Bluegrass news and events, near and far - April 22

1. Announcements/Reminders/News:

a. Received this week:

- from Will Thomasson: former club member Bob Burleson passed away Monday 4/20 in Temple, TX. Services for Bob tentatively will be held Monday, April 27th at First Baptist Church, 102 W. Barton, Temple, TX at 3:00 p.m. Phone number for the church: 254 773-6866. Click here for a map to the church. Visit the Scanio-Harper Funeral Home website for Bob's obituary and for firm plans for Bob's memorial services.

- Stanley Cox's wife is undergoing treatment for cancer. Please keep the Cox family in your thoughts and prayers.

- from Beth Walker & Julie Tucker: Please lift up Rod Moag, our picking, singing, college professor & fellow radio d.j. Rod is in the hospital in Austin awaiting Heart By-Pass Surgery. He had a heart cath run earlier this week and has at least four blockages. He shared this info with Dave Rousseau and asked that we spread the word and for your prayers. Shirley is with him, having recently moved to the Austin area to be closer to her children and to Rod. When I find out more info I will pass it along.

- from Brenda Burks: Calvin McAfee just phoned me to let me know that they had to put Granny Jo McAfee back into the hospital last night. Her blood sugar keeps dropping and she is still holding a lot of fluid. Please keep my little bluegrass granny and her family in your prayers. If you live close enough to go and visit, Jo is in room 2515 at Tyler, Texas (ETMC) as she was previously. Randy and I also want to thank all of you for the beautiful cards, calls, and flowers. His mother was a wonderful friend, and woman that loved bluegrass music. We'll always miss her. Please pass this along to other bluegrassers...I'd really appreciate it. Bless each of you.

b. Southwest Bluegrass Club New Venue Search:

- The Board of Directors of the Southwest Bluegrass Club has renewed its search for a suitable location for our monthly meetings that will afford us more enjoyable monthly shows, indoor jamming and regular meeting place. Monthly meeting/show will change from Sunday to Saturday and we want the new facility be available for our use from 3 p.m. until 11 p.m. Preferred (but not required) location is near the intersection of Hwys 183 and 360, just south of DFW Airport. We hope to find a location with rent no more than $300 per use.

- We need your help ! We are asking for help from all members in finding our new venue. Please check out all possible locations you can think of. Use the forms attached (Contact Guide and New Venue Rating Form). The contact guide will introduce you as a member of the club; your completing the New Venue Rating Form will help the board evaluate each venue submitted.

*** REWARD !! *** The club member who submits the location that is selected by the board will receive free membership in the club for a period of five years (a $125 value). In the event that more than one individual submits the location that is selected, the member who has submitted the form the earliest will be declared the winner. Please make sure your name and the date are on the form before you submit the form.

- To submit the form: President Paul Stimson will collect the completed forms. Please give your form to Paul in person, mail it to him at 9741 Forest Drive Burleson, TX 76028 or scan & email the form to Paul at stimsonpaul@sbcglobal.net

- Deadline: Completed forms must be received by Paul by June 1, 2009. Plan is for the board to decide on a new venue by the June 2009 meeting.

- Questions ?? Call Paul at 817 790-8722 (home) or 817 929-8391 (cell)

c. BLUEGRASS MUSICIAN WANTED:

New bluegrass band is looking for a mandolin player with vocal skills.

Call Jimmy Strawn at 214-553-4500 if interested.

d. FOR SALE:

1. Club member Jim Yarboro has stopped doing set-ups at Festivals. He has these instruments for sale: 1980 D45 Martin Guitar (in excellent condition), 4 Gibson Banjos (2 of which are Pre-War made in the 20s and 30s) and 2 Dobros (made in 70s and 80s). Contact Jim anytime 903 887-2926 or email jimyarboro@ultravision.net

e. Changing your email address or any other contact ? Let me know by phone or mail. My contacts are at the end of this email.

f. Visit the Sabine Bluegrass website http://www.sabinebluegrass.com/ then click on "newsletter" for online form to subscribe to Gerald Block's weekly bluegrass emails.

