North Georgia Bluegrass
North Georgia Bluegrass Sponsors
| Thomas Oil Company 209 S. Main, Ellijay, GA (706) 635-2668 |
| The Pink Pig 824 Cherry Log St, Cherry Log, GA (706) 276-3311 |
| Ellijay SEBA Chapter, Ellijay, GA |
| Welcome to the home of the best bluegrass music in North Georgia |
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Meetings & Jams
Photo Gallery
Video Directory
Calendar
Story Archive
Hire a Band
Contact
Membership
Forum
Festivals
Bluegrass Links
________________________________________________________________________________
the "beginnings" of many individual musicians and their musical journeys.
It weaves a musical quilt of families and friends performing bluegrass,
gospel, traditional, old country, celtic, dulcimer, newgrass and even
symphony.
Hosted by our very own Al and Dana Henderson, the series airs on
ETC, Saturdays, 10:00-11:00pm (EDT)
There are two ways to watch "Generations"...
1) If you are an ETC cable subscriber, tune into ETC channel 3
2) If you are NOT an ETC cable subscriber, watch live on the Internet
- Simply click on www.northganow.com
- From the 'North GA Now' homepage, click on the link in the lower
right corner "Watch ETC3 LIVE". You can even expand to "full
screen".
Did you miss last weeks episode? You can catch encores on Sunday's
at 7:30pm (on ETC channel 3 or on the Internet)
It weaves a musical quilt of families and friends performing bluegrass,
gospel, traditional, old country, celtic, dulcimer, newgrass and even
symphony.
Hosted by our very own Al and Dana Henderson, the series airs on
ETC, Saturdays, 10:00-11:00pm (EDT)
There are two ways to watch "Generations"...
1) If you are an ETC cable subscriber, tune into ETC channel 3
2) If you are NOT an ETC cable subscriber, watch live on the Internet
- Simply click on www.northganow.com
- From the 'North GA Now' homepage, click on the link in the lower
right corner "Watch ETC3 LIVE". You can even expand to "full
screen".
Did you miss last weeks episode? You can catch encores on Sunday's
at 7:30pm (on ETC channel 3 or on the Internet)
Watch "Generations of Southern Mountain Music"
| Watch ETC3 "Live" on the Internet at www.northganow.com |
| Sue's Log Cabin Restaurant 2693 Tail's Creek Rd Ellijay, GA (706) 635-5500 (directions) |
Louisa Branscomb is a household word in bluegrass. She was one of
the first women to front a band playing banjo, with Boot Hill, in the
70's, distinguishing the band as a songwriter with material "twenty
years ahead of her time" (Lance Leroy).
She went on to pen a song that kicked a generation of women into
bluegrass, Krauss's "Steel Rails," and over 75 songs recorded by
bluegrass bands, including two Grammy cuts (John Denver and
Alison Krauss). Louisa took part in another previous IBMA Recorded
Event of the Year (Follow Me Back to the Fold), and has earned
numerous songwriting awards and invitational workshops.
She runs Woodsong Farm Songwriter Retreat in North Georgia.
the first women to front a band playing banjo, with Boot Hill, in the
70's, distinguishing the band as a songwriter with material "twenty
years ahead of her time" (Lance Leroy).
She went on to pen a song that kicked a generation of women into
bluegrass, Krauss's "Steel Rails," and over 75 songs recorded by
bluegrass bands, including two Grammy cuts (John Denver and
Alison Krauss). Louisa took part in another previous IBMA Recorded
Event of the Year (Follow Me Back to the Fold), and has earned
numerous songwriting awards and invitational workshops.
She runs Woodsong Farm Songwriter Retreat in North Georgia.
Update: Louisa Branscomb... Rebuilding her life after tragedy.
The American Spirit is truly an amazing happening. No matter what may come our way when we
get the wind knocked out of us, we stand up, wipe the dirt off and keep on plugging at it, with a
resolve unmatched, hands down.
Six months ago, Lousia's little yellow house, surrounded by 100 year old oak trees, took a
hit from the devastating tornado which killed over 300 just in our State of Georgia. Her home
was picked up and moved more than 6 inches off it's foundation. Had it not been for the oak
trees, nothing would be left.
This has been a long, hard battle for her. Many, many, friends have spent lots of Saturdays
helping her get Woodsong Farm back to living condition. Woodsong Farm is a wonderful
place for songwriter's to go and be renewed. We continue to support her and hope you will too.
Al and Dana Henderson
get the wind knocked out of us, we stand up, wipe the dirt off and keep on plugging at it, with a
resolve unmatched, hands down.
Six months ago, Lousia's little yellow house, surrounded by 100 year old oak trees, took a
hit from the devastating tornado which killed over 300 just in our State of Georgia. Her home
was picked up and moved more than 6 inches off it's foundation. Had it not been for the oak
trees, nothing would be left.
