John Relph: Shows

John Relph

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2019

January 31:: Matt Slocum and the Gravel Road Band returns to our MoCo outpost, bringing a feast of funky blues, bluegrass, R&B grooves for the pleasure of our MoCo buds and listeners. Bluesgrass will be served up hot and spicy with fiddle and mando chops, over a cool bed of riffs from old acoustic guitar and doghouse bass. Chef Slocum adds a few of his own concoctions, professionally selected to complement the evening's diverse menu. Three full courses of cool, hand-cooked magic that will leave you shaken, stirred and smiling! MSGRB soloists John Relph and Janine Lewis will provide the fireworks, and Nancy Lisi, will (as always) keep us in line with sublime jazzy bass lines the whole night long. See you there! Lahinch Tavern & Grill, Thursday, January 31, 7-10pm.

2018

December 23:: The Flower Hill String Band (with yours truly on mandolin) will be performing at the Garden of Lights in Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, Maryland, from 6:00 to 8:30pm. And I quote, “Step into a magical winter wonderland illuminated with more than one million dazzling colorful lights shaped into hand-crafted, original art forms of flowers, animals and other natural elements. Stroll from garden to garden enjoying twinkling tree forms, sparkling fountains, and whimsical winter scenes. Since 1997, the Garden of Lights has been a Baltimore/Washington DC area family holiday tradition.”
December 18:: Join Double Sharp (Eric Vesper and John Relph) at their Christmas Extravaganza at El Golfo Restaurant in Silver Spring, Maryland, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. We'll be subjecting the crowd to our ineffable mix of acoustic string music. Join us for dinner, carols, drinks and fun.
November 29:: Matt Slocum and the Gravel Road band presents a live show thats unpredictably fresh: blues, bluegrass, folk, and R&B concoctions that pour from the soul and will leave you shaken, stirred and smiling. Lahinch Tavern & Grill, Thursday, November 29, 7-10pm.
November 4:: The Flower Hill String Band, with John Relph on mandolin, will be performing at Last Call for Fall at Butler's Orchard from 12:00 to 4:00pm. There will be pony rides, face painting, the apple slingshot, and more!
November 3:: The Flower Hill String Band, with John Relph on mandolin, will be performing at Last Call for Fall at Butler's Orchard from 12:00 to 4:00pm. There will be giant slides, a twisted corn maze, hayrides, and more!
October 21:: The Flower Hill String Band, with John Relph on mandolin, will be performing at the Pumpkin Festival at Butler's Orchard from 12:00 to 4:00pm. There will be apple cider donuts, kettle corn, cider, and more! Wind, to be exact! And fire! Our extension cord started smoking and it melted down.
October 13:: The Flower Hill String Band, with John Relph on mandolin, will be performing at the Pumpkin Festival at Butler's Orchard from 12:00 to 4:00pm. There will be hayrides, a twisted corn maze, giant slides, and more!
October 3:: Double Sharp will be taking over the New Deal Cafe on Wednesday, October 3, 2018, from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Don't miss it. And don't miss the accessible, plant-based, Italian-American menu either.
July 5:: The Gravel Road Band at Old Bowie Town Grille! 7 to 11pm.
June 27:: Matt Slocum and the Gravel Road band presents a live show thats unpredictably fresh: blues, bluegrass, folk, and R&B concoctions that pour from the soul and will leave you shaken, stirred and smiling. Lahinch Tavern & Grill, Wednesday, June 27, 7 to 10pm.
June 26:: The Flower Hill String Band, with John Relph on mandolin, will be performing at The Columbia Lakefront Summer Festival from 7:30 to 9:30pm.
May 25:: Matt Slocum and the Gravel Road band bring a feast of funky blues, bluegrass, and R&B grooves for consumption by MoCo buds and listeners to Lahinch Tavern & Grill, on Friday, May 25. Bluesgrass will be served up hot and spicy with fiddle and mando chops, on a cool bed of riffs from old acoustic guitar and doghouse bass recipes from the south. Chef Slocum adds a few of his own concoctions, professionally selected to complement the evening's diverse menu. Three full courses of cool, hand-cooked magic that will leave you shaken, stirred and smiling! John Relph and Janine Lewis will provide the fireworks, and Nancy Lisi will (as always) keep us in line with sublime jazzy bass lines the whole night long. See you there! 8pm to 11pm.

2017

July 13:: Double Sharp will be performing at Villain & Saint, Bethesda, opening for Southpaw Country and Rockville Strings. Show starts at 8pm, so don't be late. Tickets $10.
May 27:: Double Sharp is performing at Zed's Cafe in beautiful downtown Silver Spring, Maryland. 7:30pm to 10:00pm.
May 6:: Double Sharp (Eric Vesper and John Relph) will be doing a musical takeover at El Golfo Restaurant in Silver Spring, Maryland, from 8pm to 10pm. We'll be subjecting the crowd to our ineffable mix of acoustic string music. Join us for dinner and drinks. Or else.

2016

November 30:: Double Sharp (Eric Vesper and John Relph) will be performing at the New Deal Cafe in Greenbelt, Maryland, from 7pm to 9pm. We'll be treating the crowd to classical, Americana and Irish traditional tunes, and we hope you'll join us for musical, comestible and quaffable treats.
November 12:: Double Sharp (Eric Vesper and John Relph) will be playing a private party. You are probably not invited.
September 25:: Scott Morgan has been invited back to play Maker Faire Silver Spring 2016, so this time he's bringing the whole band. Yes, Newgrass Effect with Tom Gray will be playing a set on the main stage. The event will be held at the Silver Spring Civic Center located at 1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring, Maryland, and it's free! We'll play a 45 minute set starting around 3pm. The event continues until 5pm. This year we have invited our friend Chris Stifel to help us out on guitar.
July 29:: Double Sharp will be playing a private party in Upper Marlboro.
June 17-26:: I'll be at the National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest & Festival in Weiser, Idaho. Oh yes.
April 6:: Double Sharp (Eric Vesper and John Relph) will be playing at New Deal Cafe in Greenbelt, Maryland, from 7pm to 9pm. We'll be grooving on classical, Americana and Irish traditional tunes, and we hope you'll get your groove on, too. You can also groove on some beer and Lebanese food. Don't miss it.
March 19:: Due to issues beyond our control, Double Sharp performed live at the Walter Johnson Crew Float Our Boat benefit auction! Float Our Boat took place at River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6301 River Road, Bethesda, from 6:30-9:30PM. Admission was free and included appetizers, dessert, live entertainment and a raffle drawing.
March 15:: I'm flying to California for a special show with Cabin Fever. Join us at Sam's Bar-B-Que in San Jose, from 6 to 9pm.
February 6:: Newgrass Effect with Tom Gray will be playing a set at the 2016 Folklore Society of Greater Washington Mini-Fest. We will be playing from 12-12:50pm.

