case of nothing in the paper or TV news. Again I could have missed it. Lonzo & Oscar were one of the best comedy teams to hit the stage at the Opry and recordings. Thanks to a friend of mine, Harold Clark, I got to know Oscar and his wife Geneva. I guess one of the recordings of Lonzo & Oscar that really stuck with folks was/is "I'm My Own Grandpa." Oscar told me one time that they were the first to do live TV. I forget a detail or two, such as where it was, but it was actually a test. Some other performers had been asked and didn't do it. IF I remember right, they did "I'm My Own Grandpa." It only reached just a few blocks, as it was a test. Oscar mentioned that there was a plaque about it in the Country Music Hall of Fame. The good Lord willing, there's going to be a whopper of a GRAND Ole Opry in the sky someday.

West Point River Days had its day(s). I can only tell about Friday. Friday night, King's Highway were there, plus Almost Home and an Indian group. There were game booths, vendors and an auction. A few things along the way needed tweaking but all in all, it was pulled off. One thing that could not be tweaked was the weather, especially late day weather. Unfortunately, it turned breezy and cold, cold enough that quite a few folks had to leave early. Live and learn from experience.

I am looking forward to October 12 – 14, my annual trip to the Museum Of Appalachia Fall Homecoming Festival. Music on five stages, starting at 9 a.m. going to 6 p.m. each day, with over 90 performers. You can find me on stage three, my spot for 15 years plus. Much to see, much to do. Bring a jacket.

What's left? Jams plus. Tuesdays Bluegrass show or jam alternates at Corner Door Bar Dundee Rd., Louisville 7 p.m. - Wed BA jam at BBC St. Matthews Shelbyville Rd. 7:30 p.m. - Wed Relic & Friends at the Monkey Wrench Barrett Ave. 9 p.m. - Thursdays, Hickory Vaught & Friends at Blu Café, Marriott Hotel on W. Jefferson, 8-12 p.m. - Thursdays, Hillview City Hall, Hillview, Louisville, 6 p.m. - Fri. Vinegrove City Hall, Vinegrove, Kentucky 6 – 10 p.m.. The Belle of Louisville Sunday Bluegrass cruises. Cruises board at 1:30 p.m., cruise at 2 and return 4 p.m. Reservations for the lunch cruise must be made by Friday of that week. Reservations are not necessary for the scenic cruse. October 7 Whiskey Bent Valley Boys – October 14 BluZenGrass – October 21 Amos Hopkins & the White Russians – October 28 Kentucky Blue. Last bluegrass cruise of the season. All is not over, ShepherdsvilleMusic Barn is back for Friday nights. Season openers on Oct 12 – Mark RigneyBand/ October 19 –The Boxcars / October 26 – Sammy Adkins / Nov. 2 Russell Moore & III Tyme Out. Be there.

Start now to prepare.