The News From VZ Valley

VZVBs in Issaquah

al@vzvalley.com — 2010-06-01T19:22:00-07:00

Our thanks to those of you who eschewed the drippy Memorial Day weather and joined us at our Folklife show. We had a blast, especially Sparky, who has seen enough of the desert in recent weeks. But that’s another story.

The VZ Valley Boys invade Issaquah this Friday, June 4, as part of Issaquah’s Artwalk Series. We’ll be part of a three act show at the Issaquah Senior Center, 75 NE Creek Way, which is just behind the old train depot.

The show opens with the rockabilly sounds of the Studebakers, who start things off promptly at 6:30. At 7:30, the VZVBs play an hour set, followed by Skinny People Kissing at 8:30.

With Chris otherwise committed that night, we will be joined by a couple of close friends. Jim Hanna, who has played with a number of bands including Ryegrass and the Bluegrass Renegades will play guitar. Gary Polston of the Duwamish Mountain Boys will also step up to the mike, playing Dobro. We’re blessed to have good friends who are such fine musicians.

We hope to see you there, as admission is free, and the show is open to people of all ages. Come be a part of the fun.

The VZVBs

VZVBs play Folklife

al@vzvalley.com — 2010-05-18T07:46:48-07:00

The VZ Valley Boys are looking forward to playing Seattle’s Folklife Festival on Friday, May 28, from 7:10-7:40 PM at the Northwest Court Stage. We’ll do this show as a trio playing tunes from the VZ Valley box of songs.

We’ve had a couple of times we’ve gotten together for a surprise appearance here and there, but we’ve also been out on our own adventures. Jette has been playing music all over the northwest with Northern Departure (who will also be at Folklife) and other endeavors. Sparky continues to make the world safe for democracy, not an easy task, given his situation. After all, its hard to travel undercover when you’re packing a stand-up bass. And Al’s hawked banjos on all corners of the country, just getting back from a trip to Merlefest and Smoky Mt Banjo Camp.

But we’re all in one place now, and rip-roaring ready to play for you at Folklife! See you there!

Ch-ch-ch-Changes

al@vzvalley.com — 2010-01-22T10:30:50-08:00

It’s been awhile since our last communiqué and we have some major news. Dancing Phil has decided to leave the VZ Valley Boys to pursue other projects. We will miss Phil and wish him well.

This brings about some changes which are not yet finalized. We expect to be adding a new member in the near future. Chris will be moving over to play guitar. We’ll keep you posted.

Thanks,

The VZVBs

Christmas At Cutters- December 12

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-12-08T13:38:28-08:00

Friends, we have been a long time getting back to you. But the truth is, we have seen very little of each other since we last played at end of October. We have been tending to families, personal business, job responsibilities and secret missions. We have traveled near and far, played a little music here and there, and we are truly excited to get back together for what will be the final show of 2009.

Rest assured, we are already working on bookings for next year.

This Saturday, December 12, we’ll be at Cutter’s Point from 7-9 PM to play some music and get together with friends and strangers. Join us for an evening of good times! We’re looking forward to it, and we hope you are as well.

The VZVBs

October Recap

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-10-30T09:40:07-07:00

October raced right by us here in VZ Valley. Seems like only yesterday Al and The Jette were in Nashville, kicking it bluegrass style. Then came our double header of shows in Kent and Pacific, both of which were well attended and a great deal of fun. The Kent Bluegrass Jam had a huge crowd for the first of the season, lots of jamming and lovers of bluegrass music. Immediately after our one hour set, we high-tailed to Trade Route Brewing Co for a four hour show.

Trade Route Brewing is in Pacific in an large indstrial building with high open ceilings. The crowd there was all ages. Some folks watched Husky football, others were there to sample the brews and still others were there for the music. We had a blast and look forward to returning in the near future.

Last night, we played at a benefit for ACAP, an organization that provides child and family services in Auburn. The place was fillled with members of the Auburn community. Silent auctions and raffles went on between songs, all proceeds going to ACAP. It was a pleasure to be a part of helping out this great organization.