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2. Coming Up This Week: (Wed. April 22nd - Tue. April 28th)

Thursday - Sunday, April 23rd - 26th: Duncan Spring Bluegrass Festival, Shady Oaks Lakeview RV Park, Duncan, OK. For information call 580 255-7042 or email cdclawson@hughes.net

Every Thursday: Thursday Mid-Cities Jam, 7:00 p.m. each and every Thursday, location rotates weekly. Check Jim Penson's website for this and future week's locations: http://www.pensonstringwerks.com:80/thrsjam/index.htm - the site is kept updated with news about the next jam, google maps to the location and email contacts.

Friday, April 24th: Iris Dement will appear at Poor David's Pub, 1313 South Lamar St, Dallas, TX. $30, visit http://www.poordavidspub.com/ , call 214 565-1295 or email david@poordavidspub.com for more information.

Every Saturday Evening (April thru October): Garland Square Pickers Jam, 6th and Main, Garland, TX . Check website for info: http://www.garlandsquarepickers.com/

Saturday, April 25th: 7th Annual Wildflower Bluegrass Festival, TX, Early Day Tractor & Engine Assoc. Showgrounds, Temple, TX. $10 at the door, $7 in advance. Click here for map. For more information email info@templebluegrass.org or website: http://www.templebluegrass.org/index.html

Fourth Saturday: Spring Creek 4th Saturday Bluegrass Club Jam Session & Show, Coushatte Recreation Ranch, Belleville, TX. Click here for map. Jamming starts at 4:00 p.m., show starts at 6:30 p.m. For further information contact Carolyn or Buddy Brockett at 979 865-5250, 979 877-9526 cell or email bluegrass221@peoplepc.com. Visit the club website at www.springcreekbluegrass.com No show October, November & December (Club's Festival held in October).

Fourth Saturday: 4th Saturday Bluegrass Show, Carroll Green Civic Center, Quitman, TX. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., open stage 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., featured performers start at 7:30 p.m. Admission $7.00. For further information contact Mack Smith at 903 852-6588 or Daisy Smith 903 714-5248

Every Tuesday: Jam, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m, 18 W. Hearne, Paris, TX (next to the South Main Cafe which is located at 1222 South Main - across the Railroad tracks from Paris Milling Company). For information contact Whiz & Bo Creighton, 903 785-3958 or bcreighton@neto.com

Every Tuesday: Bluegrass Gospel Jam at Hunters' Glen Baptist Church, 4100 Custer Road (between Parker & Spring Creek), Plano, TX 75023. Jam is held in Building E (in the portables just south of the main building) from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Questions ? Call Bob Campere at 214 226-9433. Church website: http://www.huntersglen.org/templates/System/default.asp?id=31332

3. Upcoming Special Events - events added or revised this week are marked with asterisks *** :

April 2009

Thursday - Saturday, April 30th - May 2nd: Skyline Bluegrass Festival, Wewoka Lake, Wewoka, OK. Directions: Exit I-40 Wewoka/Cromwell Exit 212, take Hwy 56 15 miles south, west 3 miles to lake. Click here for map. Lineup includes Hurricane Creek, Faris Family, Boggy River, Hunt Family, Southbound Mule. Show times: Thursday(Bluegrass Gospel Night) & Friday 6:30 p.m.; Saturday 1:00 p.m. Tickets $10 Thursday, $10 Friday, $12 Saturday; 3 day pass $30. Workshops begin at noon on Friday Visit The Oklahoma Bluegrass Club for workshop schedule www.okbgc.org and additional festival information or call Pat Pogue 405 677-1509 or cell 405 760-3064,

May 2009

Saturday, May 9th - Saturday, May 16th: Spring Jam, Arbuckle Mountain Bluegrass Park, Davis, OK. More info available on their website.

Wednesday May 13th - Sunday May 31st: Bluegrass & BBQ Festival, Silver Dollar City, Branson, MO. Check website for all information.

