Sheriff Session

I do like country and bluegrass music - the longer I live in New York City, the more I look for the occasional respite from the intensity of living here. The energy and and saturation of all the diverse things the city has to offer is the reason most of us live here. Getting away for weekends, daytrips or vacations certainly provides a needed break, but full immersion in a musical experience like a bluegrass or country concert can transport one to a simpler time and provide a virtual trip to the American countryside. Although country and bluegrass have lived with a stigma of being for the musically unsophisticated, an open minded, closer examination of masters like Hank Williams or Flat and Scruggs will show this viewpoint to be unfounded. And fans do find the basic themes and lyrics still relevant. Bluegrass, however, has never really caught on as mainstream music, but for the seeker, it can still be found. It may come as a surprise that there is a country and bluegrass fan base and performance venues in NYC. In Manhattan, Sheriff Bob (Saidenberg) has been running a Wednesday night bluegrass jam at the Baggot Inn on 3rd street (free - no cover or minimum). Last night was the annual Sheriff Session - a whole night of Bluegrass and country with a lineup of 4 bands: Vincent Cross & Good Company, Cheatin Hearts (the Sheriff's new group), Blue Harvest, Citigrass with Master of Ceremonies Lindy Loo. There is a high level of musicianship and technical skill in contemporary bluegrass which was quite evident in last night's performance. With that badge and leather vest proclaiming "Sheriff of Good Times" we know the Sheriff means business ...