Sunday, November 29, 2009

June 26, 2010 is the Date for a New Festival

• Mark June 26, 2010 as the date for a new bluegrass festival being held in the community of Fort Ransom, ND, south of Valley City. The festival will be held at the community ball park. Monroe Crossing and the Johnson Family band have been hired to perform with more to be added.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

New North String Band at Mandan, November 14, 2009


Saturday November 14th the New North String Band from Eau Claire, Wisconsin will be in Mandan, ND at the Mysteria Theater for an evening concert at 7:00 pm. This hard-driving 5-piece bluegrass band is on the return leg of a South and North Dakota tour, heading home.


The band was a headliner at the Missouri River Bluegrass Festival at Cross Ranch State Park this past June where they made many new fans and friends. Their sharp dressing set them apart from the rest of the performers.


Evie Andrus recently caught up with Jake Henry, band leader, lead vocalist, and mandolin player for the group.

EA: “Jake, great to see you’re coming back to North Dakota. What were your impressions when you played the festival this summer?”

JH: "It was great; we loved the (Link) cabin and all the friendly people that we met."

EA: “What do you think about coming back?”

JH: "We are happy to be getting out into the Dakotas, to see friends we made this summer and have fun playing for some new people too. We know Minnesota and Wisconsin pretty well so it is fun to be playing in North Dakota."

EA: “You were saying your recent CD has won some awards.”

JH: “The CD we had at Cross Ranch was our first recording and was only a couple weeks old at that time. Since then four of those songs have gone on to win awards:
"River Bottom Blues"- National Americana Compilation CD
"Liquor and Love"- 3rd place in a songwriting competition in Wisconsin
"Nine Miles Lonesome"- Top 10 in a national songwriting competition
"Billy in the Lowground" (vocal) - 1st place at the Winfield songwriting competition in the general category which had over 100 entries and we got to perform the song on stage.”

More info on the group can be found at www. thenewnorthstringband.com

You will want to make a reservation for the concert and meal (701-663-2900). The Mysteria Restaurant and Dinner Theater is becoming a great venue to host bluegrass concerts. The building, constructed in 1936, served the community by showing Hollywood films for many years from the 1930's on. The building has served a few other businesses since.
The new restaurant boasts a talented chef (Tyler) who has designed menus for both quick & casual or fine dining. You can get a quick lunch or a fantastic romantic dinner in the facility Wednesday through Saturday.
The theater is active with entertainment on the weekends or by special reservation. In the month that this project has been open, the theater has already hosted area corporations, associations, and private parties of all sizes. Come on out and support the music!

Monday, October 26, 2009

B.A.N.D. Raffles Bluegrass Stars Quilt







Tickets for a queen sized quilt featuring bluegrass instruments and quilted with a pattern of bluegrass instruments and musical notes are being sold by the members of the Bluegrass Association of North Dakota.


The "Bluegrass Stars" quilt is being raffled by B.A.N.D. as a fundraiser for the Association. The money will be used to support bluegrass music events in the North Dakota. The tickets are $1 each or six tickets for $5. The drawing will be held in Bismarck on January 10, 2010. You need not be present to win.


If you would like to buy tickets, contact Barb Headrick at pbheadroom@bis.midco.net or call 701-258-0290. If you would like to sell tickets, contact Barb also for that!

Monday, September 7, 2009

B.A.N.D. 2009-2010 Bluegrass Jamming Schedule

All B.A.N.D.-sponsored Bluegrass jams are free of charge and open to the public and feature harmony singing along with the traditional bluegrass instruments, acoustic guitar, 5-string banjo, fiddle, mandolin, Dobro guitar, and acoustic upright bass. Listeners are always welcome, although the jams are not designed to be entertainment for spectators.

Litchville MonthlyBluegrass JamAcoustic-only2nd Saturday of the month September - May1:00 - 5:00 pmLitchville ElementaryQuestions: call John @ 701-762-4891

Bismarck Monthly Bluegrass JamAcoustic-only2nd Sunday of the month, September - May1:00 pm - 5:00 pmGateway Mall Questions: call Pat @ 701-258-0290

Jamestown WeeklyBluegrass JamAcoustic-onlyThursday evenings7:00 pm - 9:00 pmAtonement Lutheran Church1009 12th Avenue NE(near the new High School)
Call John @ 701-952-4618 for more info.

B.A.N.D. is looking for volunteers to host bluegrass jams in new locations in the state. •

B.A.N.D. Board Meeting September 13, 2009

• A B.A.N.D. Board Meeting is scheduled for Sunday September 13 in Bismarck, ND, USA following the Jam Session at the Gateway Mall. The jam concludes at 5:00 pm. The exact time and location of the meeting are being finalized. Call Barb at 701-258-0209 for an update as the weekend draws near.