Saturday, May 16th: Summer Jam (2nd Session), Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 West 15th St. (W. 15th St. is also known as Norman F. Whitsitt Pkwy and FM 544), Plano, TX. Click here for map. 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., $2.00 admission ($1.00 per person if carrying an instrument). Visit website for complete information: http://www.heritagefarmstead.org/

Sunday, May 17th: Frank & Mary Simurdak's Annual Pickin' Picnic, south side of Hwy 67, 1 mile west of the Brazos River Bridge, just north of Glen Rose, TX - watch for sign on the mailbox. Meats, condiments and drinks provided. Come when you can, we'll eat around 2:00. Bring instruments, lawn chairs and something for the table (salad, fruit, dessert, etc.). Call 254 897-9753 if you're lost.

Thursday - Saturday, May 14th - 16th: Fire on the Strings, Lake Conroe KOA Campgrounds, Conroe, TX. Lineup includes Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Williams & Clark Expedition, Hickory Hill, Appointed, The Bluegrass Solution, Classical Grass, The Lonestar Bluegrass Band. Workshops included. For information, contact Rick Kirkland 582 488 -2244 or crk5820@msn.com - or visit http://bayareabluegrass.org/Festival09/FOTS_photo_flyer_2009.pdf

Friday - Sunday, May 22nd - 24th: 12th Annual Gospel Bluegrass Festival, Salmon Lake Park, Grapeland, TX. For information contact Fannie Salmon 936 687-2594, info@salmonlakepark.com or website http://www.salmonlakepark.com/gospel_fest.htm

Thursday, May 28th: Artsnet 2009 Masterworks Concert Series, Front Lawn, Old Bedford School, 2400 School Lane, Bedford, TX. White House Harmony will perform. Admission is free. Click here for map. For information call 817 283-3406 or visit http://www.artsnetc.org/homepage.asp

June 2009

Wednesday - Saturday, June 3rd - 6th: 3rd Annual Bluegrass Festival, Melody Ranch RV Park, off Hwy 902 between Howe & Tom Bean, TX. Lineup includes Grandpa's Neighbors, Herzog Family, Prairie Night, Buddy & Tina Wright Group, Star Canyon, High Strung, Upper Grassmen, Cedar Ridge, Midnight Flight. Bands subject to change; check website for band schedule. Thursday (Gospel Night) 6:00 p.m.; Friday 2 shows 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.; Saturday 2 shows noon and 6:00 p.m. Thursday & evenings $8; Friday $15; Saturday $15; 3 day pass $32. RV parking available. For more information call 903 271-4260, 972 752-5223 or visit http://www.melodyranchbluegrassfestival.com/

Thursday - Saturday, June 4th - 6th: Texas Bluegrass Celebration, Brownwood Coliseum, Brownwood, TX. Lineup includes Tennessee Valley Authority, Digger Davis & Tombstone, Saltgrass, 3rd Generation, Clear River. For more information call Charlotte Parrack 325 646-8531, email cparrack@pgrb.com or visit the festival website: http://www.texasbluegrasscelebration.com/1.html

Wednesday - Sunday, June 10th - 14th: West Texas Bluegrass Association Summer Fest Jam, Texas RV Park, 4100 U.S. Hwy 87, Big Spring, TX. Click here for Texas RV Park website. Cooked breakfast available every Morning, ice cream social Thursday 7:00 p.m., catered meal provided Friday night, Saturday night "Cowboy Pot Luck" dinner. Full hook up sites, call 432 267-7900 for reservations. For info call WTBA: Pete & Claudette Stull 432 362-6644, 432 238-5633 or email wb7amp@cableone.net

Friday & Saturday, June 12th & 13th: Overton Bluegrass Festival, City Park Overton, TX. Lineup includes Lonesome River Band (Sat), Charlie Sizemore Band (Sat), Cody Shuler & Pine Mountain Railroad (Fri), The Donna Hughes Band (Fri & Sat), New Found Road (Fri), Hickory Hill (Fri & Sat), Bowles Creek (Fri & Sat), Pick'n Grass (Sat). More bands to be added. Friday 1:00 p.m. - 10:45 p.m. ($15), Saturday noon - 10:30 p.m. ($20). Both days: $25. Workshop schedule TBA. Click here for map. For info call 903 834-3171, email overtonbgf@embarqmail.com or visit http://www.overtonbluegrass.com/index.html

