ED HENRY

It'll Probably Sound Pretty Good On a Dobro

2012-02-29T09:55:00.006-08:00

Joey Longwell - with Ernie Bradley and Grassy Ridge at a Lucketts performance

Leap-Day, 2012

This weekend we'll be celebrating Chopin's Birthday at the Embassy of Poland with a special recital and a feast prepared by the Embassy Chef. We've been attending this for a number of years now and look forward to it annually. The music is magnificent, the food is always marvelous, the Polish people are the most gracious on the planet and the tickets are cheap! Getting the tickets is the hard part, but we don't seem to have a problem. As always I amaze myself. I'm ravaged by a number of addictions of which I'm quite proud. I love Monsieur Chopin and Jimmy Martin, Puccini's not bad, either. I don't have to make any decisions on any of it. It's all of a certain value included in that great nebulous subject entitled "matter of tastes." What's pleasant to one person is disgusting to another. Politically, I've become a libertarian music lover if you really have to put a name on it. It wasn't always this way. At my age I've discarded a lot of what I used to listen to and appreciated, only to discover that there is so much more I need to learn about in all forms of music.

Let's get to the bluegrass. I've written before that it's something I used to listen to in my college days and then put away somewhere in my foggy days of yesteryear. A few years ago a chance meeting with Roger Green and the Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition got me back into it. It was a free, winter concert at our local community center here in town. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision to even go to the show in the first place. I walked out of the show with that feeling of having revisited a lot of child-hood memories of my old man listening to this hillbilly stuff on the radio and me and my siblings hating it. Rock and Roll was just entering the pop radio scene and the older folks hated it. A culture war was about to explode and we didn't know it. I went off to the military and still have memories of Country and Western music being called "Shit-Kicking Music!" The 60's were my formation years. College told me I had to appreciate music 'on a higher level' than what I had been accustomed to. Snobbery exists on every level of the human experience.

Marriage, work, raising a family, getting older changes everything. Try to tell that to the average young person. The more time I spend in my garden the more I appreciate that I'm getting older right along with all else in the universe. I went back to that music I once laughed at. There are a lot of generalizations written and espoused by people who write about, and scholarly study this peculiar American music form called bluegrass. I try not to be swayed by the general comments. I think most of them are wrong. The one piece of truth is this: it's something that will always stay the same but will also be constantly evolving. That truth I can easily appreciate. Davy Jones (of Monkees fame) died yesterday and no one noted how many Monkees hits were re-released by some very well-known bluegrass groups. Just another example of bluegrass music's ability to appreciate another form of music, grab it and run with it. It's hard to imagine any of today's pretty-boy Country and Western stars singing "Last Train to Clarksville" and getting away with it. But bluegrass? Yeah. It'll probably sound pretty good if the banjo, mandolin, guitar, and fiddle can get the beat coordinated. A good dobro player would have a blast with it.

Straight-Up Bluegrass in Port Deposit

2012-02-27T17:44:00.006-08:00

Mike Harknett, James Langer, Fred Long, Rex Smith, and Darin Wassum

26 February 2012 This is a follow-up of sorts to an article I promised back in January after seeing AcrosstheTrack Bluegrass up in Brunswick. One thing led to another and I never got around to it, but I had stayed in touch with guitar-player Darin Wassum. Actually what I wanted was another opportunity to see the group again, and I wanted to see the group on their own turf. It never seems the same. You see an act on stage and then you see an act in a bar or club and it's a different experience. For one thing the bar sets are longer so you get to experience a wide range of what a group is actually capable of. You also get to know if the band has a loyal following of locals. I've discovered that this is an important ingredient. I wasn't surprised on a Sunday afternoon at Jumbo Jimmy's Crab Shack up in Port Deposit, Maryland, when I had the opportunity to sit through a whole 4-hour set with these guys. That's a lot of music. It was preceeded by a "Jam" held there every Sunday by the locals, many of whom stuck around for the main show.

By everyone's standards AcrosstheTrack Bluegrass is not an established band but they've already racked up a reputation over in Maryland. The band members are Darin Wassum, James Langer, Fred Long, and Rex Smith. On Sunday afternoon Mike Harknett (fiddle) joined them and he added a necessary momentum to the playing. I enjoyed talking to Mike in between sets since he's a walking history book of who's playing with who over in Maryland. It's also reported that Fred Long (banjo) is also a local legend. The band plays straight old-time bluegrass. No funny-stuff, no fusion, nobody is pushing a song they wrote. They were best when they were ALL singing, and working on their harmonies. The only detriment was a little distracting crowd noise, but you have to accept that in a local pub and restaurant. But when they were on top of a song or playing hell-fire, the crowd noise ceased. Darin's got the best voice and can hold his own in front of a noisy crowd. This might be a minor point but I have to include it: does anyone want to get up and dance to this stuff? Jumbo Jimmy's seemed like the place to do some two-stepping on a late Sunday afternoon. You must be doing something right if you're moving the crowd. On this point the bass-guy never gets enough mention for doing the yeoman's amount of work. Fred Long's wild banjo-picking also proved to be a valuable asset.

AcrosstheTrack Bluegrass will be playing at the Darlington/Dublin VFW Post on March 3rd and it should prove to be worth the drive.

Establishing a Standard of Excellence

2012-02-05T12:34:00.000-08:00

Gold Heart at Brunswick 29 January 2012

It's been an evolutionary story. I love to hear about someone's dream and then actually see it come to fruition. That's what's happened up in Brunswick, Maryland with the formation of Brunswick Roundhouse Concert Productions. The history began on 26 July, 2009 when Darren Beachley and Company up in Brunswick decided to stage a fundraiser for the Brunswick Junior Baseball League. The response was so good Darren decided to try it again the next summer on 10 July, 2010. Another success. This time the proceeds would be divided up among the various Brunswick High School student activities and booster groups. I suspected the successful concerts would evolve to the next level and that was legal incorporation into the current "BRCP" organization. The plan was to stage events that would assist all the booster groups at the High School. Brunswick High School is a unique institution suffering through the current economic crisis along with every school, arts or entertainment group, museum, or any entity that depends upon public support during these hard times. Student activities are limited unless the booster groups and parents step up to the plate and help the kids. Thus Brunswick Roundhouse Concert Productions was born to ease the burden and the concerts have been growing in popularity due to Darren's effort to bring quality entertainment to the Brunswick High School Stage. Others should be mentioned too, as very much a big part of the success story: There is the whole Beachley family, The Roy Hossler Family, other families from the booster groups, and a host of local businesses and a popular Frederick radio station who continue to pony up time and monetary donations to keep the momentum going. Here's a list of what's been accomplished so far:
26 July 2009: Darren Beachley and Friends, plus Kenny Ray Horton.

10 July 2010: Bill Yates and the Country Gentlemen Tribute Band, plus Darren Beachley and the Legends of the Potomac.

21 November 2010: The Legends of the Potomac, plus the Dry Branch Fire Squad.

30 January 2011: Lost and Found, plus Kenny Ray Horton and Washington Junction.

20 March 2011: Little Roy and Lizzie Show.

12 June 2011: Beachley and Scott Band, plus Darin and Brooke Aldridge.

20 November 2011: Dry Branch Fire Squad, plus AcrosstheTrack Bluegrass Band.

29 January 2012: Darren Beachley and Friends, plus Gold Heart.

Coming Soon:

29 April 2012: Dailey and Vincent (seats for this concert are going fast)

10 June 2012: David Davis and the Warrior River Boys, plus the Bluegrass Mountaineers.

This season BRCP offered a special price for season tickets which essentially gives you the price of one free concert. Donations to BRCP are also tax-deductible. For further information contact http://www.brunswickbluegrass.org/ It's an excellent website.

Great music. Very entertaining. A program to suit every bluegrass fan's taste in acoustical music. But more important, community involvement on a local level bringing a lot of people together to work toward community goals. I can't think of a better way to spend my money. "It just keeps getting better" sounds like a worn-out sentiment in 2012, but there's no better description for the effort the people of Brunswick have put forth. They're all to be congratulated.

Bingo!

2011-12-19T13:22:00.000-08:00

Kody Norris and Aspen Run Bluegrass at Darlington, Maryland on 17 December 2011

17 December 2011 - Darlington, Maryland

Herb Martin thinks I'm heading up north to do some work for him. Take some pictures, schmooze with the band, maybe write something. I'm really just slumming on a late Saturday afternoon. Odd thing is, I'm listening to Puccini's Madama Butterfly live from the Met on WETA-FM while on my way to listen to a whole evening of Beer-drinking music at a VFW Post I've never been to in my life. I love Puccini. I love these roads to nowhere, somewhere in central Maryland. It's all Herb's fault. He gets me into these things. "You oughta come up to so-and-so on such-and-such a date" he tells me. I immediately get on Google and try to figure out where these places are. Us slummers are lost five miles outside the Beltway. I knew I'd made a wrong turn somewhere going through Belair. Eight miles later I found a country road which would take me directly north to Darlington, which isn't even on any of the printed or internet mapping systems. All I had to go by was a print-out of an intersection and the VFW Post was supposed to be near the intersection. It was getting really dark around 5:00 pm.

It's all part of the adventure of being in new surroundings. I don't even know if people use the word "slumming" anymore. It means having a snob attitude about yourself, and leaning away from the finer pursuits of life and going lower than your status to enjoy something more "common." I really like Opera, but you're not allowed to get up and dance during any part of it. There's little in Opera that makes you want to get drunk and leave your wife, or else kill your wife's sweetheart. For that you need to listen to Jimmy Martin. That's why I'm on this latest quest to spend an evening in what is basically a country Beer-Joint with Herb Martin and his boys Herb Martin III, Aaron Martin, and Clayton Martin. Let me mention two other important people who are key to this: Steve Unkart and Kody Norris. I'm not about to kill my wife or shoot the guy who's fooling around with her. I'm just escaping Puccini for a little while to listen to something a hell of a lot more relevent than some rat of a U.S. Navy Officer who dumps his girlfriend in feudal Japan. Steve Unkart, who has to be a Jimmy Martin clone can handle my sense of entertainment for the evening.

I got there early even if I went out of my way. My cheap compass got me there, right where I was supposed to be. The Darlington Post was definitely in nowhere. I went inside and made sure everyone in the bar knew I was a veteran and also a member of the VFW. I might like Opera and the finer things in life, but damn it, I also served my country. I hate bars. Everyone gives you "The Look" when you open the door. I made sure I had my Third Marine Division pin on too, in case there were any Marines in the place who wanted to come up and slap me on the back and shake hands. The Army guys don't do this when they meet. The whole thing is kind of creepy the way they don't acknowledge each other. They won't even buy you a drink. So I don't trust Army guys in places like this. Dean Ashley did walk up and welcomed me to the Post and he introduced himself. I told him I liked bluegrass and was here to see the band. His eyes lit up. He launched into a monologue about the Post's music program, the crowd that hangs out there, and some of the name-bands that have played there. OK, I thought, I'm beginning to be impressed.

Near six-o'clock others started coming through the door to enjoy the early dinner of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans and corn bread. A nice bunch of people. Salt of the Earth-types out for a Saturday night of music and dancing. A few people came in that I'd met previously in Stewartstown, Pennsylvania. Another couple grabbed me and told me all about the bluegrass scene that is alive and well up here in the middle of nowhere, and who was playing where, and are you going to this-and-that festival? It was all a prelude to a night of experiencing Aspen Run Bluegrass. And pretty soon they were coming through the door like the opening scene in Act III, Scene 5, of der Meistersinger. Kody Norris was supposed to be with them but I didn't see him immediately. I thought maybe there had been a change in the plans. Aspen Run was just a tad bit late arriving, but that was OK because the audience was still filing in too, and asking if there was any meatloaf left. They looked outstanding in their red coats, trade-mark cowboy hats, and white boots. Herb Martin, the patriarch of the Martin Clan nodded a hello and got to work setting up the equipment. I had set my cameras and gear up long before they arrived and thought I was in perfect proximity for what I wanted to do. I was in for a surprise.

There was some crowd noise towards the back and I turned to see Kody Norris appear as if he was stepping into Akhnaten, by Philip Glass. The coronation scene in Act I came to mind. Kody, young, baby-faced, and cock-sure of himself, marched in with his signature blue, Porter Wagoner-knock off, embroidered cowboy outfit with flame-red neckerchief. You have to ask yourself "What the hell is this?" until you see him do his thing. I've seen him before so I knew what to expect. He puts on a show and deserves to wear whatever he wants. The outfit is half-joke, all seriousness, as a tribute to all those great practitioners who taught him the tricks of putting on a good show for the paying customers. If you read his resume you'll be shocked at what this punk-kid has already accomplished in the Nashville circles. After some minor adjustments, Aspen Run and Kody Norris took off like a jet plane with their whole canon of Jimmy Martin, Stanley Brothers, and Bill Monroe numbers. The audience responded in kind with dancing all night and a lot of hooting and hollering and appreciative shouting.

There is a dynamic working here that becomes very apparent: Pretty Boy musician plays up against the locals and sometimes wins. Sometimes the locals win. The contest isn't really about competition but about how well they all sound together and the intricate statements they can make with a few stringed instruments and their individualized voices. Having seen their act before I knew what to expect. I knew their individual strengths. I was surprised on this particular evening by young Clayton Martin (mandolin) who's really got a beautiful voice that needs to be honed to perfection. Age and experience will do that. I was also pleasantly surprised that the group just seemed better than I've ever seen them in a performance. The proof was in the fact that they had the audience in the palms of their hands. There were so many requests coming in (shouted!) for Aspen Run favorites, that the band seemed a little overwhelmed by the appreciation. You can't play them all. You eventually have to quit and pack up your instruments and wipe the sweat off your brow. The finale was an 11-minute medley of favorites. Bingo!

My filming and photo work was useless. A huge glaring Bingo Board was in every shot. Every time the band got hot the dance floor got hotter and in my way. And then, I don't know why, but a continually flashing, glaring disco spotlight that flashed red, green, and blue ruined my camera lighting. I wanted Dean Ashley to turn the thing off. But I wasn't getting it. The audience was there to have fun on Saturday night and listen to their favorite music, drink some beers, and think back upon better times when we listened to this stuff on an old Philco Radio. It was great to see the crowd having a good time. They were having more fun than I've ever had at the Opera - and I have to dress up in Black Tie for that! I said the heck with it and joined the audience. There will be other opportunities to get the photo shots. A performance by Aspen Run is about having fun and appreciating the music.

Where the Concrete Meets the Grass

2011-11-17T09:18:00.000-08:00

Danny Paisley and Southern Grass included the talents of Aaron Martin on Bass.

12 November 2011: Leonardtown, Maryland

That crazy Herb Martin - always leading me down back roads. I'm heading south on Maryland Rt. 5 on my way to Leonardtown on a beautiful Autumn day on a whim. If you live around here, you're probably like me, and realize that any trip around the Beltway, especially on the Maryland side may include a packed bag, a pocket full of money and a fully charged cell phone in case your stuck for a couple of days. I'm tired of it. It's really time to move away from here where people lead decent lives and make it home in time for dinner. Well, by God I made it to the exit for Rt. 5 and now I'm traveling through the concrete jungle toward Waldorf. Past Waldorf you enter real country - suburbia ends around here - the bedroom communities, strip malls, the mile after mile of townhouse complexes. I even saw a few farms. Signs with the name Surratt on them reminded me that I was in some seriously historic territory. Thirty miles beyond Waldorf I reached my destination and beautiful Maryland countryside it was. Flat farmland, a few little towns with only one or two stoplights, and here and there Amish stores that advertised hand-made goods and fresh Amish food products. Crab stands were appearing too, which reminded me that I wasn't that far away from the water. It was a good day to get away from suburbia and enjoy some down-home music.

