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| We have some wonderful Bluegrass performers in Wisconsin
it's only fitting
to honor as many of them as we can! BILL
Jorgenson See
below to nominate a performer. |
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Bill's Comments" I am proud to feature Larry Hartl, ( the Bear ) as the June Wisconsin Bluegrass Musician of the Month. I have had the privilege of playing with Larry on and off for over 48 years. He plays the dobro, mandolin, pedal steel guitar, acoustic guitar and bass. With a beard like Paul Bunion and a deep baritone voice, the Bear, will always thrill an audience with Waltz Across Texas or his version of Detroit City. Besides being a musician Larry has also given numerous lessons to aspiring young musicians and encouraged young country and bluegrass performers as they started out. Larry is a vital part of BJ's Trio and a lifelong friend. BILL
Bill's Comments" I am proud to feature Dennis Bricco as the May Wisconsin Bluegrass Musician of the Month. Dennis is equally talented with voice and guitar. He has a good sense of humor and is a fun guy to pick with! Dennis, Chris Beggan, Bob Rayneier, Dick Fiefarek and I, made my first cassette together called BJ's Bluegrass, which featured Dennis on the guitar. Dennis has been a supporter of Bluegrass for many years and has stuck with it through the lean times. He is a bluegrass friend as well as a bluegrass performer-Bill Biography: Dennis began his association with music as a child taking music lessons at Catholic grade school. He was soon participating in hootenanny’s singing and playing the guitar. He joined his first group, The Minute Men, a 3 piece Beetles style music rock band in high school. This was followed by his next band called Blind Lemon, a rock type oldies band. He regrets not continuing with that format of music, as a year later the group Sha Na Na became a huge hit. Dennis grew up listening to Johnny Cash and Hank Williams, and you can see their affect on his singing style today. His job as a sales person made him leave the guitar behind for 8 years but during which time he started to listen to Bluegrass and soon was hooked. Dennis, Steve Schmidt, and John Jirak jammed up at the Oshkosh Bluegrass Jam. During this period he attended shows at the Glenmore Opera House and bluegrass music became firmly entrenched in his blood. Dennis move to Hawaii where he was operations manager for Blue Hawaiian Helicopters out of Maui. In Hawaii he played with a musician who performed on the Hawaiian guitar. After a year in the tropical sun, he moved back to Green Bay with wife Chris and their children. Next came a call from Bill Jorgenson and Dennis became a regular with Bill, Dick and Bob playing as a trio for the next couple of years. Dennis was at the first two of Jerry Florian's Manitowish Waters Festivals and is one of the artists playing on Bill Jorgenson’s first tape called BJ’s Bluegrass. During the early 90’s it was play for the love of Bluegrass, not money, as there wasn't much money to be had in the Bluegrass field. Eating at Pasquale’s, with its Chicago Style meals - spicy sausage and Italian beef direct from Chicago, with their own sauces and wonderful hickory smoked baby backed ribs and Chicago Style Hot Dogs, resulted in Dennis becoming part owner of this DePere, Wisconsin eatery. In 1999, Dennis added his guitar and singing talents to Amazing Grass, a Green Bay Bluegrass Group, featuring both traditional bluegrass and music like "Old & in the Way" from Jerry Garcia. Amazing Grass is available for festivals and performances. Dennis’s advice to new people starting out in Bluegrass is to listen to the music and practice, practice, practice, relax and have Fun...
