Went to see Ralph and the Clinch Mountain Boys last night in Clintwood, VA (where Ralph's museum is, just a short ways from his old home in McClure/Coeburn). He does an annual concert at Heritage Hall at the senior citizen center as a benefit for the residents. The nice thing about it is that it's a small place, holds maybe 100 people tops - and has a nice intimate feel to it.

Another thing that made it different is that this is his community - and these are his neighbors and fellow church members. So he invited a couple of the old regular babist church singers up to sing some hymns. One man in particular was spectacular - Frank Newsome was his name. Awful mournful.

At any rate, it was a great show - lasted 2 1/2 hours. Nathan Stanley, Ralph's grandson, played pretty well on the mandolin - especially for being so young, maybe 12?

Ralph mentioned two albums coming out this year. One is all Carter Family tunes. Will be out this coming fall.