As usual, our lives have been very full and busy lately! Last time I updated you we were preparing to open for The Kenny and Amanda Smith Band at Cowboy Sunday in Orland, CA. Though we awoke to a rainy morning, the weather cleared just in time for the event and it was very pleasant. Kenny and Amanda Smith and their band were fabulous to watch and listen to, and we had a great opportunity to get to know them after the event ended. Here is a shot of all of us visiting Butte Lake with our good friend Grant Garland, coordinator of Cowboy Sunday, on our way to have dinner. (Randy is taking the picture... :o) )
We also wanted to share with you the latest that has come in on our CD. Brenda Hough reviews for the Bluegrass Breakdown, the monthly magazine of the California Bluegrass Association. Here are a few of her impressions:
"Family bands have many advantages and disadvantages: a talented gene pool can enhance the possibilities, there's less scheduling difficulties, but there are problems if there aren't enough members to cover all the vocal and instrumental parts, and children sometimes haven't grown into their voices. The Wintons have some of the problems conquered, and their future looks bright... The guitar playing is strong and rhythmic, and the fills and licks flow well with the songs. Jesse's mandolin is also a strong part of the band sound--the lead sequences are strongly punctuated and he is able to put together flowing sequences in his original composition, "Cane Valley." Cody's banjo playing also has touches of finesse and he can punch out rolls with authority. The song selection is quite varied, and the band does well to include some classic bluegrass songs...and the vocals have close and pleasing harmonies. An excellent debut album!"
Thank you, Brenda, for your kind review!
This summer we have a busy schedule, so check out our calendar in the sidebar for full information of everywhere we'll be playing. We do hope to see some of you at one of the bluegrass festivals throughout California at which we'll be playing, beginning with the Father's Day Festival in Grass Valley. This event is held over Father's Day weekend in June, and is a wonderful bluegrass event. The CBA works very hard to bring in many different styles of bluegrass performers, and often has several award-winning IBMA groups in attendance. Last year was the first time we've had opportunity to attend, and this year we'll be playing on Sunday afternoon during the gospel set at Vern's Stage. If you're able to attend, please come by and say hello!
In July we'll be heading just a little bit north to play at the Scott Valley Bluegrass Festival in Etna, CA. This smaller-sized festival packs big entertainment, and we're pleased to be included in the line-up of bands this year. How fortunate we are to have such a fun festival so near us right here in northern California!
August will find us trekking south to a little spot outside of the Monterey area for the Good Old-Fashioned Bluegrass Festival held at Bolado Park in Hollister, CA. This event is an annual fundraiser for the Northern California Bluegrass Society, and though we've never attended, all of the reviews we've read have had great things to say. We're really looking forward to playing and listening to a whole weekend of bluegrass! Also, check out the websites for these events, because many of them are offering free attendance for children this year in an effort to make the events affordable for families.
Next month we'll highlight some exciting developments for the band and let you know about some very special events at which we've been invited to play. Hoping you'll have a fantastic summer, and that you'll get to spend a small part of it enjoying good bluegrass music! :o)
Blessings,
Philippians 4:8
