Fracker - Posted - 02/12/2024:  11:32:10

Is anyone attending the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association Winter Jam the weekend of March 1st? I am new to banjo, but I've played Bluegrass guitar and been a member of the MBOTMA for many years. I got bit by the banjo bug a month or so ago and I'm really looking forward to trying my hand at bluegrass jamming on it. I would like the opportunity to meet some experienced banjo players. I think that I got a lot to learn from them.

Prairiedogdance - Posted - 02/12/2024:  11:41:30

I’m thinking about it, but I’m new to it all, so I won’t be much help in your quest, chuckle.

fotoguzzi - Posted - 02/12/2024:  19:18:39

What is the cost? Are there banjos for sale there?

Prairiedogdance - Posted - 02/12/2024:  19:25:45

quote:

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Originally posted by fotoguzzi

What is the cost? Are there banjos for sale there?

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Here is the link: minnesotabluegrass.org/Winter-...s-Weekend

one flyer I saw implied there may be banjos, but I'm not sure.  Waving from up the road, btw.    

fotoguzzi - Posted - 02/12/2024:  19:32:04

I saw that already but don’t see anything about cost or buying tickets? Unless the grass seed academy is it, I’m not interested in a class but would like to browse a swap meet or something like that.

Prairiedogdance - Posted - 02/12/2024:  20:05:13

quote:

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Originally posted by fotoguzzi

I saw that already but don’t see anything about cost or buying tickets? Unless the grass seed academy is it, I’m not interested in a class but would like to browse a swap meet or something like that.

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You have to click on the links on the left, first link is the tix info.

Fracker - Posted - 02/12/2024:  20:42:45

quote:

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Originally posted by fotoguzzi

What is the cost? Are there banjos for sale there?

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It is hit and miss what they have for sale. It is hard to say if there are going to be banjos for sale. It is more about playing bluegrass and old time music than it is about buying things. They don't usually have a lot of vendors. 

fotoguzzi - Posted - 02/13/2024:  04:12:45

Thanks for the link, guess I had my blinders on.

Prairiedogdance - Posted - 02/13/2024:  04:36:39

I've also heard they are moving beyond the original traditional music focus?  I haven't been to one of these gatherings in years, but friends who have noticed that the "old time" bit seems to be losing ground to folks jamming on any song they feel like.  

The headliner this year is a country singer with some buzz because he did a cover of a Huey Lewis and the News song.  Nothing wrong with crossovers like that, after all Beyoncé is working with banjos right now.

It's just in this venue, I was looking forward to a dedicated opportunity to hear and learn the old songs and tunes that don't get the air they deserve.  

I'm sure they are staying relevant with the next generation, but I'm worried if that isn't a slippery double-edged sword for the mission. Especially if "old-time" is broadened to include products of the modern commercial music industry that ironically killed off the music the organization was created to preserve in the first place.  

To be frank, I probably just want to preserve the illusion I'm too young for "old time" to include movie themes from my college years.  chuckle.  

Obviously, it's just my own quibble to get over. When it comes to any traditional knowledge I have a vested interest in preservation. I'm sure folks have a great time, with fabulous players, and the whole group works hard to put on these opportunities. So don't judge by me and my stick in the ancient mud attitude.

Here, I'll throw in a, "hey, get off my lawn?"  

I'm still thinking about going, so happy to hear replies that reassure Pretty Polly is still being murdered with enthusiasm.  

johnbodle - Posted - 02/13/2024:  05:28:24

quote:

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Originally posted by Fracker

Is anyone attending the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association Winter Jam the weekend of March 1st? I am new to banjo, but I've played Bluegrass guitar and been a member of the MBOTMA for many years. I got bit by the banjo bug a month or so ago and I'm really looking forward to trying my hand at bluegrass jamming on it. I would like the opportunity to meet some experienced banjo players. I think that I got a lot to learn from them.

