One Year for Emily

Last year, Emily was playing mandolin in one of our instructional groups here at The Bluegrass Shack. Another banjo student overheard her mention how much she wanted to learn banjo. This banjo student had several banjos and was willing to give her one so she could learn. This week marks the one year anniversary that Emily started playing banjo. She is one of the fastest learning students I have ever had. This is Emily playing Clinch Mountain Backstep.

Yard Sale, Auction & Music/DVD Sale on Saturday!

We are having a yard sale here on Saturday. Not a lot of music stuff in particular, but stuff from our house and a few of our friend's houses.

The business next door went out of business early this year, and the bank is auctioning off all the inventory. It was a landscaping business, so there will be some pallets of landscaping bricks & blocks, gravel, tools and I really don't know what all. Come on out and take advantage of the day!

We will also be having a sale (in the store) on all of our music books and DVDs. Take 15% off if you buy any in-stock item on Saturday. Christmas books are 20% off.

Jess Plays Cripple Creek on Banjo

Here is yet another adult banjo student that I am sure proud of. This is Jess, and he is playing Cripple Creek in this video clip. Jess does a real good job with his techniques (slide, pull-off, hammer-on).

Banjo Isn't Just for 10-year Olds!

This video features Verlan playing Shuckin' the Corn on banjo. Verlan has been taking lessons with me for about 3 years now, and he regularly attends any jam session that he can. I am very proud of Verlan for making this video with me, and I hope he inspires many more people who want to learn banjo to just DO IT!

10-Year Old Nikki Plays Jerusalem Ridge on Banjo

I did quite a bit of recording yesterday, and this first video is of Nikki playing Jerusalem Ridge on banjo. This is her newest song and we've been working on it for about 3-4 weeks now. Good job, Nikki!

Christmas Music 20% Off

Just wanted to let everyone know that all of our Christmas music books are 20% off. That includes everything we have from Mel Bay and Hal Leonard. It's getting close to Christmas, so now is a good time to start learning everything you want to know for the holidays!

Carie Playing Cold Frosty Morn

I'm proud to feature Carie on Cold Frosty Morn. The high part of this song is especially difficult, and she just glides right through it! Carie is a student at The Bluegrass Shack and has been playing about 4 years.

Introducing Patrick!

Patrick just turned 7 years old and has been taking lessons for about 2 months. He pratices twice a day, and knows about 15 songs. He has already played at church with his parents who lead the worship team.

Bluegrass Shack Birthdays!

We celebrated two birthdays here yesterday evening. It was the night our Advanced Instructional Jam meets, and two of the participants had birthdays. I was only aware of one, so I only decorated for Denny, but Christine also had a birthday that we celebrated once we learned of it. We had cake and cookies, and then several folks stayed to talk around the picnic table outside. Happy Birthday Denny & Christine! Here are some photos.

Jerseyville Pictures

Hi Everyone! I'm going on four weeks without a day off, so I'm a little behind on everything. I thought I'd better get these photos out right away before no one even remembers Jerseyville! We had a great time there, as usual. The crowds were the largest we've ever seen. It was good to see so many of our friends there, and also quite a few of my students came. I want to send a very special thank you out to Amy for making the long, blue, Victorian-era skirts you see in some of the photos I'm posting. Thank you everyone!

Playing Fiddle with a Single Bow Hair!

Makayla lost a hair off her bow during her lesson today, and for whatever reason, I thought it would be fun to play her fiddle together with the single bow hair. She chose the tune and fingered the left hand, and I held the bow hair and did the bowing.

Chris Talley Trio Plays in Sparta Friday Night

This is a last minute booking. The Chris Talley Trio will be playing at the World Shooting Complex in Sparta, IL this Friday night, September 5, 2008. The playing time will be from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Come on out to the restaurant, hear some great live music, and enjoy some good food & fellowship! We hope to see you there!