Tag Archives: Roots Music

Jim Lauderdale, Rev. Jeff Mosier added to Holiday Hootenanny!

30 Sep
jim-lauderdale_2016-holiday-hoot2

Photo by Laura Simon

Well folks, the announced lineup is complete now for the 6th Annual Atlanta’s Holiday Hootenanny, and I have to say it’s a good’un!  TDawg Presents is once again thrilled to bring Grammy winner and recent Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Jim Lauderdale to the Holiday Hootenanny stage as well as the revered Rev. Jeff Mosier and 2014 Rockygrass Dobro Competition Winner Jared Womack!  Needless to say, we’re in for a treat!

Here is a list of the absolutely amazing performers who will be taking the stage at Terminal West on Sunday, December 18.  We are truly blessed with amazing talent in the ATL, something not taken for granted but greatly appreciated and loved!

Kevn KinneyJim LauderdalePapa Mali, Rev. Jeff MosierThe Pussywillows feat. Carly Gibson & ZaleYonrico Scott (drums), Benji Shanks (guitarist for Kristian Bush), Kevin Scott (bass), Gaurav Malhotra (percussion), Richie Jones (percussion), Kevin Thomas (Hammond B-3), Bill Fleming (pedal steel), Bobby Miller (mandolin), Jared Womack (2014 Rockygrass dobro competition winner), groove funk trio Dyn-O-Mite!

Stay tuned for more exciting news to come regarding this year’s edition of Atlanta’s Holiday Hootenanny.  Meanwhile, PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!!!

HOOOOOOOOOOOOTENANNY!

 

 

6th Annual Atlanta’s Holiday Hootenanny ~ Dec 18 @ Terminal West

23 Sep
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5th Annual Atlanta’s Holiday Hootenanny finale feat. Col. Bruce Hampton & Friends

Sunday, December 18, 2016 ~ Showtime 6:30 PM/Doors & Silent Auction 5:30 PM

$25 Adv/$30 Door ~ Advance Tickets available soon!  

TDawg Presents is thrilled to bring you the 6th Annual Atlanta’s Holiday Hootenanny – A Benefit for Atlanta Habitat for Humanity – at Terminal West on Sunday, December 18!  It has been both a privilege and honor to be able to present such a high level of talent each holiday season for such a wonderful community cause over the last five years, and this year will be no different!

Once again, the concert will break down into four unique one-hour sets beginning at 6:30 PM and ending at midnight.  There will be a silent auction occurring simultaneously, with proceeds going to Atlanta Habitat as well as a portion of the ticket sales.  The lineup is not complete yet, but here it is at this juncture!

KEVN KINNEY, PAPA MALIThe Pussywillows feat. Carly Gibson & Zale, Benji Shanks (guitarist for Kristian Bush), Kevin Scott (bass), Grammy winner Yonrico Scott (drums), Gaurav Malhotra (percussion), Richie Jones (percussion), Kevin Thomas (Hammond B-3), Bill Fleming (pedal steel), Bobby Miller (mandolin), Jared Womack (2014 Rockygrass dobro competition winner), Dynamite, more TBA!  

Emcee: Wildman Steve

PLEASE mark your calendars NOW for one helluva night for a great community cause and featuring many of Atlanta’s finest musicians coming together for four unique sets of music!  Stay tuned for much more to come!

Meanwhile, enjoy this up close & personal clip of Papa Mali from 2014 edition performing the Meters classic “Walk on Guilded Splinters” 😉

Frank Hamilton School News, Concerts & Appearances

21 Sep

fhs_falltermBig news folksThe Frank Hamilton School is officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and we are thrilled about what this will mean for both our development as a music school that includes the WHOLE community and the opportunities we can create as well as participate in.  On the heels of a very successful term-ending concert by the students and seeing such a level of satisfaction by all in the room at that time, obtaining 501(c)(3) status is a wonderful continuance of all that is right about what The Frank Hamilton School stands for.  Thanks to everyone for the support we have received to this point as we near one full year of operations, and we hope that you can join us for classes beginning Sept 27 or one of our upcoming events (see below) over the next month!  Please visit http://frankhamiltonschool.org for event listings and complete information on registration!