2015

November 13:: Side Effect (AKA Scott Morgan and me) will be playing at Inwood Coffeehouse. Friday the 13th. 2015. Special guest Terry Wittenberg. Inwood House provides independent living for financially disadvantaged people facing mental and/or physical challenges. All are welcome to attend.
September 29:: Double Sharp (Eric Vesper and John Relph) will be playing at New Deal Cafe in Greenbelt, Maryland, from 7pm to 9pm. We'll be grooving on more classical, Americana and Irish traditional tunes for your delectation. You can groove on some beer and Lebanese food. Join us.
September 20:: Side Effect (John Relph and Scott Morgan) has been invited back to play Maker Faire Silver Spring. The event will be held at the Silver Spring Civic Center located at 1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring, Maryland, and it's free! We'll play a half-hour set starting at noon, and the event continues until 5pm. This year we have invited our friend Terry Wittenberg to help us out on banjo and vocals.
June 22-27:: I'll be at the National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest & Festival in Weiser, Idaho. On Monday night I'll be one of the players in the Mandofesto Intermezzo at the Western Swing Dance at the Snake River Heritage Center Ballroom.
May 7:: Eric Vesper with Double Sharp will be playing at Gypsy Sally's Vinyl Lounge in Washingon, DC, from 7pm to 10pm. We'll be playing two sets of Americana, Irish and American traditional tunes, swing and classical for your musical pleasure.
May 3:: I plan to attend the 2015 Annual DCBU Pick-Nic at Cherry Hill Park in Falls Church, Virginia. The Pick-Nic runs from 2:00 to 6:00pm. Drop by, hang out in the park and hear us kick out the bluegrass jams.
April 26:: The return of Bluegrass Sunday! Newgrass Effect with Tom Gray will be performing bluegrass gospel music as part of the service at The Palisades Community Church. Service starts at 11:00am.
April 14:: Double Sharp (Eric Vesper and John Relph) will be playing at New Deal Cafe in Greenbelt, Maryland, from 7pm to 9pm. We'll be laying down some classical, Americana and Irish traditional tunes for your delectation. It's déjà vu all over again.
March 14:: Newgrass Effect with Tom Gray is performing live at Walter Johnson High School during Float Our Boat, a benefit auction for WJ Crew! Float Our Boat will take place in the cafeteria of WJHS at 6400 Rock Spring Drive in Bethesda from 7-10PM. Online bidding for Silent Auction items will begin in March so stay tuned for more details. Admission is free and includes appetizers, dessert, live entertainment and a raffle drawing for a GoPro Camera sponsored by Hudson Trail Outfitters and a Concept 2 Rowing Machine.
March 8:: Side Effect will be performing at the World Folk Music Association Showcase this coming Sunday, March 8th. Music starts at 7:00. The showcase is held at El Golfo Restaurant in Silver Spring. WFMA has supported folk music in the Washington area, and around the world, for decades now.
February 27-28:: I'll be hanging around, drinking chocolate malted falcons, at the 2015 DC Bluegrass Festival, Sheraton Premiere Hotel, Tysons Corner, VA.
February 19:: Side Effect (Scott Morgan and John Relph) will be doing a set at yet another Bluegrass Night at Seibel's Restaurant in Burtonsville, Maryland, starting at 7pm. Some of our friends may also join us for a few songs. Anything could happen!

2014

November 11:: Double Sharp (Eric Vesper and John Relph) will be playing at New Deal Cafe in Greenbelt, Maryland, from 7pm to 9pm. We'll be laying down some classical, Americana and Irish traditional tunes for your delectation.
October 18:: Double Sharp (Eric Vesper and John Relph) will play at Hollywood Farmers Market in College Park, Maryland, from 10am to 12pm. Come on down, enjoy some tunes and get yer vegetables on.
October 16:: Side Effect (Scott Morgan and John Relph) will be doing a set at the first Bluegrass Night at Seibel's Restaurant in Burtonsville, Maryland, starting at 7pm. Our friend Michelle Murray will also join us for a few songs. Anything could happen!
October 5:: I will be helping out Flower Hill String Band at the 31st Annual Brunswick Railroad Days. The event runs from 10:00am to 5:00pm, and we're on stage from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
October 4:: Double Sharp (Eric Vesper and John Relph) played at Hollywood Farmers Market in College Park, Maryland, from 10am to 12pm. I played a lot of guitar and brought home a huge blue hubbard squash.
September 27:: Newgrass Effect with Tom Gray will be performing at a private party in Washington, D.C. It's gonna be a surprise party, but I can't say for whom, because, well, it's a surprise!
September 14:: Side Effect (John Relph and Scott Morgan) has been invited back to play the Maker Faire Silver Spring on Sunday, September 14th. The event will be held at the Silver Spring Civic Center located at 1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring, Maryland, and it's free! We'll be kicking things off with a half-hour set starting at noon.
September 1:: I will be helping out Flower Hill String Band at a private party in Alexandria, Virginia.
August 30:: Newgrass Effect with Tom Gray will be playing at 12:30pm at the Greenbelt Labor Day Festival on Saturday, August 30th. This year, 2014, will mark the 60th year of the Festival. The weekend-long celebration includes amusement rides, carnival games, food, refreshments, art exhibits, the Miss Greenbelt Pageant, and much more!
July 19:: Flower Hill String Band will be playing at the Little Bennett Campground's Great Outdoors Festival at Little Bennett Regional Park, in Clarksburg, Maryland. I am sitting in as substitute mandolin player.
July 12:: Flower Hill String Band will be playing at Something Earthy Pottery Studio and Gallery, in Laytonsville, Maryland, from 7pm to 9pm. I am sitting in as substitute mandolin player. Come on down.
June 22:: Flower Hill String Band will be playing at New Deal Café, in Greenbelt, Maryland, from 5pm to 8pm. I am sitting in as substitute mandolin player. Let's have some fun.
June 16-21:: Another great year at the National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest & Festival in Weiser, Idaho. Bluegrass, Western fiddle tunes, swing, jazz, Dawg, country, western, honky tonk. You name it, we played it. Decent weather, too.
May the 4th:: Bluegrass Sunday! Newgrass Effect with Tom Gray will be performing bluegrass gospel music as part of the service at The Palisades Community Church. Service starts at 11:00am.; After the service I plan to attend the 2014 DCBU Annual Pic-Nic at Cherry Hill Park in Falls Church, Virginia. The Pic-Nic runs from 2:00 to 6:00pm.
February 1:: You are cordially invited to this free music concert organized by the Wyngate Citizens Association (WCA) and featuring my incredibly talented neighbors. Bring your family and friends to enjoy a wide variety of music over five 20-minute sets. Consider bringing a simple snack or dessert dish to share at intermission. When: Saturday, February 1: 7:00-9:00 pm (or stop by when you can). Where: Wyngate Elementary School, All Purpose Room (enter through the left door at the front of the school). Eric Vesper and I will be playing a 20 minute set.
January 19:: Jam and potluck to celebrate Ten-Mile Creek with music, food and friends. Side Effect will be playing at a fund-raiser hosted by Bruce Cohen & Rose Wells in partnership with Linda Schade and the Ten-Mile Creek Coalition. 9819 Capitol View Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. 1 to 4pm. Bring a dish or beverage to share. Suggested donation: $10.

2013

December 13:: Scott Morgan and I (AKA Side Effect) will be playing at Inwood Coffeehouse. Friday the 13th. 2013. Inwood House provides independent living for financially disadvantaged people facing mental and/or physical challenges.
November 9:: Newgrass Effect with Tom Gray will not be singing for their supper at Ring of Fire Grill & Tavern. Apparently they've gone down in flames and we've swept up the ashes.
October 26:: Newgrass Effect with Tom Gray will be performing at Smokin' Hot Bar & Grille in Glenwood, Maryland. 9pm-12am.
October 17:: Newgrass Effect with Tom Gray will be singing for their supper at El Nopalito Grill, in Silver Spring, Maryland. 8:00pm to 11:00pm.
September 17:: Newgrass Effect with Tom Gray will highlight the events at Bluegrass Open Mikes, at American Legion Post 268 in Wheaton. The evening starts at 8pm, we play a set at 9pm.
September 15:: Newgrass Effect with Tom Gray is playing a private party in Lorton, Virginia.
September 14:: I went out to Lucketts and sat in with Tara Linhardt for a couple of songs. The car show was pretty nice, too.
August 31:: Newgrass Effect with Tom Gray will be performing at Smokin' Hot Bar & Grille in Glenwood, Maryland. 9pm-12am.
June 24-28:: I attended the 2013 Mandolin Symposium in Santa Cruz, California. On Friday, I performed in the Grand Finale Concert. I was a member of the Mike Marshall "Contemporary" ensemble and played second chair mandolin in the larger orchestral works.
June 17-21:: I attended the 2013 National Oldtime Fiddlers' Contest & Festival in Weiser, Idaho. I borrowed Martha's guitar to back her up in the Adult division. This year's T-shirt was very good.
May 23:: Newgrass Effect with Tom Gray will be singing for their supper at El Nopalito Grill, in Silver Spring, Maryland. 8:00pm to 11:00pm.
May 12:: Eric Vesper and I will play tunes at the Downtown College Park Farmers Market. 10:30am to 1:00pm.
March 30:: Newgrass Effect with Tom Gray will be performing at Smokin' Hot Bar & Grille in Glenwood, MD. John O'Dell (of Good Deale Bluegrass Band and Windy Ridge) will be on guitar, and Wally Hughes (currently with Bill Emerson and Sweet Dixie) will be playing fiddle with us. 9pm-12am.
February 23:: Newgrass Effect with Tom Gray plays the Fourth Annual DC Bluegrass Festival. (Our appearance was cancelled because of illness.)