The month of November is a month of scattering for the Boys from VZ Valley. Al heads out on yet another Nechville Road Trip. Sparky will be at undisclosed location keeping the world safe for democracy and updating his Christmas card list. The Jette will be working on some other musical projects he has in the works, as will Dancing Phil.

We are in the process of finalizing plans for upcoming shows for December-February. Stay tuned, don't you dare touch that dial...

Jam and Brew Mixed with Bluegrass

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-10-13T07:17:09-07:00

Lest you think we've been loafing, let me bring you up to speed on what the VZVBs have been up to in recent weeks...

Dancin' Phil has been playing the fingerstyle blues and ragtime music as a solo act, and with Sparky on the bass from time to time. He's also completed a couple of books he's been working on for several years. Be watching for that announcement. Sparky has been cleaning off the cobwebs of his passport, heading deep into remote areas where danger lies. His startling resemblance to a certain middle eastern oil magnate proved helpful as he traversed through hostile territory. I can say no more.

As if he couldn't find enough opportunities to play around here, The Jette went to Nashville to the IBMA World of Bluegrass Show. There he played with some of the biggest names in bluegrass, stayed up way too late and burned though several sets of mandolin strings. He even played mandolin and banjo in a showcase for a female bluegrass singer from Switzerland. Al also went to Nashville, but was there to sell banjos with Nechville. They both flew to Minneapolis, paid a visit to the Nechville shop, and then drove to Music City in the Nechville Banjo Van. There are pictures on a previous blog entry on our news page.

Last weekend we played a house party for the owner of a local wine shop. It was a good time, but we really didn't know that it was to be an outdoor party. You guessed it, temperatures plummeted that evening. We donned what warmer outerwear we had, and played through the chilly evening. The good news, the host placed an outdoor heater near us. The bad news, he could never get iti going. Despite our frigid digits, we had a great time and it was god to get together again.

This weekend, on the 17th, is a toofer one Saturday for the VZ Valley Boys. We're playing at the Kent Bluegrass Jam from 3-4 PM. Then its off to a brand new venue-- Trade Routes Brewing Company in Pacific. They are located at 1091 Valentine, and have a wonderful assortment of microbrews, as well as some good food. It is open to all ages and we play from 6-10 at what will be their grand opening celebration. Its a nice place, and we look forward to putting on a full tilt, hang-onto-your-hats show. Come on down and join us. It will be warm.

Home Sweet Home

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-10-07T06:16:52-07:00

Al and Chris just returned from a nearly two week journey, first to the home of Nechville Banjos in Minneapolis, then to Nashville for the IBMA World of Bluegrass Show in Nashville. Here's a slideshow of their epic adventure:

The Real Old Roy

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-09-08T21:52:55-07:00

Those who have been out to see us are familiar with the song "Old Roy". Thanks for Facebook, I've reconnected with a couple of Roy's kids, and they sent along this photo. That's Roy on guitar, and Tiny Roberts on drums, along with Bernie (don't recall his last name) on accordion. Tiny taught me how to play bass, and a lot about music. Roy taught me that playing music is all about having a good time. I think of Tiny and Roy everytime I step behind the mike.

Looking back at Enumclaw's BGF

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-08-24T16:17:21-07:00

The weekend started early last week, as we arrived in Enumclaw for their first-ever bluegrass festival. Jette and I were the first to show. It wasn’t long before the Nechville booth was up and running, and the jamming had begun. Familiar faces from other such events began to trickle in, and many gathered at the booth to visit and pick a few tunes. As the dinner hour approached, Sparky and Dancing Phil arrived.

Our first show was in the Expo Center, following the tremendous Lee Highway. Those fellows play old school bluegrass like its still 1959, with tight harmonies and Mike Stahlman’s spectacular banjo work. The crowd was already warm and we had a great time playing for them. With an hour in between shows, we got to listen to Country Dave’s Picking Crew at the 50 yard line of the football field. Country Dave plays the real country music, and they delivered exactly that. We played the final set of the night out there, closing out the evening with “Rawhide.” Seemed like it was the right thing to do.

