The Big Storm

As I went to sleep last night I was anticipating to wake up to a winter wonderland this morning. But.....NO!! That huge storm heading toward us all but skipped over us and left a little bit of snow and a lot of slush in its wake. All day long we were hearing that we would possibly get a significant snowfall and that I-40 was ground zero for the storm. I guess the operative word there would have been "possibly". Just before turning in I noticed that it was spitting snow, sleeting, raining, snowing big wet flakes, then sleeting, raining, sleeting............you get the idea. Oh, well, I'm sure that there are a lot of local children disappointed today since there isn't a lot of snow. But there are certainly others who are relieved that the weather wasn't too bad. Hopefully, the slushy roads won't freeze tonight. That's so much worse than the snow.
Lots of businesses closed early last night and some may even be closed today. We were looking forward to attending the Hillbilly Ball tonight but it has been postponed to a later date.
If you haven't already noticed take a look at my last post for the latest additions to the lineups for 2010. I still have one more to go and will add it as soon as I get confirmation.
We hope wherever you are that you are warm on this cold day. M

2010 Festival Dates & Bands

As we don't have the website working at the moment, I thought maybe I need to post the dates again for those of you looking for that info.
The dates for JuneFest are June 10-11-12.
The dates for September are 16-17-18.
JuneFest Bands:
JD Crowe
The Travelin' McCourys
Bluegrass Brothers
Paul Williams & The Victory Trio
The Expedition show
Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time
Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain
Barry Scott & Second Wind
Jimbo Whaley & Greenbrier
Jerry Butler & The Blu J's
Balsam Range
Lou Reid & Carolina
The Boxcars
Junior Sisk & Ramblers
September Bands:
Rhonda Vincent & The Rage
Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
Lonesome River Band
Balsam Range
Dailey & Vincent
The Grascals
Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
James King Band
Darin & Brooke Aldridge
G-2
Brand New Strings
Paul Williams & The Victory Trio
Jimbo Whaley & Greenbrier
Next Best Thing
Shadow Ridge

Upcoming Local Events

Well, it may be cold and we are currently experiencing a wintry mix. But this is a hot week for bluegrass. We started on Saturday with a show at the Pottery House Cafe in Pigeon Forge (also one of our favorite places to eat). The Early Morning Stringdusters and also Brand New Strings performed for the WDVX blueplate special. There was a large crowd in attendance and the entertainment did not disappoint anybody. It was a beautiful day Saturday anyway and everyone's spirits were lifted even more by the great music.
While there, talk turned to the upcoming Tennessee Shines on Wednesday of this week. This week's lineup includes some great talent. If it isn't sold out, check it out.
And there is another event coming up on Jan. 30.............The Hillbilly Ball at the Knoxville Museum of Art. This will be our first time to go. My big dilemma is what to wear. Any suggestions? We will be sure to take photos and post them on the blog. hmmmmm........I wonder if Joe still has those teeth he wore during his surprise appearance with Rhonda Vincent & The Rage last September.
It's been good hearing from our festivarians lately. Several of you have been calling to check on and make your reservations for camping this year. JuneFest will be here before you know it. It's going to be GREAT! Then not long after that will be our 11th Annual September show. Can you believe it will be the 11th one? If the old barn could talk, I'm sure we would be happily entertained by its tales.
M

Random Thoughts.....................

Well, It's rainy and dreary out but at least it isn't freezing anymore! We've had some really cold weather for our neck of the woods. Hopefully, that's gone for now.
For all of you bluegrass fans, there is music to be heard in our local area. There is the upcoming Tennessee Shines with a good lineup this month (info at wdvx.com) as well as local groups playing in various places. The Leadbetters play regularly at Wild Wings (check the schedule before you go...........I think they play on the first Tuesday each month).
We want to congratulate Darin and Brooke Aldridge on the release of their new cd. There is a cd release concert for that project on this coming Friday night in Shelby, NC. You can find out about that at their website.
Unfortunately, it's a little too cold for outdoor festivals here in East Tennessee right now. But it's not too early to be making reservations for upcoming events. We have JuneFest coming up June 10-11-12 followed by our September 17-18-19 show. I know that seems like a long time from now but it will be here before you know it. And if you are planning to camp with us, you need to get those reservations in soon.
We look forward to seeing you all here this year. I'll try to keep you updated on the happenings here in Kodak. You can also find us on Facebook on our Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival fan page.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti at this time.