Sara Henderson receiving a 2011 Countryfolk Youth Music Scholarship award on July 31, 2011

The Countryfolk Music Theatre annual Music & Minerals / Country Jamboree / Youth Music Scholarship weekend

in East Dixfield, Maine was a big success according to Larry Bisbee, operator of the venue.

More than 45 volunteer musicians donated their time to raise scholarship donations for youth musicians during the weekend’s country jamboree and mineral exhibition. Highlights of the weekend were performances by guest Ginny Palmer and the highly energetic Clogging Dance Demo by In-Clog-Neato from the Farmington – Wilton area.

Bisbee said, “ this year’s scholarships were awarded in honor of Herman Leblanc of Rumford aka “The Black Mountain Hobo” for his more than 60 years of performing in western Maine in his very unique and humorous bluegrass style”. He has volunteered over the years for many charitable events such as the Bryant Pond Grange Hee Haw show and so many others including Countryfolk performances.

Receiving youth cash awards from Franklin and Androscoggin counties , to encourage them with their music according to Bisbee, were Dakota Kennedy, Madison Rich, Sara Henderson and Hailee Rowe . Bisbee said, “: We are so pleased that we can offer these annual awards to young people to continue with their music in school and in the community” All the cash awards are from donations at Countryfolk thru the summer months”, he said.

Country Sundays continue thru Labor Day weekend at the route 2 venue in the East Dixfield section of Wilton. Countryfolk is always free and for families. Contact info 207-645-4411

Photo 1: Larry Bisbee and Sally Latham at Countryfolk Music Theatre in Wilton on July 31^st presenting youth music scholarship award to 10 year old singer, Hailee Rowe of Phillips. Countryfolk has awarded more than four thousand dollars in youth music scholarships over the past ten years.

Sally Latham and Larry Bisbee present a youth music scholarship award to ten year old Hailee Rowe of Phillips, Maine on July 31, 2011 at Countryfolk Music Theatre in the East Dixfield section of Wilton, Maine USA














The 2011 Countryfolk youth music scholarship awards were given in honor of Herman Leblanc of Rumford and Livermore Falls, Maine . Herman has given freely of his music and time for more than 60 years with his bluegrass tunes and country humor at various charitable events such as the Bryant Pomd Grange Hee Haw show, community fundraisers and many Countryfolk events.

Countryfolk guests were "In-Clog-Neato" Clogging Dance Demo during our Countryfolk Youth Music Scholarship weekend July 29, 30, 31, 2011

Countryfolk Music Theatre

Country Jamboree Schedule Saturday, July 30, 2011

Sunday, July 31, 2011 – Youth Music Scholarships

US route 2, East Dixfield, Maine

Contact: Larry Bisbee

207-645-4411

Country Jamboree Performers Schedule – Saturday, July 30, 2011

Youth Scholarship Weekend / Music & Minerals

10-11:30am – Open Mic

11:30 – 12 – Aubrey Farrington

12 – 12:30 – Pat Healy & Friends

12:30 – 1 - Norm & Trudy Crowley

1 – 1:30 – Sandy Waite Haskell AKA “Arizona Rose & Ric Rich

1:30 – 2 – “The Pinkhams”

2 – 2:30 – Herman Leblanc and Becky Law

2:30 – 3 – Rockin’ Country w/ Art Ploof & Lorelie Dodge

3 – 3:30 – Mary & Maurice Belanger

3:30 – 4 – “The Bloods” (Gospel)

4:00pm Pot Luck Meal

4 – 4:30 – “Off The Hill’

4:30 – 5 – The Owen Donnell & Larry “BUCK” Bisbee Show

5 – 5:30 – Seminole Wind w/ Jeff & Donna Wells

5:30 – 6 – Becky Haskell

6 – 6:30 – Terry Moore

6:30 – 7 – Christine LaPointe

7:00 – 9:00pm – Country Dance w/ “The Pinkhams”

9-? – Campfire Pickin’

Sunday , July 31, 2011 – Country Music & Youth Music Scholarships

8 – 10 am – Campfire breakfast (on your own )

10:00 - 11 AM – Cowboy Church w/ Ginger Mae Dyer

12noon – Country Music (stage 1 & 2 )

1:00pm – Countryfolk youth music scholarship awards

1:15pm – “Clogging” Dance Demo w/ “In-Clog-Neato” demonstrating

1:30pm – Special Guest performer, Ginny Palmer vocals and bass, w/ Terry Moore, lead guitar, Bill Scott, fiddle, Owen Donnell, drums and Alan Rich, mandolin (Main Stage)

2:00 -6:00pm – Country music on stages one and two

6:00pm: LOAD THE WAGONS AND HEAD EM OUT !

