It's the annual benefit for God's Kitchen, Soup's On for All. Sing with us at Dr. Grin's, enjoy fine soups from all the best restaurants and bid on fabulous items in the silent auction for the best cause.
      Banjo-Jim, Bear

The Blue Water Ramblers will share a Century of Love Songs at Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle St. in South Haven. Box office: 800.838.3006. Foundry Hall, South Haven's home for original performance, music, and art. The century old building in the heart of downtown was extensively renovated in 2000-2001 from a former piston factory into a music hall and theatre. At the Foundry Hall, interaction through the arts and shared experiences is the key to a happy, healthy, and vibrant South Haven.
      Bear, Tom DeVries and Banjo-Jim

Romance your sweetheart with our Century of Love Songs show at Trinity House Theater in Livonia located at the northwest corner of I-275 and Six Mile Road, just east of Haggerty Road. Find out all the happenings at Trinity House Theater.
      Banjo-Jim, Tom DeVreis and Bear

Sixties picking pal Rick Novak joins Banjo-Jim at The Living Room. Live! from the Living Room is an Acoustic Showcase created and hosted by Maggie Ferguson. Talented songwriters and acoustic musicians perform most every Friday evening at the Blue Note Cafe, 7 North Saginaw, Pontiac, MI.
      Banjo-Jim and Ricky

We are singing of lighthouses and the Great Lakes at the Society's annual meeting. Private performance.
      Bear and Banjo-Jim

The Blue Water Ramblers present a Century of Love Songs at Howard City's Zellie's Opry House. The musical tradition of Tennessee's Ryman Auditorium, Home of the Grand Ole Opry, is being kept alive in Howard City, Michigan. Like the Ryman Auditorium, Zellie's Opry House originally began as a church. Built in the 1860's, through the years the building has experienced change; however, original architectural details remain evident, including the wooden pew seating in the auditorium. The Blue Water Ramblers are giving this concert as a benefit for Zellie's Opry House. Bring your sweetheart for romance from horse-drawn shays and the front porch swing to jet planes and the ball room.
      Tom DeVries, Bear and Banjo-Jim

Faith and begorrah! Sean and Seamus McGillicuddy-O'Rourke "They call us the Singin' Oyrish Twins" will hold forth with the best of the Irish-American repertoire at the Cottage Bar. Bring your best story and songs.
      Sean and Seamus McGillicuddy-O'Rourke

Sean and Seamus McGillicuddy-O'Rourke "They call us the Singin' Oyrish Twins" will hold forth with the best of the Irish-American repertoire at the One Trick Pony. Bring your best stories and songs to share.
      Sean and Seamus McGillicuddy-O'Rourke

Sean and Seamus McGillicuddy-O'Rourke have the honor of sharing the best of the Oyrish-American music tradition on honor of St. Patrick at the Saladin Temple Mystic Shrine. Faith and begorrah, it's a singin' dinner party! Call Tom or Marie Russell at 949-7000 to make your reservation, My Wild Irish Rose! Tickets are $25.00 a couple, $15.00 single which includes dinner and green beverage - corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, bread, desert, munchies. The Shrine is located at 4200 Saladin Dr. SE off East Paris.
      Sean and Seamus McGillicuddy-O'Rourke

The Blue Water Ramblers believe in music, children and education and we're hitting all three at Bursley Elementary School in Jenison for their Learnapalooza night. Students and families only, please!
      Bear and Banjo-Jim

We are pleased to help our friends raise some $$$ for the NorEast'r Music and Art Festival in Comins. Join us for an evening of fun, music, friends and more fun. The performance will be at the Comins Center, on 1st St in Comins - the second to last left in town then right into the parking lot. You can't miss it! Entrance by donation.
      Bear, California Dan and Banjo-Jim

Meet at Townsend Park in Cannon TWP to celebrate spring and one of the prettiest streams in Michigan, Bear Creek. The Blue Water Ramblers will stroll the woods with a song on our lips at the Bear Creek Water Festival. Here are the details: Waterfest features a breakfast served in the cabin, various community and environmental groups who offer displays, games and activities for children, including the famous rubber ducky races. Baked goods are sold by the Cannon Historical Society. Waterfest is a fun way to learn about watersheds.
      Bear and Banjo-Jim

The Blue Water Ramblers are proud to host the 6th Annual Grand River Folk Arts Society Fundraising Concert. Drew Nelson, international singer-songwriter and dedicated trout fisherman will be helping out our favorite folk organization.
      Bear, California Dan, Banjo-Jim and Fred Willson