The event was a benefit fundraiser for Richard Tippett at the Back Road Inn a few miles east of Leonardtown. After a serious illness and thousands of dollars in medical bills, the Tippett family was trying to raise money. Daughter-in-law Linda Tippett was the driving force and seemed to be the main point of contact for the event. Linda also plays bass and sings with Joey Tippett and the California Ramblers. Notable was the line-up of entertainment for the afternoon - the Tippetts had included Junior Sisk and Ramblers' Choice, Danny Paisley and Southern Grass, Aspen Run, The Jack Tippett Band, Joey Tippett and the California Ramblers, and Highway 249.

As in so many families I've met on similar roads around here, bluegrass seems to be in the DNA. Younger grand daughters Megan and Heather joined in for vocal solos early on. Megan was especially proficient on a rendition of "Blue Moon of Kentucky." As promised, the music started about a minute after 12 noon and continued non-stop long after I finally left at 6:30.

Jack Tippett served as a warm-up to Joey Tippett and the Ramblers, who served as warm-up to Junior Sisk, and when Danny Paisley came on it was Katy-bar-the-door wildness of high-energy music for six solid hours. The crowd grew too as the day wore on and it got chillier. The Back Road Inn is a crazy patchwork of temporary add-on structures and tents that are open-air, but with a nice stage and dance area. Food was provided along with plenty of baked goods for sale. Word spread that the event was now going to go three more hours beyond the allotted time. I would have liked to stay, but it was getting too cold. Any warmth was provided by the propane heaters and the body heat of all the dancers who energized the scene when Aspen Run came on.

It's just too bad I got spoiled throughout the afternoon. Let me explain. My point of entertainment observation is usually from the vantage of an auditorium or a concert venue. There's a big difference in being stuck in a chair for one or two hours as opposed to a free-for-all space like the Back Road Inn. It was more like a barn with a stage stuck in the middle. The outdoor bar was noisy and wafts of cigar smoke drifted among the mixture of musicians and local patrons. It all made for the musicians to work a lot harder to entertain this free-flow bunch of people. Herb Martin once told me that his band Aspen Run actually sounds better and has more fun in this kind of setting. Herb proved his point at this show and the one I witnessed a week ago in Stewartstown, Pennsylvania. If you want to hoot and holler and get up and dance there's nothing to stop you. Steve Unkart and Herb Martin, III of Aspen Run worked their high-energy magic to get the patrons up on their feet and moving. Beyond the grass, in the middle of the world of concrete we would have politely applauded and got up to stretch at break-time. And it's a blessing to see younger people doing all the dancing and getting into this music which is so ancient by the standards of the younger generation! There's hope that grass will live long beyond the life of my grand daughter.

Consider that I paid a whopping $10 to enjoy all this and would never have known about it if I hadn't heard about it from Herb Martin. Yeah, we've got a lot of great music in our area. It gets better when you find the line between the concrete and the grass.

(Thanks to the Herb Martin Family and Aspen Run Band for the hot tip on this unique event!)

Aspen Run - Way Back in Time

2011-11-06T13:29:00.000-08:00

Kody Norris appeared with Aspen Run in Stewartstown, Pa.

Stewartstown, Pa. 5 November 2011:

Never tell a Singing Cowboy he has to take off his hat. You might have a firestorm on your hands. This is what happened tonight when the Westminster, Maryland band Aspen Run tore apart the American Legion in Stewartstown. Maybe it was the pent-up rage at such an affront. Maybe it worked to make the song "Free-born Man" come across as a good anthem for the evening. For some strange reason, the Legion up there has rule that anyone entering the building has to un-cover (that's what we used to call any kind of a hat in the Fleet Marine Force - a 'Cover'). I'm not a Legion member but I am a card-carrying VFW member. I never heard of such a crazy rule. I guess they don't understand that you never tell a Marlboro Man to take his damned hat off. He'll take it off when he feels it's the respectable time to do so. Sans hats, but still wearing their trade mark white boots (only Aspen Run has the guts to wear them in public) the band joined up with Kody Norris of Tennessee to perform for an amazing four hours.

I have to admit I'd never heard Kody perform or knew very little about him, except for what I had read on the available sources. I knew he had an impressive resume and was making a name for his young self in some not-too-shabby bluegrass circles. But mostly I came out to Stewartstown at the invitation of Herb Martin to experience some unique talent. Oh what a night as the old song-line goes. Aspen Run and Kody Norris first started a riot, then wore down all the customers with a grueling four-hour pummeling of excellent, tight, music and finally set fire to the roof to finish the job. As far as I know they went pretty much through their whole repertoire, but according to Herb, "Oh no. They have a lot more songs in their package!" They had to come back for two extended encores. The audience wouldn't let them out of the building.

What makes the band such a good package is the fact that they're an anachronism. The music stands still in a freeze-frame on the music landscape. Before there was country music there was this. Raw, gut-wrenching beer-drinking music with songs about lost love and she-done-me-wrong. It was the style of music that parents warned us about (but secretly listened to after the kids were in bed). It gave rise to the Salvation Army and birthed many a Sunday sermon. It'll never become a subject of study at the Juilliard. WCKY in Cincinnati and WWVA are long-gone but there is still a public that wants to hear The Real Thing, the real deal that was at the heart of all that became the watered down, overly produced 3-chord fluff that is today's country music. There aren't that many bands out there today who even want to practice this style of music. Maybe because it's too difficult to stay away from unnecessary embellishment. Maybe because this music requires teamwork and ultimate purpose and a lot of deeply held conviction that each musician is staying on the right path. By anyone's performance standards Aspen Run is a young band and relatively new to the bluegrass scene here in the Piedmont and Bay area. The rough edges only add to their authenticity. Kody Norris pushed them this evening, pushed them hard to tighten up and the boys reacted with big smiles and a lot of very funny on-stage banter. Poor old Steve Unkart (guitar, vocals) took the brunt of it and responded by sounding better than I've ever heard him on such numbers as "Wild Bill Jones" and his suitcase full of Jimmy Martin favorites. The house (the American Legion Post in Stewartstown) wasn't the greatest venue for lighting and sound but the assembled audience of Aspen Run fans and family members and the curious from the surrounding area got a rare treat - a four-hour free event that had all the trappings of a private party - and one that included the likes of Kody Norris? How do you beat that?

Meeting Up with Aspen Run

2011-10-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

Lucketts, Virginia - 8 October 2011: Two very different bands shared the stage at the Lucketts Elementary School tonight. The Old School House is still under renovation so performances are scheduled at the Elementary school next door until further notice. The "Old School House" has a certain charm and is known as a famous bluegrass venue, but oddly the performances sound a lot better in the temporary space and there is more room for seating and better parking. The one thing that drove me nuts about the old stage is missing - the bright red stage lights. Why they've never gotten rid of them or at least changed the Gels is beyond me - but that has nothing to do with the continual good entertainment that is offered up every Saturday night while the bluegrass season is in full-bore. 2011/2012 promises to be a good one, while up in Brunswick, Maryland the Brunswick Roundhouse Concert Promotions people (Darren Beachley and Team) are lining up a whizz-bang list of top bluegrass talent. We'll be burning a lot of petrol up and down Route 15 in the coming weeks.

The Timmons Family came on first followed by Aspen Run Band. It was unfortunate for the Timmons Family that their set was marred by frequent sound check interruptions. The sound people struggled to fine-tune a new sound system, and it was hard to concentrate on the performance itself. The band also called for frequent checks which caused even more interruptions. It was all just too bad for everyone concerned. In the end, everything was just louder than it should have been. Aspen Run had a luckier time of it, came on hell-bent-for-leather, and let's have a good time. Most of the exuberence is provided by Steve Unkart on guitar and vocals, but teamwork prevails among an unusual family of musicians from Westminster, Maryland.

According to the story found on the band's website, Herb Martin Jr. (the father) introduced his three sons to bluegrass just five years ago, each picked an instrument they wanted to play and then started practicing. It's a great story, call it an urban legend or a folk-tale, call it what you will, it doesn't really matter when the band is experienced in performance for the first time. This style of bluegrass transports you back to bluegrass and hillbilly roots - a lot of Jimmy Martin and Stanley Brothers and it's done with total unpretention. The sound and style you've heard a million times, but the Martin Family is going for their own brand of authenticity. Steve Unkart and Herb Martin, III (the oldest son) have the lion's share of the vocal work. They're a great combo. Aaron Martin on stand-up bass and Clayton Martin on mandolin are the other sons, and Dad stands in on some of the stuff. On this night he mainly stood in the background with a big, proud, fatherly grin on his face as his progeny won over the audience. Guy Herbert deserves attention also (banjo) not only for his excellent banjo-work but also as a mentor to everyone in the group, and someone who's put together a fine CD of their work in the recording studio. How can you come up with a version of "Mule Skinner Blues" that isn't over-worn or hackneyed?

The "only-been-playing-five-years" story is a good one. What matters is where this band is headed in the next 10 years. These guys are talented and very entertaining and play a lot in our own local environs. Their latest CD is Aspen Run Wanted and if you like your bluegrass very old, unpretentious, served up like a piece of raw meat on a broken china plate, then order your own copy soon. I can't believe these kids are so young!

www.aspenrunbluegrass.com

The Death of Cyril J. O'Brien, U.S. Marine

2011-02-05T10:39:00.000-08:00

I've led such a fortunate, privileged life. I attended a funeral of a friend yesterday. Yes, it was a sad occasion, funerals always are, but if you knew or had known the man who died you would have also known that the last thing this person ever would've wanted was a sad departure ceremony. There were lots of Marines there, old and young and in-between. There were lots of people who represented other interesting areas and regions of Cy's life. He was always the historical observer, the writer, the inveterate traveller. He was a pugnacious little man who possessed this spark that lit up any room he walked into. You know the type. He never really seemed to age. If he hadn't spoken with such accurate historical authority you would've classified him as a 'character' upon first meeting him. Cy may have been the last of his kind of character - the man who could actually handle and participate in the fine art of repartee. His mind was bright and quick right up to the end, even though over the past ten years the body had taken its toll. Cy was one of a kind. A true original.

I met Cy O'Brien sometime in the 90's. He would show up at any and all Marine Corps functions here in the Washington, D.C. area. You don't often actually get to meet a walking history book, or more sadly, we fail to fully appreciate the people we're meeting in our daily lives. I knew there was something special about Cy - his own personal history and the life he had encountered during World War II and the many luminaries he had met and written about in the many decades since that terrible period. He was never the critic but always the observer and recorder. Objectivity was his journalistic watch-word. Cy and I shared some great times at historical meetings, Marine Corps Divisional Reunions, and fancy events with lots of Marine Corps Dinner Dress uniforms on full parade. He was always in his own element with a ring of younger people surrounding him. The stories would begin at a dinner table. The tales would ensue. All of them true, witnessed by the correspondent. It was his job to record them for posterity. The Marine Corps lives and feeds on history - the Lore, the Legends, the Heroes, the good ones and the bad ones. The Army can't claim it and neither can any of the other branches of our military. Cy had fulfilled his Marine Corps duty right up to the end.

Some Images from the Brunswick Concert

2011-01-31T13:03:00.000-08:00

Waiting for the crowd to show - Jill and Sherri

The "Chili Guys" The chili was a Big Hit!

The Product

For a Great Cause

Lost and Found CD Table

Early-Birds at Brunswick Concert

I shocked a few local residents from Brunswick when I told them "I only come for the Food!" I got an advanced notice to definitely try the Chili. Sorry I didn't catch the guy's name who was responsible for concocting it. He and a full force of Brunswick Railroader Band volunteers were on hand to serve the crowd with baked goods, free coffee, sandwiches, snacks and of course, the home-made chili. (They sold a lot of it at intermission - I watched, I counted, while I downed a second bowl.) www.brunswickbluegrass.org

Event No. 4 in Brunswick: The Momentum Builds

2011-01-31T07:06:00.000-08:00

The Lost and Found at Brunswick, 30 January 2011

30 January 2011: Brunswick Roundhouse Concert Productions presented its Fourth Event up in Brunswick, Maryland yesterday. Offer something unique and the customers will show - they'll lay down their money to have a good time. There is nothing more appreciative than a rousing audience of bluegrass die-hards. Snow be damned. Weird highway detours showing up out of nowhere be damned. Somebody among the Brunswick Boosters had the foresight to put up plenty of hand-painted directional signs so concert-attendees could find their way to the Brunswick High School. We had to go the back way from our normal route and I wasn't real happy to find out that the Maryland Department of Highways detour signs took me eight miles out of the way! God bless whoever it was who put up the "Bluegrass" signs. But that's the kind of planning and assistance you can expect from the good people up in Brunswick. The BRCP team and Brunswick Boosters have now established a well-oiled machine that is cranking out wonderful entertainment for Frederick County and Northern Virginia bluegrass fans.

It all started on July 25th, 2009, with the first concert to raise funds for the Brunswick Junior Baseball League, with Darren Beachley (he's a 'local') offering up his talent. Kenny Ray Horton (of the U.S. Navy's Country Current) joined him. Everyone was pleasantly shocked at the public's response. Soon after, a team developed that decided to take it a few steps further. Other concerts were scheduled. Concert No. 2 happened on July 10th, 2010 and the word spread. The original team then formed a non-profit entity to promote musical performances in support of high school booster activities at the Brunswick High School.

Concert No. 3 took place on November 21st, 2010, Concert No. 4 happened yesterday, and Event No. 5 will take place on March 20th, 2011. The fan base is growing and so is the donor-support list for Brunswick Roundhouse Concert Productions, the non-profit 'parent operation' in charge.
Modestly staying in the background of all this activity are Jill and Roy Hossler and the extended Hossler Family, and also Darren and Sherri Beachley and all of their Family. The Hosslers and Beachleys will be the first to mention that none of this stuff happens without the support of the army of volunteers they've gathered around the concert events.

The Music: Yesterday's event featured Kenny Ray Horton and Washington Junction, and the legendary band Lost and Found. This was Kenny Ray's second appearance at the Brunswick concerts and he was joined by Country Current alumnus Pat White on fiddle and mandolin, Keith Arneson on banjo, and Jeremy Middleton on bass. Darren Beachley's got the task of lining up the entertainment and you can sense where he's going with the music. Both bands offered a broad range of bluegrass tastes. Maybe it's because of Kenny Ray's Navy background and the "having to please all" attitude of the different Navy Band configurations or maybe it's because sometimes he just sounds a little too 'country' for my taste in bluegrass, I always hold my classifications in reserve for Kenny Ray. You want to see what this guy is going to become in the future, because this guy is good, and thoroughly entertaining and proficient as an artist. Both Kenny Ray and Pat White are in classifications of their own. They're brilliant musicians - that's why they were chosen for duty in the Second-Best U.S. military Band. The First of course, is the U.S. Marine Corps Band. Yeah - you can quote me on that - and then try to shoot me.

The Lost and Found's performance is purely Old School traditional - it took me back to days of listening to hillbilly music on the radio when I was a kid. When you need your bluegrass fix and you want to go down into that dark hollow, these are the folks you listen to. You either love or hate this kind of music - and I love it - songs like "Wreck of the Old 97" "Shackles and Chains" "Down the Road" "My Home's Across the Blue Ridge Mountains." They threw in a medley from the Grand Ole Opry and some Red Foley - they brought down the house. You walk out smiling and saying to yourself, "I just experienced the Real Deal."

