Congratulations to Hurdy Gurdy favorites Red Molly on their selection to
appear at the 2010 Merlefest in Wilkesboro, North Carolina the weekend of
April 29th through May 2, 2010. Red Molly will join host Doc Watson and a
powerful lineup of musicians on the campus of Wilkes Community College for a
celebration of “traditional-plus” music-a term Doc coined to describe the
unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region,
including bluegrass and old-time music, and expanded to include Americana,
country, “plus whatever other styles we were in the mood to play.”

This is one of the most prestigious festivals in the country and represents
an opportunity for new fans to discover what we already know – Red Molly and
their stunning harmonies, tight arrangements, and captivating performances
make them a group not to be missed! For more information about Merlefest,
visit www.merlefest.org .

The only “down” side to their appearance at MerleFest is that we will be
unable to enjoy Carolann Solebello, who was scheduled to open for Aztec
Two-Step at the Hurdy Gurdy on May 1, 2010. We will reschedule Carolann for
another time (check out her latest solo CD in the meantime) and we are happy
to announce that the extraordinary Terence Martin will be gracing our stage
to open the show! Get your tickets early for this one!
* * *

As we gear up for the cold month ahead, it is time to think of curling up in
the easy chair with a good book (although curling up with a good book is
always in season!). You might wish to check out Dr. Ralph Stanley’s just
released autobiography “Man of Constant Sorrow: My Life and Times”.

The bluegrass legend, a man of few words in concert, opens up with some
frank discussions about his extraordinary life. He talks at length about
his fatherless childhood, his heroic mother, and his brother Carter’s
musical brilliance and fatal alcohol addiction. He pays his respects to such
legendary Clinch Mountain Boys as George Shuffler, Roy Lee Centers and the
effervescent Curly Ray Cline. And Ralph devotes an entire chapter to his
friendship with Bill Monroe. Then there are the harrowing and hilarious
tales of the road, the accidents and miraculous near misses.

The book is published by Gotham Books.
* * *
Smithsonian Folkways is releasing “Go Waggaloo” a 13-track disk from Sarah
Lee Guthrie featuring her husband Johnny Irion, their two daughters, and
other family members and friends, including Sarah’s Lee’s dad Arlo Guthrie,
Pete Seeger and Tao Rodriguez Seeger.

This recording is Sarah Lee’s debut family music release. “Go Waggaloo”
features playful recordings of traditional songs and new compositions,
including three songs with Woody Guthrie lyrics never before put to music!
There are also seven original songs written by Sarah Lee and family. It
looks like the Guthrie family tradition of making music is expanding to a
new generation! The cover art is a painting created by Woody Guthrie, Sarah
Lee’s grandfather.

Don’t forget, Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion will be appearing at the
Hurdy Gurdy on Saturday January 9th, 2010 with special guest Danielle
Miraglia. Tickets are on sale at www.hurdygurdyfolk.org
* * *

Speaking of Smithsonian Folkways, a new documentary about the pioneering
record label will be appearing on the Smithsonian Channel starting this
weekend. “Worlds of Sound: The Ballad of Folkways” will tell the store of
Moses Asch and the founding of Folkways Records, a relatively small record
label that introduced many people to the folk music of the world. Asch was
not after commercial success and instead focused on the unique traditions
from around the globe. He also shared the powerful music of artists like
Woody Guthrie, Lead Bell, Pete Seeger and numerous others who shaped the
folk revival.

The documentary premieres this Sunday October 25th at 8:00pm ET on the
Smithsonian Channel, available on many cable systems as well as DirecTV and
the Dish Network.
* * *

Earlier this summer Sandy Paton, folksinger and co-founder of Folk-Legacy
Records, passed away. On Saturday night at midnight ET, XM Sirius
Satellite Radio will pay tribute to Sandy when Graham and Barbara Dean hold
a conversation with Caroline and David Paton on XM15 – The Village. They
will discuss Sandy’s amazing life and share some great music.

I had a chance to chat with Caroline last weekend at the Eisteddfod
Festival. Caroline is doing well in this difficult time. In addition to
Sandy’s passing, their grandson Kaelan died in a tragic accident this past
spring. Caroline appears to be taking comfort in music, and she was happy
to tell me that the work that she and Sandy’s created will be carried on at
Folk Legacy Records. Caroline and her sons, with the help of some close
friends, are making plans to release more recordings in the future as well
as maintain their inventory of classic folk recordings. Visit them on the
web at www.folk-legacy.com .