Banjo-Jim and Bear are singing campfire favorites and telling tall tales around a big campfire at the Cadet Camporee in Dorr. If you're 10 years old and a Calvinist Cadet, we will see you there!
      Bear and Banjo-Jim

Kirtland Warbler Festival, a celebration of nature in Roscommon. We'll be roaming the grounds of Kirtland Community College picking and singing right along with the Warblers.
      California Dan, Banjo-Jim and Tom

Dance, sing, pick, try some traditional arts and crafts and even take a few music lessons at Traditional Arts Weekend at Wheatland Music Organization. The Blue Water Ramblers will be trading Humor in Traditional Music and are honored to once again join the Right Righteous Reverend Rockin' Roger Little's All Star Gospel Band for a Gospel Jam. Join us! Banjo-Jim will offer curious folk arts on Kid's Hill and the band will call a Family Dance.
      Bear, Banjo-Jim, California Dan, Fiddlin' Bill and Fred Willson

We will dance the fourth graders at South River Elementary School in Harrison TWP of Macomb County. It's dose do and swing your partner, Belinda!
      Banjo-Jim

We are proud to perform at the Outer Fringe at Grand Rapid's big Festival of the Arts. It's been a couple years, so we are looking forward to catching up with old friends and making some new ones at this premire event.
      Bear and Banjo-Jim

NorEast'r Music and Art Festival in Mio on the banks of the AuSable River at the Oscoda County Fair Grounds. Rustic camping is available and the food booths offer the best in town! We'll be singing, picking, jamming and having fun. We are performing four times.
      Bear, Califorina Dan, Fred Willson and Banjo-Jim

We sing of the farmer at Historic Wagner Farm, the last working farm in Cook County, Illinois. If you're over that way, stop by for a farm breakfast, milking cows, lambs to pet and great agro-music.
      Banjo-Jim and Bear

Spring Lake is a lovely town and Mill Point is a fine performance venue. Thursdays at the Point is sponsored by the Grand Haven Area Arts Council. Get to the Point, already!
      Banjo-Jim, California Dan and Bear

We're singing all the songs in the Bandshell in Montague. Head north out of Muskegon on US 31 for a pretty concert on a summer's eve.
      Banjo-Jim, Califoria Dan and Bear

Help us say happy birthday, America at the Lowell Showboat Sizzlin' Summer Concert. A concert band and the Voices of Freedom and the Blue Water Ramblers are celebrating!
      Bear, Tom, California Dan and Banjo-Jim

An Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration complete with an ice cream social and fireworks on the front lawn of Crystal Mountain Resort near Thompsonville on M-115.
      Bear, Tom and Banjo-Jim

It's a Blue Water Rambler tradition to celebrate America's birthday every year at the Ada 4th of July Celebration on the Commons. Classic cars, a beautiful quilt raffle, lots of arts vendors, traditional American food and the folk song of Michigan, America and YOUR life.
      Bear, Banjo-Jim and Tom.

Allendale 4th of July Community Concert celebrating 233 years of American folk song. Follow the Ramblers twenty miles west from Ada for another tradition community celebration including fireworks at Allendale Township Park at 6676 Lake Michign Dr., Allendale.
      Bear, Tom and Banjo-Jim

If you're vacationing in our beautiful Upper Peninsula, catch our shows at the Manistique Folk Festival and then explore Manistique.
      Banjo-Jim and Bear

Sault Sainte Marie Summer Concert Series in Locks Park. We'll sing about the Bigler and the Edmond Fitzgerald as the freighters are locked through the MacArthur and Poe locks.
      Bear,Banjo-Jim and California Dan

Bayside Live on the Municipal Dock in St. Ignace. Vacation with us: Great music, great sights and a great city in the great north.
      Bear,Banjo-Jim and California Dan

Music at the Harbor in Lexington on Lake Huron: One of Michigan's beautiful venues. We'll sing of life, lakes, lumber, laughter and love.
      Bear, Banjo-Jim and California Dan

The Blue Water Ramblers have been invited to share our music and fun by our old friend, Claude in beautiful Atlanta, Michigan. Watch this space for more details.
      Bear and Banjo-Jim

Onekama, 10 miles north of Manistee on Highway 22, hosts a Concert in the Park series on Monday nights in July and August. Join us in a beautiful two lake town.
      Bear and Banjo-Jim

