Howdy!

As I mentioned in a recent Newsy Newsletter, I am offering a How to Play in a Bluegrass Band Class at the Oxford Community Arts Center.  Our first meeting was just this past Tuesday and I was VERY happy with our progress.  I didn’t really know what to expect so had made some notes and divided them up into how much I thought we could cover in each of the 5 classes.  Well, let me tell you my estimates were misguided!  What I thought would take 3 meetings we covered in the first class!  These guys are on it!  We covered listening to a song to figure out the chord structure and how many beats to play of each chord.  That seemed to be a piece of cake for this class!  We made sure everyone could play the melody (we are using I’ll Fly Away) and could switch from playing melody to playing rhythm and back.  We talked about how to do a long G-run and where to put it.  They all nailed it! 

At our next meeting, I plan to continue our conversation about how to walk into and out of chords.  I also want to suggest some instrument specific background riffs and endings to make our arrangement of the tune way cooler.  In upcoming classes, we will discuss how to use scales and rhythms to make a simple melody fancier and more interesting.  I think I’ll use the old standard Boil Them Cabbage Down for that discussion.  I’ll keep you all posted about our progress.

Vinoklet Winery has invited us to continue our weekly Bluegrass Night throughout the winter.  Yehah!!  Located at 11069 Colerain Ave. Cincinnati, OH  45252, Vinoklet has a spectacular view overlooking 30 plus acres of vineyards and rolling hills.  So, join us this Wednesday, October 10 from 6:30 til 8:30 for some lively bluegrass music while you dine on the famous Vinoklet All You Can Eat Spaghetti and Meatballs buffet or enjoy another featured special.  Seating is limited so we strongly suggest making a reservation; call 513-385-9309.

This weekend is a busy one for us.  Friday, October 12 takes us to the Fibonacci Brewery at 1445 Compton Rd, Cincinnati, OH  45231.  Fibonacci Brewing Company is a mom and pop brewery in Mt. Healthy serving a wide variety of craft beers.  Food Trucks eats are usually available on site.  If you like beer, Fibonacci’s is the place to be!  Check their website at fibbrew.com/.  Showtime 7pm; admission free.

Saturday, October 13, we’ll be at the Woodsongs Concert Series at Willis Music, 7567 Mall Rd, Florence, KY  41042.  Showtime is 7pm and I think admission is $8.  Join us if you can!

Mark your calendar for these upcoming showdates, too!

WHEN                       October 19, 2018       
WHERE                     Butler County BG Assoc, 200 Warwick Rd, Hamilton, OH  45013
WHO                          Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass
WHAT                       Enjoy an evening of lively bluegrass with Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass: lighting fast instrumentals, close harmonies, and entertaining novelty songs. 
PRICE                       donation requested
TIME                         7pm – 9

WHEN                       October 21, 2018       
WHERE                     Memorial Park, 228 E. South St., St. Marys, OH  45885
WHO                          Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass
WHAT                       The St. Marys Kiwanis Club and Heritage Trails Park District invite you to enjoy the Miami and Erie Canal Towpath Trail at the Annual Walk With Nature Fall Festival on Sunday, October 21 at Memorial Park in St. Marys, OH.  Activities include a craft show, farmer’s market, tours of historical St. Marys, arts and crafts, a car show, and bluegrass music by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass from 2pm til 4:30.
PRICE                       free
TIME                         2pm – 4:30
CONTACT                Heather 419-394-0707           

WHEN           October 27, 2018
WHERE         Possum Saloon, 23903 Stateline Rd., Bright, Indiana 47025
WHO              Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass
WHAT           Now under new management, the freshly renovated Possum Saloon in Bright, Indiana features weekly entertainment and first class wings, hoagies and pizza!  Join us for an evening of driving bluegrass with Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass; lighting fast instrumentals, close harmonies, and entertaining novelty songs.  Good food available on site; admission is free.
PRICE           admission free
TIME             8pm – midnight
PHONE          812-637-1227 
WEB               https://www.facebook.com/The-Possum-Saloon-544806419215243/?ref=page_internal

WHEN                   November 3, 2018
WHERE                Haddix Hall (next to Hunters Pizzeria), 4165 St Rt 122, Franklin, OH  45005
WHO                      Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass
WHAT                   Enjoy an evening of lively bluegrass music with Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass; lighting fast instrumentals, close harmonies, and entertaining novelty songs.  Good food available on site at Hunter’s Pizza-ria.  Vernon and I recently had a pizza there and it was GOOD!  Admission $5.  
TIME             6pm – 8
CONTACT    haddixmusic@yahoo.com
WEB               https://www.facebook.com/HaddixHall/

This show just confirmed.
WHEN                       Nov 17, 2018
WHERE                     Bluegrass Opry Barn, 9461 State Route 66, Oakwood, OH  45873
WHO                          Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass
WHAT                       Enjoy an evening of lively bluegrass music with Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass; lighting fast instrumentals, close harmonies, and entertaining novelty songs. 
PRICE                       $10
TIME                         7pm
CONTACT                (419) 594-2816