Two very different bands spanning different generations, but it's all about the acoustically performed music and the vocal connectivity. You have to appreciate the genius of how it all comes together and works to delight the senses. God knows I've listened to too much uninspired and bad, modern country music and rock-and-roll. The air waves are filled with it. I listen to it once and then turn it off. I keep going back to bluegrass again and again and again. My grand daughter thinks I'm a Virginia hillbilly (I'm not). Just me, that's who I am.

You can get schedules, ticket information, and information on how to contribute to Brunswick Roundhouse Concert productions at www.brunswickbluegrass.org

March 20th, 2011, at 3:00 (Doors open at 2:00) featuring The Little Roy and Lizzie Show and Bill Yates and the Country Gentlemen Tribute Band. Tickets are on sale now.

"The Que Sons" Bulletin No. One

2011-01-21T11:59:00.000-08:00

Hello Fellow-Travelers! The holidays are over so it's time to get down to business. My week started with an extended conversation with J.D. Murray about the upcoming adventure in September, 2011. If you're on the Mike 3/5 commo net you know what I'm referring to. Right after the conversation my phone lines perked up, which surprised me in this age of no one using land-lines or snail-mail any more. The funny thing is, right after New Years one of my house phones went lame and I seriously thought of NOT replacing it because we just weren't using it that much in the months before it died. We certainly live in a new age of communication - no wonder the U.S. Postal Service is on its last leg. So this year I've decided to disburse most of my information to you via this blogsite - which I'll constantly reference in my forwarded messages to each and everyone of you interested in the September Adventure. Here's the gist of what I have to report:
1. Deposits are coming in.
2. A substantial 'interest' or 'yes-I'm-seriously-interested' list is developing at about the same rate as the last Trip.
3. At this rate, reservations will go quickly.

So that's pretty darn good news! Stay tuned.

Bring on the New Year - I'm Ready

2010-12-30T11:37:00.000-08:00

30 December 2010:

The post-holiday blues of 2010/2011 and we dodged a big bullet here in the mid-Atlantic region. While everyone around us was inundated with snow, we got nothing, which is fine with me. Bring on Global Warming! Christmas this year was wonderful - as good as it gets - and now after one of the coldest Decembers on record our temps are rising nicely. Even the mourning doves are singing again at day-break and today there was frost on the lawn - that's a good sign. Another trip around the Sun. Another year completed - almost. We'll attend our annual get together with special friends on New Year's Eve and enjoy a big dinner of lamb and Indian delicacies. Nice. Everything's right with the world when you have your health, still enjoy dancin' and romancin' with your spouse, and can still enjoy life surrounded by family and friends.

Waiting For Christmas

2010-12-21T09:08:00.000-08:00

21 December 2010 -

I've decided that in 2010 I will have experienced the greatest Christmas of my lifetime. Now that's a bold statement! I have everything a 66-year old grandfather could wish or hope for. There is nothing more I want out of life beyond what I have right now. When you have your health, you have everything, as the saying goes, considering the past year in which I've seen the passing of some very good friends. And other good friends have passed into stages of early old-age, which is a warning to me that I have to protect the good health I'm blessed with. But most of all I'm grateful for being able to spend quality time with the "little ones" (who seem) to be blossoming abundantly in our respective families. First and foremost is my own grand daughter who doesn't waste any time by jumping up next to me to exclaim, "Tell me another story, Papi Ed!" I've finally reached that stage - an old man telling wild tales to a child. I'm reminded very quickly of my own grandfather who taught me how to fish. He was also one step removed from his Irish immigrant parents so he punched the ticket for outlandish story-telling. But I certainly don't feel old. And I certainly don't feel as old or act as old as some of my friends. Some are luckier than others. Thank God I still have the energy to go a good five or six or seven hours with a five year-old. The time-frame here isn't important. What matters is how much time you have to devote to a child. A child you love very much. Christmas is right here in front of my eyes. And it's a going to be a very beautiful Christmas.

Harbinger

2010-12-19T17:11:00.000-08:00

December, 2010

The First Measurable snowfall of the season and Jill Hossler snapped this image up in Jefferson, Maryland. The brilliant red of our state bird against the clean white of the new snow. Add holly berries. You don't have to go to the local mall to get into the Christmas spirit. It's usually right outside our kitchen windows. Thanks Jill, for allowing me to post this.

(Photo by Jill Hossler, Maryland, December 2010)

I'm Not Making This Up . .(1) . . .

2010-12-16T09:24:00.000-08:00

November 2010 - Scarborough, Maine

I've been a Cabela's customer since the 70's. I can always count on quality goods that are really made for the outdoors and the price for the level of quality is usually decent. Established in Nebraska in 1961 as a mail-order house for fishermen, the Cabela's Brothers made their mark in designing fishing lures and fishing equipment, and soon found a niche in supplying the serious hunter also. I remember when L.L. Bean and Orvis had the same style of business. When I got out of the service both mail-order houses were still carrying bamboo fly-rods and shooting equipment and some of the finest outdoor equipment on the market. Then marketing tactics changed with the coming of the Era of "Preppie." We're not stupid. L.L. Bean and Orvis flip-flopped on who they were marketing to, and outdoorsmen soon changed a lot of their allegiances to suppliers like Cabela's and Gander Mountain. Thank God. I could rely on buying clothing and gear that stood the test of the kind of traveling I was doing around the world. A man needs gear - not a catalogue filled with sheets and towels and embroidered designer dog-collars. L.L. Bean had sold its soul to the suburban Lincoln SUV crowd and I can't figure what Orvis is up to, except to dress up fashionable nancy-boys and foist Irish crystal on to the McLean, Virginia cocktail set. There is a mecca for those of us who are left. It's called the Kittery Trading Post up in York, Maine. Anyone who's been there knows what they sell. If you like guns this is your heaven on earth. If you're going to spend time in the Maine woods hunting black bear, you'll probably make the Kittery Trading Post your first stop after crossing the New Hampshire border. I've been buying stuff there since 1969 and never fail to visit the Post every time I'm in Maine. They just have the best prices around for anything and have frequent sales annually that draw outdoorsmen from all parts of New England. But I need to get back to talking about my experience at Cabela's.

With Cabela's new-found riches after thousands of sportsmen fled L.L. Bean, they opened up their first "grand store" in the late 80's and continued to add stores into the 90's. Don't expect to find them near urban yuppie or preppie centers. Two years ago one opened up in Scarborough, Maine but I never had time to visit. This November I made a point to get there to see if Cabela's was keeping its promise to cater to the real hunter, the real fisherman, the guy who's looking for the color of clothing that comes in other than "Burnt Cinnamon Rose" or "Sycamore."

The store is easy to get to just a half-mile off the Maine Turnpike and it's easily visible from the Turnpike, too. The first thing that impresses you is the size - when I entered a greeter told me I would need a solid two hours to see everything. I had a pretty good idea of what was in my Cabela's catalogue and I wanted to see if they had the whole catalogue selection. They had that and a lot more. I was specifically looking for a pair of merino wool long underwear that I've had my eye on for the past two years. The killer winter we had here in Virginia last year convinced me that it was time to invest in the ultimate layering factor and since I'm way over 60 years old, they'll last me till I'm dead. No matter where I looked I couldn't find them and I finally resorted to asking for help. A young man probably no more than 20 took me around a couple of display racks and over to one of the computer terminals and said, "Let's take a look and see if we have them listed." "What are they again?" he asked, and I said "Merino wool long underwear - you have them listed right here in the catalogue." He kept his eyes glued to the terminal screen. "Naw, I don't see them anywhere. I just don't see them listed." And then the most amazing thing happened. He said, "How do you spell Merino?" Okay, that's an easy mistake for somebody who's young and lives off the turnpike in Maine. I spelled it out for him and added "It's originally Spanish - maybe for the name of the sheep" thinking he could pass that knowledge on to the next new sales staffer who didn't know where the word originated. Then the heart of the matter finally came forward - the reason why we couldn't track down the item in question - he looked at the screen, turned to me, and with the most serious expression asked, "Wow! I just had a brain Fart! How do you spell Wool?" I hate that expression. It expresses everything I hate about the way people talk to each other these days. What does it mean? Is it supposed to be cute? Where did it originate? Probably on the "Friends" show for all I care.

I looked at the poor kid and it was like a bullet had just gone through one side of my neck and out the other. The seriousness of his look and his sincerity at the question told me a million things about him and I just couldn't be angry. To make matters worse I turned around to leave and right behind me, sort of under the gloom of an over-hanging top shelf was a whole display rack filled with the item I had been looking for. On each packet in big blue letters were the words "Men's Merino Wool Long Underwear." I laughed. The kid laughed. I left the store without purchasing anything. My shock and anger wasn't directed toward the kid. My anger and shock was directed toward the educational system that had produced him. Maybe the societal attitude that had produced him coupled with the unproductive educational system which hadn't prepared him in any way, shape or form to go out and get a job and have him deal everyday with the public. It's why I hate stores. It's why I buy everything from catalogues or else order it on-line. I just don't want to deal with it anymore because I feel embarrassed - and to go to a store in this day and age has just become a big waste of my time. I'll still purchase from Cabela's - it'll be easier to do it on-line.

I'm Not Making This Up . . (2)

2010-12-16T09:18:00.000-08:00

Anton Justs - Bishop of Jelgava, Latvia

2010-11-30T08:24:00.000-08:00

Thank you Father Anthony . . .

More Photos from the Brunswick Concert - 21 November 2010

2010-11-24T06:25:00.000-08:00

"Railroader" Moms selling home-baked goodies at the Big Concert

Jane Smith's cakes and pies - a hit at the concert

The next event is January 30th featuring The Lost and Found and Washington Junction (with Kenny Ray Horton and Friends.) Call (301) 371-5582 for tickets.

www.brunswickbluegrass.org

Coconut Cake, Corn Pone, and Total Commitment

2010-11-23T08:05:00.000-08:00

Brunswick High Athletic Booster volunteers taking care of the concert crowd

Darren Beachley introduces the Dry Branch Fire Squad, 21 November 2010

Ethan Hughes is razzed by the "Old Guys."

The packed lobby at Brunswick High School, Brunswick Maryland

The Dry Branch Fire Squad, 21 November 2010

21 November 2010: What a beautiful, warm, Autumn afternoon in Brunswick, Maryland. We like to get to Brunswick early so we can browse the downtown antique stores. While walking the streets we were stopped by an old man from Culpeper, Virginia who needed directions up to the high school. In two antique stores I overheard groups of people talking about getting up to the high school before it was too late. By the way they were dressed I knew they were not locals. I smiled. In sleepy little Brunswick you could sense the early afternoon "Buzz" that there were more people in town than is per usual. Better get up to the high school before it was too late. Believe me, nothing much this eventful happens in Brunswick. The newly instituted Roundhouse Concert Productions group was having its first-ever, concert/benefit at 3:00 at the other end of town at Brunswick High School. What Darren and Sherri Beachley and Jill and Roy Hossler had worked so hard toward was coming to fruition. I've been following this story since the first concert in 2009 to benefit the Brunswick Junior Baseball League. From the start I had a gut-feeling it would come to this. More baseball benefit concerts ensued. The ticket-buyers multiplied. The music offerings got better. In an economic downtime when family entertainment dollars are being squeezed to the limit it didn't seem to matter when a few good people have a personal dream of doing something wonderful for the community. Darren's that kind of person (and artist). Always working on taking it to the next level of possibility.

We took the short drive uphill to the high school and was confronted with a full parking lot and a hand-written sign that said "over-flow parking in the gravel lot." I love this! And we were very early getting there. One of those pleasant surprises you don't expect. Any promoter has to be happy with the prospect that parking is going to over-flow. Offer good bluegrass and the fans will follow. At 2:30 the lobby was packed already and Jill Hossler and her army of volunteers (the school Athletic Boosters) were busy checking in ticket-holders and soon doing a land-office business in drinks, snacks, and sandwiches. The first thing I spied was an exceptionally large and beautifully crafted Coconut Cake that was up for auction. There were more cakes and goodies, all donated by Jane Smith. I wanted that cake badly - and so did everyone else. In the end we won the bid on some fudge which we'll enjoy over the holidays. You had to admire The Machine that was in operation. This is small-town volunteerism at its best, working toward raising funds for the high school athletic programs. But we were there for the music and there was no disappointment.

The show kicked off with the Dry Branch Fire Squad. I have to admit I've never experienced seeing them in performance and only know them from a historical point. Read any historical account of the growth of the bluegrass movement and you'll read about these guys. I had been forewarned (by my son who had just seen them in San Francisco,) that "They talk a lot!" True - Ron Thomason, one of the original founders has a tendency to get long-winded, and what sounds like down-home Corn Pone soon goes down strange twisted-logic roads about DNA strands and double helixes and comparisons of regional differences. Listen very, very carefully to what he has to say. He had me laughing in the aisles. Droll doesn't even sum up his sense of humor and timing - it's beyond droll. I can't imagine anyone in San Francisco understanding or even finding his Appalachian style of humor funny, but the Fire Squad recently performed at the enormous annual (and open) bluegrass event in Golden Gate Park and apparently they were a big hit. The Fire Squad did twelve pieces for this performance and they were brilliant. They like to show off their playing skills by constantly switching instruments. Two a cappella numbers were the best pieces in the set. They were "Tearing Down the Kingdom of the World" and "Power in the Blood."

The second half of the show was reserved for Darren Beachley and the Legends of the Potomac and the big, new surprise here is the departure of legendary dobro master, Mike Auldridge and his replacement Ethan Hughes. Mike was in the audience and Darren graciously recognized him. Ethan Hughes, at only 19 years old is already an accomplished player and fit right into the mix of veterans. The voice combination of Ethan Hughes, Norman Wright, and Darren Beachley is powerful and full of promise for some amazing future CD's. As is the whole future of the Roundhouse Concert Series. The Legends will hand it over to a new set of performers beginning January 30th, and will continue to expand the concert line-ups to March 20th and June 12th, 2011. The Legends will be back for the performance on June 12, 2011. Darren and Jill Hossler, and all the volunteers up in Brunswick are totally committed to bringing First Class entertainment to the Brunswick region. They need your support to recognize the various student activities at Brunswick High School (Brunswick, Maryland). The best way you can help is donate today to the BRCP organization so these great shows can continue up in Brunswick.

