Snowy Silos

Standing stately and tall as sentries these old silos have weathered many seasons including Christmases and bluegrass festivals. Every year I say I want to decorate the silos. But so far we haven't come up with a good plan. Maybe one of you can make a suggestion for next year. I've always wanted to place a star on top of one but it would take a ladder much longer than any of ours to accomplish that feat. Maybe we could enlist the help of our local electric co-op.
As you can see from the photos posted here, we have a decent blanket of snow covering the farm today. Yesterday was a lovely snowy day, too. It was the answer to many prayers for a white Christmas. According to the local weather stations, 1969 was the last year we had a decent snowfall on Christmas.
Oh, my.....1969......what a year. I wonder how many of you remember 1969. It was quite a year for us....both happy and sad. It was the year that we graduated from high school; Joe's mother passed away; we started college; Joe began service in the Air National Guard and spent Christmas Day in basic training (what a way to end that year). In 1969 we actually used telephones to talk to people..............not send texts, check e-mail or take photos. And the word "blog" didn't exist in 1969 as far as I know. I suppose I would have thought it to be an alien from "outer space" or something as space exploration was on everyone's mind then. That was the year that Neil Armstrong took his walk on the moon. Now that was quite a spectacle on a little black & white tv.
In 1969 the closest thing I had to a computer was a manual typewriter with that little bell that dinged at the end of each row. ha ha Boy! Have things ever changed!!?! I wonder what kind of changes the upcoming year of 2011 will have in store for us. Let's hope it will be a healthy, prosperous & peaceful year for everyone.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, everyone! The holidays are upon us and I haven't even updated this blog since early fall much less done all my preparations for Christmas. Oh, well - my intentions were good. I guess life just interrupted them a bit.
We have been busy trying to finalize the 2011 lineup and I am happy to say that the mission has been accomplished. Many of the bands scheduled to appear have new projects coming up. Some will be here for the first time and some will be returning to Dumplin Valley where they always receive a warm welcome from the audience. Joe and I studied the surveys filled out by September's crowd and used many of the suggestions to influence our choice of bands. Thank you to all who filled out one of those surveys. They really do give us some insight as to your preferences. We try our best to offer you a quality event. Having said all that I should list the bands so you can make plans to join us September 15-16-17, 2011.
Thursday, Sept. 15 will be the day you can enjoy: Paul Williams, Monroeville, Darrell Webb Band, The Little Roy & Lizzy Show.
Friday, Sept. 16 belongs to: Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Lou Reid & Carolina, The Quebe Sisters Band, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Jimbo Whaley & Greenbrier.
Saturday, Sept. 17 wraps up the weekend with: Dailey & Vincent, Balsam Range, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Jerry Butler & the Blu-J's, Bluegrass Brothers.
This past year has been a good year overall for the bluegrass community. There are so many talented people out there who are receiving some well deserved recognition and attention for their musical accomplishments. I think this is seen in the airplay that many dj's are giving them on stations other than just the bluegrass stations. We have noticed some of the big country stations playing more bluegrass artist's songs and that is great! Around here you can count on WDVX's Freddy Smith and Mike Kelly to serve up your bluegrass diet. And they do an excellent job of it!
I would also like to mention that 2010 brought many new people to Dumplin Valley. Some came from as far away as the Netherlands; some came back again from the UK (Hi, Barry & Geraldine); some came from New Hampshire (Hi, Ted & Irene)and many more came from all over the USA. We look forward to having you all here again this year plus meeting a bunch of new bluegrass friends.
We are taking reservations for camping and have availability at this time. If you are interested in joining us in 2011, please give us a call (865-397-7942).
I don't know about you but I can hardly believe that 2011 is going to be here in just a few days! 2010 sure did go by quickly.
Our wish for you is that 2011 brings you a blessed year of good health, happiness, prosperity, peace and love.
I don't usually make New Year's Resolutions but this year I am going to resolve to be more attentive to this blog and not wait months on end between postings. Maybe this is a resolution I can keep. At least it doesn't involve me being on a diet!

Reminders

Just want to remind everyone that the deadline for the advance ticket price is September 1. So you can still call for those and if I am on the other line, please leave your number and/or a message. We will call you back.

Also I want to remind those of you who keep up with my blog and facebook postings that I still need photos for the book project I'm doing. And for those of you reading this for the first time I will explain: I am in need of photos of attractions that are now defunct in Sevier County. We know there are thousands of photos out there somewhere in closets, boxes, attics, albums, drawers.............you get the picture (no pun intended). Many of you have been vacationing here in our area off and on for years and most likely have taken a photo or two with some of those old tourist attractions in the background. It doesn't matter if you are in the photo. That would just make it even more interesting.
This book will hopefully be a compilation of information on those old places that we enjoyed (or not) visiting and would like to see again. But, alas, they are no longer around. So...............when you make your plans to come to the festival on the 16th toss those pictures in an envelope and bring them along. I would appreciate it a lot! And if you can't join us, you could mail them to me. Thanks!