2012

September 15:: Newgrass Effect with Tom Gray is playing the Evolver company picnic (a private party).
August 11:: After spending two weeks in Ireland I will return to the stage with Newgrass Effect with Tom Gray. Another hot night at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. We are proud to have Mark Clifton sitting in with us on dobro. Come join us for more bluegrass versions of all your favorite psychedelic songs from the sixties.
July 15:: Newgrass Effect with Tom Gray plays the FRESHFARM Markets 15th Birthday Bash in Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.
June 18-22:: I will be attending the 2012 National Oldtime Fiddlers' Contest & Festival in Weiser, Idaho. More music than a normal human being can stand.
June 4:: Newgrass Effect with Tom Gray will play on the long-running T.V. show Communicating Today on Channel 10, Fairfax Cable. The show will be broadcast on Wednesday at 8:30pm, Friday at 6:30am and Sunday at 3:30 pm.
June 2:: Private party with Newgrass Effect.
May 19:: Newgrass Effect will be performing more psychedelic underground bluegrass hits at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. It has been confirmed with Betty Jo Bialosky (but everybody knew her as Nancy). 8:30pm-12:30am.
May 12:: All instrumental wedding music with Scott Morgan. Private party.
April 13:: I will be spending my father's birthday playing bluegrass with Newgrass Effect with Tom Gray, at Tiffany Tavern in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. I think it's a great way to spend a Friday the 13th. Are you feeling lucky?
March 9:: Come out and feel the vibes of the Newgrass Effect. We'll be performing your favorite psychedelic underground bluegrass hits at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. Wow, man, I can dig it.
February 23-26:: I will be again travelling to Bellevue, Washington, for the Wintergrass bluegrass festival.
February 4:: Tara Linhardt, John Seebach and I will be giving a mandolin workshop at the Folklore Society of Greater Washington Mini-Fest. The workshop runs from 2-2:30pm.
January 27:: Out with the old and in with the Newgrass Effect! It's our first gig of the new year. We'll be spending the evening at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. I hope you'll be spending part of your evening with us. 8:30pm-12:30am.

2011

DEC-10:: Newgrass Effect return to Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. We had a great time last time, hopefully this show will be even more enjoyable for all. 8:30pm-12:30am.
November 18:: Newgrass Effect returns to Tiffany Tavern for another night of the unexpected. Unexpected, perhaps, if you've never heard our set. Join us in Alexandria, Virginia, and find out what you've been missing. 8:30pm-12:30am.
October 14:: Watch out for the Newgrass Effect! It can change your life. Come out to Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia, and find out what effect we have on you. Join us for an evening of musical entertainment, if not a life-changing experience. 8:30pm-12:30am.
October 8:: Dirty River will be performing at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. Please join us! It's my last performance with the band. 8:30pm-12:30am.
September 30:: Newgrass Effect are booked to play the Frederick Cultural Arts Center, a 120-seat theatre run by the Frederick Arts Council. It's a nice room and a casual venue, but it's ideal for listening. So if you're interested in being a dedicated audient for what Newgrass Effect has to offer, put us on your calendar and join us for the evening. 7:00-10:00pm.
September 17:: Dirty River is scheduled to perform at the first annual Jam On the Bus Music Festival. It's scheduled for Saturday, September 17th, in at 8820 Huntmaster Road, Gaithersburg, Maryland, at 4:20pm, but we will go on stage at 5:00pm. I'm looking forward to it.
September 11:: Dirty River will be performing at the 34th Takoma Park Folk Festival, on Sunday, September 11, 2011, at Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Rd. (near Rt. 410), in Takoma Park, Maryland. 12:00-1:00pm.
September 9:: The vocal and instrumental talents of Newgrass Effect will again be on display for your edification and entertainment at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. We sincerely hope you will join us for all or part of the evening and discover what new treats we have in store. 8:30pm-12:30am.
August 13:: Newgrass Effect will be providing the music for a private cruise on the Cherry Blossom Riverboat, departing from Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. 7:00-10:00pm.
July 24:: Dirty River will be playing two sets, at high noon and 2pm, at The Flea Market at Eastern Market, in the Hine School Yard, Washington, DC.
July 8:: Newgrass Effect. Tiffany Tavern. Again. Alexandria. Virginia. Again. 8:30pm-12:30am. Again.
June 20-25:: Another year, another Weiser. 2011 National Oldtime Fiddlers' Contest & Festival. This year turned out to be one of the best Weisers ever. Plenty of jamming early in the week, then lots of contest backup later in the week. I played an entertainment slot with Megan Lynch and accompanied Tabitha Gholi to her fifth place win in the Junior Division. I played bluegrass and fiddle tunes with Tom Schaefer and Pete Martin, bluegrass with John Melnichuk's crew, drank beer with John Lardinois, ate grilled salmon with Pat McMullen, and much more!
June 10:: Yes, it's another Dirty River gig at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. Please join us! 8:30pm-12:30am.
June 4:: Newgrass Effect. Tiffany Tavern. Alexandria. Virginia. 8:30pm-12:30am.
May 27:: Dirty River has entered the 2011 DelFest Bluegrass Band Competition and will play a short set on Friday, May 27. If we win, we get to play a short set on the Grandstand Stage on Sunday (and might also play at DelFest 2012).
May 15:: Dirty River will be playing a quiet two sets, at high noon and 2pm, at The Flea Market at Eastern Market, in the Hine School Yard, Washington, DC.
May 7:: We've heard from our hosts at Tiffany Tavern that we (Newgrass Effect) sound better every time we play there. So grab your hat and head down to old town Alexandria, Virginia, for pop hits bluegrass stylee. 8:30pm-12:30am.
April 30:: Dirty River hope to return to the outdoor stage at Clare and Don's Beach Shack in Falls Church, Virginia. This will, of course, depend on the weather, but we hope it will be warm enough for you to come and join us for drinks, food and music al fresco. 7-10pm.
April 16:: Since Dirty River ended up earning third place in The Great 2011 DC Bluegrass Union Band Competition back in January, we all won tickets to the Second Annual DC Bluegrass Festival! Yes, that's right, Saturday, April 16, at Langley High School in McLean, Virginia. Performers will include Gold Heart, Wayne Taylor and Appaloosa, The Claire Lynch Band, and The Gibson Brothers, among others, and I should mention that The Gibson Brothers are fabulous. Buy your tickets today!
April 2:: Dirty River will return to Tiffany Tavern, in Alexandria, Virginia, and we've got lots of new material if you haven't heard us in a while. I'm singing more, Michael is singing more, and we've got some new instrumentals, too. Many thanks to Richie Reinholdt for some of the material. 8:30pm-12:30am.
March 27:: Newgrass Effect will be playing their first ever gig at at Blair's Londontowne Pub and Grill in Edgewater, Maryland. Come on out for happy hour and dinner! We'll be playing even more of your favorite pop hits, bluegrass songs and more. 3:00-7:00pm.
March 4:: Yes, let's all march forth toward spring (no slouching) as Newgrass Effect plays another night at Tiffany Tavern in old town Alexandria, Virginia. We'll be playing more of your favorite pop hits, bluegrass and more. 8:30pm-12:30am.
February 24-26:: I'll be at Wintergrass 2011, in Bellevue, Washington.
February 5:: Dirty River is taking another trip to the Florida beach. We're playing indoors at Clare and Don's Beach Shack in Falls Church, Virginia. We're looking forward again to beer under the palm trees. We'll be playing from 10pm to 1am.
January 30:: Dirty River has entered The Great 2011 DC Bluegrass Union Band Competition! It's happening at Looney's Pub at Maple Lawn, 8180 Maple Lawn Boulevard, Fulton, Maryland, from 12-6pm. 12 different bands will be competing!
January 29:: Eric and John, the band formerly known as The Kinsmen, will be playing at the first Wyngate Neighborhood Coffeehouse.
January 21:: It's the first Tiffany Tavern gig of the new year for Newgrass Effect. Join us in Alexandria, Virginia, for a night of bluegrass and more. 8:30pm-12:30am.
January 15:: Dirty River. Tiffany Tavern. Alexandria, Virginia. 8:30pm-12:30am.