For ticket and donation information contact:

Jill Hossler, 4210 Wallingford Court, Jefferson, Maryland, 21755 www.brunswickbluegrass.org

Brunswick Roundhouse Concert Productions is also available on FaceBook

January 30, 2011: Lost and Found and Washington Junction

March 20, 2011: Bill Yates and Country Gentlemen Tribute Band and
The Little Roy and Lizzy Show

June 12, 2011: Darin and Brooke Aldridge and

Darren Beachley and the Legends of the Potomac

San Francisco Lyric Chorus Christmas Program

2010-11-10T14:46:00.001-08:00

The San Francisco Lyric Chorus Christmas program for 2010 at the Mission Dolores Basilica and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Orinda. Not to be missed if you're traveling in the Bay Area during the first week in December. For further information go to: www.sflc.org

ishouldbeworking: Fiends of Western Buddhists

2010-11-09T11:01:00.000-08:00

ishouldbeworking: Fiends of Western Buddhists

Jack Schoff of Maine - The Clock Guy

2010-11-09T09:06:00.000-08:00

Jack Schoff and his award from Guinness Book of World Records

Just a small portion of Jack Schoff's collection

Jack Schoff, North Berwick, Maine, November 2010

Any visitor to Maine might think they had landed in Paradise if all they did was drive up and down coastal Route One or dropped in on the L.L. Bean Headquarters and Outlet at Freeport, which is what most Maine visitors and tourists do. It reminds me a lot of Australia: life, population, and marketing capital is on the coast with very little but great expanses of wilderness once you get off the Maine Turnpike. But even life on the coast is a charade, as watermen and lobstermen struggle to make a decent living off a life-style which has been a Maine tradition for hundreds of years. I love Maine and have spent a lot of time there. But I'm just a visitor. I'm not from Maine, and therefore from the Mainers' point of view, can lay no claims to really knowing anything about Maine except for what I've read in books on the subject. Get a bunch of locals together and they'll start arguing about which is the better town, or township, or who's getting screwed the worst through Maine's exhorbitant taxing policies. If you want a good lesson in American civics go to any local Select Men's or Town Hall Meeting - they go on for hours over literally nothing and every town malcontent shows up monthly to air his or her latest grievance against authority. I remember an argument in particular way back in the early 70's and it was over granting a permit for the first MacDonald's in Freeport. L.L. Bean had just moved from its original location down-town and was now located on Route One. An old geezer got up in the meeting and made the pronouncement, "If we let this go through it will be the end of Freeport. We'll never see the end of it!" There was much laughter. The geezer got the last laugh. So much for urban planning. Within two years after MacDonald's landed every other discount grease-joint soon followed. Within a few years the area surrounding L.L. Bean looked like so many of those mega-strip malls and gasoline alleys you see along Route I-95 South. So much for retaining "Quaint" over rampant bang-for-the-buck.

But I'm letting negativity get in my way. Like any tourist destination there is always an upside to the story. The best way to utilize a tourist destination is first, get away from all the other tourists and try not to go where they are going. This is the way we've utilized Maine for the past 38 years. There is always something new to see and do in Maine and the baked beans, fresh lobster, and fried clams taste just as good today as they did 38 years ago. This is how we ran into the "Clock Guy" on our most recent trip to Maine in the first week in November. That's right - November! - another lesson you learn about traveling to Maine. It's a good idea to go there (and enjoy it privately and cheaply) when everybody else is NOT there. With a very cheap and very fast flight out of Baltimore's BWI we can be up on the coast of Maine (via Manchester Airport, N.H.) within two and a half hours. Talk about convenience!

We had heard a story about a guy up in Berwick, Maine who owned a fabulous collection of clocks and they had to be seen to be appreciated. His name is Jack Schoff and the point of the story is, that living in a very small apartment, his obsession for clock-collecting kind of got the best of him. To the point of being recognized by the Guinness Book of Records people, who awarded him with the record for having the biggest private collection of clocks. The runner-up was some guy from Germany, who Jack says he's never met or been in contact with. The story of Jack's collection broke a few years ago and all the local news media came over to Berwick to see what was going on. Quiet and unassuming, Jack took it all in stride. When you meet him, you're immediately struck with his cordiality and his attitude of "It's just me and another day of living with all these clocks."

There are clocks everywhere - on every inch of wall space, on all the furniture tops and shelves, and the small bedroom space, kitchen, and bathroom haven't been spared. It's the most amazing thing I've ever seen. We sat on whatever sofa space that was available and surrounded ourselves in Jack's world of his amazing clocks. You would think the noise would be deafening but it was not unpleasant. He owns every kind of clock imaginable - spring-driven, weight-driven, battery-driven; he hasn't an inventory of what he has and says he wants to get rid of all of them but doesn't know where to start. He says it's not about the value or collectability of what he has. "Some of them are worthless, some are expensive and maybe historic, I just don't care," he says with a small laugh. He says he spends a large amount of his income on batteries to keep them all going and spends most of his day setting them properly and repairing the ones lagging behind. Since daylight savings time was fast upon us, we wondered how in the world he re-set all of them.

We had entered his place on the half-hour, so we waited in anticipation for all the walls to come alive with clanging and gonging and activated Cuckoo birds. It wasn't as glorious as we expected, but it was an experience, none the less and it was great talking to Jack as he showed off his award and talked about his hunting pictures displayed about his little apartment. There were pictures of he and his son bagging trophy black bear and moose, and especially interesting pictures of a big black bear he had to chase out of the back of his pick-up truck. That's life in Maine, away from Highway One and the Coastal tourist traps.

We couldn't leave without buying a clock from Jack, and it's a beauty - a Seth Thomas pendulum model which worked perfectly after the plane-ride back from Manchester, New Hampshire and looks great on our living room wall. After such an interesting afternoon I should have had Jack autograph it for me. I regret that I didn't ask him.

Maine: "The Way Life Should Be"

2010-11-08T09:05:00.000-08:00

Just returned from another road trip to Maine and I'll be talking about "The Clock Guy," my experience at the Cabela's Store, and other matters. As it states on every Maine license plate, "The Way Life Should Be."

Hey Connolly - Beware the Ides of March

2010-11-03T11:48:00.000-07:00

Well, here it comes. The e-mails are pouring in around noon as Fairfax County tries to decide who really won yesterday's election in the 11th Congressional District. Of course all the messages I'm receiving are from democrats who know me, and the rumors they're spreading is that Gerald Connolly has won the race fairly and squarely, even though votes are still being counted, and will probably be counted again and maybe a third time because the race was so close when we all went to bed last night. So much for smugness on the part of the democrats here in Northern Virginia. Symptomatic of the all the smugness, were all the yahoo democrat predictions that Connolly was a shoe-in and would beat Keith Fimian easily in this current election. Surprise, surprise! Connolly even had the audacity to make a pre-emptive (and stupidly mistimed) victory speech before the 11:00 pm news aired. The facts are clear no matter which party wins this contested race. Fairfax voters were split right down the middle on who they wanted to represent them in Congress for the next two years. And there was the great unknown - the independent voter - wouldn't politics be a wonderful adventure if both parties could figure out how he or she is going to treat them at the Polls? In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, the warnings about the mentality of the Mob are always lurking in every line. Don't let your smugness carry you away. You might wake up the morning after with a big surprise waiting for you. This is Connolly's "Ides of March." Only half the voters wanted Connolly in - the other half wants him to go away.

Why We Gather - by Michael Norman

2010-10-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

"I now know why men who have been to war yearn to reunite. Not to tell stories or look at old pictures. Not to laugh or weep. Comrades gather because they long to be with men who once acted their best, men who suffered and sacrificed, who were stripped raw, right down to their humanity. I did not pick these men. They were delivered by fate and the U.S. Marine Corps. But I know them in a way I know no other men. I have never given anyone such trust. They were willing to guard something more precious than my life. They would have carried my reputation, the memory of me. It was part of the bargain we all made, the reason we were so willing to die for one another.

I cannot say where we are headed. Ours are not perfect friendships; those are the province of legend and myth. A few of my comrades drift far from me now, sending back only occasional word. I know that one day even these could fall to silence. Some of the men will stay close, a couple perhaps, always at hand.

As long as I have memory, I will think of them all, every day. I am sure that when I leave this world, my last thought will be of my family and my comrades - such good men. Semper Fi!

from These Good Men by Michael Norman

THE THING

2010-10-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

For those of you who never had the pleasure to serve in the infantry, I won't even try to explain what this thing is. But a lot of us remember them well, and wished to hell we could've ridden them instead of having to walk along-side them. This one showed up at the 2010 Memorial Day Program at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. They're now collectors' items and probably paved the way for the modern-day ATV.

(We called them "Mules.")

2010-10-16T13:00:00.000-07:00

Thinking about Halloween? Then this is the group for you. Seems like witches and druids and wood nymphs are alive and well out in the Bay Area (where else?). I picked up this brochure last year at the First Unitarian/Universalist Church in San Francisco, which by the way is one of the oldest and finest church structures in the city and should be visited if you're into architecture.

Vienna Oktoberfest - 2010

2010-10-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

One of the prettiest weekends on record and thousands turned out for the 3rd Annual Oktoberfest in Vienna, Virginia. From Bratwursts and Beer to Goat Kabobs. This event just keeps getting bigger (and better!) each year.

Another Lovely Day in Hell at Tysons Corner

2010-09-14T17:19:00.000-07:00

Looking west toward Vienna from one of the shopping mall parking garages.

Railroad track pylons marching across the Beltway at Rt. 123

Rt. 123 and the Beltway

Tysons Boulevard and Rt. 123, where the new rail line will interface with the shopping mall.

1:30 pm traffic at a stand-still on the outer loop of the Beltway, Sept. 14, 2010.

For those of us who remember that this area was nothing but a cow pasteur and a lone gas station and ice cream store back in the 60's, welcome to the new 'Edison New Jersey South.' I wanted to get pictures of it before we're totally imprisoned in concrete and re-bar. Pity those poor bastards stuck on the Outer Loop. Pity the people who work here and have to deal with the daily sign-changes and nightly shut-downs. I only wish I would have gotten photos of this mess during the Big Blizzards of the past winter season - but who could move? Who in their right mind wanted to go near Tysons Corner? Abandon all hope, ye who enter . . . .

First Day of Kindergarten, September 2010

2010-09-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

That's My Girl!

Grasstowne in Myrtle Beach

2010-09-12T12:31:00.000-07:00

Happening upon the Unexpected is always a treat. I took this picture on either the 22nd or 23rd of May, 2010 in Myrtle Beach. It was hot as hell, and my brother and I stopped off at this plaza after hearing the sound of some good bluegrass music drifting over the concrete and asphalt. It was Grasstowne playing at the annual "wine festival." Nobody was drinking wine in the heat of the afternoon. Hardly anybody was there at all except a bunch of Grasstowne fans and a contingent of fans from the local bluegrass community in and around Myrtle Beach. The promoters of the wine festival ended up giving away tickets for some of the afternoon's events. Talk about paying your dues to be heard. That afternoon I heard some really great music. Just goes to show you that the Hardcore will show up anywhere, any time for good bluegrass music.

From Dr. McMillan's Photo Album

2010-09-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

Raccoon and 'Friend' eating ice cream on Mission Street

Latest Update on the Brunswick Roundhouse Concert Series

2010-09-06T12:10:00.000-07:00

Jill Hossler, from Brunswick sent me the latest update on the newly-formed Brunswick Roundhouse Concert Series that I had talked about in an earlier entry. Darren Beachley and the Legends of the Potomac kick off this concert series on Sunday, 21 November, 2010 at 3:00 pm. Tickets are now up for purchase by contacting Jill's organization. I'll leave all the pertinent information at the end of this posting. I've sent for my own tickets because I know the demand will be high once Halloween is on our doorstep. Yep, we're getting into the Fall Season already. I see a remark I made in my daily diary on September 28, 2009: "Saw my first Thanksgiving Dinner advertisement on Channel 7 tonight." There is no let-up on American commercialism brow-beating us into pounding down more food than we need.
This is exciting news for Brunswick, Maryland and especially good news for Brunswick High School ("Home of the Railroaders"). Evolving out of Darren's past two benefit concerts for the Brunswick Junior Baseball League, Jill Hossler (and the whole Hossler Family), Darren Beachley, and the various Booster groups of the school and community have banded together to raise funds for the extra programs at Brunswick High School. It's a win/win for the school and bluegrass fans. Expect that Darren will elicit the help of friends in the business and bring in the best in quality music and performers. He's done it in the past two events and he'll continue with the premier event and those planned into 2011. For starters how about this: Darren Beachley and the Legends of the Potomac and the Dry Branch Fire Squad. If you missed the first two benefits I have only pity in my heart for you. Here's your opportunity to atone for your sins and at the same time support a magnificent cause up in Brunswick, Maryland.
On the nuts-and-bolts administration side of this Jill and Darren have created a foundation, a new website, and everything is easily reached by keeping up with Facebook. It's obvious everyone involved is in it for the Long Haul. Now it's time for the huge bluegrass community here in Virginia and Maryland to come forth and support what Darren has taken on as a cause. Jill Hossler added that each event will support a different in-school Booster group, and have been timed specifically to not interfere with some of the other popular bluegrass venues and bluegrass events that go on in our area. In essence, we the fans will have the opportunity to enjoy a richer and broader bluegrass offering here in Northern Virginia and Western Maryland.

Tickets are on Sale now: seats are $20 (and) $25, make check payable to "Brunswick Roundhouse Concert Productions" or simply, "BRCP." Mail check to: BRCP, 4210 Wallingford Court, Jefferson, Maryland, 21755. For additional information or inquiries about the series the new e-mail address is brcpbluegrass@aol.com The Brunswick Roundhouse Concert Series is also available on Facebook and is connected to Darren's Facebook page, the Brunswick Railroaders and a few other pages. Become a friend today and link up.

Darren Beachley and the Legends of the Potomac with special guests The Dry Branch Fire Squad at Brunswick High School, Sunday 21 November 2010, 3:00 to 6:00. Admission $20 or $25, tickets must be purchased in advance.

Bin Hogs: Your Day is Over!

2010-09-03T07:32:00.000-07:00

The Airlines are finally getting smart about flying more efficiently. Now I wish the public would do the same. Bin Hogs: Your day is up. I've spent a life time flying around the world, in and out numerous times at luxurious state-of-the-art airports and those in the Third World that the average American tourist would have an immediate anxiety reaction. I've been there, done that, and bought the tee-shirt. There is nothing I haven't seen, nothing I haven't experienced, so I speak with a lot of authority. I loved George Clooney in "Up in the Air." I said to myself "Aha!" -the guy who wrote this funny movie script has experienced my real life in check-in and security lines and like me, knows exactly who NOT to get behind in a security checkpoint. Today I want to talk about Bin Hogs. Or Bin-Pigs. Or selfish people who have no regard for anyone else's space other than their own and then have the audacity to take another one that doesn't belong to them.
You know who you are. You know your Big Rollie won't fit, and you've broken the rules by carrying an extra purse, a lap-top bag, a shopping bag from Trader Joe's and a bag that contains a big stuffed toy for your grandchild. I'm on a flight back from San Francisco on Virgin America Airlines and watching the fun as you try to argue your way into carrying all this crap on to the flight. God bless the watchmen at Virgin America. Thank God they've commenced the crack-down on this exemplification of American rudeness. After shaking her down and telling her to stow all that crap, she kept up an argument when she got to her seat and demanded to speak to the on-duty Gate Manager. Give him the Medal of Honor. He didn't budge. Put her in her place and told her the argument was over. Next to me was a young kid with a shaved head. He looked at my (single) (small) military style backpack (laying at my feet) and asked me if I was a veteran. "Yes," I said. He replied, "Can you believe this? All I want to do is get this plane off the ground so I can get home." We both had a good chuckle. "Tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan and The Wicked Witch of the West holds up our plane in San Francisco!" You got it son, we've got some really rude, selfish, self-centered whining cry-babies in our population. What they don't understand is Virgin America Airlines is one of the best Airlines flying the skys currently. Thanks, Virgin America for sticking to your guns.

Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen - The New Release

2010-08-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen went public this week with the release of "Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen." It's worth adding to your collection. Frank's been making a lot of waves since departing from Country Current and for good reason. The vocals and musicianship are right up there with the best of them. The new CD is available through all the usual downloadable outlets.
It's a great product, but still doesn't beat seeing Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen in a live performance.