Wednesday - Saturday, June 17th - 20th: Turkey Track Bluegrass Festival, Waldron, AR. For information, call 479 637-3717, email turkeytr@valuelinx.net or visit the festival website: http://turkeytrackbluegrass.com/index.html

Saturday, June 20th: Summer Jam (3rd Session), Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 West 15th St. (W. 15th St. is also known as Norman F. Whitsitt Pkwy and FM 544), Plano, TX. Click here for map. 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., $2.00 admission ($1.00 per person if carrying an instrument). Visit website for complete information: http://www.heritagefarmstead.org/

Thursday - Saturday, June 25th - 27th: 32nd Free State Bluegrass Music Festival, Civic Center (inside & air conditioned), First Monday Grounds, Canton, TX. Lineup includes Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, Special Consensus, Rarely Herd, Nothin' Fancy and many more. Visit the festival website for more information: http://bluegrasscanton.com/index.php/index

July 2009

Wednesday - Monday, July 1st - 6th: 4th of July Jam, Arbuckle Mountain Bluegrass Park, Davis, OK. More info available on their website.

Saturday, July 18th: Summer Jam (4th Session), Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 West 15th St. (W. 15th St. is also known as Norman F. Whitsitt Pkwy and FM 544), Plano, TX. Click here for map. 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., $2.00 admission ($1.00 per person if carrying an instrument). Visit website for complete information: http://www.heritagefarmstead.org/

Friday - Sunday, July 24th - 26th: Old Mobeetie Music Festival, Courthouse Square, Mobeetie, TX. For information contact Melba Corcoran 806 845-2028 or mjm806@windstream.net - also visit http://www.mobeetie.com/

August 2009

Saturday, August 8th: Bluegrass Gospel Afternoon, Texas Gospel Music Hall, 6513 Hwy 19 South, Athens, TX. Lineup includes Whitehouse Harmony, Bailey Family Band, Grandpa's Neighbors, Mike Powell. 2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., admission $18. Directions: Loop 7, take the South Palestine St. (Highway 19 South) exit. Music Hall is located three-tenths of a mile past the Loop, drive until you see Fulton Auto Service on the left, then take the second drive beside shop. The Music Hall is behind Fulton Auto Service Building. For more information, visit their website or email - phone numbers: 903 677-2492, 903 675-5217, 903 477-8084.

Friday, August 14th: 7th All Gospel Show, First Baptist Church, Lillian, TX. 7:00 p.m., Free Admission. Faithful Touch, Barbara Blanton, Wayne Earls will perform. Lillian is located on Hwy 917 about halfway between Mansfield and I-35W; FBC is located just west of Hwy 917 in downtown Lillian. Click here for a map. For information, call 917 929-8391 or 817 790-8722 or visit http://www.ntbbluegrass.com/index.html

Saturday, August 15th: Summer Jam (5th Session), Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 West 15th St. (W. 15th St. is also known as Norman F. Whitsitt Pkwy and FM 544), Plano, TX. Click here for map. 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., $2.00 admission ($1.00 per person if carrying an instrument). Visit website for complete information: http://www.heritagefarmstead.org/

Friday & Saturday, August 21st & 22nd: Wichita Falls Parks & Recreation 4th Annual Bluegrass Festival, Multi Purpose Events Center, Exhibit Hall B (West End), 1000 5th Street, Wichita Falls, TX. Click here for map. Festival is indoors, building is air conditioned and concessions are available. Seating provided; bring your lawn chairs if you prefer. Lineup includes Star Canyon, Southbound Mule, Rockin' Acoustic Circus, Ellis County Bluegrass, Salt Grass, Blue River, Clear River. Show starts Friday at 5:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. Tickets $3 per day or $5 for both days. Special room rates available at Howrad Johnson, phone 940 766-6000. Other hotels: Econo Lodge 940 761-1889, Holiday Inn 940 761-6000, Super 8 940 322-8880. RV parking is available across the street with electric & water, $17. For additional information call Parks & Rec. at 940 761-7490 or Joy McCullough at 940 692-9783.