PHOTO: Musicians gather by the recently donated 10 foot tall chainsaw carved statue in front of the Countryfolk Music Theatre on route 2 in East Dixfield.. Front row L-R: C.J. Walo of South Paris, Sally Latham of Norway, Larry Bisbee, Wilton, Alan Rich, Livermore

Back Row; Art Ploof, Poland, Lorelie Dodge, South Paris, , Margaret Arsenault, Jay, Paula Kaiser , Fayette and Jim Littlefield, Jay. They are some of the more than 40 country entertainers who will perform to raise youth music scholarship donations on July 30 & 31 at Countryfolk. 25 plus Exhibitors from around Maine will also be displaying antique autos, gems and minerals, gold panning, wool spinning demos as well as many others all day during the Saturday Country Jamboree and Ol’ Prospector Day event. Countryfolk is always free and for families and operated by volunteers.

Other displays include: Plumbago Mtn. Rock display; Minerals of th World Chart; Rock Tumbler display; Arizona mini-rock display; Exhibit by Rocky Mountain Terrain Park (Mud Run/off road Facility; Mountain Man display; Barefoot COuntry Girl (the movie) exhibit and movies available; Vountryfolk vintage photos;Carved walking canes; Scotish flags and flyers; Flourescent rocks; Maine Mineral Adventures exhibit; Gilead Historical Society; Local artwork (weather permitting); Basket-making; Glass butterflies; Antique radios; 1928 Ford Truck; Coos Canyon Rock & Gift Shop; Chainsaw Art; Conestoga wagon; Gold Panning Demos; Spinning wheel and wool display/operational on site; Prospector statue; Gems & Minerals w/ Charlie Kowalzyk; Antique shomaking benches; Gems & Minerals w/ Gary Hutchinson (Touch Table)

S&L Prospecting Exhibit with ol' prospectors tent set-up; 1948 Jeepster; Antique gold panning sign; Treasure Hunterz of Augusta and Wiscasset (operating sluice)

Maine Prospecting Books; Countryfolk Labor Day "ELVIS" display; Antlers & Animals (stuffed0

Special Guest Performers Clog Dancers & A Country Singer

Sunday at Countryfolk - July 31, 2011

Maine Big Band Vocalist To Headline Countryfolk Three Day Weekend

From Maine, Al Corey’s Big Band vocalist and former Rumford area resident, Ginny Palmer, will be a guest performer at the Countryfolk Music Theatre in East Dixfield, Maine during the Music and Minerals weekend, July 29, 30, 31, 2011. The weekend features a Friday jam, Saturday Country Jamboree, Maine craft, antique and Gem & Mineral exhibits and displays and pot luck supper / country dance and on Sunday a Cowboy Church, youth scholarship awards, a “Clogging” dance demo by “In-Clog-Neato” and lots of Country Sunday music

Palmer, who says she grew up on country music in western Maine as a child says she loves it and it comes from her heart, even though she has been the lead vocalist for Al Corey’s Big band sounds for the past fifteen years she is looking forward to performing at Countryfolk. “I just love what they do for the community and their youth music scholarship program” , said Palmer.

She will appear as part of the Countryfolk youth music scholarship weekend according to Countryfolk operator, Larry Bisbee. Of Wilton whose theatre is in the East Dixfield section of that western Maine community. Bisbee said, “ We are so happy to have Ginny appearing to help raise donations for youth music scholarships this year”,. More details about the music weekend by calling Bisbee at 207-645-4411 or stopping by Countryfolk Music Theatre on US route 2 in East Dixfield any Sunday during the Country Sundays of music from 12noon-1pm.thru the summer. Countryfolk is always free and for families. Any donations support the youth music scholarships.

