Beginner's Jam Class

The Monday night Beginner's Jam class is going strong. We still have a whole roomful of folks for this second group of beginners that come every other week.

Now, instead of me singing everything, the individual members of the group have started picking their own songs to sing. Some of the songs we are currently working on include Worried Man Blues, Hot Corn Cold Corn, I Saw the Light, Jambalaya, Go Tell Aunt Rhody, and Roll in my Sweet Baby's Arms. Kudos to Mike and Marian for singing at the last two sessions.

We have been working in the keys of G, A and D. We have also been working with the Nashville Number System, capos, transposing, beginnings and endings, basic jam etiquette, and more! We've had some really great questions from the participants, and already there has been a lot of improvement.

Banjo Tip - Right Hand Technique

I got an e-mail from Steve last week asking about right hand banjo technique. He was having the problem of his middle finger hitting the top of the banjo head when he was picking. I decided to post a short video covering some of the important right hand techniques so that hopefully he would have an answer to his question. I hope this will help you as well!

Gospel Music Sunday!

Just a reminder that we will be having gospel music at The Bluegrass Shack on Sunday, June 1, starting at 2:00 p.m. At 3:00 p.m., we'll be having a play-along, so if you play an acoustic instrument, bring it! Hope you see you there.

Peekaboo Waltz

Hi Kabbie - I hope this will work for you. This is a soundclip of Peekaboo Waltz.

Click here for Peekaboo Waltz

Custom, Hand-Tooled Leather Straps

We now have custom, hand-tooled leather straps that are being made right here at The Bluegrass Shack. If you have been wanting something like this, now is your chance to get one! Or give one -- they make great gifts! If you'd like to see some pictures, click here.

Bluegrass Music at Eckert's in Belleville

Just a note to let you all know that The Chris Talley Trio will be playing at Eckert's Orchard in Belleville, IL on Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day), from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. We hope you can come out! It's a great time for families and friends. Good ice cream, too!

Kids at The Bluegrass Shack

Here are some of the latest pictures I've taken here at The Bluegrass Shack. This first one is Zoey and her dog, Grace. Grace just got back from the dog groomer and was showing off her new haircut!



The last picture is my favorite! This is Joy playing the fiddle. She came in with her family (Mom, Dad, five other siblings plus one on the way!). I gave her the fiddle to try out, and she actually set up everything you see in the picture herself. She is 4 years old.