This has been a long, hard battle for her. Many, many, friends have spent lots of Saturdays
helping her get Woodsong Farm back to living condition. Woodsong Farm is a wonderful
place for songwriter's to go and be renewed. We continue to support her and hope you will too.
Al and Dana Henderson
| Please help save Woodsong Farm Songwriter's Retreat by making any size donation to Pay Pal (click here) |
| '2010 Chapter Of The Year' |
| "What we do is about 9/12" newyorksaysthankyou.org |
| Larry's Body Shop www.collisiondecision.com |
| Cohutta Rustic Signs 178 Tails Creek Rd, Ellijay, GA (706) 635-5331 www.cohuttarustic.com |
| Did You Miss the Noah's Weekend Concert? Not to Worry! The event was filmed and will be AVAILABLE SOON on both CD and DVD Performances by: Louisa Branscomb, Johnny and Jeanette Williams, WheelHoss, The Buzzard Mountain Boys, Curtis Jones, Sonny Houston and The Mountain Rascals. It was a great night of entertainment. Get your copy when it becomes available. Mountain Rascals CD will arrive next week and can be ordered $15.00. Shipping included in the price. For more information contact Al or Dana Henderson |
| Gilmer Arts & Heritage Association gilmerarts.org |
| Woodsong Farm (Tornado Aftermath) |
| Woodsong Farm (Six Months later. Rebuilding continues.) |
Century Old Oaks lost
Extensive structural damage
Burn piles...smoky skies
Century Old Oaks lost
Louisa hard at work
One of our Mountain Rascals... Alex Thomlinson
We first met Alex, Cheryll and Chris Thomlinson, about four years ago and knew this
talented young man was in for a wonderful musical journey. A few months ago, we
were thrilled to have Alex and Cheryll join Mountain Rascals and performed with us
for the New York Says Thank You Foundation's project of rebuilding a barn for Susan
Littlejohn and her animals.(Story in Archives.)
Everyone was so moved when Alex played, Danny Boy, then almost raised the roof
off that new barn with applause on his rendition of The Mockingbird. The most
distinctive nature of this family, is their humble nature. No matter where they are or
who they met, it is always the same.
Al and Dana Henderson
P.S. Alex and Cheryll, will be performing on stage with us next week at the Holly
Theater in Dahlonega, Ga. Nov. 5, 2011, 7pm
We first met Alex, Cheryll and Chris Thomlinson, about four years ago and knew this
talented young man was in for a wonderful musical journey. A few months ago, we
were thrilled to have Alex and Cheryll join Mountain Rascals and performed with us
for the New York Says Thank You Foundation's project of rebuilding a barn for Susan
Littlejohn and her animals.(Story in Archives.)
Everyone was so moved when Alex played, Danny Boy, then almost raised the roof
off that new barn with applause on his rendition of The Mockingbird. The most
distinctive nature of this family, is their humble nature. No matter where they are or
who they met, it is always the same.
Al and Dana Henderson
P.S. Alex and Cheryll, will be performing on stage with us next week at the Holly
Theater in Dahlonega, Ga. Nov. 5, 2011, 7pm
A "Very Special" Recognition for Alex Thomlinson
Fiddlin' Howard Cunningham is an inductee of the Atlanta Country Music Hall of
Fame, and has been recognized for his accomplishments in the field of music in a
proclamation by the Georgia House of Representatives.
Cunningham founded the Country Music Program and the Staff Band at the Georgia
Mountain Fair. He is also the founder of Georgia's State Fiddler's Convention which
is held annually at the GMF during the Fall Festival.
On a special evening in July 1992 the Manager of the Georgia Mountain Fair: Dale
Thurman along with the members of the GMF Staff Band presented Fiddlin Howard
Cunningham with a hand-made, signed & numbered "Joe Young built fiddle." The
presentation was made in appreciation of Howard's many years of service to the
Georgia Mountain Fair as Founder, Master of Ceremonies, and Program Director of
the Georgia Mountain Fair Original Country Music Shows.
This month, SEBA's own Alex Thomlinson was one of 10 musicians selected at
tryouts at the Georgia Mountain Fall Festival Country Music Show for the privilege of
returning the following evening to perform 2 tunes with the Georgia Mountain Fair
Staff Band. An enormous surprise was in store for Alex as he came to the stage to
fiddle his two tunes. Bill Cunningham, son of Fiddlin Howard Cunningham, stepped
to the microphone, read a proclamation, and presented Alex with the same "Joe
Young Build FIddle" that had been presented to Fiddlin Howard Cunningham on that
same stage 19 years earlier.
Bill Cunningham read the following, which was signed by Fiddlin' Howard
Cunningham, along with the present Georgia Mountain Fair Manager Hilda
Thomason, as well as the eleven members of the Georgia Mountain Fair Band and
Staff (4 of whom participated in the 1992 fiddle presentation):
"On August 15, 1992 The Georgia Mountain Fair Staff Band and Management
presented Fiddlin' Howard Cunningham the "Joe Young Build Fiddle #15" in
appreciation of Howard's many years as Founder, MC, and Program Director
of the Georgia Mountain Fair Original Country Music Shows.