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On Sunday afternoon, September 25 from 3-5 PM (typo on the poster), the Frank Hamilton School is excited to be a part of little5artsalivefirst-year series of performances encouraging all forms of performing arts for Little Five Arts Alive!  Supported by the Horizon Theatre, L5AA has become a wonderful part of what is Little Five Points – an eclectic and arts oriented community that embraces street performing.  We will be providing some instruments if you’d like to join in and realize that you, too, can play!  We’ll be situated in the heart of Little Five Points on the corner of Euclid Ave. and Moreland in Findley Plaza.  Come on down and enjoy!

On Sunday, October 9, FHS will again perform in Findley Plaza as a part of the Little Five Arts Alive program from 2:30-4:30 PM, and we look forward to future opportunities!

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UPCOMING CONCERTS

Showtime 8 PM, Doors 7 PM ~ Advance Tickets

FHS_CarolineAiken-Frank Hamilton


Showtime 9 PM, Doors 8 PM ~ Advance Tickets

FHS_Jason Kenney

Remembering Whit Connah & The Importance of Music in the Community

6 Sep

whitThis past Saturday I attended the memorial service for Whit Connah.  It was a true celebration of the life of an amazing person, one who touched the lives of so many.  His impact in the community will be felt for our lifetime and hopefully beyond.  The service consisted of some of the rawest, most heartfelt performances I’ve ever witnessed, and the individuals who spoke about Whit – daughters, friends, brother, granddaughter among them – painted a vivid portrait of someone who had a passion for living and was very good at passing that passion along to those who interacted with him.  He was labeled an introvert by several folks, but I certainly never saw that side.  One can credit wife Barbara for bringing him out of his shell.  Whit was an artist and a musician.  He taught art at Georgia Tech in their architecture department for 30 years and created many masterpieces of his own over the years as well.  He also was a mainstay in the Atlanta Cajun band Hair of the Dog, which rocked around Atlanta and the Southeast for over 30 years, their last show being a performance in early March as part of the Frank Hamilton School Concert Series.  I was fortunate to be able to see them many times over the years and include them in several of my projects.  Like many folks and especially his family and close friends, I will miss Whit and the energy he exuded onto others and within the Atlanta music community.  However, I have no doubt that his spirit will live on.  Below is a video I shot in the WREK studio where Hair of the Dog did a promotional appearance for the FHS show.

Whit’s passing has brought me full circle in my current career path for the Frank Hamilton School, of which Barbara has been a fiddle instructor.  It is our mission to provide an opportunity to people to learn and enjoy playing an intstrument, by yourself or in a group regardless of skill level.  I had a personal epiphany along that line of thought on Saturday after the memorial service.  Those who know me know my continued love of roots music and all its different sounds.  However, and for whatever reason, I have never really picked up an instrument to jam, noodle, or much of anything.  A bit of harmonica here and there, a couple of bass lessons.  Someone has to present the shows, too, right?  On Saturday, inspired by what I had witnessed at the memorial service, I passed on my much anticipated day & night of college football and brought out a mandolin that has found a home in our house.  I have never played the mandolin before, but I learned a couple of chords and away I went, offering mainly “ambience” notes but they fit in with the more experienced notes of my friends.  For about five hours I did my best and certainly felt a release of emotion that was much needed, and I look forward to continuing the learning process!

I am sending lots of love to Whit’s immediate family and his friends who so dearly loved him and will do my part to ensure his spirit lives on continuously.

whitmemorial

Exciting Frank Hamilton School Events Next Week!

26 Aug

FhS_Geoff&Donna

Next week at the Red Light Cafe, the Frank Hamilton School is proud to bring two stellar concerts to you featuring some of the finest, most soulful songwriters and musicians you’ll come across.  Expect the real deal blues – raw, genuine passion combined with amazing guitar play and a special guest or two is just the right formula!

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Bill Fleming_RLC8/30 – Geoff Achison w/ Bill Fleming, ADVANCE TICKETS $17/$20 Door

Showtime 8PM, Doors 7PM

On August 30, Australian blues guitar virtuoso and gifted songwriter Geoff Achison will be joined on stage by pedal steel guru Bill Fleming (pictured here at TDawg’s Back Porch Hootenanny in April 2015) for an incredible evening of interplay with perhaps a sit-in.  This will be Geoff’s final performance in the Atlanta area until next spring, so come see for yourself why he is one our adopted “hometown” gems.