2010

December 17:: I'll be playing with Cabin Fever at McGrath's Pub, Alameda, California.
November 14:: Newgrass Effect will be playing “Upstairs at the Bookshop” at Kensington Row Bookshop, in Kensington, Maryland. We'll be playing acoustic with no sound system in a quiet and mellow setting surrounded by books, and it'll be benefit terms as usual, so please come out and show your support. 4-6pm.
November 13:: Dirty River will be playing at historic JV's Restaurant, a fixture in Falls Church for over 60 years. Some of the best have played there, and we're proud to carry on the tradition. Again. 5-8pm.
October 29:: As Halloween nears, Newgrass Effect plans on calling the spirits by playing and singing bluegrass at Tiffany Tavern, Alexandria, Virginia. Please join us for a night of pop songs wearing bluegrass costumes. 8:30pm-12:30am.
October 23:: Apparently Dirty River are no longer playing at the Blue Moon Cafe in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. The show has been CANCELLED by the venue.
September 11:: On this, the anniversary of an infamous event, Dirty River will be performing at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. 8:30pm-12:30am.
September 4:: Newgrass Effect will be playing at The Friendly Inn in Ellicott City, Maryland. 8:30pm-12:30am.
August 21:: Dirty River return to the outdoor stage at Clare and Don's Beach Shack in Falls Church, Virginia. The weather should be warm but there will be drinks and food al fresco. 7-10pm.
July 11:: Newgrass Effect will be playing “Upstairs at the Bookshop” at Kensington Row Bookshop, in Kensington, Maryland. We'll be playing acoustic, no sound system, and it'll be benefit terms, so please come out and show your support. 4-6pm.
July 3:: On the eve of Independence Day, we'll celebrate our continued freedom from the marauding evil space aliens by playing and singing bluegrass at Tiffany Tavern, Alexandria, Virginia. Yes indeed, Newgrass Effect, featuring Terry Wittenberg on banjo, Scott Morgan on guitar, Carolyn Kellock on bass, and me on mandolin, will be singing the night away, from 8:30pm to 12:30am, and never will you hear the words “klaatu barada nikto” leave our lips.
June 21-26:: I'm heading out to Weiser, Idaho, for another in a long series of weeks of non-stop jamming, rehearsal and competition at the 2010 National Oldtime Fiddlers' Contest & Festival. My Accompanist registration is complete, my plane tickets and car rental have been procured. The guitar is so coming along this year!
June 12:: Music & Art in the Park with Dirty River. Merrifield Park, at Vantage at Merrifield Town Center, 8191 Strawberry Lane, Falls Church, Virginia, 6-8pm.
June 5:: Newgrass Effect will be playing at The Friendly Inn in Ellicott City, Maryland. Scott Morgan guitars and sings, Terry Wittenberg banjos and sings, Carolyn Kellock basses, and I mandolin and sing.
June 4:: Dirty River will be playing on the outdoor stage at Clare and Don's Beach Shack in Falls Church, Virginia. We hope the weather is nice for beer and food al fresco. 7-10pm.
May 1:: Please join Dirty River for our performance at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. We had a great time at our last gig, there was a big crowd right up until closing time. You can get our CD at the show, as well as burgers and beer and a nice greek salad. 9pm-1am.
April 3:: Come on out to Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia, to see and hear my new band Newgrass Effect, featuring Terry Wittenberg on banjo, Scott Morgan on guitar, Carolyn Kellock on bass, and me on mandolin. 9pm-1am.
March 13:: Dirty River is taking another trip to the Florida beach. We're playing at Clare and Don's Beach Shack in Falls Church, Virginia. We're looking forward again to beer under the palm trees. 7-10pm.
February 28:: The 24th Annual Wammies. Dirty River is not performing. Dirty River did not win. But we are proud to have been nominated for two awards.
February 27:: Dirty River is back for another show at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria. The Wammie awards are the following night, and Dirty River have been nominated for awards in two categories. 9pm-1am.
January 31:: Dirty River will be playing at the DCBU Showcase Fundraiser, the “Chips for Chops” fundraiser at Bangkok Blues Restaurant in Falls Church, Virginia. I am also in one of the band scramble bands; we're calling ourselves The Maryland Contingent.
January 23:: Rescheduled gig: Dirty River opens for Audie Blaylock and Redline at the Lucketts Community Center, in Leesburg, Virginia. Get your tickets early, as this venue almost always sells out. Hopefully it won't snow this time.
January 9:: Dirty River is taking a trip to the beach and we're looking forward to palm trees and little umbrellas in our drinks. We'll be playing at Clare and Don's Beach Shack in Falls Church, Virginia.

