High Lonesome Strings Monthly Meeting

Sunday, March 25, 2018 @ 2:30 PM

Cabaret Room

Triad Stage

232 S. Elm Street

Greensboro, NC

Featuring:

Hazy Ridge

Hazy Ridge Bluegrass Band is a local bluegrass band from Clemmons, NC that was established in 2014. They are crowd favorites wherever they play, delivering their own heartfelt style of Bluegrass music. They also perform original material, Bluegrass Gospel and Classic Country with Bluegrass flair. Members, Vince Myers, Dawn Myers, Reagan Hudson, Bryan Bogenberger and George Cutchins were all born and raised in NC, and though they do not all share the same hometown, they all share a love of Bluegrass music and love sharing it with their audiences! Everyone in the band loves music and any opportunity they get to play and sing. They play at local restaurants, dance halls, festivals, fiddler’s conventions, parties and Churches.

Vince Myers grew up in his dad’s guitar case, figuratively speaking. He has had a love of music from as far back as he can recall. Growing up, his dad, Roger Myers, played in a few bands and Vince went with him everywhere he played. Vince took up the banjo when he was 18 and has played in several bands over the years, including Tommy Drifter and the Lost Travelers and County Line Daredevils. He has always wanted a band of his own, so in February 2014, he and his wife, Dawn Myers began Hazy Ridge Bluegrass Band, where he plays the banjo and helps out on vocals. He and Dawn started looking for others to join the band and even though the road has been a little rocky, they didn’t give up and have been playing ever since. Vince says he is looking forward to what is in store for the band in the future.

Dawn Myers has lived all her life in Clemmons, North Carolina on her Grandfather’s old home place. Dawn developed her love of music, sitting in her mother’s lap. She would sit and listen to her Mother and Aunt singing together and making that beautiful family harmony. At age 13, Dawn began singing in church with her Mom and has sung in the choir and other church groups for over 28 years. Dawn mostly sang Southern Gospel music, but has always had a love for Country music. She liked Bluegrass music, but when she met Vince, she not only fell in love with him, she also fell in love with Bluegrass music too. She was given the chance to sing with the Howell Osborne Band and sang with them for six months. Then she and her husband Vince decided to form Hazy Ridge Bluegrass Band. They have been singing together ever since. You will hear Dawn helping out on vocals and harmonies in the band. She loves every opportunity to sing and is excited to see what the future holds for Hazy Ridge!!

Reagan Hudson, singer, songwriter and guitarist, grew up on a farm in Vale, North Carolina. He still resides in Vale, where he owns a cattle farm. Reagan has been playing Bluegrass and Gospel music for over twenty nine years. He has written many songs, made several recordings and has played with many bands throughout his career like: Homegrown Bluegrass, Golden Valley Crusaders, Timber Ridge Band, and the Bluegrass Gospel Tones. Reagan currently is playing guitar and singing with Hazy Ridge Bluegrass Band. He also keeps the band and audiences laughing with his jokes and tales.

Bryan Bogenberger, a Winston-Salem based multi genre mandolinist has been performing live across the southeast for the last decade. Although dabbling in jazz, rock, classical and Americana, his heart remains true to writing and playing bluegrass mandolin. Bryan has shared the stage with many national acts including Mountain Heart, Donna the Buffalo, Larry Keel, Ten Years After, Acoustic Syndicate, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, John Michael Carroll, The Carter Brothers, Yarn, the New Familiars, Possum Jenkins, Love Canon, and Crystal Bright. Bryan’s crowning musical achievement was being asked by the Winston Salem Symphony to perform for a private dinner for virtuoso mandolinist Chris Thile while Chris was in town playing his concerto with the Winston-Salem Symphony. Currently Bryan is performing with three bands. His long time Band of eight years Wyndy Trail Travelers, Justin Crisman, and his new favorite project with Hazy Ridge Bluegrass Band. Bryan’s influences include Sam Bush, the Del McCoury Band, Drew Emmitt, Miles Davis, Bill Monroe, Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, Bob Marley, Ricky Skaggs, and Bob Dylan.

George Cutchins is the newest member of Hazy Ridge Bluegrass Band. He plays upright bass and helps out on vocals. He hails from Sandy Ridge NC where he has his own farm. He has been playing Bluegrass all his life and has played with many Bluegrass bands like Bobby Atkins and the Countrymen, Paula Dellenback and Fox River, Don Smith and the Foggy River Boys and Out of Bounds Bluegrass. Dawn met George through a booking Hazy Ridge had at a monthly meeting for the Sandy Ridge Bluegrass Association. Through this he found out Hazy Ridge was in need of a bass player. He agreed to help them out all he could. Five months later and he is a full time member of the band!