Bill's Comments"
I am proud to feature Linda Sandersen as the April Wisconsin Bluegrass Musician of the Month. Linda has a fine singing voice and plays the lap dulcimer (also called the mountain dulcimer). I especially like it when she gets out her auto harp. Linda and I first played together at the Manitowish Waters Bluegrass Festival and several years ago I was privileged to play her festival in Milwaukee. Last year she kicked off my first annual Bill Jorgenson Bluegrass Festival and
even though we had a few rain drops Pickin Up Speed set the tone for a great festival. I have always felt that bluegrass performers need to play in nursing homes, schools, and special housing projects to spread the joy of Bluegrass. I hope everyone appreciates the hours of work that the president of any bluegrass organization puts it and I especially thank Linda for all her good work in the Milwaukee Area. She gets better each year...seems like she is Pickin Up Speed
Bill There is a rumor that when Linda was born she came out singing. Her mother often sang to the children as they were growing up. Linda’s first attempt at an instrument was the ukulele. She was in chorus from 3rd grade through college and participated in the schools variety shows and was active in theater groups
In the pate 50’s Linda lived in West Virginia and when she moved to the Milwaukee area it was only natural to form a bluegrass band. In 1982 she founded the Pickin Up Speed Bluegrass Band, a great Milwaukee area bluegrass band that will be appearing at the
9th Annual MABMA Bluegrass Festival
at the Unitarian Church North at 13800 North Port Washington Road, in Mequon, Wisconsin on April 13.
2002. Linda not only makes great bluegrass music but she also organizes the Milwaukee Area festival and monthly jams. At first it was a small group of people and a few phone calls. Funny how bluegrass people love to talk so the phone bills mounted. The answer was create a newsletter and an organization, the Milwaukee Area Bluegrass Music Association. Its now up to 260 bluegrass friends with monthly jams at Borders bookstore the 2nd Sunday of each month from 2-5pm. I asked Linda if she had advice for new people and she said Practice Practice Practice And ... come to the jams ...and learn the songs ...and learn how to play with other people. Linda also warns its Bluegrass and you better keep your day job ! Its nice to know that bluegrass is alive and well in the Milwaukee area, due to the efforts of Linda and her bass playing, hardworking, husband Poul. Keep Picking and Grinning! Remembering My Friend Dallas Smith Sunday February 3rd as most of the country watched the Super Bowl my good friend passed on. Most people will remember Dallas as part of the Bluegrass Icon team of the Smith Brothers: Bobbie, Dallas, and Ken. Dallas was a traditional 1st generation Bluegrass performer who most recently headlined with The Boys from Shiloh. I’d like to share from personal experience the warmth and which that I remember when thinking of Dallas. 14 years ago when bluegrass was in one of its quiet times here in Wisconsin, Dallas and Bobby visited Jerry Florian’s Midsummer in the Northwoods Bluegrass Festival at Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin. I have to admit I was getting frustrated because bluegrass was not as popular as I wanted. I felt that if I could interact with some real down home bluegrass pickers I could pick up some inspiration. Dallas welcomed me into their motor home and soon had me pickin’ with brother Bobbie and Harold Jones, a wonderful fiddle player. Dallas had me grinning with his down home stories and gentle country wit. In the morning he climbed in the back of my car and we headed off to breakfast. We had a new young waitress and Dallas, with a twinkle in his eye, asked her "Are these hen’s eggs on the menu?". She yelled back for the whole restaurant to hear, "Are these hens eggs?" The cook yelled back. "Well I guess so, as they come from a chicken!" All during the 5-day festival I was energized by Dallas’s easy acceptance of me and his constant encouragement. He was always saying how Bluegrass was coming back around, and that, "I should just keep playing." Last year Dallas called me when Oh Brother Where Art Thou became the album of the year and attendance’s shot up at bluegrass events all across the country. "I told yah," he would say. "Bluegrass is here to stay." Just a week ago he sent me a copy of his latest CD called Return to Possum Hollow.