2009

December 5:: Dirty River opens for Audie Blaylock and Redline at the Lucketts Community Center, in Leesburg, Virginia. Get your tickets early, as this venue almost always sells out. (Cancelled due to snow.)
November 27:: The Dirty River Four will play a short evening at EJ's Landing in College Park. We're gonna mix it up and try some new things, so join us for an interesting evening of music.
November 13:: Dirty River is back for another show at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria. The last one was real good. 9pm-1am.
October 24:: I'm playing with what's left of Foggy Mountain Hilton at the Bluegrass For Hospice Bluegrass Music Show, Craft Fair, and Food Drive on Saturday, October 24, 2009, at about 1pm. The show is taking place at The Flat Iron Farm on Flat Iron Road in Great Mills, Maryland. Way down south. The band will include Matt Levine, Terry Wittenberg and Geff King.
October 17:: The Kinsmen will be providing musical entertainment at an Organic Beer Tasting at the Historic Cady Lee Mansion in Takoma Park, to support the Takoma Foundation's community grants program. Food, music, tastings from leading organic microbreweries, and talk and book signing by Chris O'Brien, beer activist and Director of Sustainability at American University. The Kinsmen are Eric Vesper and John Relph.
October 10:: Chalkfest, private party, Wheaton, Maryland. I'll be playing bass. We're doing The Beatles's Abbey Road album. “She's So Heavy”.
September 19:: Dirty River will be playing at the Bluemont Fair, in the historic village of Bluemont, Virginia. We have been requested to return to The Winery @ Plasters Field after last year's command performance. 12:45-2:45p.
September 12:: Dirty River are performing at the “Bluegrass On The Farm” festival at the Agriculture History Farm Park, Derwood, Maryland. We play two sets, at 1:40pm and 4:25pm. Also featured are Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass, The Lisa Kay Band, and Clearspring. In the immortal words of The New Agriculturalists, “Go to the farm, to the farm, to the farm with me.” (Check out this review.)
August 29:: It's time for another Shaw Brothers show with guitarist Monte Monteith at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. 9pm-1am.
August 22:: Dirty River is proud to announce our new album Graveyard Train! This show is our CD Release Party. It also happens to be our second show at Tiffany Tavern since I joined on mandolin. Don't miss it! 9pm-1am.
July 25:: Music & Art in the Park with Dirty River. Merrifield Park, at Vantage at Merrifield Town Center, 8191 Strawberry Lane, Falls Church, Virginia, 6-8pm.
June 22-27:: 2009 National Oldtime Fiddlers' Contest & Festival, Weiser, Idaho. All day and all of the night. Non-stop jamming and annual musical family reunion.
June 12:: Dirty River are performing at Artomatic 2009! We will be appearing on the Cabaret Stage at 10pm. We played at Artomatic last year, and it was a great time. Walk around, appreciate some art, a lot of art, and drink a beer at the same time! Hey, and we ended up in a video, too: Artomatic 2008 + Flying Dog = AWESOME.
May 30:: Now it appears that the April 18th show was the last Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Bluegrass Band performance. This gig will be me playing with Bob and Dave Shaw and guitarist Monte Monteith at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. Come on down and see what madness lies in store.
May 2:: Dirty River will be playing at Hard Bargain Farm as part of the Alice Ferguson Foundation Spring Farm Festival, Accokeek, MD, Saturday, 11am-4pm.
April 25:: Rattlesnake Hill plays what I'm told is an extremely important gig in Waynesboro, PA, at a hardware store. Yep, we're playing Beck & Benedict Hardware Music Theatre. (In case you don't know, Waynesboro has a population of less than 10,000.)
April 19:: Yes, it's another Sunday afternoon, so Rattlesnake Hill will be returning to Cactus Flats Inn, just north of Frederick, Maryland. Ride your hog. 5-8pm.
April 18:: The January 17 Tiffany Tavern gig with The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Bluegrass Band was a lot of fun. I thought my playing sounded good and I laughed when Pete acted like he was angry with Bob and Bob believed him. Well, perhaps it is unlikely that this gig will be as fun and amusing, but one hopes for the best. Hopefully you can come down to Alexandria, Virginia, and find out for yourself.
March 28:: I'll be singing and “playing” the mandolin with The Rattlesnake Hill Band at Tiffany Tavern, Alexandria, Virginia. We'll do the music, Tiffany will do the food, and you can do the enjoying. C'mon down! 9pm-1am.
February 28:: The last day of February sees The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Bluegrass Band performing at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. Hopefully it will see you listening there as well.
February 21:: Dirty River will be playing at historic JV's Restaurant, a fixture in Falls Church for over 60 years. Some of the best have played there, and we're proud to carry on the tradition. 5-8pm.
February 8:: Rattlesnake Hill will be returning to Cactus Flats Inn, just north of Frederick, Maryland. 5-8pm.
January 17:: And The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Bluegrass Band kicks off their 2009 season at Tiffany Tavern in Ye Olde Towne Alexandree, uh, Virginia. The Lincoln Memorial will be too crowded, so skip U2 and our President-elect and join us for the evening.
January 9:: Rattlesnake Hill kicks off the New Year at Tiffany Tavern in ye olde towne Alexandria. Join us for a night of food, drink and, of course, song.

2008

December 13:: The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Bluegrass Band plays at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. John Relph (that's me) on mandolin. 9pm. My last show of the year.
December 7:: Rattlesnake Hill @ Cactus Flats Inn, Frederick, Maryland. We will be ably assisted by virtuoso fiddler Patrick McAvinue. 5-8pm.
December 5:: Rattlesnake Hill will be playing at The Friendly Inn in Ellicott City, Maryland. Ed Schaeffer guitars and sings, Terry Wittenberg banjos and sings, Carolyn Kellock basses, and I mandolin and sing. Joining us is fiddler Sue Tice.
November 22:: I will be playing mandolin with The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Bluegrass Band at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. If you don't already know, Tiffany Tavern has been featuring bluegrass since 1980, and many excelllent bands have played there over the years. We play from 9pm to 1am.
November 14:: I had a good time playing with Rattlesnake Hill at our last gig at Tiffany Tavern; November 14 sees us return for another. Come on down. Featuring Patrick McAvinue on fiddle. Again.
November 1:: Dirty River will play the 2008 “Boo”grass Festival and Good Deale Bluegrass Shop's Annual Chili Cook-Off. The festival happens in Deale, Maryland. We play our set at around 2:45pm, and there will be a number of other bands including Swamp Rats, Appaloosa with Wayne Taylor, The Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition and The Paint Branch Ramblers. There will also be a raffle of a Little Martin guitar and other prizes, activities for kids and a full schedule all day long.
October 5:: Rattlesnake Hill will be playing at Cactus Flats Inn in Frederick, Maryland. Ed Schaeffer guitars and sings, Terry Wittenburg banjos and sings, Carolyn Kellock basses, and I mandolin and sing. 5-8pm.
October 4:: Rattlesnake Hill will be playing at the Frederick, Maryland, “In The Street Fest”. We'll be on the 5th Street Stage from 11am to 12:15pm. It's a short gig, but there will be many other bands playing, so don't miss it, and don't miss us!
September 20:: Dirty River is playing the wine tasting area at the Bluemont Fair, in the historic village of Bluemont, Virginia. We're all acoustic, playing in Plasters Field, and we might even take a break to sample the wine. 12-3pm.
September 13:: Dirty River plays a block party, Falls Church, Virginia, 5pm until dark. Food and drink! What could be better?
September 12:: Another Friday night at Tiffany Tavern with Rattlesnake Hill. Please join us in Alexandria, Virginia, for some good old fashioned bluegrass featuring Ed's original songs and our three part harmonies. 9pm-1am. [Note: fiddler extraordinaire Patrick McAvinue joined us for the set. He and I had a great time trading licks and pushing each other toward the envelope.]
September 6:: Eric Vesper and John Relph play an impromptu Takoma Zone set at Savory Café, Takoma Park, Maryland, 7pm.; Dirty River, Tommy's Place, Manassas, Virginia: CANCELLED.
September 5:: Dirty River, Tommy's Place, Manassas, Virginia: CANCELLED.
August 30:: The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Bluegrass Band with John Relph on mandolin return for yet another night of bluegrass at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. 9pm.
August 17:: Friends of Riverside Park in Baltimore, Maryland, present a free concert featuring Dirty River. Riverside Park is located in the community of Riverside, adjacent to Federal Hill and Locust Point in Baltimore. 6:30 - 9:00pm.
July 26:: The bluegrass band Rattlesnake Hill is contracting with Linda Moore and Fairhaven, Inc., of Sykesville, Maryland, to provide entertainment on from 12 noon to 3:00pm. Food will be provided. Sorry, this is a private party. You must be a resident of the home.
July 11:: Dirty River, Country Gentlemen Bluegrass Festival, Watermelon Park, Berryville, VA. Two sets: 2:30pm and 6:30pm.
June 16-21:: 2008 National Oldtime Fiddlers' Contest & Festival, Weiser, Idaho. All day, all night. Be there.
June 7:: Dirty River play a fundraiser for Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy at the Blue Ridge Center in northwest Loudoun County, Va. Come out to this scenic farm, help the cause and get your bluegrass on. Music starts at 4:30pm.
June 6:: Yes, it's another Friday night at Tiffany Tavern with Rattlesnake Hill. We've got Terry Wittenberg on banjo, Carolyn Kellock on bass, Ed Schaeffer on guitar and lead vocals, Heather Twigg on fiddle and little ol' me on mandolin. Please join us in Alexandria, Virginia, for some bluegrass featuring Ed's original songs and three part harmonies. 9pm-1am.
May 17:: Dirty River are performing at Artomatic 2008! We will be appearing on the Cabaret Stage at 10pm.
May 9:: Dirty River play their first show at Tiffany Tavern since John Relph joined on mandolin. 9pm-1am.
May 3:: Dirty River, Spring Farm Festival, Accokeek, MD, Saturday, 12:30-3:30pm.
April 26:: Yet another incarnation of Rattlesnake Hill played the Braddock Heights Community Association spring picnic. I was on mandolin, Terry Wittenberg on banjo, Carolyn Kellock on bass, and of course Ed Schaeffer on guitar and vocals. A very nice casual gig, not enough microphones but good vocal work from us three in the front line, and let's not forget the absolutely perfect weather. Terry's first public gig since 1987!
April 19:: Chalkfest, private party, Wheaton, Maryland. I'll be playing bass. We're doing XTC's Go 2 album. “Meccanik Dancing, oh we go!”
April 6:: Some incarnation of Rattlesnake Hill will be playing at Cactus Flats Inn in Frederick, Maryland. Apparently I am expected to perform. Ed Schaeffer plays the part of the organ grinder. 5-8pm.
March 15:: Eric Vesper, Danny Stellabotte and John Relph perform at the going away party and benefit for Tulku Nyima Gyaltsen Rinpoche and Sakya Dokho Choling.
February 27:: I played an entire set with Bob Perilla and Big Hillbilly Bluegrass down at Madam's Organ in Adams Morgan. Much fun.
February 22:: The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Bluegrass Band at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. 9pm.
February 16:: Eric Vesper, Danny Stellabotte of Takoma Zone and John Relph play the first set at Savory Café, Takoma Park, Maryland, 7pm.
February 1:: Last time John Relph played with Rattlesnake Hill it was as if he was being thrown to the wolves. Well, perhaps spontaneity is good, but there is a limit. This time, he has a little experience under his belt (and a lot of holiday food, too). Come on down to Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia, and see if it makes any difference. (Regular banjo player Jack Sanbower is in chemotherapy. John and fiddler Heather Twigg will try to fill his shoes at this gig. Big shoes.) 9pm-1am.
January 26:: The new year has arrived, like a lamb, no, like a baby, crawling out of the ashes of the cremated old year. And so, we will stand in front of you and bawl our sad bluegrass songs, make our instruments cry, and hopefully you will gurgle in appreciation. Where will this happen? Tiffany Tavern, in cold old town Alexandria, Virginia. Who would admit to such silliness? Why, the Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Bluegrass Band, with John Relph providing wonky mandolin solos, snare drum rhythm and silly blurbs. Like this one. 9pm.