Darren Beachley and the Legends of the Potomac - Round Three

2010-08-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

Wonders of wonders for any bluegrass fan. We've got the world of First-Rate bluegrass talent at our fingertips right here in the Potomac region and even more so with the announcement that Darren Beachley and the Legends of the Potomac will definitely be performing again in Brunswick, Maryland in November. Thank you, Jill Hossler. Thank you, Darren Beachley. The Lucketts Bluegrass Foundation has posted its performance schedule for 2010/2011 and it's one of the best schedules I've seen in years. Now Jill Hossler and her army of booster moms and dads from Brunswick High School have added another big incentive to travel up the river and toward the mountains to enjoy bluegrass. The northern Virginia triangle converging into Maryland and West Virginia is becoming quite the unique gathering place for those seeking truly authentic mountain music. The quiet and unassuming folks in Brunswick take it all in stride. They're just happy that people are discovering there is more to Brunswick than the train station and the commuter parking lot.
This summer, July 10th to be exact, witnessed the Second Annual Benefit Concert for the Brunswick Junior Baseball League. Headlining it for a second year was Darren Beachley and the Legends of the Potomac with special guests Bill Yates and the Country Gentlemen Tribute Band. Last year's guest appearance included Kenny Ray Horton, of the U.S. Navy Band group "Country Current." Kenny's popularity has grown considerably (especially here in the proximity of Washington, D.C.) but his Navy duty called him elsewhere. Bill Yates stepped in this year. What can I say? The show was wild and it was an additional opportunity to experience another one of bluegrass music's living legends. Now we enter 'Round Three' in November with the inclusion of the Dry Branch Fire Squad - another group with legendary beginnings. I can see where Darren is going with this, but he's always had the ability to surround himself - and be very appreciate of - the best bluegrass musicians in the business. We the audience members are the eventual winners. The first time I met Jill Hossler we had a most wonderful conversation and I joked that I hoped she was ready to accept the fact that she had created a monster in Brunswick. But it was a wonderful monster to have been created along the banks of the Potomac. The downside of civic volunteerism is that one big success just leads to the demand for more successes. So it was with Year One and Year Two. I wasn't surprised when during the second year concert in July, the buzz was already starting for a Third Event. And then the e-mail arrived this morning announcing the "Brunswick Roundhouse Concerts." There's evolution going on here - first class entertainment possibilities in sleepy, little Brunswick along side the Potomac. I sense that something really positive is afoot here, within easy driving distance, and the low ticket price for this level of entertainment is mind-boggling.

Darren Beachley and the Legends of the Potomac and Dry Branch Fire Squad

21 November 2010 from 3:00 to 6:00. A Benefit of the Brunswick High School Athletic Boosters. Information on tickets, price, etc., will be forthcoming in later postings.

Hot Announcement from Brunswick

2010-08-17T06:18:00.000-07:00

You Read It Here First: I just received word from Jill Hossler up in Brunswick, Maryland that Darren Beachley and the Legends of the Potomac have agreed to appear in another benefit concert at Brunswick High School on 21 November, 2010 at 3:00. The program includes the Dry Branch Fire Squad. This program will be the first in a series of events (still in the planning stages) that will be staged as the Brunswick Roundhouse Concerts. A January show is in the works and also future shows in the winter/ spring time-frame. All of this culminated from the popularity of the previous performances Darren Beachley provided to raise funds for the Brunswick Junior Baseball League. The previous two events were momentous, to say the least, in the amount of First-Class name recognition that Darren was able to bring to the previous shows and you can expect that he'll do the same for these future performances. Get ready for a good time - and don't be surprised at who could show up at any one of these performances.
Jill noted that the future shows will be for the benefit of the various booster groups that support Brunswick High School. Right now, Darren Beachley and the Legends of the Potomac are the best ambassadors Brunswick, Maryland has. Visit Brunswick - it's a kick!

Facing the Loss of Innocence

2010-08-12T07:22:00.000-07:00

I got a little feisty the other day on Facebook with a younger person who didn't deserve my preaching on a subject dear to my heart. I apologize to that person. Ranting has become so rantingly rampant today and I vowed I wouldn't lower myself to the Rube level of the majority of what I see in blogs and on Facebook. You can only take so much of the 'F' word until it's time to leave the scene. What's happened to civility in our society? What's happened to what the society of the 18th century called 'True Wit.' What's happened to what our parents taught us as 'simple manners' in dealing with other people? I got testy upon a certain subject and overstepped my bounds. We veterans used to sit around and joke about things such as how we would answer the age-old question of "what did you do in the war, daddy?" if it were ever posed to us when we reached the shores of home.
It's an old question. One that I grew up with, because the majority of parents of my generation (including just about every male in my father's family) served during The Big One. Me and every other kid in my neighborhood traded important information about what our fathers did - or did not do - during The Big One. There was the inevitable progression of following in a father's footsteps. So it was no coincidence that most of the men in my company of Marines came from families that had served heavily in World War II - and now it was a new war with a new generation, and as Senator James Webb has pointed out in a lot of his writing, it seems the same set of characters keeps feeding into the American military institution and the wars, conflicts, and police actions that ensue when the bell rings and American military might is brought to the fore.
Caution: Some of the same set of characters. I like to think that the "question" had it's origin after the American Civil War when for a Hundred Dollars you could buy your way out of getting on a train that's headed for Vicksburg. There was no regret these future family men had to face unless little Sonny Jim asked him the inevitable question. Someone else can go, I'm not, and here's some money to grease the skids.
Mary Kearney set it all straight for me one day down at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Mary, originally from Scotland, is married to a Vietnam Veteran. We got into a discussion about one of the darker issues of the Vietnam War - Draft Dodging. If you're a Vietnam Veteran, especially one that got caught up in the net of the Draft during that era, it's enough to put you right back into a time and place you would rather forget. Mary continued on the straight edge: "For every name on that wall, for every 58,000-and-some, there is someone who made a choice not to go, and I would want them to come down here and try to identify who went in their place - I want them to ask themselves - Do you know the man who took your place?"
We don't know why people are drawn to one of the most visited memorials in Washington, D.C. Most of the reasons are deeply private. If you're somebody who has no direct connections to any of the names I hope you'll pick one, honor it, and take it home with you and never forget it. That will give you a good reason for visiting the Memorial.

The Lyric Chorus of San Francisco in Performance

2010-08-11T07:01:00.000-07:00

Another favorite group of mine - for the best in choral music if you're in the Bay Area around these dates. Check out the website and Facebook notices for this and future concerts. No disappointment here - this group is top-notch, A-1, Right On. www.sflc.org

2010-08-09T19:28:00.000-07:00

Leading the Good Life in Carson, Virginia - On Peanuts

2010-08-07T18:28:00.000-07:00

Lawrence Coleman, 24 May 2010, in Carson, Virginia - The Peanut Capital

Virginia IS peanuts . .and beautiful scenery, pretty horses, and pleasant off-the-beaten track by-ways. We've got it all within a day's drive - from the mountains to the sea. I can't imagine life without Virginia peanuts which leads me to my next story, how I met Larry Coleman, the Peanut King of Carson, Virginia.

24 May 2010: We were on our way home from an extended weekend in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Already South Carolina was experiencing the heat of early summer and we were happy to be getting back to Virginia. You have to start down-shifting as soon as you hit the North Carolina/Virginia border or else get a speeding ticket in Virginia as the speed limit makes an abrupt change from 70 mph to 65 mph. The cops are waiting for you just past the Virginia Welcome Center - Welcome to Virginia. I had to smile when I actually saw a trucker being pulled over - now that's a rarity - like seeing the last Passenger Pigeon being served up in a restaurant. I have a ritual at Exit 37. I discovered some time ago that Carson, Virginia is the halfway mark between the Washington, D.C. metro area and Raleigh, North Carolina, so it's a natural exit to fill my coffee mug and get gas. There are two gas stations. One's a BP and the other's a Sunoco. The people who run the Sunoco seem friendlier, so a long time ago that was my choice to break up the ride down to Raleigh. The first time I ever stopped there I saw a big peanut display and decided to take some peanuts home with me. That's where Coleman Peanuts comes into this and like I say, it became a ritual every time I headed south on infamous I-95. Friends back home kept asking me, "Hey Ed - when are you going to get more of those peanuts?" I would tell them to check out Coleman's website and order their own. Coleman's has a great website.

Not much goes on in Carson, Virginia. One of those off-the-beaten track places lost in time in our great state. But it's heralded for its peanut crop. Enter Lawrence Coleman who took over the family business in 1976 and had the dream of moving it forward. A simple business philosophy: we're going to offer the best peanuts available and the demand will follow. I always wondered who this guy was and what it takes to dedicate your life to growing, harvesting, and roasting up peanuts.

We gassed up, stretched our legs and looked around the station at Carson. We were almost home after a long drive up from Myrtle Beach. I drifted toward the Peanut Display. I loaded up my arms with all my favorite combinations of peanuts - salted and unsalted, peanut candy ("made the old-fashioned way") - there were only a few differences in the presentation of Larry Coleman's peanuts. I carried the load to the counter and noticed a rather dapper-looking guy exchanging chit-chat with the lady at the register. He looked at me and said, "You're buying a lot of peanuts." I gave him the once-over and then gave him a lecture on how good the peanuts are and how he should take some home with him. "I don't have to," he said, "I grew them!" I was talking to the man himself - in the very presence of the Peanut King. I thought it would end there but then we got into this interesting conversation about the peanut industry in Virginia, life in Carson, what a struggle it is to build up a business based on - peanuts.

I thanked him for the interesting conversation and asked to get his picture taken with me and the Raccoon. While we were finishing up, one of the locals walked by and made the comment, "Hey Mr. Coleman . . .You should sell tee shirts with your name and picture!" Not a bad idea, I thought to myself. I'd buy one and wear it with pride. Every little bit counts to bring money into our state during these stale economic times. Good on Ya, Larry!

So Nice to See You Again . . . .

2010-08-07T12:53:00.000-07:00

Check out the printing on Tina's shirt!

The Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition in Westminster, Maryland

2010-08-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

Call 410-848-7272 for more info or go to www.carrollcountyartscouncil.org

First-Class Bluegrass delivered the way you expect it

Getting Famous on Facebook

2010-08-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

The world certainly is a funny place. I get up every morning and get my usual share of good laughs. I logged on to my Facebook account and went through the normal bluegrass postings, tidbits of bluegrass news, and came across a new band that's trying to get 2,000 'Like' hits on Facebook. The posting went something like this: "Realizing the power of Facebook, we're trying to get 2,000 hits - go to such-and-such a website - see the new video . ." I had never heard of the group, so I got suckered into finding out more about them. The video was awful, the marketing is awful and mainly what was lacking was any kind of musical sampling from what (some fans or maybe marketing people,) were calling the "New, Young, bluegrass Super Group!" Needless to say, I didn't flick any 'Like' buttons. The least I could do is not feed into this idea that you can win instant fame on YouTube or Facebook - maybe infamy, but not Fame. I went two steps further and logged on to the marketer's website and the film-maker's website. I want to know who these people are, so I can flag them in the future. I might also add that the new 'Supergroup' has exactly two future gigs listed on their website calendar.
I'm not out to castigate somebody who's trying to make it in the business. I wish this bunch of young guys the best. But on the way toward their dream of fame and fortune I hope they lay down some good music and in the process get a lot of air-time and sell a lot of CD's. It's called paying your dues. The older folks will tell you it comes through real talent, longevity, and having a loyal listening audience. You also have to love what you're doing - that's really the hard part. There are thousands of good banjo, mandolin, and guitar pickers out there waiting to take your place after the party is over. The truly humble among them know who they are, and know deep down why they like to play bluegrass. They're the ones we long remember after a performance of amazing musicianship, or the recorded music you keep playing years and years later. It's called making your mark. You can't do that on Facebook.

The Angela Hayes Quartet at Vienna Town Green

2010-08-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

I'm always shocked that more citizens either don't participate in, know about, or show up at our local parks in the summertime to take advantage of the entertainment tax dollars that are going into the local parks programs. Those tax dollars are shrinking so badly that here in Vienna our programs are being subsidized in a big way by our local merchants. Lucky us. But that's the kind of community we have here, and I'll always be the first to applaud our town government and the neighborhoods that comprise our fair ville. Another great season of bi-weekly entertainment is available at our local 'Town Green' performance space. You have one more month to enjoy it - take advantage of it - come on out and meet your neighbors - and especially bring the kids.
I'm a counter. I always count the crowds, just to get an idea of who's coming out to see what. I've found out in my own very generalized survey that weather doesn't really matter. The crowds have been there in the intense heat and threatening storms, and you can't help but notice that New York Pizza over on Church Street is doing a land-office business right at 6:30 every Friday and Sunday evening. Tired of California-inspired New-Voe cuisine pizzas? New York Pizza serves it up the old-fashioned way. Straight pizza - no avocados - no Kiwi Fruit.
The Angela Hayes Quartet appeared at the Town Green on July 16th and this is straight-up lounge jazz done very well. The music enhanced the warmth of the summer evening and was thoroughly enjoyed by all ages. There was a multitude of kids - there were kids running everywhere and though it was just a tiny bit distracting to this style of music, the kids enjoyed it none the less. Your music attitudes and appreciation of a crowd changes when you become a grandparent - wait - you'll see for yourself. Angela Hayes went into a set of jazz standards out of the 40's and 50's and the dateline seemed to stop at early Charlie Byrd and Antonio Carlos Jobim. This is OK. It worked. It's music designed to take you back to a simpler time. If I have any complaints (complaining about free entertainment?) it's about the sound that evening. and that's something really hard to control in an outdoor venue. Hayes has an excellent delivery, knows her material, and knows how to please a crowd - if we only could have heard her and trumpeter John Friedman a little bit better.
There is something going on in lots of Parks across the breadth of Fairfax County, and on most nights of the week. We are afforded great entertainment at just the right price - totally free! You're crazy not to take advantage of it.
The Angela Hayes Quartet: Angela Hayes, Vocals. Gary Lutzker, Guitar. John Dapogny, Bass. John Freidman, Trumpet. Jamie Parker, Drums

Academicians, Folklorists, and other Assorted Navel-gazers: Your Research Will Stop at the Entry Which Follows:

2010-08-03T08:18:00.000-07:00

Two For the Price of FREE!

2010-08-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

The Hillbilly Gypsies at Libertytown, Md. 1 August 2010

Ty Jaquay, fiddle - Dave Asti, banjo - Libertytown, Md. 1 August 2010

Trae Buckner - Libertytown, Md. 1 August 2010

Ernie Bradley and Grassy Ridge at Libertytown - 1 August 2010

Sunday Afternoon in Libertytown, Maryland - a beautiful cool day after all the heat of July. One would have thought it was mid-September. We packed up the car and headed toward Damascus and then north of there to Libertytown. Suffice it to say, I had never in my life been in Libertytown, Maryland, but it was an interesting experience. I knew the Hillbilly Gypsies were playing but had no idea that Ernie Bradley was on the same bill. I was pleasantly surprised when we walked in to the event area and saw Ernie Bradley and Grassy Ridge up on the stage. Hot Damn! One of my favorite bluegrass practitioners. We thoroughly enjoyed the last part of their performance and then waited for the Hillbilly Gypsies. By this time the day had ended for the 'carnival' part of the Libertytown festival and the 300 or so hangers-on were hardcore fans of Grassy Ridge and the Gypsies. The Hillbilly Gypsies came on stage to have fun and do what they do best, and that's deliver hard-driving mountain music at its authentic roots. I need to mention the 'authentic roots' part because by all outward appearances (and if you had never actually seen them in a live performance,) it would be easy to dismiss them as some sort of Hee-Haw take-off - the name, the CD-cover artwork, the bib-overalls they sometimes like to sport, the ball-caps. They're making a statement that it's OK to laugh at yourself and be a Hillbilly. That's where the joke ends. I've never heard more deadly serious musicianship. Dave Asti on banjo might be one of the best pickers around and coupled with Ty Jaquay's fiddle work, these two are a dangerously combustible combination. In fact they're all good. Bass-players never get the full recognition they deserve - in Jason Teel you get a good bass-line and also a fine song-writer. Rounding it all out is the leadership of Trae Buckner on guitar - who can fire a Flatt G-Run like an automatic weapon -and Jamie Lynn Buckner provides excellent vocal support. If you've come to hear pseudo country music, or "Rocky Top" played over and over till you vomit, or something that vaguely sounds like bluegrass, forget it and go home. This is the real deal. This is about as real as it gets.

