Bluegrass news and events, near and far - January 21

1. Announcements/Reminders/News:

a. There are two local bluegrass events this Saturday, January 24th in the Dallas area presented by Southwest Bluegrass Club members:

1. An Evening with Claire Lynch and Jim Hurst presented by Alan Tompkins and The Bluegrass Heritage Foundation, Sons of Hermann Hall, 3414 Elm Street (at Exposition), Dallas, Texas 75226

2. 2009 Bluegrass Gospel Night presented by Gene Stanbery and His Bluegrass Friends, Irving Bible Church (in the Commons), 2435 Kinwest Parkway, Irving, TX.

See "Upcoming Special Events" below for details. Thanks for supporting these shows !

b. Argyle Reminder: Argyle Bluegrass Festival planners are looking for volunteers from the Southwest Bluegrass Club to be facilitators/monitors for the Argyle Bluegrass Learning Center workshops/classes on Friday and Saturday, March 6th and 7th. Volunteers will be asked to pass out whatever handouts are required, check on room temperatures and sound, make sure instructors have water, etc. Volunteers will receive free admission to the festival on the day(s) they work. If you are interested, please contact Richard Tucker right away at 214 202 9457 or richardstucker@comcast.net

c. (Repeat) Southwest Bluegrass Club News & Events:

1. Fiddle Raffle/ Fund Raiser: Stanley Cox has graciously donated a fiddle to the club to raffle off. Tickets are $1 each and 6 for $5. tickets will be sold at club meetings. Raffle will take place at the Winter Show on March 21st

2. 2009 Winter Show: will be held on Saturday, March 21st at The Plaza Theater at 521 West State St. in downtown Garland. Audie Blaylock & Redline has been booked for the show. Also appearing will be Blue River and Lonesome Prairie. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., Lonesome Prairie 6:30 - 7:00, Blue River 7:00 - 8:00, after a short break, Audie Blaylock & Redline will play a 90 minute set. Prices: $5 for club members; $15 for non-club members, all seats general admission. At these prices, we anticipate that this show will sell out. Seating capacity is limited to 350. Please plan to purchase your tickets at the club meeting February or at the door. If you'd like to order by mail, send a check in the appropriate amount made out to The Southwest Bluegrass Club and include the names of each ticket holder and a phone number. Please indicate where you will pick up your tickets: at a club meeting or at the door. If you'd prefer that the tickets be mailed to you, include a self addressed stamped envelope. Mail to Dennis Hillery, 2202 Proctor, Carrolton, TX. Questions - call Gary Penny 972 849-2615 or email gopenny@hotmail.com - click here for show flyer.

d. BLUEGRASS MUSICIANS WANTED:

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

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

**** WANTED **** Solid Bluegrass Vocalist!

Patrick Bouldin is pleased to announce things are moving right along with the new Texas Prairie Band. We now have three positions that look fairly locked – and now we are working hard to find a SOLID vocalist. Patrick is one lead but they’re looking for someone who can also sing lead or backup. They are flexible on the instrument. Just let him hear from you. For more information call Patrick at (214) 295 – 5629 or visit the band website: http://www.texasprairieband.com

e. 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

f. (Repeat) Southwest Bluegrass Club announcement:

The board of directors of the Southwest Bluegrass Club is still considering the possibility of moving our meeting place to a location that better suits the needs of the membership. We are looking for a place that is close to the club’s demographic center (approximately the intersection of Hwy 183 and Hwy 360), has seating room for a larger audience (approximately 200-300), has adequate acoustics and stage, has separate rooms to accommodate jams and workshops as well as the regular meetings and is affordable to the club (maximum rental of $300 per month). All members are encouraged to help in the search for a new meeting place. If you are aware of a location that may suit the club, please contact Paul Stimson (817 929-8391, stimsonpaul@sbcglobal.net )

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

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

January 2009

Saturday, January 24th: An Evening with Claire Lynch and Jim Hurst presented by The Bluegrass Heritage Foundation, Sons of Hermann Hall, 3414 Elm Street (at Exposition), Dallas, Texas 75226. Click here for map. This duet concert will be preceded by a one hour vocal and guitar workshop with Claire and Jim at 5:00 p.m. For info call the Sons of Hermann Hall at 214-747-4422 or e-mail info@bluegrassheritage.org. Show begins at 7:30 p.m., cost: $12 show only, $10 workshop only, $20 both. Visit the Bluegrass Heritage website for more information. Tickets will be available at the door - tickets will not be sold in advance through the Foundation.

Saturday, January 24th: 2009 Bluegrass Gospel Night presented by Gene Stanbery and His Bluegrass Friends, Irving Bible Church (in the Commons), 2435 Kinwest Parkway, Irving, TX. 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., admission is free, event is sponsored by Saints of IBC. The Shady Grove Ramblers will perform. Click here for map.

February 2009

Saturday, February 7th: Bluegrass Gospel Afternoon, Texas Gospel Music Hall, 6513 Hwy 19 South, Athens, TX. Lineup includes Bama Blu-Grace, Wise County, Anderson Family, Mike Powell. 2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., admission $12 in advance, $15 at the door. 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.

