Junebug (2005)

Such a great movie, exploring themes like the "outsider" among regular "folks," as well as contrasting images of urban and rural American culture.  Oh yea, some (darkly) funny moments, as well  Definitely worth watching.

Plot Summary:

Successfull Carolinian George Johnsten meets Chicago art gallery holder Madeleine

at an electoral benefit art auction- love at first sight. Madeleine decides to meet a 

Southern original artist, so George seizes the opportunity to come along and present 

her to his South Carolina parents Eugene and Peg, drop-out brother Johhny and his 

high-pregnant wife Ashly. Confronting the outsider soon opens a can of worms as 

emotions revive or emerge, like admiration and jealousy.

-Summary by KGF Vissers (IMDb)

Check it on IMDb

"The Kids Are All Right"

It seems like all us jaded vets, hipper than thou, old curmudgeons are always lamenting what today's (no matter the generation) kids are listening too. Of course, the majority of what passes as "pop" music warrants our scornful disdain, but let's not throw out the babies (pun sort-of intended) with the bathwater!

Here's a glimpse at the next generation of great artists.

Sarah Jarosz, Sam Grisman (son of the great David Grisman and part of The Deadly Gentlemen), and Alex Hargreaves:


I mean, really, a 19-year old girl covering Tom Waits (and nailing it!)



Wade Darnell:


Check out Wade Darnell's YouTube Channel to how far this great talent has progressed since the previous video was shot. Pretty sure Tony Trishka and Bela Fleck have successfully made their mark on the next great banjo virtuoso!

John Hartford

I can't think of a single, greater, all-time embodiment of everything good about America and "Americana" than the late-great John Hartford. He'll be forever gentle on our minds, indeed.



Just Can't Beat This One - Vassar Clements, Tony Rice, Jerry Douglass, and Mark O'Connor takin' it home on the old Steam Powered Aeroplane!


Download John Hartford 1977-02-09 - East Lansing, MI

Tecumseh Valley

Nanci Griffith leading an all-star cast in tribute to the late-great Townes Van Zandt. This might be the most emotional version of this song I've ever heard (see Nanci tear up and look toward heaven around 4:30). I still fight back the tears every time I watch this.

Nanci Griffith is an American treasure.



Townes Van Zandt from a private concert (circa 1991)



Townes Van Zandt Live at The Down Home - Johnson City, TN (1985-04-18)

Inbred Rednecks

A "B-movie" comedy not to be missed. Filmed on a shoestring budget in the hills and hollows of western NC (Madison County) this flick had it all; cockfighting, moonshine, Highland microbrews, and of course, plenty of "inbred" rednecks! It's not an easy film to find...I remember back in the day, you could buy it on VHS at the "Red Dot" market near the Forks of Ivy/Barnardsville, NC. Anyway, if you just want a mindless laugh, watch this movie!



INBREDREDNECKS.COM - Official Website

Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Rotten Tomatoes (includes an additional trailer)

Scathing review in the New York Times (Wudchexspect?)

On My Long Journey Home

This traditional song was made famous by The Monroe Brothers, but dates back to at least 1890. Alternative titles include; "High Sheriff," "Deadheads and Suckers," and "Big Ball in Texas." The latter was recorded by The Prairie Ramblers in 1935 and is the likely source of modern renditions.



The New Lost City Ramblers...
My Long Journey Home (NLCRs) by BikesOnTheWall

Jeff Mosier (from Blueground Undergrass) and the pioneering "jam-band" Phish, pickin' in the parking lot before a 1994 concert in Bloomington, IN.
Long Journey Home (Jeff Mosier with Phish, 1994) by BikesOnTheWall

Get the Whole Set