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9/1 – Donna Hopkins & Daniel Hutchens, ADVANCE TICKETS $12/$15 DoorFHS_DonnaHopkinsDanielHutchens(2) 

Showtime 8PM, Doors 7PM

The beginning of September starts up with a concert featuring two of the most gifted southern songwriters in Donna Hopkins and Daniel Hutchens.  Donna digs deep into her Alabama/Georgia roots for an incredibly soulful performance.  While being the frontman for critically acclaimed Athens, GA-based Bloodkin, Hutchens also has penned many songs for Widespread Panic over the years and has co-written with the likes of Jerry Joseph.  His latest release (Feb 2016) titled “The Beautiful Vicious Cycle of Life” was produced by Widepsread Panic bassist Dave Schools and features all originals.  It is his first solo-release in 10 years.  This show truly combines two amazing musicians in a wonderfully intimate environment.  Nights like this don’t happen too often!

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DecaturBookFestSunday, September 4 ~ The Frank Hamilton School will perform a special set on the Community Bandstand Stage at the Decatur Book Festival from Noon-12:45 PM.  The Book Festival is a Labor Day tradition here in Decatur and is one of the largest of its kind in the nation.  Spread the word, come on out, and bring your instrument, too!

Frank Hamilton School Events & Concerts through Labor Day Weekend

9 Aug

I attended the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association meeting yesterday evening and really enjoyed both introducing myself and delivering the message that is the commitment of Frank Hamilton School to some individuals who truly care about community.  Attendees were encouraged to come by and check out the School on a Tuesday evening and experience a lesson and the bonding Second Half.  I encourage y’all to do the same!  7 PM group lessons, 8 PM Second Half at Oakhurst Baptist Church.  Visit the Frank Hamilton School website for complete information about classes, volunteering, and news!

The Frank Hamilton School will be participating in the following events from mid-August through Labor Day Weekend, beginning with this weekend.  Stay tuned for more   We are thrilled that everyone has been so receptive and welcoming towards us, and we’re only just beginning to plant our roots!

DecaturBBQFriday, August 12 ~ Frank Hamilton & Friends performing as part of the Pre-Fest Jam at Mojo Pizza N’ Pub, 657 East Lake Dr., from 5-7 PM.  There’s a nice little stage in there, the food and beverages are outstanding, and it’s an extremely family friendly environment, so come on out and enjoy some music from Frank and a few of his fellow teachers in addition to some delicious food and drink!

DecaturBookFestSunday, September 4 ~ The Frank Hamilton School will perform a special set on the Community Bandstand Stage at the Decatur Book Festival from Noon-12:45 PM.  The Book Festival is a Labor Day tradition here in Decatur and is one of the largest of its kind in the nation.  Spread the word, come on out, and bring your instrument, too!

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The Frank Hamilton School Concert Series continues with two evenings showcasing the blues and soulful Southern songwriting  at the Red Light Cafe.  You don’t want to miss either one!

FHS_Geoff Achison

$17 ADV/$20 Door ADVANCE TICKETS

8 PM Showtime, Doors 7 PM

 

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FHS_DonnaHopkinsDanielHutchens(2)

$12 Adv/$15 Door ADVANCE TICKETS

Showtime 8 PM, Doors 7 PM

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Here’s a wonderful video of Smokey’s Farmland Band closing out their incredible show the other night with some lightning fast pickin’!  Enjoy 😉

Frank Hamilton School August Concerts & New Term!

25 Jul

We’re extremely excited our upcoming term that begins tomorrow, July 26, at 7 PM at IMG_3191Oakhurst Baptist Church!  Sign up now for group lessons in Guitar 1 & 2, fiddle (with Mick Kinney), vocals, mandolin, ukulele, and vocals!  The Second Half, where everyone joins in together for a jam led the teachers and occasionally a special guest (Casey Cook from The Dappled Grays joined in a couple of weeks ago!), is a wonderful way to close out the evening and really leaving you looking forward to next week!  Come and check it out for yourself.  Oakhurst Baptist Church is located at 222 East Lake Dr., Decatur, GA 30030, directly across the street from the East Lake MARTA Station on the College Ave. side.  Register online NOW!

