Mountaingrass 2022 will take place on the 18th,19,20th of November in Beechworth after 2 years of cancellations, disappointments, and pandemic-related frustration.
Yes friends, it’s pickin time in beautiful Beechworth. Over the next few weeks, we will be announcing a cavalcade of some of the finest Bluegrass, Old-timey and progressive acoustic acts in the country.
Hello everyone
It is with very heavy hearts that we must announce that we cannot go ahead with Mountaingrass again this year.
To run a successful festival, we rely on our wonderful performers, volunteers, sound crew, staff at the George Kerferd Hotel and dedicated patrons throughout Australasia. With COVID-19 case numbers rising, along with lockdowns and the travel restrictions impacting all of us, we cannot confidently go ahead with our plans. We must consider the health and safety of everyone involved in the festival and, unfortunately, there are just too many risks we cannot control.
We are incredibly sad about this, and we will miss you all very much. We know that you were looking forward to getting together at Beechworth this year, especially as we had to cancel last year too.
There are many of you who will have booked accommodation in and around Beechworth for the festival and you may now have to review your plans.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone associated with the festival for your ongoing support and encouragement.
We will continue to provide regular newsletters to you and will work towards a successful Mountaingrass on 18, 19 & 20 November 2022. Contracted performers for this year will receive separate notification from us.
Keep safe everyone.
The Mountaingrass 2021 Committee
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Our program for Mountaingrass is coming together. Here are some more acts who will be performing in 2021:
Bluestone Junction
Brand-new Bluegrass … the old-fashioned way!
Bluestone Junction’s sound is traditional bluegrass, but their repertoire includes contemporary original compositions, tunes by modern bluegrass ‘traditionalists’ such as the Johnson Mountain Boys, and of course classic material from bluegrass pioneers such as Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, Lester Flatt, the Stanley Brothers and more.
Video:
Southern Flavour at the National Folk Festival 2009
Facebook
Crow Mountain
Hailing from the Blue Mountains of NSW, Megan Legg (mandolin, guitar and vocals) and Ben Thomas (banjo, guitar and vocals) blend old-time and bluegrass with honey-dipped harmonies. Their original songs are rich in the sound and story-telling of traditional country music – of growing up in isolation; jumping freight trains to get where you need to be; of getting out of town and returning beaten, with the past at your heals. Megan and Ben are joined by John Lee on fiddle and Paul Abrahams on bass.
Video:
The Higher We Go
Website
Backwater
Melbourne’s most traditional bluegrass band with a solid pedigree. Backwater plays the early traditional Bluegrass tunes made famous by Bill Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs, Jimmy Martin and the Stanley brothers with a smattering of Carter Family.
Videos
Can’t you hear me calling
Just as soon as I get over you
Facebook
The Willing Ponies
The Willing Ponies in the chapel at the George Kerferd Hotel.
The Willing Ponies are a country and bluegrass / folk band from Sydney who play original songs of relatable life that are distinctly Australian in perspective. They combine acoustic bluegrass instruments with a fusion of diverse musical influences, including: Gram Parsons, Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Union Station, Bela Fleck and many others. The Willing Ponies. They are: Ricky Pannovitz, Paul Abrahams, Nigel Lever, Ben Thomas, Wen Tjen Lim and Quentin Fraser.
Videos
Live at the George Hotel, Waterloo compile
Live at the Dorrigo Bluegrass and Folk festival
Workshops at Mountaingrass 2021.
Our workshops have proven to be very popular over the years so this year we hope to offer a few more. In addition to tuition on fiddle, banjo, guitar and mandolin we will be offering a song writing workshop and another designed to help you promote your act to radio stations.
Upcoming events:
Melbourne and Victoria:
Mountain Pickers Association last Tuesday of the month: Next on is Jul 27th at Ferntree Gully Bowls Club, 2a Glenfern Rd, Ferntree Gully with Dave Diprose & Hillbilly Radio. Ph 97535888 for bookings.