Let's sing all the songs in a pretty community park in Fenton, located in eastern Genesee County. It was first settled in 1834 by Clark Dibble and originally called Dibbleville. In 1837, William Fenton and Robert LeRoy purchased a large plot of land there and registered it under the name of Fentonville. LeRoy built a hotel there the same year and also became the postmaster. Later, Fenton went on to become lieutenant governor of Michigan. The town incorporated with the name of Fenton in 1863. Today, the downtown area retains much of its historical look while at the same time including a town square-style shopping plaza nearby. The Shiawassee River also flows over a dam through the park in the center of town. The park is overlooked by city hall and includes an old fashioned gazebo and walkway by the river.
      Bear and Banjo-Jim

Reed City in the heart of the north. We'll share music in the intimate setting of Rambadt Park.
      Bear, California Dan and Banjo-Jim

The Blue Water Ramblers will sing of Michigan and your life on Saturday from 1 to 3 PM and rock some righteous gospel at 11 AM Sunday.

Mark your calendars for Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2, when the Network will hold their 2nd Annual Blue Water Music Festival. This year the Festival will move to Wood's Edge Herb Farm to allow for some improvements. This year there will be a charge for admission but no tickets. On Friday evening from 5 until 10 PM there is no gate fee, Saturday from 10 AM until 10 PM there will be a $10 per car admission or for $15 you can get a weekend pass. On Sunday there will be a $10 charge per car unless you have a weekend pass. We will have two performing stages as well as a jam site and a workshop area and if we can put it together may include a dance hall. We are currently looking for food and craft vendors as well as volunteer help for the weekend. We will also have limited rustic camping for the weekend. Once the camping performers are accommodated camping will be opened up to BWMN members first for $20 and then the public for $40 for Friday through Sunday. For those interested in camping please email back or call Dave at 810 434-9967 to be put on the first come first served list if sites are still available. Gate opens 1 hour before above listed times on all three days. For more information call Dave Rutkofske at 810 434-9967 or email him at Woodsedge@advnet.net

      Bear and Banjo-Jim

Our first concert in Michigan's thumb was in Port Sanilac and we're happy to be heading back to a pretty town with a great harbor and rich maritime history. We will sing of shanty boys and sailing in Harbor Park right at the end of Main Street which is M-46.
      Banjo-Jim and Bear

FarmFest at Farmhouse Music near Johannesburg is a gem of a music festival. In between all the picking and jamming with our friends, we will be performing on Main Stage at 7:30 PM. The Lighting of the Log of Last Year will follow immediately at the fire circle. Are your dancing shoes polished up? Banjo-Jim will join Hawks 'n' Owls for an hour of squares and reels at 5 on Friday to open up our dance stage. Jan Fowler will be calling Saturday and Sunday and there are lots of other terpsichorean activities scheduled.
      Bear and Banjo-Jim

The headline reads: Blue Water Ramblers Play Historic Kaleva Bottle House

We're heading up to Kaleva to share Michigan music. Join us for good tunes and interesting history.
      Bear and Banjo-Jim

The Blue Water Ramblers and you will share songs all afternoon at Jam on the Grand at Riverside Park on Monroe Avenue NW in Grand Rapids. Look for a circle of smiling pickers near the Lagoon Pavillion.
      Bear and Banjo-Jim

Wild Blueberry Festival in Paradise on the Whitefish Bay of Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Is that not the perfect venue for enjoying our great state and the Blue Water Ramblers? 'Nuff said!
      Bear and Banjo-Jim

Ricky and Banjo-Jim will sing their songs of the 60's and current creations in Lexington at Thumbfest. Watch this space for details.
      Banjo-Jim and Ricky

We call it "Heaven on earth for pickers". It's the annual Wheatland Music Festival on Wernette's farm just a mile southwest of Remus. Join us for the best traditional American music- folk, old time, blues, Cajun, bluegrass, gospel and much more. Moms and Dads: Practice up that precocious youngster and bring the child to "Kid's Hill Open Mic" at 5 PM Saturday. The next generation is taking the stage! The Blue Water Rambler Dance Quintet will be playing the 10 AM Sunday Family Dance in the Pavilion. It's a great way to start your musical day. Dust off that mandolin and learn some hot hot licks at Tom's mando workshop.
      Bear, Tom, California Dan, Fiddlin' Bill and Banjo-Jim

Join us in Columbus, Ohio as the pages of Country Living magazine to life with the fourth annual Country Living Fair. The Blue Water Ramblers will entertain you with the best true country folk music as you shop the more than 100 exhibitor booths for antiques, vintage furnishings, crafts, gifts and collectibles. Enjoy food tastings, cooking demonstrations and the harvest/gourmet market. Attend decorating and crafting seminars and meet and mingle with the editors and contributors of Country Living for a weekend of fun family activities.