Dallas returned the following year to Manitowish Waters and told stories of walking the fences with Bill Monroe. It was that summer he gave me one of Bill Monroe’s hats. He said was too big for him and that he felt I should have it. He told me of walking the fences in the hot sun with Bill Monroe, listening to his troubles. And of Bill offering him his hat. I treasure that hat, not only because it was Bill Monroe’s, but also because a fine gentleman like Dallas gave it to us. I have a picture of the hat on the web site at http://www.bjorgensonbluegrass.com if anyone wants to see it. Dallas was also responsible for my first Nashville CD. He and Bobbie had asked me to play on Bill Monroe’s show, but we put it off too long and Bill passed on. Dallas kept after me until Rob and I made the drive to Nashville last January to do the CD. Dallas lined up the Studio in the United Artists Tower and also said he would "Get a few of the boys to play along." Well, a few of the boys turned out to be Kenny Baker on fiddle, Josh Graves on dobro, Larry Perkins on banjo, Doug Mounts on Guitar, and Joe Pointer on Bass, What a thrill! Dallas drove us all over town and helped us complete the CD in a couple of days. During the long hours at the studio he was always laughing and making everyone feel relaxed and good about themselves. I try to model my behavior after his encouraging and gentle style. Last summer I invited Dallas and Ken Smith, Kenny Baker, Josh Graves and the Boys from Shiloh up to my festival. 
It was a 12-hour motor home drive but he never complained once about the long trip. We had dinner together and he was excited to play in the NORTH as he called it. Having played the Wisconsin State Fair a number of years, at Manitowish Waters and Mole Lake he had many bluegrass fans in the state. The day of the festival was dark and cloudy and he patiently waited for his set. Once on stage he kidded with the audience over whether he would make it through before the skies opened up. He made it just barely... Raindrops were dancing off his hat as he came off the stage, but his smile at the warm reception was from ear to ear. Later that night playing indoors he put on a wonderful set and then helped adlib a final number with me. 
I hope people will remember Dallas the man as
well as Dallas the performer. His gentle nature and encouraging enthusiasm
for people helped him be so much more than just a performer. I am sure
there are hundreds of people like myself to whom Dallas brought a smile, a
laugh and a genuine excitement for this music we call Bluegrass. My heart
goes out to his family as we expected to have Dallas around a lot longer.
Bluegrass fans I just want you to know he was one of the good ones, one of
the very best.... Bill Wisconsin Bluegrass Musician
for January 2002 Bill's Comments" I am proud to feature Algis Byla ( Big Al ) as the January Wisconsin Bluegrass Musician of the Month. Last summer we played together in the Activity Dome at the Wisconsin State Fair and his wonderful fiddle playing drew a standing ovation from the large crowd. I know that AL has won the state fiddle contest many times and has a large following throughout the state. I appreciate his excellent bluegrass citizenship in our close knit community as well as the excellent sounds he makes with his fiddle- Bill Biography:
Bill's Comments" I am proud to feature Jeanne Lattimer as the December Wisconsin Bluegrass Musician of the Month. Jeanne began playing at age 14 and once performed with Gene Autry at the Door County Fair in Door County Wisconsin. She is an accomplished musician playing both the bass and guitar. She is well know in Door County for her country and bluegrass vocals which include not only female lead vocals but also two and three part harmony. Jeanne has been a friend and fellow performer for over 50 years and I am proud to have her as part of BJ's trio. If you haven't heard Jeanne sing Crazy you have really missed something. Come on up to Door County and hear her!- Bill Biography: Jeanne began playing the guitar at age 14 and by 16 had also mastered the bass. She played with her two older brothers in her first band called the String Billy Trio in her teen age years. One brother played bass and steel guitar and the other acoustic guitar. Jeanne and her brothers would switch off playing the guitar and bass when it was time for one of them to do a vocal. Her favorite music is old country or old standard songs. Today