• The Litchville Bluegrass Jammers have agreed to provide jamming background music for the Valley City, ND, USA Farmers Market at Hinchberger Park (2nd Street NE & 6th Avenue) this summer and fall. The group will play from 10:00 am to noon on the following remaining Saturdays: Sat., Sept. 12; Sat., Sept 19; Sat., Sept 26; Sat., Oct 3; Sat., Oct. 10; Sat., Oct 17; Sat, Oct 24; Sat., Oct. 31 The group receives $100 from the Farmers Market each Saturday they play with the proceeds going toward the 1st Annual Grand Rapids Bluegrass Festival planned for the fall of 2010. Any bluegrassers are welcome to sit in on this all-acoustic jam. In case of bad weather, the jamming will be cancelled. Check with John at 701-762-4891 if you are coming from a great distance or if the weather looks questionable.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

ND Bluegrass History Initiative Launched

B.A.N.D. Newsletter Editor John Andrus is asking for help in documenting a history of bluegrass music and musicians in our state. Information will be published in the B.A.N.D. newsletter.

John writes, “We will start with putting together a bluegrass performers listing. We will then add details to write stories of performers of interest to our readers. We would also be interested in photos to publish. Readers are encouraged to send names of musicians to me with as many of the following details as possible:

Performer Name:
Years performed:
Instrument(s) played (on stage):
Singer? Yes or No List parts sung (lead, tenor, baritone, bass)
Hometown:
ND bluegrass groups played with (List years):
Songwriter? Yes or No:
Recordings:
Other Information of interest:-----------------------------------------------------------------

Here is a sample of the form filled out that needs a few details added and maybe some corrections:
Performer Name: Scotty Thompson
Years performed: 1950’s - 1990’s
Instrument(s) played (on stage): Dobro
Singer? No
Hometown: Bottineau, ND
ND bluegrass groups played with (List years):
Cindy & the Turtle Mountain Boys
The Turtle Mountain Stump Jumpers
Scotty & Thelma Thompson
Songwriter? Yes
List significant songs:
For You and For Me (gospel song)
Recordings: LP: Cindy & the Turtle Mountain Boys, Damen Studio, Kansas City, MO.
Cassette: Teardrops Falling in the Snow, 1992
Other Information of interest:
Husband of Thelma Thompson (Cindy of Cindy & the Turtle Mountain Boys)
------------------------------------------------------------------
Info should be sent to John Andrus, Editor
B.A.N.D. Newsletter210 7th Avenue Litchville, ND 58461
or email to ndbluegrass@live.com
Here are some early ND bluegrass groups we hope to profile (please help us add to this list):
Cindy & the Turtle Mountain Boys
The Turtle Mountain Stump Jumpers
Lucifer B. Tykes (SP?)
Paul & Steve Johnson
Friends & Neighbors
Pea Pickers of the Plains
Light at the River

Monday, July 6, 2009

20th Annual Missouri River Bluegrass Festival set for June 18 & 19, 2010

Mark your calendars; the Missouri River Festival will celebrate their 20th year on Friday & Saturday, June 18 & 19, 2010 at Cross Ranch State Park. For more information call 701-762-4891.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Missouri River Bluegrass Festival 09 Picts (Saturday)

2009 Missouri River Bluegrass Festival
Saturday, June 20
Photos by Jill Wiese

   Simple Infant Men



















The New North String Band














The Center Community Band




















The Pfliger Sisters

Missouri River Bluegrass Festival 09 Picts (Friday)

2009 Missouri River Bluegrass Festival
Cross Ranch State Park, ND, USA
Photos by Jill Wiese


(below) Headliners the High 48's


(below) Blue Hazard



(below) Blue Hazard
















(below) New Horizon

















Below) Spiritwood Creek



(below) 2009 Missouri River Bluegrass Camp

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Officers Elected for 2009-10

