Stringband News August 2010
Well, a lot has been happening this past month so I’ll give you a quick round up to bring you up to speed and then let you know what’s coming up on the Stringband agenda.
Malc with the lovely Casey Henry and Rachel Renee Johnson from The Dixie Beeliners
Dan’s hand is healing nicely after he broke his hand and we’ve been able to play gigs again which is great. He has now earned the nickname of Dan “nine knuckles” Edwards.
Last weekend we played a gig up in Reading supporting the fantastic Dixie Beeliners and the renowned Bluegrass band, The Coal Porters. Malc interviewed the banjo player of The Dixie Beeliners, Casey Henry for his new banjo repairs website (he bribed her with beer) and you’ll be able to read the interview there in the not too distant future! It was a really fun night and we were joined by bassist Nik Funke who kindly stepped in to help us out and did an awesome job, stealing the show with his solo singing part in “Cocaine blues”. Nik can usually be seen playing with the lovely Danni Nichols down at the Foundry every Sunday night.
The Coal Porters Closed The Show In Reading
Speaking of which, Dan, Malc and I will be playing with Nik again at the Foundry tomorrow night (Sunday 22nd) which is always great fun and it would be lovely to see you there.
At Reading we also were introduced to the lovely Lynne Butler, who hosts a great bluegrass radio show Butler’s Boudoir Bluegrass and she’s super passionate about spreading the word of the UK Bluegrass scene. Lynne will be playing and broadcasting at the Didmarton festival so we’re looking forward to bumping into her again!
Last Thursday we were at The Great Eastern, where my amp decided to die last minute. Malc disappeared over the road to The George and the lady there was kind enough to lend us a teeny tiny amp that really helped us out!
So, what’s next? Well we’re going to be playing at The Didmarton Bluegrass Festival on Friday the 3rd of September, which we’re really looking forward to, and then we’re at the Horse and Groom on the 10th. I’ve updated the gigs list so check that out and do come along, see us and say hello!
Hope to see you soon. 
[...] a picture of the two of us, along with Rachel Renee Johnson, the fiddler for the Dixie Bee-Liners. Take a look at it here. Not a bad shot, if I do say so myself. And I [...]
Howdy Folks at Stringband News and thanks for posting the photo with Casey Henry in it. She’s my banjo teacher, via custom DVD lessons that is, and the best teacher in the business. I’ll see if I can find The Coal Porters on YouTube.
Of all their “YouTube” video clips, I say The Coal Porters’ “Mr. Guthrie” is the best. Whewww, what a wild group they are. But they’re good.
I just checked out your Amy Harrison and the Secondhand Stringband video clips on You Tube and then your recordings, Dark Hollow, Wagaon Wheel, etc. on My Space. You folks work hard and have been playing for a long time together to reach the level you’re at and that’s for sure. Way to go! Lots of great banjo pickin’ by Malc too in all of your music.
Hi Steve! Thanks for your comments, and glad you enjoyed our music. We have a blast playing together but it’s great to hear that people like it.
Hopefully we’ll get better as well – fingers crossed.