she performers with BJ's Trio and solo on occassion. This summer she
appeared with Bill Jorgenson, Larry Hartle, Eddie Biebel and Big Al the
fiddle player at the Wisconsin State Fair. She could also be found
at Bayfest, the Brown County Fair and the 12th Annual Bluegrass in the
Northwoods Festival at Manitowish Waters, as well as in locations all over
Brown County. She reports being on stage with Gene Autry and played
with his warm up group at the Door County Fair. Her favorite
musician is Willie Nelson. Jeanne not only sings lead vocals but
also loves to sing harmony. She and Bill and Larry go back together
for over 50 years of performing time together. Bill's Comments" I am proud to feature Steve Schmidt as the October Wisconsin Bluegrass Musician of the Month. Years ago Steve's brother Dave would sneak him into the Glenmore Opera house where he started playing lead dobro. Over the years his talent has gotten better and better as Daves little brother grew up. From time to time Steve would fill in with my trio when he could get off of work. He was always a good guy to play with and a hard worker with excellent musical skills. I appreciated him filling in for Josh Graves when Josh was ill and could not make my festival this summer. Steve played extremely good bluegrass dobro, I am sure Josh would have approved. Steve plays excellent lead guitar and banjo as well as dobro.- Bill Biography: As a
teenager Steve played guitar and sometimes his brother Dave in the Brown
County Bluegrass Boys, Steve would sneak in behind the stage to learn and
play. Banjo and Dobro were the next challenge. Bill gave Steve an old
banjo to start learning. Steve got to perform with Bill at the
Glenmore Opera house. Upon graduation from high school Steve played
in a wedding band, Buckwheat, for eight years. While Buckwheat was
not a bluegrass band it did pay some bills and Steve played bluegrass on
the side. Next on
the list was rewriting music and recording and working with a bluegrass
band called Wildfire with brother Dave, John Jirak, Dennis Bricco familiar
names in the Green Bay bluegrass community. This lead to the creation of
the highly popular Fox River Flyer bluegrass band that still occasionally
play today. God
Bless America ... Bill's Comments"
I am proud to feature Eddie Biebel as the August Wisconsin Bluegrass Musician of the Month. I
first me Ed when he was 11 years old, at Bucky Staubers and he was an
excellent guitar play even back then. We played together at the Old
Glenmore Opera House in the 1970's. As the popularity of the Opera
house increased we did a live radio show on Wednesday nights and several
TV stations came up to cover the action. The Brown County Bluegrass
Boys were started with Eddie playing rhythm and lead guitar. One
week I bet Eddie he couldn't learn to play Rawhide on the Mandolin in just
a week. A week later he came back after practicing all week long and
played it flawlessly and won the mandolin fair and square He became
the proud owner of a Gibson A-40. Over the years I have played with
Eddie many times and his outstanding lead guitar playing has more than
paid me back for the bet. I never bet with him again! Eddie does a great job on
bluegrass guitar and has a good lead singing voice and of course he still
plays the mandolin. It is my privilege to honor
him in
this small way, congratulations Eddie!
Bill's Comments" I am proud to feature Michelle as the July Wisconsin Bluegrass Musician of the Month. She is a mighty fine bluegrass fiddle player living in Laona Wisconsin. If you live in the Wisconsin North Woods and need a fiddle player, give Michelle a call. She moved from Mequon to the Sturgeon Bay area some years ago where I met her. We ended competing together in Rhinelander, Wisconsin where I backed her up in the fiddle contest. She took second place with some mighty fine playing. I like her classical
background and how she has adopted it to a bluegrass style. It is my privilege to honor
her in
this small way, congratulations Michelle!
Bill
Jorgenson Michelle lives with her husband and son, a second generation musician in Lanoa Wisconsin where they own and operate Sam's Lake House pub and grill. Stop in for some good food and friendship if you're in the Northwoods! she's looking to join up with a bluegrass band so if you need a new fiddle player....
