The Mountain Eagle
WHITESBURG WEATHER

Bluegrass music draws fans

Southern Ohio


Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms and grandmothers.

Can you believe it is May already? Before you know it we will be having winter again! Time just keeps on slipping away.

My friend Shirley Godbey and I went to Hunter’s Pizzeria in Franklin or Middletown, as I still don’t know exactly what it is called. Tony Hale and Bluegrass Favorites were there. Tony may get tired of hearing about his band in my column.

What I like and enjoy about this group of musicians is, first off, they are as down to earth as anyone you will ever be around. I was teasing Tony’s mom about adopting him. This is a mother and dad who are so proud of their son, plus Tony has a beautiful wife and children. Their daughter Laura made me a card by drawing a rose on it. These are things that I find so enduring. Tony is a great musician and singer also.

That night was sort of special for me as Kyle Jamison played the mandolin for Tony. I have known Kyle through music since he was 17 or 18 years old. Kyle is a teacher and when I watch him play that mandolin my heart fills with pride, and I know he is a good teacher.

Kyle is the son of the late Al Jamison who was a good banjo picker. Al was the recipient of a double lung transplant many years ago. Al was in a band called Buckeye Bluegrass. Larry ‘Bubba’ Griffith, who is a bass player for Tony Hale, was a longtime member of this band.

Tony has a very good banjo picker in the group Bluegrass Favorites, Brad Jessmer. Brad is sort of quiet and I really don’t know him, but I love to hear him pick that banjo. The guys really have good harmony together.

Tony also picks with a group called Special Delivery. Bluegrass bands change members like I change shoes, purses or underwear.

I have been involved in bluegrass music since about 1993. Music is my life. I can’t play a lick, but I know as many songs, if not more, than lots of musicians.

I am glad to say in all the years that I have been around male and female musicians, and I have only run into a couple that I would like to put in a gunnysack and drop off a bridge someplace. Since I am not big enough to do that and it being against the law, I just let them invade my world for a little bit.

While at Hunters Pizzeria I had the pleasure to see Pat and Les Wagner, and yes, did I goof big time once again? Pat is such a dear person. Les has decided that Don can bring me fresh produce, well I really don’t care as long as Pat comes too, and of course Don’s wife.

Yes, Les, I do apologize for my blunder. Does that mean we are once again friends?

My sister-in-law Wanda knows Don Wagner’s family. It really is a small world after all.

I haven’t talked to my brother Richie in a few days since I have been on the road again! I did talk to my brother Jerry and Mattie Hall for a few minutes.

Gwen Huff Farmer is at it again as she is putting out more garden than she needs. I think Gwen forgets she isn’t able to do the same things she has done for so many years. However if she stopped working in her garden she sure wouldn’t last long!

I went to a bluegrass music place in Middletown. This was a spur of the moment decision for me, and I sure wish I had gone to Coon Hunters as I missed seeing and hearing Tony Hale.

Shirley and I went to Richwood Opry to hear Larry Efaw & The Bluegrass Mountaineers, one of the best bands that I have heard in years.

My brother Richie said my days of dancing was over, well I don’t think so as I danced just a little. I don’t have all my strength back and stay very tired at times, which I am told is to be expected. My heart surgeon says I have far exceeded in recovery.

Sunday was Old Time Fiddlers. We really had some good music, a good crowd, and plenty of food.

Congratulations to all those who are graduating from eighth grade or from high school. This is the greatest time of your life.

My granddaughter Sarah Nottingham was inducted into the Honor Society at Beechwood School. Another granddaughter, Jessica Nottingham, walked in a marathon in Cincinnati. I told my daughter Anna Nottingham that I might be able to walk five steps.

I haven’t seen the kids in a couple of weeks so it is time I mosey over across the river to get hugs from the girls and the little boss Kyle. I miss my little sidekick Bennie Wiederhold.

Jennifer Collins, formerly of Whitesburg, has been very ill. Jennifer had surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, and is home improving now. Jennifer’s daughter is a nurse at Letcher Manor.

Jennifer’s brother Jeff and his wife Dottie Collins love The Mountain Eagle. Thank you, Jeff, for calling me about Jennifer.

Hello Oma Hatton. I bet you are enjoying sitting on your porch in this beautiful weather.

Emma Engle, I sure hope you and Red are doing alright.

I am running late as usual, so until next time.

Rose Ballard, 9110 Lawrenceburg Road, Harrison, Ohio 45030, telephone 513- 367-4682, email Bluegrassmama4@aol.com.



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