July—Sept. 1995

In this issue

1. Greetings!
   by Murphy Hicks Henry Murphy introduces the issue and shares that she's returned to school to pursue a Master's degree in Women's Studies
   Molly Snow Revisited by Murphy Hicks Henry A follow-up to a previous book review, detailing the author's personal journey and research process for writing a novel about a bluegrass fiddler.
   Votes For Women! by Murphy Hicks Henry A note urging readers to consciously consider and vote for women in the upcoming IBMA awards to increase female visibility.
   Stories on Child Care Wanted by Murphy Hicks Henry A call for submissions from readers about their personal experiences and challenges balancing a life in bluegrass music with motherhood and childcare.
2. Letters...
   Toni Murphy by Toni Murphy A letter from a reader relaying a story inwhich a performer jokes about domestic violence on stage. The writer, Toni Murphy, points out the influence performers have over audience members, particularly young audience members
   Becky Stephens by Becky Stephens A letter from a reader discussing her struggles for acceptance as a beginner in jams and the meaningful support of her husband and singing partner.
3. Ratifications
   by Casey Henry Casey Henry's article about her decision to take up the fiddle again to secure a better place in jam sessions.
4. "Take Your Pillow from Home and Don't Ever Let Them Have Your Guitar."
   An interview with Mary Jo Leet and Suzanne Thomas of the Dry Branch Fire Squad by Murphy Hicks Henry, Mary Jo Leet and Suzanne Thomas An interview with musicians Mary Jo Leet and Suzanne Thomas discussing their entry into bluegrass, their approaches to jamming, and their advice for younger women.
5. They're Holding up the Ladder We're Climbing On
   by Elena Corey An essay by Elena Corey on the older generation of women who were discouraged from playing music and whose unfulfilled dreams helped pave the way for current performers.
6. On Singing At Funerals
   by Nancy Hicks Pate A reflective piece by Nancy Hicks Pate on the unique challenges and emotional weight of performing music at funeral services.
7. HORROR STORIES
   by Janice Burgess An account of the subtle and not-so-subtle ways women are excluded and demeaned in jam sessions.
   by Sue Coulter A brief comment on how singing in keys suited for male voices made the author believe she couldn't sing, and how younger men are more supportive than their older counterparts.
8. Change of Life
   by Murphy Hicks Henry Updates on band member changes, a death in the bluegrass community, and birth announcements for two bluegrass families.

Photos

• Bill Evans, Charlie Leet, Mary Jo Leet, Ron Thomason, Suzanne Thomas, page 5. Photo: E.K. (uncredited) Waller. On Omeka