THE FAMILY BUSINESS
… our current catch-all for whatever project we might dream up features any or all of our usual suspects: Rick Good, Sharon Leahy, Sam Bartlett, Abby Ladin, Ben Cooper, Linzay Young, Emma Young, and Nate Cooper
illustration by Sam Bartlett
One of our first outings took us to Michigan where we spent a great three days at Wheatland’s Traditional Arts Weekend, leading up to Memorial Day. We then returned a few months later to perform on the Centennial Stage at the 49th Annual Wheatland Music Festival September 10 & 11.
On the Mainstage at Wheatland
After a Friday night concert set featuring mostly original songs and tunes, Saturday and Sunday found us teaching workshops in Clogging, Tap Dancing, Line Dancing and Banjo, as well as playing for a square dance and Stuntology.
Square Dance Band with Eric and Dave
It was a welcome return to hitting the road, playing music, teaching, jamming and visiting with old friends.
Campground Jam session
With our old pals, Connie Jo and Doug
BIG FAMILY BUSINESS
Through a long line of performing groups, we have been proud members of Central Michigan’s Wheatland Music Organization community – from The Hotmud Family, The Greengrass Cloggers, The Little Miami Theater Works, The fabulous Rugcutters, and The Uncles and Footnotes, to Rhythm in Shoes, The Red Clay Ramblers, The Carry it on… project, The Family Business and, at the 2023 Festival, The BIG Family Business.
illustration by Sam Bartlett
After a whirlwind three days of rehearsals in Dayton over Labor Day weekend, we all met up north at the Wernette Farm just outside of Remus, Michigan for the 50th Anniversary of that legendary and most beloved of Festivals.
Front row, L to R: Abby, Beth, Violet, Edith, Evie, Meredith, Becky, Linzay; back row, L to R: Sam, Grace, Emma, Sharon, Henri, Ben, Rick
From Michigan, Becky Hill, Meredith Brown and Tom T. Ball; RIS alumni, Abby Ladin, Evie Ladin, Beth Wright, Emma Young, Sam Bartlett and Ben Cooper; Beth’s daughters Grace & Violet Wright; and notorious Red Stick Ramblers front man, Linzay Young. Special Guests, Ben Nelson, Adam Wheeler and Sheila Graziano rounded out the cast.
With an ensemble of nine dancers and five musicians, we meant business, and by all accounts, the party atmosphere and BIG Family fun we intended to bring was delivered.
Beth & Meredith – photo by Peggy Brisbane
Sharon & Emma – photo by Peggy Brisbane
The BFB band: Rick, Sam, Tom, Linzay, Ben – photo by Peggy Brisbane