HOWDY FOLKS!
Hot, Hot, Hot! You thought I was talking about the weather, huh? Nope, our band! Mitch Corbin has been playing with us lately and will hopefully get his family moved from s.e. Tenn. shortly. Mitch is the son of a long-time friend; I met him when he was about 12 years old and didn’t know what bluegrass was. Well, he has become amazingly proficient on both the guitar and mandolin, and the guys can’t wait until he is permanent.

The band has been busy playing a lot around the state. We also recorded and filmed the new centennial anthem “Oklahoma Rising”, by Jimmy Webb and Vince Gill. This song is being recorded by several Oklahoma artists and bands, and will be played on tv and at events promoting the centennial. You’ll probably hear it often this next year and a half.

Bette and I made a really fun trip in July to the annual Music Merchants trade show -- this year in Austin, Tx. We got to see many old friends, and the newest and latest instruments and gadgets in the music industry. Several merchandisers agreed to donate instruments for the OIBF auction; all the proceeds go to scholarships for young people interested in improving their bluegrass talents. And by the time you read this we will have spent a week near Estes Park, Co. where I am teaching at a fiddle camp again.

We hope you can make it to some of our shows here at the Music Hall, but if you can’t, you can now dial us in on your computer and watch us LIVE! We are also archiving all the shows and will offer them on DVD format. So, now you have no excuse! And how about telling your friends who live too far away to drive to see our shows in person --- they can now see us in the comfort of their own homes. One more bit of technical news: our most recent Fiddlefest is now available on DVD – let us know if you’d like a copy.

OIBF

This will be our 10th year and I think it will be the best ever. What a line-up of talent! We have some new faces this year such as Asleep at the Wheel (just the best Western Swing band ever); Blue Railroad Train (very entertaining group from France); John Jorgenson’s Quintet (the best gypsy jazz you’ll ever hear – John is an amazing musician, playing guitar, mandolin and clarinet); Alasdair Frazer (the top Scottish fiddler) and his cellist partner Natalie Hass. LeRoy Mack is also coming this year; LeRoy played dobro with Roland and Clarence White and their Kentucky Colonels many years ago. Look for a full lineup on the website: www.oibf.com. You can also get your tickets on line or call the office: 405-282-4446, and if you are interested in volunteering, contact our coordinator Delores Stokes at 405-822-0012

CRUISIN’ WITH THE BAND

I hope many of you can join us on our second cruise. The current plan is to sail from Long Beach March 4 - 11. We will make port calls in Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarto, Mexico. The band will give several performances, but we will also hold workshops and be available for lessons and jam sessions. These are open only to those who sign up to go with our group. For more information log on to Doublestop.Com or DanceFun.Com , or call John and Anita at 405-282-8989.

DISCOUNT TICKETS

We are continuing the offer for bargain tickets, 8 shows for $64 ($128 per couple). That’s $8.00 per show Sept. thru Dec. and the privilege of selecting your reserved seat. The tickets will be ready to buy by the time you read this. Remember it is first-come, first-served for the seat selection, and we hold your seat for you only until show time.

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