B.A.N.D. officers and directors for 2009-10 are:
President: Barb Headrick, Bismarck
Vice President: Sharon Musick, Grassy Butte
Secretary: Dennis Clark, Cavalier
Treasurer: Stuart Thompson, Steele
Membership Director: Kathy Tebelius, Bowdon
Activities Director: Terry Schwartz, Jamestown
Media Director: John Andrus, Litchville
Check out www.ndbluegrass.blogspot.com for your web connections to bluegrass events in North Dakota. While you’re there, leave a comment or two.
Wanted: Classified items to list in this newsletter, free to members. List items for sell, swap, or items wanted. Email to ndbluegrass@live.com or mail to John Andrus, 210 7th Avenue, Litchville, ND 58461
Minnesota Bluegrass: There are lots of concerts upcoming in Minnesota and you can check them out at http://minnesotabluegrass.org/ and click on the calander link.
Montana Bluegrass: For those of you closer to the Montana side of the state, here is a website with some info of things going on in Western Montana. Check it out and make sure to find the jams that are listed in the About Me section www.myspace.com/mtbluegrass.
Bluegrass in the Valley Radio Show: Hosted by Chris Heth, the Fargo-area show airs from 8-9 AM Tuesdays on 96.3FM Also on the web: www.kndsradio.com, bluegrass@technohillbilly.net. Stop in and give a listen!
Bluegrass Review Radio Show with Phil Nusbaum: 5:30 am Saturdays on Prairie Public Radio The Bluegrass Review includes Bluegrass classics as well as the current wave. Commentary links the songs together by reflecting on artists’ styles, song lyrics, or bluegrass history, as appropriate to the selections. The Bluegrass Review is a music show that includes produced segments and in-depth interviews that adds insiders’ knowledge about Bluegrass music throughout a given broadcast. The focus shifts several times during a program, so that there is plenty of variety.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Missouri River Bluegrass Camp

Regional bluegrass musicians have a great opportunity to “study with the stars” this summer at the Missouri River Bluegrass Camp, taught by the award-winning band, the High 48’s. The Camp will be held at Cross Ranch State Park just prior to and on the site of the 19th Annual Missouri River Bluegrass Festival. The camp is for musicians with their basic playing skills in place, not for rank beginners.

Two days of instruction (June 18 & 19) on mandolin, fiddle, banjo, and guitar are available for a tuition cost of $100. One day of instruction on the upright bass is also available (Friday, June 19) for a tuition cost of $50. Band lab and mini sessions will also be provided along with evening jamming time. Campers will learn two songs over the two days but the focus will be on applying what you learn to all of your playing and singing.

Class size is limited to ensure quality learning so sign up early. Make your check out to John Andrus, Camp Director and send it to: John Andrus 210 7th Avenue Litchville, ND 58461

Missouri River Festival

A highlight for area stringband music fans, the 19th annual Missouri Bluegrass Festival is set for Friday evening and Saturday, June 19 & 20, 2009 at Cross Ranch State Park in central North Dakota. Headlining the event is the High 48’s bluegrass band from Minnesota, winners of Colorado’s prestigious Rockygrass Band competition in 2008. The High 48’s were a headliner at the Bismarck Bluegrass Festival last summer and won many fans with their first class approach to traditional bluegrass music. With hot picking and soulful singing, these boys are the real deal. In addition to performing, the band will be teaching a two-day bluegrass camp on Thursday and Friday, June 18 & 19, also at Cross Ranch State Park.

Other festival performers include Blue Hazard, the New North String Band, Simple Infant Men, Stoney Run, and Spiritwood Creek with more yet to be finalized.

Blue Hazard is a Minnesota bluegrass band that began as a family band and now includes three siblings. Hannah, Luke, and Dale Gruber, along with friend Jeremy Rooney, have been performing together for several years and it shows. Their harmony singing and instrumental skills are a delight!

The New North String Band from Wisconsin was formed in June of 2008; the group plays a variety of original and traditional music. These guys are a joy to watch and are sure to be a crowd pleaser.

The Simple Infant Men is a bluegrass band from Minot, ND. Together now for about a year, the SIM are rooted in traditonal bluegrass with strong vocals and great picking.

Spiritwood Creek has been performing in the region for several years and are based in the Jamestown, ND area. The band features the singing and songwriting of bandleader Terry Schwartz.

Stoney Run is a group based in and around the Litchville, ND area. The Run features swing, jazz, and bluegrass music played on fiddle, banjo, guitar, and bass. The group has been together for a year-and-a-half.

The family-style event operates under the following mainstage-area guidelines: no pets, no alcohol, no unruly behavior, and smoking in designated areas only.

Ticket prices for the event are $12 for Friday evening, $18 for Saturday and $25 for Friday & Saturday. Children, 16 & under accompanied by a parent are admitted free. There is also a free Kid’s Fest which provides fun activities for young children while their parents and grandparents enjoy the music. Activities include movies, contests and games.