Phillip Island, Vic
2021 Phillip Island Jam Camp 24th – 26th July, 2021 – CANCELLED
Beechworth, Vic
Kelly Country Pick Bluegrass and Old-Timey music festival.
August 20-2, 2021. Old Priory, Beechworth.
The music camp will be held again this year from 17th-19th of August with camp tutors Andrew Clermont, Josh Bennett and Craig Woodward. Email Peter at admin@kellycountrypick.org if you interested in attending the music camp.
Melbourne: Jells Park, Wheeler’s Hill. Session every 2nd Saturday of the month at 12pm. Acoustic jams for fun. The Guide to Traditional Jamming available on the Jammalong in Melbourne facebook page is a great resource.
Sale: Wellington Bluegrass Jammers
Meet monthly and welcome audience members. Currently taking a break. Go to their facebook page for details.
Chewton: Old time jam 6-8pm last Friday of the month at the Red Hill Hotel.
Annandale:
Sydney Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Get-together. Annandale Community Centre, 79 Johnston St, Annandale, NSW. First Saturday of the month.St Peters. Pick in the Pub Old Time jam: Town & Country Hotel, 2 Unwin Bridge Rd: Every second Sunday of the month 12-7pm.
Katoomba. Oldtimey music Jam Thursdays at Plantbased Wholefoods cafe/restaurant, 97 Katoomba St, Katoomba. From 630pm.
The BTCMSA’s Sydney Bluegrass & Old Time music facebook site is a great site for details of picks jams, and events in Sydney and surrounds.
Before we go, we’d like to give a big shout-out to Greg McGrath at the Australian Bluegrass Blog who tirelessly delivers news about Australian and US bluegrass, old-time and country music and events directly to your inbox. Check it out!
ABOTMA Executive committee for 2021
President: Helen Ludellen, Vice President: Dave Diprose, Secretary: Susan Boothroyd, Treasurer: Karita Brokenshire.
Many thanks to our sponsors and supporters:
The George Kerferd Hotel; The Mayday Hills Art Society; Wangaratta Sound and Lighting and the Mayday Escape Rooms; Alexander Bell Studios; Evan Webb, John Boothroyd, George Fendyk; Cole Clark Guitars for supporting our raffle; Jan Dale and the Southern Style program on PBS 106.7FM in Melbourne; Grundy banjos; Gerald Pink picks; Chip Bragg leather straps; Madam PC and Comedy Hypnotist Gerard V for technical services; and the Australian Bluegrass (dot) com for the best bluegrass blog in Australia!
Contact us at:
Email: info@abotma.org.au
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At Kiwigrass in 2019. Photo by Ian Fisk.
BGP are also fabulous gospel singers. Here they are with a beautiful arrangement of Rock My Soul.
Living in WA BGP have been lucky enough to get the odd gig during these Covid times. Here are a couple of songs from a recent gig: Lonesome River – January 2021 , Gone Gone song – January 2021
And, for more info go to www.facebook.com/bluegrass.
Corn Nut Creek
We are very pleased to have Tanya and Danielle on the bill this year with their beautiful old time banjo, fabulous fiddling and soaring vocals!
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✭Listening Through the Lens review of Mountaingrass 2019✭
Reviewed by Kimberley Wheeler
https://listeningthroughthelens.com/2019/12/16/mountaingrass-festival-2019/
✭A huge thank you to all the people who proudly brought you Mountaingrass in 2019✭
ABOTMA Executive committee
Evan Webb, Linda Maxwell, Susan Boothroyd and Helen Ludellen
Mountaingrass Festival Organiser
Evan Webb
Major Sponsors
Cole Clark Guitars – Miles Jackson
Alexander Bell Sound Studios
Other Sponsors and supporters
Gerald Pink picks, Chip Bragg, Madam PC, Big Tree T Shirts;
Australian Bluegrass.com; Comedy Hypnotist Gerard V; PBS-FM.
