We will be back at Saguaro Corners August 5, with special guest Billy Parker on mandolin, guitar, and vocals. As always, banjo virtuoso Rudy Cortese will feature some of his original songs and instrumentals in addition to hard-driving traditional bluegrass and some vintage country. Our music is always top-notch, energetic, authentic, and family-friendly.

Last night, as we we finished our sound check, there was a sudden cloud burst. Thanks to the helpful staff at Saguaro Corners we covered, rescued and stowed our instruments and sound equipment, getting soaked to the skin in the process. By 6:45 the rain had cleared and a sizable audience materialized. So we had a blast playing acoustically until past closing time, about 9:15, soaking wet the whole time. Billy sang a song from his new CD and did a killer version of "I've Been All Around This World". Shannon sang "Slew Foot" and "Rocky Top" and played bass so hard her fingers were bleeding by the time we were done. I got to play some of my favorite Bill Monroe instrumentals like "Old Dangerfield" and "Jerusalem Ridge" plus old time fiddle tunes like "Back Up & Push" and "8th of January", Scotty Stonemason style. (Was surprised how many in the audience were up on hard-core bluegrass.) We took a request to do "Tennessee Waltz", that Billy fused with "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" while a couple danced. Rudy did several of his originals plus sang "Man of Constant Sorrow", doing awesome Dan Tyminski style guitar lead and accompaniment. Perhaps we'll change our name to the "New Soggy Bottom Boys" (persons?).

The amazing Billy Parker will join us as we return to Saguaro Corners July 15, 6 to 9 pm, in the shadow of Saguaro National Monument.

Nothing like bluegrass banjo to celebrate Independence Day!