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High Lonesome Strings Monthly Meeting

Sunday, February 25, 2017 – 2:30 PM

Note: Jamming and fellowship starts at 2:30 and the featured band will perform starting at 4pm

 

Stonefield Cellars Winery
8220 NC Hwy 68 N
Stokesdale NC

 

Featuring:

Cuttin’ Grass

Cuttin’ Grass is a Bluegrass Band playing Traditional, Contemporary and Gospel music. They honor the roots of the music and those that have pioneered the growth of the Bluegrass genre thru the years. They offer an energetic, artistic and heart- felt authenticity to the songs they perform.

Wally McKay – Lead Guitar and Vocals – Wally started learning to play music at the age of 6 with his Dad and Uncles. He was learning songs that his family members had played at different events, whether it was a family reunion, social event or at Bluegrass festivals. He began by learning to play the mandolin at age 6 and the guitar at a very young age of 9 and has continued with the guitar as the instrument of choice playing music with other musicians at various events. He moved to Wilmington NC in 1991 and played mandolin, guitar and vocals for religious friends (aka “The Batts Family”) and with members of churches. He moved back to Durham in 2005 and played lead guitar and lead vocals for the groups “Freedom Travelers” and “Crossroads Bluegrass Gospel”. He founded “Cuttin’ Grass” in 2016 where he plays lead guitar and lead vocals. Wally grew up in Roxboro, NC and now makes his home in Durham NC.

Amos Rozier – Guitar, Harmonica and Vocals – Amos, originally from down east near Lumberton NC, has made Durham NC his home for the past 28 years. Like countless other musicians he got his early musical experience in the church choir in the 60’s and 70’s. In 1978 while still living in Lumberton, he co-founded the Country Rock group “Borderline” of which he was guitarist and lead vocalist thru the mid 80’s. From the mid 80’s thru 1988 he was original member of variety & beach music group “Scottfree” as lead vocalist and played the guitar, harp and percussion. In 1998 Amos got involved with the music program at Freedom Baptist Church of which he is currently music director and has played and sang with Gospel groups such as “Redemption”, “Deliverance” and Bluegrass Gospel groups “Crossroads”, “Carolina Country Bluegrass”, among others. In 2007 & 2008 he played guitar and mandolin with an all original music group “Justice Street”. Amos was a member of the variety, beach, country and R&B group “Stur Krazy” out of Durham form 2003 to 2013 where he played guitar, harp, percussion and was lead vocalist

Billy Powell – Mandolin and Vocals – Billy who, plays mandolin in the group, began playing guitar at an early age. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from UNC Greensboro while studying classical guitar, where he also started playing mandolin. Having played and sung with several local bands in the Raleigh and Greensboro, NC area over the years in country, rock and bluegrass genres, he also plays lead guitar in his church band, where he served as instrumental director for a number of years. He teaches private lessons and writes music.

Doug Meade – Banjo and Vocals – Doug was drawn into Bluegrass Music and the banjo, due primarily to growing up 5 miles from Ralph Stanley’s home. He started playing banjo at age 20 and has established several bands on his own and has been a member of many more (Lonesome Pine Bluegrass, Sourwood Mountain Band, Big T and The Twisted Grass Entourage). Doug has developed a style of his own on the banjo with key components from the notable greats like Earl Scruggs, JD Crowe and Don Reno. Doug also sings lead and harmony vocals. Doug has established himself as a hard driving banjo player, but can also feel the music and play what is being sung. He grew up in Southeast Virginia, and now makes his home in Apex, NC.

Steve Moore – Bass and Vocals: Steve was introduced to music at an early age. His Dad played the guitar and was a lead singer giving Steve a lot of experience singing the harmony parts. He began playing the Bass at age 12, since his Dad needed a Bass player in his local band, and has maintained it as his instrument of choice all his life. Steve provides both lead and harmony vocals to the band. Steve grew up in Smithfield, NC and now makes his home in McGee’s Cross Roads, NC.

Will Lutter – While growing up in Bethesda, MD, outside of Washington, Willem Lutter began violin lessons at age 8 and guitar at age 13. He studied music at the University of Rochester in New York and education at UNC. His performing experience ranges from symphony orchestra to 18 piece jazz band to country and bluegrass. He currently lives in Raleigh with his wife and teaches guitar and music theory at Green Hope High School in Cary.