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FHS_Smokey's Farmland Band_Banner

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geoff-achison-bill-fleming-a-frank-hamilton-school-concert-at-red-light-cafe-atlanta-ga-aug-30-2016-square 

A Tribute to David Grisman, July 12 @ Eddie’s Attic!

11 Jul

FHS_Grisman Tribute_banner

Advance Tickets (Reserve a table for front and center viewing!)

Core Musicians include (counter clockwise from top left)Casey Cook – guitar, Keith Morris – bass, Michael Smith – mandolin, Andy Carlson – fiddle

The Frank Hamilton School Presents an outstanding night of music that pays tribute to legendary mandolinist/composer/producer/collaborator David Grisman.  Join us as members of Atlanta’s top bluegrass band, The Dappled Grays, and a multi-state fiddle champion perform music from the different styles of the David Grisman Quintet as well as various projects over the years.  These sessions include (among many) his legendary Garcia/Grisman recordings, Tone Poems – a duet between Grisman and Tony Rice, the jazz and Latin infused acoustic music known by many as Dawg Music, and the bluegrass side of David Grisman, highlighted famously by his collaboration with both Doc Watson and Del McCoury and his participation in the legendary bluegrass group Old & In the Way that also included Jerry Garcia, Peter Rowan, Vassar Clements & John Kahn.

Our goal at the Frank Hamilton School is to create a sense of community around music, and this show is no different.  We are thrilled to be a part of the Decatur and Atlanta communities, contributing to the teaching of playing music together in addition to exposing you to the finest in real music, music that touches the soul and inspires.  Please visit http://frankhamiltonschool.org for complete information about how you can become a part of the new folk movement, which is as diverse as ever!  Come play with us!

Get your Advanced Tickets now – reserve a table or do general admission!  This is truly going to be a memorable night featuring some top notch Atlanta area musicians and some special guests.  A portion of the proceeds benefit The Frank Hamilton School.

 

Summer Concerts Presented by Frank Hamilton School!

28 Jun

July and August bring some great shows your way courtesy of the Frank Hamilton School!  Please plan on coming out for FHS_JulyRegisany or all of these shows, as you really can’t go wrong.  Please remember that a portion of the proceeds from each of these concerts go towards the continuing development of FHS.  We continue moving forward as we settle into the Oakhurst neighborhood of Decatur, and Frank Hamilton & Friends will be out performing at a few public engagements beginning in August and continuing into the fall.  Stay tuned for those details as they become confirmed.

Also, online registration is open for the next term of classes that begins Tuesday, July 26!  Please visit the website for complete information and sign up for guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, ukulele and vocals!

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 Thursday, July 7 ~ $10 Adv/$13 Door ~ Advance Tickets

FHS_JDMSP

Formed in early 2014, The Josh Daniel/Mark Schimick Project is a fiery string band blending bluegrass, soul, reggae and rock n’ roll into a style uniquely their own. Respecting their Appalachian roots, these passionate multi-instrumentalists have a way of blending their harmonies and intricate string work in to something that appeals to a wide variety of listeners.   “A little of everything finds its way into their sound.” – Jim Lauderdale

In February, the band was asked to celebrate the grand opening of The Earl Scruggs Museum in Shelby, NC, playing alongside Sam Bush and The Steep Canyon Rangers. By Spring, the band had made even more notable appearances, invited to the stage by Al Schnier of moe. to play a few songs as well as a surprise appearance at Merlefest where they brought the crowd to their feet with a tribute to Doc Watson.  

We are thrilled to have the mastery of Atlanta’s own Jeff Mosier opening the evening for what promises to be a night full of fireworks on stage!  Click Here to watch videos by both acts performing.  If you’re a fan of progressive acoustic music and bluegrass of the Sam Bush vein, you’ll love this show!

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Wednesday, July 13 ~ $12 Adv/$16 Door ~ Advance Tickets

~ Featuring Casey Cook, Michael Smith & Keith Morris from The Dappled Grays and two-time Georgia State Champion Fiddler Andy Carlson.

