Otto & Friends Were Here

What a wonderful surprise.  Otto the official "Jam Dog" of the Montana Old Time Fiddlers' Picnic came to South Shore,SD for a visit the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  Of course, he brought along David and Candace Payne who are the host and hostess for the picnic as well as his official chauffeurs.  They also like to play a bit of music.  A couple of other friends came over as well.  Harold Tribitt of rural Revillo came by with his guitar and played and sang a few for us.  Jerry Anderson from Volga brought his fiddle along and got in on the fun.  Pat Tribitt and Nancy Anderson came along to listen and socialize - or was it just to make sure their husbands didn't get into too much trouble. Music was played, food was eaten, stories were told and memories were made.  Dave and Ken played swapped tunes well into the evening.  Otto declared that after playing with Isabelle and chasing the tennis ball for hours he was ready to call it a day.

Lonesome Rail Music Jam

Winter is here and that means that Rollie & Marie Trooien of Lonesome Rail are going to be hosting their Saturday night acoustic music jam in Toronto, SD.  It's mostly bluegrass music with just a bit of Old-Time and Old ( Real ) Country Music thrown in.  Folks are always welcome to come listen.  Music starts at 7 and goes until 10.  Rollie said that they have done some remodeling in the music room so I'll get some pictures when I get down there and post 'em for ya.

Valley City ND Bluegrass Jam

Got a chance to play at a Bluegrass Jam in my hometown of Valley City, North Dakota last weekend.  What a wonderful group of musicians.  If you get a chance to catch this group, do so.  It's nothing fancy - just some friends getting together to play some music.  Very relaxed atmosphere.  Musician and audience friendly.  I'll definitely be going back.

The jam is held the second Saturday of each month from September - May.  The times are 1:00 - 5:00 pm.  The musicians and friends gather at the Barnes County Museum at 315 Central Avenue North, Valley City ND.  Did I mention there is no charge.

Click for the link to the website - Bluegrass Association of North Dakota. 

Turner County Fair

Rave reviews again for the SD Old Time Fiddlers at the Turner County Fair.  These fiddlers love to play events like this one.  The stage was packed with musicians playing great Old-Time Music. The crowd got to kick up their heels a bit as many did more than just listen to the music.  More than once toe tapping turned into dancing which is just what these fiddlers enjoy seeing.  That is what the music is designed for - along with the usual hootin' and hollerin' that accompanies the clapping.  It's all just good fun.

If you have not had a chance to hear these musicians play you are missing some real entertainment.  Check out where you can catch up with them next by checking the schedule on their Website HERE. 

And catch up with the Turner County Fair on Facebook.  They have been celebrating family fun since 1880.

Sargent County ( ND ) Fair

If you happened to be at the 2012 Sargent County Fair in Foreman, ND the last Saturday of July you got to hear some great acoustic music being played.  This group of folks came up from South Dakota and played two sets for the fairgoers.  Everyone enjoyed the music as well as the lawnmower races, the "Duck Chuckin" and all of the other great events going on.  If you were not there in 2012 you need to be there in 2013.

Acoustic Musicians Wanted

If you are an acoustic string player or know of any person or group that plays acoustic String Band, Old-Time, Bluegrass, Celtic, Western, etc. we would like to hear from you.  You can post information on upcoming gigs, jams, gatherings or just general info on this blog.  If you have a website, let us know and we will link to it.  We are primarily concentrating on folks in South Dakota.  Drop me a note or post a comment and let's get playing some music.  Click Here for an email address you can use.

Twin Brooks Threshing Show

Rumor has it that on August 11th there are going to be some acoustic musicians at the Twin Brooks Threshing Show in Twin Brooks, South Dakota. 

First up at 10:00 am are going to be some of the folks from the area around Roslyn, SD playing bluegrass and old country songs.

Then at 2:00 PM some folks who formerly lived in Montana are going to be playing.  Delvin and Cammy Hackwith along with Ken and Stan Nelson will be playing some great old-time fiddle music and bluegrass standards.

Show up and join in on the fun.