September 2009

Thursday - Sunday, September 3rd - 6th: 33rd Annual Bluegrass Festival, Salmon Lake Park, Grapeland, TX. For information contact Fannie Salmon 936 687-2594, info@salmonlakepark.com or website http://www.salmonlakepark.com/bluegrass_fest.htm

Thursday - Saturday, September 10th - 12th: 30th Annual Bluegrass & Chili Festival, Claremore Expo Grounds, Claremore, OK. Call 918 341-2818 or visit http://www.claremore.org/

Sunday - Saturday, September 13th - 19th: 10th Annual Arbuckle Mountain Bluegrass Park Festival, Davis, OK. More info available on their website. Youth Fiddle and Youth Mandolin Contests will be held on Sunday, September 13th. Age limit is 17 and contestants limited to 15 in number for both contests. No entry fee for the contests. Prizes for each contest: 1st place $300; 2nd place $150; 3rd place $75. For rules and entry application, click here: http://www.arbucklemtbluegrasspark.com/2009YouthRules.html

Wednesday - Sunday, September 16th - 20th: Walnut Valley Festival, Winfield, KS. For information call 620 221-3250, email hq@wvfest.com or visit the festival website: http://www.wvfest.com/

Saturday, September 19th: Second Annual Bluegrass Heritage Festival presented by The Bluegrass Heritage Foundation, South Oaks Baptist Church, 5925 U.S. Highway 287, Arlington, TX. Lineup includes Josh Williams Band, The Star Canyon Band, The Herrin Family, Clear River Band, Salt Rock Rounders, Grass Notes, Nickelville Road. Festival admission will include insructional workshops. Contact Alan Tompkins 214 236-0783 or alan@bluegrassheritage,org - more information to be posted on the foundation website.

Thursday - Sunday, September 24th - 27th: 16th Annual Duncan Fall Bluegrass Festival, Shady Oaks Lakeview RV Park, Duncan, OK. For information call 580 255-7042 or email cdclawson@hughes.net

Monday - Sunday, September 28th - October 4th: IBMA World of Bluegrass, Nashville, TN. More info later.

Wednesday - Saturday, September 30th - October 3rd: 3rd Annual Fall Bluegrass Festival, Melody Ranch RV Park, off Hwy 902 between Howe & Tom Bean, TX. Contact Bill Hayes 903 546-6893, email billyr.hayes@verizon.net or visit http://www.melodyranchbluegrassfestival.com/

October 2009

Thursday - Saturday, October 1st - 3rd: Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival, Cottonwood Flats (Noble & 7th St) Guthrie, OK. Lineup includes Alan Munde Gazette, The Gibson Brothers, Byron Berline Band & more. Click here for map. For more information call toll free 1 877 203-1206 or website: http://www.oibf.com/

Wednesday - Saturday, October 7th - 10th: Turkey Track Bluegrass, Waldron, AR. For information, call 479 637-3717, email turkeytr@valuelinx.net or visit the festival website: http://turkeytrackbluegrass.com/index.html

Sunday, October 11th - Saturday, October 17th: Fall Jam, Arbuckle Mountain Bluegrass Park, Davis, OK. More info available on their website.