Bill's Comments" I am proud to feature Art Stevenson as the June Wisconsin Bluegrass Musician of the Month. He is a heck of a nice guy, a good singer and an excellent musician. I first met Art in 1988 at the 1st Annual Bluegrass in The Northwoods Bluegrass Festival at Manitowish Waters. I was impressed with his musical ability and his generosity in letting others share the stage. He is an excellent guitarist and plays a mean harmonica. His wife Stephanie and he have a great blend together. At the 3rd Manitowish waters festival Art, Chris, Dick, and I jammed up with Chubby Wise. Art and I have jammed together at Cozy Cove into the wee hours on more than one occasion. In 1995 we both had the honor of being present when Bill Monroe played Manitowish Waters. Actually it was Art Stevenson and Jerry Florian who heard Bill Monroe call me the Father of Wisconsin Bluegrass. I was kind of nervous and excited coming off the stage after I had been playing with Bill and it was Art that stopped me and said listen to what Bill Monroe is saying. It seems to me that it is only a
short time before Art and High Water will be a national bluegrass
band. I sure do like his wife, Stephanie's, version of Little Red
Wagon. Young people starting out would be smart to listen to Art
and do it like he does. I like his blend of traditional bluegrass
with some older and newer songs. It is my privilege to honor him in
this small way, congratulations Art!
Bill
Jorgenson Biography Just as a side light, it’s interesting to note that 31 years later Art will be teamed up again with Dallas Smith, Josh Graves, and Kenny Baker when they perform together in Green Bay this summer. These icons along with the late great Bill Monroe caused Art to focus his time energy and talents on bluegrass music. In 1983 Art formed the Wisconsin River Bluegrass Boys a very successful band that recorded a number of bluegrass cassettes and appeared on WSM Midnight Jamboree and Renfro Valley Barn Dance. The Wisconsin River Bluegrass Boys stayed together for 13 years until 1996, performing throughout the Midwest. Those of us that are in bands know that 13 years is a remarkable run. In 1993 Art began to toy with his own ideas, as he wanted to do his own thing musically. The High Water Bluegrass Band was born out of this desire. Art sings lead and plays rhythm guitar on most of their songs. Art’s wife Stephanie plays bass and sings tenor harmony and occasional lead vocals. Art and his fans are encouraging Stephanie to do some more lead singing! With women taking some of the limelight in bluegrass lately this may be a very good idea. Dale Reichert does the baritone singing and plays banjo with Art doing an occasional harmonica solo. The newest member of the group is Bruce King who sings high harmony and plays mandolin. While High Water normally plays a mix of traditional bluegrass music, they are not afraid to branch out with both modern and older songs done in a bluegrass style. Art says that having a family band is really a plus as he and Stephanie listen to the same music and have the time to practice and get a really tight harmony and a close blend in their singing. Art points out that all the band members are crazy about music. "It’s a joy when you have four people in a group all working together for the same reason", he says. It also helps to have a balance putting music way up on their priority list but at the same time having other careers. While it is necessary to make sacrifices to create great music much of the pressure is taken off when the performers in a group hold down regular jobs. I asked Art about how a young group should go about promoting itself. His first thought was that good music speaks for itself. "Bands should practice and work hard and do what it takes to make music that reaches people and moves them," he counsels." In other words, work hard to be a good musician and keep your standards high. "While there are a few naturally gifted musicians, most of us must constantly work hard to become they best that they can be," Art stated and he said, "It’s important to believe in yourself as a musician". For new and existing bands, Art suggests that a Bio sheet with a statement of purpose is a good idea for your media kit. Of course a carefully planned picture is also a good idea. A sample CD with 3 or 4 songs is also very helpful, or an entire album project. Bookings like life often have politics involved so good bluegrass courtesy is always the best policy when dealing with others. Art also believes that the melody of the song is extremely important. "The blend of singing and playing should never loose sight of the melody, the soul of the song," he suggests. "The best instrumental break is one where the picker gives an original and tasteful interpretation or improvisation of the melody of the song," according to Art.. I asked Art now that you have a reputation for being one of the best Bluegrass Bands in the Midwest what’s next? He said it’s necessary to balance work with playing but they want to perform at bluegrass festivals on the east and west coasts from time to time. Art and High Water are now getting worldwide airplay, including Europe’s Peel Grass radio program. It’s going to be a great summer for Bluegrass! July 25-29th is the 12th Annual Manitowish Waters Bluegrass Festival, August 18th is the 1st Annual Bill Jorgenson Festival and on Aug. 24&25th Art has his 2nd Annual Northland Bluegrass Festival. The chances are that wherever you hear great bluegrass you will find Art Stevenson, the June 2001, Wisconsin Bluegrass Performer of the Month.
