A SERIOUS PROBLEM has arisen: our valued printer Richard may be unable to do any more copies after this one (and if he can, the colour cover will go!)... So, we might need someone to volunteer to print the mag - photocopy plain pages and laser print the pages with photos (if possible), and preferably for free - £5 subs doesn't go far... And if anyone would like to take over the NWBN while keeping up the standard, please contact me. Similarly if anyone who would like to get more involved in the organisation - it really is a lot of work for one person and I could do with a rest.

Speaking of 'subs', I would like to say a big "thank you" to all of you who renewed in good time - it really does save a lot of hassle and expense, as well as helping cash-flow! Please note that the date on the envelope and in the list below is the sponsorship expiry date. But it's hard to get things right all the time - sometimes we make a mistake so please be understanding. If you can do any better there's a job for you here....

THE DOWN COUNTY BOYS story is not continued from last time as promised because Peter has had a family bereavement and was unable to prepare it. However we have a DCB gig report in its' place. The band (together with Silver Hill, the Britannia Band, the Acme Band and Chris Moreton) played at the Planetarium Wedding Festival (on the night of the Big Rain) but too close to deadline to include reports - more to look forward to next time!

JEAN AND I RECENTLY vacationed in the Bay Area in California, mainly to visit with our daughter who lives in "The City" (San Francisco). We had lots of involvement with the bluegrass scene there and it's interesting to see how it compares generally with things here, in my experience. One of the things that really seems to stand out is the relative lack of cliqueiness - very little back-biting and prima-donnish attitude. A band that isn't very good gets lots of points for trying, whereas here it might just get slammed for being no good. Also nearly everyone seems to pull together and get things done, whereas here many people seem to be pulling in opposite directions. I recently got a pile of abuse that I could do without for writing complimentary things about someone - I never cease to be amazed.

British Bluegrass is too small a pond for any serious disputes and bad attitudes; old wounds should be allowed to heal and new bonds forged.

Just my opinions... objections in writing please; debate is healthy - festering backbiting isn't.

WE HAVE RECEIVED for review a copy of Barry R.Willis' great tome America's Music - Bluegrass. It's the most amazing thing I have read for a long time - the glowing review will be in the September issue. Barry has moved to Hawaii and is living on the side of an active volcano; he probably gets hotter bluegrass there...

FINALLY: this was our biggest edition yet, with over 18,000 words in the hard copy.

28 June 2000