Thursday - Saturday, October 22nd - 24th: Spring Creek Bluegrass Club Festival, Coushatte Recreation Ranch, Belleville, TX. Click here for map. For further information contact Carolyn or Buddy Brockett at 979 865-5250, 979 877-9526 cell or email bluegrass221@peoplepc.com. Visit the club website at www.springcreekbluegrass.com

Thursday, October 22nd: Artsnet 2009 Masterworks Concert Series, Hurst Public Library, 901 Precinct Line Road, Hurst, TX. The Banditos will perform. Admission is free. Click here for map. For information call 817 283-3406 or visit http://www.artsnetc.org/homepage.asp

Friday & Saturday, October 23rd & 24th: Bluegrass Festival, Mitchell Resort & RV Park, 2730 FM 2210 E, Perrin, TX. Lineup includes Digger Davis & Tombstone, The Alaska String Band, Triple L Band, Lonesome Prairie, Honey Creek Highway, Star Canyon Band. Click here for map. Friday $10, Saturday $15. For info call 940 798-4615 or website http://mitchellparkandresort.com/

November 2009

Friday & Saturday, November 6th & 7th: 2nd annual Ranch Bluegrass Festival, Equestrian Arena (covered facility), Texas Rose Horse Park in Lindale, TX. Friday 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.: Monroe Crossing, Hickory Hill, Blue River, Bowles Creek ; Saturday 1:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.: Monroe Crossing, Hickory Hill, Beatlegras, The High Strung, Rod Moag & The Texas Grass, Wise County Bluegrass and special surprise guests. Horseshoe pitching contests, art & craft vendors, food vendors, 45 space RV park. Contact Beth Walker 817-714-4350 email: bethlhf@yahoo.com - more info at http://www.ranchbluegrassfestival.com:80/

Saturday, November 7th: Bluegrass Gospel Afternoon, Texas Gospel Music Hall, 6513 Hwy 19 South, Athens, TX. Lineup includes Causey Brothers, Southern Divide, Mike Powell, Prairie Wind Band. 6:00 p.m., admission $18. Directions: Loop 7, take the South Palestine St. (Highway 19 South) exit. Music Hall is located three-tenths of a mile past the Loop, drive until you see Fulton Auto Service on the left, then take the second drive beside shop. The Music Hall is behind Fulton Auto Service Building. For more information, visit their website or email - phone numbers: 903 677-2492, 903 675-5217,

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4. Regularly Scheduled Shows & Jams - events added this week are marked with asterisks ***:

Sunday:

Second Sunday: Monthly Meeting & Jam, West Texas Bluegrass Association, AmVets Building, 309 East VFW Lane, Odessa, TX (click here for map). 12:30 - 5:00 p.m., pot luck lunch, short meeting then jamming. Questions ? Call WTBA: Pete & Claudette Stull 432 362-6644, 432 238-5633 or email wb7amp@cableone.net

NEXT MEETING July 12th NO MEETING in April (Easter Sunday), May (Mother's Day) and June (WTBA Summer Fest Jam in Big Spring).

Third Sunday: Southwest Bluegrass Club monthly meeting, Show & Jam, Founders Building, 701 South Main, Grapevine, TX. Doors open at noon for jamming, meeting at 2:00 p.m., pot luck lunch at 2:30 p.m., concert 3:00 p.m, followed by Club Jam with Stanley Cox at approximately 4:30 p.m.

Coming up May 17th: NO MEETING IN MAY - SEE YOU AT FRANK AND MARY'S (see details above under Upcoming Special Events)

June 21st: TBA

Monday:

Second Monday: Slow Jam at Charley's Guitar Shop, 7:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m. Check Charley's events page for more info. Next Jam: May 11th

Mondays (twice monthly - check schedule - day of the week may change !!): Jam at Love & War in Texas, 610 E. Plano Pkwy, Plano, TX, 7:00 p.m - 9:30 p.m. Click here for map; click here for venue info. Jam is hosted by Chris Plumlee. Chris has posted a meetup site with further information: http://bluegrass.meetup.com/146/

Tuesday:

Every Tuesday: Jam, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m, 18 W. Hearne, Paris, TX (next to the South Main Cafe which is located at 1222 South Main - across the Railroad tracks from Paris Milling Company). For information contact Whiz & Bo Creighton, 903 785-3958 or bcreighton@neto.com

Every Tuesday: Bluegrass Gospel Jam at Hunters' Glen Baptist Church, 4100 Custer Road (between Parker & Spring Creek), Plano, TX 75023. Jam is held in Building E (in the portables just south of the main building) from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Questions ? Call Bob Campere at 214 226-9433. Church website: http://www.huntersglen.org/templates/System/default.asp?id=31332

Thursday:

Every Thursday: Thursday Mid-Cities Jam, 7:00 p.m. each and every Thursday, location rotates weekly. Check Jim Penson's website for this and future week's locations: http://www.pensonstringwerks.com:80/thrsjam/index.htm - the site is kept updated with news about the next jam, google maps to the location and email contacts.

