Excitment for Labor Day in Kendallville

I noticed in your recent newsletter a list of things to do and see in northeast Indiana. I wanted to let you know, that to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Cord 810 automobile, planning is underway for an event similar to last year's Duesenberg Exhibition of Speed at the Kendallville Airport over Labor Day weekend.

Bill Hummel, E.L. Cord's grandson, asked the city's aviation board for permission to use the airport runway for Cord races, display of antique and classic automobiles. The board approved and FAA permission is expected to temporarily close the runway on Friday, Sept. 2. A parade of Cords and classic autos like last year is planned from Auburn to Kendallville. 

Aviation will be the focus on Saturday, Sept. 3, with exhibits, a fly- in and the board is working with the same group that brought the World War II B-24 to the airport last year to arrange for a B-17 appearance and rides.

This is for Labor Day weekend, but I thought you'd like a heads-up to let your members know well in advance. 

Dennis Nartker

Kendallville, News-Sun

Francis Geels, 86, Over Jordan

Francis Geels passed away after an extended illness, April 11, 2011 at home. Francis was a fixture at all NIBGA festivals. We first met him at Ottawa, OH at the reunions. We had the biggest camp fire on the grounds. Francis would come by around midnight after other jams had quit. It wouldn't be long until our jam was fired up again with him leading the way on the fiddle.

He and his family band, The Geels Family, played many Kendallville and before festivals. He was a renowned fiddle player and played with numerous other groups including Joe Taylor & The Redbirds and Fiddler & Sis. He taught the fiddle with Master Artist Apprenticeship Program. He also made and repaired string instruments.

This picture was taken at our winter jams at the Southwest Conservation club.

Full obituary information is available at Haggard,Sefton & Hirschy Funeral Home in Decatur, IN

SWCC PANCAKE BREAKFAST:

Pancake Breakfast
Southwest Conservation club, Fort Wayne, IN
NIBGA's jam & meeting location

April 17 is NIBGA's last jam & meeting until October 16, 2011. The SWCC will be having a special breakfast starting at 7a until gone. Menu includes pancakes, sausage, eggs, biscuits & gravy, & hash browns. The food is inexpensive and very good.
Come and support the SWCC and join in the NIBGA jam or just sit, relax and enjoy the music which generally starts around 1p. If you get there earlier, you can have breakfast and help get the newsletter ready for mailing.

See you there Sunday, April 17.
Linda Winger - Treasurer

Dave Hart, 73, over Jordan

We've received word that Dave Hart from Antwerp, Ohio passed away this afternoon, April 8 at home. He had been ill recently but was determined to come to Tri-State Memorial weekend.

Dave was on the board of NIBGA and has been an active member for many years. He will be missed by his many friends and family.

His obituary is located on Dooley Funeral home web site. The Fort Wayne newspaper published this:

DAVID HART, 73 of Antwerp, died Friday, April 8, 2011. Service is 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church, 5482 CR 424, Antwerp, Ohio, with viewing one hour prior. Viewing is also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the church. www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

Published in Fort Wayne Newspapers on April 10, 2011

Alison Krauss & Union Station summer tour

"Paper Airplane" is the first  Alison Krauss and Union Station CD in six years. It features dobro virtuoso Jerry Douglas along with the other Union Station members. Target will have a special release of the CD with 6 additional tracks.

Alison has more Grammy Awards than any other female artist. Not only has she one in the bluegrass category but also win for country, for collaborations and for song & album of the year with Robert Plant. 

She has planned a 50 city tour this summer.  It has been several years since Alison and Union Station band members Dan Tyminski (guitar, mandolin and lead vocals), Barry Bales (bass and harmony vocals), Ron Block (banjo, guitar and harmony vocals), and Jerry Douglas (Dobro and harmony vocals) toured together. 

Area cities on the tour are:

JUNE

4        Louisville, KY               The Palace

5        Louisville, KY               The Palace

9        Indianapolis, IN            The Lawn

10      Kettering, OH               Fraze Pavilion

Toy Hearts sound equipment stolen

They Toy Hearts have suffered the ultimate indignity to befall the touring musician. On April 6 they found all their sound gear stolen in Birmingham, UK. Someone broke into their van and took it all. 
The Toy Hearts were at our Kendallville festival over Labor Day 2009. They also played the Sacred Hearts nursing home in Avilla.

NE Ind. Food Bank benefit June 11, 2011

North East Indian Banjo Society Benefit June 11, 2011