Devils Den - Grass Hoppers

We started a resident band, Devils Den, made up of friends of long standing:- Ray Tassie, Mandolin. Richard Hook, Guitar. Dave Smith, Guitar and Mike Flood, Bass.
All have been in bands since the late 50’s early 60’s, The Hickory Nuts, The Folkvendors, Tamarisk, Plastic Bukitt, Wild Oats, and Deep River to mention a few. During the 90’s other things took priority and enthusiasm slipped. There have been a few changes due to illness and house moves. A new line up and a change of name –

The Grass Hoppers Ray Tassie, Mandolin,Mike Flood, Bass, Ges Blackmore, Guitar, and 

Adrian (Eddie) Greene, Banjo and this is the stage we are at now learning as we go along, playing for fun and enjoyment and hoping others are enjoying it to. If there are any budding fiddle players out there who would like to join please get in touch.

Rick Townend Write Up

Taken From The Tunbridge Wells Bluegrass & Acoustic Music Club (News Letter)

Roving Round

In the next few issues I’ll cover the regular clubs and sessions in our area, in case members fancy travelling out on other nights.

For a list of everything that’s on see the listings section. Or see my website www.ricktownend.co.uk
This time round I thought I’d cover the
Bluegrass Plus Club at Netherne Football Club in Woodplace Lane, South Coulsdon.
Although the venue is not very far from the A23 and civilisation, it’s approached via some small back- roads, and by the time you get there you feel miles from anywhere, so check a map before setting out or call Ray or Sheila Tassie on 01737 551191; they also have a Website http//: www.bluegrass-plusclub.co.uk which is still being developed. Although the club has been running less than a year it has built up attendance well, and when I was there in January it was pretty full. The performance area is a bit like a small village hall. With a nice stage easily big enough for a five piece bluegrass band plus PA, and seating with tables. The bar is adjacent; being a club prices are low they have a member’s only policy but membership is only £6; entrance is between £2 and £7. The guests in January a Band Like Alice, giving of their best; despite the cold weather. Which they claimed was affecting their fingers the lead instruments – Bob Winquist (fiddle), Richard Collins(bjo), Alan Ward (mln) and sometimes Gary Payne (gtr) were all picking really great breaks, and the singing – with lead vocals from Richard, Gary and Sherryl – was as usual exciting and just right. The residents are no mean act either, though the band will be changing line up soon, this being Dave Smith’s last appearance with them. Mandolinist Ray Tassie is one of the club organizers, guitarist /lead singer Richard Hook also writes many of the bands songs, while Mike Flood has played bass for bands including the others for many years – older readers will remember the Hickory Nuts and Wild Oats.
They operate on the second Friday every month, and as the club has been so successful a small festival is planned in April which falls on Easter weekend with events on the Saturday following on from the regular night on (Good) Friday 14th. Keep an eye on the website or call Ray and Sheila for more details

2006 Easter Event

Here are a few responses after our first Easter Event

Dear Sheila and Ray,
Just a quick line to thank you once again for a great weekend, It was obvious that you had both worked hard to make the weekend a great success and everybody seemed to be having a great time and I for one met many old friends and made some new ones, only my fingers are complaining as I do not think I stopped playing and singing all Saturday!! . A big thanks for you showed us you are lovely people and a credit to the Bluegrass community, that is what it is all about. I hope you got a buzz from the experience and that the event becomes a regular on the calendar.
Regards George Malcolmson

Sheila & Ray,
Thanks for a great day yesterday and all your hard work, please give our regards to all the staff and what a great time I had picking and chatting to all the familar faces and new ones.
Bye the way I got back ok without any detours!!
Thanks Phill Morley

Dear Ray and Sheila,
Just a quick note to thank you for all your efforts over the weekend.
I had a great time and I'm sure everyone else did too. I do understand the
aggravation involved in arranging an event like this one and appreciate
the work you and Ray have done to arrange the weekend.
Thanks for your hospitality. Grahame Turner

Hi Sheila & Ray & the gang-This is to tell you that I’ve been delighted in meeting you & your lovely friends at the bluegrass plus club, to thank you as much as I can for your warm welcome & help & to tell you to that I m looking forward in meeting you if you ever want to come & visit us, thus there is very few bluegrass people around. I keep a marvellous souvenir of my stay in Coulsdon & of all the nice people I happened to meet there .I m sure looking forward to attend the next meeting you’ ll organise, maybe with my young fiddler companion this time .I talked her so much about you & your warm welcome. I d recommend my bluegrass friends in France to visit it just to see how nice it s been.Thank You all again for the warm welcome & so friendly help you provide My kindest regards to you ,with a special thought for banjo Bob who taught me some very nice crooked banjo chords , & to Pete Stanley who was so kind & patient to me, anyway , have as a good life as possible meanwhile , keep on picking & maybe think of me sometimes-Affectueusement
jpJean Paul

Good morning Ray and Sheila.
It was kind of you to ask us along, we had fun and enjoyed the day. It was
good to see the dance workshop so well supported and the shuffles were
perfectly executed by all! You are to be congratulated on putting together
such an enjoyable day.
We were sorry to have to leave and miss the evening concert but judging by
the jamming which was going on when we were leaving, it no doubt went well.
Best wishes to you both and Thanks again. See you soon.
Val and Chas

Morning, the suns shining and its warm why couldn't it have arrived a day earlier. Do hope your visitors have all gone and that you're able to crash out, you certainly
deserve it for all your efforts.
Hopefully have learnt a bit along the way should you ever decide you want to repeat a mini-Fest. again??? Just hope you're not out of pocket on the deal.
Pam & Alan Colls

Dear Sheila and Ray
Many thanks for a lovely day on Saturday. We thoroughly enjoyed it and are most grateful to you for providing us with the opportunity to play and dance and meet fellow bluegrass enthusiasts. Mick found the workshop with Adrian very beneficial, the barn dance was great fun and the concert was really good in the evening. see you soon. Best wishes from
Di and Mick Allchorne