Thursday (before the first Saturday of the Month): Bluegrass Jam at Chrystal Opry House, 1977 White Mound Road, Sherman, TX (near Tom Bean, TX). 7:00 p.m. For more info or if you have any questions, call Bill or Annette Hayes at 903 546-6893 or info@chrystalopryhouse.com For more info including map check Chrystal Opry House website: http://www.chrystalopryhouse.com/ Upcoming jams: April 30th

Friday:

Third Friday: First Baptist Church, Lillian, TX, price $4.00

Open Stage/Slow Jam with David Price at 6:15 p.m. , show at 7:00 p.m. Open Jam after the show

Call 817 929-8391, 817 790-8722 or click on http://www.ntbbluegrass.com/ for more information. No show in December.

Coming up May 15th: No Turning Back, Lonesome Prairie, Wayne Earls Band

June 19th: No Turning Back, Shady Grove Ramblers, Texas Trailblazers

July 17th: No Turning Back, Bluefield Express, New Bluegrass Combination

August 21st: No Turning Back, Herzog Family, Decker Family

September 18th: No Turning Back, Star Canyon Band, Heartland Harmony

Lillian is located on Hwy 917 about halfway between Mansfield and I-35W; FBC is located just west of Hwy 917 in downtown Lillian. Click here for a map.

Saturday:

Every Saturday Evening (April thru October): Garland Square Pickers Jam, 6th and Main, Garland, TX . Check website for info: http://www.garlandsquarepickers.com/

First Saturday: Bluegrass Show at Chrystal Opry House, 1977 White Mound Road, Sherman, TX (near Tom Bean, TX). Show at 7:00 p.m., doors open at 6:00 p.m., Admission is $5 each (12 and under free with adult). For more info, call Bill or Annette Hayes at 903 546-6893 or email info@chrystalopryhouse.com . Additional information including map is available on the Chrystal Opryhouse website: http://www.chrystalopryhouse.com/

Coming up May 2nd: Copper Canyon, Upper Grassmen

First Saturday: Oklahoma Bluegrass Club Bluegrass Music Concert, Kerr Junior High, 2300 South Linda Lane, Del City, OK. Click here for map. 7:00 p.m., admission $6, $5 for members, children 14 - 16 $1.50, under 14 free. Visit website http://www.okbgc.org/Home_Page.html for more information or call Pat Pogue 405 677-1509 or email patpogue@cox.net.

Coming up October 3rd: TBA (Shows held October through April, Skyline Festival held in May)

First Saturday: The Dallas Banjo Band performs at Back Country BBQ, 6940 Greenville Avenue (just north of Park Lane), Dallas, TX. Practice is from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.; show from 11:00 a.m until noon. Restaurant opens for lunch at 11:00 a.m. Visit their website: http://www.backcountrybarbq.com/ and also visit the band's website http://www.dallasbanjoband.com/

First Saturday (exception: second Saturday in September): Pearl Bluegrass Show & Jam Community Center, Pearl, TX. Check website for info: http://www.pearlbluegrass.com/

Second Saturday: Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society Show and Jam, Oklahoma Country Western Museum & Hall of Fame, 3925 SE 29th St., Del City, OK. Click here for map. 6:30 p.m., admission $6 ($5 for members, 12 & under: free). Building is open at 5:00 p.m for jamming. For info call 405 677-7515, 405 485-2370, 405 632-8945 or visit the GOBMS website - after 3:00 p.m. the day of a show, call the Hall of Fame at 405 677-3174.