Raffle Prize Donors
Cole Clark guitars for the guitar for 1st prize, and Chip Bragg for the hand-made guitar the guitar; John Boothroyd for the pack of CDs; Evan Webb for Rocket U87 Condenser Microphone; Jenine Arbarbanel and the team at Kiwigrass for the double pass to next year’s Kiwigrass festival; and Gerald Pink for the banjo picks and home-made beef jerky.
Programming and program schedule
Mark Pottenger, Evan Webb
Print program layout
Mick O’Neill
Performers
Midnight Skyracer (UK); South Carolina Broadcasters (USA); Mike & Ruthy (USA); Sonoran Dogs (USA); Jenny Lester (Canada); Seventh State (NZ); Whoa Mule (NSW); Willing Ponies (NSW); Nine Mile Creek (VIC); Strzelecki Stringbusters (VIC); The Stetson Family (VIC); The Cherry Pickers (SA); Jammalong (ACT); Slim Dime (VIC); Greater Glider Stringband; New Holland Honeyeaters (TAS); Crooked Road (SA); Crow Mountain (NSW); The Lyrebirds (NSW); The 3 Jimmies (NSW); The Burning Bridges (VIC); The Kissing Cousins (VIC); Bluegrass – Made in Taiwan; Jose & the Amigos (VIC); John Boothroyd (VIC);
Workshop Presenters
Nigel Lever: Bluegrass Mandolin – Beginner
Jackson Cunningham: Old Time Mandolin – Intermediate
Peter Somerville: Old Time Banjo – Beginner
Tony O’Rourke: Bluegrass Guitar – Beginner
Miriam & Naomi Jones: Old Time Fiddle – Beginner
Evan Webb: Ragtime & Blues Mandolin
Charlotte Carrivick: Bluegrass Guitar – Intermediate
Isabel Grundy/Bec Humphreys: Twin Fiddle in Bluegrass
David Sheppard: Old Time Guitar
Laura Carrivick: Dobro
New Holland Honeyeaters: Shape-Note Singing
Jenny Lester: Vocal Harmony
Ian Alexander: The Banjo of Wade Ward
Ruth Ungar: Old Time Fiddle – Intermediate
Mike Merenda: Travis-picking Style for Guitar
Eleanor Wilkie: Double Bass
John Boothroyd: Two-finger Banjo Style
Tabitha Agnew: Bluegrass Banjo – Intermediate
Mark Miracle: Bluegrass Mandolin – Intermediate
Pete Denahy: Bluegrass Fiddle – Intermediate
Ivy Sheppard: Old Time Banjo – Intermediate
Dick Brown: Bluegrass Banjo – Beginner
Willing Ponies: Bluegrass Ensemble Playing
Sunday morning Gospel Concert co-ordinator and MC
Mike Kear
Walk-up Stage Manager
Jacinta Connery
Acoustic Concert Manager
Tony O’Rourke
Jammalong – Jamming for Beginners
Jammalong ACT – Dianne and Michael Porter
Sound crew:
Harold Whittaker Room: Mark Woods
Bijou Theatre: Bruce Packard
MHAS Concert room: Keith and Carla Rea
Arbor Bar & Restaurant: Andrew Clermont
Video: Ricky Pannowitz
Photographer: Ian Fisk
Volunteer Co-ordinator
Michael Whelan
Volunteers:
Matt Nagle, Anne-Maria Plevier, Ross McInnes, Patricia Glazier, Sue Webb, Roy Webb, Sigrid Christiansen, Ray Lakeman, Keith Lugton, Linda Harrison, Max Amos, Judy Roesbery, Laurie and Linda Grundy, Lindsay Clapperton, Jenine Arbarbanel, Stephen Mills, Marilyn Chipperfield, Jim Chipperfield, Deborah Peter, Stephen Peter, Vanessa Roche, Philip Flanagan, Debbie Griffiths, Patrick Griffiths, Geoff Wright, Judy Wright, Irma Lachmund, Lee Goodall, Beth Perry, Andrew Ryan, Ingrid Jenkin, Loretta Waters, Andy Paterson, Rud Nielsen, Gurli Nielsen, Anne Baker, Marion Kaiser, Julie Cain, David Williams, Leonard Cohen, Peter Jackson, Michael Whelan, Mary Whelan.