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High Lonesome Strings Monthly Meeting

Sunday, January 28, 2018 2:30 PM

3rd Floor Cabaret
Triad Stage
232 S. Elm Street
Greensboro, NC

 

Bring instrument for jam sessions

Featuring:

Dewey & Leslie Brown with the Carolina Gentlemen

Dewey and Leslie Brown have been married since 2007. They make their home in Burlington, NC at their farm, Maplewood Hills. Dewey played fiddle as a Clinch Mountain Boy for Dr. Ralph Stanley for 11 years, until Dr. Stanley’s death in 2016. He begin his professional career while still in high school and has played with many talented musicians all over the world. In 1999 at the age of 17, Dewey won first place at the Old Time Fiddler’s Convention in Galax, VA on his first try and returned the next year and won first place again. In addition to his phenomenal fiddle playing, Dewey owns and manages a music store, Dewey Brown’s Music and Lessons, in Graham, NC, where he gives lessons and sells instruments. Dewey has 2 albums out on his own, DewBug, label titled “Traditional Fiddle” which features Dewey along with Ralph and The Clinch Mountain Boys. Ralph sings “Cotton Eyed Joe” on the project; and “Hard Times for a Fiddler”.

Leslie was raised in the Appalachian Mountains, in the coal mining town of Vansant, Virginia. She was raised by her grandparents and bluegrass music has always been a mainstay in her household. Her pappaw, was in a family band so she definitely has mountain music in her blood. At the young age of 7 years old, Leslie began clogging at local bluegrass festivals, shortly after she joined a square dancing group and traveled the East becoming a well-known clogger in the bluegrass world. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and has been a nurse for 14 years. Her upbringing in the Appalachian Mountains plays a major role in her song writing, playing and singing… she is the most authentic mountain girl you will ever meet and is a proud Coal Miners Daughter, as well!

Dewey and Leslie currently own a performing arts theater, The Liberty Showcase Theater, located in Liberty, North Carolina. They also have 2 festivals each year, Deweyfest and Gospelfest, held on their farm Maplewood Hills.

The band is currently recording their new music at the Red Squared Studio in Siler City.

In the band, Leslie Brown sings lead vocals and plays the Upright Bass. Dewey Brown also sings lead vocals and plays an awesome Fiddle. They will be accompanied by the Carolina Gentlemen: Kendall Gales on Mandolin, Brandon Henson on Banjo and Tim Spence on Guitar.

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High Lonesome Strings Christmas Party

Saturday, December 9, 2017  6:00 PM

Mt. Hope United Church of Christ

2400 Mt. Hope Church Rd

Whitsett, NC

There will be a Pot Luck Supper. Please bring a side dish and an unwrapped door prize for the gift grab. Don’t forget your instrument for jamming!  Kids, keep on the lookout for Santa!

Featuring:

The Trailblazers

 

The Trailblazers is an acoustic/bluegrass band comprised of members Alex Edwards of Salisbury, NC (banjo and harmony vocals), Jonah Horton of Wilkesboro, NC (mandolin), Daniel Thrailkill of Mt. Ulla, NC (guitar and lead vocals), and Will Thrailkill (upright bass and harmony vocals). They play a mixture of traditional and progressive bluegrass music. The band’s vocal skills, along with their instrumental phrasings and improvisations, demonstrate their ability to blaze new trails in bluegrass music. The Trailblazers have had the honor of being the opening acts for Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Blue Highway and The Kruger Brothers. They captured first place in both the 2016 and 2017 Galax Fiddlers Convention Bluegrass band competition and won second place in the 2017 SPBGMA International Bluegrass Band competition in Nashville, TN. Additionally, The Trailblazers finished second in the 2017 Bluegrass Band competition at RenoFest in Hartsville, SC, as well as winning first place in the 2017 MerleFest Band competition. Most recently, The Trailblazers were the winners of the Bluegrass Band competition at the Georgia State Fiddlers’ Convention held in Hiawassee, GA.

The band has performed at several bluegrass festivals across North Carolina, and they are thrilled to have released their first CD in September 2016 entitled, “A Place to Call My Own.” Please follow The Trailblazers on Facebook to watch videos and see announcements about their upcoming concerts. They also have a website: http://www.thetrailblazersmusic.com

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High Lonesome Strings Monthly Meeting

Sunday,  September 17, 2017 @ 2:30pm

Bluegrass Day

Piedmont Triad Farmers Market

2914 Sandy Ridge Road

Colfax, NC 

Exit #208 on I-40

 

Bring your instruments for some jamming after the show!

 

Featuring:

Megan White and Gate City

Hailing from North Carolina to Upstate New York, Gate City Bluegrass brings a fresh, diverse sound, while keeping their roots firmly set in tradition. Lead by vocalist Megan White, the group is passionate about bluegrass music and has a deep love for the community which surrounds it.

Band members include Megan White, vocals; Bailey Coe, guitar and vocals; Doug Young, mandolin and vocals; Joe Hannabach, bass; Tyler Jackson, banjo; and Alex McKinney, dobro.

 

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High Lonesome Strings Monthly Meeting

Sunday,  August 27, 2017 @ 2:30pm

Stonefield Cellars Winery
8220 NC Hwy 68 N
Stokesdale NC

Bring instrument for jam sessions

Featuring:

Never Too Late

David Dickerson has been playing mandolin for 40+ years, starting in the late ’70s originally with the Falling Creek Boys. Over the past 30 years, he has played various styles of music with different groups but always included Bluegrass as part of the repertoire. He began playing with Never Too Late in May 2014.