Jamming afterwards made for a short night. I gave a banjo workshop at 9 AM, with the welcome assistance of caffeine. The afternoon rolled along rather quickly. That afternoon, Jette’s other band, Northern Departure, played two shows. They tore it up, as we all knew they would. Folks loved it.

At 7, we played once more in the Expo Center. The audience had grown since the previous night, and we saw several of our good friends in attendance. Its always more fun to play with some familiar faces in the audience. An hour after that set, we closed down the outdoor stage with an hour, closing with “Dawgy Mountain Breakdown” and howling at the moon.

The crowd especially loved “Nadine.” They asked us, “Who sings that?” We answered, “The VZ Valley Boys!”

It was a fine weekend.

Going to Enumclaw, Baby Don't You Want to Go?

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-08-18T08:13:06-07:00

Last weekend Dancing Phil and I went to Grays Harbor Bluegrass Fest and had a fine time, picking and hearing bands and just chilling. Literally, as the wind and damp air bundled us into our sweatshirts and jackets. We even wore socks. The Jette was hosting a bluegrass jam in town, with a guest from England on banjo. Sparky? He’s not going into details but his cover story was “doing yardwork.” If you know what that means..

But this is a weekend we’ve been looking forward to for a while. It has been quite some time since we had all four VZ Valley Boys together on the same stage, and its right in our own backyard at Enumclaw’s Bluegrass Festival, Aug 21-23. We are playing two sets Friday night and two more Saturday night.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Enumclaw’s location--its just yonder from Veazie Valley.

The organizers have put together a great lineup. Urban Monroes are going to be there. Runaway Train, Cascade Mountain Boys and more. There will be workshops and band scrambles.

I will be giving a banjo workshop for non-banjo players-“Your First Banjo Lesson”. If you have ever wanted to try playing the banjo, nows your chance. BYOBanjo or we can share some from our booth. The goal is for you to walk away after having played a tune on the banjo. Won’t tell you which one, but there is cabbage involved.

For more details on Enumclaw’s Bluegrass Festival: Click here. See you there.

The VZVBs

Free Downloads from Compass Records

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-08-13T14:20:04-07:00

Compass Records, who records artists such as Alison Brown, Dale Ann Bradley and many others, is offering a free MP3 collection of songs at the following address:

http://compassrecords.com/free_ep/bluegrass

There are some great tunes here, folks. Grab them now!

Coming to Enumclaw

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-08-06T07:56:28-07:00

With busy travel and work schedules, the VZVBs have had little opportunity to get out and play lately. But that’s about to change. We’ll be part of Enumclaw’s Bluegrass Festival,August 21-22, their very first festival. It’s a great lineup, and we’re pleased to be included on the bill.

You can find out more about the festival by visiting their web site: www.enumclawsbluegrassfestival.com

POSTER FOR BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

The Jette Flies Home

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-07-27T17:06:03-07:00

VZVB mandolinist Chris “The Jette” Luquette returned home from his musical journey to Finland last week, just in time to head down to the Columbia Gorge Bluegrass Festival in Stevenson. It was a worthwhile trip-- Chris took home first place in the guitar competition there.

Way to go, Jette!

Photo Slideshow Added

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-07-08T10:07:41-07:00

It was great to see so many good friends at last week's shows. Thanks for joining us!

We have just added a slideshow of our appearance at Wesley Homes Lea Hill on July 3rd. That’s Gregg Christenson on mandolin playing some sparkling stuff. Thank you Elaine Christenson for taking these photos!

Click on VZ Valley Photos to view!

Squirrels dancing to Michael Jackson in tribute

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-07-06T07:35:45-07:00

Thank you, Pam Boyer Thompson...

The Morning After

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-07-05T08:19:33-07:00

Another whirlwind round of shows concluded yesterday afternoon when we played the Enumclaw Fourth of July celebration. It was HOT!, and folks were in a good-time mood. Surrounded by classic cars, face painters and dancing children we played for an hour but spent much of the afternoon hanging out there. Mandolin Gregg Christenson joined us, and we had a great time.

