Bluegrass Beat

By Berk Bryant

Bluegrass Beat - March 2002

By Berk Bryant

Okay, everybody, get your best spring expression on. It is so close it is almost here. And three big, loud, long cheers for a moderate winter. This kind of winter will suit me for the rest of my days. Just keep in mind, as you get older your appreciation meter changes drastically.

Babby and Bluegrass

Among other things in February, now history, a good show by Melvin Goins and Windy Mountain at Babby's Steak House. Babby is trying to offer bluegrass on a pretty regular basis, along with a great steak.

Coming next month, April 8 will be the Karl Shiflett & Big Country Show. This fine band has been at this business and is now beginning to get the recognition they so truly deserve. Babby is definitely on the right track, as I have not seen a disappointed audience with any of the groups he has had in when I was there, and most of you would agree. With the likes of the Lewis Family, Melvin Goins and Karl Shiflett - bands most of you know about and what they do - it's hard to go wrong. Make yourself a reservation for the April show.

Left 'em wanting more

Mike Snider was at Shepherdsville Music Place in February and brought in a better than average crowd. Mike had an entertaining show and a crowd-pleaser right up to the end, and for some reason left many folks upset and with a change of attitude. The audience wanted an encore and Snider chose to flatly refuse another number. This sort of thing will definitely leave a bitter taste with a crowd. I think Mike may have lost a few fans.

Oscar's health problems

Recently learned of some health problems of an old friend. Old, in this case, has a double meaning. Old friend, in that I have known him for a long time. And old, being in his 80s. I'm talking about Oscar Sullivan. Remember Lonzo & Oscar, comedy team of Grand Ole Opry and recording fame? There were several Lonzos, but only one Oscar.

Recently Oscar was not feeling his best and went to his doctor in Glasgow, who in turn sent him to Nashville. After tests there, it was found he had a 98.5% blockage in one area. He was operated on the next morning and had a quadruple by-pass. Three days later he was sent home with the instructions to check in with his doctor. He was fine and doing well.

Pickin' place(s)

· West Point, Music Ranch USA: March 1, Rockin' Rancheros. March 2, Dickie "Butterbeans" Moore and Gina Emerson. March 7, Country Jazz show with Enchanted Evening II. March 8, Rockin' Rancheros. March 9, Country Classics with Bob Shaw and Adelle Little, both from Kilmer, Texas. March 15, RR. March 16, Narvel Felts. March 22, RR. March 23, Country Classics with Linda Hunt. March 30, Country Classics, gospel emphasis.

· Shepherdsville Music Place: March 1, Martha & Eddie Adcock & Moron Bros. March 8, Sammy Adkins. March 15, Doyle Lawson. March 22, Big Country Bluegrass, plus Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike. March 29, Dean Osborne and Eastbound. April 4, LEWIS FAMILY and JIM & JESSE.

· Bowling Green, University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, indoor festival: March 8-10, Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, Ronnie Reno & Reno Tradition, Lynn Morris Band, Special Consensus, Tommy Brown & County Line Grass, Rhonda Vincent & Rage, J.D. Crowe and Carl Jackson, plus many more.

Stay tuned

That's pretty much it for this time. With spring and summer coming on, and not a bloom too soon, there should be quite an increase in reportable activity.

Just stay tuned to Sunday Bluegrass, WFPK 91.9 FM, Sunday nights, 8-11. Remember we are streaming, and you can pass the word to e-mail friends around the country, around the world, and invite them to join us. Now we have regular listeners we know of in Florida, Texas, Virginia, South Carolina and other spots around the country. Spread the word.