Sixteen years later, our 1973 model daughter had surgery to repair a torn ACL. The hospital where the surgery was done was a treatment center for CF patients, and for whatever reason, she was in the same area with those patients. Most of the CF patients were in their late teens and early twenties, and they were mighty sick. Breathing treatments, IV antibiotics, and oxygen were the order of the day, and the night. I remembered back to our neighbor, and realized that he was sixteen now, too. That type of reality can be a little bit overwhelming; suddenly a torn ACL that could be fixed seemed pretty small and insignificant.

Some years after that we met our friend Jimmy, but it was long after we met him that we learned that one of his sons has Cystic Fibrosis. This weekend, at KC Campground, Milan, Michigan Jimmy is sponsoring his fourth benefit for Cystic Fibrosis Research. Some great musicians, and better friends, are lined up to do what they do best, play and sing great bluegrass music. Jimmy is amazed at the numbers of bands that called him up to volunteer to play at the benefit, and you will be too.

Profiles of each band have been posted on Pickin’ on CF’s Facebook page, and they are worth a look. Head over and check them out.

When Jimmy’s desire to give back by raising funds for research took flight, Papa and I wanted to help. We can’t sing (you all know that!), but we have done what we can in the ways that we can. I have helped with the Pickin’ on CF promotions and web presence. Papa had taken photographs at each event, and will be on the job this weekend. He also convinced his employer to make a donation. And we are out here at KC Campground this week to do whatever else we can to help.

Sometimes it just feels better act, words are not enough. That’s what we have done.

Now, it is your turn, come on out for the weekend, or for one day. If you are simply unable to attend, send a check. There have been huge advances and CF patients are living longer and longer, with a better quality of life. But a cure has not been found, and that is what Pickin’ on CF is about.

What:
Pickin’ on Cystic Fibrosis [http://www.pickinoncf.com]

Where:
KC Campground
14048 Sherman Rd
Milan, MI 48160
Phone: (734) 439-1076

When:
Thursday September 16 beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Friday September 17 noon to 10:30 p.m.
Saturday September 18 noon to 10:30 p.m.

Donation:
Thursday: $10, Friday and Saturday $15 each. Weekend: $30. Children under 16 free with paying adult.
Camping is extra, but a a reduced rate of $15 Thursday through Saturday.

Pickin’ on Cystic Fibrosis has partnered with Hunt for a Cure, a 501(3)(c) organization this year. If you are unable to attend and would like to make a donation for research to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis checks can be sent to:

P.O.C.F.
246 N. Dickinson Ave
Hesperia Mi. 49421

Your donation is tax deductible if you make your check to “Hunt for a Cure”. Please note “Pickin’ on CF” in the memo line.

Disclaimer: I am connected with Pickin’ on Cystic Fibrosis, I have constructed, and I maintain their websites. I also worked on publicity for the event this year. Pickin’ on Cystic Fibrosis pays for web space and domain name registration, but I do not receive compensation for my time. Papa has photographed previous events and will photograph this weekend’s without compensation. Papa and I have received complementary admission to this weekend’s event in exchange for working this week.

A special highlight for Bill was his first look at the artwork for Ben Green’s new album. He was excited to see a few of his photos included. Among them, this one of Russell Moore.

Our friend, Ted Lehman also contributed photographs to the project, so looking at the CD was almost like old home week!

Lorraine Jordan will bring her Carolina Road band to the Glass City Opry on Friday, June 4, 2010. Lorraine has a new line-up for this season, and a new CD from Rural Rhythm Records. New band members Dustin Benson (guitar) and Brad Hudson (Bass) join Lorraine, Josh Goforth (fiddle) and Ben Greene (banjo) in the band.

The Glass City Opry presents bluegrass music in a beautiful old theater in Maumee, Ohio. We travel there as often as we can to enjoy the good music and the great old theater.

Here is a little sample of Carolina Road’s new sound to hold you over till Friday!

Tom and Barb Laing have consistently cooperated with the college in bringing a high level of bluegrass talent to the area, and we are very appreciative of that hard work. Tom is collecting statements on behalf of the bluegrass series to present to the College board, if you have not already signed one, please contact us from the link at the bottom of the page and we will put you in touch with Tom. Tom is also working hard to find a venue to continue the series in some way. If you wish to be on a mailing list and receive information about events next year, you may also use the link below. Send your name and complete mailing address. We will forward it to Tom, and otherwise keep it confidential.

The last bluegrass concert of the year was Friday, May 14.. Ms. Velma Jones of the College presented Tom with a momento for his hard work on behalf of performing arts in the area.

I believe that Tom was surprised, and the attendees gave him a standing ovation.

The main event of the evening was J.D. Crow & the New South. It was a strong show,this season’s line-up in the New South is: J.D. on banjo, Ricky Wasson, guitar; Dwight McCall, mandolin, Kyle Perkins, bass; and Matt DeSpain, resonator guitar. The rest of our photos are posted in the gallery.

Bean Blossom has two new web addresses. They hope you can visit them at one of their new addresses and get more information our upcoming festivals including the Bill Monroe Memorial Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival June 12-19, 2010 www.billmonroemusicpark.com and www.billmonroesbeanblossom.com.

Thanks to Cybergrass for this heads up.

Last year, just as Doyle Lawson took the stage on Saturday afternoon, Bill took a group of photos from the roof of the stage. No one picture could how the entire crowd, but here are a couple that give a little idea. You can see the white tent that covered the sound equipment, there isn’t any overlap in the photos. There was actually more crowd on both sides of these.

As he was taking that photo, Maggie took one of him, which we have been using on Facebook.

This festival is a great reunion of Michigan pickers and fans. I am expecting a great show, and lots of jamming.

Thanks to Maggie, and see you there!