The Hillbilly Gypsies will be appearing in Frostburg, Maryland on September 10th at the Palace Theatre, 8:00 pm, for a special benefit to raise awareness of Autism in children. Tickets are $15. See my other entries for full details.

2010-07-30T06:18:00.000-07:00

"Cooking" - A 20's jazz term meaning all the band members are on the same wave-length, the heat is on and all the burners are firing just at the right temperature. A crazed spirit has settled in and audience members are feeling the adrenalin and responding in kind. Need I say more? This is Appalachian Hardcore mountain music - very pure - very committed to never straying into any questionable gray areas of genre. You come away from a performance of the Hillbilly Gypsies saying to yourself I just experienced something from way out of a dark hollow somewhere and the only thing that's missing is the smell of pine-smoke. Here's your opportunity. Thank God for Facebook. I received notice that Hillbilly Gypsies will be performing in Frostburg, Maryland at the Palace Theatre on September 10th, at 8:00 pm. It's a special benefit to raise awareness of Autism and is being promoted by Deb Lashbaugh of Frostburg. The show will include Hanna Livingston, who recently performed at Delfest in Cumberland.
You must pre-purchase tickets for the evening's performance. Here are the particulars: Contact Deb Lashbaugh at deblashbaugh@yahoo.com or send a self-addressed stamped envelope along with a check or money order to "Chase For a Cure" 14201 View Point Lane, Frostburg, Md. 21532. Tickets are $15 each.

September 10, 2010 - The Hillbilly Gypsies at the Palace Theatre in Frostburg - 8:00

Tickets will also be available through Main Street Books, Fitness for Life in Frostburg, and the Allegany Arts Council in Cumberland.

"Like a Heat Wave!!"

2010-07-24T20:04:00.000-07:00

Roger Green and the Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition at Davidsonville, Maryland

17 July 2010:

It's a busy season for one of my favorite groups but the traveling's been tough. I ventured out to Davidsonville, Maryland last weekend to visit with the Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition. They were performing (once again) at Homestead Gardens. By mid-afternoon the outside temp was running in the upper 90's and my camera was overheating - overheating! That had never happened before at an outdoor show. I mention this because I've done a lot of shooting in Viet Nam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and other hotspots of the world. The official record here right now is 43 days of continual 90 to upper 90's heat. Just months ago I was writing about record snow accumulations. The world is going to hell in a handbag - or are we just whining more? Pity the artist - the show must go on. Musicians understand the term 'sweat equity' and know what it means to have to pay their dues. So the next time you're out there listening to your favorite group or you're out at Wolf Trap digging the Washington Opera Scene, tell your favorite artist how much you care for them and 'Feel Their Pain.'

Jamie Parker Debuts with Angela Hayes Quartet

2010-07-24T19:51:00.000-07:00

Drummer Jamie Parker at the Village Green in Vienna, Virginia, 16 July 2010

Richard Morris and Cologne No. 10 for Men

2010-07-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

A long time ago I promised I would never write a review for a friend's book. It's dangerous territory - akin to either taking a bribe or being a traitor. But sometimes you have to draw the line and attempt to explain yourself. I've only known Richard Morris for two years so that's hardly time to really call him a friend. Let's just say that Richard and I have a lot of mutual associations that go beyond the Facebook-2010-internet-academic-artsy fartsy-Washingtonian Magazine - variety of what people profess to be relationships in this latest decade. Richard Morris and yours truly are mainly connected through the Memorial Day Writers' Project of Washington, D.C. and for a full explanation of what that Project does you can easily google the name and find out for yourself. So I ran into Richard Morris two years ago when he was performing his music before an audience at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and I was immediately floored with gut-painful laughter when I heard his songs - war songs set to a bizarre mixture of disco, lounge lizard styling, and schlock broadway musical. It was all very deranged, and very, very funny - because that's what war is.
There has always been the tradition of glorifying the inglorious - but it was amplified in western literature after the end of World War I. There's also a human need to report upon the humorous dark side of our nature and that was also a product of post-World War I literature. Some of the most terrifying and some of the funniest things happened to me when I was in Vietnam. Chalk them up to those youthful experiences we all lived through - well, some of us Boomers, any way. I can't speak for the uninitiated. We drew lines in the sand and made our personal choices. I'm living very happily with the choices I made. How about you? Still feeling that pang of guilt? Still asking yourself "What if . .?" You can always sign up for duty in Iraq or Afghanistan and find an answer to those questions that are haunting you. It could be arranged today at your local Recruiting Station. Of course I say this humorously, the kind of humor that I or Richard Morris or countless other Vietnam veterans out there would understand.
And now Richard Morris wants to share the joke with his reading audience. What if the idea of war and conflict were turned completely on its head? What if the war in Vietnam was suddenly and completely taken over and controlled by the newest and lowliest lieutenant? This is the situation that the main character of the story Lt. Wilfred Carmenghetti, USA, finds himself in.
The answers hold a lot of surprises for the reader. There are all the usual Vietnam War cliches, political statements, and snippets of dialogue you've read in a hundred Vietnam stories or seen on the screen in any good or bad Vietnam War movie. But the difference for this reader was the way in which Morris weaves his material into something fresh, new, and more important, - interesting.
The author's writing ability shines when he's describing combat - not an easy thing to do. He's also very good at fabricating a basic story line and set of characters. Sometimes the dialogue falls flat, but this is a minor personal complaint of mine. In the end I found the whole experience enjoyable and well worth the purchase price of the book.
I'm in touch with a constant stock of writers, film makers, and documentarians. They all tell me the same thing - their publishers and producers keep telling them 'they don't want, will not accept, or want to have anything to do with the Vietnam War any more.' If it's the truth, it's a sad commentary on our times. Published in 2007, Cologne No. 10 for Men is a testament to the fact that there is still a lot of good stuff out there, that we haven't read yet, haven't seen up on the silver screen, or viewed on a DVD.

Available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Contact Richard Morris at richardmorrisauthor@gmail.com

Darren Beachley and the Brunswick Fundraiser (No. 2)

2010-07-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

Bill Yates and Darren Beachley in performance, July 10, 2010

It's real tempting to throw around a lot of superlatives. It's real easy to take the accusative route and say, "If you weren't there, too bad, you missed THE performance of the season." So it was at Brunswick Highschool last Saturday night for the 2nd Annual Brunswick Junior Baseball League fundraiser, produced once more by League member Jill Hossler, with the help of her family and many other League members. I feel very fortunate - we happened upon a notice for this show last year while the Lucketts Bluegrass Season was in full swing. Last year's show (July 2009) was headlined by none other than Darren Beachley and the Legends of the Potomac and Kenny Ray Horton and Friends. I thought to myself: What? Darren Beachley is showing up in Brunswick, Maryland?
It all made sense. Darren calls Brunswick home, and his family is a big supporter of the Junior Baseball League. Enter Jill Hossler, who threw her whole heart into making it a magnificent (and downright inexpensive,) night of entertainment. It was no accident that when the word went out about this first bluegrass fundraiser, bluegrass fans from a hundred mile radius showed up for the 2009 show. I talked to them, took my own personal survey of how far they had traveled and made note of it. They were all Darren's fans who had been closely watching his career since he had established the Legends of the Potomac. So the first Brunswick Fundraiser was a strange coalescence of baseball moms and dads and bluegrass cognoscente. Then came the much anticipated release of the Legends' first CD, Take Off. The rest of the story is history as they say, but not really. Darren Beachley continues to be a 'statement-maker' in the field of bluegrass artists. It's not easy to mount a stage and say "Watch me - and watch and listen to what these guys can do!" but that's exactly what you get when you go to a Darren Beachley performance. He's surrounded himself with some of the best musicians in the business. More on that in a later blog.
This year's show included the addition of Bill Yates and the Country Gentlemen Tribute Band, after Kenny Ray Horton had to bow out due to his U.S. Navy commitments. What ensued were two and a half hours of solid good music and interesting stage camaraderie - all these guys know and respect each other, having all played together in different configurations and there was an ample amount of 'legend' status to go around. Missing was Tom Gray, who was obligated to attend an important family function. Todd and MaryFran Stotler once again provided excellent sound engineering for the evening's music. Even while the show was in progress there was already rumor of a "Year-Three" fundraiser, possibly later in the year so that more people could attend and there wasn't so much competition with the summer sports activities. We'll watch this closely and see how it unfolds. It's a good idea to get your tickets early! Jill Hossler is wonderful about sending out early notices concerning upcoming fundraisers.

A Pretty Good Reason to Be Alive

2010-06-04T10:23:00.000-07:00

"I left my heart in . . . . ."

Memorial Day - 2010

2010-06-04T10:15:00.000-07:00

Marine Corps Color Guard at Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C.,

Memorial Day 2010

Finding the Best Six-Dollar Haircut

2010-04-14T05:25:00.000-07:00

Ms. Sunny Kim, owner-chief executive of the Bestway Technical College.

Ming Zhang works his magic at the Bestway Technical College

Truth: Men go out and buy things. Women go 'Shopping.' Truth: Men get Haircuts. Women get their hair 'Styled.' Truth: curtains hanging on a window frame are curtains hanging on a window frame. To a woman, it's a 'Window Treatment.' When I need a haircut that's exactly what I want. I began this quest into how our daily parlance changes some years ago when I walked into a local barbershop and asked for a haircut. I especially recognized on that fateful day that what something means to a man might not mean the same thing to a woman. The mystery! I didn't have time to go to my regular barber (note the term - this is an important feature in understanding my story) so I opted to go to a local shop which had just recently opened for business. The first thing that threw me off were the line of black plastic-covered, chrome 'styling' chairs and the fact that I didn't see any barbers in the place - just a few young women, mostly Asian, mostly sitting there gossiping and looking dead-panned.

I was ushered into a chair and asked what I wanted. I said I wanted a haircut, make it short, and that I didn't have a lot of time on my hands and had to be somewhere. Snip by tiny snip, here and there, and all about my head with little scissors and a big 'styling' comb caused my frustration to build, but the girl was young and I figured she didn't have much experience. I kept telling her "More, more," and the more time she took. I said, "Look. I want a haircut. Cut my hair. Just cut the damned stuff!" Just then, an older Korean man came out of a back room and having overheard my pleas, told the young miss to step aside. "I know what this man wants," he said, "Here . .Let me take over." He attacked my head with the electric clippers and finished the job in about twenty minutes. It was one of the finest haircuts I had ever received and I thanked him (and tipped him big-time) for his aggressiveness. It ended up he had been a barber in Seoul and had cut a lot of American G.I. heads in his younger days.

Suffice it to say, I never went back to that shop - especially after learning that "Haircuts" were no longer 7 to ten dollars, but were fast approaching 12, 15, even 25 dollars in the new "styling shops." And this was some years ago that I'm talking about. Not today's market in 2010. When I see a friend who obviously has just gotten a haircut, I never fail to ask him, "Hey. Where did you get the haircut and how much did you pay for it?" His answer will tell me volumes about him - his level of vanity or pretentiousness - his level of being suckered into paying for something totally worthless - whether his wife has talked him into going to the same place she goes "to get her hair done" - or whether he continues to go to the same male barber who's probably cut his hair (at a cheap price) for more than a score of years. Take John Edwards for instance. His $400 and $500 haircuts (or in his case, probably 'stylings') were bound to lead him down a path of complete slime-covered shame. Any man who would pay that kind of money for a haircut really needs close scrutiny, and really couldn't be a true male friend to other males. You have to mistrust the judgement of a guy like that, and weren't we right in the end? Good riddance to Johnny. For all you real men out there who want to know the truth, the going rate for a decent haircut nowadays, and probably the Barbers' Union standard, is 11-dollars! Throw in a nice tip for the barber who treats you right and you're probably talking no more than $14 or $15.

Enter the return of the 6-dollar haircut. While Fairfax County (Virginia) slept, the area of Annandale turned into South Korea in what seemed overnight. I mention this as a good thing, because when the Koreans move in there is an explosion of economic development and industriousness, not to mention good shops and restaurants and a sense of order that makes the Prussians pale in comparison. I had to go over to Annandale during the big snow-storms this winter and noticed that three or four more "Beauty Schools" had opened up. Mostly Korean owned and operated, you can walk in and 'trainees' are more than happy to work on your head for a pittance. In all fairness to them, you-get-what-you-pay-for. For this individual, this is the beginning of the same dynamic that worked several years ago here in our area with the advent of the "Chinese Buses" to New York City. Now, the regular bus companies are having to deal with the competition, and they don't like it - they're afraid to admit that our nation's economy was built on competition, new ideas, and working harder than the next guy to build cash-flow. Rest is rust. I don't think Koreans ever sleep - and if you don't believe me, spend some time in Seoul.

Much to my relief (to wallet and mental order) I discovered a Korean-run Beauty School had opened up last year in our town of Vienna. I needed a haircut badly at the end of the third blizzard and decided it was time to try it out. I knew the drill. Go in and for six-dollars let some novice experiment on your head. You are going to get what you pay for. That's the deal. I was shocked and pleasantly surprised at the attention I was given and the haircut I walked away with. I gladly tipped the student who worked on me. They took their time and allowed one or two students to do some clipping so they got the experience. Jae actually did most of the cutting, gently assisted by Ming Zhang, who seemed to have more experience. Hot-Damn! For six-bucks this is such a deal and in the end they gave me exactly what I had come in for. I wanted to meet the owner-manager and the young men and women were happy to introduce her - she's Ms. Sunny Kim, originally from Incheon, Republic of South Korea. She explained the concept of the school and what was expected. I also met some of the students, who are recruited mainly from the Asian and Latino communities. The Bestway Technical College is located at 512 West Maple Avenue in Vienna, Virginia and is open for business six days a week. Put a little adventure in your life - and get a $6 Haircut.

www.btcbeauty.com or info@btcbeauty.com

Phone: (703) 272-3343

Bestway Technical College, 512 Maple Avenue West, Vienna, Virginia 22180

Day-Tripping around New England

2010-04-02T20:43:00.000-07:00

High Art Out of Low Places

2010-03-31T09:32:00.000-07:00

A younger friend of mine who shares some of my own personal tastes in Latin music asked me last night, "I don't get this Ed, how can you jump from Chopin to discussing bluegrass in so few sentences??" He had just read some of my past writings on my old blog-site, which for all intents and purposes is dead in the water. I had to chuckle at the question. He personally hates bluegrass music. But I don't fault his dislikes. That's part and parcel of being young. You either love or hate bluegrass music. I have a lot of friends my own age who still hate bluegrass. Deep down, I'm hoping they're lying to me and are instead, secretly listening to it. What my friends are not appreciating about this particular music form is that it takes as much musical, instrumental, and organizational talent to produce genuine bluegrass music as it does to organize (and play classical music through, ) a string quartet. I can also very much appreciate that 'high form.' Some of us are gifted with the necessary talents to pull the whole thing off. The majority of us (that includes me,) are not.