The day before, we played the Wesley Homes retirement community in Lea Hill, again with Gregg on mandolin. Another fun time, with flag waving seniors joining in to the party mentality.

Wednesday night’s show at A Rhapsody in Bloom was sparsely attended, but the folks who did show up weren’t afraid to sing along and joke along with us. We played as a trio, with Jette in Finland.

Thanks to those of you who found time in the midst of this amazing summer weather to join us at these events. Its wonderful to see familiar faces in the crowd wherever we go.

It will be a few weeks before our next appearance, which gives us an opportunity to work on some new music and perhaps some recording. We’ll keep you updated.

A Busy Week in July

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-06-29T17:07:52-07:00

Last week was a week of three different shows from the VZVBs. Wednesday’s show featured Ramblin’ Ron Clark on bass, as Sparky claims he was in Weiser, Idaho. Chris had other commitments on Saturday before leaving for Finland, so Phil and Al played two shows, one at Maple Valley’s Farmer’s Market, then later at Cutter’s Pt.

The Saturday night show was highlighted by a visit from our good friend Lee Stephenson, who is recovering nicely from injuries suffered last winter. The evening was her first time out to hear us since then, and it was great to see her.

This week, another trio of shows await.

Wednesday night (July 1): A Rhapsody in Bloom from 7-9 PM. Friends, its been slow out there, and there has been some talk about this great summer venue shutting down if things don’t pick up. So let’s see if we can bring a big crowd in and have some fun in this wonderful outdoor backyard setting. And maybe we can find out what Sparky’s REALLY been up to.
Friday (July 3): Wesley Homes, Lea Hill. This senior community will hear the VZVBs as part of their afternoon barbecue.
Saturday (July 4): Enumclaw Fourth of July, 2-3 PM. The VZs invade Enumclaw to help celebrate Independnce Day.

On Friday and Saturday, the mandolin spot will be capably manned by Gregg Christenson, a longtime friend and great musician.

We’re looking forward to a great time at these locations. Come join in the fun!

Saturday Twin Twin Bill

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-06-25T08:53:58-07:00

The rain showers brought us indoors, but failed to dampen our spirits at A Rhapsody in Bloom last night. The VZVBs were joined by Rambling Ron Clark on bass, filling for Sparky who is, as they say, “In Weiser.” Good tunes and good times, we’ll be returning there with Sparky in tow next week.

As Sparky continues to be away at “Weiser, Idaho” (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) and The Jette packs his bags for the Scandinavian country, Al and Phil press on this weekend as the VZ Valley Twins (fraternal, not identical). They will play two shows this Saturday, June 27.

The first show will be at the Maple Valley Farmers Market, 25700 Maple Valley Hwy, from 11:15-12:30 (the campus of Rock Creek Elementary).

That evening the Twins play Cutter’s Pt in Covington form 6:30-9:00. There will be some tunes you will recognize from the VZVB list, and a few surprises.

Hope to see you at one place or the other, or both.

VZ Valley Summer

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-06-22T09:52:36-07:00

The VZ Valley Boys are ready to kick into summer music season with several shows in the next couple of weeks. Chris and Al were at Wenatchee River Bluegrass Festival this past weekend, picking and grinning. Chris took part in the guitar flatpicking contest, and came out a winner with a second place trophy. Al showed banjos in between jams at the Nechville banjo booth. Phil did some solo shows back home, playing fingerstyle guitar.

And Sparky? He says he is in Weiser, Idaho. We can say no more.

This Wednesday, June 24, we’ll be playing a show of original music only at A Rhapsody in Bloom, 3709 6th Ave, Tacoma from 7-9. Weather permitting, we’ll be playing outdoors and tossing peanut shells on the ground at this family friendly venue.

