Fiddlin' Dixie with Friends

Coopers Glen 2012 is creepin' up fast.  Fiddlin' Dixie will be there at the childrens activities.  We'll make shoebox guitars, see what size fiddle fits you, and even have an instrument scavenger hunt!  Should be a blast.  Hope to see you there on February 11 from noon to 2 p.m. . .for more info and the rest of the Coopers Glen activities be sure to check out the link. . .http://www.coopersglen.com/ ;

We did it!  My first CD is complete and I can take orders now.  For every CD I sell their will be a donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.  I'm hoping this little project will make a difference for others so I hope it sells!  Thank you so much Bruce Shockley of Smooth Melon Productions for making this such a successful project!

Touch of Love From the Heart of Dixie CD. $15.00 -Proceeds will go to the National MS Society. Please email me at fiddlin.dixie@yahoo.com to place your order.

It's been two months since our big move and I've tapped into some incredible areas for jams and music.  In the Toledo, Ohio area I've found several wonderful jams and met many more incredible musicians.  Thursdays have become Fiddlin' Thursdays at the VFW Jam on Alexis Road at 7 p.m.  This is known as the longest running jam in the Toledo, Ohio area.  I also enjoyed going to the Maumee, Ohio Elks Jam at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month.  If you love country music, there is a pickers Jam every last Sunday of the Month from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Roadhouse in Grand Rapids, Ohio.  That's just a few of the many jams you can check out in the Toledo, Ohio area.

I also was blessed with an amazing music experience in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  I decided to take a ride up there last Friday and check out the "Black Crystal Cafe" and their songwriter night.  It was absolutely incredible.  GW and his wife hosted a wonderful evening of music.  I got to see some of the most amazing songwriters perform their own original music.  We even rated the songs (which was a really hard job--I enjoyed all of them). 

I'm sure there are many more wonderful places to find in the Toledo and Ann Arbor areas. . .I'll be sure to give everyone the latest so you can check these music hot spots out when you're in the area.

Have a great one! --Fiddlin' Dixie

I'm so excited to share this tune with everyone.  I wrote this one a couple years ago at the Kendallville TriState Bluegrass Music Festival for a good musician pal, Bud Prince.  AKA Washboard Bud; but I like to call him Mr. Washboard Man.  Washboard players are becoming rare and I think we need to change that.  It's an art that shouldn't be lost.  Bud makes the coolest sounds with such a simple instrument and if you listen closely you can hear the different sounds.  He gives lessons, too.  I might have to learn some washboardin' and have him teach the girls, too.  You can see Washboard Bud's Website in the Links.  You can also see him recording Mr. Washboard Man with Bruce Shockley of Smooth Melon Productions in the Photo Gallery under Fiddlin' Memoires.  Thank you so much Bruce for your production talents putting this project together and also thanks to Mr. Washboard Man or traveling up to Michigan to lay down the washboardin' sound track.  Awesome!!  This songs about the good and bad times of being a washboard man.  Here's the link to Mr. Washboard Man. . .

http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_5084406 ;

Hi Fiddle Fans. . .just wanted to let you know that I just posted some photos of the Grampa Jam in the Photo Gallery.  We've been doing this for about 7 years now and its a great time.  Grandpa Ron Andres picks his guitar and sings old country like Ernie Tubb, Johnny Cash, and Hank Williams Sr.  Mommy Fiddlin' Dixie fiddles around with the music and even sings some harmony.  We also do 'Froggy' and other children songs.  It's a great time and the grandkids tolerate us for the entire day.

Also, Fiddlin' Dixie has a new song up called "Workin' Hands" which was inspired by the Grampa Jam. 

You can listen to it at:

http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/song_details/4657493?play_now=true

This is a wonderful time of year for fiddlin and meeting up with fellow musicians.  Hope everyone is have a wonderful summer full of fun.  There are tons of music festivals to check out all over.  So many, in fact, that we have to pick which ones we'll go to this year.  Look in the links for some festivals or in the forums for a listing of ones going on in July.  Enjoy your summer!

The 1st Annual Great Bear Music Festival at the Van Buren Youth Camp in Bloomingdale, Michigan, had a great crowd.  The weather brightened up and there was plenty to do for every age group.  The festival included a full schedule of main stage events, workshops, demonstrations, kids-fun things to do, kids nature activities, and even a tour of the camp.  The day was packed with lots of things to choose from and the meal menu at the lodge was awesome.  You can see photos of some of the events in the Photo Gallery.  Check it out for next year!

http://greatbearmusicfest.org/

This memorial weekend at Kendallville launched off fiddle season with great success.  The weather was perfect and there were lots of musicians to jam with all over the fairgrounds.  Some photos of Kendallville 2010 are posted in the Photo Gallery.  I was truly spoiled all weekend with great times and great fellow musicians. 

If you need a band for wedding music and enjoy downhome bluegrass, this is a great band to consider.  They did a beautiful job at our cousin's wedding.  Absolutely gorgeous fiddle and sweet harmony voices.  You can check out Luke Lenhart on MySpace.  Congrats Nick & Katy on tying the knot

Now I've had some interesting experiences fiddlin' in some unique places but this was a 1st for me.  I had the opportunity to fiddle on a hayride!  I was a solo fiddler cuz the other two available Ramblers wouldn't join me.  Ahem.  Anyway, thanks for that awesome idea, Brenda.  That was a very cool experience.  Nothin' like "Amerillo by Mornin" with  beautiful scenic woods and fields in the background.  One of the horseback riders were followin' us out and told me not to stop cuz the horse even like it.  Ha ha.  Great Job this year on the Special Olympics Horse-A-Thon, Mike and Brenda McKinley.  It was the biggest I've ever seen it.  You guys really helped out the kiddos this year!