Bluegrass Beat

By Berk Bryant

It's that time again already, break time. Take a break from the everyday, all year pressures that can be set aside for a few days or so. It is the time of the year that that should reflect happiness, joy, lay the stress aside. After all it is Christmas. Christmas is or certainly should be the most special holiday period of the year. It is eagerly anticipated by young, old and older as it draws near. Relax from daily pressures and celebrate Christmas in the way it should be, with the meaning it has.

I will have to do a little catch up this time. October of course was the month of the big festival at the Museum of Appalachia. Surprises pop up when you least expect. There was a couple sitting on my stage every day and circulated around the grounds but not quite as much as most seem to do. Sunday evening when it was over, I headed for Virginia and my daughter's. When I got into Virginia I stopped at a motel for the night. The next morning I was on my way again and stopped at a rest stop to refill a water bottle. At the fountain I looked up and exiting the building was the gentleman that was on my stage. He recognized me and we chatted a bit. Here is where the surprise comes in. I asked him where they were from and he replied, the Netherlands. They were on their way to wherever they were going to catch their flight the next morning for Amsterdam. He is one of the biggest men I think I have ever seen. By that I mean tall and just general big. They had been over here several times before making the rounds of bluegrass festivals. I showed a picture of them to some of the folks at Vine Grove and they recognized them from being there in September. Another of life's experiences.

Veterans Day is in November, as you all know. I would like to recognize, not individually because of the spreading number of them, the numerous restaurants participating in the free from the menu meals that day. A very good friend I used to work with and I go for these. Well worth the wait in long lines. Many of the restaurants are some we attend rather regularly and a few for the first time. Anyhow I just mean to say a big THANK YOU to these businesses for your support of our American veterans.

Friday night before Thanksgiving a pretty fair crowed came out to see The Grascals at The Music Barn at Shepherdsville. This band has been on a roll since they started and haven't slowed down. It's always a treat for me to see them. I have had the good fortune to know Terry Eldridge since 1983. At that time he was playing for Lonzo & Oscar.

I got an email last month announcing Josh Williams has rejoined Rhonda Vincent's band. I will be looking forward to seeing him back with the. I really like Josh. He brought his band up to be on Sunday Bluegrass during a fund drive. Josh was 13 and WFPL/WFPK was still in the mail library then. A talented young man.

Now, what's happening where and when…

Tuesdays, Bluegrass show or jam alternates at Corner Door Bar Dundee Rd., L'ville 7 p.m. – Wednesdays, BA jam at BBC St. Matthews, Shelbyville Rd. 7:30 p.m. – Wednesdays, Relic & Friends at the Monkey Wrench Barrett Ave. 9 p.m.. – Thursdays, Hickory Vaught & Friends at Blu Café, Marriott Hotel W. Jefferson 8-12 p.m. – Thursdays, Hillview City Hall, Hillview, L'vill 6 p.m. – Fridays, Vine Grove City Hall, Vine Grove, KY 6 – 10 p.m... Coming up at Shepherdsville: January 4-The Tommy Webb Band; January 11 – Kentucky Blue; January 18 – Spinney Bros.;January 25 – James King; Feb. 1 – Nathan Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys.

Friends, readers and faithful listeners, another year has gone by and we are still together. A sincere wish to all for a safe and memorable holiday season. Merry Christmas and God Bless you, one and all. Don't forget New Years Day, WFPK 91.9 FM, it is all Hank Williams SR. from noon to 3 p.m. Remember also Sunday Bluegrass every Sunday night from 8 – 11 p.m.. and then it's time to go get a doughnut and HAPPY NEW YEAR!