Did you know that the original name of NNBA was the Northern Nevada Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association? It makes sense, since both "styles" are like siblings with the same parents (and grandparents).
As most of us are aware, Bluegrass is having quite a resurgence in our popular culture. Younger generations are discovering its energy, while also re-invigorating it to make it more relevant to their lives. Hey, it's not like my generation did anything like that.....yeah, right!
Old Time music is also reawakening among younger generations, and there are amazing developments in this area! The sounds of clawhammer banjo, fingerstyle guitar and (of course!) Old Time fiddle are ringing out from Bluegrass festival stages all over the country! I was mesmerized at the Father's Day Festival last year at some of the gorgeous playing and singing I heard from artists like Jake Blount and Clinton Davis. It ain't Bluegrass, but it's sort of like visiting a beautiful, serene landscape with lush vegetation, waterfalls, and wildlife; a kind of place that's becoming harder and harder to find. It's music that both soothes and makes you want to dance.
Another important change that is happening, is the increasing appreciation of the shared experiences of the people and the region from which this music emerged: southern Appalachia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This region was inhabited by three main groups of people, most of whom were poor, disenfranchised and struggling to survive -- immigrants from Scotland and Ireland, displaced Africans, and indigenous people.
Although the Appalachians are a far piece from us here in Nevada, many of us can trace our ancestors to these hearty folk. And since February is Black History Month, it's a good time to recognize and honor the HUGE contributions that Black Americans have made to this music that we love.
For starters, here's an interesting video by the amazing Jake Blount on this topic.
