Words, music, images and more from Jim Barnes
In one block on Main Street in Marion, Va., you can enjoy first-rate barbecue at Wolfe’s, watch live bluegrass performances at the historic Lincoln Theatre and rest your head at the equally venerable General Francis Marion Hotel.
But what drew me here was the opportunity to sample some Virginia moonshine at its source.
Washington Post, March 19, 2015
In February 1980, KET (Kentucky Educational Television) asked me to record three short videos to be used as fillers in between programs.
In those days, I made music — “composed” is too formal a word — by playing piano improvisations with a tape recorder running. I would listen to the recordings, and if I heard something I liked, I would refine it for a few weeks until I had something with which I was relatively satisfied.
Not a great system, I’ll admit. I realize now that I needed to work much harder at it to produce music that was really good. Still, there’s something to be said for music that just comes out naturally. This was one piece that didn’t change much after the first time I played it; it pretty much came out in this form, and just sort of meanders from one little melody to another.
By the way, the tux and ruffled cuffs were not my idea, or my style, but I was so happy to have the opportunity to do this that I went along with the producer’s suggestions. And he also asked me to take off my glasses, so any stumbles you hear happened because I couldn’t see the keys. At least, that’s my story.
I first heard this recording of “Faded Coat of Blue” on the radio in California, more than 25 years ago. More than any other song I can think of, it has changed my life.
I was captivated by the singer’s voice, and for years I sought to learn more about her. At first, I knew only her name, Betsy Rutherford. I eventually learned that she was from Galax, Va., that she had recorded an album entitled “Traditional Country Music” in 1970, and that she had died in 1991.
This was the first song on Betsy’s only LP, a wonderful album that beautifully showcased her strong voice and smooth singing style. With the support of Betsy’s family, I made this video and posted it on YouTube almost four years ago. I’m pleased to see that it has now been seen by 4,000 people who otherwise might not have heard her music.
Although she didn’t record any other albums, I have been able to track down some recordings of her performances, and I have posted more than 20 of those songs on YouTube. But this was the first, and it remains my favorite.
Suppose that two middle schools and an elementary school hosted 600 students who were competing in a math tournament on five-member teams. One middle school hosted 12 fewer teams than did the other two schools. How many students competed at the elementary school?
That problem would be a breeze for many of the students who took part in the second annual Loudoun County Regional Math Tournament on March 7.
Washington Post, March 15, 2015
Angie Wytovich’s approach to teaching is simple: She does whatever she can to help each child in her class succeed.
On Thursday, Wytovich’s dedication was rewarded when she was named as one of only 40 educators across the country to receive a $25,000 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award this year.
Washington Post, March 15, 2015
I had been hoping to catch a glimpse of a pair of bald eagles with a nest in Manassas. I didn’t have any luck there, but was struck with the stark beauty of the late winter trees.
“March Madness” has arrived at the Artists’ Undertaking gallery in Occoquan.
The exhibit, which runs through April 6, features the paintings and drawings of Roger Frey of Woodbridge and the work of fused glass artists David and Dale Barnes of Sterling.
Washington Post, March 8, 2015
Admirers of a pair of bald eagles that live near Manassas Regional Airport raised alarms recently about the birds’ safety after noticing a real estate sign and utility work on property in the vicinity of the eagles’ nest.
Concern about the eagles’ welfare spread quickly through social media and drew the attention of federal, state and local authorities, who responded to fears that the eagles’ habitat might be threatened.
Washington Post, March 1, 2015
HealthWorks for Northern Virginia, a Leesburg-based community health center, has returned to stable financial condition after a year of uncertainty, the organization’s top officials announced this month at a meeting of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors’ finance committee.
Washington Post, February 22, 2015
The smart little pig wouldn’t have fared too well in this brick building in Old Town Manassas, which the winds huffed and puffed into a pile of rubble last weekend.
