May 2002

In this issue

1. Greeting!
   by Murphy Hicks Henry Murphy's opening remarks, which contrast a disheartening all-male Earl Scruggs tribute with the positive news of Wintergrass 2003 focusing on women.
   Wintergrass 2003 to Focus on Women in Bluegrass by Murphy Hicks Henry An announcement that the 2003 Wintergrass festival will have a theme celebrating women in bluegrass and will feature a related "Exploratorium" living museum.
   Sally Ann Forrester Scholarship by Murphy Hicks Henry A thank-you letter from Amanda Kowalski detailing how the scholarship helped her during her first year at Belmont University.
2. RONI STONEMAN: COMEDY AND TRAGEDY GO HAND IN HAND
   by Murphy Hicks Henry The transcript of a candid and extensive interview with banjo pioneer Roni Stoneman about her life and career.
   DON'T YOU DARE PLAY LIKE A GIRL! by Veronica "Roni" Stoneman (printed “Roni Stoneman” [sic]) A section of Roni's story where she recalls her family's support and her early encounters with sexism outside the home.
   SKULL ORCHARDS by Veronica "Roni" Stoneman (printed “Roni Stoneman” [sic]) Roni describes playing in rough honky-tonk bars in Washington D.C. to make a living.
   HEE HAW by Veronica "Roni" Stoneman (printed “Roni Stoneman” [sic]) Roni explains how she got her famous role on the television show Hee Haw not for her banjo playing but for her comedy characters.
   STAND STILL! by Veronica "Roni" Stoneman (printed “Roni Stoneman” [sic]) Roni recounts being told to stand still and not be too animated while performing on Hee Haw.
   BE QUIET! by Veronica "Roni" Stoneman (printed “Roni Stoneman” [sic]) Roni's story of having her banjo strings taped down on the set of Hee Haw to prevent her from being heard.
   NASHVILLE by Veronica "Roni" Stoneman (printed “Roni Stoneman” [sic]) Roni discusses the difficulty of finding places to play bluegrass in Nashville and her efforts to mentor younger musicians.
   STONEMAN TV SHOW by Veronica "Roni" Stoneman (printed “Roni Stoneman” [sic]) Roni details the financial exploitation her family endured from managers during their years with a nationally syndicated television show.
3. Dee Ann Davidshofer
   by Claire Levine and Dee Ann Davidshofer A profile and interview with Dee Ann Davidshofer from the band Sam Hill, covering her journey into bluegrass and her experiences as a woman in the industry.
4. O SISTER!
   THE WOMEN'S BLUEGRASS COLLECTION by Murphy Hicks Henry A review of the landmark Rounder Records compilation CD featuring women bluegrass artists.
5. “A Musician is a Terrible Thing to Waste”
   The O Sister Liner Notes by Marty Godbey Excerpts from Marty Godbey's liner notes for the O Sister! CD, which provide a historical overview of women in bluegrass.
6. Kid's Perspective
   by Tina Furtado A short anecdote about a young girl who thought banjo playing was an activity only for girls.

Photos

• Amanda J. Kowalski, page 1. Photographer unknown.
• Veronica "Roni" Stoneman, page 3. Photographer unknown.
• Veronica "Roni" Stoneman, page 4. Photographer unknown.
• Amy Carlson, Veronica "Roni" Stoneman, page 6. Photo: Chip Deyerle.