For decades, practically every big circus on the road had a black band and minstrel company attached to its sideshow, performing on the streets and inside the sideshow tent before people of all races, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the southern reaches of Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. During the 1910s, these companies constituted a significant pathway for the dissemination of ragtime, blues, and jazz." - Lynn Abbott and Doug Seroff, Ragged But Right: Black Traveling Shows, "Coon Songs", And The Dark Pathway To Blues And Jazz
I don't know a lot but Jeron, Suzy, and Frank should be familiar to most Weenies, Bruce Molsky's been around for 'a wee bit' and Michael Hurley John Cohen? forever.... I ain't going to go 3,000 miles to be there myself, but a shortish buss ride? Go see your sister!
Definitely a good looking lineup. I'd be there if I could, but I'm also gonna pass on the 3000 mile trip. The Ozark Highballers are a new band with some buddies of mine from Arkansas and Clarke Buehling on the banjo. Should be fun!
It ain't exactly short (though I've bussed the whole country and back, so anything is short compared to that), but it's about eight hours. And it seems like a fun excuse to visit New York friends and family and all.
My only problem is a lack of someone committed enough to come with me!
I notice the Ozark Highballers have Seth Shumate on harmonica, at least on youtube vids. I only know his playing from youtube but he's really great at old harmonica styles.
Just googled the Ozark Highballers to see Roy Pilgrim on fiddle. Met him at Harry Smith Frolic a few years back and he was a lot of fun to play with. I've seen Frank Fairfield a couple times and he always puts on a good show. I talked to him in the break in his set about Narmour and Smith and he ended up playing a great medley of their tunes in the second half. Made my night.