Fall 1997

In this issue

1. Greetings!
   by Murphy Hicks Henry Murphy celebrating the newsletter's fourth year and the winning an IBMA award, followed by an analysis of women's participation in the awards show.
   MORE WOMEN ON THE AWARDS SHOW by Murphy Hicks Henry A list of the women who performed and presented at the 1997 IBMA Awards Show.
   BUT FEW WOMEN NOMINATED by Murphy Hicks Henry A breakdown of the award categories showing the lack of female nominees and a call to action for readers.
   ESTROGEN-GENERATED BLUEGRASS by Murphy Hicks Henry A brief, celebratory introduction to the coverage of women's activities at IBMA.
2. Women in Bluegrass at IBMA
   The Trade Show by Murphy Hicks Henry A report on an informal, co-sponsored gathering that turned into an impromptu jam session with dozens of women participants.
   The Fan Fest by Murphy Hicks Henry A detailed account of the organized Women in Bluegrass showcase, listing all performers and songs, which received a standing ovation.
3. A View from the Stage
   A Joyful Moment by Pam Gadd Pam Gadd's personal reflection on the joy and energy of performing in the all-women showcase.
   A Thrill in the Room by Terry Boswell Terry Boswell's account of the emotional impact of the women's events and the supportive nature of a subsequent all-women jam.
4. More Views from the Stage
   I Had a Blast by Suzanne Thomas Suzanne Thomas's enthusiastic recollection of performing and socializing at the Fan Fest set.
   I Was Knocked Out by Mary Jo Leet Mary Jo Leet's expression of honor and excitement at being part of the showcase.
5. Susi Gott in Back!
   by Murphy Hicks Henry An announcement that fiddler Susi Gott has moved from back to the U.S. from France to become assistant director of ETSU's Bluegrass program.
6. A View from the Audience
   by Claire Levine Claire Levine's account of the Women in Bluegrass Fan Fest set and her thoughts on its implications.
7. Ratifications
   by Casey Henry Casey Henry's stories about getting a new banjo and meeting Earl Scruggs at IBMA.
8. All-Female Bands: A Thing of the Past?
   by Murphy Hicks Henry An analysis of the trend of all-female bands adding male members, using the New Coon Creek Girls' reconfiguration as an example.
9. PUT DOWN THE DUCKY
   by Nancy Hicks Pate A light-hearted piece musing on the absence of bluegrass musicians on Sesame Street and proposing potential segments.
10. WIBLETS
    Adverse Reaction to Blackbirds and Crows by Nancy Petrilla A letter from Nancy Petrilla strongly criticizing the song "Blackbirds and Crows" for glorifying violence against women.
    Speaking of Banks of the Ohio... by Mike Henderson A brief email excerpt from Mike Henderson expressing his dislike for the murder ballad "Banks of the Ohio."
    Gender Issues: West Coast v. East Coast by Elizabeth Burkett A Elizabeth Burkett's essay arguing that women face less resistance in the West Coast bluegrass scene compared to the East.
11. POLITICALLY CORRECT LYRICS?
    by Murphy Hicks Henry A short note from Murphy about the Severin Sisters changing the word "gay" to "young" in a song lyric to avoid laughter from their peers.

Photos

• Gloria Belle, Katie Laur, page 1. Photographer unknown.
• Amy Severin, Lorraine Jordan, page 2. Photographer unknown.
• Amy Severin, Heidi Severin, Murphy Hicks Henry, page 4. Photographer unknown.
• Unidentified, page 4. Photo: Garland Gobble.
• Amy Baker, Jan Harvey, Jill Snider, Kati Penn, Kristin Scott Benson, page 8. Photographer unknown.