So it is with bluegrass or what I'd rather call Appalachian Mountain music. It rarely wavers from a few distinct forms in instrumentation and style. It rarely wavers also in the style of songs and singing. The pattern is set, and for the purist hard-core player or audience member, you will not wobble - although there is somewhat of a dotted-line that you're permitted to crisscross once in a while. I was shocked recently when I was invited by my friend Gary Cole to come out and listen to a new bluegrass band (Dirty River), only to discover they had slipped in a couple old rock and roll songs on their new CD and in their public performances. For the Dirty River Band it worked, the audiences love it, and maybe in the final analysis it will prompt younger audience members to learn to appreciate bluegrass. It certainly has worked in their favor, as Dirty River gains in performing exposure and popularity here in our local area.

I still listen to a lot of other kinds of music. My friends are surprised to know that I have a huge collection of Vietnamese music - both high and low, old and new. I met Roger Green a few years ago (guitar and vocals for the Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition) and he's become my resident expert on the Art of Bluegrass. We've shared some interesting e-mails and conversations about 'The Form.' Beside being one of the best flat-pickers around the Chesapeake Bay area, he's a walking wikipedia of bluegrass knowledge and expresses the same on his weekly radio show out of WRYR.FM. Roger told me once (when we were comparing some bands) "I love bands that are good, but still have that 'Edge' to them." I knew exactly what he meant when he said it. You don't have to be the greatest vocalist or the best picker, but if the group effort melds into something so absolutely audience appealing that people won't let you leave the stage, then you know you've reached the goal of the bluegrass business. What I never told Roger (but he'll read this now,) is that my meeting him and talking to him brought me back to a form of music I had long forgotten after years of classical music and opera. I had stuffed away old long-plays, tapes, and guitar chord books after my college days and never learned to appreciate what I had been listening to - or the rampant Hillbilly music wafting out of the West Virginia radio waves that my dad listened to. The musical form has grown a lot since then and we should also expect ourselves to grow in our musical tastes and to learn to be more appreciative of something that was there long before we were born. No bluegrass, No life. No music, No life. Pray for the musically-challenged who walk among us. And thanks, Roger Green for teaching me a lot.

Brunswick, Maryland: Real People, Real Mountain Music

2010-03-31T04:54:00.000-07:00

The boundaries of Northern Virginia form a unique point for me. It's the pinnacle of Appalachian mountain music. Southern Virginia may have its "Crooked Road" winding its way toward the Blue Ridge, but up here we have Route 15 north that's just as rich in the true mountain sound of hard-core bluegrass music. So we'll take the road once again this summer to enjoy some good local stuff, always within easy driving distance of the D.C. metro area. Last year's Darren Beachley and the Legends of the Potomac Benefit (July 29th, 2009) at Brunswick, Maryland High School was the perfect opportunity for us to get out for the day and visit this absolutely beautiful part of Maryland. It's one of those towns left behind in the history of flourishing railroads and industrial river traffic. Today, down at the edge of the Potomac River canoes, kayaks, and lots of people picnicking take the place of the failed canal traffic. Hard to imagine that next to the old canal was once one of the busiest rail yards in the east.

You can get a good panoramic view of 'once was' from the top floor of the town's interesting Railroad Museum. Be sure and bring the kids for this one - the museum has an incredible model railroad exhibit - all the rail lines that once ran up and down the Potomac River and wended their way in and out of Brunswick are scaled down to miniature (with operating HO-sized trains of course!) so you can gain a perspective of just how important the railroad once was in this mountainous region. Allow yourself plenty of time to visit the museum - and get there before 4:00 pm. Other than that, there's not really much to do in Brunswick but slow-poke around and walk its old winding streets and talk to the locals. The fun of it all is trying to imagine what the downtown area must have looked like in its Hay-Day. The town contains some beautifully old and worn architecture. Everything is within walking distance. The day we visited, like every other town in the U.S., we were practically the only people out walking in the downtown area. Nobody walks any more - I've noticed this across America no matter if it's Fort Wayne, Indiana or Modesto, California. We worry about Swine Flu when we should be worrying about how inert we've become. The only way to appreciate our nation's heritage is on foot.

But we were there for that night's music at the local high school - and what a night. For 25 bucks a piece we enjoyed an evening of (local boy) Darren Beachley and the Legends of the Potomac and Kenny Ray Horton and Friends. Volunteers from the Brunswick Junior Baseball League and the Brunswick High School were out in force to handle the crowd of bluegrass fans and serve up lots of good snacks and drinks during break-time. The people of Brunswick are a friendly, down-home crowd - you'll feel welcomed. But the music is the reason to be there - and in Northern Virginia and the panhandle of Maryland, we've got some of the best.

Darren Beachley and the Legends of the Potomac, Kenny Ray Horton and Friends, and Bill Yates and the Country Gentlemen Tribute Band appear once again at Brunswick High School on July 10th, 2010 for a Benefit Concert in honor of the Brunswick Junior Baseball League. Advance tickets must be purchased by contacting Jill Hossler at (301) 371-7675 or e-mail: jshossler@aol.com

The 2009 Brunswick Benefit Concert - Darren Beachley and the Legends of the Potomac

2010-03-30T16:19:00.000-07:00

Darren Beachley at Brunswick Benefit, July 2009

Mark Delaney, Norman Wright, Mike Auldridge at Brunswick, July 2009

And Bill Yates? Such a Deal!

2010-03-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

Brunswick, Maryland Train Station

Hot News: Jill Hossler, coordinator for the Darren Beachley concert this summer in Brunswick, announced today that Bill Yates and the Country Gentlemen Tribute Band will be joining Darren Beachley and the Legends of the Potomac plus Kenny Ray Horton and Friends for the July 10th, 2010 Event. Tickets are already on sale as noted in my last entry. This is the 2nd Annual Concert to raise funds for the Brunswick Junior Baseball League. The concert will take place at the Brunswick High School Auditorium. It just keeps getting better . . .

You Must Contact Jill Hossler for Tickets: (301) 371-7675 or e-mail jshossler@aol.com

Darren Beachley Returns to Brunswick for Benefit

2010-03-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

29 March 2010:

They're back for another round of great music. Jill Hossler of the Brunswick, Maryland Junior Baseball League announced this past weekend that Darren Beachley and the Legends of the Potomac and Kenny Ray Horton will return for a benefit performance on Saturday, July 10th, 2010. The performance will be at the Brunswick High School Auditorium, same as last year. You must contact Jill Hossler for tickets and an early request for tickets is recommended. This benefit drew hundreds to the big auditorium last year, and word will travel fast. This was one of the best bluegrass performances we attended in 2009 and made even more enjoyable by making a day-trip out of it and seeing the sights around Brunswick. The town has a unique train museum and railroad history, and several nice restaurants and antique shops. Situated on the Potomac not far from Point of Rocks, it's a beautiful little town "where nothing much happens" but once was one of the main rail hubs in the Appalachians. So it's the perfect location for this kind of bluegrass event. Notable is the fact that it's also the place Darren Beachley grew up, played baseball, and perfected his music. You don't want to miss this one.

For more information: http://www.eteamz.com/BRUNSWICKJUNIORBB

www.legendsofthepotomac.com

Contact Jill Hossler at (301) 371-7675 or at jshossler@aol.com for advanced ticket purchase

Bluegrass and Barbeque - The Traveling Gourmand

2010-03-22T08:42:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the first official day of Spring, 2010. I spent it cutting, hacking, and sawing bamboo (it's a Vietnam-Thing you'll never understand!). It was one of those days after a long, snowy winter that makes you realize there truly is a God. The birds were singing - flowers suddenly exploded out of nowhere - and it's bluegrass music season once more. By the time Saturday was done with the temperature had reached the mid-70's and I had to think about all the wool clothing taking up my closet space. Nothing goes together better than Barbeque and bluegrass. So on Sunday (another spectacular day) we headed over toward Davidsonville, Maryland to see some friends, take in a simple lunch, and enjoy the sounds of the Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition who were performing at the Davidsonville United Methodist Church. It was the perfect setting - the perfect food - the perfect music -for a most perfect of Spring days. Before I get to some words about the music I have to mention "Tongues of Fire" they're the people who serve up the food at the United Methodist Church. By the looks of the future dinner schedule they were passing around, this is a very active group of people. I loved their motto: "Spreading the Gospel one bite at a time!" On Sunday they were cooking up beef brisket, potatoes, salad, and lots of marvelous home-made desserts. I love to chow down - this is my kind of chow.

Dinner started an hour before show-time and the huge social hall was filled with dinner guests and bluegrass fans. The Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition have been playing this particular venue for several years annually. They opened with five new and old gospel numbers which took me by surprise, because this is not their usual line-up. I love the hard-core songs about hangins' killins' and She-done-me-wrong. But no matter. The Coalition is always entertaining, even when the group thinks they're experiencing glitches. Where they really show forth is in their role as Bluegrass ambassadors. Roger Green (guitar and lead vocals) is always 'audience considerate' and takes time to explain a song, explain the origin of the music, or talk about an obscure group or composer. The musical expertise that he brings to his weekly bluegrass broadcast on WRYR FM (Sherwood, Md.) he also carries along with him at the group's public appearances. Many thanks to the people at the Davidsonville United Methodist Church for a most wonderful afternoon of good food and good music. The Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition is: Roger Green, guitar -Dan Kimball, mandolin - Sue Tice, fiddle - Bob Tice, banjo - Jim Duvall, bass.

Alexandria Antique Show at Episcopal High School

2010-03-15T18:22:00.000-07:00

Hand-stitched pattern on back of 19th Century Dong tribal blouse, (Viet Nam)

featured at the Alexandria Antique Show, March, 2010

Let The Games Begin . . .

2010-03-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Monsieur Chopin! March is the beginning of the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Fryderyk Chopin and we were fortunate enough to get seats for the big Fete at the Embassy of Poland here in Washington, D.C. on 6 March, 2010. Dr. Raymond Jackson of Howard University was the featured pianist at this annual Polish American Arts Association celebration. We had attended this event religiously in previous years, but this year's performance kicked off an explosion of Chopin events around the world. Money raised from this annual recital goes toward a huge scholarship program established for the benefit of young artists and scholars of Polish heritage. More information on the performance and the PAAA will be forthcoming.

Listen Up!

2010-03-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

15 March 2010:

This just in from friends down at Leatherneck Magazine: Sgt. Steven Kiernan, USMC lost both his legs to an IED blast in Iraq. He needs a new home. The organization "Homes for Our Troops" is holding a fundraiser at the County Fare Restaurant in Stafford, Va. on 22 March from 5 pm to 8 pm. The restaurant is at 11 Hope Road in Stafford. A $10 donation gets you a burger, fries and drink, with all proceeds going toward building a new home for Sgt. Kiernan.

For additional information e-mail: info@homesforourtroops.org

The Long Story

2010-03-10T08:15:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ed Henry, 2010

We came home and told ourselves there wouldn't be any more wars. Remember? We promised ourselves our kids wouldn't have to go through what we went through. We tried to shelter them as much as we could from the violence of the world. Didn't work . . .did it? There's a world out there that wants to kill us. Our young men and women step up to the plate, and those of other nations too, to try and stop the insidiousness. I thank each and every one of them every day for their willingness to step forward. It's the changing of the guard. We need to remember who they are.

The Kleven Brothers - Real Pioneers in Viet Nam

2010-03-06T08:32:00.000-08:00

6 March 2010:

I just received news this morning that Mike Kleven in Saigon is near death. Most of you probably don't know Mike but he's part of the unfolding history of the development of Viet Nam, post-1975. I remember in the summer of 1989 returning from Viet Nam on a Thai Airways flight. Across the aisle from me was a guy wearing a black ball cap with a white "X" on the front. I guessed correctly that he was a Viet Nam veteran and I struck up a conversation with him. We ended up conversing all the way back to the United States for the next 14 hours. The vet was Greg Kleven and we would be seeing a lot of each other for the next ten years. That day in 1989 he was determined to go back to the Bay Area, pack up his stuff and go back to Saigon as soon he could and start working. He followed through and did it. Shortly after that his brother Mike, also a Viet Nam vet, joined him in Saigon and soon the brother team was busy establishing an English language school in Saigon. In my frequent trips during this period I always tried to link up with the brothers to see how they were progressing and trying to live on an economy which at that early period, was just emerging from absolute poverty. My trips to Viet Nam increased and I sent a lot of people to Mike and Greg's doorstep. They remained my primary contacts and we shared a lot of in-country information not available (then) in Viet Nam. You can only imagine the hardships. Even fax machines, which by today's standards is antique technology, didn't exist. There was one telephone for every 800 people in a municipal district. By 1989, it had gotten better - now there was one telephone for about every 500 people.

Greg and Mike soon set up shop in District 3 in Saigon and they got down to business with work schedules that would kill the average individual. I visited them a few times in their new digs (American convicts live in luxury by comparison!) and they harped about being Americans living in a foreign, and sometimes hostile environment. More than a few times they were visited by corrupt cops and party lackies who were looking for hand-outs. Any American was assumed to be rich. If they only knew the truth of the Klevens. A local cop came by one night and tried to shake them down for ten US dollars for not flying the national flag on a holiday. But they loved it, and they loved what they were doing.

It would be a few years before the onslaught of other Americans, NGO teams of do-gooders, and the parade of newly arrived Americans who showed up after Clinton's visit and the normalization of relations between the U.S. and Viet Nam. Make no mistake about it - the Klevens preceeded them all and were real pioneers, years before it became the fashionable thing to say you 'had been to Viet Nam!' And we can't forget the other element in this story: they were Viet Nam veterans who firmly believed in going back to assist the people of Viet Nam after such a tragic post-1975 relationship with that burgeoning country. That was always their bottom-line. They did it on basically nothing with no back-up - just their hard work.

March 27th - D.C.'s First Bluegrass Festival

2010-03-01T11:28:00.000-08:00

Matt Slocum (DC Bluegrass Union) at the recent Fisher House Marathon Jam

1March 2010: The D.C. Bluegrass Union presents its first-ever full blown Bluegrass Festival at Mc Lean's Langley Highschool on Saturday, March 27th. The line-up of bands performing is just a bit short of unbelievable and it will prove to be a historic kick-off for this possible annual event here in the D.C. metro area. That's why it's important to vote with your feet and show your support for more bluegrass here in our region. Festival organizer and promoter Matt Slocum ( who plays a mean banjo) has been burning the midnight oil to pull this off. I wish him and the D.C. Bluegrass Union the best. Go to http://www.dcbu.org/ for times and ticket information.

Life in a Golden Eye

2010-02-26T20:30:00.000-08:00

The Hands of the Artist - Tom Hubbard - Award-winning Potter, Sculptor, and Photographer, Son of a Marine Vietnam Veteran, and Good Friend.