FHS_Grisman Tribute
The Frank Hamilton School is excited to present an amazing lineup of musicians paying tribute to one of the most influential musicians of the last several generations and the creator of his own style called Dawg Music, David Grisman. For nearly half a century, mandolinist/composer/producer Grisman has been at the forefront of the always evolving world of acoustic music, weaving in and out of many genres, tradition and styles. He is a true pioneer and living legend who has paved the way for countless numbers of musicians who have become musical pioneers in their own right, including Tony Rice, Mike Marshall, Darol Anger and Joe Craven.

Bluegrass, Jazz & Latin are just a few of the styles that will be represented throughout this performance, so sit back, relax, and take in the musical notes of Grisman as seen through this A-list of musicians who will be bringing you the music this evening.

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Thursday, August 4 ~ $10 Adv/$13 Door ~ Advance Tickets

FHS_Smokey's Farmland Band_Banner

Smokey’s Farmland Band blends musical influences ranging from bluegrass to gypsy jazz to Cajun, creating a progressive sound they like to call “Goodtime Eclectic Bluegrass”. While they enjoy venturing outside the realm of the traditional, they still respect the roots of bluegrass, and retain the energy and twang of mountain music. A typical set features original tunes, good ol’ pickin numbers, and some unexpected covers too. It all comes together in an exciting genre-bending style that keeps listeners on their toes, and on the dance floor!

Among many accomplishments, SFB has opened for Willie Nelson at a sold out House Of Blues New Orleans, Sam Bush at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, and shared the bill for Del Yeah! with The Del McCoury Band and others. They have also opened for the Emmitt-Nershi Band and The Freight Hoppers, and shared the stage with numerous Atlanta and touring bluegrass bands. The band has traveled to Colorado, DC, NYC, and even St. Croix for performances, winning new fans at stops along the way.

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Tuesday, August 30, 8 PM ~ $17 Adv/$20 Door ~ Advance Tickets available soon!

geoff_RLCThe Frank Hamilton School is excited to present Australian blues guitar virtuoso Geoff Achison in an acoustic performance accompanied by pedal steel guru Bill Fleming. A highly regarded instrumentalist and singer/songwriter, Geoff treats his guitar like an orchestra laying down a mix of earthy blues, heartfelt soul and irresistibly funky grooves. As a self taught musician, Geoff has created his own sound while winning a number of awards along the way. Whether he is with his Souldiggers group or simply solo with an acoustic guitar, Geoff’s infectious and inventive style has earned him fans around the world. Geoff’s roots in the South are firmly established, having lived in Decatur for a two-year period while taking the not only the Southeast but the country by storm. He has collaborated with the likes of Randall Bramblett, Delbert McClinton, Jorma Kaukonen, legendary bassist George Porter Jr., the Allman Brothers Band, and the late great Les Paul. While he resides in Australia, we are fortunate that Geoff returns stateside once or twice a year and shares his gift with us!

This concert features a unique pairing of musicians that will make your experience extra special.

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FHS_Frank

Frank Hamilton doing what he does best!

Please share this posting!  We at the Frank Hamilton School are thrilled about what lies ahead for us as we further develop both the school and our footprint in the community!  There are many like-minded groups and individuals that believe in the mission of FHS, founded on the principles of the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago and featuring the energy of our fearless leader and co-founder of the OTS in 1957.

Frank Hamilton School Summer Concerts!

7 Jun
Copy of June Term Heading-3

New Term Starts THIS EVENING, 7pm @ Oakhurst Baptist Church!

This past weekend the Frank Hamilton School Band kicked off the main stage at the Virginia Highland SummerFest at Noon with a rousing set that was followed by FHS Concert Series paticipant Donna Hopkins (Sept 1 @ Red Light Cafe with Daniel Hutchens).  Later that evening, the Frank Hamilton and the band performed an outstanding set at the Hungry Ear Coffee House.

We are thrilled about the upcoming concerts that are part of the Frank Hamilton School Concert Series!  This summer between now and the end of August, expect some FHS_Frankoutstanding performances from some homegrown talent, high octane North Carolina acoustic energy, the celebration of the music of one of the most important visionaries of the past 50 years, and a critically acclaimed Southern songwriter with a theatrical flare.  Scroll on down for more details!