Got Your Tickets Yet??

First off, allow me to apologize for not keeping my blog up to date. You know what they say about good intentions............. Anyway, here we are merely a month away from one of our most exciting shows ever! You can still get the advance price on your festival tickets through September 1 so you still have a little time for that. But all you campers out there need to "git r done" by 8/15 in order to confirm that your spot will be here for you. Almost everyone has taken care of that but there are still a few of you who may need a gentle reminder. The dates to have your information and balance turned in is on your pink copy of the reservation form.

We've been hearing from people all over the globe again this year. And that is indeed exciting to know that there are bluegrass fans everywhere. We are anxious to see your reaction to a group from Sweden, G2. Joe and I saw them in Nashville last year at IBMA and I think we can safely say that you will not be disappointed.

It's going to be a grand weekend! There's going to be something for everyone.

Although Darrin Aldridge has been on our stage before, this will be the first time for the Darrin & Brooke Aldridge Band to appear in Dumplin Valley. And 2010 will be the second time for us to present Next Best Thing and Brand New Strings. The rest of the bands have all graced our stage at least once in the past and some have become a regular member of our Dumplin Valley Family: Rhonda Vincent & The Rage; Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out; Lonesome River Band; Balsam Range; Dailey & Vincent; The Grascals; Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper; James King Band; Paul Williams & The Victory Trio; Jimbo Whaley & Greenbrier; Shadow Ridge.

We always look forward to seeing all the familiar faces as well as the new ones at the festival.

Many of you will be arriving early in the week and will be jamming with your friends until the hustle & bustle of the festival begins. This is the time we look forward to most. A time to visit with you all without all the demands of the event going on. Joe really enjoys picking and jamming with everyone but doesn't get to do it much once the shows begin.

Don't forget the potluck dinner on Wednesday night for all the campers already on site. The main course will be beans and cornbread so bring along a dish to share with everyone. Tea and water, plates, cups, ice & utensils will be furnished.

We also want to congratulate Sally and Hunter Berry on their marriage this year. Sorry we couldn't schedule your bands on the same day this time!

See you soon!!!!m

If These Walls Could Talk....................

This old barn has been the setting for numerous events other than bluegrass festivals. It's the perfect location for just about any type of party, picnic, reunion, reception, corporate events and of course, weddings & receptions. You are only limited by your imagination as to how you want it to appear. If you are interested in renting the facilities for your special event, please give us a call 865-397-7942.
These photos represent just a few of the events that take place here on the farm.

For more photos from JuneFest, please take a look at our Facebook page: Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival.

More JuneFestivarians

JuneFest continued:

JuneFest Highlights

JuneFest 2010 was great! The audience in attendance this year was treated to some of the finest shows they've seen. It's always fun to see something new and this year we had a late change in the schedule which allowed us to include The Leadbetters who brought along a special guest - Paul Brewster. Also, many people heard Adam Steffey's new band, The Boxcars, for the first time as well as The Travelin' McCourys. Both of these bands have been out travelin' for a while but several of our attendees had not had a chance to catch their performances until JuneFest. All of the bands gave stellar performances. I am going to include some photos which can say far more than anything I could write about the weekend.
We hope you enjoy them and we hope that you will make plans to join us in September.

Big Weekend for Bluegrassin'

This weekend was the Bloomin' Barbeque & Bluegrass event in Sevierville and also the 35th Anniversary Celebration for Pick'N'Grin in Knoxville. There were several bands appearing in Sevierville for a large crowd who enjoyed all the activites as well as the Que.
Joe and I especially enjoyed the show at the Square Room on Market Square in downtown Knoxville tonight. It's always a treat to get to hear Paul Brewster when he comes home to K-town with his friends. This time he was picking with the Leadbetters, Andy Leftwich, Jimmy Milsaps, Doug Klein (on drums............yes, I said drums..........it was great and no, it did not ruin the bluegrass!....quite the opposite.....they enhanced the performance). Chance Leadbetter sang a duet with Paul that was really good. And Chance also sang the lead on other material which he did a great job on.
Brand New Strings opened the show and also did a great job. We thoroughly enjoyed the performances tonight. BNS appeared at our church recently and was very well received.
The Leadbetters had Matt on the bass tonight. hmmmm...........I wonder if he and his Dad, Phil, ever do dueling dobros??
Only 3 more weeks until JuneFest!!!!! Talk about a big weekend for bluegrass! We've got a great lineup scheduled so get your tickets ordered and make your plans to join us!!

