Yonder Goes Leroy Troy and the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band

     Leroy Troy & the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band have come and gone! The Harvester Union Hall opened the doors for musicians and fans alike, and all were thoroughly entertained! Following their performance at Harvester, I hear they filled up the Collins Theatre in Paragould to standing room only. Some were even turned away at the ticket office--no more seats! How cool!

     Here are some photos of Leroy Troy and the band, along with photos of Brush Arbor Bluegrass Band. Kacey Cannon even got to jam with the Jug Band! She ought to be down off that cloud in about another week. Thanks again to the bands, the fans, the concessionaire, and Joe Taylor, who made it all possible! Look for Leroy Troy and the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band at www.leroytroy.us.

It's Yesterday Once More, Part 4, the Last of the Photos from the Very First Meeting of the Memphis Area Bluegrass Association, Dec. 11, 1999

 As Edith and Archie sang, "Those Were the Daaaaaays!" It was such fun to be in on the planning of the Memphis Area Bluegrass Association and recording the event in pictures.    While enthusiasm may have waned and other interests have taken over, we still enjoy our acoustic bluegrass and old-time music in jams, impromptu pickin's, and 'live professional bluegrass music.Find a pickin' somewhere, dust off that old fiddle, and rosin up your bow. You'll be glad you did!

We will always remember that we did something special in the remaining days of the 20th century which will last well into the future. Don't forget the Lucy Opry (Doug Cole, Lewis Gillespie, "Catfish," Gary Johnson, Tom Stone, John Fitzer, and others who have crossed over Jordan), the many great bluegrass stars who played for us, Fite Road, a quonset hut here and there, the Tennessee Gentlemen Bluegrass Shack, and all the jams that have sprouted since 1999.  Our little pebble in the bluegrass pool has cast wide circles! Keep it going!
                                                                                                               

It's Yesterday Once More, Part 3

Because no one has ever inquired about pictures of that very first meeting where we assembled at the Ag Center to form a bluegrass club, I felt that it was important to share the photos with you. We all were younger by at least 13 years and so enthusiastic to make it work. Here are still more photos of the assembled group from December 11, 1999. Do you recognize yourself or any other pickin' friends? I shall post one more group of photos over the next few days.

I'm Missy and I'm a Bernese Mountain Dog

     I'M MISSY and I'm a beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog! The lady typing this post said I could have the post all to myself, and I'm grabbing it! The Internet says that I'm sturdy, balanced, intelligent, strong, agile, easy-going, and a calm family companion (after my adolescent stage). Wait just a minute there, gal, who do you think you're talking about with that 'adolescent stage'? Huh? Here are a few of my glam shots which we made on July 20, 2012, at the Collierville Bluegrass Jam. It was close to 100 degrees, so naturally I'm not at my best, what with this fur coat and all! Oh, I neglected to mention that I do tend to plop right on your feet, keeping them warm winter and summer.  I bring my human, Glen, with me to the Historic Town Square every Friday night to listen to the music and mostly to visit with all the fans! Arf! (trans: "See you at the Square!")

It's Yesterday Once More, Part 2

Great fun starting a bluegrass club on a bright but chilly December 11, 1999. Check out these folks to see if you recognize yourself or anyone else.

It's Yesterday Once More

       Thirteen years ago, on December 11, 1999, an organizational meeting was held at the Agricultural  Center at Shelby Farms. The purpose of the meeting was to form the Memphis Area Bluegrass Association (MABA). Attendees were thrilled beyond words to finally pull pickers and singers together with the goal of spreading bluegrass music to the unenlightened. We were there to capture the event in pictures. No clue if there are any other photos of the very first meeting, but we are happy to share ours with you. Some of the photos will bring a smile, while others may bring a tear. Time has taken its toll--some of  the very first members have passed over Jordan, but we remember them so well. Do you have pictures from that first meeting?

       We shall post more photos later if you would like to see them. Recapture those early days of uncertainty mixed with enthusiasm for bluegrass music.

Yonder Comes Leroy Troy & The Tennessee Mafia Jug Band

Here's our poster! Tell all of your friends about the show!

Here I am in all of my splendor, performing at Breakin' Up Winter at Cedars of Lebanon State Park

Just in case you missed it, Leroy Troy, the Sultan of Goodlettsville...the Duke of Davidson and Sumner Counties in Tennessee, and the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band, is a-headin' thisaway! That bunch of talented crazies will hit the International Harvester Union Hall on Sunday, July 22, 2012, at 2:00 PM Central. Costs ya 10 bucks! All proceeds go to the band! Concessions will be available! Leroy tells me he's bringin' plenty of CDs and other merchandise to sell at halftime! You've seen 'em on the Marty Stuart Show on RFD. If you've had the misfortune to never see them perform, you're in for a real treat!

Speaking of halftime...the Brush Arbor Band will perform at intermission of the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band Show. Brush Arbor is Joe Cupp (banjo, vocals), Kacey Cannon (guitar, vocals), Bobby Williams (mandolin, vocals), and Bruce White (upright bass).


Directions to Harvester Lane:  I-240 north to US 51. Now you're in Frayser. Go north on US 51 to Whitney (landmark is Church's Fried Chicken) and take a left. From Whitney, watch for Harvester Lane. Turn right on Harvester Lane and the Union Hall is at 2984 Harvester Lane. You can't miss it!

Harvester Lane brings back a lot of great memories for bluegrass music fans in this region. Come on out on Sunday afternoon, July 22, 2012, at 2:00 PM Central for a gondola car load of bluegrass and country music fun!

Pick away!
Betty

Kids Are the Future of Bluegrass Music, Vol. 2

OK, I give up! I had a purty fair post with pictures and everything--all about the kids being the future of the music we all love so. Who knows where it went? Not I. We'll start over here and hope to include everyone we had before. Bloggerland must be full of lost posts, that's all I know! Put an instrument in a kid's hand early and often. Not sure if it will "stick"? Borrow or rent one and take him to a jam or a festival.

All right! Hit it, boys!

We're young but we sure can pick!

You're about half a fret shy over there, Man!

Max and Ruby Jane leave no doubt that it's about the kids!

I'd like to try that banjo, Mister!

The Toscanini Chamber Ensemble get after it on their fiddles!

Miss Lee, what is that called?

We're Bearfoot from Alaska! Which one is David Grisman's son?

I got this for my birthday and thought I'd practice a little before breakfast!