Ginny Palmer has been a professional Jazz Vocalist for nearly three decades. She received a Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Maine at Augusta. During her time there she was chosen by the Polish American Youth Jazz Foundation to travel with a group of American music educators to Krakow and Warsaw Poland where she taught vocal jazz and also performed with many Polish and American Jazz Musicians throughout the country. Her Jazz vocal stylings have been heard from Maine to Florida. She currently performs with the Al Corey Big Band (a fifteen year veteran) and the Pat Michaud Jazz Quintet. She also free-lances with other groups and has most recently formed her own Jazz Combo entitled “Jazz in Blue”.

Ginny taught music in a private school for fifteen years and also returned to UMA to conduct the Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Pep Band and give private vocal instruction. Throughout this time, she has also had many private vocal, piano and music theory students and is proud to say that some have stayed with her for up to ten years.

She is a veteran adjudicator for Maine Jazz All State, KV, and other Music festivals. She has also visited many schools throughout the state conducting clinics and concerts with Middle and High School students.

Bisbee said he is very pleased to offer the music of Palmer to folks in western Maine , a rare opportunity to hear her country vocals. She’ll be accompanied by several local musicians including Terry Moore of Livermore Falls; Owen Donnell of Leeds; Alan Rich of Livermore and possibly a well-known fiddler from the Oxford County area.

For more info about the free exhibitor space and Countryfolk youth scholarship weekend details contact Larry Bisbee at 207-645-4411 or email mainebiz@localnet.com

Remember, our Friday night jam is a small gathering of campers and a few local musicians pickin' by the campfire. If you plan to camp with us, please let me know as space is limited. Mostly tents, vans and smaller campers will fit right up to the last minute. Call Larry at 207-645-4411 as soon as possible. Exhibitors, musicians and campers ae welcome to stay all weekend free of charge. We sell nothing, but there is the Rt. 2 Variety store a half mile east of Countryfolk for your food and beverage needs. We are rustic, but musician and family friendly. We look forward to seeing you on July 29, 30, 31, 2011. Lots of country music all weekend. Countryfolk is operated by volunteers and is always free and for families. Donations accepted and they support our youth music scholarships project.

Thanks and welcome..

Countryfolk Maine Music & Minerals Weekend

The Countryfolk Music Theatre located on US route 2 in East Dixfield, Maine will host it’s annual Youth Music Scholarship weekend on July 30, 31 and August 1^st.

This year’s three day musical event is called “Music & Minerals’ which will feature a Country Jamboree, 50-60 volunteer country and bluegrass musicians, youth music scholarships, pot luck meals, special guest performers and more than a dozen Maine gem and mineral exhibitors and rockhounds from around Maine.

Friday night, July 30^th, there will be an open mic jam session from 5-9pm, Saturday Ol’ Prospector’s Day Country Jamboree features music from 8am to 6pm with new performers every thirty minutes thru the day, Gem and mineral exhibits from 10am-4pm, guest performers “PHAT GRASS” (bluegrass) from 6-7pm and a country dance with Maine’s award winning singer songwriter, Country Jim Palmer and Paula Kaiser from 7-9pm.

Saturday featured guest gem exhibitor is Louise Jonaitas of Hanover and Portland with a Plumbago Mountain exhibit of “Eureka Blue” Tourmaline that was found recently in Newry, Maine. Blue crystal tourmaline is very rare in Maine.

Also Saturday gold panning demonstrations will be held by prospector Gary Baril, bullwhip artist Bill Green of Lewiston will demo his Australian and Western whipping skills, Albert Ladd of Byron will show his extensive moose and antler collection, Log Art by “Zeke” Elliot from Carthage and several gem and jewelry exhibitors from the Oxford County Mineral and Gem Association including Beth Andrews of South Paris, Charlie Kawalzyk of Rumford, S&L Prospecting of East Dixfield and Livermore, Static displays from the Countryfolk Music and Minerals Museum Project, Maine Mineral Adventures from West Paris, Homestead Bargain Barn (live animals) Farmington Falls, Charlene and Joe Nappi of Otisfield, Coos Canyon Gem and Mineral Shop and Gary Hutchinson with local Rose quartz gem finds.

Sunday, August 1^st features Cowboy Church from 10-11am with Ginger Mae and the annual Countryfolk youth music scholarship awards and country music from 12noon to 6pm.

Countryfolk Music Theatre is always free and for families.