We also have plans to participate in some free outdoor summer activities so please stay tuned as we continue to move forward.  There are many wonderful things ahead involving FHS both on the class side and the community outreach side, and now is a special time to become involved as a volunteer, a student, a patron of the concerts or attendee at a free public event.  There is a great energy out there, and we at the Frank Hamilton School are ready to bring it to all of you!

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 FHS_GraysonCapps_Banner

Admission: $12 Adv/$15 Door ~ Advance Tickets Doors 7 PM, Showtime 8 PM

The Frank Hamilton School Concert Series brings the captivating Southern minstrel from LA (Lower Alabama) and former New Orleanian Grayson Capps for an evening of songs that simply suck you in they’re so good. To witness Grayson in action is a beautiful thing and I’m sure you’ll think so, too. Currently touring with his guitarist Corky Hughes or with the superstar Americana outfit Willie Sugarcapps, you will be blown away by Grayson’s stage presence – he certainly applies his theater degree from Tulane into his performance – and his ability to tell a story.  More…

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FHS_JDMSP_banner

$10 Adv/$15 Door ~ Advance TicketsDoors @ 7PM, Showtime 8PM

Frank Hamilton School is excited to bring you some high energy sounds from North Carolina with the The Josh Daniel/Mark Schimick Project and special guest Rev. Jeff Mosier!

Formed in early 2014, The Josh Daniel/Mark Schimick Project is a fiery string band blending bluegrass, soul, reggae and rock n’ roll into a style uniquely their own. Respecting their Appalachian roots, these passionate multi-instrumentalists have a way of blending their harmonies and intricate string work in to something that appeals to a wide variety of listeners.

“A little of everything finds its way into their sound.” – Jim Lauderdale

Jeff Mosier will open the evening with a rousing solo set that will leave you captivated and wanting more.  I’m certain there will be some jamming going this evening!  More…

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The Frank Hamilton School Concert Series Presents ~

A Tribute to David Grisman ~

~ Featuring Casey Cook, Michael Smith & Keith Morris from The Dappled Grays and two-time Georgia State Champion Fiddler Andy Carlson.

Wed July 13, 2016 @ Eddie’s Attic, Showtime 8 PM, $12 Adv/$15 door ~ Advance Tickets available soon!

The Frank Hamilton School is excited to present an amazing lineup of musicians paying tribute to one of the most influential musicians of the last several generations and the creator of his own style called Dawg Music, David Grisman. For nearly half a century, Grisman_mando mandolinist/composer/producer Grisman has been at the forefront of the always evolving world of acoustic music, weaving in and out of many genres, tradition and styles.

Bluegrass, Jazz & Latin are just a few of the styles that will be represented throughout this performance, so sit back, relax, and take in the musical notes of Grisman as seen through this A-list of musicians who will be bringing you the music this evening.  it is an honor to pay homage to such a musician as David Grisman, who has influenced so many musicians either through being a member of the David Grisman Quintet (or Sextet) or through any number of his collaborations with a who’s who of American string music or simply as a fan being turned onto something so incredible.  Don’t miss this one!

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FHS_Smokey's Farmland Band_Banner

$10 ADV/$13 Door – Advance Tickets
http://farmlandband.com/

Smokey’s Farmland Band blends musical influences ranging from bluegrass to gypsy jazz to Cajun, creating a progressive sound they like to call “Goodtime Eclectic Bluegrass”. While they enjoy venturing outside the realm of the traditional, they still respect the roots of bluegrass, and retain the energy and twang of mountain music. A typical set features original tunes, good ol’ pickin numbers, and some unexpected covers too. It all comes together in an exciting genre-bending style that keeps listeners on their toes, and on the dance floor!

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Come on out to any and all of these shows, as they are going to be REALLY GOOD!  On a personal note, I can say that I am truly happy to be doing this job, as it allows me to continue bringing you some great music, and as the School grows, so will the concerts!  Please consider participating as a donor, a patron, a volunteer, a student!  Please spread the good word about what we’re doing.

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