Additional information on the festival is available by calling Cross Ranch State Park at 701-794-3731. If you wish to camp in a late night jamming area, be sure to contact the Park at the number above before calling the State Parks’ camping reservation number, 800-807-4723. •

April Bluegrass Update

May is Bluegrass Month Celebration. B.A.N.D. is sponsoring a bluegrass stage show as part of the annual meeting weekend on Saturday, May 16 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm in Bismarck. Performers interested in participating should contact Pat Headrick at 701-258-0290 before May 15th to secure a slot. The stage show at the Gateway Mall is free and open to the public.Following the stage show is the B.A.N.D. annual meeting and awards banquet in the Governor’s Room at the Doublewood Inn (I94 & Exit 59) beginning at 5:30 pm. Dinner will be served in the Governor’s Room. Participant’s will be able to order from a limited menu or a children’s menu. B.A.N.D. needs to know the number attending the dinner by May 11. Please call Sharon Musick at (701)863-7044 or email: sharon.musick.1@sendit.nodak.edu if you plan to attend the dinner. Jamming will follow the dinner.Doublewood Inn rooms are available for $71. A block of rooms is being held until May 2. Call (701) 258-7000 to make reservations; tell them you are with the Bluegrass Association of North Dakota. The motel has an indoor pool, whirlpool, and sauna, as well as a restaurant and lounge. The rooms have microwaves and refrigerators.The next day, Sunday, May 17 is the monthly Bismarck jam session from 1:00 - 5:00 pm at the Gateway Mall; following the jam, B.A.N.D. members are invited to B.A.N.D. President Barb Headrick’s home for Burgers, brats, and brownies, just west of the Capital building, 122 East Arikara Ave.

Bluegrass in the Valley Radio Show: Hosted by Chris Heth, the Fargo-area show airs from 8-9 AM Tuesdays on 96.3FM Also on the web: http://www.kndsradio.com/, bluegrass@technohillbilly.net. Stop in and give a listen!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

March, 2009 Bismarck Jam Date Change

The date of the regular monthly Bismarck acoustic bluegrass jam session has been moved back a week to March 15, 2009. The jam is from 2:00 - 5:00 pm at the Gateway Mall.

The Bluegrass Association of North Dakota's next board meeting will be that same day at 5:30 pm at the Hong Kong Restaurant in Bismarck. All B.A.N.D. members are welcome at all board meetings.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Latest Update on ND Bluegrass Music

The ND Bluegrass Updater (as of 1/31/09)

The next B.A.N.D. Board will be meeting on Sunday, February 8, 2009 at 5:00 pm at the Hong Kong Restaurant in Bismarck. All B.A.N.D. members are welcome to attend.

The Bismarck jam session for February 8 will again be located at the Heritage Center on the State Capitol grounds, 2-5 pm. Stay tuned for the March location.

Wanted: Classified items to list in the ND Bluegrass Music newsletter and on this blog, free to B.A.N.D. members. List items for sell, swap, or items wanted. Email to ndbluegrass@live.com or mail to John Andrus, 210 7th Avenue, Litchville, ND 58461

