Sunday, October 11, 2015

YELLOWSTONE BLUEGRASS ASS'N STRENGTHENS

In the opinion of this blogger, a founder of the bluegrass club in Billings, MT, the Yellowstone Bluegrass Association has been struggling for a number of years.  The constant diminishing of facility use by the Billings Public Schools and the closing of the Prairie Winds Cafe in Molt and it's Saturday morning bluegrass with breakfast have been major factors. Some readers may have wondered why several recent posts have been dedicated to the new jams at the Elks Lodge. They are continuing to pick up steam and become more popular with both pickers and fans. The Friday October 9th session had some 20 musicians participating and an increasing number of fans.  Some are out for dinner and/or drinks at the Elks and come downstairs to enjoy the bluegrass music. Some bring their drinks along. Ohers respond to announcements in local media. A portion  of last Friday's  picking circle are shown above.

The Elks jams are proving to be very good for regaining the earlier strength of the YBA.  In addition the recent months of Saturday bluegrass music at the Owl Cafe in Laurel, MT, are drawing even larger crowds than the Molt sessions had.  This is not surprising as Laurel has a population of more than 7,000 and has several more  nearby towns.  Of course it is barely 15 miles from the Billings city limits with it's 100,000 to draw from.  Some retirement facilities have even sent buses from Billings for the Owl activities While established bands have normally provided the bluegrass entertainment, a unique group performed last Saturday, October 10, 2015. "Spur of the Moment" was originally scheduled, but had to drop out with just a day or two's notice.  As a result several pickers decided to simply put a six person jam band together and they actually wowed the crowd with their musical compilations.  They included Paddy Moore on bass and Scott Moore on lead guitar from "Songdog Serenade" plus Larry Larson on rhythm guitar and Jim McGowan banjo of "Hiway 302."  Lee Jackson of "Milestown" played mandolin and Arlen Ellis contributed dobro licks. This impromptu group actually outperformed some of the other groups who have played the Owl.  Thanks to those six pickers for doing a great job and making sure that "the show goes on."

There will be no bluegrass jam at the Elks this Friday October 16 as the Fall YBA Showcase will take place in the Chapel of the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.  See other posts for more information.

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