Spring Weekend In Tennessee

Beautiful Spring Weekend

Here are some photos taken this weekend. The weather has been gorgeous this weekend with the dogwoods, redbuds and flowers blooming. Took my Mom to see Mamma Mia (the musical) at the beautiful Tennessee Theater. Last night we attended a great concert by Greenbrier in Gatlinburg. They introduced their brand new cd as well as having some special guests on stage. Then this afternoon we enjoyed strolling through Market Square to see some of the Dogwood Arts Festival events including some music provided by local bands on the stage sponsored by WDVX.
It's nice hearing from you all and knowing that you are planning to join us for JuneFest which is just around the corner. Nice to hear from those of you who are planning to join us in September also. We are really looking forward to seeing you here soon! m

I don't know about you, but I'm getting excited about the upcoming festival season. We are going to have so many talented and entertaining musicians here that the scouts for American Idol should plan a trip to check them out. Which bands are you looking forward to seeing the most? Are you anticipating your own personal discovery that you may have found a new favorite band? Or are you looking forward to seeing some of your old favorites?..........maybe a little of both? Yes, it's a hard call to make. We are always excited about seeing all of our bluegrass friends especially during the days leading up to the shows. Maybe the highlight of your festival experience is all the jamming. That's a lot of fun whether you play an instrument or just play the radio! :)
JuneFest promises to be another great event with the excellent lineup. If you haven't made your reservations yet, please give me a call soon. Campsites and tickets for September are also selling now. And I have to warn you that the campsites are nearly gone for that one. So...........if you are still sitting on the fence about whether you will be attending in 2010, go ahead and jump our way to get the best spots left.
Several of the bands have new cd's (or records.......for those of us old enough to remember vinyl) coming out prior to the festivals. All the bands will have their cd's on sale here and will be anxious to meet you, autograph your purchase and just visit a bit if that's what you want.
By the way................if you will scroll back through a few of the older posts here, you will see my plea for old photos. PLEASE rummage through those old photos and bring me a few for my project. Keep an eye out here and on the facebook fan page for further information as I plan to sweeten the pot a little if you bring me some photos I can use. Who knows???.......you might even become an important part of my project. Okay............enough blogging for tonight. Thanks for reading and we hope to see you soon!! m

Happy Easter

I found some sure signs of Spring today in the yard. Hope you enjoy them. We wish you a Happy Easter!

The Travelin' McCourys

A few of you have asked me about this group. I suppose that since Del's name isn't included there is a little confusion. So here is a photo of the group and the link to a website with more information on it. We know you are going to enjoy them as much as we do. www.myspace.com/thetravelinmccourys

The Boxcars

During JuneFest this year you will be treated to performances by many bands including a new formation of some familiar faces and voices. Here is the link to the webiste for The Boxcars. Check them out and get ready for a good show in June.
http://www.theboxcars.com/

iPod Swaps

Yesterday on my way home from Denver I was seated next to a very nice young lady from Johannesburg, South Africa. Noticing that she was using the earphones for her iPod, I decided to see if she might be interested in passing the time on our flight by swapping iPods. We already had our earphones out and hooked up to the in flight tv's.
I find it interesting to see what other people are listening to.....especially someone from another country. So, she was all for it except for the fact that she couldn't reach her iPod. You see............a lady had fainted in the aisle next to our row and my seatmate couldn't get up to get her iPod from the overhead bin. But I had a book to read and was more than happy to let her listen to mine. I asked her if she liked bluegrass (even though my iPod has all kinds of music on it) and she said "What?" so I repeated it and then she informed me that she didn't know what bluegrass was. It only took me a minute to explain it a little and then I handed over my iPod and I can only assume that she was really enjoying it because she was dancing in her seat and looked very happy. At one point she handed me the earphones and said "what is this instrument?". It was a banjo! I glanced over and she was scrolling through a bunch of songs and really was enjoying herself. Hopefully, we now have a new bluegrass convert in South Africa. Since she comes to the states quite often, maybe she will visit us here.
Unfortunately, I didn't get her name and I couldn't reach my flyers for the same reason she couldn't reach her iPod. She was really impressed with Rhonda Vincent when she landed on her music. It was fun to see her discover a new genre of music and enjoy it. Think I'll try that again on my next long flight.m

Morning DJ

Good job, Joe. Proud of you for getting up before the crack of dawn this morning and heading to WDVX for your morning with Freddy on his Rise and Shine show. I'm just sorry I didn't get to hear it myself. I was still in dreamland at the time. You should have woke me up and I could have gone with you. We had a good time last year visiting with Freddy. So it looks like someone else is going to have to give me a detailed account of what you said this year. One never knows what you'll say on the air. Maybe someone who heard it will send a comment. It's easy.............just click on the envelope or pencil below this blog and make your comments. We love getting feedback from the blog. Most people just e-mail me their comments but it really is easy to leave your comment here. Until next time........M.