Registration Desk and Merchandise
Karita Brokenshire, Michelle Wilton
Luthiers and stall holders
Laurie Grundy, Ray Black, Joe Gallagher, Chip Bragg, Alan Funk
George Kerferd Staff
Chris Nuck and the rest of the staff.
Mayday Hills Art Society
Christine Cansfield-Smith and Wendy Stephens.
From the local community
George Fendyk, Geoff Brown from Asylum Ghost Tours, and Chris and Tim from Wangaratta Sound and Lighting and the Mayday Escape Rooms.
Publicity
Jen Land: graphic design and assistance with the website.
PBS 106.7 – Jan Dale – Southern Style
Linda Maxwell – newspaper and radio
If we have missed mentioning you on this list, please accept our humble apologies. But, do drop us a line at info@abotma.org.au and let us know so that we can acknowledge you.
Thanks everyone!
photo of Midnight Skyracer thanks to Steve Errol
✭Winner of the ABOTMA Young Performer Grant (2019): Amy Ryan✭
Amy attended Mountaingrass 2018 with her father Andrew, following up on her musical experience at the Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival, where she hung out and played songs with Rhodeworks (last years recipients of the grant).
Here are a few of the musical milestones achieved by Amy in the past year.
December 2018 – performed at “Bluegrass Sunday” – an event held the family property in Chambers Flat, QLD, along side The Sonoran Dogs, The Nahuysen Brothers Band and Russ and Glen Carson.
December 2018 – The Australian Bluegrass Conference, Amy was the Youngest student to Ever attend The Conference. The faculty was so impressed with Amy during the workshops that she was invited to Perform up on stage and close out the final night concert with them all. They placed her centre stage on top of an amplifier and she led, playing guitar and singing with, Mustered Courage, Peter and Mark Nahusen , The Sonoran Dogs, Russ Carson (Ricky Skagg’s banjo player), his father, Glen Carson, with Bruce Packard from Victoria.
January 2019 – Amy competed at Tamworth in the Battle of the Bluegrass in Tamworth Town Hall against the likes of Paddy Montgomery and Tommy Chandler. Then she made it through to the Final of the Coca Cola Battle of the Young stars, performing Kristy Cox’s bluegrass song “Right Where You Left It”. At Pete Denahy’s Bluegrass Breakfast, Amy played and sang with Pete, Aron and Montz, then after being called back, did a solo performance.
Whilst at Tamworth Amy Spent time Jamming with, Paddy Montgomery, Tommy Chandler and Daniel Watkins. [ She was So Happy ]. Amy was also very fortunate that after connecting with Kristy Cox and her Band, [Dave Pendley and Griff Martin] that they travelled to Queensland to Amy’s home. There was many a Jam Session in the following days. The highlight came when Amy was asked to come up and sing with Kristy during a house concert. Kristy has since invited Amy and her family to stay at her home in Nashville, TN. She would like to show Amy the town and take her to some bluegrass Events.
April 2019 – Amy Joined the Redlands Modern Country Music Club and commenced practicing with the Redlands Bluegrass Boys at their social events.
April 2019 – Amy was invited by the Convener of the Boyne Valley Country Music Campouts to perform at their event in Ubobo, Central Queensland, with the Owl Valley Bluegrass Band -the headline act. The whole event went very well and Amy was asked to perform a second time. This was filmed by the CAMPR outdoor television Program and features Amy in their production.
April 2019 – Invitation received to return and perform as a paid artist at the 2020 Boyne Valley Country Music Campout.