Coming up May 9th: Copper Canyon, Cedar Ridge, Hunt Family Bluegrass

Second Saturday: Bluegrass Show, Venus Community Center, 103 W. 3rd Street, Venus, TX. 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. Click here for map. Contact Dale Brawner at 972 435-4201 or visit http://www.elliscountybluegrass.com/index.html

Third Saturday: Pickin' in the Park Jam, Rose Park, Walnut Creek Drive (about 1/2 mile south of Hwy 287) Mansfield, TX. 5:30 p.m. - ?, weather permitting. Contact Will Thomasson at 817 453-0646.

Third Saturday: High Strung Monthly Bluegrass Show, 18 W. Hearne, Paris, TX (next to the South Main Cafe which is located at 1222 South Main - across the Railroad tracks from Paris Milling Company), Two shows, 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Free admission: "we pass the hat". Contact Whiz & Bo Creighton, 903 785-3958, bcreighton@neto.com, Hugh Jones, 903 739-2000, hughjones@sbcglobal.net or Pat Conrad, 903 782-8717

Coming up May 16th: High Strung at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., guest band TBA at 7:00 p.m.

Third Saturday: Bay Area Bluegrass Association 3rd Saturday Show, Johnny Arolfo Civic Center, 300 W. Walker, League City, TX. See the BABA website for more details. Call or email Rick Kirkland at 713 249-2986, crk5820@msn.com for more information. No show May & December

Coming up June 20th: TBA

Third Saturday: Pickton Community Bluegrass & Gospel Center, Pickton Community Center, Pickton, TX (Pickton is located on Hwy 11 between Sulphur Springs and Winnsboro - click here for map). 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., admission is free, love offerings accepted. Big Daddy's BBQ available, for more information call Floyd & Carol Favors at 903 866-0415.

Coming up May 16th: TBA

Fourth Saturday: Spring Creek 4th Saturday Bluegrass Club Jam Session & Show, Coushatte Recreation Ranch, Belleville, TX. Click here for map. Jamming starts at 4:00 p.m., show starts at 6:30 p.m. For further information contact Carolyn or Buddy Brockett at 979 865-5250, 979 877-9526 cell or email bluegrass221@peoplepc.com. Visit the club website at www.springcreekbluegrass.com No show October, November & December (Club's Festival held in October).

Fourth Saturday: 4th Saturday Bluegrass Show, Carroll Green Civic Center, Quitman, TX. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., open stage 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., featured performers start at 7:30 p.m. Admission $7.00. For further information contact Mack Smith at 903 852-6588 or Daisy Smith 903 714-5248

Fifth Saturday: Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society 5th Saturday Gospel Show and Jam, Oklahoma Country Western Museum & Hall of Fame, 3925 SE 29th St., Del City, OK. Click here for map. 6:30 p.m., admission $6 ($5 for members, 12 & under: free). Building is open at 5:00 p.m for jamming. For info call 405 677-7515, 405 485-2370, 405 632-8945 or visit the GOBMS website - after 3:00 p.m. the day of a show, call the Hall of Fame at 405 677-3174. Note: This show will be held only in months that have a 5th Saturday.

Coming up August 29th: TBA

October 31st: TBA

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5. Upcoming Workshops & Camps: - events added this week are marked with asterisks ***:

Wednesday - Sunday, June 3rd - June 7th: Hill Country Acoustic Music Camp, Schreiner University, 2100 Memorial Boulevard, Kerrville, TX. For information and registration, visit http://www.hcamp.org/

Sunday - Friday, July 19th - 24th: Camp Bluegrass, South Plains College, Levelland, TX. Registration is available online at http://www.campbluegrass.com/

Thursday - Sunday, August 6th - 9th: Acoustic Music Camp, South Oaks Baptist Church, 5925 U.S. Highway 287, Arlington, TX. Contact Gerald Jones 214 236-0783 or info@acousticmusiccamp.com - also visit http://acousticmusiccamp.com/