ADMISSION: One day $12 door or $10 advance; Weekend Pass $20 door or $15 advance; Early Bird Weekend Pass $30 advance only Enter any or all days at 9 a.m. and beat the crowds! Tickets go on sale June 1st

LOCATION: Ohio Village, A charming 19th century village conveniently located just off I-71 @ Exit 11, across from Ohio State Fairgrounds, Columbus, Ohio.

TICKETS and INFO: Stella Show Management: 1-866-500-FAIR or on the web www.stellashows.com

      Banjo-Jim and Bear

We're singing artful tunes at the renowned Fallasburg Fine Arts Festival. Join us at Fallasburg County Park off Lincoln Lake Avenue for a weekend of fun, very good art, demonstrations, music and good food.
      Tom and Banjo-Jim

The Blue Water Ramblers are traveling to Alpena to sing songs of the Great Lakes and Michigan at the Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival. The four day event provides activities for the young and old including lighthouse tours (aerial, boat or personal vehicle), entertainment, and vendors. The festival boasts over 100 maritime related vendors including lighthouse preservation groups, artists, authors and more. Although the main site of activities occur at the Thunder Bay Recreational Center, 701 Woodward Avenue, Alpena, MI., many additional activities are held throughout the community. From Saginaw to Mackinaw, lighthouses will be open for tours and visits!
      Bear and Banjo-Jim

Hawk Woods Nature Center Fall Festival in Auburn Hills. We're proud to be part of the festival for the eighth year now. Bring the kids and enjoy Rambler music, a petting zoo and pumpkin carving for Halloween.
      Bear and Banjo-Jim

We will sing our This Land Is Your Land show, Songs Of The Michigan Experience, at the Pix Theatre, 172 W Nepessing St, Lapeer, MI 48446. Call (810) 664-4811 or visit their web site, pixlapeer.org.
      Bear, Tom and Banjo-Jim

Fall Harvest Festival for CSA members only, the most anticipated event of the farm season: Hay rides, square dancing (no experience necessary), Michigan music, pumpkin picking and carving, fantastic seasonal fall dishes, apple cider making with an old-fashioned press, bonfires and marshmallow roasting! We LOVE pumpkin time! See Trillim Haven Farm.
      Banjo-Jim, Tom, California Dan, Fiddlin' Bill and Bear

Ricky and Banjo-Jim will sing our unique pot pori of old, new, weird and blue songs at the Blue Note Cafe as part of Live! from the Living room. Also on the bill are our Thumb friends, Tremblay and Evans. Join us for an evening of musical fun. The Living room web presence: The Living Room
      Banjo-Jim and Ricky

The Blue Water Ramblers are thrilled to share our music at the Flint Folk Music Society.
      Banjo-Jim, Tom and Bear

Square dancing at Kentwood Community Church's Youth Ministry: Several hundred teens will be do si doeing with an allemande left to the kicking dance tunes of the Blue Water Ramblers.
      Bear, Banjo-Jim and California Dan

Crossroad's holiday dinner for staff members. (Private)
      Bear, Tom and Banjo-Jim

We Blue Water Ramblers love Christmas with all the great holiday songs, carols, stories and slapstick humor. Please join us for a hearty wassail bowlful of all four. GRFAS on the web.
      Bear, Banjo-Jim, Tom and Christmas elves to be announced.

Celebrate the turning of the year with Tom DeVries and many other performers at the Grand Finale New Year's Event at First Park Congregational Church downtown. One venue, two stages, three hours, nine performers, and ten shows. This is a family friendly, all ages, walk around, indoors event. Juggling, magic, mimes, clowns and stories, balloon twisting, violin-ing, ragtime piano, and folk songs. Refreshments in the social hall, and it's done in time to stroll over to Rosa Parks Circle for the ball drop. 8 to 11 pm. First Park Congregational Church in downtown GR, entrance on Ransom between Fulton and Library. $10 admission, $25 family of four, volunteers welcome. For more info, check out Grnewyearseve.wordpress.com
      Tom