From Brent Fain: Around 1997, my daughter wanted a guitar and I bought two, one for her and one for me.  Her musical goals changed and mine flourished as I learned country and folk songs.  I then accidentally found Bluegrass Music through a friend and a jam session in Mebane, North Carolina.  With the mandolin, banjo, bass, guitars, and high tenors filling the air, I fell in love with the sound and had to have more.  At a local music store, I found a flyer on High Lonesome Strings and attended a meeting and immediately joined on March 19, 1998.  The club was wise enough to have slow jam sessions and the patriarch of the session was J.V. Weadon.  I enjoyed learning from him and his wife, Rheba, and soon joined their band, The Brown Summit Hilltoppers. After many session and gigs, I learned a great deal from them and they are among my very best friends.  I began working on a small jam session in my neighborhood and after a couple of years it finally started at Kent Huffman’s home in Oak Ridge, North Carolina.  From that jam session, Never Too Late Bluegrass Band was formed in October 2001 with a guitar, a mandolin, a banjo, and a doghouse bass.  I have learned to be a rhythm guitar player and a lead and harmony singer with a great group of musicians who have decades of musical experience.  We have gone through a few variations of the band but still have three of the original members.  We have played the “Rex” multiple times, Bluegrass Festivals, Political Fund Raisers, for the National Park Service, a one hour TV show for Winston-Salem, The Dixie Classic Fair commercial for two years, pig pickins, barn raising, fiddler’s conventions, and the list goes on.  We are scattered many miles apart, but manage to perform several times a year.  It is a honor to share our music.

From Bruce Hill: I began playing the “five-string” banjo in the middle 1970’s, first with a group called the Bluegrass Construction Company in the Halifax , Virginia area. After moving to Greensboro in 1980, I joined The Southern Comfort Band as their banjo player, singing lead and harmony vocals. Southern Comfort was an established group formed in 1969. We did some traveling and recorded an album in 1984. I played very little from 1985 to 1996 due to time required in the family business. Late in 1996 I began a renewed desire to play the banjo again and performed with numerous local groups.

In 2001, The Never Too Late Bluegrass Band, a local band from the Greensboro, NC area, was formed with me as an original member, We recorded two CD’s and were invited to perform a one hour public television show for a local station in Winston Salem, NC. Our four member band continues to play together, performing at numerous bluegrass festivals and private parties in and around NC.

Upon retiring to Florida, I joined The Manatee River Bluegrass Band, playing banjo and singing with them for the past seven years. Our annual performances include the Manatee County Fair, the Cortez Seafood Festival and the Arcadia Rodeo. In 2006, I was a part of forming The Second Chance Bluegrass Band and we recorded a CD in 2009.

From an educational standpoint, I have attended many bluegrass camps such as-Nashcamp, Steve Kaufman’s camp, Pete Wernick’s camp, the bluegrass camp at Augusta Heritage Workshops in Elkins, WV and the Mars Hill College bluegrass camp in Mars Hill, NC.. I taught the banjo camp for the Central Florida BG Assoc in 2010 and 2011, the banjo camp at John C. Campbell Folk School in 2011. and  the bluegrass banjo class at the Blowing Rock music camp in 2010 and 2011. Currently, I play a 1935 Gibson TB3, a 1931 Gibson Granada and a 1978 Stelling Golden Cross.

Kent Huffman began his bassist experience with a band called the Ascots in 1962, and played with several “combos” over the following 10 years. In 1972, he teamed with Mike Ellington, later of Missouri Hogshead fame, and played folk and bluegrass. After a brief respite, he was coerced to put the electric bass aside in 2002, when Never Too Late was formed. Still pickin’!

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High Lonesome Strings Monthly Meeting

Sunday, July 24, 2016 at 2:30 PM

Stonefield Cellars Winery

8220 NC Hwy 68 N

Stokesdale NC

Featuring:

Carolina Breeze

Carolina Breeze was formed in late 1970. Through the years the band has had many talented musicians.  The band’s primary style of music has always been modern bluegrass influenced by too many legendary professionals to be named.  However, there always seems to be room for other styles such as gospel, western swing, and country.

The current band members are:  Bob Hooven on the guitar and providing strong lead vocals.  Randy Pitts on the banjo, singing lead, and high lonesome harmony vocals.  Frank Bounds on the mandolin, playing powerful breaks, and instrumentals.  Keith Dunn playing tasteful breaks on the fiddle, also sings lead, and harmony vocals.  Keith Carroll playing the upright bass with feeling and precision.

The members share a common love of a wide variety of acoustic music and have many years of combined musical experience.

 

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