2007

December 21:: On the eve of the Winter solstice, the Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano join forces with John Relph to ward off the cold and to bring harmony and light to the dark light. Join us as we huddle around the microphones, burn up some tunes and usher in the new year, making a sacrifice of our fingertips and throats as an offering to guarantee your pleasure for the evening. The Tiffany Tavern will host the revelry, providing the liquid refreshments and perhaps a sacrificial cow, staving off hunger and thirst. Then it's off into the night...
November 30:: Another late notice: I will be guesting on mandolin with Rattlesnake Hill tonight at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, VA. Expect spontaneity!
November 24:: Late notice: Takoma Zone at Savory Café, Takoma Park, Maryland, 7pm.
October 27:: Another bluegrass evening at Tiffany Tavern with the lovable, cute and cuddly Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band (except for me, of course, I'm not very likable, cuddly nor cute, but I do play the mandolin).
September 22:: I seem to have almost forgotten about this show: The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band featuring John Relph on mandolin appear at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, VA. In fact, it appears that Pete has forgotten as well, so we'll have Monty Monteith on guitar and vocals instead. It should be interesting.
September 8:: Late notice: Takoma Zone at Savory Café, Takoma Park, Maryland, 7pm.
July 21:: Played some tunes at the Southern Sun Bluegrass Jam in Boulder, Colorado. Good pickers, good beer.
July 17:: I stopped by the Lyons Bluegrass Jam (Lyons, Colorado, that is). Played tunes.
July 14:: Once more unto the breach: The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band make their triumphant return to the famous Tiffany Tavern stage. The Tiffany, as we like to call it, is located in old town Alexandria, Virginia. Cold beer, good food, hot music.
June 18-23:: 2007 National Oldtime Fiddle Championships, Weiser, Idaho.
June 2:: Private outdoor barbecue in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. I'll be playing mandolin and eating. Food, that is. Not while playing, however.
May 19:: The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band will be playing on the big stage at Tiffany Tavern in old town Alexandria, Virginia.
May 12:: Private party in DC with Eric Vesper and Karen Taylor.
April 21:: Last night of three at Murphy's Pub with Tim O'Kane. We start at 9pm. Again.
April 20:: It's Murphy's Pub, again, with Tim O'Kane, again. We start at 9pm.
April 19:: First night of three at Murphy's Pub, 713 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia, with Tim O'Kane. We start at 8:30pm tonight.
March 24:: Takoma Zone at Savory Café, Takoma Park, Maryland, 7pm.
March 17:: St. Paddy's Day event at the River Creek Club, Leesburg, Virginia, with MC Jack Stanton.
March 15:: St. Paddy's festivities at the Country Club of Fairfax, Virginia, Jack Stanton at the helm, crewman Relph on bass and mandolin.
March 3:: The tail end of winter brings The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band to Tiffany Tavern, old town Alexandria, Virginia. I'll be playing my mandolin. You just need to show up.
January 27:: First show of the new year for The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band at Tiffany Tavern, old town Alexandria, Virginia.

2006

December 31:: The International Club of DC 2007 New Year's Eve Gala, “A Celebration of Continents”, at the Wardman Park Marriott Hotel in Washington D.C., as part of the Irish band at the “authentic Dublin Irish Pub” with Jack Stanton.
December 23:: Join us for Christmas Eve Eve at Tiffany Tavern. In case you didn't know, The Tiffany has bluegrass every night of the week, and they claim to serve the best burger in town. Come on down to find out for yourself. Oh yeah, “us” is The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band.
November 11:: Veteran's Day bluegrass at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia, starting at 9pm. The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band; John Relph on mando. Lift a glass in honor of our old and not-so-old soldiers.
October 27:: Music Magic night with Cub Scout Pack 1461: John Relph and Eric Vesper will play celtic, oldtime, bluegrass and/or classical for the troops. I mean pack.
October 18:: Takoma Zone at Savory Café, Takoma Park, Maryland, 7pm.
October 14:: Enjoy some autumnal bluegrass with The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band and John Relph on mandolin, at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. 9pm to 1am. Four sets. Ouch.
August 26:: Center for the Arts SummerSounds Concert, on the lawns of the Manassas Museum, 9101 Prince William Street, Old Town Manassas, Virginia, 6:30pm. The concern was moved to the Harris Pavilion, out of fears for lightning, and it was a great show. We think there were between 300 and 500 people there. We were told by the organizers that the crowd loved us. We had fun.
August 6:: Private party, with The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band, Washington, D.C. Good food but very hot in the backyard. I met the authors of Mystical Places and Marvelous Meals: A Travel Cookbook.
July 29:: Post-Iceland bluegrass bash. That's right, I'll have just returned from a week's tour of Iceland, and I'll be playing bluegrass at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia, with The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band.
June 30:: Having returned from Weiser, I'll be playing bluegrass at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia, with The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band.
June 17-24:: 2006 National Oldtime Fiddle Championships, Weiser, Idaho. Hi, Patty!
May 13:: Bluegrass at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia: The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band with John Relph on mandolin.
May 6:: The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band play a private party, John Relph on mandolin, Germantown, Maryland, 5-8:00pm
April 8:: The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band, with John Relph on Mandolin, at Tiffany Tavern, 1116 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia.
March 25:: The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band, with John Relph on mandolin, play a Private party, Washington, DC.
March 17:: Dateline: St. Patrick's Day, 7-10pm. Location: Quarry House Tavern, Silver Spring, Maryland. Event: Traditional Irish Music performed by Eric Vesper, John Relph, and friends. Guinness, Harp and Smithwick's on tap. I drank many a pint of Smithwick's during my year in Éire.
February 25:: After our little private party with the child porn prosecutors, The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band (featuring John Relph on mandolin) are back at Tiffany Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia, with more of what you love: tight harmonies, blistering solos, and blustering windbags. I mean Bluegrass! Come on down and keep us rolling in pocket change! Ted Karanikolas wants you!
February 10:: Private party, Elephant & Castle Pub, Washington, D.C., with The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band, also featuring Wayne Lanham on fiddle.

