President Jimmy Carter in State in the US Capitol. Vice President Kamala Harris' eulogy. Listen to it: We've done better in the past. we could have done so much better in 2024. 

Who will be speaking at the rapists' funeral ??

A Little Saturday Nite Bluegrass Div

Sorry, the Mini-bears and I have been lazy and remiss in posting something positive lately.

-- Must admit, the current situation hasnus a bit anxious - -

Any way, heard this on the Bluegrass Radio today  - -  Neufish Mountain"s new release Regrets in the Rearview.  --good song and an all-star cast of musicians !!

... AND, OH YEAH  ... IF YOU HAVEN'T AS YET VOTED, REMEMBER -- BLUEGRASS BEGINS WITH BLUE !!!

Doni Zasloff: Vocals Millie Zasloff Thomas: Harmony Vocals Eric Lindberg: Harmony Vocals, Guitar Jerry Douglas: Dobro Sam Bush: Mandolin Stuart Duncan: Violin Rob McCoury: Banjo Mark Schatz: Banjo

A Little Saturday Nite Bluegrass Div ( Sorrow and Hope subsection)

I last visited Asheville in 1997(?) when my nephew lived there. Visited the Biltmore Estate and the downtown. 

The devastation of Hurricane Helene was amazing and tragic. So much great Bluegrass music has come out of the area, I can only hope its influence will help with the recovery and healing.

A Little Saturday Nite Bluegrass Div ( Autumn Leaves subsection)

Well it's that time of year again when the "leaf peepers" hit the road; though I think the colors will be later this year.

Authentic Unlimited's  Fall in Tennessee.

Authentic Unlimited: John Meador, Jerry Cole, Eli Johnson, Jessee Brock and Stephen Burwell

A Little Saturday Nite Bluegrass Div ( sorta Irish subsection)

Whiskey in the Jar has always been one of my favorites. Here it is being done by Dervish along with the SteelDrivers.

Dervish : They were formed in 1989 by Liam Kelly, Shane Mitchell, Martin McGinley, Brian McDonagh, and Michael Holmes and have been fronted by singer Cathy Jordan since 1991.

The SteelDrivers: fiddler Tammy Rogers, bassist Mike Fleming, guitarist/vocalist Matt Dame, mandolinist Brent Truitt, and banjoist Richard Bailey

A Little Saturday Nite Bluegrass Div (Favorite subsection)

 Rhonda Vincent Accompanied by Alison Krauss covering Wagon Wheel one of my all-time favorites (and my 6 year old Grandson's 

 

Aaron McDaris on banjo, Zack Arnold on guitar, Mickey Harris on bass, Jacob Metz on reso-guitar, and Adam Haynes on fiddle

Geography Div ( Slow down subsection)

 Here in the wonderful (?) state of South Dakota, the Interstate speed limit is (mostly) 80MPH. State Troopers will give yo 81, but 82 is too fast.

Balsam Range doing a pretty topical song; We'll All Eat Money When the Well Runs Dry.  Thinlk about it.

Balsam Range is Buddy Melton (fiddle, lead and tenor vocals); Dr. Marc Pruett (banjo); Alan Bibey ( Mandolin, vocals) Tim Surrett (bass, dobro, baritone and lead vocals); and Caleb Smith (guitar, lead & baritone vocals).

Geography Div (Going to the dogs subsection)

 On Mrs Bear's last visit to London to see the grandkids, she couldn't find any Corgi Merchandise. Guess with the Queen's passing they went out of favor. Oh well.

A Little Saturday Nite Bluegrass div

Heard this recently on Bluegrass Country,  Nick Dumas and Branchline doing Details.

I seem to remember him from Northern Exposure.

Nick Dumas on lead vocals and mandolin, Carley Arrowood on Fiddle and vocals, Daniel Thrailkill on guitar and vocals, Will McSeveney on banjo, and Jed Cordwell on bass.

A Little Saturday Nite Bluegrass Div

Heard this last week on Bluegrass Junction. Appalachian Smoke doing Good at Gone.

Kenneth Rymer - Harmony Vocal/Dobro BJ Taylor - Mandolin Jamie Mason - Lead Vocal/Guitar Mikel Laws - Banjo Tim Williams - Harmony Vocal/Bass

A Little Saturday Nite Bluegrass Div ( Tom Paxton subsection)

I met Tom Paxton in 1967 in Boulder at a record store. One of the nicest performers I've everhad the pleasure of meeting.

He's being given the "Bluegrass Treatment in a new album featuring a host of Bluegrass celebrities.

This is one of my Favorites, Claire Lynch doing I Give You the Morning.

Backing on most of these selections comes from an equally all-star group: guitarist Jones; Steve Martin Prize and frequent IBMA Banjo Player of the Year Kristin Scott Benson; Mountain Home’s Darren Nicholson (mandolin); Sister Sadie founder and 2020 IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year Deanie Richardson; and bassist Nelson Williams (Chris Jones & the Night Drivers, Jake Blount, New Dangerfield). Like harmony singers Travis Book (The Infamous Stringdusters) and Wendy Hickman, they’re always supportive, yet ready to take the spotlight with inspired solos that yield wordless, yet unmistakable interpretations of each song.

