We’ve been telling you about the works of art created by bluegrass painter Robert Yonke for a couple years now. He’s painted some fantastic bluegrass scenes in the past, including the artwork for the 2008 IBMA World of Bluegrass.

We’ve just learned that Yonke has recently been commissioned to create artwork for the 2010 Delfest. The artwork will be used as the “graphic foundation” for the festival poster and other related promotional pieces.

Yonke is a mandolin player himself, and finds great joy in combining his two artistic passions, bluegrass music and watercolor painting.

We’re fans of his work here at The Bluegrass Blog, and excited to see this fusion of two fine art forms.

Be sure to visit his online studio at AppalachianStudio.com.

Many thanks to David Hollender, upright bass and banjo instructor at Berklee College of Music, for turning me on to Ragtime West, makers of some of the most amazing musical creations I have ever seen.

The company is the brainchild of Ken Caulkins, who has modified the concept of the player piano for a variety of other stringed instruments and percussion. He has also created full-sized MIDI music boxes with actual instruments that perform upon command.

Ken is obviously a bluegrass fan, as he offers several versions of his automated music players in a Bluegrass Special line. The lovely conversation starter pictured above is his Grade 3 model, complete with banjo, guitar and bass, selling for $37,950 in cherry.

Here’s a look at one in action.

Hollender forwarded me the following video, which gives a great look at his robot banjo in operation, this time in clawhammer style.

What do you get for the bluegrass picker who has everything? You can see more and get full details on these fascinating machines at www.ragtimewest.com.

We are delighted to let everyone know that banjo legend Allen Shelton has been released from the hospital, and is home again with his family after a hospitalization of nearly two months.

Shelton was diagnosed with leukemia, which at age 73, is an awfully serious bit of news. He had been receiving chemo and other treatment at the Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, and was released this past Friday (11/13).

Here is the report we received from Allen’s daughter in law, via Fred Robbins:

“He still has a way to go on his recovery, but the doctor told them (him and Mrs. Shelton) that as long as they are very careful (wearing masks, gloves, and limited visitors) he could recover at home.  They were thrilled to get out of that hospital room.”

That’s wonderful news for Allen’s many friends and admirers of his tremendous contribution to the world of 5 string banjo.

We posted last month about the benefit concert for Eddie & Martha Adcock, held to help them overcome the financial difficulties they face as a result of Eddie’s medical issues this past year. Scott Street, an attorney in Richmond, VA – and a fine banjo picker as well – sent along this report of the concert along with a number of photos.

The October 25th benefit show for Eddie and Martha Adcock at Nashville’s Station Inn was a great success. The packed audience at the Station Inn was treated to the sounds of some of the finest in Bluegrass, who donated their services (and also their own funds) to help Eddie and Martha through some difficult times following Eddie’s successful brain surgery last August.

The Nashville Bluegrass Band was followed by Missy Raines and the New Hip. Then Jerry Douglas told how his father’s first experience hearing the Country Gentlemen with Eddie Adcock prompted his father to buy every Country Gentlemen record he could find, which Jerry listened to constantly for the next year. Jerry was joined by Russ Barenberg on guitar for some hauntingly beautiful tunes.

Next the Whites with dad Buck and daughters Cheryl and Sharon demonstrated family harmony at its best. Jerry Douglas joined with surprise guest Ricky Skaggs to round out the Whites’ portion of the show. Jesse McReynolds and his family showed that the Virginia Boys sound is alive and well. Jesse concluded his set with El Cumbanchero, again confirming that his picking is as fast (or faster) and clean as ever — an amazing performance.

Harley Allen sang several of his own songs, showing all why he is one of the world’s best songwriters. He was ably assisted by the Infamous Stringdusters’ Andy Hall on Dobro, David Harvey on mandolin, and Barry Crabtree on banjo. Speaking of songwriters, Dixie and Tom T. Hall were in the audience. Others attending to support Eddie and Martha included Sonny Osborne, Terry Eldridge, Roland White, David Sebring, and many other notable Nashville area musicians.

Sam Jackson handled the emcee duties and “Supe” Granda from St. Louis delivered several of his original songs. The climax was when Eddie Adcock himself took the stage with former II Generation bandmate Gene Johnson (now of Diamond Rio), Missy Raines, and Don Wayne Reno. After a few moments of Eddie’s picking, there was no doubt that his surgery had been a success, and his trademark baritone voice proved as smooth as ever.

It was a magical evening where the excellence of the music mixed with the atmosphere of love and respect, and once again our Bluegrass community stepped up to assist one of our own.

If you would like to add your contribution to assist Eddie and Martha, you may send a contribution to:

Martha Adcock
P.O. Box 219
Lebanon, TN 37088