Rockin’ fun on a snowy February night
It’s been a mighty slow winter for Banjo Paul, with few or no gigs and very little jamming going on. I was happy to get the chance to gig out with my band Rogue River Grass on Feb. 20 of 2010. We had a rockin’ good time playing our little blend of Americana. Not exactly bluegrass, not exactly rock ‘n roll, not exactly country…you might call it a fusion blend. Wow, now don’t that sound fancy?
Our thanks to the West Michigan Bluegrass Music Association
The W.M.B.M.A. is a wonderful organization that is really trying to get bluegrass and acoustic music noticed and played in the west Michigan area. This is the 15th year since the organization began, and there have been many many changes along the way. Most of the changes have been for the better.
The W.M.B.M.A. sponsors two bluegrass festivals each year, and at least one monthly meeting and jam session. Sometime they even squeeze in two or three events in a month.
Visit the website and the blog
The W.M.B.M.A. has a website and a blog, both of which I get the honor of creating and running. They’d love to see you pay a visit and would especially love it if you would consider becoming a member of the organization.
Main site: www.wmbma.org
Blog: www.wmbma.org/blog
A good time was had by all at Fricano’s Pizza
In the Rogue River band, we focus on doing music that isn’t purely bluegrass, while at the same time tipping our hat to the genre. Our particular mix of material has allowed us to play many venues and events for people who would not happen to have thought of bringing in a straight bluegrass band. You can look at national pros like Nickel Creek and say they certainly play an eclectic mix of music, but at the same they are opening the doors for young, hip people to take a good look at acoustic music and eventually bluegrass. You might say they are the “gateway” music that eventually leads people to discover bluegrass and other acoustic styles. In our own little way, Rogue River Grass aims to have that same effect. It’s a ton of fun seeing the look on people’s faces when they hear “I Want You To Want Me” by the band Cheap Trick played on the 5 string banjo. Here’s a little video clip of Rogue River in action at the gig:
Rockin’ and rollin’ all night long…
As you can see, we were having a good time at the gig. The food at Fricano’s is very good, and the crowd was appreciative. Come on out to a W.M.B.M.A event soon. You won’t be sorry.
Banjo Paul
“Wunse, I coodn’t even spel bango pikker…now I are one!”
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