Saturday, Al and Phil do a couple of shows as the VZ Valley Duo at Maple Valley Farmer’s Market from 11:15-12:30, and at Cutters Point in Covington from 6:30-9:00. Chris will be prepping for his European trip and Sparky will be, as they say, “in Weiser, Idaho.”

Come join us for this series of unique shows. More shows and a few surprises are just around the corner.

Scatterings and Convergences

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-06-09T09:45:06-07:00

It is summer and the VZ Valley are scattering to the four winds, only to converge on occasion this month. Last Saturday night, we played Cutter’s Point to a good sized crowd, considering the beautiful weather outdoors.   The Jette had another commitment, so it was Trio Night.

Our good friend and musical buddy Jim Hanna joined us for “Moonlight Motor Inn” as he and Dancing Phil shared the vocals.    Jim’s a guy with whom we have enjoyed some good jamming times, and it was fun to have him join us for a tune.

Phil debuted a new tune of his, “Truck Driver’s Solilioquoy”, that is particularly relevant in these economic times.

Our other good friends Kandy and Dick arrived with some friends.   They recently welcomed a new granddaughter to the family.   It wasn’t long after that their daughter and son-in-law showed up with little Addison.   Addison found the soothing sounds of bleugrass music particularly restful.

There are other shows slated for this month, with some form of the VZVBs or the other.   Sparky will be going to the National Fiddle Championships in Weizer, ID, and Al and Chris will be hanging out at bluegrass fests.   But, there will be shows on the 24th (A Rhapsody in Bloom) and the 27th (back at Cutter’s).   So come on out and join the fun.
Al

Cutters Pt - Saturday June 6

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-06-02T07:26:06-07:00

Now that the weather has turned from comfortably warm to downright hot, what better way to spend a Saturday evening than in the air conditioned climate of Cutter’s Point in Covington, listening to the music of the VZ Valley Boys, from 6:30-9:00? Yes, they have cool drinks as well as the standard coffee drinks.

This show kicks off a series of summer appearances for the VZVBs, sandwiched around (and occasionally within) the complex schedules of the band. One never knows when Sparky will be called away for a special mission, or when Phil will finally get that much anticipated call from “Dancing With the Stars.”

This show also marks the public debut of Al’s new banjo, The Flamingo. Everyone is encouraged to come dressed as flamingos to the show that night to commemorate this auspicious occasion.

Weekend in Easton

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-05-19T10:59:29-07:00

This past weekend, the VZVBs loaded up banjos, mandolins and other implements of destruction and journeyed over Snoqualmie Pass to a ranch just east of Easton, Washington. We were there to play a wedding reception, even though most of the couples portrayed in our music meet an untimely demise.
The ranch/farm was a beautiful spot with a brook in front of a large farmhouse. At the far end of the brook was a little island, accessible by a wooden bridge. It was on this island that the wedding party congregated while Dancing Phil played bouncy tunes on the guitar.

Sparky, Jette and I watched from afar near the barn where we were to play the reception. Jette, astounded by the sight of his very first wedding, had his mouth so wide open that he actually swallowed a bug. This was followed by gagging, the flailing of arms, and what looked like a bad rendition of the Joe Cocker dance. It was our favorite moment of the wedding.

As the wedding proceeded, Sparky, Jette and I journeyed to beautiful downtown Easton, where we dined at Mountain High Hamburgers. It was good eating, with a special parking area for snowmobiles. Since it was 75+ degrees, nary a snowmobile was to be found.

The show went well, playing four hours for a couple of hundred people or more. I unveiled The Flamingo, my new banjo, and spent most of the first set trying to get it tuned. Heat and humidity will do that to a banjo.

The bride and groom were a great couple, and actually did some hoedown dancing to a few tunes. It was at that time we realized that the beer on tap must be pretty good stuff. This was later confirmed.
As we began the final set, Sparky’s hand cramped up to where he couldn’t play for awhile. Once he replenished himself with fluids, he returned for the final number (Dawgy Mt Breakdown). After reloading all the gear into Phil’s pickup, we headed home. Yes indeed, it was a fine day.