Bill's Comments"
I have known Chris for over 13 years and I am proud to feature him as the
May Wisconsin Bluegrass Musician of the Month. He
is one of the finest over-all musicians I have ever known. He plays
banjo in the Scruggs style, guitar in the Dan Reno style and harmonica in
the Chris Beggan style. In 1994-95 he was nationally acclaimed
winning awards for his outstanding harmonica playing. Chris helped
me on my very first recording B. J. Blue Grass, recorded live at
the Manitowish Waters Bluegrass Festival. I certainly
encourage Chris to keep utilizing his many talents playing Bluegrass music
throughout Wisconsin. Congratulations Chris!
Bill
Jorgenson Biography When his Dad took a job in Wisconsin in 1976 Chris became a permanent member of Badger Bluegrass. He played with the Bark River Review a bluegrass group out of Whitewater Wisconsin. In the late 70’s when it was hard to find a bluegrass band that was profitable Chris returned to his Horner Marine Band harmonicas and began playing in clubs around the state. In the 80’s he played the blues scene with Jimmy Rogers and Sam Lay. Sam showed Chris how to tune a harmonica that was blown out. You can usually tune them twice before the reeds go completely flat. In 1991 it was back to bluegrass, as Chris became the banjo player with Art Stevenson and the Wisconsin River Boys. During this time frame Chris was often involved in Package Shows playing convention centers with different acts. They would play ½ hour sets 4 times a day. The music was fun but the days were long. Today Chris is a house painter and plays with Paul Filipowicz on the blues scene. His banjo is ready and waiting if a bluegrass group calls. He also plays excellent guitar and mandolin. Chris has two rules for young players coming up. Don’t be nervous and Don’t step on toes. By that he means listen while you play. Noise is not music. Don’t drowned out the singer and when someone else is playing the lead, back off a little. Young and old bluegrass musicians can jam anywhere Chris points out. Microphones are not fine but remember some of the best jams are three or four pickers out by the side of the barn. Bluegrass is something that gets in your blood and stays there according to Chris. So if you need a house painted, or you need a good banjo-mandolin-guitar-harmonica- player you know whom to call! ------------------------------------------------------------------------
John
Jirak Bill's Comments"
I have known John for over 10 years and I am proud to feature him as the
April Wisconsin Bluegrass Musician of the Month. He plays the
banjo the old fashion way in the style of Scruggs and Reno. John
knows lots of licks and plays with a good sense of rhythm. John can
jam up with all walks of musicians. In 1998 he played with Frank Wakefield
- mandolin, Bill-guitar, Joe Pointer- bass. We all jammed at Manitowish Waters and his banjo playing
was right on the money! John is a courteous performer and an
admirable person
both on and off the stage. Most people don't realize he has an
excellent tenor voice, one that I highly encourage him to use!
Congratulations John!
Bill
Jorgenson Biography I have always felt that many of the Bluegrass musicians in Wisconsin do not receive the recognition they deserve. We have so many fine singers and pickers in our state and I would like to recognize as many of them as possible. On April 1st 2001, I will be adding a new feature to my web site called the Wisconsin Bluegrass Performer of the Month. I invite bluegrass musicians to submit names for consideration to be the monthly performer showcased. To be fair I only have one condition and that is that you can not nominate your self. If you would like to submit a Wisconsin Bluegrass musician or singer for consideration please send me or e-mail me. Please consider _______________________________ as Wisconsin Bluegrass Performer of the Month. He or she can is located in ________________________ Wisconsin and may be reached at:___________________________________________. Submitted by ___________________________ phone________________________ e-mail___________________________ Thank you, Bill Jorgenson
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With the Tragic Events
of September 11th, 2001 this month we honor the police, fire and rescue
personnel from our state and across the nation
