Tuesday Night's Jam Session

We had our largest crowd ever for our last jam session. I counted 24 musicians and 5 listeners. More new faces again, too! It never ceases to amaze me that there are so many good musicians around here. What a great opportunity to meet new people and good pickers! Here is a video from our jam session.

Way Cool Banjo Valentine!

I received this Valentine from the Hall family. Many thanks to Emily for making it. It is simply the most unique valentine I've ever received. As you can see, it is a banjo, but even neater is the fact that the body part opens into a card that the whole family signed. Thanks so much! (Emily needs to get a job with Hallmark.)

Banjo Champion

We are very proud here at The Bluegrass Shack to have Justin as a student and a teacher. Justin has taken lessons from me for 8 years and is the most talented banjo student I have ever had. He has won the Illinois State Fair Junior Banjo Contest held in Springfield, IL for the past three years in a row. He is also blessed with the ability to teach, which is something that many good players lack. Justin and I were playing together last week and someone took this video of us, so I decided to post it for everyone to hear. Stay tuned to the blog, because what I really want you to hear Justin play is Jalapeno Flashback written by Winfield Banjo Contest Winner Jeff Scroggins. It's really incredible!

Practice Makes Perfect!

I just had to share these cute pictures from Dawn. This is Cole and Paige practicing fiddle together. Cole is 2 and Paige is 10.

Play That Fiddle, Rachel!

The Bluegrass Shack is proud to feature 16-year old Rachel! Rachel has been playing fiddle for only 3 years, and I think you'll agree that she has a fantastic start. Rachel's dad took this video clip of us playing "Gray Eagle" in front of the 24' banjo sign.

Youth Fiddle, Banjo & Talent Contest

Just wanted to make sure all the area youth know that they can enter these contests put on by MABC on Friday, March 14, 2008. The contests are at the Holiday Inn Six Flags in Eureka, MO. They are for youth ages 16 & under.

We are very glad that MABC is willing to sponsor and host these contests to give youth performers an opportunity to perform and compete. Even if you don't play or don't have kids that play, come on out and support this event. You'll have lots of fun! Holiday Inn has a special bluegrass rate that weekend of only $69.00 per night.

Here is a link to the rules in case you want to enter:

Youth Fiddle, Banjo & Talent Contest Rules

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me and I'll try to get you the answers!

Tuesday's Jam

The weather was pretty bad Tuesday night, but we still had quite a few folks come to jam. It's always good to see new pickers and the regulars coming back. Here's a video of us!