An Evening with Little Black Train: Feb. 26 in Encino

Where: CTMS Center for Folk Music, 16953 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91316
When: Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012  7:00 p.m. (Free bluegrass jam begins at 1:00pm)
Cost: $15 at the door, no presale tickets
Web: littleblacktrain.com
More Info: 805-215-0306 (band) or 818-817-7756 (venue)
Press contact: Stuart Mason stu@helmintoller.com

California Traditional Music Society and Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival present An Evening with Little Black Train: a fun, refreshing fusion of vintage fiddle tunes, blazing country blues, and songs of old-time Americana.

What do you get when you mash up a virtuosic bluegrass mandolinist, a traditional Irish fiddler, and an old-timey songster?  Kenny Blackwell (mandolin and guitar), John Weed (fiddle), and Stuart Mason (guitar, banjo, and mandola) are the bluegrass-roots trio Little Black Train. From Depression-era gospel and blues to Appalachian and Celtic dance tunes, they dig up the roots of bluegrass that traveled to America from Ireland and Scotland in the 19th century. Avid practitioners of the time-honored folk process, these boys combine new words and melodies with traditional songs from sources such as the Carter Family, Dock Boggs, and Charlie Poole. On the instrumental side, they mine fiddle tunes from archival sources in West Virginia, Ireland, and Scotland. The Train has been in the studio since the first of the year, tweaking new material for the second full-length record, and they’re eager to break out some fresh songs for a discerning audience.

 
The California Traditional Music Society (CTMS) is a non-profit, tax exempt educational organization that supports, promotes and encourages participation in traditional arts of the diverse communities of southern California. We do this through festivals, concerts and other events, public education and services to artists.

The Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest remains one of the premiere old time and bluegrass events in America. Join us for our 52nd celebration on Sunday, May 20th, 2012 at Paramount Movie Ranch in Agoura Hills, California. On three stages plus the Dance Barn and Children’s Area, set within Western movie sets and mountain locations. Bring your instruments and sit in with jamming musicians!