A Little Saturday Nite Bluegrass Div (RIP subsection)

Premier fiddler Bobby Hicks has passed away 

Here he is jamming with Michael Cleveland doing Fiddler's Dream.

H/T John Lawless  Bluegrass Today

Thank You for your Service Div (Sorrow Subsection)

This morning, I attended the burial service for a long-time friend's son; killed in a senseless accident while fueling the family car in Castle Rock, Colorado.

I've known his parents for fifty years; flew with, pulled SAC Alert and lost innumerable money at the poker table with his father for over almost four years. We were the "battery" of the 4th Airborne Command Control Squadron's softball team (he pitched, I caught) and I attended his parent's wedding so many years ago.

After hugging his Father, I came home and cried for several hours.

I was then greeted by the words of a major political party's presidential candidate denigrating the significance of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Although my friend's son did not receive this honor, the remarks shame all who have served; especially those who gave their lives in our Nation's service (whether in combat or not).

I cannot say enough about the military service of my fellow citizens. I served. My Father served. My uncles served. My many friends served. And many of those "gave that last full measure."

The next time  you tell a veteran "Thank You for your service," remember (if your remarks are sincere) to mark your ballot accordingly in November.

So long Macho .... fly safe in Valhalla ...... wings level, CAVU.

A Little Saturday Nite Bluegrass Div

Missy Raines and friends doing Bill Monroe's Panhandle Country.

Missy Raines - Bass, Ben Garnett - Guitar, Tristan Scroggins - Mandolin, Ellie Hakanson - Fiddle Eli Gilbert - Banjo, Bronwyn Keith- Hines - Fiddle and Rob Ickes - Resonator Guitar

Goodbye to Puppyhood Div (Happy Birthday, Banjo subsection)

 Back in October, I happened upon Mrs Bear looking at pictures of Corgis on her computer. When I asked what she was doing, she informed me that she wanted to give me a puppy for my upcoming birthday.

I was quite surprised. I had Corgis when I lived in England in the 80s  - -  Blood sisters, twenty months apart that each lived to be 13 and  broke my heart both times. 

So off we went twenty miles south to Diamond K Corgis to see their newest two litters (red/white and tri-color).

This little ball of fluff immediately caught my eye and we took him home a month later. I think his "Yoda" impression had something to do with it.

Since then it's been an adventure and a pleasure (tho frustrating occasionally) to watch him grow, learn and discover all the things a puppy can find. 

On Boxing Day, we had a snowstorm -- his first exposure to the white stuff. It was hilarious watching him try to catch the flakes and dive into the banks of snow. He's acquired the Lakota name of Banjo Nose In the Snow !

As the year has gone by, he's discovered birds, bees, deer, squirrels and best of all, Bunnies. 

He's taken me for at least three "adventures" every day sometimes for a total of 15 or 20 thousand steps. My blood pressure has dropped, my weight and waistline decreased and my mood has brightened. He's sort of like Prozac on a leash.

Today he celebrates his first birthday and leaves puppy status behind (tho I don't think he'll ever stop trying to be one. He's 29 Pounds of lean solid muscle and boundless energy.

                                                             HAPPY BIRTHDAY BANJO.

Geography Div (native American subsection)

Two maps showing the change of Native American Tribal location over 300 years.

A Little Saturday Nite Bluegrass Div

Red Camel Collective doing Roll On Mississippi

Heather Berry Mabe - Lead vocal and Guitar, Tony Mabe - Banjo, Johnathan Dillon - Mandolin 

and Curt Love - Bass

Thank You for your Service Div

 Today, watching a broadcast of the Paris Olympics, I chanced upon  In the Company Of Heroes, produced by the Best Defense Foundation and narrated by Matt Damon...... Interviews with WWII survivors of D-Day and the fighting in Europe to liberate France and the West from the Nazis. As the son of a WW II USMC Southwest Pacific veteran, (UPI Photo circa 1942 I think) it brought tears of pride to my eyes.

Today, when people recognize my former service and thank me, I always say "Thank You" and tell them of the pride and privilege I still feel in having worn my country's uniform for over twenty years and being allowed the opportunity to honorably serve.

Now, after my thanks, I also ask them if they believe that my service, my Father's sacrifice and that of all my fellow veterans, many of whom gave "that last full measure," makes us or them "suckers and losers?" 

Usually, they answer (sometimes reluctantly) in the negative ... and then I remind them that the candidate of a major political party has voiced exactly that sentiment.

I'm not reluctant to say this. I admonish them that, if their "thank you" is sincere they will remember the sacrifice of my fellow veterans and their families when they step into the voting booth this fall and remember that this nominated individual and anyone who has supported and/or endorsed him is not worthy of their vote.

Geography Div Pine subsection)

 ... and we have to have a 55 footer taken down this week !!

Range of the Ponderosa Pine Tree