Minutes of B.A.N.D. Organizational Meeting, January 11, 2009

Minutes: Bluegrass Association of North Dakota (B.A.N.D.) organizational meeting at the Hong Kong Restaurant, Bismarck, North Dakota, January 11, 2009.
Present at the meeting:John Andrus, Dennis Clark, Lloyd Blake, Beth Cole, Ken Musick, Sharon Musick, Carrie Roemmich, Terry Schwartz, Deb Stelter, Stuart Thompson, Barb Headrick, Pat Headrick, Shad Musick, Caleb Musick, Celeste Musick.
Organizing facilitator John Andrus called the meeting to order at 6 pm and stated that the purpose of the meeting was to adopt bylaws and elect board members. Copies of the proposed bylaws were handed out and the bylaws were read and discussed including each Article and Section.
John stated that Article I - Name, Section 1.01 “ The name of the organization is the Bluegrass Association of North Dakota” and Article II - Purposes, Section 2.02 -Corporation Purposes and 2.03 - Organizational Purposes were not negotiable at this time as the name and purposes had already been filed with the state of North Dakota with incorporation paperwork.
While discussing Article III – Limitations, John stated that 501(c)(3) paperwork will be filed later.
A question was brought up concerning children 12-18 years of age being voting members under Article IV – Membership, Section 4.02 – Definition of Memberships and Voting Rights. The concern was whether voting should be allowed by persons under the age of being legally bound. Pat Headrick moved to limit voting to members age 18 and older, second was by Terry Schwartz, the motion passed.
John stated that quarterly meetings are not specified in the Bylaws as there may be times when more meetings would be needed. It will be up to the Board of Directors to determine when meetings will be held.
There was discussion about the Quorum under Article IV – Membership, Section 4.08 – Quorum. Motion by Stuart Thompson, second by Sharon Musick to change …”one-fifth of the members of the Association shall constitute a quorum”… to … “one-fifth of the voting members of the Association shall constitute a quorum”… The motion passed.
Someone asked the meaning of the word “hypothecations” under Article V – Directors, Section 5.06(d). No-one present knew the meaning of the word. Motion by Pat Headrick, second by Terry Schwartz to remove the word “hypothecations” from Article V, Section 5.06(d). Motion passed.
A suggestion was made to require an annual audit. After discussion, a motion was made by Barb Headrick and seconded by Lloyd Blake as follows; “An annual audit shall be conducted by the Board of Directors in preparation for the Annual Meeting in May. In addition to the annual audit, the Board of Directors may direct an audit at any time.” Motion passed. The annual audit requirement will be added to Article VIII – Miscellaneous, Section 8.05 - Audits.
A typographical error will be corrected in Article VI – Officers, Section 6.10 – Media Coordinator. The second word in the paragraph, “Outreach,” will be replaced with, “Media.”
Motion by Barb Headrick, second by Stuart Thompson to replace, “8 pages” in Article X – Dissolution, under Certificate of Secretary, with, “10 Articles.” Motion passed.
Motion to accept the Bluegrass Association of North Dakota Bylaws with changes approved at this meeting by Terry Schwartz, second by Sharon Musick. Motion passed.
The next order of business was to accept nominations for the Board of Directors. There will be 7 positions on the Board of Directors as approved in Article V – Directors, Section 5.01 – Number and Qualifications.
The following individuals have previously indicated their willingness to serve as Board Members; Dennis Clark, Kathy Tebelius, Terry Schwartz, Sharon Musick, and John Andrus. John thanked incorporating Board Members Pat Headrick, Stuart Thompson, Lloyd Blake and Lee Benjamin for serving.
Before opening it up for nominations from the floor, John stated that Board Members will serve until the regular election in May. Barb Headrick and Stuart Thompson were nominated from the floor. After 3 calls for nominations, with no further nominations Sharon Musick moved that nominations cease with a second by Terry Schwartz. Motion passed. Motion by Deb Stelter, second by Lloyd Blake to cast a unanimous ballot for the 7 nominations. Motion passed.
The next Board Meeting will be at 5:30 pm at the Hong Kong restaurant in Bismarck after the February jam in Bismarck on Sunday, February 8, 2009.
Minutes submitted by Dennis Clark, acting Secretary

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Headliners Hired for 19th Annual Missouri River Bluegrass & Old Time Music Festival

The High 48's Bluegrass Band has been hired for the 2009 Missouri River Bluegrass & Old Time Music Festival on June 19 & 20. The band has become a recent favorite in the state with 2008 appearances at the Frozen Fingers Festival and Hostfest in Minot and at the Bismarck Bluegrass Festival.

The 48's, winners of the prestigious Rockygrass Band Competetion, will also teach two days of bluegrass camp just prior to the Missouri River Festival, June 18 & 19. For more info on the Band, check out their website: www.thehigh48s.com

For more information on the festival and camp, and to reserve a bluegrass camp slot, contact John Andrus at 701-762-4891 or email ndbluegrass@live.com.

Monday, January 12, 2009

February 8 Bismarck Jam Session Moved to Heritage Center

The February 8 Bismarck monthly acoustic bluegrass jam session has been moved from the Gateway Mall to the Heritage Center.  The jam is from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm and is free and open to the public.

Board Members Elected

Seven B.A.N.D. members were elected to the Board at an organizational meeting on January 11, 2009 in Bismarck, ND. Those elected:

Dennis Clark
Sharon Musick
Kathy Tebelius
Terry Schwartz
Barb Headrick
John Andrus
Stuart Thompson

The Board will meet on Sunday, February 8, 2009 to assign officer and director responsibilities. The meeting will be at 5:30 pm at the Hong Kong Restaurant in Bismarck. All B.A.N.D. members are welcome to attend Board meetings.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Bismarck Jam Location Change

Late-breaking news:
Bismarck Jam Session Location Changed

The monthly Bismarck bluegrass jam session on Sunday, January 11, 2009  has been moved from the Gateway Mall to the Heritage Center on the State Capitol grounds.  The jam is from 2:00 - 5:00 pm.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Bluegrass Association of ND Organizational Meeting

The Bluegrass Association of North Dakota will hold its organizational meeting on Sunday, January 11 at 6:00 pm at the Hong Kong Restaurant. The meeting will address approval of the Bylaws and election of officers. For more information call John at 701-762-4891.