The 1st annual Youth Acoustic Festival was a big success. Thanks to all the bands that made it out to White Mound. I want to especially like to thank the group Rockin' Acoustic Circus. What a great bunch of teenagers that will soon be doing much more than playing on a local level. Most especially fiddler Eric Dysart. He actually dropped his post at the record table and took time out to assist us with a little fiddle instruction. Eric is one of those special youngsters that wants to take his music to a career level. I'm sure that it is only a matter of time for him.

As for me? Watching those still in high school? I'm out to do quite a bit of wood shedding over the next few weeks. Pick on!

Banjo and mandolin workshops hosted by yours truly begin Saturday May 1st at 4 p.m. Bring yourself out the the 1st Annual Youth Acoustic Festival this weekend for some great music that is not just bluegrass but a great mixture of acoustic music from 4 different bands. The festival grounds are growing and so are the shows. Remember that admission is free for those 18 years old and younger. Come support us at the Chrystal Opry House just of Hwy. 902 near Tom Bean, TX. Just follow the signs!

The 1st Annual Youth Acoustic Music Festival is scheduled for April 30th and May 1st at Melody Ranch in Tom Bean, TX. This festival is geared at teens and youth 17 years old and under. I'll be leading beginning mandolin and banjo workshops on both days. They'll also feature workshops by musicians on bass, autoharp and guitar. If you have someone in your family that is a young growing musician bring them out. The admission is free for them and just a small fee for parents or guardians. Bands include the Acoustic Circus from Claremore, Oklahoma and the Buddy and Tina Wright Group! I'll be there and you should too. It's a great chance to learn about bluegrass and progressive acoustic music from the ground up! And it's FREE!

Once again I can say that my music habit is on hold for a little while. Personal issues are taking its place. Keep checking back. I've got some extra time and will surely post more music information in the coming days.

This is a weird post for my site I know. But I have a secret. All this acoustic/banjo/newgrass/heartfelt stuff gets interrupted now and then by my attraction to a great songstress and band. Evanescence. The report is that Amy Lee (lead singer and writer) is in the studio in New York with famed producer Steve Lillywhite. Steve has produced the Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews and others. This is the first collaboration of Lillywhite and the band.

Two things make this more noteworthy for my interest. First off this is the bands first album in 4 years and the album is being co-written by Fort Worth producer and drummer Will Hunt. According to Rolling Stone and Amy, this album shows a different side to the band. Cool stuff.

I recently secured a temporary rehearsal studio in Richardson. It's small but will work for removing my cobwebs. Finding the time slot has been a burden but I think I've got that one figured out.

I broke it in with the first practice with a new female vocalist/guitarist. She's got a great voice and solid rhythms. We're working on putting together a set list of covers and originals. More information as it happens.

Being disconnected from a band or endeavor is becoming more of a issue for me. I've been considering during the past few days that I would start putting out some feelers in the acoustic music community. It feels more and more like Dallas is full of musicians but not what fits well with my progressive style. I don't want to get back into trying to train someone to work with the kind of music I'm targeting. The vocal part of this requires someone that has an appealing voice that fits well into not only original music but covers that are all over the place. Other musicians I'm considering have to be able to play with aggression, speed and feeling for the ballads. In other words, very open minded and the ability to be versatile.

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.