Some recent experiences have led me to wonder what, more precisely, we mean by “Family Friendly” when we apply to term to bluegrass festivals. This essay is a preliminary effort to move towards defining the principles worth adhering to when promoters charactierize their events as “Family Friendly.” I hope it may generate some comments and discussion.

Source: Ted Lehmann's Bluegrass, Books, and Brainstorms - http://tedlehmann.blogspot.com/2013/05/what-does-family-friendly-mean-essay.html

I’ve posted the thrid of three reports from Doyle Lawson’s festival held at Denton FarmPark last weekend. Had a good time, even though we find we’re more than a bit road weary just now.  Enjoy the stories.

Source: Ted Lehmann's Bluegrass, Books, and Brainstorms - http://tedlehmann.blogspot.com/2013/05/doyle-lawson-quicksilver-bluegrass.html

HoustonFest is a very special music festival with a special emphasis on youth development in Oldtime and bluegass music in all its variations. The requisite top shelf bands are on the bill and deeply appreciated,  but the special fun is seeing the kids and hearing their enthusiasm as the explore the range available to them under the rubric of bluegrass.

Source: Ted Lehmann's Bluegrass, Books, and Brainstorms - http://tedlehmann.blogspot.com/2013/05/houstonfest-2013-friday-review.html

There will be plenty of opportunities for RV’s to camp during the September 24 – 28 period of IBMA being held in Raleigh. Sites have been set aside at the State Fairgrounds as well as spots for fully self-contained RV’s close to the site. Check it out and make your reservations at the Fairgrounds soon.

Source: Ted Lehmann's Bluegrass, Books, and Brainstorms - http://tedlehmann.blogspot.com/2013/05/camping-at-ibma-in-raleigh.html

The Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival opens two weeks from today at Granite Hill Camping Resort outside Gettysburg, PA. Held in a fine venue, this is one of the widest ranging bluegrass festivals we attend, filled with excellence from top to bottom. Check out my preview.

Source: Ted Lehmann's Bluegrass, Books, and Brainstorms - http://tedlehmann.blogspot.com/2013/05/gettysburg-bluegrass-festival-preview.html

We attended the Willow Oak Bluegrass Festival in Roxboro, NC last weekend. Had a great time attending this mostly traditional bluegrass festival which included a reunion performance by the Bass Mountain Boys. Good time, good weather.

Source: Ted Lehmann's Bluegrass, Books, and Brainstorms - http://tedlehmann.blogspot.com/2013/04/willow-oak-music-festival-in-roxboro-nc.html

Last weekend’s Darin & Brooke Aldridge Music Fest at the Joy Theater was an artistic and, I hope, financial success as it highlighted mixed music from widely different sources including bluegrass, southern, and black gospel music, country music, and more. Take a look at my review

Source: Ted Lehmann's Bluegrass, Books, and Brainstorms - http://tedlehmann.blogspot.com/2013/04/darin-brooke-aldridge-music-fest-in.html

I’ve posted an essay exploring whether each band performance deserves an encore or a standing ovation. I look forward to hearing your resonse to it. – Ted

Source: Ted Lehmann's Bluegrass, Books, and Brainstorms - http://tedlehmann.blogspot.com/2013/04/does-every-band-deserve-encore-essay.html

The Gibson Brothers gave a great concert in the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir, NC last Friday. They highlighted songs from their new CD “They Called It Music” as well as a fine selection from their ever growing catalog. Check it out.

Source: Ted Lehmann's Bluegrass, Books, and Brainstorms - http://tedlehmann.blogspot.com/2013/04/gibson-brothers-wow-lenoir.html

Source: Ted Lehmann's Bluegrass, Books, and Brainstorms - http://tedlehmann.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-democracy-of-sound-by-alex-sayf.html