2005

December 23:: Last show before the holidays with The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band at Tiffany Tavern, 1116 King St., old town Alexandria, Virginia. 9pm-1am. Come lift a glass and shake your thang. No dancing in front of the band.
DEC-10:: Takoma Zone, Savory Cafe, Takoma Park, Maryland. Christmas carols and more. Without a net. As usual.
November 19:: Another Saturday night with The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band at Tiffany Tavern, 1116 King St., old town Alexandria, Virginia. 9pm-1am. The best burger in town.
November 12:: Private party, Georgetown, with The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band.
November 5:: Takoma Zone, Savory Cafe, Takoma Park, Maryland. Without a net.
October 21-22:: I attended the 23rd Annual Western Open Fiddle Championships and I entered the Open Mandolin Picking contest and the Accompanist Division. I ended up earning third place in the Mandolin division because I went overtime (what an idiot!). Nonetheless, I had a great time, and backed up four of the top five players in the Open Fiddle Division (including the winner, Tristan Clarridge). Then we went to Margaret's house and jammed Snee tunes.
October 16:: The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band featuring John Relph (me) played at the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum in Sterling, VA. A nice acoustic gig.
October 15:: Takoma Zone, Savory Cafe, Takoma Park, Maryland.
August 6:: I will again wield Mandolin On Fire with The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band at Tiffany Taverne in Ye Olde Towne Alexandree, Virginny. Be there or be somewhere else.
June 19-24:: I attended the 2005 National Oldtime Fiddle Championships in Weiser, Idaho. No surprise, I suppose, as I've been going for nearly 30 years now. In any case, I got to jam with the Clarridge Fiddlers, among many others, and basically had a grand time all week. Were that life was really this much fun...
June 11:: The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band, Tiffany Tavern, Alexandria, Virginia.
May 21:: I will be playing guitar and mandolin with Takoma Zone, a musicians' collective, at the Savory Cafe in Takoma Park, Maryland. One never knows quite what to expect with Takoma Zone. Their style runs the gamut from acoustic folkie to bar raunch country music. We'll probably play some Irish and American fiddle tunes as well.
March 12-13:: I flew out west for the Left-Coast CoMando gathering in Inverness, California. Had a grand time, played a lot of tunes with the Clarridge Fiddlers, played many different mandolins, including an Old Wave Watermelon (the “Juicy”). Well worth a dollar.

2004

November 13:: The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band, Tiffany Tavern, Alexandria, Virginia.
October 21-22: I flew out to California for the 22nd Annual Western Open Fiddle Championships and I entered the Open Mandolin Picking contest and the Accompanist Division. I ended up earning second place in both. I had a great time, especially the evening after the contest when my sister Linda got her fiddle out and we jammed celtic tunes with Tristan Clarridge on 'cello (Tristan had won the Open Division of the contest that night).
August 28:: I will be playing mandolin and guitar with Dixie Cannonballs at Tiffany Tavern in Ye Olde Towne Alexandria. Rob Petrie (mandolin/guitar/lead vocal), John Relph (guitar/mandolin/backup vocals), Mindy McWilliams (fiddle/vocals), Dan Mazer -- the illustrious Banjer Dan -- (banjo/backup vocals), John Nowakowski (bass).
August 20:: The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band, Tiffany Tavern, Alexandria, Virginia.
June 21-26:: I attended the 2004 National Oldtime Fiddle Championships in Weiser, Idaho, where I played rhythm guitar for her and many others. Megan Lynch won the Young Adult Division on Thursday. Congratulations to Megan!
May 8:: The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano Band, Tiffany Tavern, Alexandria, Virginia.

2003

November 8:: I performed with The Shaw Brothers & Pete Milano at the Lucketts Community Center, in Leesburg, Virginia, the night of the lunar eclipse. I had a great time. It was fun. Isn't that what music is all about?
October 11:: The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano, Tiffany Tavern, Alexandria.
September 6:: I will be playing mandolin with The Shaw Brothers and Pete Milano at Tiffany Tavern in old town Alexandria, Virginia.
August 23:: I performed with The Shaw Brothers & Pete Milano at the Lucketts Fair, Leesburg, Virginia. It was a good time, but the highlight was that Paul took second place in the Pedal Tractor Pull, Age 5-6 Division! All that biking served him in good stead.
June 16-21:: I performed as an accompanist to fiddlers at the 2003 National Oldtime Fiddle Championships in Weiser, Idaho, backing up the likes of Megan Lynch, 2003 Young Adult Champion, and John Francis who won 8th Place in the 2003 Grand National Championship. And of course I spent as much time as possible jamming, playing swing, oldtime fiddle tunes, bluegrass, and whatever else happened. And it's a good thing if you missed The Mighty Wind of '03, which destroyed tents and RVs, downed trees, and caused unhappiness for many campers. I got away fairly easily, my alarm clock being the only casualty. You can hear my guitar playing (sort of) on the 2003 National Oldtime Fiddle Contest CD.
May 31:: I had a blast with Cabin Fever at McGrath's Pub, Alameda, CA.

