North Dakota Bluegrass Forum: July 2009

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.