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Bluegrass Gazette Newsletter Deadline

Attention: The deadline for submissions to the Bluegrass Gazette Newsletter is February 15th, 2012. All stories, news, and advertising must be submitted by this date. The Gazette is published quarterly, and the Spring Issue will be mailed prior to March 1st.

Clatskanie Festival Announcement

The Clatskanie Festival is on, and scheduled for Aug 3,4,5th, 2012. The Clatskanie Festival has a new director to continue the annual festival. Anyone wants more info, contact Mac Wilcox at macwlx@clatskanie.com. The festival was started many years ago by the late Bill Bogan, and has become one of the Northwests best festivals. Visit siskiyoubluegrass.com/

River City 2012

By Sally Burtscher
January 9th, 2012

Hey there, Bluegrass fans, players, the Great Northwest had some sunshine today including smiles and glowing faces on those who attended 2012 River City.

It is nice to poke out of winter for brief moments to see, hear, play and speak with fans, players and friends. Music makes winter bearable! Music of almost any kind can make the rain seem far away!

We made it to River City for an all day Saturday, w/sleep over and caught several shows or bits of shows. Sierra Hull was the highlight for us. She is an amazing mandolin player with a beautiful voice! There were other sets of western swing and country tinged, Texas Sheiks, Rodney Crowell, Jim Lauderdale (we missed his set). Everyone seemed to enjoy all the 'stars'!

Continued on Sally's Page...

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In Passing...

The Bluegrass family sends condolences to John Sigmon of Ridgefield WA. on the death of his Mother and Father in December.

Hayden Hancock died on January 17, 2012 at the age of 90. The long time supporter of bluegrass in the northwest was born in North Carolina. He was honored at Winlock Pick 'n' Grin festival on his 90th Birthday. He never missed any Bluegrass events around South-west Washington.
Due to the weather Handen Hancock's service had to be changed to Jan. 28th at noon. It will be held at the Little Falls Cemetery in Vader WA. followed by a celebration of his life from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Vader Assembly of God Church.

Jam News:

Hood River, OR

The jam at Elliots Glacier Pub in Hood River has been cancelled. The pub has closed.

George, WA

George, WA - First Friday Jam Friday January 6, 2012 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm This event repeats every month on the first Friday until Friday August 3, 2012. Location: George Community Hall, 403 W. Montmorency in George, WA 98824 We jam on the first Friday of each month at 7 p.m., so we call it (oddly enough) the First Friday Jam. We just tell everybody that anyone with an instrument can come and play, anyone with ears can come and listen. We also have a monthly concert series that is called the George Washington CoffeeHouse. We are going year-around in 2012. More info on our website, www.georgecoffeehouse.com INFO: Debby Kooy, georgecomhall@yahoo.com

Olympia, WA

The Acoustic music jam session is in Olympia at Traditions Cafe and World Folk Art, downtown at 300 5th Ave, SW and takes place every third Sunday from 2:00 to 4:30. Contact jameswmiernyk@comcast.net, Jim Miernyk 360/943-4406. Visit www.traditionsfairtrade.com

Orting Jam starting up...
I am starting the jam at: Orting Old soldiers home on the fourth Saturday for Oct, Nov, Jan, Mar, April, and May. Time will be 12:30 pm until 5:30 pm if folks want to stay that long. Contact Bill Addison at: 253 617 3753.
Puyallup Area Second Saturday Jam.
The second Saturday jam will take place at Summit United Methodist Church located at 5316 104th St E Tacoma WA 98446. There is NO jam in December. The next jams will be January 14th, February 11th, March 10th, and April 14th. It's on the corner of 104th and Canyon Rd. 1-5pm. Contact Neil Massey 253-686-5912 for more info.
New Jam: Cle Elum, WA
Where: Swauk-Teanaway Grange, 1361 Ballard Hill Rd., Cle Elum, WA
When: 3rd Sunday of the month, (September -May) 2-4 pm.
Directions: From SR 970, turn north onto Teanaway Road near Milepost 7. Turn east (right) onto Ballard Hill Road. Turn left at the Grange Hall driveway (sign at entrance).
Contact: Gary 509-312-9185
"Open to the public." Traditional American Bluegrass music played with acoustic instruments. This jam is open to all ages and abilities.
New Jam: Gig Harbor, WA
Bluegrass Jam :
When: 1st Saturday of every month, October through May 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Where: Gig Harbor Library, Meeting Room 1
Contact: Fred Strickland at (253) 606-4868 or email at freds@nwlink.com All levels welcome.

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