We posted yesterday about ResoSummit, a three-day clinic for resophonic guitarists. Similar events for banjo, fiddle, mandolin and guitar have been held for years but co-host Rob Ickes felt the need to create something for his reso-buddies as well.

Also neglected in this area are upright bass players, the unsung heroes of the bluegrass band. A new event scheduled for January 2, 2010 is a step towards remedying that, starting with a one-day workshop in Roanoke, VA.

Billed as the Bass Strummit, it will feature instruction from Jason Moore, the celebrated bassist with Mountain Heart, assisted by co-host Mike Conner, along with instrument set up tips from bass repair specialist, Jerry Fretwell. Conner tells us that they are starting small, but have plans to expand if the first Strummit is successful.

“We can take up to 20 students in January. If this one goes well, we’re probably going to schedule something quarterly in different regions of the country, like DC, Nashville, and the northeast.”

Moore tells us that they will cover basics like left and right hand technique, practice habits, tuning and pitch, instrument setup plus more advanced skills like percussive sounds and hand positioning for certain tones and effects. He was also unwilling to accept credit for inventing something new.

“I don’t know of an all bass event being held before, but I am sure somebody has done it. There is no way Mike and I have come up with a new concept. : )

I really haven’t been teaching long but I do enjoy it. It has made me look at what I do instead of just doing it. I never really paid attention to myself until I had to explain something. It has made me a better musician and it is always good to have your bass in your hands.”

Jason did, however, credit Mike Conner with the idea for the Bass Strummit. Conner is the promoter for FiddleFest, an annual two day festival on the campus of Hollins University, near Roanoke. (more…)

Here’s video of the Mountain Heart performance of The Star Spangled Banner before the NASCAR race last Sunday at the Martinsville Speedway.

Their appearance was broadcast nationally via ABC sports.

Nice job, guys!

Here are a few more photos of Mountain Heart’s big day at the Martinsville Speedway this past Sunday. They had been invited to sing the National Anthem before the race, which was carried live on ABC television.

Their rendition featured Josh Shilling as the primary vocalist, with the rest of the members providing harmony on a powerful and inventive arrangement. Mountain Heart manager Brian Smith tells us that he has been responding to feedback since Sunday afternoon.

“It was a milestone event for them and we are getting interest in more gigs as a result.

Racing legend Richard Petty came over while there to congratulate the guys and said he loved it. Numerous other drivers and team members did so as well before they climbed into their cars for the race.”

Mountain Heart sent along a few photos of pre-race activities at Martinsville Speedway, where the guys will soon be singing the National Anthem before the start of today’s (10/25) NASCAR TUMS Fast Relief 500.

The race starts at 1:30 p.m. (EDT), and they are scheduled to sing at roughly 1:25. Coverage is on ABC television.

We’ll post any other photos as soon as we get them.