Saturday, February 7th: Bluegrass Concert, Graham Memorial Auditorium, 628 Third Street, Graham, TX (click here for map). Honi Deaton and Dream will perform, concert begins at 7:00 p.m. For more information, call 940 549-3266 or visit http://honideaton.com/

Thursday - Sunday, February 12th - 15th: 35th Annual SPBGMA Bluegrass Music Awards & 26th National Convention, Sheraton Music City Hotel, Nashville, TN. For all information, contact Chuck Stearman 660 665-7172, email spbgma@kvmo.net or visit the SPBGMA website.

Friday & Saturday, February 27th & 28th: Sanders & Lake Murray Resort Fabulous February Bluegrass Festival, Lake Murray Resort, Ardmore, OK (I-35, Exit 24). Friday night 7:00 p.m. $12; Saturday all day 1:00 p.m. $15; weekend pass $25; children under 12 free. For information, call 918 423-4891 or 800 257-0322 or visit the website.

March 2009

Friday & Saturday, March 6th & 7th: Argyle Bluegrass Festival, Cross Timbers Community Church, 1119 US 377, Argyle, TX. Friday lineup includes Dale Ann Bradley, Mountain Heart, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Tony Rice & Friends. Saturday lineup includes Dan Tyminski Band, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Steep Canyon Rangers, The Gibson Brothers, Josh Williams Band, Long Road Home with Peter Wernick & Gene Libbea.Check the website for all other information including ticketing or call 888 557-6499. Click here for map & directions.

Saturday, March 14th: 2nd Annual Gospel Music Jam, Camp Chapparel Baptist Assembly, 3784 Church Camp Road (between Wichita Falls & Iowa Park). Click here for map. 9:00 a.m. - ?? Groups will perform from 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Lineup includes Connie Smithee, Ellis County Bluegrass, Grandpa's Neighbors, Hanks & Company, Hard Times, His Workmanship, Southbound Mule with more to be added. This will be a free (donations accepted), indoor event with plenty of room for jamming; jamming from "can" until "can't", acoustic instruments only, sound will be provided. Limited number of full hook-up RV spaces availabe at $10 each - sorry, no reservations. More information to be posted later or call Joy McCullough at 940 692-9783.

Friday & Saturday, March 20th & 21st: Third Annual Spring Break in Bonham, TX. Fannin County Multi-Purpose Complex, Hwy 56 & FM 87 (3 miles west of Bonham). Lineup includes Vern Young (Fr & Sa), Shady Grove Ramblers (Sa), Bill Grant (Sa), Wildwood Valley Boys (Fr), Upper Grassmen (Fr & Sa), Welch Mountain (Sa), Highway 19 (Sa), High Strung (Fr). For info: contact Eva Feagley 903 367-7229 or bluegrasseva@excite.com

*** Friday - Sunday, March 20th - 22nd: Big Lake Spring Bluegrass Festival, Big Lake, TX. Call 325 650-1150 for information.

Saturday, March 21st: Southwest Bluegrass Club Winter Show, The Plaza Theater, 521 West State St., Garland, TX. Audie Blaylock & Redline has been booked for the show. Also appearing will be Blue River and Lonesome Prairie. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., Lonesome Prairie 6:30 - 7:00, Blue River 7:00 - 8:00, after a short break, Audie Blaylock & Redline will play a 90 minute set. Prices: $5 for club members; $15 for non-club members, all seats general admission. At these prices, we anticipate that this show will sell out. Seating capacity is limited to 350. Please plan to purchase your tickets at the Christmas Dinner or at the club meetings in January or February. If you'd like to order by mail, send a check in the appropriate amount made out to The Southwest Bluegrass Club and include the names of each ticket holder and a phone number. Please indicate where you will pick up your tickets: at a club meeting or at the door. If you'd prefer that the tickets be mailed to you, include a self addressed stamped envelope. Mail to Dennis Hillery, 2202 Proctor, Carrolton, TX. Questions - call Gary Penny 972 849-2615 or email gopenny@hotmail.com - click here for show flyer.

*** Friday & Saturday, March 27th & 28th: Bluegrass Festival, Mitchell Resort & RV Park, 2730 FM 2210 E, Perrin, TX. Lineup includes IIIrd Generation, From the Heartland, Herzog Family, Ellis County Bluegrass, Star Canyon Band, Joe Bass & The Double Mountain Boys. Click here for map. Friday $10, Saturday $15. For info call 940 798-4615 or website http://mitchellparkandresort.com/

*** Saturday, March 28th: North Texas GospelGrass, Garner Baptist Church, Garner, TX (12 miles west of Weatherford). Free admission. For information contact Earl Bolling 940 682-4474 or bande@integrity.com or visit http://www.gospelgrass.com/09_North_TX_GG.html . Click here for map.