2002

November 1:: Cabin Fever CD release party, McGrath's Pub, Alameda, CA.
October 28:: Cabin Fever, Kate O'Brien's, San Francisco.
October 24-26:: I was one of the judges of the Pickin' divisions at the 2002 Western Open Fiddle Championships in Red Bluff. I also earned the Second Place Accompanist award, appearing 30 times on stage playing backup for fiddlers (not counting the Judges' entertainment or twin fiddle divisions!).
October 21:: Cabin Fever, Kate O'Brien's, San Francisco.
September 26:: Cabin Fever rocks Burning Man Headquarters: The Odeon Bar, San Francisco.
September 22:: Cabin Fever, Rock Soup, San Francisco.
September 18:: The NCBS Fog City Bluegrass Showcase 1st Anniversary Show, West Of Kentucky, The Plough And Stars, San Francisco.
September 16:: Cabin Fever, Kate O'Brien's Pub, San Francisco.
September 14:: Cabin Fever, McGrath's Pub, Alameda.
August 28:: Surprise gig at The Plough And Stars, San Francisco, featuring members of Cabin Fever and Dark Hollow: John Kornhauser on guitar and vocals, Larry Chung on banjo, guitar and vocals, Megan Lynch on fiddle and vocals, John Relph on mandolin, guitar and vocals, and Steve Swan on bass and vocals.
August 26:: Cabin Fever, Kate O'Brien's, San Francisco. Guinness and fish and chips.
August 21:: The NCBS Fog City Bluegrass Showcase, West Of Kentucky with guest Paul Jacobs on guitar and vocals, The Plough And Stars, San Francisco.
August 18:: Cabin Fever, McGrath's Pub, Alameda. Our good friends the Clarridge Family Fiddlers will join us for a couple of tunes. Radio station KALW will be recording this gig for later broadcast on public radio. (This show is the source for the album Live at McGrath's Pub.)
August 17:: West Of Kentucky with guest Dr. Yvonne Walbroehl on guitar and vocals, Rock Soup, San Francisco.
August 12:: Cabin Fever, Kate O'Brien's Pub, San Francisco.
July 20:: Cabin Fever, Rock Soup, San Francisco.
July 17:: NCBS Fog City Bluegrass showcase with West Of Kentucky, The Plough And Stars, San Francisco.
July 15:: Cabin Fever, Kate O'Brien's Pub, San Francisco.
July 10:: Cabin Fever, Rock Soup, San Francisco.
July 8:: Cabin Fever, Kate O'Brien's Pub, San Francisco.
July 7:: Cabin Fever, McGrath's Pub, Alameda, CA.
July 6:: I won the Best Backup award at the Marin County Fair Fiddle Contest.
June 30:: Cabin Fever, Rock Soup Cafe, San Francisco.
June 29:: Cabin Fever, Redwood City Lumberjack Bluegrass Festival, Redwood City, California.
June 24:: The first gig in Cabin Fever's residency at Kate O'Brien's, San Francisco.
June 17-22:: I performed as an accompanist to fiddlers at the 2002 National Oldtime Fiddle Championships in Weiser, Idaho. But the real fun isn't the contest, it's the jam sessions that happen all night and day in the nearby campgrounds. I got to jam with some other excellent players. CDs of the contest are available; I play guitar on the 1999 and 2001 CDs, accompanying Tashina Clarridge and John Francis, respectively.
June 12:: NCBS Fog City Bluegrass showcase with West Of Kentucky, The Plough And Stars, San Francisco.
June 9:: Cabin Fever, Rock Soup, San Francisco.
June 8:: Cabin Fever, McGrath's Irish Pub, Alameda, CA.
May 31:: West of Kentucky with guest Yvonne Walbroehl on guitar and vocals, Rock Soup, San Francisco.
May 15:: West of Kentucky, The Plough And Stars, San Francisco.
May 8:: Cabin Fever, The Plough And Stars, San Francisco.
April 28:: Cabin Fever, Rock Soup, San Francisco.
April 24:: Cabin Fever, The Plough And Stars, San Francisco.
April 17:: The NCBS Fog City Bluegrass showcase featuring West Of Kentucky, The Plough And Stars, San Francisco, CA.
April 14:: Cabin Fever with new bass player Steve Swan, Rock Soup, San Francisco.
March 22-23:: Alright! I won the Open Picking division at the 2002 California State Old Time Fiddle Association State Contest in Oroville, California. I played guitar in the competition this year (because I'd been playing so much mandolin?). So that makes three years in a row, which means that I cannot compete next year. I can relax and just accompany the fiddlers. Oh yeah, which reminds me. I also earned the First Place Accompanist award (41 times on stage). Yo.
March 20:: The NCBS Fog City Bluegrass showcase featuring West Of Kentucky, The Plough And Stars, San Francisco, CA.
March 17:: Cabin Fever, Rock Soup, San Francisco.
March 10:: Cabin Fever: Larry Chung on banjo, Megan Lynch on fiddle, Yvonne Walbroehl on guitar, John Relph on mandolin, and special guest Aaron Germain on bass. Rock Soup, San Francisco.
February 20:: The NCBS Fog City Bluegrass showcase featuring West Of Kentucky at The Plough And Stars, San Francisco, CA.
February 13:: West Of Kentucky plays the San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival! The Plough And Stars, San Francisco, CA.
January 26:: I attended the 2002 Cloverdale Fiddle Contest. Backed up a good number of fiddlers, including the top four in the Progressive Division and the winner of the Waltz Division. I was awarded the First Place Accompanist award for beating my hands against my guitar all day. Good fun.
January 16:: The NCBS Fog City Bluegrass showcase featuring West Of Kentucky: Deirdre Donovan on bass and lead vocals, John Relph on mandolin, Ted Silverman on guitar, and Paul Ebersman singing harmony, at The Plough And Stars, San Francisco, CA.
January 6:: I attended a San Francisco Bay Area CoMando Gathering, pictures and tunes are available.

2001

December 19:: The NCBS Fog City Bluegrass showcase featuring West Of Kentucky: Deirdre Donovan on lead vocals, John Relph on mandolin, Ted Silverman on guitar, and Paul Ebersman singing harmony, at The Plough And Stars, San Francisco, CA.
November 14:: The NCBS Bluegrass In The Fog showcase featuring Deirdre Donovan with A Little Help From My Friends at The Plough And Stars, San Francisco, CA.
October 20-21:: I survived the 2001 Western Open Fiddle Enduro in Red Bluff, California. I entered the Mandolin Picking Division and took first place. I backed up a number of fiddlers with my guitar, too, including the top five finalists in the Open Division, and came up with the number four Accompanist award. It was great fun! Now my left arm hurts.
October 10:: The Northern California Bluegrass Society Bluegrass In The Fog showcase featuring Deirdre Donovan with A Little Help From My Friends: John Relph on mandolin, Ted Silverman on guitar, and Paul Ebersman singing harmony, at the Bazaar Cafe, San Francisco, CA.
June 30:: I won the Best Backup award at the Marin County Fair Fiddle Contest. We all had a great time. The fireworks were a little loud for Paul, but he liked them anyway.
June 18-23:: I had a great time at the 2001 National Old Time Fiddle Contest in Weiser, Idaho. I backed up a handful of fiddlers, including John Francis who took Fifth Place in the Grand Champion division. I also jammed a lot, met a lot of nice people and great musicians, and the cops were called on a jam I was in. Can you believe it?
April 21:: I earned First Place in the Picking division at the 2001 California State Oldtime Fiddle Contest in Oroville, California! I also backed up a number of fiddlers, and was awarded Second Place Accompanist (with 25 times on stage). Yippee!
January 27:: I attended the 2001 Cloverdale Fiddle Contest. Took Second Place in the Accompanist Division. Backed up 7 out of the top 10 players in the Progressive and Oldtime Fiddle Divisions. Had a great time. Sorry if I missed you! Next contest: California State in April.

John Relph, John Francis, and Albert Myers
(Cloverdale Fiddle Contest, January 27, 2001)

2000

October 21-22:: I attended the 2000 Western Open Fiddle Championships in Red Bluff, California, where I earned first place in the Mandolin Picking Division and third place in the Accompanist Division. Lots of music, lots of hard work.
June 19-24:: I performed as an Accompanist at the 2000 National Old Time Fiddle Contest in Weiser, Idaho. The weather was perfect, the music was great. One high point was the set of Hawaiian songs and impromptu hula (at 4am Sunday). Phil Williams took some photos at the 2000 and 1999 contests, see if you can find me.
March 25:: I earned first place in the Picking division at the 2000 California State Oldtime Fiddle Contest, in Oroville, California, and I won a guitar! I also backed up a number of fiddlers, and was awarded fifth place Accompanist.
January 22:: I earned the First Place Accompanist award at the 2000 Cloverdale Fiddle Contest.

1999

October 22-23:: I was one of the judges of the Pickin' divisions at the 1999 Western Open Fiddle Championships in Red Bluff, California. I also played guitar accompaniment for a number of excellent fiddlers, including the winners of the Open, Senior, Adult, and Twin Fiddle Divisions, and I was awarded Fifth Place Accompanist (with 23 times on stage).
April 15:: I placed fourth in the Accompanist division of the 1999 California State Old Time Fiddle Association Championship at Madera, California.

5 January 2019 / Feedback