Marathon Jam for Fisher House - February 27th in McLean

2010-02-25T20:26:00.000-08:00

25 February 2010:
Seems like everything is happening this coming weekend, but here is notice of a certainly unusual fundraiser. I met a young lady named Joy at the kick-off for the DC Bluegrass Union Festival which is coming next month at Langley Highschool in McLean. Joy was there to promote "Marathon Jam 2010" which is trying to raise donations for the two Fisher Houses here in the D.C. metro area. There will be an all-day jam (from noon to midnight) at the McLean VFW Post at 1051 Spring Hill Road, McLean (which is really more toward Great Falls at the intersection with Old Dominion Drive). Participants pledge money for musicians to play by the hour. The Fisher Houses provide lodging for families visiting wounded military personnel at both Bethesda and Andrews AFB. This is a good cause for an organization that truly cares about our troops. For additional information on how the event works go to www.bluegrassbook.com - interesting!

www.fisherhouse.org

CD Launch at Old Lucketts Schoolhouse - 27 March 2010

2010-02-24T05:36:00.000-08:00

24 February 2010:

Patuxent Records announced today that the long-awaited, new "Legends" CD will finally be ready for sale on March 27th at the Darren Beachley and the Legends of the Potomac concert at the Old Lucketts Schoolhouse, Lucketts, Virginia. The show starts (always!) at 7:00 and it will prove to be standing room only. Get there very, very early if you expect to get a seat.

The Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition in Vienna, Virginia

2010-02-23T14:24:00.000-08:00

Dan Kimball - Mandolin, Sue Raines Tice - Fiddle, Roger Green - Guitar, Jim Duvall - Bass, Bob Tice - Banjo. The Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition can be reached at www.annapolisbluegrass.com and Roger Green has an excellent All-Bluegrass radio show ("Bluegrassorama") on WRYR Fm radio in Sherwood, Maryland. Contact at www.wryr.org His shows are also available on iTunes podcast. Tune in to Bluegrassorama to hear 'the best of the best' bluegrass and Old Time music and sit back and enjoy Roger's expert musical and historical commentary.

Calculated to Make You Sit Up and Listen!

2010-02-23T13:35:00.000-08:00

23 February 2010:

Well Friends, they're back! The Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition appeared here in Vienna on Saturday, February 20th for their Fifth Annual Midwinter performance. When this band shows up you know Spring isn't far behind. Sponsored by the Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation Department, "ABC" has become somewhat of a Town tradition in these parts and has established a big fan base. We'll look forward to seeing them again on the Town Green Stage this summer. The band played a lot of their usual numbers and included some new songs, in particular "Train Songs" and "I Don't Care." The band never sounded better and the audience responded in kind by demanding an encore. The Vienna appearance kicks off ABC's performing schedule for the year and they'll be busy in the Baltimore/Annapolis area.
Oh, and about the above . . .the new high-tech, new-fangled, 2-dollar pocket calculator is available now at all Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition performances. Sure beats the usual Ball Caps and Tee Shirts!

My Take on the Tiger Woods-Thing

2010-02-21T19:18:00.000-08:00

21 February 2010:
Two days ago Alexander Haig died. The economy of Greece is imploding and threatens to bring down the value of the Euro. The U.S. economic situation continues to bring us doom and gloom. The situations in Georgia, Ukraine, Russia, and Afghanistan have to be top priorities for our own State Department. And Tiger Woods finally made an appearance - Thank God for that bit of news. We can all finally sleep well knowing that a golfer has made his amends and he can get busy to recoup his billion-dollar paycheck. He's a golfer, for God's sake. He isn't even an athlete involved in a sport. It's a past-time for God's sake - like indulging in needle-work or bass-fishing. Yet he was lucky enough to turn his days in the sunshine and schmoozing at country clubs into a fortune that would cause any Third World country green-eyed envy. I cannot envy him, criticize him, empathize with him, or pray for his soul. One wonders how he ever became a news item - he's a golfer, for God's sake! Forget about it.

Another Reason Why We Have to Elect Ex-Military to the Presidency

2010-02-19T13:14:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNr66HHhMjs

Watch this and cringe, all you former Navy Corpsmen, or those serving now - and God Bless You for raising your hand and signing your name on the dotted line. The Age of Barama is upon us. God save us all.

Yep, We've Got this Too!

2010-02-19T06:42:00.000-08:00

19 February 2010:

The Focus Travel Company in Ha Noi launched the R.V. La Marguerite last year for 4-star river touring of Viet Nam and Cambodia. It's just another step in the direction of the company after launching it's own luxury touring junks on Ha Long Bay in the north. Now focusing on the broad southern rivers, La Marguerite will ply the rivers in the delta between Viet Nam and Cambodia. You've done the battlefield-thing, you've taken the 12 day-package tours offered by other companies(which really end up as 8 actual days on the ground). Well, really go all out and treat you and the spouse to something special. Designed and built especially for the Mekong, the La Marguerite is fashioned after the river boats that cruise European rivers - this is luxury cruising at its finest. Contact me for further information. (You know how to reach me)

21-Day Tours Start on March 6th

2010-02-18T13:48:00.000-08:00

18 February 2010:

VALOR launches All-Inclusive Viet Nam Tour

I've been connected now for six years with the VALOR touring company out of Raleigh, North Carolina. On March 6th the group launches a new venture of 21-day tour packages to Viet Nam and Cambodia, especially designed for families and couples. This in answer to frequent requests for more time on the ground, more sites to visit other than the normal passe combat sites and old battlegrounds. The most amazing thing about the new 21 day venture is the cost, which remains basically, or nearly the same price as the normal 16-day packages. Other companies are wondering how we do it. My only answer is they need to get smart about how they're treating their customer base. The First 21-day adventure will include Ha Long Bay and Sapa, along with I-Corps, III-Corps, and plenty of 4-star luxury downtime at some of Viet Nam's best resorts. Our parent company provider, Focus Travel of Ha Noi, remains as the premier personalized travel provider in Viet Nam today - they've been privately licensed to do business in Viet Nam since 1999. It's run by a youthful and dynamic leadership that understands the fluidity and changing needs as Viet Nam progresses into the 21st century.

Former Ford Executive Getting Fat . . .

2010-02-18T11:31:00.000-08:00

18 February 2010:

I got on his Facebook yesterday and discovered he couldn't fit into a Tux anymore. Well, it happens to the best of us, My Friend. No sense in complaining to me, Jim, or to any of your Vietnam Vet friends (if you have any,) or any of the Jarheads you served with. This is a public announcement: Jim Wallace is getting old and fat. That's what happens when you retire from the Ford Company and sit around and spend all your time calling the few friends you have and waste their time spinning war stories. But I still love you, no matter what. In my book you're a real piece of work. (now head for the mirror and take a good look at yourself.) - from "The Doctor."

Summer Weather Hits Maine

2010-02-18T11:05:00.000-08:00

18 February 2010:

We're heading to Maine for our annual mid-winter vacation. It appears that a new ice-age has descended upon the Piedmont and daily temps have been higher in New England than here in the mid-Atlantic region since the beginning of January. For all my loud-mouthed friends up in Maine who would dispute this, check the facts. I do - on a daily basis. I also check three or four Maine webcams daily. Right now it's almost 50 degrees just south of Portland and my thermometer on the deck is reading 38. So much for global warming - well, maybe in Maine. But all seriousness aside, we will head up there soon. There is nothing prettier than Maine in late winter. No mosquitos. No tourists. No noise. No constant harangue of Beltway politics or congressional accusations of who-shot-John. Just peace and quiet in the big Pine woods as we edge toward Easter.

This Just In From Angel's Camp

2010-02-16T12:53:00.000-08:00

16 February 2010:

My son (who gets his sense of humor from his loving father,) sent me this from Angel's Camp, California. It's good to know that somebody, anybody, outside of the Bay area has some sense of reality.

782 Gear

2010-02-15T11:31:00.000-08:00

15 February 2010:

"Saddle up! Move 'em out!!" The Gunnery Sergeant's call to arms - and our arms were hurting. Our shoulders, backs, legs, and feet were killing us. The heat caused such pounding in our heads that we thought our helmets would explode. Just another lovely day in hell. While we chased an enemy dressed in black cotton shorts and a few rounds of ammunition, we sank up to our thighs in the rice paddies weighted down by the individual loads of crap we had to carry. I always pitied the radiomen and the mortar teams. They pitied me for carrying the extra medical gear (Ed Henry, USN, Corpsman, FMF). The truckers and Tankmen pitied all of us, the ground-pounders. We pitied all them when it came ambush time. They were always stuck in the middle of nowhere - poor bastards. At least we could move - if our legs hadn't been shot out from under us. So there was a lot of mutual pity that passed for esprit de corps and unit integrity.

We weren't having a lot of fun then - the darkness of Marine Corps humor kept us going and an occasional laugh at the oddest of really grim and terrifying moments. The fun is being an older man now, fit and healthy enough to look back on all of it and wondering what it was all about. So somebody asked me the other day what the term "782 Gear" meant and this person (who's never served his country) got a strange, deranged, look on his face when I blurted out, "Go look it up on Google, Dumbshit!"

I felt immediately sorry for calling him a Dumbshit and halfway apologized. You vets out there will intuitively know in your gut why I only halfway apologized to him. There is always that little piece of my gut that tells me that no matter what I say, no matter how much I try to explain, the listener just isn't truly listening. Or if he is listening, he's not understanding anything I'm trying to tell him. Kenneth Brown, the playwright, would have called this present said condition as experiencing "The Line." There's a line here. A line in the human male experience - and in today's world, a line in the female experience too, as the reality sinks in that women are assuming more and more combat roles and coming home in the body bags that were once only reserved for men. So I wished that person a nice day, and asked him about his grandkids. That's about as much pleasantry as I could muster. You men out there who once strapped on 782 Gear know what I'm talking about. And Gunny, wherever you are, God love you, you know what I'm talking about, too.

I'll Bet My Reputation On It ! !

2010-02-14T07:53:00.000-08:00

Wilmington Winter Bluegrass - March 19 -21

2010-02-13T09:39:00.000-08:00

13 February 2010:

The Holiday Inn Select in Claymont, Delaware will host the Wilmington Winter Bluegrass festival on March 19th and 21st, 2010. It's two full days of music, workshops, and pickin' fun. Groups include: Dan Paisley and Southern Grass, Ernie Bradley and Grassy Ridge, The Timmons Family, Mountain Heritage, Blue Detour, and more. For additional information go to http://www.wilmingtonwintergrass.org/ or call 302-730-4065. For hotel information and reservations you have to call 302-792-2700. Dan Paisley and Ernie Bradley are worth the entry price alone - and then there is so much more good entertainment besides. This promises to be a much-welcomed event after such a rotten winter.

Photo: Ernie Bradley and Grassy Ridge at The Lucketts Fair, 2009 (Ed Henry)

What??

2010-02-13T08:40:00.000-08:00

" The San Francisco Chronicle Reports that a Duck was Spotted

pecking at an ATM Machine on Mission Street."

Happier Times . . .

2010-02-12T06:07:00.000-08:00

Snowstorm Number 3

2010-02-10T10:13:00.000-08:00

10 February 2010: Marine buddy Jim Wallace in Michigan is nagging at me to answer him on instant messaging. I won't reply. I don't do that stuff. Too much of a pain in my behind. Special Forces buddy Ron Berard (up in Maine) is calling me too. Both these way-up-northerners think it's funny that we're getting blasted with so much bad weather here in the Piedmont, and they're calling me to remind us that life really ain't that bad here in the mid-Atlantic. They're right of course, but I don't need to be reminded of it. Not when I have to go out in a couple hours and shovel snow again. By the national weather records I've now shoveled 65 inches of it. Incredibly, all local school districts as far south as Fredericksburg and as far north as the Mason-Dixon line will be closed all week - most have been closed since the first round of snow on 5 February. Our kids can plan on having no school summer vacation in 2010! Another one for the record books: The D.C. metro area has received more snow this winter season than Buffalo, New York. It'll eventually melt and then we can get back to complaining about hot, muggy summers here in the nation's capital.

Life Goes On . . .

2010-02-07T17:31:00.000-08:00

7 February 2010: The Aftermath. The total was 26 inches as measured in my backyard. It's Superbowl Sunday and no one really cares - at least not this person. Spent all of yesterday and most of today digging out along with the rest of the neighborhood. It wouldn't be so bad, but this is the fifth major snowfall we've had this winter season. But hey - we were asking for it after 9 or 10 years of relatively mild and beautiful winters. This time last year I was cooking out every night on the grill and starting most of my annual gardening rituals. Not this time. We've broken all kinds of D.C. area snow-records, blah, blah, blah. But it's not half as bad as the monetary crisis this country is in, or how badly Congress is behaving in trying to resolve the country's problems. Shame on the lot! . . . Have a Nice Day . . .

The Hillbilly Gypsies

2010-02-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I know it's a real hokie piece of album art! Begs the question 'What the hell is this?' Some left-over hippie dope-induced Jug Band from the 60's? One of those wannabee bluegrass groups you see at a California or Colorado Pseudo Bluegrass Festival? Nah, this is the real-deal. Hailing from Morgantown, West Virginia, the Hillbilly Gypsies recently brought down the house at the Old Lucketts Schoolhouse Winter performance series along with Linda Lay and Springfield Exit. Both groups were outstanding. I think Linda has one of the best voices in the business. Buy this CD - better yet, experience the Hillbilly Gypsies in a live performance. They'll be appearing at a number of events here locally in 2010.

Snow Cripples the D.C. Bluegrass Scene

2010-02-05T10:36:00.000-08:00

Just got a message from Bob out at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Herndon concerning the third snow cancellation of the Saturday Night program. The Bluemoon Cowgirls were scheduled to play but the predictions look so bad, Bob had to cancel again - and again - and again. The Old Lucketts Schoolhouse isn't faring much better. They've had to reschedule more than a few bands since before Christmas. We were lucky to catch Audie Blaylock on the night we did - it was standing room only, which means the bluegrass die-hards (and everyone else) are suffering major cabin-fever. Keep watching this site for the dates of some major bluegrass events coming in March and in the meantime we'll hope all this bad weather stops soon. Our region is notorious for getting one last blast of snow right around St. Patrick's Day - mark my words - like clockwork!

It All Started With My Fear of Raccoons!

2010-02-05T10:23:00.001-08:00

Just Another Lovely Day in Hell!

2010-02-04T13:21:00.000-08:00

Follow Cheryl's Adventures on this Site . . .

Bluegrass is Back in Vienna

2010-02-03T14:29:00.000-08:00

The Vienna, Virginia Parks and Recreation Department announced recently that the Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition and Bill Emerson and the Sweet Dixie Band will return to the Town Green's 'Town Green Stage' this summer as part of the annual outdoor concert series. Both groups have a huge following here in town and Bill Emerson is one our emeritus residents. Contact the town's website for dates and times of the performances.

Lucketts Bluegrass, 23 January 2010

2010-02-02T17:56:00.001-08:00

The Dirty River Band at Lucketts on 23 January 2010, opening for Audie Blaylock and Redline.

The Dirty River Band at Bangkok Blues

2010-02-02T12:12:00.000-08:00

2 February 2010: The first move away from my old site for those who are tuning into this for the first time. I'll have to get used to it. This message is mainly directed toward those who followed my stories about Asia or my love for Bluegrass music. I attended a unique event this past weekend at the Bangkok Blues Restaurant and club in Falls Church. Several people approached me and asked me why I shut down my other site. It was good to get their feedback and I provided the reasons. Good to know that somebody was following my bluegrass news items. The event at Bangkok Blues: organized by Matt Slocum of the D.C. Bluegrass Union, it was a six-hour fundraiser for the first-ever D.C. Bluegrass Union concert and workshop to be presented at Langley Highschool in McLean in March of this year. The Association needs your bucks and your support. Our area's own "Dirty River Band" headlined the event and provided an excellent, well-wrought performance.