Norman Blake concert in Alabama, Sept 2000

Subject: NORMAN BLAKE
From: bbelle
Date: 31 Jul 00 - 09:57 PM

For those of you/us, who are Norman Blake fans, I just received this notice from the Flatpickl list. If you've never seen Norman perform live, you are missing out on a wonderful experience.

moonchild

For those of you in the Southeast and don't know yet, Norman Blake will be playing again at Steve Masterson's "Acoustic Cafe" on Sept. 9th in Hayden, AL...which is appx 25 miles north of Birmingham. This will be Norman's 4th time there in so many years, I think...and is a favorite of Norman's as the venue is almost as laidback as he is!!!

This is a way cool venue, being a natural amphitheater at the top of an Alabama "mountain" which also serves as Steve's front yard.

ALSO way cool is that Alan Shadd, flatpicker extraordinary, will hold a workshop that same day....AND EVEN COOLER YET, Willie McCraney's band, Southbound, is on the bill as well.

Go to: http://www.theacousticcafe.com for ALL details. Tickets are just $15 including camping, sliding up to $20 after the 7th of August!

I have been to this festival twice now and you owe it to yourself to be there if you are within driving distance at all. It is SMALL, 500 or so people, very laid back, lots of jamming all day Saturday, then the show....great fun, nice folks, few rules, no backpack/cooler check, etc. Steve is a wonderful host for these "house concerts" he puts on....

Camp on site (included) or stay at the Ramada in Cullman, AL....do NOT stay at The Holiday Inn Express there. They are crooks.

BTW, this date (9/9/00) is the 4th Anniversary of the death of Mr. Monroe. You owe yourself a little live Bluegrass in a neat location with simpatico people that day.

Subject: RE: NORMAN BLAKE
From: Sorcha
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 12:32 AM

WOW! Only 500 people? What a deal!! Norman is Maestro; a Master of the Masters, and I am priviliged enough to have seen him live! Wish I lived closer.

Subject: RE: NORMAN BLAKE
From: bbelle
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 01:33 AM

Sorcha ... I saw him live at a house concert a few miles from here, in March, and I sat about 5 feet from him. There were about 40 people in attendance. It was the shortest two hours I'd spent in a long time ... I could have watched his hands for at least another two hours.

Birmingham isn't too, too far away. I may give it a thought.

moonchild

Subject: RE: NORMAN BLAKE
From: Sorcha
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 01:58 AM

Go for it, Jen. It's a 3 day drive for me,and look for quinces while you're there........should be worth the price of admission.

Subject: RE: NORMAN BLAKE
From: Tiger
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 06:31 AM

One of life's brightest moments was getting into a sold out Norman Blake workshop, thanks to a no-show. Best hour I could imagine. What a musician, and gentleman.

Subject: RE: NORMAN BLAKE
From: bbelle
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 08:58 AM

Tiger ... "Gentleman" is such a good way to describe Norman. He is soft-spoken and totally devoid of pretentions and has eyes that crinkle when he smiles. Do I have a crush on Norman Blake? Nah ... not me.

moonchild

Subject: RE: NORMAN BLAKE
From: mactheturk
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 07:46 AM

anyone remember the Dixieland Drifters....the June Carter touring band.......Hylo Brown.......WWVA Wheeling Jamboree ......The Johnny Cash Band....??? all made special by the multitalented Mr. Blake.

Let's not forget Nancy