In recognition of Alex Thomlinson's musical skills and position as North
Georgia's leading young fiddler, on October 8, 2011 we hereby pass on the
"Joe Young Built Fiddle #15" to Alex. Please put instrument to good use and
continue to represent the North Georgia area's fiddling tradition."
Alex, totally surprised, then played his two tunes on the beautiful Joe Young fiddle, to
the delight of the emotional audience. Fiddlin' Howard Cunningham was waiting in
the wings of the stage during the presentation, and after Alex's performance the two
Georgia fiddlers greeted one another and Alex expressed his gratitude for this great
honor.
When later asked for his thoughts about the events of the evening, Alex said he was
so happy to be honored by Fiddlin' Howard Cunningham and the great people in the
Georgia Mountain Fair House Band & Staff. He said it is the greatest honor he has
ever received.
He loves the fiddle and the privilege of being asked to carry on the fiddling tradition
that Fiddling Howard represents. Fiddlin' Howard Cunningham has always taken time
to encourage young fiddlers. Alex said this gift shows how much kindness can be
inside a heart.
Fiddlin' Howard Cunningham is an inductee of the Atlanta Country Music Hall of
Fame, and has been recognized for his accomplishments in the field of music in a
proclamation by the Georgia House of Representatives.
Cunningham founded the Country Music Program and the Staff Band at the Georgia
Mountain Fair. He is also the founder of Georgia's State Fiddler's Convention which
is held annually at the GMF during the Fall Festival.
On a special evening in July 1992 the Manager of the Georgia Mountain Fair: Dale
Thurman along with the members of the GMF Staff Band presented Fiddlin Howard
Cunningham with a hand-made, signed & numbered "Joe Young built fiddle." The
presentation was made in appreciation of Howard's many years of service to the
Georgia Mountain Fair as Founder, Master of Ceremonies, and Program Director of
the Georgia Mountain Fair Original Country Music Shows.
This month, SEBA's own Alex Thomlinson was one of 10 musicians selected at
tryouts at the Georgia Mountain Fall Festival Country Music Show for the privilege of
returning the following evening to perform 2 tunes with the Georgia Mountain Fair
Staff Band. An enormous surprise was in store for Alex as he came to the stage to
fiddle his two tunes. Bill Cunningham, son of Fiddlin Howard Cunningham, stepped
to the microphone, read a proclamation, and presented Alex with the same "Joe
Young Build FIddle" that had been presented to Fiddlin Howard Cunningham on that
same stage 19 years earlier.
Bill Cunningham read the following, which was signed by Fiddlin' Howard
Cunningham, along with the present Georgia Mountain Fair Manager Hilda
Thomason, as well as the eleven members of the Georgia Mountain Fair Band and
Staff (4 of whom participated in the 1992 fiddle presentation):
"On August 15, 1992 The Georgia Mountain Fair Staff Band and Management
presented Fiddlin' Howard Cunningham the "Joe Young Build Fiddle #15" in
appreciation of Howard's many years as Founder, MC, and Program Director
of the Georgia Mountain Fair Original Country Music Shows.
In recognition of Alex Thomlinson's musical skills and position as North
Georgia's leading young fiddler, on October 8, 2011 we hereby pass on the
"Joe Young Built Fiddle #15" to Alex. Please put instrument to good use and
continue to represent the North Georgia area's fiddling tradition."
Alex, totally surprised, then played his two tunes on the beautiful Joe Young fiddle, to
the delight of the emotional audience. Fiddlin' Howard Cunningham was waiting in
the wings of the stage during the presentation, and after Alex's performance the two
Georgia fiddlers greeted one another and Alex expressed his gratitude for this great
honor.
When later asked for his thoughts about the events of the evening, Alex said he was
so happy to be honored by Fiddlin' Howard Cunningham and the great people in the
Georgia Mountain Fair House Band & Staff. He said it is the greatest honor he has
ever received.
He loves the fiddle and the privilege of being asked to carry on the fiddling tradition
that Fiddling Howard represents. Fiddlin' Howard Cunningham has always taken time
to encourage young fiddlers. Alex said this gift shows how much kindness can be
inside a heart.
| AVAILABLE NOW! The latest CD from The Mountain Rascals Click here for details |
| Y'all Come to our Bluegrass Jam! Everyone's Welcome. Our regular Thursday night pickin' is ongoing weekly from 6:30 (except for holidays and inclement weather). Admission is free to all jams. Come and just listen. Bring your friends. Bring an acoustic instrument, if you would like to play or learn to play. It'll be a great night of entertainment. You don't want to miss it. Our Location: Gilmer County Senior Center, 111 Gilmer St, Ellijay, GA (directions) |