For more information contact Larry Bisbee at 207-645-4411

Gem and Mineral exhibitors on Saturday, July 31, 2010 Ol’ Prospector’s Day include:
...
Gary Baril, Byron– Gold Panning Demos
Louise Jonaitas, Portland / Hanover, Plumbago Mountain Gem Display
Charlene & Joe Nappi, Otisfield – Gem Display
S&L Prospecting, East Dixfield – Prospecting displays / minerals
Countryfolk Music & Minerals Museum project Static Displays – Prospecting
Zeke Elliot, South Carthage – Wood Carvings / Rustic Log PicnicTables
Beth Andrews, South Paris – Gem Jewelry
Albert Ladd, Byron – Moose Horns and Antlers Exhibit
Maine Mineral Adventures, Rt. 26 West Paris – Gem & Mineral Display
Charlie Kawalzyk, Rumford – Mineral Display & Gem Jewelry
Bill Green, Lewiston, -- Western Bullwhip Artist Demonstrations
Coos Canyon Gem & Mineral Shop, Rosie Susbury, Prop. – Display

Homestead Farm Bargain Barn, Farmington Falls, Pat Starbird, Prop.- live animals

Gary Hutchinson, Carthage—Gem display (“gemmy” Rose Quartz)

Countryfolk Music Schedule / Jamboree & Scholarship Weekend

Friday – July 30, 2010 --- Country Music Jam Session – 5-9pm

Saturday – July 31, 2010 - Country Jamboree – Ol’ Prospector’s Day
Maine Minerals Show, Demos and Displays Saturday 10:00am – 4:00pm (12 plus exhibitors)

8-10 am – Open Mic
10-10:30 – Larry “Buck”Bisbee and Friends
10:30 -11 – Aubrey Farrington
11- 11:30 – Norm & Trudy Crowley
11:30- 12 – Paula Kaiser & Stained Grass
12- 12:30 –Terry Moore
12:30- 1 -- Mark & Noel Redlon
1:00-1:30 – Bob Thibodeau
1:30-2;00 – Russ & Jodi Spencer Mathers
2:00-2:30 – Adam and Lucas Mitchell
2:30-3;00 – Becky Haskell
3:00-3:30 – Ken Wentworth & Ginger Mae
3:30-4;00 – Ron Trembley
4:00-4:30 – Nickels & Dimes
4:00-6:00 – Pot Luck Meal
4:30-5;00 – Mary & Maurice Belanger
5:00-5:30 – Off The Hill
5:30-6:00 – Cack Bean

6;00-7:00 -- Special Guest Performers – “PHAT GRASS” (bluegrass)
7:00-9:00 – Country Dance on the lawn by the campfire with Country Jim Palmer & Paula Kaiser

9:00- ?? -- Campfire acoustic music & field pickin’

Sunday, August 1, 2010

8:00-10:00am -- Campfire cooking (on your own)
10:00-11:00 -- Cowboy Church with Ginger Mae Dyer
12;00 – 1:00 – Country Jam Session
1:00 PM - Countryfolk Music Theatre Youth Music Scholarships

Pot Luck Meal

Bagpiper (if available)
2:00-6:00 – Country Music Jam Session / traditional country / gospel l/ bluegrass / folk (2 House Bands for backup)

6:00PM Load the wagons and head em out !

Maine music legend, Country Jim Palmer will be appearing at the Countryfolk Music Theatre in East Dixfield on Saturday, July 31, 2010. Palmer has performed country music for years thru New England, Tennessee and Australia. He’s an award winning singer songwriter and along with performance partner, Paula Kaiser of Fayette, will play for this year’s Countryfolk Music and Minerals youth music scholarship dance. The weekend of country music July 30, 31, and August 1^st will feature more than 50 volunteer Maine musicians.and gem and mineral exhibitors from gem-rich Oxford County.

More info by contacting Larry Bisbee at 207-645-4411

Maine Countryfolk Music Theatre

US Route 2, East Dixfield, Maine USA
Contact: Larry Bisbee
April 1, 2010 - NEW phone and email
Tel. 207-645-4411
email... mainebiz@localnet.com (year-round)
Yes, we're on FaceBook / friend us at mainebiz@localnet.com


We just finished 10 years of country music and youth music scholarships. Thanks so much to all our volunteers.

