Hey. It's hard to imagine that on Christmas Eve I was running in and out of Barney's at Northpark in the snow! I just returned from a trip to Lubbock and can't believe the weather, it feels like spring. I think I could use another couple shots of winter before we start seeing wildflowers.

I just downloaded the entire first album from Lady Antebellum. I must admit that I initially think that Hillary Scott (LA's female singer) could easily get out there and do this thing herself. She's got the looks and a great passionate voice to go along with it. Funny thing, as I started looking a little closer at the band members, I realized that she is actually the daughter of Linda Davis, a Grammy Award winning county singer from the 90's. Linda sang back up for Reba McEntire and got her break through that gig. She had the looks too, more like a model than your girl next door.

Lady Antebellum, weird name, fairly commercialized first album. I am looking forward to the accompanying tracks to "Need You Now." If they are close to being as good as that song then they have a number of hits on their way.

Today, many people say "Happy Holidays." And because there are so many people who celebrate other things as well, I find myself when in a retail or business environment saying just that, "Happy Holidays." Many times I will chance the term 'Merry Christmas" and so far this year when testing it, I've had success. We seem to get further and further away from the things that so many of us have grown up with. I'm not going to start a political blog here but it is my site and I had to get it off of my chest.

I want to thank each and every one of you for keeping up with the musical endeavors of me and my peers. It's been a rocky year with little to report, but as I look back I realize that I've learned.

As 2010 rounds the corner I'm looking to re form some sort of musical organization. That will take another strong effort just as it did over a year ago. I've got ideas and more details will follow.

For now "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you." Thanks for your support. Pick on!

I just found out that the reason that I learned to play banjo is coming to a venue close to home.

The Choctaw Event Center is announcing a featured event called "The Legends of Bluegrass."
Earl Scruggs, The Dan Tyminiski Band and The Grascals come to the center on Saturday November 14th. Tickets are $30 and $40. To realize the greatness of Earl Scruggs, the pioneer of three finger banjo, he has never played anywhere close to DFW that I am aware of. I can remember the "Earl Scruggs Review" at the Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa many years ago, but I couldn't attend. This is a great source of excitement with the opportunity to see the guy whose records I used to sit in front of and play over and over again, with banjo in hand, only trying to learn the licks. Earl is up in years and for me it's a blessing to get to see him live.

I've been trying to figure out what type of entry to publish. With little to actually report (musically) I figured that I would just ramble. I've decided to move forward and let the readers know that the Green Council is on vacation. Yes that's right. An unexpected and frustrating vacation. Somehow, somewhere along the way of working diligently on songs, arrangements, bookings and co writing we just lost our grip. I'm without a lead singer and guitar player.

These things happen in the music business and sometimes they happen without a clue. I probably should have seen it sooner but that's the way it goes. So, on with the show.

I have been in discussion with a couple of very capable and talented pickers/singers. But with some personal issues going on with family (nothing serious) and travel for work, the time has not been there to try each other on. I have even thought about carrying on as the lead myself, but I just don't have the vocal chops to do it the way it should be done.

Things will turn around soon I'm sure and updates will follow. Thanks to all of you for staying in touch and reading the blog. Later.

While the Big Green Council is doing some regrouping, great newgrass music is coming back to Dallas.

The inspiring GreenCards bring their brand of newgrass to Poor Davids Pub. If you haven't seen or heard this group you should get in line. Consisting of two members from England and one from Australia the GreenCards have a unique sound and lyric style that is like no one else. You can get your tickets on line or at the door on November 21st.

I know that there are those of you that check the site every few days. Recently it looks like I've skipped off to another country. There's been very little BGC activity over the past few weeks. We're working on complete set lists in our rehearsals and those (rehearsals) have been spread thinner than I like. We have at least two commitments for booking dates but things as I said are moving way too slow. The press pack which was supposed to be ready by the end of August is still waiting for photos and layouts and the demo reel is not acceptable, at least for me.

Not to waiver, these things are very top of mind and will be settled soon. Thanks for reading and look for updates.

The Big Green Council would like to thank Billy Hayes and staff at the Chrystal Opry House for the great treatment we received Saturday evening at our performance. Due to the Labor Day weekend attendance was down but those who attended the performance gave us a great reception. Not being a traditional bluegrass band we felt a need to put together a set list that complimented our style but not waiver too far from what a bluegrass crowd would expect. Hopefully we did just that. We also appreciate the help of bassist  Will Hodges. He did a great job stepping in and giving us that bottom end support.

Without adding a whole lot of current information, the band is now up on Myspace. You can access the link at www.myspace.com/bigreencouncil.

We'll be adding more tracks, pictures and information very soon. Myspace Music has become a big player in band bookings and promotion. Thanks for giving us a visit!

Between my current pressures of traveling and home, rehearsals have been tricky. We tried a new bassist last week and are looking at number two this week. Hopefully we'll have someone in place before our September dates.

I was recently digging through old tapes and came across the only remaining vhs copy of my old group Modern Acoustics' only music video. Be aware that this production was shot in two days in the early summer of 1983 in Dallas, TX. Production was done on 3/4 inch Sony Pneumatic and edited on a Sony RM-440. There are a few drop outs and some a/v timing issues but it is dubbed and it's posted. Enjoy!

Wow. What a summer it's been!

July was very busy month for both band and business. With my recent travel schedule, 4th of July vacation and band work it's been very active.

Thanks goes out to Todd, Gary and the guys with the Fast Lane band. I had a great time last Thursday at the Dallas Arboretum. It's been a while since I've got to perform with a full blown rock band. Although it was a warm evening, we had somewhere around 3,000 in attendance. The band sounded great. I look forward to doing it again.

The Green Council is still gearing up for a busier fall. We've got some public interest and will hopefully be able to get more attention. We've dug up so many new songs that it's hard to keep it all straight. Right now, that's a good problem to have!