Bluegrass Beat

By Berk Bryant

February is behind us now and March is here. March has a reputation: in like a lion, out like a lamb. Let's hope the roaring part is over soon. We've already experienced quite a mix with February. Bring on the Spring time. It's time for the birds to sing, the trees to leaf and the early bright flowers to bloom. Those buttercups sure look good and sure are refreshing. I guess mowing the grass can't be far behind. WELCOME spring!

February brought valentines and a number of good shows to the area. Nathan Stanley was at Shepherdsville and grandpa Ralph was with him. The show was good and it was good to see Ralph and the band. Following them, the next week brought Larry Gillis to the barn. My first meeting with Larry was in Michigan quite a few years ago. Then it was the Gillis Brothers and their hard-driving bluegrass band. John has since dropped out of the band and Larry is continuing as Larry Gillis and Swamp Grass. Unfortunately, the crowd was a bit light. I credit that in part to them not being known in the area. For those that were there, Larry put on a heck of a well-received show.

Salt Lick Festival had several acts that were first timers for me. One was Philip Steinmetz. Another fine surprise performance that Philip and his wife did. Again another audience-approved show. He does an act reminiscent of Grandpa Jones with a mix of Stringbean. They live in Tennessee. I extended an invitation to be on my Sunday Bluegrass show if they should be in the area. Phillip said they would like to come up and do just that sometime and will contact me. I'll be looking forward to it.

The Daniel Patrick Family was another fine group, new to me. The family consisted of the father, mother and two youngsters: brother and sister. Sorry folks, I don't have all the names with me right now. The young lady, Samantha, fourteen years old, is a very impressive singer who had her first CD just released this year. Her brother Daniel is also very impressive, plays several instruments, including a fired up banjo. Im pretty sure you will probably be hearing more of these folks.

Other acts and ones we are more familiar with filled out this two-day show: Karl Shiflett, Bluegrass 101, Blue River, Tommy Brown and Larry Sparks.

I hope I got this in in time for this issue. My computer has been showing off with tantrum and been on strike for about three weeks. Maybe by next time it will be under control.

The usual jams most of you are probably familiar with are still on going. At Shepherdsville Music Barn: March 1 – Farm Hands Quartet; March 8 – Dailey & Vincent; March 15 ~ Bluegrass 101; March 22 – Doyle Lawson and March 29 – Blue River. April 5 – Big Country Bluegrass.

If you missed be sure to join me each Sunday night on WFPK 91.9 FM for Sunday Bluegrass 8-11 pm. Bluegrass, traditional country and old time country. Time to go get a doughnut.