Old Photos

I am working on a project involving the old "extinct" tourist attractions from the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Smokies area. I know many of you have been vacationing here for years and should have some family photos which most likely will have some of these places in the background. The attractions also include popular restaurants, gift shops, motels, etc. Do you remember Rebel Railroad? The Mountain Ocean Wave Pool? Porpoise Island? How about Mystery Hill? Homespun Valley? The bear who drank Yoo-Hoos? The list is long.
How many of you got dressed up in your Sunday best and went to Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg for an Easter Sunday or Mother's Day lunch back in the 50's & 60's? There are bound to be photos of events such as those around somewhere. Anyway, if you or someone you know has some photos and would be willing to share them with me, it would be greatly apprreciated. I'm going to need lots of photos. I've already been through our family's stash and I know some of you are bound to have better pictures than I have. And if you have any good stories about something you experienced during your visits here (or if you live here..............something you remember about going to some of those places) we would love to hear about it. You can contact me at: dumplingrass@comcast.com. Our snail mail address is 525 E. Dumplin Valley Road, Kodak, TN 37764. THANKS SO MUCH!

JuneFest Coming Soon

Yes, it's getting closer. JuneFest is just around the corner. We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of our JuneFestivarians! For us the highlight of any festival is the gathering of our bluegrass friends and acquaintances. The days leading up to the performances are full of last minute duties but also full of opportunities to jam with all you pickers who come ready for some pickin' & grinnin' fun.
Over this past weekend we talked to several people who are planning to attend this year (some for the first time & and some who come every year). And at this time there are still a few campsites available for June. They all have electric and water hookups. The sewer sites are already reserved but the "honeywagon" will come around to pump your tank if needed and there is also a dump station here for your convenience.
For those of you who prefer to "camp" in a hotel, there are plenty of those here, too. The Quality Inn at the I-40 Exit 407 is one of our sponsors and they would be happy to hear from you. Be sure to tell them you are coming here for a special discount. Their phone # is 865-933-1719. There are also several other hotels located on this exit. You can get info on them by contacting the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce. There are also rental cabins in the area as well as more campgrounds just off Highway 66 near Sevierville. The closest campground to us is the Riverside Campground (about 5 miles).
GPS Reminder: If you are going to be approaching us from the East. Do not listen to your GPS if it routes you off another exit. ONLY use Exit 407 on I-40. You will exit onto Hwy. 66; head toward McDonald's & the Cracker Barrel (north side of interstate.....oh...don't stop there unless you are hungry....just keep going.....you can go back there later!); travel 1 & 1/2 miles from Hwy. 66 on East Dumplin Valley Road to the venue at 525 East Dumplin Valley Rd., Kodak 37764.
Hope to see you here in June!

6th Annual Jimbo Whaley Concert

Our friend and staple of the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festivals, Jimbo Whaley (along with his band,Greenbrier + other guests), will be presenting his 6th Annual Concert in Gatlinburg on April 10. You can find all the information on his website: www.jimbowhaley.com. We never fail to enjoy those shows. They are always entertaining with wonderful music (much of which is original) and there are plenty of familiar faces there. This band brings out lots of folks who are ready for a new festival season to get rolling. And speaking of "rolling"..............we always love hearing his song, M R's Rolling Store. By the way, do you know what a rolling store is? If you don't, ask your parents or your grandparents. It's a little like a Walmart on wheels.
And there are some great songs with a blast from the past theme that are especially appealing to Sevier Countians. But everyone can identify with them as we all have places from the past of which we have fond memories. For me...........it's Remac's Drive In Restaurant(good old steak sandwich basket!) and the Midway Drive In Theater.
If you haven't attended one of these shows in the past, now is a good time to give it a try. Just hop on over to his website for info. We hope to see many of our Dumplin Valley Festivarians there.
M

Is Spring Around The Corner?

Well...............after a couple of beautiful days here in Kodak, we are keeping our fingers crossed that Spring is on it's way. However, it is still March after all and that means that we could have plenty more snow and cold weather. But let's hope that isn't the case this year.
We finally got the website updated last night. I know that a lot of you have been watching to see when we were going to accomplish that. Thanks for your patience. There are still a few items to add to it such as a photo gallery and then the daily schedule for September.
Several of you have been calling to make your reservations and make arrangements for getting tickets. Thanks for letting us hear from you. We enjoy hearing from you and look forward to having you all here in 2010.
Did any of you make it down to see The Ledbetters with Earl Scruggs, Paul Brewster and Lizzy Long last week? I think a lot of you must have been there at Wild Wings as the place was packed. It was a great show. I especially enjoyed hearing Paul sing Kentucky Waltz. And it was a treat to watch Earl do Foggy Mtn. Breakdown. The Ledbetters do regular shows there. Check out their website or facebook page for dates and times.
M