Wintergrass 2010

Thursday, February 25th - James King and Grassfyre

James King Band - “James King is an emotional and gifted singer, perhaps the most impressive lead vocalist to emerge in traditional bluegrass so far this decade.” – Bluegrass Unlimited “James King is the rock of real, pure bluegrass today. I've felt the earth shake at festivals from his powerful voice, and he pushes himself to the limit whenever he’s up on stage. Sometimes I’m worried he’ll collapse just from giving it his all. He’s as bluesy and lonesome as it gets...” – Reid Burgess, King Wilkie “James King conveys pure expression with his voice, whether it be the blues, joy, or praise. James King gets the message across like no other, and is truly a bluegrass storyteller.” – KC Groves, from the all-women American old-time music group “Uncle Earl “.

Website: www.thejameskingband.com

The genesis of GrassFyre is within the Queens Bush Bluegrass Club. The members are veterans of the bluegrass scene in Bruce and Grey Counties. The band consists of Mike Matejcic (Guitar/vocals), Bernie Melosh (Guitar/vocals), Bernie Range (Mandolin/vocals), Gord Chapman (Upright Bass / vocals), and Barry Steffler (Banjo). Strong vocals and solid musicianship are a mark of the band. GrassFyre plays a variety of traditional and contemporary bluegrass music, and blends songs from folk, country and occasionally pop/rock into their repertoire. Sure to get your hands clapping and toes tapping, GrassFyre is “bluegrass with class.”

Website: www.queensbush.ca/bands/grassfyre.htm

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Thursday, March 25th - Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road and Bluegrass Edition

Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road - Lorraine grew up around bluegrass music on the coast of North Carolina . She has performed bluegrass music for over twenty years and formed Carolina Road in 1998. She continues to be the driving force behind Carolina Road's popularity and longevity. Lorraine is a consummate performer, songwriter, emcee and show organizer. Lorraine plays a Monroe style mandolin and is known for her hard driving mandolin chop. She has been a finalist in the IBMA song-writing showcase and was the first runner-up in the prestigious national song-writing contest at Merlefest. Lorraine, was responsible for the formation of the Daughters of Bluegrass, whose project won the IBMA recorded event in 2006.

Website: www.carolinaroadband.com

Bluegrass Edition is from the Owen Sound area and consists of Dan Campbell on banjo and tenor vocals, Mike Matejcic on harmonica and bass vocals, Pete Harrison on upright bass, Gary Whitehead on guitar, lead and baritone vocals, and Doug Van Den Kieboom on dobro, lead and baritone vocals. They received the Most Promising Group award at the 2008 Central Canadian Bluegrass awards. They recently released their first album called "Diamond". The band also performed a song on the award winning compilation album “North to Ontario” and also on “North to Ontario 2008”. They were nominated in five different categories at the 2009 Central Canadian Bluegrass awards, including guitar, dobro, banjo, album, and instrumental group.

Website: www.queensbush.ca/bands/bluegrassedition.htm

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Thursday, April 22nd - Monroe Crossing and The Black Family

Monroe Crossing - Named in honor of Bill Monroe, "The Father of Bluegrass," Monroe Crossing plays an upbeat blend of classic and traditional bluegrass, bluegrass gospel and heartfelt originals. The group plays an average of 125 shows a year at major venues & festivals across the country. Always a crowd pleaser, Monroe Crossing is known for its dynamic stage show and for the warmth it shares on and off stage--interacting with one another and the audience, and always honoring requests after intermission. The only bluegrass band EVER nominated as "Artist of the Year" (2004) by the Minnesota Music Academy, Monroe Crossing won the MMA's "Bluegrass Album of the Year" award in 2003. The group also took home awards for Best Female Vocalist, Guitar, Mandolin and Banjo at the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association's 25th Anniversary Awards Banquet. They were an International Bluegrass Music Association Showcase Band at the 2007 World of Bluegrass Convention in Nashville, and were inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame on November 2, 2007.

Website: www.monroecrossing.com

The Black Family - If you want your toes to tap, your hands to clap and exuberant music to fill your heart, you must hear the Black Family from Markdale. Eight of the ten young people play at least two instruments and all ten perform to the complete delight of their audiences. Their music is rollicking “old time fiddle music” according to the oldest. They play Celtic jigs, Irish melodies, East coast shanties and down home music. All is played with such skill, joy and enthusiasm you can’t help but be charmed and entertained! Last year they performed 35 times including a tour out to Cape Breton. The largest crowd they’ve performed for so far is upwards of 3500 at Gullyfest in 2008!

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