We will re-open May 30, 2010, Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend



More of our 2010 season with loads of updated photos, musicians, scholarships and our Countryfolk FUN at this new website
Check us out here:

http://countryfolkmusicnews.blogspot.com/

2009 SCHEDULE of EVENTS

2009 Countryfolk Music Theatre Summer Schedule and Youth Scholarship Project

Countryfolk Music Theatre opens its 10th consecutive season on Sunday, May 24, 2009, Memorial Day Weekend. (every Sunday thru Labor Day 12 noon-6PM / always free and for families according to project director, Larry Bisbee.

Big plans are in the offing this year for the 10th year celebration including lots of traditional country music, folk and gospel and bluegrass.

Scheduled Jamborees, Christmas in July ( July 5th - bring a can of food for the food pantry), youth music scholarship weekend, Banjos to Bagpipes & Old Maine Days celebration & Mountain Man Rendezvous, 4 days with 50+ musicians, dance and special guests ( July 23, 24, 25, 26) and a "special" Dick Curless Look-A-Like contest (Labor Day Weekend with 3 days of music), country dances, 50/50 and door prizes, Barefoot Country Girl (the movie, with cast members at Countryfolk), pot luck meals and loads of FUN.

Bisbee said, "We welcome new musicians every week and also have a Friday night campfire jam from 5-9PM"

free Tent, van and RV Camping for musicians is always welcomed and we now have a free "Countryfolk Bunkhouse" for musicians.

Bisbee went on to say, "We're always looking for NEW musicians to come and join us, so come along and have some fun with us. We're the "BIGGEST" backyard jam in Maine with 20-40 musicians each weekend and "special" events".

More info at 207-582-3075 or email mainebiz@localnet.com

or catch Larry "BUCK" Bisbee on the nearest streetcorner telling one of his "Wicked Good" Maine stories, singing his new "Mosquito" song or telling his whopping big ol' "Black Fly's of Maine" tale. No matter what ya do, get ahold of him soon.

Countryfolk Music Theatre Seeks Mountain Men & Women and Outdoor Displays

Countryfolk Music Theatre in East Dixfield is looking for people to display
Old Maine items (snowshoe making/basket backpacks) and Maine-Made products,
and outdoor cooking, trapping, fishing, kayak or canoe making,
furs,(anything to do with the
outdoors and Old-time Maine)) etc. as well as prospectors to show their gems
and minerals at the first Countryfolk Mountain Man Rendezvous this summer.

Larry Bisbee and Countryfolk Music Theatre on US route 2 in East Dixfield,
Maine USA is planning a Mountain Man Rendezvous theme this summer as part of
their youth music scholarship weekend. ALready booked for the event are the
following: Ben Bowie and son of Carthage with knife and tomahawk throwing;
Zeke Elliot "The chainsaw carver",Sally Daigle of Jay with custom made gem jewelry;
Gary Baril of Byron with a gold panning demonstration; S&L Prospecting gem
and mineral display, Covered wagon and teepee by Countryfolk; Bill Greene & Christy
with bull-whip cracking demonstrations.. We're also looking for
basket-makers, fly-tieing, snowshoe makers and others to demonstrate their
skills with Maine wood carving, taxidermy or any Maine skills of outdoor
interest....

Free space is offered to all who would like to participate. All donations
over the weekend support our Countryfolk Youth Music Scholarships...

Will you join us?? Wear your coonskin hat and Mountain Man or Woman outfit
and join the fun...

Free display space too for gems and minerals, musician's CDs, trappers and
the like.... Four BIG days (and nights with campfires & music) - July 23-26,
2009. We'll have between 40-60 volunteer musicians again this year.

Free camping or stay in the bunkhouse...
Tents and vans (we have room for a few RVs too)

Special guest performers will be the famous "Old Crow Indian Band".. Don't
miss it.. (yes, they'll be in costume too)

Remember, we open on Sunday (May 24th) of Memorial Day Weekend with our
regular Sunday jams (12noon-6PM)
Call Larry at 207-582-3075 or email him at mainebiz@roadrunner.com
.

Come help us celebrate our 10th year of consecutive Country jamborees,
look-a-like contests and country fun", Bisbee said. !!!!