*** Saturday, March 28th: 3rd Annual Benefit Concert (all proceeds donated to The American Cancer Society), Lone Star Cowboy Church, 1011 E. Ovilla Rd., Red Oak, TX. 6:30 p.m., admission: donation, concessions available. Lineup includes Digger Davis & Tombstone. Click here for map. For more information call Trudy 972 571-2933.

April 2009

*** Friday & Saturday, April 3rd & 4th: Concho Valley Bluegrass Festival, Wells Fargo Pavilion, San Angelo Fairgrounds, TX (north of town). Lineup includes Saltgrass, Triple L, Batten Family, Lone Star Bluegrass Band, Clear River, Glen Bonham & Southern Tradition, Concho Grass. Friday 4:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., $8. Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., $15. Weekend pass $20. For information contact Nelson McGee 325 651-5307, Sammye Ruppeck 325 655-3821 or Ricky Rogers 325 653-7030 or email dobroman@suddenlink.net

Thursday - Sunday, April 16th - 19th: Old Settlers Music Festival, Salt Lick BBQ Pavilion & Camp Ben McCulloch, Driftwood, TX. See website for all information.

*** 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

*** 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

May 2009

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

Thursday - Saturday, May 14th - 16th: Fire on the Strings, Lake Conroe KOA Campgrounds, Conroe, TX. 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

June 2009

Wednesday - Saturday, June 3rd - 6th: 3rd Annual 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/

*** 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 or cparrack@pgrb.com

*** 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. 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, Waldron, AR. More info later.

Thursday - Saturday, June 25th - 27th: 32nd Free State Bluegrass Music Festival, Canton, TX. More info later.

July 2009

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

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. No Turning Back, Faithful Touch will perform. 7:00 p.m., $4.

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

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.

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. More info later.

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

*** 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

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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3. Regularly Scheduled Events:

Sunday:

Third Sunday: Southwest Bluegrass Club monthly meeting & 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 February 15th: TBA

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 February 20th: No Turning Back, Star Canyon Band, Blue River

March 20th: No Turning Back, Joe Bass & the Double Mountain Boys, Salt Kreek

April 17th: No Turning Back, Good News Band, Watkins Family

May 15th: No Turning Back, Lonesome Prairie, Ellis County Bluegrass

June 19th: No Turning Back, Underground Grass, Texas Trailblazers

July 17th: No Turning Back, Bluefield Express, TBA

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:

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 January 2009: NO EVENTS SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 2009 - dates for future shows TBA

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/

Second Saturday: Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society Show and Jam, Oklahoma Country Western Museum & Hall of Fame, 3925 SE 29th, Del City, OK, 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 February 14th: Sweet Country Grass, Rockin' Acoustic Circus, Six Mile Line

Second Saturday: Bluegrass Show, Civic Center, Venus, TX. 7:00 - 10:00 p.m, contact Dale Brawner at 972 435-4201

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 February 21st: High Strung at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., guest band East Mountain at 7:00 p.m.

March 21st: High Strung at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., guest band The Hines Sisters at 7:00 p.m.

April 18th: High Strung at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., guest band Rocky Gribbel & Cathy Lake 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 February 21st: TBA

Fourth Saturday: Spring Creek 4th Saturday Bluegrass Club Jam Session & Show, Coushatte Recreation Ranch, Belleville, TX. 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

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4. Upcoming Workshops & Camps:

Wednesday - Friday, March 4th - 6th: Peter Wernick's Jam Camp, Faith Harvest Church, 202 Cook Street Argyle TX 76226. Click here for map. For more information visit Dr. Banjo's website: http://www.drbanjo.com/camps-2009argyleinfo.php

Friday & Saturday, March 6th & 7th: Argyle Bluegrass Festival Workshops - when available, schedule will be posted on festival website: http://www.argylebluegrassfestival.com/id59.html - workshop access may only be purchased with a festival ticket. There is not a separate ticket issued for the workshops. A fiddle stamp on your ticket signifies the purchase of workshops.

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/

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5. Local Jams:

Third Sunday: Slow Jam - Southwest Bluegrass Club Jam approximately 4:00 p.m. after the concert at Founders Building, 701 South Main in Grapevine. Next jam: February 15th

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 Jams: February 9th

Mondays (twice monthly - check schedule - day of the week may change !!): 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/

Every Tuesday: 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

Every Thursday (time and location may change). Randy Watkins' website: http://randygwatkins.googlepages.com/ is kept updated with news about the next jam. There is an email link on the website in case you need to contact Randy.

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: (NO EVENTS IN JANUARY 2009 - dates for future jams TBA)

**CANCELLED** Every other Thursday: from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. at Larry Sholl's home in McKinney, TX. Jam is open to all club members. Call Larry for information and directions: 214 680-1819. Next Jam: LARRY HAS CANCELLLED THIS JAM - HE'LL BE TRAVELING THE USA FOR A WHILE !!

Third Friday: First Baptist Church, Lillian, TX ** (formerly held in Cleburne). Slow jam with David Price at 6:15, open jam after the show (see show details below). Next jams/shows: February 20th

** First Baptist Church, Lillian, TX. 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.

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

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

Third Saturday: Pickin' in the Park, 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.