Where Y'All Been?

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-05-15T11:57:58-07:00

It has been a good long while since we have been in touch. Which is not to say we haven’t been busy. This weekend the VZs travel to Cle Elum, to play at a wedding reception. We’re not 100% sure where exactly, so we’ll drive around town until we see folks in tuxedos.

In the past month, we have each scattered to the four winds. Dancing Phil has been playing that fingerstyle blues he loves to play, and even allowed himself a whole week to go on vacation with his sweetheart. While he was away, he spent his time off looking for places to go and play music where he was.

Sparky’s journeys are always shrouded in secrecy, but we can tell that he arrived home safely, and that the world is a safer place after his latest, um, excursion. He got some new strings for his bass, which explains why a few folks in Maple Valley were without phone service for a few days. Man, those strings are big.

The Jette has been busying himself with plans for a trip to Europe this summer, where he will be playing Finnish folk tunes and pondering the meaning of the phrase, “What is bluegrass?” In recent weeks, his waking hours consist of eat, pick, eat, pick, eat, pick. And congratulations to The Jette on a brand new nephew!

Al spent two weeks back east, selling banjos at Merlefest and at stores from North Carolina to Toronto. No, he didn’t come home with the flu, but instead-- a brand new banjo, known hereafter as The Flamingo.

There have been several dates added to the calendar for the summer, so be sure to check out our Calendar page.

See you soon,

The VZVBs

Photos Now Posted

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-04-19T09:54:55-07:00

The folks at Bluegrass By The Bogs sent us a few photos. You can view them here.

Weekend in Grayland

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-04-12T17:44:13-07:00

It was a great weekend in Grayland, where we played at Bluegrass By the Bogs. The howling winds and heavy rains were negated by the joyful sound of bluegrass music at the Grayland Community Hall.

We gave three shows, with the 11 PM final show of the festival held without microphication on the floor. We had a fabulous time and are looking forward to next year already.

The front page of Aberdeen’s Daily World featured the VZ Valley Boys: Click here to read.

Bluegrass By the Bogs

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-04-07T06:30:41-07:00

The VZ Valley Boys made a surprise visit to Maltby's monthly bluegrass jam last weekend. Joining in on the jamming, and of course the potluck supper, we stepped onstage for a short set that was greeted with great enthusiasm. While it was, for most of us, our first visit to this long-running bluegrass jam, it is sure to not be our last.

This weekend, the VZ Valley Boys travel to Grayland, where we'll play three shows at "Bluegrass By The Bogs" festival on Saturday, April 11. The event will be held in Grayland's Grange Hall. Also on the bill will be Runaway Train and short sets by local musicians. Whether staying overnight or making it a day trip to the coast, you're sure to have a good time. And we'd love to see some familiar faces.

If Sparky can make it all the way from Kuala Lampur, you can surely make the short drive to the coast. So-- y'all come!

Springtime At The Rhapsody

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-03-23T18:29:50-07:00

Its springtime and that can only mean one thing. OK, it can mean several things, but one of them is that the VZ Valley Boys return to A Rhapsody in Bloom this Wednesday night, March 25, from 7-9 PM. We'll be featuring our original music on Wednesday, and Phil has a song or two that have never been performed before.

So, break out of the winter state of mind and come join us for an evening of good times and music this Wednesday at A Rhapsody In Bloom, 3709 6th Ave, Tacoma.

The VZVBs

Coming Out of the Valley

al@vzvalley.com — 2009-03-18T00:00:00-07:00

The VZ Valley Boys come out of seclusion this weekend, Saturday, March 21, at Cutter's Point in Covington from 6:30-9 PM. Sparky had us go into hiding for awhile, something about an undercover operation gone wrong.

We'll also be at A Rhapsody in Bloom, in Tacoma, on Wednesday the 25th, from 7-9 PM.

Address info and other details can be found on our calendar page.

Its been awhile and we're itching and twitching from not enough picking. Come join us, as the VZ Valley Boys ride again!

The VZVBs