The Grascals delivered the goods with a driving force every bluegrass fan has come to expect and appreciate.  Especially impressive was the synchronization of mandolin, fiddle and banjo on Rollin In My Sweet Baby’s Arms and Terry Smith’s bass work on Can’t You Hear That Whistle Blow, an old favorite from the Osborne Brothers.

The Grascals span the bluegrass spectrum of old and contemporary with ease and virtuosity.  They have won more awards individually and collectively than Carter has “Liver Pills”, and they performed as if they were going for a few more!  Right Earl?

At the end of the Grascals’ first set, JT took to the microphone to make a few remarks, but the house lights just wouldn’t come up.  We all got real worried that if JT ran out of things to say, he might start “Buck Dancing”.  Mercifully, his boys figured it out, got the lights back up, and we were spared.

JT with Dry Branch Fire Squad

JT Shealy’s Bluegrass Concerts in Titusville, Florida recently presented, for the third time in as many years, the Dry Branch Fire Squad.  Well known as one of Bluegrass’s Most Recognized and Engaging Touring Bands, they treated Brevard County Bluegrass Fans to an evening’s musical entertainment that just got better and better.  Central Florida Bluegrass fans who missed them will want to keep a sharp eye on the JT’s Bluegrass Website for the return of this truly great bluegrass band.  

According to Central Florida’s Premier Bluegrass Promoter, JT Shealy,

“Man you never know what to expect when you get Ron Thomason behind a microphone!  He can spin some yarn, but over dinner he confided in me, most of the stories he relates are real life.  Even the story about the time his grandmother, who parked her new electric stove on the front porch because nobody would know she had one if it was hidden inside her house.  All true!  He truly is a great ambassador for American folklore and old time acoustic and primitive music.  He has become so popular with our crowd that the 150 seats sold out 4 days before the concert, his third visit to T-ville.”

Don’t miss them next year.

The word is getting out about the JT’s Bluegrass Shows on Florida’s Space Coast.  Reserve your seats early so you don’t have to sit in the back with the goats and chickens.

J.T.

The Spinney Brothers are some of the most unpretentious guys I’ve had the pleasure of being around, they were simply homespun, yet their signature tight family harmonies (the DNA factor), outstanding musicianship, and interaction with the crowd were 5 stars.

The mix of songs was especially moving from Foggy Mountain Breakdown to The Auctioneer’s Song and honoring their Mom with a couple of songs she wrote for the boys.   They closed out the show with some superb yodeling, it was a climatic ending to a great evening.

A comment echoed by several attendees was “The Best Show Yet”.   I AGREE and they WILL be back.

Thanks, J.T.

The Joe Mullins and Radio Ramblers concert in Titusville on Saturday January 28, 2012 was a real “barn burner”!  There wasn’t an empty seat in the house.

Joe’s 2011 award as SPBGMA’s Broadcaster of the Year was very obvious in his wonderful presentation of each song during the concert.  He really has a handle on Bluegrass music, and everyone there got a history lesson.

Being a broadcaster for 25 years and having the legendary “Moon” Mullins as his Daddy, and having personally played banjo for Bill Monroe, gives Joe an amazing perspective.  Their Osborne Brothers medley and their arrangement of Rock of Ages was awesome!  Can’t wait to have them back.

J.T.