May 2019 – Performed with Allen and Tom, [RBGB] at the Redlands Modern Country Music Festival,
June 2019 – received invitation from Don Jackson, from Bay FM Radio Station in Redland Bay, QLD, for Amy to record her first EP, in their studio, for free. This is part of a program run by the station to foster young talent.
June 2019 – Amy performed at the Australian Pedal Steel Convention With Hall of Fame Pedal Steelers, Paddy Long, Christchurch NZ, and Milton Quackenbush from Texas USA.
June 2019 – Amy played at a fund-raising event hosted by the comedian, Col Elliot. She once again joined Owl Valley Bluegrass on stage for this event.
June 2019 – Amy received an invitation to perform at the inaugural Australian ‘Dolly Parton’ Convention. This is scheduled for April 2020.
July 2019 – Amy opened for Catherine Britt, playing with Peter and Mark Nahuysen. Catherine then asked Amy to join her to play guitar with her for three songs during her show.
The last year has been very busy for Amy. To her credit, she has taken it all in her stride and is cruising along nicely. Amy is looking forward to reconnecting with the Sonoran Dogs this year at Mountaingrass The whole band are very good instructors and they have been an important influence in bringing Amy to where she is today.
Special mention must also be made of the Jammalong crew, who at last years Mountaingrass festival, were very kind and nurturing to Amy.
Their understanding and demeanour had a significant impact on Amy when she had doubts about going on the main stage for the first time.
ABOTMA is delighted to support Amy through the provision of the Young Performer Grant 2019.
✭Listening Through the Lens Review of Mountaingrass 2018✭
Listening Through the Lens, an online music magazine, promoting alt. country, blues, bluegrass, folk, americana, rock, gospel and soul reviewed Mountaingrass 2018, the move to Beechworth, some of the performances and gave an overwhelmingly positive verdict! All accompanied by gorgeous photos.
Images: Jim Jacob & Words: Rob Dickens
✭Ian Fisk’s photos of Mountaingrass 2018✭
As usual the indefatigable Ian Fisk is on duty taking photographs of the festival – to view all the photos of Mountaingrass 2018 head here
✭Mike Compton – Private Mandolin Lessons✭
Mike Compton will be available on site at Mountaingrass for personal mandolin lessons. Anyone who would like to take up the opportunity should contact Paul Duff via email at pduff.1@bigpond.com for details.
✭Winners of the inaugural ABOTMA Young Performer Grant (2018): Rhodeworks!✭
Rhodeworks are a young bluegrass folk band who play fast paced, high energy folk music, presenting a set of traditional and well-loved bluegrass alongside their original material. Laurence (17), Sam (15) and Nate (12) are largely self-taught multi-instrumentalists and vocalists. They have performed at festivals throughout NZ and Australia including, MountainGrass, Auckand Folk Festival, WellyFest, HamsterFest, Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival, and Aongatete. In 2017 they were recipients of the Frank Winter award for their Outstanding Musical and Vocal talents.
As well as their dedication to creating unique roots-conscious music they love nothing more than heading to the workshop to craft their own stringed instruments.
Click here for more information about the ABOTMA Young Performer grant
Every year we strive to bring you great raffle prizes for Mountaingrass. The raffle is our main source of fundraising of the year for ABOTMA. This year Johan van der Gaag, a luthier from the Waikato in New Zealand is building a mandolin for the raffle. Johan is a teacher and luthier who has made guitar, bouzouki, banjo, mandolin, dobro, dulcimer, ukulele and a Tamburica. He is currently trying to build a double bass just for the challenge. Johan also teaches courses in instrument building. Many happy musicians proudly play instruments they made themselves under his tutelage.
Johan is a long-time fan of bluegrass but has really started to love it since helping Lawrence of Rhode Works build his guitar and coming to Mountaingrass with them last year.
Johan has been sending us photos of the mandolin as it progresses. You can purchase tickets for the raffle through iWannaTicket along with your festival tickets.