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Good Morning Fracker! I will be attending this festival. I would enjoy meeting you. I am not easy to miss as I'm 6'5" and play banjo-Probably the only one of that size that will be there!! Seriously though, Please contact me through messaging here and I'll give you my contact info. Woe betide you on your choice to play banjo... It's a slippery slope... :) !!!!! Again, I'm Looking forward to meeting you! John

Fracker - Posted - 02/13/2024:  06:47:40

quote:

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Originally posted by johnbodle

quote:

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Originally posted by Fracker

Is anyone attending the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association Winter Jam the weekend of March 1st? I am new to banjo, but I've played Bluegrass guitar and been a member of the MBOTMA for many years. I got bit by the banjo bug a month or so ago and I'm really looking forward to trying my hand at bluegrass jamming on it. I would like the opportunity to meet some experienced banjo players. I think that I got a lot to learn from them.

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Good Morning Fracker! I will be attending this festival. I would enjoy meeting you. I am not easy to miss as I'm 6'5" and play banjo-Probably the only one of that size that will be there!! Seriously though, Please contact me through messaging here and I'll give you my contact info. Woe betide you on your choice to play banjo... It's a slippery slope... :) !!!!! Again, I'm Looking forward to meeting you! John

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I sent you a PM. I'm looking forward to meeting you as well. I am driving up from Ames on Friday and plan on getting there before 4:00. See you there.

Edited by - Fracker on 02/13/2024 06:53:14

Fracker - Posted - 02/13/2024:  07:30:35

quote:

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Originally posted by Prairiedogdance

I've also heard they are moving beyond the original traditional music focus?  I haven't been to one of these gatherings in years, but friends who have noticed that the "old time" bit seems to be losing ground to folks jamming on any song they feel like.  

The headliner this year is a country singer with some buzz because he did a cover of a Huey Lewis and the News song.  Nothing wrong with crossovers like that, after all Beyoncé is working with banjos right now.

It's just in this venue, I was looking forward to a dedicated opportunity to hear and learn the old songs and tunes that don't get the air they deserve.  

I'm sure they are staying relevant with the next generation, but I'm worried if that isn't a slippery double-edged sword for the mission. Especially if "old-time" is broadened to include products of the modern commercial music industry that ironically killed off the music the organization was created to preserve in the first place.  

To be frank, I probably just want to preserve the illusion I'm too young for "old time" to include movie themes from my college years.  chuckle.  

Obviously, it's just my own quibble to get over. When it comes to any traditional knowledge I have a vested interest in preservation. I'm sure folks have a great time, with fabulous players, and the whole group works hard to put on these opportunities. So don't judge by me and my stick in the ancient mud attitude.

Here, I'll throw in a, "hey, get off my lawn?"  

I'm still thinking about going, so happy to hear replies that reassure Pretty Polly is still being murdered with enthusiasm.  

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As far as bluegrass is concerned, I'm not a traditionalist and I'm happy to let it evolve. And that is right, you do see that trend at MBOTMA. You also hear it on Bluegrass Junction, lots of seventies and eighties songs getting grassed up. But I agree with you with the Old Time music. Old time is those old front porch songs that have tradition. I have not explored the Old Time Music at MBOTMA, but I haven't seen or heard it being diluted like the bluegrass. They are usually off in their own world doing their own thing. The two aren't melding into one.

Edited by - Fracker on 02/13/2024 07:32:37

Prairiedogdance - Posted - 02/13/2024:  07:38:41

quote:

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Originally posted by Fracker

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As far as bluegrass is concerned, I'm not a traditionalist and I'm happy to let it evolve. And that is right, you do see that trend at MBOTMA. You also hear it on Bluegrass Junction, lots of seventies and eighties songs getting grassed up. But I agree with you with the Old Time music. Old time is those old front porch songs that have tradition. I have not explored the Old Time Music at MBOTMA, but I haven't seen or heard it being diluted like the bluegrass. They are usually off in their own world doing their own thing. The two aren't melding into one.

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hey, thanks that is helpful to hear, I appreciate the input.